My Fun Saturday

Did you know there is an event (not just) for guys that is almost like Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show? There is! Its the Great Oregon Steam-Up. This is the 37th year, July 28 & 29, August 4 & 5. 62 acres of heitage powered equipment. It is entirely maintained and operated by volunteers. Lots of eye candy for the menfolk! It is located just west of I-5 exit 263 in Brooks Oregon.

We went yesterday. I enjoyed spending the day with hubby while he drooled over the John Deeres and other old and new tractors. There is also a Caterpillar Museum and its a good thing there is.

We have an old Cat D7. Her name is Charlene. (I figured if he was going to spend so much quality time with her, she had to have a name. She's lived here for so long that now she is considered family.) She needed a new magneto--all I know is that it is something that helps start the pony motor that starts the Cat. We found 2 guys that work on them and then we found Guy 3 that had a brand spanking new one in a box ready for us to take home to Charlene. But......

Guy 3 wanted to be sure it was the right one. We go over to the Cat Museum and right there inside in low light is a cousin to Charlene! Hubby climbs up on him, and there is the magneto with the numbers all dark and tiny. The numbers are angled so you can't see them very well but with sheer determination, the numbers are spotted, the part is listed on Guy 3's product list and Hubby is happy.

Go back to Guy 3 to buy magneto. No, he doesn't take Visa and we have no checks with us and not enough cash. Let's go find a cash machine. And bless the Great Oregon Steam-Up, they have a cash machine right there by the main office. Get the cash, got back to Guy 3, buy the mag, head for home. Good thing too cuz my dogs are barkin and its getting hot outside and I want to quilt.

After we get home, Hubby goes out and talks nice to Charlene. She's been parked for a while and needs a bit of TLC before she fires up and moves some dirt. After a couple hours, I go out to see what is happening and I smell fresh dirt. I now all is well.

Hubby is happy, Charlene is happy and I have to apologize for wanting to call in the scrappers to take her away. I'm sorry Charlene. You can live here forever.

Next weekend is a quilt show at Pomeroy House. I should make Hubby go with me before we go to the family reunion! No, I'll go on Sunday with Sonya.

Dear Mike and Elliot,

Please forgive me. I did not mean to hurt your itty bitty feelings. Of course I want you to move up here. I am an insensitive boob. I am so very sorry. You know I worship the ground you walk on. And Mike, I kind of like you too.

Dear Blog Readers,
Evidently my darling son in law has his feelings hurt because in my last post, I neglected to include Mike and Elliot. But is he pregnant and needing my help with packing and such??? I am now publicly apologizing to him. I must go now and give myself 40 lashes with a wet noodle.

Dear Mike,
I hope you will still be my friend. Because of my lack of sensitivity, I now have welts caused my a wet noodle. Are you happy!!!!!!!!!!


So, Dear Blog Readers, I will be going to Arizona in August to help Crystal, Mike and Elliot get ready for the move back home to Washington. I sure hope Mike isn't mad at me any more because I can't wait for the whole fam damily to be in Washington again where they belong.

Love you.

Fun at Gramma's

Here are Taylor, Ashlee, Ian and Amanda. Life is good at Gramma's house.

Jenny and the kids were here from Texas for a few days. I had breakfast with them this morning as they were headed for the airport to go back home. Taylor had to come a spend a couple nights also. She misses them all. At night, my living room looked like a flop house with 3 kids sleeping on the floor and one on the couch. I had to share them with other family and friends so they only stayed here for 3 nights.

It sure is quiet now. Knowing they are so far away makes me miss them a bit more. So now I am going to go full speed ahead on some of my projects before I head down to Arizona next month to help Crystal move back up here.

I have a pile of quilts to do for a friend and a pile of quilts to do for myself. I am slowly making a dent in my "tops to finish" pile and adding them to my "tops to quilt" pile. On Monday, I quilted 2 baby quilts and finished the binding on them yesterday morning. Next up are 2 more baby quilts for my friend. I hope to get one of them loaded on the machine tonight so I can get going on it first thing in the morning.

