Quilter's Corner

January 2, 2012

2012-01-02T18:44:00.001-06:00

What did I do over the holiday? Not much I guess when you see the accomplishment of one of my parakeets. She laid three eggs! Here's the picture of the proud mom with the first egg.

Happy New Year - 2012

2012-01-01T17:28:00.001-06:00

Today's weather: cold with high winds so I'm putting my new DVR to good use. NEVER had one, so far I've watched 2 Perry Mason episodes and now I'm watching a repeat of a NASCAR race!

Started the day at church so I think 2012 is heading in the right direction.

Wool Baskets

2011-11-07T20:27:00.004-06:00

Isn't this little wool block adorable!

July 20, 2011

2011-07-20T18:46:00.003-05:00

I think this picture tells the story. This is considered HOT in Chicago!

Don't you love my previous posts ..... makes you think about our wonderful winter ....... that everyone complained about! LOL

Feb 3

2011-07-20T18:04:00.003-05:00

And here he is snacking on a squirrel outside my patio!

2011-07-20T18:04:00.001-05:00

This weather gave me a great opportunity to put my pioneer spirit in gear. Hark, I've spotted a food source!

2011-07-20T18:04:00.000-05:00

Dressing for the storm!

2011-07-20T18:02:00.001-05:00

The same bird bath when I woke up on Wednesday morning!

2011-07-20T18:02:00.000-05:00

The heated bird bath on Tuesday, Feb.1 at 4PM before the big storm kicks into gear!

Feb 3

2011-07-20T18:01:00.004-05:00

This is the guy I've been waiting to capture on film! I finally have some great pics of this hawk. Molly, Tony and I saved a squirrel in the process.

Guild night is a "no" go!

2011-01-18T19:46:00.000-06:00

Too icy here to travel to guild - boo hoo - I wanted to show my quilt! It was going to be an applique night.

The border

2011-01-18T19:44:00.000-06:00

This is the fabric to finish the Bible Quilt. They will be cut 1 inch - kinda small but I love the fabric with the blocks - no sashing between the blocks!

Bible quilt

2011-01-18T19:41:00.000-06:00

It's 8pm and look what I put together! I will put a thin border to finish it off. I just had to share this Country Threads BOM from 1998. I was inspired to finish this quilt after reading Jan Patek's blog. She designed the blocks after the Bible Quilt by Harriet Powers which also happens to be one of my favorite historical quilts.

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

2010-11-09T23:09:00.000-06:00

November 10, 1975 R.I.P.

2010-11-09T23:05:00.001-06:00

Memory Reminders from a friend

2010-11-09T18:38:00.003-06:00

I still can't believe I saw this!

Nov. 7, 2010

2010-11-07T20:01:00.000-06:00

Denny wins at Texas!!!!!!!

Spent Saturday cleaning the sewing room. It started with just moving a few items and the next thing you know I'm getting garbage bags, cleaning and rearranging!

So I started ......... a UFO list ....... I can't believe it. I've avoided this but now ..... let's get a handle on all my projects. I noticed that on the trip to Williamsburg I didn't buy much at local quilt shops. I think all the projects back home were stopping me.

I'll let you know how many I have but not today!!!!!

Sept. 7, 2010

2010-09-07T22:30:00.000-05:00

It has been a very long time since the last post. I've been busy - started a new job.
I did get some quilting in .... took 4 tops to my machine quilter. I just finished the binding on one. And cut out the second binding. picked out the floss for an embroidered mini quilt in a 30's design.

Sounds around us!

2010-06-04T17:05:00.000-05:00

June 1, 2010

2010-06-01T23:23:00.000-05:00

Spent the Memorial Day weekend - SEWING!!!!!!! I can't believe it -I set up my little sewing machine in the dining room so I could watch racing (NASCAR) while I sewed. I am in a half square triangle swap so I need to get 700 sewed by next Tuesday. I'm on a roll. Can I make it? I will keep you posted.

