Buzzzzzzzz

For love of country they accepted death...
~James A. Garfield

WOW!  I can't believe it's already Friday.  How did that happen?  Another week just flew by.  And aren't we lucky to have a three day weekend.  Let us not forget why so many of us have Monday off from work.  It is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our nation.  There will be parades and services to honor our fallen service men and woman who gave their lives so that we can live free.  At our house, we will proudly fly our flag in honor of those who gave their lives and observe a moment of silence.  We will also gather with friends and enjoy a BBQ to mark this holiday.  How will  you celebrate Memorial Day?

==================================

PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Knock On Wood

Have you ever used a saying and wondered where, how or why it originated?  That happened to me yesterday when I was leaving a comment - "Knock on wood, that has not happened to me yet".  I became curious and this is what I found.  There are several theories about the origin of this very common practice. One goes back to the child's game of `tag.' In one version of this game the child who is able to touch a tree, thereby touching wood, is free from capture.  Another notion is that `knocking on wood' goes far back into ancient times, when spirits were thought to live in trees. So should danger threaten, simply rap on the trunk of a tree and summon up the aid of the good spirit within.  There is an Irish belief that you `knock on wood' to let the leprechauns know that you are thanking them for a bit of good luck.  A Jewish version says it originated during the Spanish Inquisition under Torquemada during the 1490s. During that time Jews were in flight and since temples and synagogues were built of wood, they evolved a code to use in knocking on doors to gain admission. Since this resulted in lives being saved, it became commonplace to `knock on wood' for good luck.  Do you have another theory how 'knock on wood' came about?

================================

MONTHLY MINI QUILT

Yesterday I spent most of the day working on my monthly mini quilt for June.

I probably should have used slightly brighter fabrics for the U and the N but it is what it is.  It's done and I didn't have to cram to get it made before the first.  I actually finished 6 days ahead this time.  The stinger and antenna are hand embroidered with DMC #310.  This mini quilt is from Count On It by Nancy Halvorsen. I'm not real wild about this design but it will do for this year.

==================================

DARLING FAT QUARTER

A squishy was waiting for me in yesterday's mail.....

My friend, Barbara, of Cat Patches, sent me the adorable fat quarter.  I don't know what I like more - the bright colors or the little paw prints scattered around.  How about both!  I see some awesome hexie flowers being made with this.  Thank you so very much, Barbara!

=================================

WATCH DOG

Just had to share a picture of Snickerdoodle......

Several times a day, Snickerdoodle worms her way behind the little table in our entry and stands up on her hind feet.  From this vantage point she is able to check out what's happening in "her world".

==================================

TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will start working on the Quilts Of Valor quilt top - rather fitting given the coming holiday.

==================================

GIVEAWAYS

Leanne's House is having a giveaway.  Leanne is giving away 10 copies of Vignette, Issue 3.  The winners will be drawn on Monday, May 30.

The Drawing Board is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Table Talk.  A winner will be drawn on Tuesday, May 31.

Tales At Wayne Manor is having a giveaway.  You could win a whole box of fabric.  The winner will be picked on Wednesday, June 1.

Sew How's This is celebrating their 100th post with a giveaway.  You could win something from Gooseberry Patch, 4 fat quarters from Sewing Studio, 2 new craft patterns, 3 new purse patterns, and 100 all cotton, 4x4 inch quilt squares.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, May 31, at midnight EST.

Chatterbox Quilts is having a giveaway.  Kim is giving away 3 of her Chatterbox Quilts patterns.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, May 31, at 6:00 MST.

Have you helped me celebrate my birthday?  You still can by entering My Birthday Celebration Giveaway.  Hurry, this ends Monday, May 30, at 7:00 pm.

================================

FINAL THOUGHT

I have been enjoying the last two days of cooler weather with one more expected today.  But I'm also getting so I dread these days as I know that it will mean another cold front will be hurling itself across the country.  It could mean another cold front/warm weather clash with horrible outcomes.  I hope that it will just wear itself out before any more terrible storms develop.  I think our countries midsection has had enough punishment to last them a lifetime.  I will accept the summer heat if it means that Mother Nature will quit unleashing her wrath in the form of tornadoes.  Be safe everyone! 
I will be taking Monday off from blogging to spend the day with my DH.  See you all on Tuesday!

The brave die never, though they sleep in dust:
Their courage nerves a thousand living men.
~Minot J. Savage