Gaze Upon A Block Or Two

"The leaves fall, the wind blows, and the farm country slowly changes from the summer cottons into its winter wools." 

- Henry Beston, Northern Farm

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Yesterday was a bit disjointed as my cleaning gal gave my home some sparkle and shine :)  It was well over due and badly needed as we have had a couple of dust/wind storms blow through during the last week.  I think fall may be here to stay.  I actually had to wear a long sleeve shirt under my hoodie yesterday and the low is to get down into the 40's tonight.  Now, listen Mother Nature - No More Warm Weather until at least April!!  I love the weather with a chill in the air - it helps to make it feel like the holiday season is coming. 

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

Gazing Ball in my side yard between the branches of the Japanese Maple and a fern

My gazing ball no longer gives us a reflection.  Too many years, too many storms, too many bird droppings.  It is still a special little attraction in my side yard.  The gazing globe/ball had practical purposes in a southern antebellum garden. Placed strategically by the path from the front gate, southerners could see from the veranda who was calling before the caller could see them, allowing plenty of time to prepare refreshments for their guest or to hide — whichever was fitting. In Victorian times, the "Butler Ball" served as a mirror for servants to see when guests were needing assistance without staring at them throughout the meal. Another practical use was in the foyer of the home. Parents could keep a close eye on their daughter and her date as he bid her goodnight.

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I was able to make two more block for the Thread Head Quilt Along................

and.....................

These are block #3.  EQ7 calls this block "Martha Washington's Star.  It is a variation of a variable star.  No squares put in sideways or upside down this time - lol!

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Since I was unable to get any more sewing in, how would  you like an easy slow cooker recipe.  This is a dessert recipe!  Nothing better than fixing and forgetting and having dessert ready and warm after your meal.  I borrowed this recipe from my daughter's blog, Kitschy Suburbia.

Apple (Not So) Crisp

Ingredients

6 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 Tablespoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

3/4 cup butter, softened

Directions:

1.  Grease slow cooker.  Place apples in the bottom of the slow cooker.

2.  In a separate bowl, mix together flour, sugar, spices and butter.  Cover the apples with the mixture, pressing down.

3.  Cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.

Warm and delicious!!!

Person Notes:

1.  If you do not like the texture of applesauce, you will not like this dish

2.  I cooked for a full 4 hours.

3.  Excellent reheated.

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GIVEAWAYS

Jaybird Quilts is having a sponsored giveaway for Above All Fabrics.  She is giving away a beautiful fat quarter bundle.  Check this out before Thursday, November 11th.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at Leona's Quilting Adventure.  She is celebrating having 200 followers and over 100 posts!  This one also ends November 11th.

And, of course, there is always my "80th Post Celebration Giveaway" where you could win 2 1/3 yards of very pretty fabric.  This one doesn't end until Tuesday, November 16th. 

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FINAL THOUGHT

I hope this second day of the work week is going well for you.  Mine should be a bit more productive than yesterday - the house all to myself once again.  My home is my favorite place to be - with the outside world and adversity to stay where it belongs - on the other side of my front door.  My family and friends are what make my house a home otherwise it would be just four walls and a roof, a place to eat and sleep.  I hope your house is your home no matter where you live.  All friends are welcome, my door is open to my home!

Peace - that was the other name for home. 

~Kathleen Norris

TTFT !!(ta-ta for Tuesday)

Mistakes Again & Again!!

"Write on your heart that every day is the best day of the year"

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

How was your weekend?  How is your Monday going?  Today is going to be 'the best day of the year'!  My weekend was very busy but I got to spend it with my DH so it was all good!  Today, I don't have any specific plans.  Enjoy the quiet (except when my house cleaner is here), do some sewing, and just plain be productive.  Watch out world!  It's Monday and I'm ready to take on the week!!

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

 

This is a sundial that my Mother gave to my DH many years ago.

A sundial is a device that measures time by the position of the Sun. In common designs such as the horizontal sundial, the sun casts a shadow from its style ( a thin rod or a sharp, straight edge).  As the sun moves across the sky, the shadow-edge progressively aligns with different hour-lines on the plate. Such designs rely on the style being aligned with the axis of the Earth's rotation. Hence, if such a sundial is to tell the correct time, the style must point towards the true north (not the north magnetic pole or south magnetic pole) and the style's angle with horizontal must equal the sundial's geographical latitude.  Our sundial must not be aligned with true north as it never tells the correct time, especially when the sun is behind the clouds like it was on picture day!

