Friday Stresses & Ideas

Sometimes it seems your ever-increasing list of things to do can leave you feeling totally undone.

 ~Susan Mitchell and Catherine Christie, I'd Kill for a Cookie

Yesterday I had one of those days that just went steadily downhill from the time I got up.  Well, that's not true, it went downhill after about 10:00 am.  My downhill slide started out by not being able to find the left over fabric I know I had, and continued when it took an hour to upload one picture on a site because I had to downsize it, and then to the stupid laptop running slow and then it proceeded to get stuck in its shutdown mode (and I couldn't open the battery compartment to reverse its little brain), and finally I opened the Coffeemate Pumpkin Spice to have part of the lid break and now it leaks.  It was just one of those days!  So I figured that I better stop sewing right then and there because I was afraid that next I might run over my finger with the needle or sew everything together wrong.  I'm getting a little anxious because we are getting carpet installed on Monday and that means moving everything out of 3 rooms into 1 1/2 rooms - this includes boxing up all of my sewing supplies, fabrics, books, etc.  I am lucky to have my daughter coming to help us but it still is stressing my nerves.  Then the thought of having to put it all back is enough to cause nightmares. Arghhhhhhhh!!!!!!

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

Basket that I have made

Yes, I was once a basket weaver.  I thoroughly enjoyed working with reeds and creating shapes.  The photo shows a few of the baskets I made.  Unfortunately, I had to quit weaving baskets because ALS has left me just a little too weak and the large repetitive motion needed is not possible for me anymore.  Here's a little basket info:  1) The basket is one of humankind's oldest art forms, and it is certainly an ethnic and cultural icon filled with myth and motif, religion and symbolism, and decoration as well as usefulness.  2) The craft of basketry gave rise to pottery making because baskets were used as molds for some of the earliest pots.  3) Before "paper or plastic", baskets were a major way people transported goods.  4) An interesting fact about the age-old craft of basket making is that, while many other crafts have become mechanized, no one has ever invented a machine that can make baskets. They are still handmade, even in Taiwan.  Do you have a favorite basket in your home?

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IDEA?

I'm thinking about starting either a block swap or a bee beginning in January.  Would you be interested?  Leave me a comment if you would like to participate and include which group sounds more interesting. If you are interested, what kind of bee or swap would you like to see formed?  Who knows, maybe I will start both.  Neither would be started until the start of the New Year so don't worry about it being one more thing that has to be completed before Christmas.  But I am looking for ideas!  If you would rather email, that would be great too.

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My plan for yesterday was to complete the quilt top that I have been working on from Cheryl's Sew Along.  I did get all of the blocks in rows and the sashing done..............

Cheryl's quilt called for zigzag sashing but I knew that if I didn't take the KISS approach (keep it simple, stupid) that it would probably end up as another UFQ (unfinished quilt) - I saw that on another blog and thought that was better than UFO.  I am happy with the way it looked.  Well, here is where my day started going down hill.  I tried to find the left over scraps and pieces that I know I have some place so that I could make borders.  I have looked in all of the usual places and also in the places where fabric has no place being :(  I pulled out bags, I moved boxes, I even looked under the dog bed.  I'm hoping it will show itself when we are moving things out. 

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A little while ago I joined the International Friendship Quilters.  I decided to participate in the Framed Hexagon Block Exchange.  This is different than the hexies we make for flowers.  The block is made by cutting one large hexagon from one fabric and cutting a smaller hexagon - one each - from a contrasting fabric and from batting / wadding. Place the smaller hexagons in the center and fold the edges over twice and stitch! That's all! And your mitered corners happen naturally!  I enjoyed making this one but I'm not sure that I will continue.  There is no long term commitment for this, you can swap one or continue swapping for as long as you would like.

This is the one I made for Susan A.  Instead of sewing the binding by hand I used one of my decorative stitches.  The binding is the same fabric as the back and has lots of gold and silver sparkle in it as does the center cardinal fabric.

This shows some of the sparkle and you can see the decorative stitching better.

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GIVEAWAYS

Petit Design Co is having a scrappy giveaway.  This ends November 15th.

LaVieEnRosie is having a giveaway too.  She is giving away An issue of 100 Blocks, a Layer Cake and a Miss Rosie's project bag. Hurry, this one ends tonight!

Anna Lena Land is also have a scrappy giveaway.  This one is for 3 yards of scraps.  This ends November 17th.

