TA-DA!!!!! ....and some pictures

The big news of the day - I have finished the top of the Seneca Falls quilt! YIPPEE!!!!! It measures about 116" X 116". It has literally taken me years to complete this project. Now to get it ready for the final quilting.

Close up of the quilt top.... first time I'd ever made New York Beauty blocks (the blocks that look like the sun with "rays" coming out).

A bee enjoying the lovely pink flowers.

A butterfly enjoying the same flowers. This is the time of year we start watching for the monarch butterflies as they migrate to Mexico for the winter. It is not uncommon to see MANY butterflies at a time.

This seems to be some sort of lily.

Until I have more to share.....

TOPSY-TURVY

Saturday was one of those days were nothing went as planned. Everything got rearranged for one reason or another.

I didn't go to Galveston as had originally been planned (only one vehicle per residence was allowed on the island), so I decided I'd devote the day to sewing on my quilt; hopefully completing it.

First I decided to clean the pool. That was an involved process because there was mustard algae to kill. This is an airborne algae that is difficult to eradicate when there are as many windy days as we've had lately. I took the water sample to the pool supply store and upon analysis I was given a detailed handout of the procedure I needed to follow. Nearly $100 later (pool chemicals), 2 and a half hours later (after adding the chemicals at prescribed intervals, circulating through the pool system for a specified duration, and then brushing the pool in between each step), and after following all the directions, I was finished with that little chore... which is not little by any means!

Next I decided I would go visit Kayla (I was taking care of her during the day while Harry was in Galveston getting Janelle's belongings), let her out to do her doggy thing, and water my veggie garden. Snails or something have been attacking the cabbage leaves, so not only did I water, I also dusted everything for pests.

By now it was well after 2:30 PM and I'd yet to sew Stitch One on my intended sewing project.

After driving the mom-taxi a few times, picking up some items at the grocery store, and making sure my son got some nutritional sustenance I was finally able to sit down to work on my quilt ......AT 10:15 PM!!!!!!!

It is now 1:20 AM and I can report that I have completed all 4 of the pieced borders and lack only to attach them. I will do that tomorrow (or soon) and then share a picture.

Speaking of pictures.... we got the proof of Ross's senior class picture and I am so happy. It is truly a wonderful picture of my almost-grown son.

Time for bed.

Until later today.....

RECENT EVENTS

First, a quilting report: I am happy to say I only have TWO.... yes, only T-W-O more blocks to make before I can complete the assembly of my king-size quilt. Yippee!!!

Wednesday night we ventured to a Texas Ranger baseball game. The Rangers aren't known for anything great... no great record, no great players, no great pitchers, no great winning streaks. However, as a first time visitor to their [relatively] new ballpark, I can say at least that much about the Rangers is great! The ballpark is beautiful. From the street you can barely tell it is a stadium, looking more like an office complex than an outdoor sporting venue.

We were headed toward our seats, came around a bend in the ramp and BAM..... this was the sight to behold. This, of course, is the new stadium where the Dallas Cowboys will begin their season next year. I had no idea the two arenas were so close together.

The stands on the third base side (opposite from where we sat on the first base side).

Oh how I love the zoom lens!

Sadly, the score got worse!! The final was 17 - 4... not in favor of the Rangers!

Last night was the opening night of Addison [Texas] Oktoberfest. It is an annual event. I rarely drink ein Bier, but once a year I feel it is my obligation to renew the privilege to call myself German! (Heredity-speaking, I am over one-half German, with or without ein Bier!!)

There is something about polkas, accordions, yodeling, lederhosen, and oompah bands!

Getting the crowd in the act... or getting into the crowd?

Bavarian costumes. This group is at Oktoberfest every year. They do folk dancing demonstrations in addition to the Schuhplattler Tanzen. (Shoe-slapping dances; mainly "boastful" dances done by the men in an attempt to catch the eyes of the women as they pretend to ignore the men).

It has been an action packed few days with perfect weather for these outings. Cool nights and warm days.

Until the next adventure or two...

AUTUMN... AT LAST! (and a few other notes)

The weather the past few days has been perfect! As I was walking to my SUV yesterday afternoon I had a thought: A day like today makes you forget all about the recent 100+ degree days on which you vowed you hated the heat, were going to leave as soon as you had the chance, and a myriad of other sworn oaths (some under the breath and some not).

The cool mornings make all the difference. Walking outside in the morning to temperatures in the 50s makes it all worthwhile.