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I sat down at the sewing machine on Friday planning on making one block - just one simple block.  The second block in the Thread Head Quilt Along.  I had already made one of the same pattern - no problems, went together easily.  Well, as I was getting ready to upload the picture to the flickr group I thought 'boy there's a lot of glare in that picture'.  Then on closer inspection I noticed that I had put one of the blocks in sideways!  OMG!  I can't believe I did that...............................

See the bottom center block?  It is side ways - sort of makes it look like a bouqet of flowers - lol!

So, ripped out the three sides and decided to take a break and grab a bite of lunch, look at the mail and read a few of my favorite blogs.  Went back to the sewing machine where the block was waiting to be sewed back together..............

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT THE H!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I RIPPED OUT THE WRONG FREAKIN' SQUARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I put that square back where it belonged and ripped out the square on the opposite side. 

Finally!!!  The block was completed correctly.  At this point I quit sewing for the day!!

Here is the same block that I had made out of different fabric on Thursday.

By the way, this block is called 'Contrary Wife'.  (I really need to find some place different to take my pictures.  There is too much glare when I take them on my sewing machine table top - sorry)

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I received my second swap block from Leena on Friday.  This is for the Quilting Blocks Swaps Australia.  I selected my blocks to be made in the "Blazing Arrows" pattern and made in blue and/or green with white.

Aren't the colors gorgeous!  Thank you Leena!

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I also managed to complete another Project Linus afghan. 

I did this one more with a little boy in mind.  I started my next one Thursday evening - red this time!

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GIVEAWAYS

Another GO! giveaway.  Lavender Ridge is giving away an Aququilt GO! Cutter.  This giveaway ends November 10th!!

My daughter, Megan, is having a giveaway to celebrate her 150 post and for having over 150 followers.  Visit her blog, Kitschy Suburbia, to check out this nail related giveaway.  Final day to enter is November 27th.   

Everyday Beautiful is have a Big Shoppe Giveaway!  There will 4 winners for this great giveaway.  Last day to enter is Thursday, November 11th.

Don't forget to enter my "80th Post Celebration Giveaway"!!  You have two chances to enter and could be the big winner of 2 1/3 yards of fabric.  This giveaway ends November 16th.  Good luck!!

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FINAL THOUGHT

Do you have a favorite place to spend time in your home?  Mine is just about anywhere there is a comfortable chair, my pups, and my DH when he is home.  Some times that is in front of my sewing machine.  Other times it's in front of the computer reading all of the great blogs out there.  And, then there is always the comfort of the recliner in the living room where I can put my legs up and do some hand stitching.  I do have to agree with the following quote......................

There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.

~Jane Austen

Here's hoping for a comfortable and productive week!!

80th Post Celebration Giveaway!

When the world says, "Give up,"  Hope whispers, "Try it one more time." 
~Author Unknown

This is sort of how I felt when I first started blogging.  Well, hope won - I kept trying it one more time!  And now I am writing my 80th post!  I never would have thought that I would find so many things to write about and to share.  Hopefully they weren't too boring.  I never thought that I would make so many new friends!  I enjoy communicating with all of you and following what is happening in your lives too.  This call for a celebration!  I will have a giveaway - but that will have to wait for later but not much later. 

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

This is a naturalized Rose-ringed Parakeet on the power lines in my backyard

Research shows the largest North American population of naturalized Rose-ringed Parakeets, Psittacula krameri, lives in Bakersfield, California.   The species is non-migratory but has daily foraging migration through their territory. Most foraging flocks vary in size depending on season. This species is unmistakable with light green plumage, long tail, and raucous, repetitive "kee ep" call. The average length is 16 inches. Adult males have the "rose-ring". The current population in Bakersfield appears to have began as a result of the loss of the Happy Bird Aviary roof. A hurricane force windstorm occurred on December 20, 1977 in the southern San Joaquin Valley, destroying the aviary, and leading to the release of multiple species of cage-bred birds. Two breeding pair of Rose-ringed Parakeets were among the birds lost by the owner. (Original research by Alison Sheehey, Nature Alley and Barbara Mansfield, Kern Audubon Society).  These wonderful birds are fun to watch and listen to.  They provide a mass of green when flying in a flock and when making a banking turn.  We are so lucky to have these colorful creatures in our midst.

