Will You Vote?

SHHHHHHH!

I hope you can hear us as we are having to whisper.  We have taken over Mom's blog this morning. Please, please don't tell her, we don't want to get in trouble!  We just wanted to remind you about Pets On Quilts.  The voting is happening this weekend!  Did you see Mom's post about us and our her quilt full of color?  You can check it out HERE. 

Then go over to Pets On Quilts being hosted by the wonderful Darlene at Sew Cal Gal and cast your vote.  If you would like to throw your vote our way - dog theme #9 (Stray Stitches), we certainly wouldn't mind.  There are a lot, and we mean bunches, of great looking canines out there so if you would rather vote for one of them we would certainly understand.  And there is a separate category for those strange looking, snooty felines out there in blogland too.  Just be sure to join in the fun and cast your vote!

Hugs,

Snickerdoodle and Weasley

(Mom's little fur babies)

Weasley and Snickerdoodle - Pets On Quilts Show

WOW! Two posts in one day.  But I just couldn't pass on the opportunity to participate in.....

 

Sew Cal Gal is hosting Pets On Quilts Show this week.  Weasley and Snickerdoodle are so excited to be connected to all the fun through the linky.......

This is Weasley. 

 "Does everyone know that it's Pets On Quilts Show Week, Mom?"

"Maybe I'll just lay here and think about all of the prizes that Sew Cal Gal has arranged....."

"But maybe a nice nap here on Mom's quilt would be a better idea......"

Snickerdoodle - "I'm here now!  We'll just let Weasley sleep since that's all he ever seems to do anyway."

"Gee this quilt has lots of colors on it.  But now we are putting our colors on it too.  Hope Mom won't mind"

"Hey Mom!  Thanks for making this great quilt for us.  You don't think Dad really wanted it do you?"

"Hey, Weasley.  Do you really think Mom made this quilt just for us?  Maybe just this once?"

Weasley - "Can't you just go to sleep?"  Snickerdoodle - "How can you sleep with all of the bright colors?"

"Well, maybe I can give it a try.  After all, this quilt is sooooo comfy"

Weasley and Snickerdoodle are the little furry loves of our family.  I hope you enjoyed their little photo parade.  If you would like to see more Pets On Quilts, just visit Sew Cal Gal and click through all of the links that have been added.

Hugs,

Fun Flowers

Dreams are today's answers to tomorrow's questions. 
~Edgar Cayce

I have been dreaming a lot the last couple of nights.  This in itself is unusual because I don't normally dream.  Monday morning I woke up and could remember two of the dreams I had the previous night.  Just stupid dreams that made no sense at all.  Last night I dreamt a lot too.  Couldn't tell you what the dreams were about this time.  However........there was one very odd component to one of the dreams.  In my dream, up in the upper right corner was the sign you see on tv shows for the hearing impaired.  Now that is strange.  Why remember that above all other aspects of the dream.  Does that mean we listen to our tv too loudly - which, according to DD#2 with the super sonic hearing, we do.  Does it mean I was having trouble hearing something in my dream?  Whatever it was, it made me wake up and shake my head as I got out of bed this morning.  I'm sure I will never figure that one out - lol!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Ice Cream Soda

Today is Ice Cream Soda Day.  Doesn't that sound good in all of this hot weather?  The ice cream soda was invented by Robert M. Green in Philadelphia, PA, in 1874 during the sesquicentennial celebration. The traditional story is that, on a particularly hot day, Mr. Green ran out of ice for the flavored sodas he was selling and used vanilla ice cream from a neighboring vendor to keep his sodas cold. His own account, published in Soda Fountain magazine in 1910, states that while operating a soda fountain at the Franklin Institute's sesquicentennial celebration in Philadelphia in 1874, he wanted to create a new treat to attract customers away from another vendor who had a fancier, bigger soda fountain. After some experimenting, he decided to combine ice cream and soda water. During the celebration, he sold vanilla ice cream with soda water and a choice of 16 different flavored syrups. The new treat was a sensation, and soon other soda fountains began selling ice cream sodas. Green's will instructed that "Originator of the Ice Cream Soda" was to be engraved on his tombstone.