I also walked dogs, played with dogs, loved dogs and fed dogs! I even had time to do laundry and clean out my traveling sewing suitcase!

IQF

2010-04-22T22:50:00.000-05:00

Houston in Chicago was great!!!!!!! Enjoyed many booths: Mary Flanagan's wool booth was a great find. Her items were unique, very HARD to find around here. Loved Edyta Sitar's Laundry Basket Quilts booth. Bought 4 books at Quilting Books Unlimited. Needed a push cart to carry the stuff I found at Primitive Gatherings. Wanted EVERYTHING at Country Threads, including Mary's new baby goats!

I didn't just shop - I did see the quilts. As a matter of fact I think the Antique Quilts on display were inspiring. I wanted to soak up the designs. I couldn't take enough pictures.They made me just want to go home and start sewing right away.

So sad that they will not be back. I hope they change their minds.

April 4, 2010

2010-04-04T21:57:00.003-05:00

Easter Sunday - spent with my family. Laughing, retelling memories and sharing good food! It doesn't get better than that.

Did something last night that I've never done in 58 years of living ....... went to the Easter Vigil at my church - and it was all because of my dogs - God DOES work in mysterious ways!

How did it come about? Saturday night I thought long and hard about how to manage two dogs and go to an early Sunday morning mass. I can't sneak out like I could with just Molly. (Tony will see me go out to the garage.) So I decided to go to the Easter Vigil. My parish did such a beautiful job with this liturgy - why weren't more people here? I wanted more people to experience the joy of being Catholic because, let's face it, how often does that happen? Check out the news! Lately = never.

I also went to a Thursday night (11:30PM) prayer service. And again I experienced the incredible beauty of a Catholic prayer experience that is based on a rich tradition.

This Easter experience enriched and recharged my soul.

March 15, 2010

2010-03-15T20:26:00.002-05:00

The first Monday after the time change - how do the birds know this? Do they wear little tiny watches? They must because this morning I heard them all and it sounded WONDERFUL!

Couch Potato

2010-03-06T23:30:00.001-06:00

I've fb, blogged, read blogs, checked emails, and now I'm watching a marathon session of the Godfather movies ...... one of the best Triology ever made.

March 6, 2010

2010-03-06T21:51:00.002-06:00

Saturday, Saturday!!!!!!!! TGIS!!!!!!!
Went to a Winter Picnic hosted by NSQG in Rolling Meadows. Sewed from 9 to 3 and I mean SEWED ....... I finished 9 of the Triangle Papers (Edyta Sitar) for the June fabric swap at Heritage Quilt Guild. I didn't think I could do it ..... so now I am re-infused to work on this quilt project. I've been working a lot lately and it felt GOOD to get out and laugh and talk and eat and SEW!!!!!

March Madness?????

2010-03-04T21:44:00.002-06:00

I can't believe it I actually went into the sewing room today! I am working on a fabric exchange using a Laundry Basket Quilts pattern that was designed by Edyta Sitar. I need to make 700 half square triangles but using Edyta's tpp I think I may get them done.
On Monday I finished a quilt for a good friend who's battling cancer. The quilt has the name of all her co-workers quilted into the top.

So I am actually sewing!

Daytona Weekend

2010-02-14T22:19:00.002-06:00

I finally got up off the couch at about 8:30PM on Sunday evening. I started watching at about 9:15PM on Friday - that's a lot of racing! I've even been falling asleep with the TV set to the Speed channel. It's been a hoot - like a Daytona vacation.

The race was thrilling and I loved the asphalt repair delay.

But the end, with Jamie McMurray taking the checkered flag, gave me goose bumps. Dale coming in 2nd was AWESOME!

I can't understand how anyone can say that NASCAR is boring. Take a look at a tape of today's race!