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JUST FOR FUN

I found this on FaceBook this morning.  You really have to try this. This is so cute! Do this: 1) Go to Google Maps 2) Click on Get Directions 3) Type in Japan as starting point 4) Type in China as ending point 5) Go to number 43 on the directions 6) Laugh and, if you are a FB participant, repost.

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It's time for another Mystery Designer Block Of The Month.  Let's see if you can figure it out before the final photo.....

These were the squares and rectangles I had to cut

Then I had to construct 4 HST

And 4 flying geese

Another flying geese of different colors

Then it was time to assemble these blocks.  Any ideas yet?

One more flying geese in a larger size (sorry for the over exposure)

Place all blocks into 3 rows.  I bet you have an idea now.

And here it is.  Just like you guessed.....a Christmas Tree.  The actual name of this block is "Oh Christmas Tree".  I'm not particularly wild about this block but the colors are still great.

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My 80th Post Celebration Giveaway!!!

Now for what you have been waiting for!! This time I counted the fabric several times - lol.  There are 8 pieces of fabric by Ranae Merrill for Blank Textiles, Inc. 

The top piece (green) is a 1/2 yard cut.  The 2nd piece (navy) is 1/3 yard.  The rest of the fabrics are fat quarters.  That makes this collection 2 1/3 yards of fabric (if my math is right).  It doesn't show up very well but each piece has sparkly gold and silver printed on it - some in swirls, some in a dusting pattern - it's really very pretty.  To enter giveaway you must......

1.  Leave a comment telling me what your favorite tv show is.

and for a second chance....................

2.  Blog about this giveaway.  Make sure to come back and leave me a separate comment that includes a link to your blog that included my giveaway.

This giveaway is open to everyone, international friends included!  You do not have to be a follower, but I sure hope you like what you see and become a "Stitchie".  If you have a 'no-reply' blogger, make sure to leave me an email address. 

This giveaway will end on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 6:00 pm.  The winner will be selected by random.org and announced Wednesday, Nov. 17 in my regular post.  Good luck!!!

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GIVEAWAYS

Stitchbird is having a birthday celebration.  She is giving away a ton of things!  You should go check it out - not sure when this one ends.

Just a reminder to enter the giveaway at Leona's Quilting Adventure.  This one ends November 11, 2010.

Mariliz's Musings is giving away a Freebird charm pack by MoMo for Moda.  This giveaway ends the evening of November 7th.

Little Miss Shabby is having a giveaway too.  She is giving away a nice fat quarter stack of Summer In the City.  This ends Thursday the 10th.

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Our weekend is promising to be busy.  Our normal run to the local Farmers Market, family in for a visit, errands to run, yard work to do.....the list seems endless this time.  I plan to include a little creativity, do a little cooking, and especially enjoy time with my husband.  Life is good albeit a busy one. 

Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must.
 ~Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!!!!!

Mistake? ME????

When you realize you've made a mistake, make amends immediately. It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm.
 ~Dan Heist

Yes, I made a mistake.  I'm eating crow now.  You will have to read further down in the post to see what I'm talking about.  Okay, now Mother Nature is not playing fair.  Yesterday it reached 86*.  At least we weren't as hot as southern California.  Long Beach was 100*!  Did somebody forget to tell Ms. Nature that it is now November.  It is not shorts weather!  We are supposed to be in long pants and sweatshirts.  She darn well better cool it back down before Thanksgiving!!

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

A Silver Leaf Fern in my shady side yard

The silver leaf fern, also known as the slender brake fern, is a slow-growing plant recognized by its green fronds with white undersides. It can measure up to 3 feet wide and 3 feet tall when fully grown.  The silver leaf fern image is considered representative of New Zealand and New Zealanders, and is frequently used as a symbol of the country's sporting events. The fern's image can be found on everything from army badges to old one-cent coins.  This just happens to be one of my favorite of all ferns.