Patrick Lose is giving away one of books "A Patrick Lose Christmas" and a fat quarter bundle of Patrick's Santinesque Stripe fabric collection for Robert Kaufman Fabrics. You must enter on or before Thanksgiving, November 25th.

Ting Tong and Things is giving away four fat quarters from the studio of Heather Ross and a cute little pincushion that she made.  This giveaway ends November 28th at 9:00 pm EST.

And my giveaway for my "80th Post Celebration Giveaway!"  Check it out as the days are passing by quickly.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

I hope that your weekend will not be as full of labor as mine will be.  I sometimes wonder if I would be better off just moving instead of putting in new carpet - but the thought of moving sends me into that nightmare area again.  I will try to remember to breathe, to remember that I will be happy when it is done, to enjoy the whole process.  Now who am I kidding.......I can feel the headache starting now.

Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow.

 ~Douglas Pagels, These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You

Have a wonderful weekend and take a slide on your favorite color!!

P.S.  I found the missing fabric this morning exactly where it should have been - in a plastic container where I keep all of my current projects.  Another case of shaking my head and laughing.

Wonderful Winning Wednesday!

Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.

~Ruth Ann Schabacker

Every day I believe is a gift to us.  Just waking up is a stupendous feeling.  The sun rising and lighting the world - another gift granted to me.  I could go on but then you just might quit reading.  But I know you won't because you would like to know who won the giveaway.  Well, that will have to wait and be my gift to you later in this post.

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

One of the last blooming 4 O'Clocks blooming in my yard

The common garden variety four-o’clock (Mirabilis jalapa) is also known as Marvels of Peru. Four o’clock received it’s name because of its habit of opening in the late afternoon. It is not actually the time of day that causes the flowers to open, but the drop in temperature. The flowers close the next morning, except on dull, cloudy days.  Four O'clock details:  Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to the fragrant plant.   The seeds (small, black, wrinkled surface similar to a pepper grain) are extremely poisonous.  Four o’clocks are deer resistant (whatever that might imply)! "Mirabilis" means "Wonderful" in Latin.  My Four o'clocks come up as volunteers every year without water or fertilizer.  The little buggers never seem to give up.

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I would like to thank all of you that participated in my "Just Because" giveaway.  I had a lot of fun reading what your favorite animals are.  Some of you were quite creative!  They all brought me smiles.  I think the most unusual was the frog.  And, of course the most popular were cats and dogs.  Okay, okay!  So you want to know the winner.  With the help of random.org the winner is  #9..............................

Janet said "My favourite animal is a Lynx. We have lynx here and get to see them occasionally. They are big, sleek and beautiful. Thanks for a chance at your giveaway. I am a follower and enjoy your ramblings."


Congratulations Janet!  I will be contacting you for your snail mail info.

Don't leave mad.  I will be having another giveaway very, very soon.

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If it's Wednesday it must be One Flower Wednesday.  I actually made two flowers this week and have another in reserve to show you.  One of the flowers I can't show you until my swap partner receives it.  So here is this weeks hexie................................

I was very pleased with this fussy cut little flower.  With the little bit of orange at the tips of the petals, it almost gives the petals a different look to their shape.

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Today was an excellent mail day.  My postman handed me a package from Leona.  What a wonderful selection of Christmas fabric scraps!  She also included a darling little safety pin pouch and a beautiful knit (her tension is perfect and the yarn is so soft) square that has many possible uses.

Leona also included one of her personal postcards with all of her blog info, Leona's Quilting Adventure.  Aren't I a very lucky gal!?!?!

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GIVEAWAYS

Leona is having another fantastic giveaway to celebrate having over 200 followers and for surpassing over 100 posts!  Congratulations Leona!  She is giving away 9 Fat Quarters from Free Spirit/David Walker "Boys will Be Boys" and One Copy of the book Traditional Patchwork Patterns complete with 4 Plastic Templates.  So jump on over the Leona's Quilting Adventure to see how many ways you can enter.  This giveaway will close Wednesday, November 10th.

Lisa over at A Quilters Place is hosting a 100th Post Reader Appreciation Giveaway.  She is giving away 5 Fat Quarters from Maywood Studio from their Shadowplay line.  This giveaway ends November 10th.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Is your day going as planned?  Did yesterday happen like it should have?  I started off in one direction and made a total about face in what I was doing.  I had planned on working on my little quilt from Cheryl's Sew Along but instead, worked on two more candle mats that will be going as gifts.  This was totally unplanned and I have no idea why I selected to work on them.  Sometimes it's best not to resist and just go with the flow.  I think I know what I'm doing today but I guess I will have to wait to see where it takes me.