Super Bowl Sunday

2010-02-07T22:30:00.002-06:00

How did you celebrate? I sewed!!!!!!! Walked my dogs and did some awesome shopping with a friend. That's how you celebrate Super Bowl Sunday when you are a NASCAR fan and there really isn't any racing to watch - cuz I watched it all yesterday. Yeah, Harvick!

NASCAR is back!

2010-02-04T21:54:00.001-06:00

Oh yes, it is back!!!!! Watched the selection process. Happy about Mark even though he goes to the back.

February 1, 2010

2010-02-01T21:57:00.001-06:00

I am glad January is done! It is such a long month with too much snow.

Clean sewing room but I haven't sewed yet!!!!!

Saturday

2010-01-30T23:42:00.003-06:00

I spent all day in my sewing room and I didn't make a single stitch all I did was clean and organize. I can finally see the floor of the room. I have projects organized - I've got lots of UFOs - but not as many as I thought. I will be taking them to guild with me to see if I can sell them.

Now I want to sew!

January 25, 2010

2010-01-25T21:44:00.003-06:00

I haven't posted for a while. I've been in a funk. I haven't been in my quilting room except to cut newspapers for the bottom of my parakeets' cage...... I've decided that I need to get into a new routine. It's funny because as I've been reading lots of blogs I keep seeing that same theme ...... people in "funks", they can't do anything except sit on the couch and now they are jumping off the couch and re-organizing. Is it winter? In my area we haven't seen the sun for months - LOL - it seems that way. Okay it's probably been weeks.

I am sitting here watching an episode of Hoarders - have you seen the show? Nothing makes me jump up off the couch and start to clean like this show! People seem to lead such ordinary/normal lives and then the STUFF takes over!!!! I can't get to my garbage bags fast enough!

I am doing a major overhaul and reorganization of the sewing room to such a point that I am getting rid of projects. Maybe I can use these UFOs as gifts!

Dec. 31, 2009

2009-12-31T22:13:00.001-06:00

New Years Day:
Perry Mason marathon
sewing

Priceless!

New Years Eve?

2009-12-31T22:08:00.002-06:00

As I sit here it is 10PM soon the celebrations will step up into high gear. In many ways I am glad to bid 2009 adios BUT what will 2010 bring ......... that is the unknown. I think the only thing that is certain about the new year is that we will have change.

I just wish everyone - peace!

Worst Decade?

2009-12-21T16:16:00.005-06:00

This morning I heard a radio report that this decade is considered the WORST decade in the history of the USA. Wow, the worst? Now that's a statement.

Then I started to think about it ......... from 2000 to 2009

my mom died
my husband divorced me
husband married again
9/11
sold a big home
got rid of lots of stuff so I could move into a smaller home
bought a little home
put a family dog to sleep
adopted two great dogs
left a job that I'd had for 28 years (with a commute of 1 1/2 hours, one way)
started a new job (with a commute of 2 1/2 minutes)
turned 50
started dating
stopped dating LOL
prayed through the illnesses of close friends
dealt with the death of a 26 year old co-worker
worked through the ups and downs of my teaching career
maneuvered through changing traditions
developed new traditions
sold a car that my husband had picked out
bought a car that I liked
sold that car
bought another car that I liked
went to DSL
went to Washington, D.C.
went to the Quilter's Hall of Fame
saw the Grace Snyder quilt
started to color my hair
learned to text so I could vote on American Idol
started to blog, tweet, librarything, goodreads, shutterfly, FB, im, skype etc.
developed a great bird watching retreat right outside my door
bought new windows for my home
discovered the beauty of Door County and declared it my "someday" home
learned to take really good pictures with my digital camera
quilted in a 12 million dollar mansion
discovered the world of NASCAR

more to come as I think of them ...........

I don't think of it as the worst decade maybe more of a formative decade ...........

December 19, 2009

2009-12-19T21:10:00.002-06:00

Today I woke up at 4AM feeling icky....... couldn't go downstairs because I didn't want to wake up Mr. Tony so I medicated myself and then did what I do best ........ turned on TV to surf! Lo and behold I found a NASCAR show - I didn't even care what it was (I think NASCAR Angels) I instantly felt better. I just laid there and listened!