The fall garden is planted, although I do need to plant some bearded iris and daffodil bulbs this afternoon. We planted tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, and cabbage. I am hoping this agricultural experiment is a success. I took pictures. The cabbage is growing visibly in the few days it has been planted. (Unfortunately, so are the weeds!)

It may be too late for tomatoes, but a couple weeks ago it was so hot the transplants would have surely fried under the sun.

This is where I planted broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce. It needed to be protected by the fencing to keep some little dog I know from eating the leaves of the greens!!

Notice the jalapeno peppers that continue to grow!

I also wish Janelle a very happy 21st birthday. (It was Monday, as was my brother's 50th birthday). I am wishing them both longevity, health, and prosperity.

Tonight we are going to a Texas Rangers baseball game. I have never seen the new baseball stadium, so this will be a treat. Of course, I plan to take pictures.

Until then...

UPDATE ... STAYING BUSY

I've cut out 25 of the 42 blocks remaining and have completed 10 of them. Also heard from the quilter and plan to have this ready to send to her by the middle of October. I can do this!!!

Forgot to mention that I planted a fall vegetable garden yesterday. I've been very sore in my arms and shoulders as a result of all the weeding, digging, and planting. Tomorrow when the sun shines again I will take some photos!

Later......

STAYING BUSY ON A RAINY DAY

Anyone making a project using the delicious collection Portobello Market by 3 Sisters for Moda? (I used a link to FQShop since it showed all the prints in the FQ bundle). This is one of the prettiest collections of fabric I've seen in recent times... or maybe it is just one of the few to catch my eye!

The block below is the latest installment for the Mystery Block of the Month some of us are doing. The lighting in the room is gloomy today so the colors seem distorted despite the use of a flash.

As I was uploading the picture of Block 4, I realized I'd never taken a picture of Block 3, so I've compensated by adding a photo of all 4 blocks to date.

I have been making Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup today. It is my favorite thing to eat, and in fact, often eat it for breakfast. I got in that habit after a stay in the hospital in which I could only eat very soft things. So I eat lots of Chicken Noodle Soup. I prefer it rather plain.... noodles, chicken, carrots, celery, and parsley.

I received the quilt backing I ordered so now there is nothing preventing me from completing the Seneca Falls project I started ages ago. I need to contact the quilter to see if she can make a slot for me. I'm not in a hurry... better late than never... and as the Dear Jane group espouses, better finished than perfect!!

Another item I recently ordered arrived in the mail yesterday. I decided I want to make vintage aprons to wear when I cook. Anyone who is around me when I cook will tell you that I am a very messy cook. I find it a waste to use paper towels every time I wash my hands or a utensil, so I have perfected the art of using my oversized tshirt or house dress as my apron/towel. However, I have promised myself I cannot begin the apron journey until I complete the remaining 42 blocks for my bed quilt! This is doable!!

Until I have more progress to report....

CONTINUING THE TREND...update

I have now completed 38 of the 80 blocks. I'm getting there!!! Everything I had cut is made. Now to cut the pieces for the remaining 42 blocks!

I've decided I want to make a vintage bib apron... something from the 40s or 50s. Oh the fun I am having as I surf the net looking for patterns. Anyone with knowledge of a good pattern or a site where such a thing can be found is welcome to comment or email me.

Until another update....

CONTINUING THE TREND...

Today I've been sewing. I got up early with plans for an outing, but those plans got rewritten and I put the at-home time to good use by sewing on some of my unfinished projects. (UFOs in the quilting world). The picture below shows some pillowcases to complement the Christmas quilt I just finished putting together. The fabric choices for the pillowcases are fabrics featured in the quilt. The set on the left are standard size and the cases on the right are king-sized. Now I can move forward getting the top layered, quilted, and bound.

I am changing my thinking on whether or not to get the Christmas quilt machine-quilted by a professional. I am nearing completion on a king-sized quilt top that will be on my bed during the non-Christmas season (i.e. the rest of the year). I am thinking it might be better to have the everyday quilt professionally done and then machine quilt the Christmas top myself. I am not that good at machine quilting and to do a king-size top will take a great deal of time. These are the identical reasons why I should have the more visible quilt done by a professional.


