Tuesday, May 17, 2011

A Day Of Blocks


I don't answer the phone. I get the feeling whenever I do that there will be someone on the other end.
~Fred Couples

Monday was nice and quiet.  The annoying phone only rang once and I didn't even answer it.  Thank goodness for caller ID so that I knew it was just a sales call.  I will never have another phone without caller ID.  It has saved me from having to hang up on those persistent salespeople who just won't take NO for an answer.  Any who, I was able to get quite a bit of sewing in.  I even did a little prep work for a future giveaway.  No hints will be given other than to say I may be having TWO separate giveaways some time during the next 8 days.  Our weather has changed dramatically from warm and sunny on Saturday to cool and mostly cloudy.  The weather guys are even predicting that a little moisture might fall today and tomorrow.  I'll take it.  Anything to keep the summer heat away.

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Hamburger

May is National Hamburger Month.  Do you have a favorite juicy, beef favorite?  Mine is nothing like the one pictured.  I prefer bun, hamburger patty, bacon and cheese.  No mustard, ketchup, or mayo.  No lettuce, tomato or onion.  And a toasted bun is always appreciated.  Did you know......
* According to the Cattlemen's Beef Board and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the hamburger was invented by Fletcher Davis in his small cafe in Athens, Texas in the 1880s. He served his hamburgers on fresh slices of bread with ground mustard and mayonnaise, onion slice and sliced pickles. Supposedly the local townspeople raised money to send him to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, where the hamburger made its international debut.
* In 1921, Walter A. Anderson (a short-order cook) and E.W. Ingram (an insurance executive) founded White Castle in Wichita, Kansas. It is the oldest hamburger chain. They served steam-fried hamburgers, 18 per pound of fresh ground beef, cooked on a bed of chopped onions, for a nickel.
* The Big Mac was introduced in 1968. The price was 49 cents.
* 8.2 Billion burgers were served in commercial restaurants in 2001.
* 65% of all hamburgers and cheeseburgers are consumed away from home.
* The Hamburger hall of fame is located in Seymour, Wisconsin.
* The biggest hamburger ever served weighed 8,266 lbs. It was cooked in 2001 at the Burger Fest in Seymour, Wisconsin.

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END OF THE BARN DOOR SWAP

This is the final month of the Barn Door Swap.  Our group leader has had to close the swap due to health issues and a busy schedule.  For my final two swaps I did receive some lovely blocks....

These two 7.5" beauties came from Jane in the UK.  The camera really didn't copy the color well as it is much more green - a very soft sea foam green.  These will work wonderfully with the other blocks I have received.  Thank you so much, Jane!

These two 12.5" gorgeous blocks came to me from Blondie.  I had requested red and/or blue with white and she did a perfect job filling that requirement.  She also enclosed a darling little birdie magnet that is now hanging on my fridge.  Thank you so much for being my swap partner, Blondie!

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A LITTLE STITCHERY

Over the weekend I made another square for the Secrets of Life wall hanging that I started last month.

This is the center block of the wall hanging.  I noticed after I stitched it that somehow my embroidery hoop has become dirty and it left a light ring around the stitchery.  Luckily it seems to have come out with a little bit of Woolite.  The words are stitched in DMC 936 green.

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TWO MORE SWAP BLOCKS

Yesterday I met my goal of sewing up two more swap blocks. 


And


These are for my swap partner in the 6" Block Swaps Australia.  Sallie had asked for any star made in bright colors with a black background.  These are certainly bright and I hope she likes the black on black background fabric I used.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Yesterday I received fabric from one of the Let's Bee Together Hostesses so now it's time to make another block.

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GIVEAWAYS

KoolBenz is having another great sponsored giveaway.  You could win a moda Trick or Treat Layer Cake from Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway ends Friday, May 20, at midnight EST.

It's So Kiki is having a giveaway.  Kiera is giving away A hard copy of the  "Around Town" Bag pattern and all the materials needed to make it.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, May 25, at 8:00 am.

Gen X Quilters is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win fat quarter bundle of Nicey Jane from Sew Obsessed.  This giveaway ends Saturday, May 21, at 11:59 pm EST.

Adventures in Oz is having her Monday Mystery giveaway.  You could win 5 fat quarters in your choice of fabric colors.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, May 18, at 9:00 pm MST.

Happy Quilting is having a sponsored giveaway.  The Intrepid Thread is giving away 7 fat quarters from Joel Dewberry's Aviary 2.  This giveaway ends Friday, May 20, at 5:00 pm EST.

Crafty Pug is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of the Australian magazine 'Quilts from Precut Fabrics' complete with DVD.  This giveaway will remain open until June 27 6:00 pm Central Australian Time.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Do you have days when you are posting that your mind just goes blank?  Mine has.  I seem to have a day like that about once every three weeks or so.  Nothing wants to leave my brain and travel to my fingers.  All I'm seeing in my minds eye is a dark void, echoing the word "Nothing....nothing.....nothing....."  My fingers are just resting on the keys waiting, tapping impatiently for some magic to happen.  I look around the room for some sort of inspiration.  There's a book by George W. Bush with his face on it - giving me that look of "Come on, there must be something".  Both dogs are sleeping so they are absolutely no help with ideas.  There's a picture of my DD#2 with a smile as if she's saying "Come on Mom, I know you can do it!".  Luckily there's not a mirror so I don't see that blank expression on my face.  Sorry.  There's nothing here today.  That means tomorrow can only be better!