How much longer until Daytona?????? (read that in a whining voice)

Why doesn't the Speed channel rerun the season NOW? Wouldn't that be a great idea? Are you listening Speed channel execs?

Finished a great book (in one day, because it was on the Lucky Day shelf and that is just too much pressure)........... ready? here it is ......... Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog Now don't be put off by the title. It is hysterical! It is a compilation of the author's best newspaper columns . Her columns must be just observations of everyday life! Very Erma Bombak ish but edgier!

On the other side of the library shelf - so to speak - I also just finished A Dog Named Christmas. It was recently released as a Hallmark movie. I was worried that the book would be "hollywoodized" but they kept trued to the essence of the story. To tell you how good it was, the movie started at 8:00 by 8:05 I was sobbing. It is a great Christmas book and movie. I think I may give it as Christmas gifts because then I can FORCE people to read it.

Nov. 22, 2009

2009-11-22T22:59:00.002-06:00

I haven't posted for quite a while...... lots going on.......

Watched the Homestead race - I hope Mark Martin is proud of what he's accomplished this year. A 2nd place spot is a great milestone.

Reading......
Modoc
Christmas Dog
Everything for a Dog
Christmas Letters
An Irish Country Christmas

Day 2

2009-09-27T19:07:00.004-05:00

Sunday - went to the shelter to formally adopt "Tony". I took another look at him, took him for a walk and then sat with him on a couch while we waited for the adoption lady. When we went into the room to fill out the papers Tony decided to jump up on her chair every time she got up.

I am now officially nuts!

Am I nuts?

2009-09-26T20:43:00.003-05:00

Saturday - went to a meet and greet at the local dog store and it turns out they were hosting an adoption event with a local shelter. Everyone knows that Molly and I have been looking to add another four footed member to our house for a LONG time. I'd pretty much given up on this nutty dream of mine. I knew the dog couldn't be just any dog - it had to be special. He/She had to be of a much lower energy level than Molly. It couldn't be a dog that I liked - it had to be a dog that Molly liked. Wouldn't you know - when you least expect it - the THUNDERBOLT hits! We found a dog at the meet and greet - a long haired dachshund! His name was Stewart and he's 2 years old. He came from downstate Quincy and was sent up to this shelter because his time was up.

Should I or shouldn't I! Molly met him and didn't try to bite his head off or drool all over so I said let's do it - it's now or never. Read my two dog blog for the rest of story!

My Parakeets

2009-09-14T22:10:00.002-05:00

I've got two birds - Whitey and Billie! Two parakeets - love them!!!! Haven't had a parakeet since the 80's. How did I come up with the names? Well one bird is snowy white and the other is blue. How did I end up with two? A teacher at school wanted to get rid of them so I rescued them.

I have a great parakeet cage. It is probably about 50 years old! I guess you could call it the family parakeet cage. It is tall and round. The birds climb up and down all day long. They chirp and play with toys. I love the sounds they make - little tappy pecks, tiny yodeling sounds, chortling sounds and screamy sounds (when they get mad at each other).

They are very clean too - of course, it helps that the dogs eat up any seeds that fly out of the cage!

Remodeling

2009-09-14T21:57:00.002-05:00

My friend Moe has inspired me to tackle many of the projects around my home that I've put off. So today I met with my contractor ..... Moe's contractors didn't want to leave I bet my guy didn't want to stay......

First I was late to the appointment by 45 minutes! I NEVER do that!

Next he came into the house through my psychedelic garage.

Then as we are talking my phones start ringing like I'm a celebrity (it seems school's emergency phone tree was sending out messages). Then the phone starts ringing again 'cuz the school's IT guy was trying to call me.

Then Molly throws up.