I did stop at Joann's on the way home from breakfast. I got 2 dress patterns for Taylor, a blouse pattern for myself and I found a cute maternity pattern for Crystal. I still am shocked at how much patterns cost and thankful that Joann's has them on sale. I love a good sale at Joann's. I got a new quilting design packet for half price. I wish they had the thread I like to use on the long arm but they don't so I will just have to make do with what I have.

I'm off here now to finish putting groceries away and to fix hubby a fabulous dinner. snicker, snicker BBQ pork chops and ceaser salad. It does sound fabulous, doesn't it.

Sisters Quilt Show

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show , second Saturday of July, already marked in my day planner for 2008. What a day!

For the past 4 years, my friend Sonya and I have taken a bus trip over the mountain to Sisters, Oregon. This year was just as fasinating as the past 3. There isn't enough time in the day to see all the quilts. But there are a lot of talented photographers (not myself amoung them!!) that post their pictures on the web, so after a while we do get to see everything. So, thank you to all of you for sharing with all us.

Here are a few of my favorite quilts.

I come home just full of inspiration and awe. Oh the talent--the piecing--both hand and machine, setting, quilting--again both hand and machine, color seclection, design--you know what I mean. It still amazes me--all the talent displayed in one city.

I was also amazed at the people of Sisters. Our bus has a reserved parking space!!! Donna and her husband (sorry, can't remember his name) save 3 spots on their property to park tour buses. They open their home to strangers that need a cool place to rest, use their bathrooms, or just sit.

After the quilt show, we head out to a quilt shop where we are even more inspired. But I am hot and tired and still thristy. I did spend some money but I didn't get what was on my list--guess I will have to visit my local shops cuz you know I have to have what is on my list.

Now its time to head back to our side of the mountain. We do a stop at Safeway to pick up dinner and drinks. Vitamin water sure helped me. Glad I got that instead of the diet Pepsi that I really wanted!

Now I am going to get ready for my company that arrives tomorrow night. Jenny and the kids will be here for a few days and I can't wait to see them. Hopefully I'll stop by here and show you some of my favorite non quilt pictures from Saturday.

Until then, drink lots of water!

Happy July!!!

Holy Cow, when did that happen! Oh yeah, on Sunday. Retire and forget the date.......life is good.

I miss my company from last month but I'm looking forward to my company for this month. Crystal and Elliot went home last week. Jenny, Ashlee, Amanda and Ian will be here in 2 weeks!!! WooHoo! Poor Elliot must have caught a bug on the plane. Now Crystal has it, I have it, Mike is getting it. Ernie refuses to get it. You can see in Elliot's picture that he has the I don't feel good look. Poor baby!

I've been sewing (when I'm not blowing my nose!). I got my pj pants cut out, then took a break to work on this cute little box. I found the fabric on a remnant table and had to have it! I seem to be grabbing alot of orange and yellow fabrics lately. Someone needs a spash of color in her room. I also made my lotto block for Thursdays quilt party at Craft Warehouse. It is so much fun to go to quilt party.

Now if you are afraid of a fat belly and butt, don't look at the next pictures. I had Ernie take pictures so I could see where I needed to make changes on my pattern. I also need to have my online sewing friends look at these and give their advice. I can see alot of my tweeking spots by using this fabric. I can see my pucker and pull lines and see where I needed to do more adjustments. Then I finished them up and wore them to bed last night. My next pair will have a sew on waistband instead of the hurry up and get them done fold over.

I now have another wearable muslin laid out ready to cut. This muslin will be a pair of capri pants out of a pink and purple print floral. That should be attractive, a big ole flower right on my big ole butt. But I am not going to make a trip to town to get some $1 a yard stuff when I have a mountain of fabric right here at home. If nothing else, I will make them into pj capris.

So on the front I cut the crotch curve a little deeper and took a bit more from the inseam. On the back, I also made the crotch curve deeper. I think I will put a couple darts in and add a zipper. That should take care of the waist frinkles.

I also got out my favorite book and looked through it again. If you are a full figured gal, you must have a copy of Rita Farro's book, Life Is Not a Dress Size. It is Rita Farro's Guide to Attitude, Style, and A New You. There is even a special section on sewing your own clothes. Not about fitting, just about the freedom to be your own designer. If you don't own this book, you are missing out on a great feel good about yourself book. I love it and read it often.