  The beverage quickly became very popular, to such a degree that it was almost socially obligatory among teens, although many adults abhorred it. According to some accounts, it was banned, either entirely or on holy days, by some local governments, giving rise to a substitute treat, the sodaless ice cream sundae. As soda was marketed as a miracle cure, it was often considered a substance that required oversight and control like alcohol, another controlled substance that could not be served or purchased on Sundays in many conservative areas. Many soda fountains had to figure out a way to turn a profit on Sundays when selling soda was considered illegal. The solution was to serve ice cream on these days, as it is merely a food product and not a controlled substance. Soda fountains then coined the term "Sundaes" for the ice cream concoctions that they served on "soda's day of rest".

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2 NEW FLOWERS

Yesterday I created two new flowers for One Flower Wednesday and for my GFG.....

This flower was made with DD#2 in mind.  She has played the trumpet since she was 10 and even went on to graduate with an MFA in music performance.

This flower was made by fussy cutting part of another flower.  I couldn't really decide which way to place the petals and this is what I ended up with.

While I'm showing you flowers, I thought I would show you my traveling case.  The petals on the left are the ones I made going down to L.A. and back this weekend.  Lots of stepping stones for my GFG and petals for next month's swap partner.  I do make sure to take matching threads to the petals if I plan to assemble flowers while we travel.

If you are interested in seeing other flowers around blogland you can, thanks to Karen, Journey Of A Quilter, who has provided us with a linky to connect up with each other.  Thank you, Karen!

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HOT SUMMER DAY

Just had to share a photo of Snickerdoodle and Weasley.....

Both of them were sound asleep on their backs - baring their bellies helps to keep them cool.  It's not often I see them laying like perfect little parentheses - lol!

This little funny was sent to me by Jennifer.  Thank you for the little laugh!!

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FMQ - DAYS 5 and 6

I had a lot of fun with this practice.  Leah calls this Wandering Clover.  It's meandering with some petals thrown in.

Yesterday's was more of a challenge.  I divided the piece in half and definitely had more success with the second (right) side.  I still didn't blend the stitching very well in the middle.  This practice piece is called Flowing Glass.  I know I had trouble relaxing with this one and could feel the knot in my shoulders when I was through.  I don't think this will be added to my future quilting.

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TODAY'S and TOMORROW'S GOAL

Today I will work on a mug rug for a swap that needs to be in the mail by the end of the month.

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GIVEAWAYS

Our Busy Little Bunch is having a giveaway.  You could win a Fat Quarter bundle of Hoo's in the Forest by Doohikey Designs, some fun Riley Blake trims and buttons, and a Layer Cake of Sugar & Spice by the Quilted Fish.  This giveaway ends Saturday, July 30.
 

Vrooman's Quilts is having a giveaway.  Sharon has made up 100 Cookie Crumb blocks to giveaway.   This giveaway ends Sunday, July 24.

Freda's Hive is having a giveaway.  You could win a GO! Baby Cutter from AccuQuilt.  This giveaway ends Friday, July 22.

Lily Pad Quilting is having a giveaway.  You could win a seven fat quarter stack of Lola's Posies by Lila Tueller, in the rose colorway, a $20 credit to Dewberry Lane, a set of Quilter's No Melt Press Bars, some thread and a new package of quilting needles.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, July 26.

Cotton Cocktail's is celebrating her second blogiversary with a giveaway.  You could win 4 beautiful fat quarters.  This giveaway ends Monday, July 25.

Annie's Ruby Slipperz is having her Mystery Monday giveaway.  You could win 5 fat quarters in your choice of colors.  The winner will be announced Monday, July 25.

Keep Me In Stitches is celebrating her one year blogiversary.  Peggy is giving away all sorts of cross stitch goodies.  The winner will be selected on Friday, August 5.