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present.

~Babatunde Olatunji

Have a wild and wonderful Wednesday!!!

A No Peek Halloween

A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are on Halloween.
~Erma Bombeck

Sunday is Halloween.  This year we will be going dark - watching tv in the back room with the dogs, ignoring the pounding on the door and the ringing of the bell.  We have decided that we have had enough of the teenagers that come around not dressed in costume with their pillow cases for candy bags expecting a big handout.  We've had enough of the pregnant young ladies coming around saying they are 'trick or treating' for their baby and pointing at their stomachs.  We are tired of the rude children, unescorted by adults, who never say 'thank you'.  I will miss the little ones, with happy smiles and their soft little 'twick or tweats', all dressed up as princesses, batman, or their favorite Toy Story character.  So we say 'bah humbug' to Halloween this year, I'm sorry to say.  How about you?  Will you be answering your door to all of the little ghosts and goblins?

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Asparagus Fern on my side yard

Asparagus fern or Asparagus densiflorus is a weed that belongs to the lily family or Liliaceae. Though asparagus fern is characterized by lacy fern like foliage, it is not a true fern. Rather, it is a close relative of the asparagus plant, with its bushy appearance and delicate foliage. Asparagus fern is native to South Africa and is often considered as a weed. But today, asparagus fern is a popular houseplant. The credit for popularizing asparagus fern as an ornamental plant in Europe goes to Carl Ludwig Sprenger, a German botanist.  I did not know the following fact:  Asparagus fern is considered as a toxic plant, when ingested. Ingestion of the berries can cause gastrointestinal problems like, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain, while skin contact can cause allergic reactions or dermatitis. The plant is toxic to pets like dogs and cats. Therefore, it is advisable to keep asparagus fern and cats or dogs at a distance, or take adequate care so that your pets do not consume any part of the plant.

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Yesterday I worked on my Cheryl's SAL blocks.  I managed to get the all squared up and some of them into rows.  I only have a picture of 8 of the blocks not yet assembled not yet put into rows.

I hope to have the quilt top completely assembled the first part of next week.  I'll share it with you then.

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And since I didn't have anything else completed to show you, I thought I would share a picture of three fall pillows that I made last year.  They are getting rather tired looking and probably need a bigger pillow form but here they are.

My favorite is the center with all of the tiny blowing leaves on it.  The dogs, unfortunately, like to use them as their cushions to lay on - but then they always look so comfortable on them - lol!

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How about a super easy recipe.  This is a slow cooker recipe that is yummy.  It has only a few ingredients and can cook up to 12 hours

No Peek Beef Casserole

Ingredients

2 pounds stew beef, cut into 1-inch pieces

1  -  1 3/8 ounce envelope dry onion soup mix

1/2 cup red wine

1  -  10 3/4 ounce can golden mushroom soup

1  -  4 ounce can sliced mushrooms, drained

1/4 cup quick-cooking tapioca (optional)

Ingredients

Directions

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.  Stir together well.  Cover and cook on Low 8 to 12 hours, or on High for 4 to 6 hours.  Serve over noodles or rice.  Serves 4.  This recipe may be doubled for 5 quart slow cookers.

No Peek Beef Casserole served over rice

Personal Notes

1.  I use just about any kind of beef that is on sale - it cooks so long any meat you use will soften

2.  The original recipe calls for cream of mushroom soup but I think Golden Mushroom soup adds more flavor.

3.  Reheats well.

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GIVEAWAYS

Norma over at Quilty Giveaways is featuring Sonja of Artisania. Sonja is giving away two of her patterns to two lucky winners. (Make sure you enter at the Quilty Giveaways link). You might want to check out Sonja's site for the cute free paper piecing patterns she has.  This giveaway ends November 3rd.

My "Just Because" giveaway is still running.  If you would like to enter to win 5 fall themed fat quarters just click HERE.

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Final Thought

I can hardly believe it is already Friday.  Where did the time go.  Coming home on Monday just totally messed with my brain's scheduling - I've been off all week by a day.  Maybe over the weekend I can reorganize my mind and by Monday be back into brain and day harmony.  Our weekend doesn't appear to be too busy for a change - a welcome respite.  Perhaps we will catch up on some much needed yard work, watch some tv shows recorded at least two weeks ago (thank goodness for the DVR), enjoy a cup of coffee while reading the morning paper.  I'm starting to sound old!  The following quote is definitely how I feel this week:

Middle age is when you're sitting at home on a Saturday night and the telephone rings and you hope it isn't for you.
~Ogden Nash

Happy Halloween to everyone!!!!!!!!

