Ten on Tuesday...

Ten Things on Your To Do List

1) Finish my challenge quilt. Needs to be done by April 16th...

2) Finish Socks that I am knitting for Scarlett. They are a real pretty dark brown - but, am finding the pattern boring.

3) Finish the Socks that I am knitting for Colleen. Love this pattern! I could knit it a zillion times and not be bored.

4) Make Hand warmers for myself - everyone I know has a pair but me...

5) Get my address book in order. I have addresses on pieces of paper - it's crazy!

6) Organize my kitchen cupboards. I just need to put pasta with pasta - and organize so I know what I have in there.

7) Clean off my desk - it is a mess. I have forgotten the open mail, deal with it, or throw it out rule! And, I need to get back to it.

8) Get the filing done! It nothing else, take an hour a day and get it done!

9) Vacuum the house. It's not like my house is dirty - because it isn't...but, I just forget to vacuum everyday...

10) Start walking everyday! I walked a couple of days last week when the weather was really nice and I just enjoyed it so much!!!

You can play here!

The Simple Woman's Daybook...

FOR TODAY March 30, 2009

Outside my window... the sky is very gray and it is raining. There isn't much light coming in my big living room window. But, I noticed that the trees outside have these neat drops of water just hanging on them. It was so pretty.

I am thinking... that I want to cut back on some of the quilting groups that I attend and make the ones I do more meaningful.

I am thankful for... the fact that I am feeling much, much better. I don't think I want to go through that again.

From the kitchen... Today is the last day of mushing the ingredients before baking the Amish Friendship Bread. I know it will be really good.

I am wearing... a purple top, blue lounge pants with moons and stars on them, and pink socks.

I am creating... my challenge quilt. The fabrics are so pretty!

I am going... to pay a couple of bills and write some thank you notes today.

I am reading... Dewey - The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter.

I am hoping... for a nice week-end. Want to go be with friends and spend some time knitting.

I am hearing... The Grateful Dead singing on The View. I was never a fan of theirs. But, then I wasn't a real fan of the Beatles until I was older...

Around the house... the floors still need vacuuming and there are quite a few pictures that need to be hung on the walls.

One of my favorite things... is the rice pudding in my refrigerator. It tastes so good!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Since the 1st of the month falls on Wednesday, I need to pay my monthly bills; bake the Amish Friendship bread, re-arrange the freezer, and getting my knitting together for Saturday so I can get help with one of my patterns.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
This is a friend of mine's cat - his name is Murderface...and for some reason he just has wormed his way into my heart just from the blog posts his mom posts and the great photos she takes of him.

To read more daybook entries or to participate, go here.

This is something new to me - but, it gives me a chance to reflect on things and to share a little more of myself with you. Let me know what you think...

My Corner of the World...

My corner of the world has included teaching a quilt class at Four Pines Quilt Shop. This is the first time I've taught at a local quilt shop and it was such fun! I had four students! The class lasted three weeks and last night was the last night. Thought I'd give you a look at what was made:

Penny is still working on her quilt - she seems to think she wants a lap quilt - so she is working toward that goal. Her quilt will really be pretty when she is finished.

Kathy made two really pretty table runners. Loved her colors...

Elizabeth is a fairly new quilter and she made one of the prettiest wall hangings. She has just the spot for this and made it exactly to size. She will be binding it in a dark green.

Jodi made three table runners and they turned out so nice. The flowered fabric is just beautiful. She had finished with all three by the end of the second class.

I had a lot of fun with them and they seemed to enjoy the class. Maybe I can find something else I would like to teach in the future!!!

Imagine My Surprise...

I've been reading Terri's Blog - Sew-Fantastic for a while now...I enjoy reading about the things she makes, the blogs she visits, and in general whatever she is talking about at that moment.

Well, imagine my Surprize (yes, that is an album title of a great collection of songs by Holly Near) when I wandered over to her blog to find out she was talking about me. Me, little ole me!

She awarded me her Loyal Commenter Award - she had some pretty nice things to say about me...why don't you pop on over and see - it would be here!

Terri, thank you - it really surprised me...

Then, my friend, Stephanie over at Jonquils and Ladybugs awarded me Lemonade Award. The award recognizes those bloggers that show gratitude and/or attitude.

I really enjoy Stephanie's blog too. She has the cutest little boy, Jackson, whom she blogs about sometimes - he just turned one!

Stephanie, Thank you so much!

Again, I was so surprised. I am supposed to pick some other bloggers to pass this award on to - but, you know me - I think all my blogging friends deserve the award...So, go for it...

Friday Fill-ins - #117...

This week, I took the first sentence in 6 of my favorite books...you fill them in...with the right words or even better, ones of your own.

