A Normal Day

We are never prepared for what we expect. 

~James A. Michener

Thank goodness for a better day.  Yesterday was a more normal day.  No personal drama, no physical upsets, and a better night of sleep.  The only downside to yesterday was that it didn't start the cooling trend that the weather gods-that-be had predicted.  We still reached 108 degree F.  When the morning starts out at 81 degrees at 4:45 am with high clouds and sticky humidity, you know it's not going to be a good weather day.  Isn't it funny that we are now calling a cooling trend getting down into the 90's.  Just a month ago our high was lower than our low was last night - YUCK!  I did get some sewing in and some cutting too.  If it weren't for the trip to get groceries, it would have been a perfect day - lol!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Chocolate

Today is Chocolate Day.  Here are some interesting facts about chocolate that I found:

* The largest chocolate bar ever manufactured was in Italy in 2000. The bar had a weight of 5,000 lbs

* Chocolate is a natural form if anti-depressant. It produces serotonin –a chemical that elevates the mood. It is also referred to as the "happy chemical." Now that is a happy fun chocolate fact.

* White chocolate has no caffeine. In fact, white chocolate isn't chocolate at all. White chocolate is based on fat (vegetable oil or cocoa butter) and sugar, without any cocoa solids.

* Chocolate syrup was used to depict blood in the iconic shower scene of Hitchcock's film, "Psycho."

* Chocolate melts in your moth because its cocoa butter component has a melting point that is slightly below the human body's average temperature

* Scientific research can prove that chocolate is not addictive

* The first bar of chocolate was produced by Cadbury in England in 1842

* A dark chocolate bar has approximately 10-15g of sugar. A glass of orange juice has about 22g of sugar
* An average Swiss will eat about 21 lbs of chocolate a year. The Swiss, however, have one of the lowest heart failure rates and obesity cases in the world

* In the U.S., 25% of all peanuts and 40% of all almonds are used in chocolate making

Now go out and enjoy some chocolate - I will personally eat a chocolate kiss or two today :D

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BEE BLOCK

Yesterday I made a block for one of the hostesses for July in the Let's Bee Together group.

Wendy sent us this beautiful fabric to work with.  She selected the block, Ann's New Years Eve Star.  The only fabric placement she gave us instructions for was the background fabric.  The fabric is much richer in person.  I probably could have gotten a better shot outside but I really didn't want to go out into the heat.  This will be in the mail to Wendy on Friday.

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FMQ ADVICE

I have decided to put off purchasing a long arm machine for awhile.  So, now it is time for me to learn free motion quilting on my regular sewing machine.  For those of you out there that do your own quilting, is there a book or website that you would suggest to begin the process of fmq on a regular machine?  I like detailed instructions that are easy to understand.  I would appreciate any suggestions you might have.

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I SPY BLOCKS

On June 8th I won a giveaway from The Q and the U.

Riel had a giveaway for 40 five inch I Spy blocks and I was the lucky winner.  She included several extra blocks too.  This is just a small sampling of some of the adorable blocks that were included in this package.  Thanks to the Canadian postal strike, the blocks just reached my house the other day.  I look forward to making a darling little child's quilt with these squares - probably to be given to Project Linus.  Thank you so much for the wonderful I Spy blocks, Riel!!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will finish my final PIF commitment I have had since October.

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GIVEAWAYS

Gen X Quilters is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a pattern bundle from Dewberry Lane.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, July 12, at 11:50 pm EST.

Jo's Country Junction is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a $100 Visa gift card from BlogHer.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, July 20.

From The Blue Chair is having a giveaway.  You could win a GO! Baby Cutter and three dies.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, July 12, at 11:59 pm MT.

Lily Pad Quilting is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a wonderful fat quarter bundle from Intrepid Tread.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, July 13, at midnight.

Alderwood Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a fresh bundle of lavender.  Sue will select a winner on Monday, August 1.

So Sew Crafty is having her first giveaway.  You could win Lucky Stars pattern by Atkinson Designs AND a $25.00 gift certificate from the online quilt shop of your choice.  Donna will draw a winner on Monday, July 25.

Fabric Worm is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win Zoe Pearn Designs Alphabet Soup Girl Bundle in Fat Quarters.  This giveaway will end Monday, July 11, at 8:30 am PST.

The Shabby is having a giveaway.  You could win one of three $25 gift certificates to Shabby Fabrics.  This giveaway ends at the end of the month.

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FINAL THOUGHT

My granddoggie, Samson

R.I.P

March 2006 - July 2011

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

 ~From a headstone in Ireland