I Have A Notion is having a giveaway.  You could win a Village Green & Portraits Of My Garden Patterns by Amanda Murphy Design.  This giveaway will end Thursday evening, July 20.

Quilting With Debi is having a giveaway.  You could win one of four (4) sets of 200 - 5" charms (2 of 100 different fabrics).  Debi will draw four names on Friday, July 22.

1 Choice 4 Quilting is having a giveaway.  You could win an Amelia Jelly Roll or an Amelia Layer Cake or a Hometown Jelly Roll.  This giveaway ends Monday, July 25, at 10:00 pm EST.

The Colorado Lady is having a giveaway.  You could win one of two 1 year subscriptions to Taste of Home.   Suzanne will draw the winners on Sunday, July 24.

Pigtales and Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a Quilters Depot goody bag.  This giveaway ends Monday, July 25.

Me and My Stitches is having a giveaway.  You could win either a piece of jewelry or a scissor fob that Julie created.  A winner will be drawn on Monday, July 25.

Fabric Worm is having their weekly giveaway.  This week you could win  Monica Lee Now We're Going Places, Orange & Lime in 8 Fat Quarters.  This giveaway will end Monday, July 25, at 8:30 am PST.

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FINAL THOUGHT

So far I'm enjoying this three day a week blogging schedule.  Monday I was able to sew all the way until 4:45.  Mind you, it did feel strange not stopping at 3:30 to prep for a post on Tuesday.  I was able to spend the afternoon putting borders on quilts made by others of our guild for the QOV project.  It's interesting to see the work of others that you don't normally see - seam allowances, stitch length, etc.  I also was able to prep for the sew-in at Thursday's guild meeting.  We are going to be doing the jelly roll race and since I don't happen to have a jelly roll on hand, I had to finish cutting the pieces to have enough strips.  It's amazing what I can do with a free hour every once in awhile.  I hope you are enjoying your week so far.

One must learn a different... sense of time, one that depends more on small amounts than big ones.
~Sister Mary Paul

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?

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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?

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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.

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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!

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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".

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TODAY'S GOAL

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

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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.

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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

Bees, Sneeze, and Weas

The trouble with weather forecasting is that it's right too often for us to ignore it and wrong too often for us to rely on it.

~Patrick Young

They promised us sun yesterday.  All day long sun.  Can you guess how much sun we actually saw?  About an hour.  The rest of the day it was hidden behind clouds that weren't supposed to be there.  The temp was a nice 68 (as promised) but little sun.  The birds were singing and flitting about.  The bees were even lazily buzzing around trying to get their wings warmed up without that promised sun.  The tulips remained closed but the Gerberas decided to show us some color.  Maybe today?  Maybe tomorrow?  That allusive sun.  The provider of all warmth.  I really didn't miss it and am not looking forward to those days of endless sunshine and the heat of summer.  But if you're going to give me clouds you might as well throw some rain in there too.  Thank goodness I'm not a weather forecaster.

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Kleenex

In 1924, the Kleenex brand of facial tissue was first introduced. Kleenex tissue was invented as a means to remove cold cream. Early advertisements linked Kleenex to Hollywood makeup departments and sometimes included endorsements from movie stars (Helen Hayes and Jean Harlow) who used Kleenex to remove their theatrical make-up with cold cream. By 1926, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, the manufacturer of Kleenex, became intrigued by the number of letters from customers stating that they used their product as a disposable handkerchief.

A test was conducted in the Peoria, Illinois newspaper. Ads were run depicting the two main uses of Kleenex; either as a means to remove cold cream or as disposable handkerchief for blowing noses. The readers were asked to respond. Results showed that 60% used Kleenex tissue for blowing their nose. By 1930, Kimberly-Clark had changed the way they advertised Kleenex and sales doubled proving that the customer is always right. The word Kleenex is now commonly used to describe any soft facial tissue. However, Kleenex is the trademarked name of the soft facial tissue manufactured and sold by the Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

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HEXIE DAY

Today is Wednesday so that automatically makes it One Flower Wednesday.  I almost forgot about making a hexie flower until late Monday afternoon.....