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OMG!!!  Did I ever make a stupid mistake!!!  Now I can't seem to count!!!  I can't believe none of you called me on my counting error in my previous giveaway.  I kept stating that I was giving away '5 fall themed fat quarters'.  Well, yesterday I was getting ready to package these up for Janet....

 and was counting to make sure I had all of them all..............and there were SIX - count 'em.....6.  I went back to the computer and pulled up the posting for the giveaway to check out the picture and sure enough, there were 6 fat quarters in the picture!  So, Janet will be receiving 6 fat quarters, not 5.  Six lashes with a wet noodle for me!!  I'm soooo embarrassed!

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I did manage to make a block yesterday for the Layer Cake Quilt Along.  This is the first block and was given to us by designer Gene Black.  He gave us the tutorial on the Alabama Spinner Block.  His tutorial was perfect!  I didn't have to rip out even one seam. 

For this quilt along, you can use either a layer cake or 12 fat quarters.  I went with the fat quarters so I could work from my stash.  I'm using a line from Connecting Threads called Sweet and Sour.  I did omit the applique circle in the center but don't think it really needs it.  There will be a new block by a different designer in just under two weeks.  I shouldn't have any trouble keeping up with this quilt along.

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I also finished another candle mat yesterday. 

This one was made from a charm pack called Park Avenue by 3 Sisters for moda.  This will be a gift for someone who will remain nameless.  I was pleased with this in the end as I wasn't too sure about the colors. 

 Did you notice the fancy little stitch I used to quilt with?

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GIVEAWAYS

That's Sew Shawna is have a Pure giveaway.  You can win either a layer cake or jelly roll of Pure by Sweetwater.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 8th.

You'll want to come back tomorrow - I'm starting another giveaway.  This one will be to celebrate my 80th post!

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FINAL THOUGHT

Someday I will just have to face the fact that I'm not perfect - lol!  Actually I admit that every day!!  Who among us can say that their seam ripper is never used, that every word is spelled correctly, or doesn't remember to make that 'all important' phone call?  My day is full of mistakes - it's part of who I am.  I don't think I would like being perfect......what fun would that be!?!

No one is perfect... that's why pencils have erasers.
~Author Unknown

Have a thoroughly fun Thursday!!

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 Block Of Soup

Establishing goals is all right if you don't let them deprive you of interesting detours.
~Doug Larson

I had goals I wanted to accomplish yesterday and I think I met them all.  Unfortunately I didn't have any interesting detours so I feel a little deprived.  The trouble is, I can't show you most of what I did because they are swap blocks.  I would like the recipients to receive their blocks before I post pictures.  Perhaps a little tease will be shown.  I was so busy sewing yesterday that I couldn't even tell you what it was like outside other than it was sunny.  It feels good to get all four swap blocks completed and a block for myself too.  I haven't been so driven to complete something in quite awhile.  Well, it was Monday.  So we will see how the rest of the week progresses.  How was your Monday?  Here I come Tuesday!!

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Picture Of The Day

These are a few of the statuary in my backyard.  The bunny trio is one of my favorites.

Garden statuary has been used for millennia. In Ancient Egypt, temples and temple gardens were ornamented with statues of the gods. In Greece, statues were placed in sacred groves. The Romans copied many of these for use as garden ornaments. The Venus de’ Medici, for example, is believed to be a first century BC marble copy of a fourth century BC bronze. This approach dominated western gardens through the renaissance and into the twentieth century. Abstract art has also been used in the garden. Henry Moore’s sculptures at Perry Green are an excellent example.  A wide variety of materials are available today for use in the garden, from traditional stones and metals to polymers. Your choice of material will depend partly on the intended use, partly on the mood you wish to create, and partly on cost.   How do you decorate your garden?

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Did you vote today?  We have a big battle for Governor going on here in California.  Remember, every vote counts.  And I always say 'If you don't vote, you can't complain'. 

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I finished the second block of the Thread Head Quilt Along. 

This is Block #1 again, but made with different fabric.

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And here is a little glimpse of the blocks that I made yesterday. 

One is for the Inchy Flower Swap, one is for Christmas Quilting Blocks Swap Australia, and two are for the Quilting Block Swaps Australia.  I made two for the final group because one I made for last month never reached its destination.  Thankfully, Cathy has been extremely understanding.