And...here we go!

1. "In a hole in the ground there lived the most adorable ground hog. I used to love watching him as I drove down my Tennessee house driveway. It was like he was there to wish me a good day at work!"

2. "We've all had bad experiences in our lives but that ain't no matter." We just need to put on our big girl pants and deal with it.

3. "After dark the rain began to fall again, and it really ticked me off cause I wanted to go for a nice walk in the coolness of the evening."

4. "There are treasures beyond measure that can be brought up from the hold of the Spanish galleon." Or at least that is what I have been told.

5. "There was a hand in the darkness, and it grabbed me so that I wouldn't land on my butt in the ice."

6. "Accidents ambush the unsuspecting, that is why we must always be on our guard."

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to working on my challenge quilt -since I am sure there is nothing but March Madness on the TV, tomorrow my plans include visiting an alpaca farm, having lunch out and picking up some cinnamon sticks at Ocean State and Sunday, I want to continue working on my quilt after I return from church!

Okay, Janet, I hope you posted the correct lines and the book title on your blog...

And, you can play here!

The rest of the week...

I'm here to tell you that the rest of this week is going to be crazy!

Tomorrow being Friday, I intend to get up early and get some things done. Have a stack of paper work on my desk that needs to be taken care of...then I have a challenge quilt to get going on...and just in general want to get things done.

Need to vacuum the floor - it's been a few days and I have to say - I don't understand how it gets messy enough to have to vacuum when it is only Killian and I here. And, I don't even wear shoes in my house!

Saturday I am running away to see some alpacas, hit Ocean State Job Lots to get some spices as they are the cheapest, and have lunch out with my friend, Pat.

Sunday, I plan to chill! And, get some quilting done...

Everyone is fine - and yes, I am speaking to Killian today...

She's Mad...

Killian here!

She's mad! I heard her tell someone on the phone that she was really P***ed off at me...

I don't understand why - she left me to go to the grocery store. So, I found the two blankies she washed yesterday! They were pretty high up on her make-up table bench - but, I reached them and when she got home she found me dragging them on the floor.

Oh, she wasn't happy! She snatched them away from me and put them up in the closet. She said they were her blankets and not mine.

Well, then - I found this really pretty sweater. It's red and really soft. It was on the same bench - so, I got it and was walking into the living room carrying it and she hit the ceiling!

Plus she said she still hasn't forgiven me for trying to bite her through the shower curtain yesterday when she was taking a shower.

I must be in real trouble - because she came home from the library with a book called "Is Your Cat Crazy? Solutions from the Casebook of a Cat Therapist".

I sure hope she let's me sleep in bed with her tonight - otherwise it's lonely without my mommy!

Ten on Tuesday...

'10 Things You Like Doing on Vacation'

1) Sightseeing - love to do all the touristy things

2) Eat like the locals - love to go where the locals go for food

3) Go to farmer's markets

4) Eat breakfast everyday that I'm on vacation - I don't usually eat breakfast.

5) Visit museums and art galleries.

6) Treat myself to a massage or some spa like activity.

7) Treat myself to a luxury meal - you know the hot spot that is known for it's food! - In Quebec, it was the restaurant at the top of this building that rotated and you were able to see all of Quebec City. They charged an outrageous price for brunch!

8) Visit all the little shops, nooks and crannies, churches, libraries, and historical sites.

9) Buy either yarn or fabric as a souvenir

10) Take loads of photos!

Yes, I know it's all about the food...what can I say!

You can play here!

Prizes arrived...

The fabric and pattern that I won from Sheree's Alchemy arrived. It is really pretty and the pattern is cool! Can't wait to work with this wild fabric!

This prize came from Garden Chick! The butterfly cookie cutter and the green fairy dust for the icing will be fun to use. Plus she sent the recipe too...YEA...Can you say cookies are coming up soon!

My Corner of The World...

My corner of the world includes belonging to The Congress of Claremont Senior Citizens. I just joined in January. It is a nice group of folks and each month on the first Friday around 1:00 we meet.

The first time I went to the meeting the program was presented by one of the local bird groups who showed photos of the different birds that winter here in New Hampshire. It was actually rather interesting...learned what to feed them and how to recognize them. I'm not really a bird person - other than I truly enjoy hearing them sing - but people here in New England seems to be able to identify all these birds by sight and sound.

February's meeting was a fun time - we were treated to a concert of really good country music by this group named Ted Sterns and the String-Alongs. Ted is the third guy in the photo. There was even dancing...one of the fellows who attends the meetings loves to dance and he kept asking all the ladies to dance. (Actually his wife was encouraging him to ask everyone!)