The blocks below are a sampling of the blocks I need to make in order to complete the other king-size quilt I am making for my bed. A total of 80 blocks need to be made. I have completed 19, have 19 more cut and ready to sew. Then there will be 40 more to make, but I at least have the prints "paired up" the way I want to make them. Huh??? Did you notice I only accounted for 78 blocks? That is because the first 2 blocks that I made were cut wrong and finished at the wrong size. I need to round up some scraps large enough to cut pieces for the 2 remaining blocks. I have plenty. Likewise, I will be making pillowcases to match this quilt, too. The backing fabric is on order and should be arriving in the mail within the next couple of days.

There are many plans for upcoming adventures. County fairs, wine festivals, Oktoberfest, a first-time outing to the baseball stadium to watch the Texas Rangers play the Detroit Tigers, and more. In the meantime we continue to swim and enjoy the sunshine. Not many signs of autumn around here yet!! Will share photos of these events as they become available.

Until then....

AN ACCOMPLISHMENT AND AN ADVENTURE

A major accomplishment! I finished the top of a Christmas quilt I've been working on for what seems like years! Now to get it ready for quilting and binding.

Yesterday morning we left Dallas early to take a load of belongings to Galveston for Janelle. College starts on Monday morning and she was moving into her apartment for the year. Here are some highlights of the trip. The day was wonderful. We left about 6:30 a.m and returned this morning about 2:00 a.m. A long day... but an adventure.

Houston skyline:

The architecture along The Strand on Galveston Island is exquisite. Charming and quaint. Every year toward Christmas there is a Dickens festival on The Strand. I can picture the Dickensonian costumes to perfection in this setting.

This is an offshore drilling platform in dry dock... perhaps it is being repaired or dismantled.

Some of my favorite "people"... of the two-legged and four-legged variety!

The beach is a sight to behold. The deafening sound of the waves is calming despite the enormous power being generated as they crash upon the land. God does such good work!

We watched the huge freighters as they passed in the ship lane, headed up to Houston in the ship channel or out to sea.

A sampling of island wildlife. Fiddler crabs and hermit crabs are abundant in the tidal pools we investigated. It is difficult to photograph hermit crabs since they hide in shells. You never see the creature inhabiting the shell vacated by snails and the like. But you can be sure when you see a snail shell scurrying along at breakneck speed there is a hermit crab inside!

Barnacles are beautiful in my opinion.

I stood watching this crane as he "fished" for his evening meal.

Until the next adventure...

TIME TO SHARE

Whew!!! The days have gone quickly and I've not updated the blog in quite a few days. I've been busy; first with work, then with hobbies and chores. Time to share some pictures....

Here is the 3rd block for the Mystery BOM being done at Fat Quarter Shop. The collection of fabric is Peace on Earth by Moda. Very soft holiday hues.

Here is the progress on the other BOM I've been doing.... Dash of Christmas Spirit using Vintage Holiday fabrics by April Cornell. This is a king size bed quilt and, as you can see, takes up a great deal of space when spread on the floor for a photo!! It currently measures 96" square and I need to add some border prints to give it a more finished look. I have received the backing fabric I ordered, so will be ready to send this one to be quilted as soon as I can get the final details completed.

I am amazing myself! The picture below is yet another BOM I started years ago. I've been working on it lately and now lack the 16" borders on each edge. It also is king-sized, but this one will be machine quilted by me.

I don't have the money to send all of them to a professional quilter, so I only send the very special ones. The Christmas quilt is special, only because I always wanted to have Christmas quilts for the beds in the house so I can decorate the rooms during the holiday.

Back to the picture..... I really like the narrow red section. This was not called for in the original pattern, but I've decided I prefer this to the original. There is a distinct advantage to putting a project away and bringing it out for completion after an extended time. My perspective on the appearance is now changed and fresh ideas on how to finish the top are popping into my head. I will also be making pillow cases to match this one.

There was one other adventure which I can share. I had intended to share pictures of the event, but there are too many and most don't mean much except to those "who know". This is the final year the Dallas Cowboys football team will be using Texas Stadium for games. The new stadium is getting more and more stadium-like in appearance, as you can see in pictures I've shared in previous posts. As a special celebration of this final year, the franchise opened Texas Stadium last night to the public so we could watch the Cowboys practice. The special other had never been inside the stadium (and I hadn't been since 1974!), so we thought it would be fun to go take pictures before the stadium is demolished and "no more". We saw old former Cowboys... Tony Dorsett, Calvin Hill, Cliff Harris, Randy White, and many more I can't recall. We saw the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders perform a dance. (Harry liked this part the best, I think). It started pouring heavily midway through the activities, so we got to see torrential rain pour through the opening which gets the field soaked but keeps the stands dry.