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Since I can't show you much of what I accomplished, how about if I share my absolutely favorite soup recipe of all time.  It's a good thing my DH likes it too because the recipe makes a huge pot.

Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup

from Sunset Magazine January 2003 

Ingredients

2 pounds hot or mild Italian sausages

3 carrots, peeled and chopped

1 onion, peeled and chopped

4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

3 quarts chicken broth

1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes

2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini (white) beans, rinsed and drained

1 tablespoon dried basil

2 cups dried medium shell-shaped pasta

4 quarts spinach leaves, rinsed

Salt and pepper

About 1 cup grated Romano cheese

Directions

1.  Squeeze sausages from casings into an 8 to 10 quart pot over high heat and stir often, breaking them apart with a spoon, until browned and crumbly, 8 to 10 minutes.  Spoon out and discard all but 1 tablespoon fat from pot.

2.  Add carrots, onion,and garlic; stir often until onion is limp, 5 to 7 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes (including juice), beans, and basil and bring to a boil.

3.  Add pasta, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is just tender to bite, about 10 minutes. Skim and discard fat. Stir in spinach and cook just until it is wilted, about 30 seconds. 

Add salt and pepper to taste.  Serve soup from the pot , or pour into a tureen. Offer Romano cheese to add to taste.

Makes: About 5 1/2 quarts; 10 to 12 servings

Served with grated Romano cheese - DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!

Personal Notes

1.  I use two 49 1/2 cans of chicken broth

2.  I have never had to skim any fat off after cooking sausage nor when the soup is complete.

3.  The recipe says it takes about 35 minutes to prepare, but it usually takes me about an hour.

4.  I don't add the full amount of spinach in with the first cooking.  I add a little more fresh spinach each time I reheat it so there is some pretty green in the bowl instead of just brown wilted spinach.

5.  As with most soups, tastes even better the 2nd time around

6.  You can prepare the soup through step 2 up to 1 day ahead, but do not bring mixture to a boil; instead, cool, cover, and chill.  To reheat, lift off and discard fat; bring soup to a boil.

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GIVEAWAYS

QuiltSue is hosting a giveaway at Quilt Times.  She is giving away a great book titled "Country Comforts" and is giving you three different ways to enter.  This ends Monday, November 8.

How about a giveaway for 9 fat quarters?  Then check out A Hundred Billion Stars before midnight on November 5th!

Have you been looking for a Christmasy layer cake?  Violette over at Hand Quilting is having a monthly giveaway and this time she is giving away Remembrance Layer Cake.  And if you should mention that you heard about her giveaway here, I could get an extra chance to win the fabric!!  This ends Nov. 11th.

This is the final day to enter my "Just Because" giveaway.  To be able to enter to win the five fall themed fat quarters, you much leave a comment HERE by 6:00 p.m. PST TODAY!!!!!

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Final Thought

I have enjoyed viewing the autumn pictures on everybody's blogs.  Our trees haven't even started changing colors yet and, even then, they will not put on much of a show.  The weather forecasters are predicting our temperature to be 85* on Thursday!  Now that's just plain gross.  I think Mother Nature has a devilish side to her.  I like sitting here in my hoodie with a cold nose and cold toes (well, I could do without the cold toes), and snuggling with my pups.  I will continue to live vicariously through others as I wander blogland searching for those beautiful fall colors.

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.
~Elizabeth Lawrence

Have a transcendental Tuesday!!

November Is Here!

Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day.
 ~Robert Caspar Lintner

I thought the above quote was a good way to start November.  We should be thankful every day just for being alive, for being with loved ones, and for all that life can hand us.  Can you believe that it is now November?  We only have two months left in 2010!!!!  I have to admit that I now am a true believer of the saying "The older you get, the faster time flies".  I must be having fun because so much of it is a blur - lol!  Have you started your holiday menus?  Are you all finished shopping for Christmas?  Last month I sent out the 'dreaded email' to my children and their spouses and also to my DH.  This email gives them notice that all wish lists are due on or by November 15th.  No list - no gift (sure, like they believe that)!  Okay November here we are!  We are ready for you and we're off and running!!