It was kind of funny cause the boys in band brought their wives...who sat in one corner of the room together.

I had to laugh to myself cause it reminded me of when I was in my 20s and working in night clubs - and the wives of the boys in the band would show up to protect their interests...

The meeting always ends with a four drawings for $25.00 each - I haven't won that - but, I am enjoying getting out and having a little culture or just fun with this group.

Taxes are done...

Good day getting the taxes done! I had been the one who always did the taxes for us - and this year I showed Scarlett how to get them done. It went fast with two of us working on them - but, she did the actual work and input into the program.

Everyone is getting a little money back...and it's done way before the deadline...

Now I'm off to read a good book...

Friday Fill-in #116...

1. Why do we have to die? It just doesn't seem to make a lot of sense.

2. Taking my medicine on a daily basis and drinking juice are now habits.

3. I have to get my rear in gear and get my challenge quilt finished by April 16th!

4. I had never heard the phrase "wicked" and it has now become part of my vocabulary.

5. I'm running behind on my challenge quilt the way I always do. But, I seem to work best under pressure.

6. How was I to know that I would love living in New Hampshire so much.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with maybe a movie, tomorrow my plans include having breakfast out and helping Scarlett with her taxes and Sunday, I want to chill and either read or quilt - or maybe both!

Unfinished Project Exchange...

Remember this? I posted about it over here. It was an unfinished project that I had grown to hate. Not that it wasn't a great project - it just had memories of a lot of doctor office visits with Mom...

Well, Angela over at Quilting on the Run decided to have an unfinished project exchange. And, I thought why not. It might be something that someone else would love. And, all the pieces are cut and most are ready to be made into the blocks...So it is wending it's way to Angela.

Besides this would be a wonderful way to expand my creativity - and find other ways to express it.

And, this is what I got...from Angela...

The embroidered blocks are really pretty - in a beautiful blue... She had already cut the strips (the dark blue) to make add to them to make them a block. The other fabrics are for backing and additional blocks.

I am thinking about several things for this - a small wall hanging for my sister - (who would love that bottom fabric...with maybe four of the blocks. Then some cushions for a couch or bed...

So, I hope Angela likes what I sent her - because I like what she sent me.

Dreary Wednesday...

It is raining...and just plain dark today. No sunshine to warm my bones and no real light coming in my windows.

Then a friend of mine sent this YouTube and it made me smile!!! I think you will enjoy it...

Happy Birthday, Daddy...

My father, George C. would have been 90 today had he lived. He passed away on August 16, 1970 at the age of 51 from complications from what is now called COPD.

I didn't know him very well. My parents divorced when I was seven...I think. I can remember that my mom packed us up and took us back to Puerto Rico, where I went to school at a Catholic school for a few months.

Then my grandmother (his mother) sent for us to come back to Tampa - and I remember my dad didn't live with us anymore. And, I was in the second grade.

When I was 20 I received a phone call asking for my father - and I was taken by surprise to know that he was living across town from us in Tampa. We tried to get to know each other - and I think we made our peace before he died.

It took me a long time to forgive him for never keeping in touch with us or for living in the same town for so long and never looking for us.

That is a photo of the painting I have of him - not sure how old he was in it - but, that is pretty much how I remember him.

I never get through St. Patrick's Day without thinking of my dad...

Monday, Monday...

It's been a quiet day spent napping, watching a little tv, and getting my house in order again. I need to do laundry but that will wait until tomorrow.

My kitchen is clean and I feel relaxed. Dinner tonight will be leftovers from Saturday. I'll be heating some tempura in my oven in a tinfoil boat the way Dave taught me.

I've discovered a taste for juice - go figure! But, I found some that I honestly like and have been drinking a lot of it as opposed to Pepsi (which has always been my drink of choice). Langer's is the brand I've discovered...and they have some rather neat flavors.

A couple of people asked what the book was that I bought ... it was "14" by J. T. Ellison. I read her book "Judas Kiss" and enjoyed it - so went in search of her two previous books. I have both - so, it will be fun to read them. Think it would be considered Suspense...

The weather is Beautiful!!! I almost went for a walk but, wasn't too sure I was ready for that. Want to make sure I can actually accomplish that before I strike out on a long walk. By next week - I should be up for it.

So, that's about it for me...what have you been doing today????

Nice Sunday...

Had a really nice day today...

Got to see several of my friends at church. It was great to see Chris and see her baby bump - It is always exciting when a new little one is on the way!

After church I went over to another friend's house for dinner. She made this wonderful home made Chicken Pot Pie. She and her family make me feel most welcome and I so enjoyed my day with them. We had salad, pumpkin bread and brownies for dessert. Lots of conversation, good food, good friends, and we watched Mama Mia and sang along. (Isn't that what you're supposed to do?)