Happy Birthday America!!!!

Finally Sewing For Myself

Way back in June of 2006, I was working on the perfect pants pattern. Alot has happened since then. Seven months ago, I quit smoking (thank you very much!) and then I gained some weight (not gonna say how much). So needless to say, nothing fits. I did some power shopping and bought 3 pair of jeans, 3 pair of capris and some t shirts. Now I am ready to make me some nice pants.

I found a nice pattern in a new size (not gonna tell ya what that is) and got out my tools. I need my Pants for Real People book and fitting video. I have my colored pens, my scotch tape, rulers and pins.

I pin fit the tissue according to the video. Then I tried it on. Ouchhh, be careful of the pins. I did pin toward the floor but I still managed to stick myself numerous times. I made my modifications and tried the tissue on again. (I took pictures of my tissue fit buy OH BABY, that is for my eyes only!) Then I made a couple more adjustments. I now have it pinned to some flannel for pj pants for my muslin fit.

Now I am going to cut out my pj pants and try to sew them up tonight. The pants saga continues. Stay tuned........

Hello Retirement & Thanks Bonnie

Retired life is good! I've been spending time in my sewing room, trying to clear out the old sewing room-my hour a day project-and slowly working on cleaning my house. I already knew there was not much good on tv during the day so I've been listening to my cds as I mark things off my To Do List.

Today I quilted this top. I put the binding on while it was still on the quilt frame. I stitched it down with the sewing machine. I finished a UFO!

I love Quiltville. I have never met Bonnie but I am one of her biggest fans. She has a fabulous website with oodles of free patterns, awesome instructions with great pictures. Thank you so much.


This one is called Strip Twist and is so easy and fast to put together if you follow the directions. (I wonder how I know that!) I have been involved in several 2 1/2" strip swaps over the years and had a box full of strips.

I learned from Bonnie to cut 10 1/2" squares for the scrappy backing--easy to measure. I also cut 5 1/2" rectanges. I looked on her website where she talks about this but I didn't find it. She has so much free information there. Thank you again, Bonnie.

I have made several of Bonnie's quilts. And after a few more UFO finishes, I am going to make the Sister's Choice.

The bottom picture shows the Accu-Guide I use when applying binding with my long arm. First I quilt the row across--on this quilt it is just a loopy meander--then I lay the binding on from the center to both sides. Stitch slowly across from the center, turn the corner just like on the domestic machines, then down the sides. Then I roll the quilt, meander, attach the binding, etc... When I get to the bottom, either I cheat and just do the old fold and tuck like I did today or I take the quilt off and finish the binding the "proper" way. I wanted this quilt done so I finished stitching the binding down with my domestic machine.




Now to mark this one off my list and pick the next one. I think I will work on my Chunky Churndash (another from Quiltville) that I show here and talk about here.

I think I will practice some ruler work on that one. Wish me luck.

A Week In The Life Of Gramma

And what a week it was! Starting with Monday during the day. (My last post sounds cheery when in fact I felt like I was at the bottom of the pond trying to come up for air. And the post was written before Ernie came home.) I had submitted a request for some days off for when my daughters were coming for a visit. Everyone I work with knows how I feel about my kiddos and my grandkiddos.

On Monday afternoon, I got a phone call from the office telling me that "people" were complaining that I was taking too much time off. How dare I! My kids live out of state, I don't care about the hours, I want the time off to spend with them. Period, make it happen. I spent the rest of the day trying not to cry. Everytime someone said anything to me, the tears fell. I came home hurt and angry and vented to my dear husband. He said quit.

Tuesday morning, Happy Birthday to Me!, I call the office. ME: "This is my notice. I will work through the end of the month if you want me to." THEM: "Ummmm, ok." ME: "OK!" Hang up. Fall into my chair.

I felt the weight of the world fall off my shoulders. Then I had to tell the guys. I told one, that seemed to be enough because we can't keep a secret. So work Wednesday and Thursday, take a 5 day weekend that THEY scheduled for me (and I did not complain about), work next Wednesday and Thursday and become retired! I spent the rest of the day cleaning my office. I want to leave on good terms, just in case. You never know what life will bring and I don't want to burn this bridge. I also don't want to cross it again but...