I guess I'm still on a green kick as far as flowers go.  All the little frogs made me think of spring when the little toads and frogs usually start appearing along creeks and lake shores.  To check out other wonderful hexie flowers you can click on the link above or on the button on the side bar.  There are some very talented ladies out there creating some of the cutest and prettiest flowers around.

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BEE BLOCK

Yesterday I went waaaaaaay out of my comfort zone to create a block for April, this month's hostess for Bee In Oz......

She sent us most of the material needed for this mosaic block - I added two pieces of my own fabric.  As most of you know, I'm very much a traditional piecer.  Give me a pattern or the measurements and I can pretty much produce whatever you ask.  But to ask me to go wonky or abstract and I start to sweat.  April did provide an excellent tutorial but I still had to work with odd shapes and NO PATTERN OR DIMENSIONS other than the finished size of the block - 12.5".  I didn't intend for the block to be cut in half with such straightness and the upper horizontal sashing was supposed to me more angled too.  But this is what I produced.  I really do like the affect of the narrow black sashing and all of the angles that were created.  I just didn't like being the one to create it.  I have to say, being a member of Bee In Oz has really tested me and we've only been at it for four months - lol!

We were also asked to create a 3" signature block....

It may not look like it but it really is square - lol.  And working the mosaic in miniature was even more challenging.  Thank goodness I get a month to rest before I find out what I will asked to make next month - whew!

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RELAXATION

And this is what Snickerdoodle (on the right) and Weasley (buried under the afghan) did while I pulled out my hair creating the mosaic block!

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TODAY'S GOAL

I don't know how much sewing I will get done today but I would like to work on my monthly mini quilt since April is just two days away (if you count today!)

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GIVEAWAYS

Sew We Quilt is having her end of the month giveaway.  You could win a copy of The Quilters Bible and a jelly roll of Bella white.  This giveaway ends Monday.

Sew We Quilt is also have a GO! Baby giveaway.  As with the previous giveaway, this one end Monday also.

The Vintage Sheet Blog is having a giveaway.  Jodi from Come Tarry With Me is giving away a yummy bundle of goodies or vintage sheet pieces.  This giveaway ends Monday, April 4th.

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FINAL THOUGHT

As we journey through life there are bumps in the road that throw us for a curve.  My DH's BFF just lost his mother to cancer.  She fought the fight valiantly for over two years but the cancer finally one.  Her death made remember my dad's final hours.  He knew when his time was almost over.  He made sure we knew where things were and which doctor to call.  He made sure to tell us he loved us and to tell us he would always be with us in spirit.  Apparently this not an uncommon occurrence.  That wonderful woman did the same thing with her family in the wee hours of Monday morning.  No matter what the doctor's say, a person knows when it is their time to go.  I have heard of too many cases like this.  I hope, that when it is my time, that I too, will be able to call the family around for one last hug and kiss, and final word, a final good-bye, see you later.  Don't worry, I'm not planning on doing that any time soon but I just hope it happens that way for me too.

The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity.
 ~Seneca

May your day be full of sunshine and rainbows, smiles and happiness!

Foggy Stacks of Chicken

The trouble with weather forecasting is that it's right too often for us to ignore it and wrong too often for us to rely on it.
~Patrick Young

I think I jinxed it yesterday when I said our Tule fog had not arrived.  Guess what came to visit the valley big time.  You guessed it - fog!  Where was the sunshine yesterday?  Non-existent.  Blue sky?  Nope.  Grey, only grey.  Grey as far as you could see.  And, boy, did our local weather meteorologist nail it on the head when he predicted a high only in the 40's when everyone else was saying we would reach the high 50's.  Our high yesterday was a very chilly 44* - it only went up 7 degrees from our low.  And with a house that was built in 1914 that has very little wall insulation, I think the chill has settled in our house too.  Thank goodness I have lots of quilts around - lol!