Birds, Blocks and Barbecue

My favorite weather is bird-chirping weather.

 ~Terri Guillemets

Friday!  The promise of the weekend, of fun, and freedom.  My week has been crammed full this week and so far Saturday doesn't look any more promising.  Ah, but Sunday is a different story.  I'm looking forward to reading the morning paper with a warm cup of coffee sitting out on my patio,  to some hand sewing, and to  catching up on some recorded tv shows (our DVR is 100% full!!!).  How has your week gone?  What are your plans for the weekend?  But, that's tomorrow.  I must remember not to wish the day away - I have too much planned!!

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Photo of the Day

Cedar Waxwing

Every spring we get a flock of Cedar Waxwing that visit for about 3 weeks, usually when our mulberry tree is full of berries.  The Cedar Waxwing is a silky, shiny collection of brown, gray, and lemon-yellow, accented with a subdued crest, rakish black mask, and brilliant-red wax droplets on the wing feathers. In fall these birds gather by the hundreds to eat berries (at my house it is spring), filling the air with their high, thin, whistles. In summer you’re as likely to find them flitting about over rivers in pursuit of flying insects, where they show off dazzling aeronautics for a forest bird.  Cedar Waxwings are social birds that you’re likely to see in flocks year-round. They sit in fruiting trees swallowing berries whole, or pluck them in mid-air with a brief fluttering hover. They also course over water for insects, flying like tubby, slightly clumsy swallows.  These are one of my favorite birds to visit my yard and one of our sure signs that spring is here.

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I was able to finish the last two blocks in Cheryl's Sew Along (So Many Quilts, So Little Time)

Block 11 - Tumbling Squares

Block 12 - LeMoyne Star Variation

Now onto the finishing steps of setting and borders.  Maybe this time next week I will be able to say I have finally finished (fingers crossed)!!!!!

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How about a recipe?  I know for most of the country it is past barbecue time, but we are able to barbecue all year round.  I've even had my hubby (who does all of the grilling) out in the rain with an umbrella cooking our meat.  After all, when you have a barbecue that looks like this....................

............... you just can't put it away for the entire winter season - it is an all-weather grilling machine!!

Balsamic Pork Chops

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup balsamic vinegar
3 Tablespoons fresh rosemary, sage, or thyme
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
4 boneless pork chops, cut 1 inch thick
salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients

Directions

Combine oil, vinegar, and garlic with rosemary in a self-sealing bag.  Add pork chops and turn to coat.  Marinate them for 30 minutes or longer in the refrigerator.

Remove from marinade and discard remaining marinade.  Season pork chops with salt and pepper.  Grill over medium-hot fire, turning occasionally, for 15 to 25 minutes, until meat thermometer inserted reads 155-160 degrees F. 

Chops grilling

Ready to eat

Personal Notes

1.  I used the same amount of marinade for 2 pork chops.

2.  The longer you marinate the meat, the better the flavor - I usually try to get at least 6 hours of marinating time in.

3.  If using dried rosemary, reduce to 2 tablespoons.

4.  Reheats well and is delicious!!!!

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FINAL REMINDER

Today is the last day to enter my Fall Into Fall Bloggers Giveaway!!!!!  This giveaway ends tonight at 6:00 p.m. PST.  I will announce the winner either later tonight or tomorrow morning.  Don't miss out, enter HERE now before it's too late.

This will probably be your final reminder to enter my 200 Followers Celebration Giveaway.  Wouldn't you like to win 2 1/2 yards of Hoffman fabric?  If you do, then you can enter this giveaway HERE!

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Final Thought

With cooler weather already being experienced in a great deal of the country, our thoughts turn to all of the looming holidays - Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  I usually do not look forward to many of the holidays because of all the busy schedules, shopping, people, and general stress that goes with it all.  I will do my best this year just to take things as they happen, enjoy the little things that I might normally overlook, and, most importantly, not to stress - what will be will be.  There.  You are all my witnesses.  I know that my family reads this too, and it is my promise to them that I WILL NOT STRESS!!!!  (I hope, I hope, I hope!!)  I will remember this quote for the coming holidays...........

The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.

                             ~Attributed to both Jim Goodwin and Sydney J. Harris

Have a fun, fantastic, frolicking Friday!!  And, enjoy your weekend too!!!!!!