Wednesday and Thursday were explaining days and trying not to cry everytime someone says they will miss me or not to quit. I've worked there almost 11 years so I know alot of people. I felt so great about doing this that I came home from work full of energy and in a good mood. I sewed everynight.

Then on Friday, day 1 of my 5 day weekend, I finished up this wall hanging. I love it and am giving it away. Due to arrive in a mail box next week but I'm not telling who or why yet.

Friday night was the Brad Paisley concert. I almost didn't go. But I sure am glad I did. It was fun spending the evening with Dee, Vern and Taylor. And Brad is one of my favorites and a hottie!

Then Saturday, I cleaned house for a while, then sat down in front of the sewing machine. (Ernie didn't feel good so he napped off and on all day. Poor baby has a head cold.) I got almost all of my blocks made from my quilt retreat project. I am calling it Circles and Stars. Then, after begging Ernie and the dogs to go get ice cream-and they did, I ate my ice cream, watch Over the Hedge - cute movie - while stitching binding down on my quilted jacket. Then I shopped on ebay, put in a bid on a book and went to bed.

I got up this morning full of energy, checked my bid--won the auction-wooho, made breakfast and finished sewing my blocks. Now I am sewing them into rows. Hopefully I can get the top together today. If I don't I have some extra time coming into my life. I think I'll be ok.

I'm 53 and I'm Free! Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy To Be Home

I had a blast at the retreat. What a great weekend. It sure felt good to sleep in my own bed. I had to come home ( a 3 mile trip!) a couple times to take care of Uggie and get some stuff for people that forgot or wanted what I had. Other than that, I got to sew. And eat! Lordy, the eats at the retreats! They are the best.

Thank you to all my quilting friends for giving me a fabulous surprise birthday party! All I wanted to do was work on my projects for my birthday present. I didn't know people were sneaking goodies into a surprise gift bag. (That's what makes it a surpise, Goofy!) I can't thank you all enough. Even singing Ole Gray Mare made me smile. (Remember Sister SuSue??? Riding bikes in the woods, singing at the top of our lungs!)

This picture is of our Bingo cards. We sewed together a 25 patch and the winner, Marian, sewed all 25 of them into a charity quilt. She is going to add some borders to make it big enough. I had planned on finishing it for the charity of her choice but she said she would do it. Thanks Marian, I have a new project list a mile long!!! She also won a fabulous wheeled caddy that I really wanted but didn't win. Good thing I gave up Bingo along time ago. Better to spend that money on quilting goodies.

Like the book I had to order last night and the sharpener thingy that I had to have. All because of Jane! I guess I have enough quilty "stuff" because those 2 things were the only things I had to have and ordered as soon as I got home.

Talk about inspiring. Show and Tell makes a person drool! I didn't ask the ladies if I could post their faces or their projects so I will keep those photo to myself. But let me tell you! Fabulous stuff.

Thanks for the great weekend, friends. Can't wait until the next one!

Hungry For Free Time

This morning I was getting out the Cheerios for my breakfast and without the aid of my glassies, I read on the side of the box "Hungry For Free Time". Then I put on my glassie to see what this was all about. What was actually written was "Hurray for Free Time". From the health and parenting experts at KidsHealth. So I checked it out and there are all kinds of fun things for kids.

Did you know that if you got to Cheerios.com and enter your box code, they will donate $1 to WomenHeart, supporting women living with heart disease. So rush out and buy your good for you Cheerios and be sure to get a box with the $500,000 banner on the front so you can find your box code and help raise a half a million dollars! Way to go Cheerios! Too bad you can't enter a code from any box. I tried. But not to worry, I'll buy more.

The funny thing is, I am truely hungry for free time. Yip, every once in a while, I need some Judy Time. You know what I mean, time to do what you want to do, when you want to do it. No clocks, no TV, no phones (I'll have my cel phone just in case!), no (sorry honey) hubby or dogs, no work. Just some quilty friends to talk to or not. To laugh with or cry. Snacks, chocolate, good home cooked meals--cooked by someone else and no dishes!

I get to sit down in front of my sewing machine and sew. I don't have to stop unless I want to. You never know when you might need a snack!!! And I do need to get up and move around a bit.