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

A tree not far from our house in the fog

The above picture was taken around 11:00 yesterday morning.  Not much light when the fog decides to set down here.  Tule fog is a thick ground fog that settles in the San Joaquin Valley and Sacramento Valley areas of California's Great Central Valley. Tule fog forms during the late fall and winter (California's rainy season) after the first significant rainfall. This phenomenon is named after the tule grass wetlands (tulares) of the Central Valley. Accidents caused by the tule fog are the leading cause of weather-related casualties in California.  Tule fog is a radiation fog, which condenses when there is a high relative humidity (typically after a heavy rain), calm winds, and rapid cooling during the night.  I wonder how long it will hang around this time.

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Yesterday I accomplished my goal:  make some blocks for Block Lotto.  This months blocks are very simple to make.  The selecting and cutting out of the fabric is what is time consuming.  This month Sophie, our wonderful administrator, selected the block she calls Stacks.  These blocks are similar to the traditional block, Chinese Coins, except our stacks aren't nice and even, which means no matching seams.

Here are the four 10 1/2" blocks I made yesterday morning.  We were to use bright fabrics with white or WOW (white-on-white) fabrics.  Each colored strip measured 8" X 2 1/2" and each white piece measure 3" X 2 1/2".  Sew the pieces together, sew the strips together.  Then square up the block to the required 10 1/2" making sure that there was at least 1/2" of white on each side.  My mind really wanted to line the seams up but it was rather fun not having to worry about that for a change.

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Have you been looking for a quick but tasty chicken recipe?  I might have just what you are looking for.  Once again, thanks to allrecipes.com, I found this perfect wonderful recipe.........

Aimee's Quick Chicken

Ingredients:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

2 ounces Dijon mustard

2 ounces Honey mustard

1/4 cup teriyaki sauce

1/4 cup bacon bits

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C)

2.  Place chicken in a lightly greased 9X13 inch baking dish.  

3.  Blend mustards and teriyaki sauce together.  Slather the mixture evenly over the chicken.  Sprinkle with bacon bits.

4.  Bake at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes.  Sprinkle cheese on top and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes.

Personal Notes:

1.  The original recipe called for all Dijon mustard but I like just the hint of sweet added with the Honey mustard.

2.  I sometimes use an Italian blend cheese instead of just Parmesan.

3.  Reheats well.  However, don't leave the leftovers in a Tupperware on the counter overnight like I did last time - no leftovers for me :(
 

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TODAY'S GOAL

Since I have completed all of my swap blocks and lotto blocks, I have given myself permission to finally start working on the Birdie Stitches BOM.  I can hardly wait to begin.  The pattern for this month is so cute.

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GIVEAWAYS

Young By Design is having a great giveaway.  She is giving away 8 yards of fabric and some notions.  You must enter this one by Saturday, January 8.

My friend, Staci, is celebrating reaching 300 followers and her birthday month over at The Confused Quilter.  She is giving away a luscious stack of 11 fat quarters of Essex Linen (a linen/cotton blend) in a rainbow of colors.  This giveaway closes on January 12th.

Keep Me In Quilts is having a Happy New Year Giveaway.  If you would like to try to win a brand new pair of 8" Gingher scissors then you need to enter before Monday, January 10th.

How many of you would like a chance to win 7 1/8 yards of fabric and a great full color pattern?  If you are interested then you need to enter my 300+ Follower Thank You Giveaway!  A lucky winner will be selected by random.org Sunday night with the winner posted in my Monday morning blog.

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FINAL THOUGHT

My dog, Snickerdoodle likes to leave what I call booby traps around the house.  NO! Not the nasty smelly or wet kind - lol!!  She leaves her squeaky toys in strategic locations.  These always seem to be in my walking path (which I know is her plan).  And, of course, when I least expect it, I step on one of the toys, scaring the daylights out of me.  You probably ask why I don't see them.  I use a walker that has a seat and it partially blocks my line of vision.  I am sure Snickerdoodle just waits for me to make a toy squeak and then probably is rolling around laughing at me behind my back.  Of course, then she expects you to pick up said toy and throw it for her.  Dogs are funny little creatures.