Came home in time to relax for an hour before watching The Amazing Race and Cold Case - now it's off to bed.

Happy Shopping...

My friend, Pat and I went up to Lebanon, NH today. While she was getting her taxes done - I sat and knit. Then off we went...

First Stop: Kohls - They were having a sale on kitchen items and I was in the market for a skillet. Ended up getting a set of skillets that were on sale for $24.00 instead of the $52.00 they normally were. New can opener was on sale for 25% off - and it is a Kitchen Aid. And, found a really nice sweater that was regularly $56.00 on sale for $10.80.

Second Stop: Encore Bookstore - This is Pat's favorite bookstore. She could spend hours there - but, only spent a little while today. She left with 5 or 6 books and I left with one.

Third Stop: Dinner - at the Japanese Steakhouse. I had a salmon Sushi roll for an appetizer; Tempura for dinner which consisted of 5 skewers shrimp, 2 skewers of chicken, and a ton of fresh veggies. It was so good.

Fourth Stop: Grocery Store - to pick up three items...and then home...

I'm a little tired...cause I was out about 6 hours...so, I'm going to chill the rest of tonight...and read that new book.

Friday Fill-ins #115

1. When I look to the left, I see my kitchen and one of my beautiful quilts on the hall wall.

2. My living room is the room that has the best view in my home. It has a large picture window and I can see down the road and the gorgeous sunsets.

3. Let it work out by itself - we really have no control over it.

4. Nothing much is done dirt cheap!

5. Participating in our government by voting and voicing our opinions is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share.

6. If you have any questions feel free to ask me.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing up a wonderful book - The Jim and Dan Stories: A Journey of Grief and Faith by Colleen Redman, tomorrow my plans include going grocery shopping and to lunch with a friend and Sunday, I want to have dinner at another friend's house!

Randomness...

1) I'm feeling better...not great, but better. The medication has done its job and now I just need to make sure I still rest and not RUSH running around.

2) Finishing up and packaging the OWOH gifts - of course, being the over-achiever that I am - I thought I would give one gift for every 25 people who signed up...and ended up having to knit three more.

3) My quilt guild in Cornish regularly makes comfort quilts. We are known for our beautiful star pattern. The guild presented Scarlett with a beautiful quilt in hopes that it will comfort her during this trying time of her mother's passing.

4) The quilts are a group effort - we each make these star blocks throughout the year. When we have enough blocks, one of us will take and make the quilt top. After Colleen quilts it - we will sit around at the meeting and put the binding on. These quilts have gone to many people who have suffered from long term illness or deaths in their families.

5) Killian has been a good boy still ... and is hanging around making sure I don't do too much. He did have a touch of a tummy thing the other night - but, is fine now.

Well, that's about it for now...haven't been quilting any - not a lot of energy to sit at the machine...but hopefully this week-end.

Winner...

Winner...Chicken Dinner! I've always thought that was such a funny saying...

But, I am a winner...I won this:

from over at Sheree's Alchemy! Cool, huh? It is on the way to me as we speak...

Thanks so much!!!

Ten on Tuesday...

Ten Things You Won't Miss About Winter

1.) Power Outages

2.) Dreary gray days

3.) Weather Delays

4.) Icy Roads

5.) The sound of plow trucks in the middle of the night.

6.) Clearing the snow off the car - don't they make something that does that automatically???

7.) No farmer's markets - I love fresh veggies and love to buy them the day they are picked.

8.) That there is no green or fresh flowers other than at the grocery or florist.

9.) Dreary grey days - I know I already said that - but, it deserves being said again.

10.) Not being able to open the windows and clear the air

You can play here!

Swaps...

It has been a while since I participated in a fat quarter swap...probably well over a year. But, the Sew Mama Sew blog has been such fun and I have learned so many things there that when she said she was having a fat quarter swap I couldn't resist.

There were 450 participants - from all over the world - it was such fun...these are the fabrics I received from Sara, Sarah, Stephanie and Sheila.

Does anyone notice that my new favorite color "turquoise" is featured - and they had no idea I like that color.

Update: Today I am feeling much better. Since we woke up to 5 inches of snow - and it is still snowing - my doctor told me not to come in unless I begin to feel worse. She thinks I am on the mend! YEA. But, I am still taking this entire week to build up my strength...

Rainbow Bridge...

Phoebe

October 1996 - March 6, 2009

My little friend, Phoebe crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Friday. Phobe brought a tremendous amount of joy and love to all who knew her.

