Friday, May 27, 2011

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

25 comments:

Barbara said...

Just have to comment on the photo of Snickerdoodle. She makes me miss having a dachsie in the house. I know my vow to not get another dog must stick at this point in my life, but I miss the days of being owned by Velkro and Chloe, of being involved in a dachshund mailing list, of helping with The Dachshund Network, and fellow dachshund owning friends I made online. Special days and memories!

Cheryll said...

I'd like to believe the Irish version... sounds like a likely story to me... wink wink! :)
I kinda like the bumble bee... I'm still trying to come up with my next mini... cause it's coming into winter here.. but we don't get snow so??? Better go surfing the net for ideas. Have a good weekend! :)

Annie said...

I love your little June bee quilt, too cute.

Annie
: )

Needled Mom said...

Growing up we were the butt of wood jokes as our last name was "Splinter." It got worse for my sister when she dated a fellow whose last name was "Wood." Kids were always "knocking" on us.

I think your June quilt looks great.

What a curious little doxie. I'm glad that someone is keeping an eye on the neighborhood.

Enjoy your weekend. I guess we are going to have winds too. We have a couple of graduations to go to tomorrow.

Linda said...

Loved the little facts!
I really like the little bee, but then I like all things "bumble bee". Even the real ones in my garden!
I don't think I've picked up on the fact that your dog is named Snickerdoodle! My mother used to make Snickerdoodle cookies when I was little. I loved them just because of the name!

Julia said...

ahhhh.....it's good to be back to blogging and reading your blog especially!

Unknown said...

Snickerdoodle is a darling, love the June mini quilt, so sweet

Pat said...

I also wonder where a lot of our sayings come from. I love all the explanations for 'knock on wood'. Congratulations on winning a fat quarter from Cat Patches. I love the colors!

Miss Hillbilly said...

Do you live on the coast because you are right we tire of these tornadoes! It is supposed to rain all weekend but I think not dangerous. The rain isn't good for Joplin and Sedalia as they try to clean up.

I love that photo of your pup.So cute!

Wendy said...

Your June block is so cute. I've been inspired by your monthly blocks and am thinking about doing something like this next year. Did you get the little stand online? I saw one in a quilt shop while in Oregon and regret not picking it up then. Anyway, love that bright fabric you received too. Have a great weekend!

Lynette said...

I love the June bee mini quilt!

Maria said...

Yes the days and weeks just fly by far too fast.
Great little June bee quilt.
Love the Fat Quater fabric you received.
Oh how cute is your we dog.

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy your time with DH.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Again sweet lady your post shines. Love the FQ - hmmm paws or color?? I think your pup would say paws. Enjoy your weekend - knock on wood.

Anne said...

I love the mini quilt! I hope the design will grow on you! If not, you can use it as a giveaway prize next May.

Snickerdoodle is adorable peeking out the window. So sweet.

I, too, hope the severe weather is history for the year. A friend's house flooded yesterday. What a mess. Too much water, wind, death, and destruction for ten years, let alone half of one.

My dog, Chloe, sensed the instability in the atmosphere and had not been herself for days before the storms passed here through on Wednesday. We also had storms over the weekend, and that didn't help. I just learned about a "thunder shirt" made for dogs that's supposed to relieve anxiety. I need to order one pronto because Chloe also hates fireworks, and my city just voted to repeal a ban on fireworks. :(

Joanna said...

Snickerdoodle looks so sweet in your photo. Your mini quilt is super. Have a wonderful Memorial Day.

quiltzyx said...

I see you are enjoying using your birthday camera Linda!

6 days early on the June mini - way to go! I think it's cute. :D

Snickerdoodle is doing a good job, keeping an eye out on the neighborhood! Give her a pat from me. :D

I really like your quotes for this Memorial Day. I'll be spending the afternoon with friends, having BBQ & maybe spending some time in the pool.
Enjoy your weekend!!

beth said...

What a cute little mini quilt for June!

Barbara said...

I like your mini quilt just the way it is. I'm so glad you like the fat quarter.

Cyndi said...

Wow, you really gave me something to think about...I say "knock on wood" all the time and then knock on my head! LOL! Never even thought about where the saying came from!

Your Snickerdoodle is so cute and I love that photo of her! And I personally think your June mini is adorable...and - like all of your stitching - is so well done!

So sorry I missed your birthday...I hope you had a GREAT one! And I hope you enjoy your holiday weekend!

XOXO,

Cynd

Barb said...

I just love your mini quilt of the month!

Lynda said...

Snickerdoodle is so cute looking out on the world.

You are so lucky with all the squishys you receive. This one is especially cute and bright.

I love all your little mini monthly quilts. I started, and never finished, some monthly wallhangings. I need to get back to them.

Have a great Memorial Day with your DH.

Michelle said...

Your bee came out adorable! I do like the little bee design for June...maybe it will grow on you. :)

Talin's Corner said...

Oh I have only heard of the tree spirit story regarding "knocking on wood". Thanks for sharing.

And your June bee quilt is soooo cute.

WoolenSails said...

I love your June block, that is so fun.

Debbie

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Love you mini quilt and of course your puppy.

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