Next week I'll have some fun pictures to share (I hope). I am going to the gulf coast this weekend as we deliver Janelle's belongings to her college campus. I hope to spend time on the beach and at the pier taking pictures. Unless the weather doesn't cooperate.

Until then.....

PROGRESS REPORT

I finally reached a stopping point and took a break long enough to share those photos I promised. The next installment of the Mystery BOM from Fat Quarter Shop was received and promptly completed. The "special other" doesn't like the colors. He claims they look too matronly and remind him of something his grandmother would have. ROFL .... to me that is a good thing. It means it conveys the notion of nostalgia.... the very thing that calms my being. He likes bright, vivid colors. And when it comes to Christmas colors only the brightest, truest hues will do in his mind! In this instance I disagree with him... unless we are talking lime green in lieu of pine green for the holidays! (I have a holiday tablerunner pattern and fabrics that are the brightest lime, turquoise, and cherry colors you ever saw!)

This is the latest progress on the king-size Christmas quilt that Cindy and I have each been doing. She is finished. I lack a narrow border and then the final, outer border. At the present the top is measuring 96" square. I will add borders to make the final dimensions 109" x 109". WOW!! It is huge. The main reason I am slowing in my progress now is because the top is so large, so bulky, and so HOT during these days of infernal heat. But I am plodding forward and hope to complete the borders in short order.

Of course we have been watching the Olympics. Since this is a household with a swimmer, we are glued to the TV screen whenever Michael Phelps is swimming. My son's best events include backstroke and butterfly so he is particularly enthralled when those are the heats being featured.

One final word..... Cindy, you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. A big quilty hug to you.

Until I have something further to say.....

MORE LATER...

I've been busy. The plan at the moment is to stay on task and share some pictures soon.

Until then....

*SIGH* of Contentment

All is right with the world again. The special other is home safely and I have made a serious dent in the pile of blocks needed to complete the Christmas quilt. I only have 22 more blocks to go! Wow....I've assembled 60 blocks since the post last Monday decrying the need to make "only" 82 more.

I did some very uncharacteristic things this weekend. First, I went to a local quilt shop to see the sample blocks they had on display for the upcoming 1st Saturday Club. I thought about signing up until I saw the blocks. I was very disappointed. None of the colors were anything I'd consider remotely interesting. So I walked away from the store empty handed. Didn't hurt my feelings one bit. I tried to find something to buy, I really did.

Then I went on a quest for some Guava Jelly. I have a recipe that calls for a glaze which contains guava jelly. The nearby "regular" grocery store didn't carry any. Knowing that guava is native to Mexico and regions south, I tried the Mexican food aisle at the grocery. Still no luck. I decided to try the Azteca Meat Market down the street. Yes, they had it, but talk about being out of my element. There was not one sign in the store posted in English.

I entertained thoughts of going to Goodwill or Salvation Army stores to find a replacement blender. I have bad luck with blenders. I usually break the jar/canister portion. This time the motor burned out. Well actually, the gear that turns the blade in the bottom of the pitcher got stripped. My son has no idea who did it, but he was the last one to use the blender to make an ice cream milk shake. Must have been a blender gremlin.

Now I am tired. It's been an exhausting week and a tiresome weekend. Tiresome because of the ungodly temperatures. It was still 99 degrees at 10:15 this evening when the news was broadcasting. Tomorrow the local meteorologists promise temperatures in excess of 107. Oh goody!!! Can hardly wait.

Until another time....

T G I F ! ! !

Life has swirled around me as though I'm in a daze. First of all, the heat outside is oppressive!! Positively stifling. Even walking out the door in the morning to go to work feels like blasting your face in a furnace... or moist sauna depending on how high the humidity. Puts a person in a real funk.... and that is where I stay.

The "special other" is still out of town. Let's skip that topic altogether, thank you! Finally talked to him last night for about an hour so those doldrums subsided to a more tolerable level.

My seventeen year old is being squirrely, for lack of a better term. His age should tell you all you need to know about that one!

I want to sew and cook. The cycle perpetuates. Those are the activities to which I resort when I am feeling stressed. I am beginning to wonder if there is anything that will hasten the dissipation of these feelings.

Recent changes at my main place of employment have been welcomed as positive changes. That is at least one thing I am NOT stressed about.

Things are slowly coming around.... slowing looking brighter. We'll see.

Until I work this out.....