If you wonder where your child left his roller skates, try walking around the house in the dark.
~Leopold Fechtner
(or in my case, the dog toy)

Thursday - another day to be creative!!

A Bag, A Cookie, & A Goal

Cleanliness is next to impossible.

~Author Unknown

Yesterday we spent the morning putting away the Christmas clutter. Yes, clutter. The minute Christmas is over I feel like every piece of Christmas decor is clutter. It is now all boxed away and put where it belongs and I have my home back to normal. Not that it's clean, mind you, there are still doggie (dust) bunnies and a fine layer of dust on all of the furniture. Luckily for me, the house cleaner comes tomorrow to take care of that kind of thing. Did everyone have a nice New Year celebration? For New Year's Eve we stayed home, played some Wii, had dinner brought in, and watched Iron Man 2 - well my DH did - I saw most of it but some of it was seen through my eyelids ;) We went to bed around 10:00 but were awakened about 11:40 by some very large, illegal aerial fireworks followed by banging of pots and pans, yelling, normal fireworks and the occasional gun fire. Back to sleep and actually stayed in bed until 7:00! We watched the Rose Parade - I think the floats were more beautiful this year than they had been for a few years. We then watched 2 1/3 football games followed by an hour of Wii. I would say we had a great New Years Day!

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

Lladro Eskimos

This pair of Lladro Eskimos sat on my MIL's baby grand piano for as long as I knew her.  When my DH's parents passed on, we were lucky enough to inherit these wonderful pieces.  The Lladro company was founded in 1953 by three brothers, Juan, José and Vicente Lladró, in the village of Almácera near Valencia. Starting with items such as vases and jugs, it wasn't until 1956 that they started producing the sculptures for which they are now most famous. Enthusiasm for the items produced by the Lladró brothers saw their small workshop expand several times until eventually they moved to Tavernes Blanques in 1958.  These two figurines have become treasured items by our family.

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Over the weekend I was able to complete the Reusable Market Bag for my hairdresser - best way to watch football for me - lol!

I used a panel piece by Lorelei for the pocket and then used coordinating fabric from Connecting Threads.  This is the same pattern I used to make the previous Reusable Market Bag for my cleaning gal.  I did straight line quilting again using black thread on the red fabric and red thread on the white and black fabric.

Here you can see where I hand stitched Erica's name on the pocket to make it just a little bit more personalized.

Here is a picture of the upper edge of the lining where I used the edge from the panel of Lorelei fabrics.  Today I hope to get a coordinated snap bag made and possibly make a tissue cover too.  I have to have it all done today because I'm giving it to her this evening when I go get my hair cut.

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How about a recipe for today?  I know you are probably all sweetened out over the holidays but maybe you could use this some time in the future when you want an easy cookie recipe.  This is a recipe from my Betty Crocker's Cook Book for Boys and Girls.  This was the first cook book that I ever received, it was for  Christmas when I was 9 years old.  The recipe is a sugar cookie recipe that I have altered ever so slightly to make it a snickerdoodle recipe.

Snickerdoodles

Ingredients:

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

1 egg, unbeaten

2 tablespoons milk

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

1.  Heat oven to 400 degrees F. 

2.  Blend together the shortening, salt and sugar.  Beat in 1 egg and 2 tablespoons milk.  Stir in the flour baking powder and baking soda. 

3.  Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls on lightly greased baking sheet.

4.  Grease bottom of a glass.  Dip glass in sugar and flatten each cookie.

5.  Sprinkle each cookie with cinnamon.

6.  Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until light golden.

7.  Remove from oven, and cool on a rack.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Personal Notes:

1.  These have always been a family favorite

2.  Best to keep the cookies in an airtight container

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GOAL FOR THE DAY

I am going to start something new.  I have decided to list my goal for the day each day.  I hope to make it attainable and not make it something that really seems impossible.  And if I should get more done - so much the better.  So my goal for the days is......