My bags are packed, I'm almost ready to go. I have a couple little things to do in the morning and then I am off to my retreat. I have my projects all packaged up and I know what order I want to work on them.

First thing I'll do is eat my Cheerios.

I Love My Dogs But...

 
 
...holy cow, they are so expensive!

DJ's shots--------------------$86
Uggie's shampoo & hair cut----$35
DJ's scrubbin'----------------$25

After all is said and done

Hugs and Kisses---------priceless

 

WhooHooo, I knew if I whined loud enough and long enough, I could show you this picture. Thanks blogger.

Ugly Fabric Challenge

Use your best blue whinie voice.......why won't blogger let her upload the picture of this quilt???

Last November at our quilt retreat, we played a game using ugly fabric. We were to bring 1 yard of ugly fabric. Then we ripped it in half, dropped a half, ripped, dropped, etc. At the end of the game, when the "What are we gonna do with this now?" question came up, I suggested we make something for charity out of it. Add some of your own fabrics, can't remember how many, and make something for someone else.

Last night I started to clear off my cutting table and I found my bag of uglies (which by the way, I didn't find one ugly fabric in the bag!) and figured I better get started. The retreat is in November after all and I have to have something for show. So I pulled out my notebook of patterns from Quiltville. I decided on the Chunky Churndash. And this is where I am now. I have one little piece of fabric left and I think I can get the 2 needed blocks out of it if I add another piece from my scrapbag and use the pink for the corners.

I didn't have to work today so I have spent my time obsessing about this top. I have all the hourglass blocks done and will do the 2 other blocks later today so I can sew the top together. I don't know what to use for the borders yet but I think I have enough fabric on my self to find something!

Now I have to get going and run a few errands. I need to go to the quilt shop and find a black batik for my May retreat project. I'm going to do an organized scrappy (I know--what a surprise!) quilt and I want my 2 background pieces to be constistant throughout the quilt.

It sure feels good to be productive again. I think I'm out of my slump for a few days. I've even been able to sew a little bit at work and have almost all of my half square triangles pieced for my depression block quilt.

Hi From Sunny Marana, Arizona

We got here on Thursday. I've discovered that I can't get up at 3 am and still have rational thoughts at 10 am. I was so tired I could hardly keep my head upright on my shoulders. When I finally took a 2 hour nap, I felt fine but was ready for bed about 7!

Yesterday we just fiddled around all day. Ernie, Elliot and I went to visit our friends, Tom and Tessie. Crystal and Mike went on a date to the golf course. Then we went shopping. I needed to go to Micheal's for a couple skeins of yarn for Ashlee's scarf. Then we had to go to Home Depot for Mike. Guys sure like to shop at the Depot. We left there with a truck full of new power tools and a gun safe--too bad they couldn't put it in their kitchen like ours are.

This morning after breakfast out, we went to Mission San Xavier del Bac.
It was kind of neat to see. When we walked into the chapel, I thought of of going to church with my Great Granny. She would have love seeing the Mission.

Then we came home so Elliot could nap and now nap time is over. Wonder what's next on the agenda. I've been having fun using Crystal's computer with her high speed internet. I get to look at lots of blogs in a short period of time. Sure don't miss my pokie ole dial up.

That's all for now. I'll post when we get back home.

Ain't We Purty?

This is Miss Amanda. Isn't she gorgeous!

This is Uggie after his trip to the groomer.

He's kinda purty now, don't ya think?

Can you see his Elvis smile?

This is Uggie

He was a scruffie looking little doggie. He needed lots of tender loving care. He has since been to the groomer for a hair cut, the vet for shots and neutering.

He's a happy little fellow. He fits in with the family like he has lived here forever. He is getting better with his manners and he is learning to come when called. He also likes to sneak up onto the beds when no one is looking. Yip, he's a happy fellow.

Quilt Designer

This is Miss Taylor. She loves to help design quilts. These blocks were started at Royal Ridges Quilt Retreat last November and have been aging in the baggie every since. The other day it was time to get the top together.