Her mommies, Scarlett and Elizabeth will miss her very much.

Update...

No great shakes here yet! This is the last day of the z-pac. And, there is another trip to the doctor on Monday. And, today is the first day I have felt hungry - since last Saturday!

Can't thank all of you enough for the sweet, warm, and caring e-mails, notes, and cards. I have read each and every e-mail more than once...they do bring a smile. So, please accept this note as a reply...and I won't get a guilt trip for not anwering everyone individually.

Have a nice week-end...

Friday Fill-in #114...

1. Paying the toll for the person behind me was my last random act of kindness.

2. Another place I want to visit is Barcelona, Spain.

3. All or nothing is fair in matters of the heart.

4. Coffee, tea or juice - it used to be Pepsi - but, the doctor is making me drink lots of juice.

5. Sometimes relationships take separate paths.

6. Our weather reminds me that there is always something interesting happening in New England.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to knitting a little and maybe watching a little TV, tomorrow my plans include really chillin' with a good book, some knitting, and maybe a bit of DVD watching and Sunday, I want to be a repeat of Saturday - only with getting better each day!

You can play here!

Ten on Tuesday on Wednesday...

Ten Ways You Can Make Your Life Better

(Well, this couldn't have come up at a better time...duh! Started the Z-pac last night. Slept the entire night through (what a blessing that was). A quilting friend brought me some wonderful homemade turkey soup made with veggies from her garden.)

1) Get rid of this pneumonia...take the next two weeks to care for and rest my body!

2) Now that it is getting to be spring - begin a walking plan. It will make me feel better and give that "happy" feeling.

3) Begin an exercise class at the Senior Center. They have a class on Tuesday and Thursday for an hour. The cost to join the Senior Center is $15.00 for the year. That's a pretty inexpensive exercise class.

4) Eat better! I do a very good job of eating healthy food - but, there is always room for improvement.

5) Watch my snacking - and there I am also fairly good. Not a big chocolate eater - so, I will eat either one handful of M&Ms or 1 Dove or Bliss square a day. But, I do like salty stuff - pretzels, blue corn chips, hummus, popcorn, and Fritos! Cookies - love ginger and lemon snaps!

6) Turn off the tv at night - Tape the shows I like and watch them when I want to.

7) Read more. I love to read...so, I want to do more.

8) Listen to relaxation CDs every night before I go to sleep.

9) Quit watching the NEWS!

10) Practice thinking of others and doing Random Acts of Kindness as often as I can.

Home From Doctor...

I'm home from the doctor...and I'll be home for quite a few days. While I was there we did a breathing treatment, which made me feel a little better - but not much. She sent me home with instructions to take my regular meds, do a breathing treatment twice a day, and a z-pac which is being filled at the pharmacy as we speak.

The culprit is a bit of pneumonia in my right lung...and we don't want it to get worse. Of course, we need to combine that with a sinus infection and bronchitis. Have to return to the doctor on Thursday to make sure it is clearing...and if I get worse - I'm supposed to call her.

No activities or leaving my home (preferably bed) at all until at least Monday with the one exception of the doctor's visit.

Later...

Long Enough...

It's gone on long enough - going to the doctor tomorrow...

Yesterday, I felt a little better. Not great - but, seemed to have enough energy to cook some eggs and wash my dishes.

Today, not so hot. The fever is back and so are the chills - so, it is time to do something about this. Made my appointment - and snow or no snow, I am going to the doctor...

Now, I'm going to settle into my big recliner, cover up with a blankie, grab my knitting, and watch tv...

My Corner of The World...

Last month the Northern Lights Quilt Guild in Lebanon, New Hampshire had Deb Tucker as a teacher and lecturer.

Some friends and I went to see her trunk show of miniature quilts and hear her speak about making miniature quilts. She was very interesting and funny.

The above quilt is one that she teaches - a sampler if you will - don't you just love that wild border fabric?

I have always wanted to venture into the world of miniature quilts - and was amazed at the beauty of both of these quilts. The Santas were just fabulous...but, that little windmill type was beautiful and gained a spot in my heart.

Another beautiful little quilt - love the turquoise and purple! Two of my favorite colors.

Seven miniature quilts all done by Deb - Are they not totally amazing!!!

And, this is Deb Tucker - she is holding my favorite little miniature quilt of the entire show. Can you believe it???

Note: I am still not feeling all that well - can't seem to get rid of the horrible sore throat. Am trying to keep fluids in me by drinking all the time...Hopefully, I will be better tomorrow. Killian continues to keep me company - and this morning I awoke to him rubbing my face with his little paw. It was the sweetest thing...

Will get my e-mails answered as soon as I can...probably by Tuesday...