Make a coordinated snap bag to go with the Reusable Market Bag

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GIVEAWAYS

Ryan over at I'm Just A Guy Who Quilts is having a calender giveaway.  But this isn't just any calendar.  It is a calender of barn quilts.  If you hop over to his blog you can read about how the barn quilts got started and make sure to enter his giveaway by Friday, January 7th.

Kate n Libby ~ Design Divas, are having a New Year's giveaway.  You could win a Martini bag, or a great book using two blocks called "Pairing Up" by Nancy Mahoney, or a copy of their pattern called Crossroads thru Connecticut.  They will draw the winner on Saturday, January 8th.

My friend Leona over at Leona's Quilting Adventure is celebrating the New Year with a bloggy giveaway!  You could win a pair of Fast & Fun pillowcase kit, One Thimble Blossoms Dainty Table Topper Pattern, and eleven pink fat quarters to celebrate 2011!  Leona will draw a winner on Saturday, January 8th.

We Love Quilting is having a January giveaway.  She is destashing and will be filling a box with all sorts of goodies.  Not sure when this one ends :(

Have you entered my 300+ Followers Thank You Giveaway?  You could win a beautiful pattern plus the 7 1/8 yards of fabric you need to make it - well, everything but the backing.  This ends Sunday so don't miss out.

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FINAL THOUGHT
I didn't and haven't made a New Years resolution - haven't for years.  That is why I decided a daily goal might be better.  I like having a plan for the day, I seem to get more done.  However, I don't like it when I try to 'put more on my plate than I can eat'.  It's frustrating and discouraging.  Now, if you can accomplish more than your daily goal - so much more the better.  Do you try to set goals or just wing it and get done whatever happens to come your way?  I would like to know how you organize your day.

Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another.
~John Dewey


Starting off the New Year creatively - I hope you can too!

Thursday Has Gone To The Dogs

Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.
 ~William Morris

In the process of moving things back to where they belong I'm also trying to de-clutter.  I find myself going in circles trying to decide where I should be working, what needs to go where, and trying to find the right box.  My brain is so frazzled that I didn't get a lot accomplished yesterday.  I think I hit a temporary proverbial wall.  Today will be better!  I will get more accomplished!  I will only keep those things that I believe to be useful and/or beautiful!!

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

If you are regular readers of my blog, you will recognize these to little furry creatures.  This is Snickerdoodle (left) and Weasley (right).  They are both Miniature Long-Haired Dachshunds, or easier to type and say - mini doxies.  The Dachshund, meaning "badger dog" in German, is a lively breed with a friendly personality and keen sense of smell. They are known for their long and low bodies. Miniatures are supposed to weigh right around 11 pounds - Snick weighs in at a lean 10 pounds while Weasley is a very chunky 14+ pounds.  Dachshunds were first bred in the early 1600s in Germany. The goal was to create a fearless, elongated dog that could dig the earth from a badger burrow and fight to the death with the vicious badgers.  Both of my little couch potatoes would run in the other direction if they came face to face with a badger.  They are the little spark of life in our lives that give us unconditional love, undying devotion, and heaps of happiness.

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I did take a break from unpacking boxes today.  I belong to the International Friendship Quilters and joined in the fun of the Mosaic Color Play swap.  For this you send your swap partner a 4 1/2" block from your fabric.  When you receive your partners square you are to take fabric from your own stash (or you can purchase some) to coordinate to make the Mosaic Tile Block. 

This is the block I made for Lynn from Canada (she don't think she has a blog).  The center block is actually almost a gray blue with off white.  She said her colors are blue, rose and off white.  The blocks around the center are actually off white, not white like they look in the picture.  I was pleased with how the block turned out and hope she likes it.

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The other day I managed to cut out the pieces for this month's Le Petite.  The pattern is Butter Churn by This & That Designs.