With as bit of help from Miss Taylor and Mr Ian, we have the top assembled and is ready for borders. My original plan was to continue the red line into the border with the background fabric that is used throughout. But you know how plans go---mine usually go right out the window. I have enough fabric for a few more blocks but not enough for a border. So on to plan B. I will find another piece to make it out of.

We just finished Easter dinner and the infamous egg hunt. It's raining so eggs have been hid several times in the kitchen. With Jenny and Crystal's families away, it was almost quiet at our house. We all missed you guys!

The bellies are full and kids have almost settled down to watch a movie. Poppy is in his chair and probably snoring by now. Gramma will get things ready for work tomorrow. It's been a bit slow at work so I'm thinking of at least loading the sewing machine and string block project bag in the car--"just in case".

All the Snews That is Snews!

There has been a bit going on around here in the last couple of weeks.

Happy Birthday to oldest daughter Jenny and Happy Birthday to youngest daughter DeeDee. I've spent alot of time this week remembering when my babies were babies. And now they have babies...ohmygoodnessgracious!

I've finally updated to new blogger and I how have a gmail account. Just wish I could update my pokie ole dialup! Come on TDS Telecom, think about the people that live out in the sticks.....and we aren't in the sticks, we just happen to be a bit too far from their tower. Like 1 1/2 miles too far!

What else--sewing news--I cut up the pieces I need for my quilted jacket class and I have my bias binding ready. Now I just have to get the sweatshirt to create the jacket out of. The class is Thursday. 3 day weekend, rainy Saturday, no plans, think I'll sew.

Oh I am mom to a new dog. 2 year old Bingie is a Peek-a-poo. He was listed on Craig's list and when I went to meet him, I fell in love with him and he was adopted. Everyone in the family and at work has changed his name to Ug-moe--don't ask! He has quickly become Ug. But after a visit to the groomer, he is UgNoMore! I'll post a pic soon.

Now lets see if I am capable of labeling this post and publishing this post. I know, lets call this Snews!

My Productive Weekend

I have a gazillion UFOs. I consider anything started and not completed to be a UFO and it is time I got some FOs. So this weekend was my time to get busy.

I finally finished my marble circle quilt top that was started in November at our quilt retreat. I had to go back and re-sew all of my black sashing because my 1/4" seams were waaaay too narrow... But now it is done and I am ready to quilt it. I have to get some fabric for the back but I know what I want and I hope they still have it. I'm going to use a smokie colored thread and quilt various size circles all over this quilt.

These are the marbled fabrics that I did with my Marbelous friend Sonya. I used Nancy Elliot MacDonald's templates and just started cutting fabric and this is where I ended up. I totally love this wallhanging and cannot wait to get it finish and on the wall.

If you strain your eyeballs and look on the left edge you can see just a trace of another quilt top underneath. It is a baby quilt top. The red, white and blue nine patch blocks have been in a UFO box for 3 years or so and I finally got them out, made a few more, sliced and diced them, arranged them, re-arranged them, sewed the top together and added a red border. It now needs to be quilted and given away.

I also sewed the back to another quilt together and pieced the batting. I have a bin of 10 1/2" squares that makes great scrappy backings. It is ready to put on the machine and quilt. Now I have to clear off the machine table, fill some bobbins and dance with my machine. Hopefully this week will lead to some finishes.

I went to the doctor on Thursday about my caprel tunnel. I left with splints for both hands, wear when sleeping (that's a joke) and when I can when I'm awake. She doesn't recommend surgery right now (thank you!) but she does recommend that I rest my hands and arms. You cannot go on a marathon knitting/sewing/computering binge with out taking breaks. When I told her I used to take breaks all the time (smokers do that ya know!), she told me to take water breaks. Funny girl!!!

So now I am going to take a water break. And then put on my cute splints and watch some TV with the big guy. Hmmmmm ice cream...that sounds good. 

Can You Believe It!

100 Days I am a non smoker!

Not Much Happening Around Here

Get up, go to work, come home, fix dinner, clean up, go to bed so you can get up and go to work. I love my dull, boring life.

Work has been a bit busy for winter time--don't these contractors know that this is my time of year to sew and now to knit. I've only taken my machine to work once this winter. It's been too busy so I have been knitting socks and hats. I'm not real fond of these bright green socks--really I love the color and they are quite toasty. I tried a new pattern, didn't make a swatch to check my gauge and the right sock is a bit big. I made the left sock to fit. I also am not real fond of this yarn, it split real bad and isn't really sock yarn but I got in some excellent practice.