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Picture of the Day

This was taken Friday morning as the sun came up.  We were supposed to have a storm coming in - "Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning" and all of that nonsense.  Temperature reached 80 and not even a breeze all day long.  The clouds were just a teaser.  Mother Nature can be such a trickster sometimes.
You my ask "Why does sun appear red during sunrise but sky appears blue?"
This is due to the way that light particles diffuse or pass through different amounts of differently coloured light. White light is made up of all of the colours in the spectrum, like shown in a rainbow, and when the light (generated from the sun) passes through our atmosphere, all other colours of light except for blue are filtered out by the light passing through the atmosphere.
During evenings, or indeed some mornings, the sun is lower in the sky, this means that the light from it has to pass through a greater amount of atmosphere to reach the point that you are at. Due to this, it now filters out all parts of the light spectrum except for the red light, meaning the sky appears red. This is also why, on some rare occasions, the sky can appear green.

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I actually met my goal of completing the cross stitching in my SIL Christmas stocking!!  I actually shocked myself when I took the last stitch at 4:04 p.m. on Friday!  I still need to put the back on but that will be a piece of cake.  The kit came with white felt and I'm not sure that is what I want to use.  I think I may go look for some blue felt to use instead, it will show less dirt.

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I also made the first block in the Thread Head Quilt Along.

This is block #1.  I'm actually am supposed to make two of each block but I became sidetracked before I could make another.  Some days are just like that for me.  Do you ever have those kind of days?
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I found a couple of things that are coming up that look like lots of fun. 

Little Bits of This & That is hosting the Mistletoe Make & Bake 2010.  Here is what she says about it "I am very excited to announce Mistletoe Make & Bake 2010! We have a baker's dozen of designer projects and dozens of cookies recipes for you just in time for the holidays. So get ready to hop through some wonderful blogs, collecting gift-giving projects and yummy cookie recipes perfect for your holiday cookie exchanges!

November 15th-20th, 2010
Here is the line-up~
November 15th
Sherri K. Falls of This & That Patterns     Monica Solorio-Snow of The Happy Zombie
November 16th
Heidi Kaisand of Chicks & Hen     Monique Dillard of Open Gate Quilts
November 17th
Celine Perkins of Perkin's Dry Goods     Patrick Lose of The Latest News from Patrick Lose
Kelly Ann Richardson of Kelly Ann's Quilting
November 18th
Lissa Alexander of Moda Lissa     Julie Stewart of Quilts 4 Julie
November 19th
Roseann Kermes of Rosebud's Cottage     Brenda Riddle of Little Acorns
November 20th
Vickie Eapen of Spun Sugar Quilts     Melisa Morrison of Sweet Home Quilt Co.
November 21st
On the seventh day, we’ll rest. And eat cookies!
So mark your calendar and get ready for a fun week filled with cookie bliss, wonderful projects and awesome prizes!!

Sew Cal Gal will be hosting a Christmas Quilt Show.  She has tons of sponsors providing prizes.  This looks to be a lot of fun too.  You can take the link above to find out the submission process.  This event is being held November 14 through the 21st.

It looks like we are in for a very busy week of hopping in the middle of November :)

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GIVEAWAYS

Fresh Cut Quilts is having a giveaway to celebrate her 100th post.  This ends tomorrow November 2nd.   

The Mad Quilting Librarian is having a giveaway to celebrate her birthday month.  Check this out to win one of four different fabric collections.  This ends Friday, November 5th.

This is your FINAL REMINDER to enter my "Just Because" giveaway.  Check out the 5 fall themed fat quarters that could be yours if you enter HERE.  This ends tomorrow (Nov 2nd) at 6:00 pm PST (ok, you will probably get one more reminder tomorrow morning but why wait - you don't want to be the last one to enter)

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Did everybody have great weekend?  Were the ghosts and goblins kind to you?  Did you get all of your running done, your sewing projects completed, the dog washed and the laundry done?  Mine was spent fairly quietly.  I did manage to get the laundry done and some hexie flowers made.  Didn't get the yard work done, nor did I finish any projects.  This week my goal is to complete my three swap blocks and finish the SAL top.  How about you - what are your goals this week?

I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.
~Douglas Adams

Have a monumental Monday!!