If I don't put sticky notes on my blocks, I will forget my color order.  How many of you do something similar?  I don't know if I will make the deadline this month but I will certainly try.

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GIVEAWAYS

Heirlooms by Ashton House is giving away Allie, a darling owl pincushion.  You must enter by Wednesday, November 24 to have a chance to win.

Canton Village Quilt Works is having a Big Giveaway!  One prize is Rapid Fire Hunter's Star ruler and the second is  The V Block that Deb Tucker introduced at Fall Quilt Market.  You must enter before midnight on November 22nd.

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FINAL THOUGHT

With Thanksgiving only a week away, I'm sure we are all thinking about what we will be preparing for the wonderful feast.  But have you taken the time to ponder what you are truly thankful for?  I'm thankful for so many things but mostly for my family, for having a roof over my head and food to eat, and for my many friends, especially you, my blogging friends!!

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.
~William Arthur Ward

Have a thankful, thoughtful Thursday!!

A Muggy Flower Wednesday

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.

~Rabindranath Tagore

We have had a couple days of partly cloudy, or mostly sunny, depending on how you want to look at it.  One of my favorite things this time of year is the sunrises and sunsets that we are blessed with.  Bright reds, flamingo pinks, and citrus oranges against a darkening sky.  I would take pictures daily and share them but you would probably say, 'great, another sunset'.  I never tire of the artwork in the sky.  Soon enough we will have the tule fog that obliterates just about everything within our view.  Cold and bone chilling damp.  But for now I will enjoy what is given to me - a kaleidoscope of colors to start and end my day.

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

One of several wind chimes in my yard (can you tell I'm running out of yard pictures to share?)

Probably the most historical use of wind chimes was in agriculture.Throughout history farmers have used wind chimes in the fields to scare away birds and other animals.With the careful placement of the chimes throughout the fields, any animal would quickly be frightened away with the stirring of a gentle breeze.This use of wind chimes insured a bountiful harvest witch would benefit entire communities.There are still farmers to this day that use this technique with positive results. It is a great way to discourage any wild animals from invading, because no harm comes to the many creatures mankind co-exist with.  I love my wind chimes from  the soft deep tones to the tiniest tinkling sounds. Last I counted I have eight wind chimes around my house.

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It's One Flower Wednesday!!  And in keeping with the next holiday, I created a flower for Thanksgiving.

What do you think of my little turkey flower?

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I finally joined everyone else and made my very first mug rug!  It was so much fun that I see many more being created in my house.  I have to believe what I've read "Mug rugs are addicting" - LOL!  But really, they are small and fairly quick to make.  You can make them as plain or as fancy as you would like.  If you are giving them as a gift they are so easy to personalize for the one receiving it.  So, without further ado, here is my very first mug rug.......................

Here is the front without the mug - I think next time the area on the left needs to be a little smaller so that there can be more room for the mug

Here is the pieced back.  It reminds me of grass and a flower garden.

If you haven't tried making a mug rug, I highly recommend it!!

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?QUESTION?

I have been sending out quite a few swap items lately. I send most of the via first class mail as it is the cheapest but it is also the slowest.  Most of the items I receive from Australia are marked airmail.  I tried to do some research through USPS to see if airmail was available here like it used to be.  I couldn't find any information on it.  Can anyone tell me if this type of mail service is sill available?

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GIVEAWAYS

Can you believe I didn't run across any new giveaways today?  There is still my "80th Post Celebration Giveaway" to enter.  I am giving away 2 1/3 yards of coordinated fabric.

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FINAL THOUGHT

This is Weasley and Snickerdoodle's favorite place the last couple of mornings - on my lap with a quilt tucked around my legs (it holds them in position nicely).  These two little furry creatures bring so much happiness into our lives.  They give their love freely, are always happy to see us come home, trust us without question, and provide hours of entertainment - the list could go on.  My life is better with my little buddies in it.  I hope you have a furry friend in your life.

My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet.

 ~Edith Wharton

Watch out Wednesday we are on our way!!!