I'm having a hard time adjusting to the fact that another of my children (ok adult children) are packing up and leaving. Jenny and her family are headed to Texas. I understand they have to do what is best for their family. I also understand that I am going to have to keep working so I can jump on an airplane and go visit. I don't have to like it! I just have to understand it. So here I am, trying my hardest to understand. I do, really I do.

What else is exciting-----I lifted up the laundry basket this morning and hurt my back. I knew I shouldn't do laundry. I fixed an awesome pot roast dinner today.

Ohhhhh, on Tuesday, I went to the doctor and she told me I need a test to confirm I have carpel tunnel so something can be done with it. And on Wednesday, I had a mammogram! I do lead an exciting life. On Thursday, I got a phone call to schedule my test and I get to do that next Friday. Look at this children of mine, I have to drive to Portland.

After my mammo, I went to Joann's--they were having a sale~like when aren't they~--and I bought 2 sets of circular needles and 2 skeins of Wool-Ease yarn to knit 2 socks at a time. I bought a book with awesome instructions and pictures. I'm too lazy right now to look it up. I had to finish the hat I was working on, the sock I was working on and the orange dish cloth before I could start with the cir needles. I got to start those last night.

I did sit down at my sewing machine a few days ago and made myself a cute red purse. I think the sewing machine is feeling a bit lonely again. I need to pay more attention to is this week. I'm going to try to sew for 30 minutes each evening. Wish me luck!

Ostrich With Attitude

We went to the Ostrich Ranch and got to feed the critters. The deer were fun to feed. There was one that was a bit nippy but I think it was still quite young.

The ostrich terrified me! I thought I'd be clever and let them eat out of my cup instead of my hand. He took the cup and almost jerked my arm out of the socket--not really but it scared me so that's my story.

We left the ranch with a couple of feather dusters and bunch of stories.

Vacations are great. 

Bye Bye Gramma & Poppy

Poor little Elliot, can you see what he thinks of Gramma and Poppy leaving him! Pppppttttttttt!

Gramma feels the same way. It was really hard to leave Arizona. I miss the kids. I miss the smoochies and giggles. I miss the conversations. I miss the relaxation. I miss going out to eat. I miss the weather. (Except that one night when it was real cold at the softball game.) Heck, I even miss Mike! And Tiny, oh I will miss seeing Tiny.

It was a party for Elliot's 1st birthday (and the super bowl). Mike had family and friends from out of town there. Elliot was not left alone for a minute.

I can't figure out where all the days have gone. Wasn't he just born??? He is now almost walking. He figured out how to flip the lever door handles to get the door to the bathroom open--snicker, snicker. Wonder how Mommy and Daddy are gonna fix that little problem!!! snickering again! I love being the Gramma and not having to worry about the little details. Every cupboard in the kitchen except one (that belongs to himself), has a child proof lock on it. If you open it, he is right there to get into it.

Today I had to go back to work--not real happy about that but need money for airline tickets and hobbies. Do you think it would be a nice leisurely day? Heck no, it was busy busy. I just wanted to have a little knitting time, didn't get much of that done but I sold a heck of a lot of rock.

I got to knit at Crystal's. I'm not a good passenger so I took my knitting everywhere so I wouldn't suck all of the air out of the car as we are cruising at 75mph! I worked my second pair of socks (which are finished and I wore to work today) and made a scarf while I was there. When I got home, I had a box of sock yarn waiting for me. Can't wait to get that on the needles. I have 3 dish clothes started and I'm going to finish them this week so I can work on socks. I am really trying not to have a bunch of UFOs like I have with my quilting. The dishclothes are great to take in when I'm riding in the car. But darn it, I want to make socks. I also had a book here waiting for me to teach me how to work from the toe up on 2 socks at a time. Not sure if I'm ready for that yet. Besides, I don't have any circular needles--told you I have to work. There is always stuff to buy.

So I am off here to get into my pjs and knit for a bit. It's hard not to cast on for the 1st sock.