My mind contains many good ideas, but it's not always easy to squeeze one out.
~Ashleigh Brilliant

Today is Tuesday - take it and make it yours!

23 comments:

And this would be . . . . said...

I must say that I love all the photo facts of the day. It brings a smile to my face.

Especially since we are going on just over 2 weeks of rain, drizzle, fog, clouds and NO SUN! We would gladly ship you some of our rain for your sun. But I think the shipping costs might be a bit high. LOL

Enjoy your day.

Lynette said...

Hehe - I love the Fred quote at the top. I don't always answer my phone when it rings. Some of my friends think it's highly rude of me, but I think it's highly rude of others to expect me to always jump and run at anyone's beck and call at any moment in time. I guess I have a strong loner streak in me - I need plenty uninvaded moments each day to maintain my equilibrium. If it's important, leave a message. I'll listen soon and call you back. :)

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I agree - I would/could never have another phone without caller ID - I get at least 10-12 solicitation calls a day - and I'm on a no call/private number! Someones selling information.

Oh, those barn doors are too nice and too bad the swap ends. If you need a few more for a project, I would be happy to send you a few.

Lynda said...

Great swap blocks. Always fun to exchange with other quilters.

I too don't answer my phone sometimes...do love that caller ID.

My favorite hamburger is sold here at a place called JCW's. It has bacon, cheese and quacomolie. Mmmm

Cheryl said...

You amaze me that you post everyday, always something new.

Maria said...

I also hate those pesty telemarketers. Like you I have caller ID thank goodness.

What a great coollection of beautiful blocks.

Megan Harmeyer said...

Your phone must've rang two times yesterday - I talked to you, remember? LOL I like those swap blocks - I love the black background with the star shapes and the stars are so bright. LOVE! My posting mind was blank yesterday - but I got over it. Hope today is equally quiet for you.

Jocelyn said...

I SO agree with your about Caller ID. We didn't have it until a couple of years ago, and it's been wonderful. Great info about the burgers! I always learn something from your little insights.

Impera Magna said...

Aww geez... now I want a hamburger... a big fat juicy one like in the photo... for lunch!

*lol*

Miss Hillbilly said...

I am not a hamburger fan. Mostly I will only eat my own that I make which is not very often.

Have a good day. A blank mind is good sometimes.

Needled Mom said...

I just hate being interrupted by telemarketers too. Thank heavens for caller ID!!

Hamburgers -- so many choices! I used to love Bob's (hold the relish and add chili), but those are hard to find these days. I guess my favorites these days are from The Habit, but I had a fabulous turkey burger with a spicy guacamole the other day. YUM!!

I love those bright colors on the black background. I may have to try some of those.

Enjoy the rainy day.

Linda said...

You did a great job for someone who says she can't think of anything to say!
Love the little facts. I had no idea hamburgers were from Texas. I should have known. They are just about my favorite way to eat beef. Like them better than steak!

Staci said...

LOL! Yes, I know that blank feeling, and I don't even try to post every day, my goal is just 3 times a week! I am always amazed at you turning out wonderful post after wonderful post! I know what kind of time it takes, as well as imagination and creativity.

Love your swap and bee blocks, it is always inspiring to see what you've been working on!

rubyslipperz1052 said...

Yep...i definitely would take any moisture over the summer
heat... my blood turns to thick ketchup... Over
78 degrees.
hugZ,
annie
rubyslipperz106.blogspot

Blondie ~ Vintage Primitives said...

Hey Linda
Glad you liked the Barn Door Swap.
Your energy always amazes me. And yes, caller ID has always been my bestest friend on my sewing days!
Blondie

The Vegetarian Hunter said...

That was a lot of fun info on burgers, I do not eat beef though, haven't in many years. I do love me a good salmon burger, with spinache, mustard and a little greek or italian dressing. YUMMY

I love the black on black with bright stars you made. I think you hit the nail on the head with that one for your swap partner!
Cheers from your friend,
Carolyn

Char said...

Love those bee blocks, I'm sure the recipient will also.

Anne said...

The dark background you used on the swap blocks makes the bright prints stand out beautifully!

Love the quote about the phone. I hate phone calls. Every time our phone rings, our parrot repeatedly says, "Hello." Today, I phoned a publishing company to renew my favorite magazine. Our parrot, Jack, talked along with me and made me laugh. I almost couldn't regain my composure. Maybe I should put Jack in charge of answering all phone calls! He sounds just like me.

Hope your day is full of sunshine and happiness! (I borrowed your line because it always lifts my mood when I read it!) Take care.

Christine M said...

Who would have thought that there's a Hamburger Hall of Fame!

Deborah in Atlanta said...

I love that black background on your swap blocks. Awesome! Cool info about the hamburgers, and I know exactly what you mean about nothing in-between your ears. I have those days too, and they come oh too often here lately.

Wendy said...

Me too, I could never live without the called ID. My favourite burger has lettuce, tomato and pickles. I'm doing a churn dash swap in civil war fabrics.

Barbara said...

Your swap blocks are so pretty! I am so totally with you on caller ID, How did we manage without it?

Valspierssews said...

The swap blocks looks amazing. Those bright colours are great.

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