At this point I am getting nervous so I start TALKING -like someone put a quarter in me!

I take the guy upstairs to see the bathroom all the while my birds are chirping like they are auditioning for American Idol, the dog is barking, the phone is ringing!

My prediction ........ his bid will be HIGH just so I won't give him the job! LOL

Sept. 11, 2009

2009-09-14T20:59:00.005-05:00

The 8th year - it doesn't seem possible.

To keep the memory fresh for me I watched the documentary 102 Minutes That Changed America from 11:00PM until about 2:00AM - very powerful, almost painful to watch. I feel it is something that every high school and college should show on 9-11, lest we forget.

I also watched the Rick Rescorla documentary "The Man Who Predicted 9-11". What an amazing story - why didn't anyone listen to this man? Read the books about his life and his story leading up to 9-11 - it is so very frustrating and yet I am amazed at his courage.

I also think about a man I never met, Robert Vicario - I have his prayer card - from the prayer service I attended on the first Sunday after the tragedy in 2001. Robert and his family have been in my thoughts and prayers ever since - here's the irony - I went to church on the Sunday before 9-11-09 and as a remembrance the pastor at my church had a book set up that contained biographies of all the victims of Sept. 11, 2001. I had a chance - the first time - to actually see his pic and read about his life. I had read his 2001 memory book for his funeral service but seeing his face and reading about his life made it more of a personal wrong.

To this day I still can't believe the Sept. 11th is not an official day of mourning - I think it should be!

Books

2009-08-30T16:55:00.003-05:00

I can't stop reading .........

Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza. How were we able to ignore this whole situation? I don't understand that! Where was the world?

Welcome to the 21st Century!

2009-08-30T16:48:00.002-05:00

Yes ..... it has happened I am moving into the 21st Century and it wasn't due to reluctance it was because my pocketbook couldn't move that fast!!!!!

I have an iPod - classic, baby! 120G of music nirvana!!!! I can play my favorite songs in the car, in my home ANYWHERE!!!!!! I have a stereo dock and iPod stuff!!!!!

I have DSL - Pro, baby! No more internet hobo for me. Now I FB all the time, play farmville while I listen to my MUSIC!!!!!!

I have an HP laptop - Genius level (according to Amazon), it's smarter than I am!!!! I sit on the patio and use the wireless to connect to the world.

Time Flies

2009-08-30T16:35:00.002-05:00

No not that way! I had my garage painted and due to the open doors, hot weather and garbage cans in the garage I am now dealing with pesky flies. I am wondering if it's also because they know the weather is working to the cold side.....

Any way..... I have a difficult time squishing living creatures. I've been known to capture spiders and carry them outside to the patio. I've also captured them under glass and waited till Geri comes over to dispatch them to bug heaven. (I don't have the same feelings about mice - the only good mouse is a dead one! but I don't squish them. I use a snap trap. Very humane!)

Any way ..... I noticed flies on my patio door. About 10 of them - ick! So I set my plan in motion. Because it was late in the evening I waited till I came home from work, the next day, it would be sunny and bright, I would be victorious! I didn't want to squish them and then have to clean up soooooo ......

The next day ...... came home, they were in the windows. I got out my new electric broom and took off the sweeper part. I sucked EVERY fly into the bagless canister. Then I took them outside and FREED them all!!!!!

No pesticides - is this a GREEN solution!

been planning on it list ......

2009-08-24T20:53:00.002-05:00

.... went to horse race, met and touched a driver (harness racing) and patted a race horse

........ garden walk

.......meet and touched a NASCAR driver (Kasey Kahne)

Summer of 2009

2009-08-24T20:38:00.002-05:00

I don't know what it is about this summer but I've been finishing lots of jobs on my "to do" list that have been there for MANY years!

1. found a dog gate to block the upstairs (been looking for the perfect gate since 2002)

2. signed up for a Wine Club

3.painted my garage (on the list since 2001) and cleaned it out!

4. bought my electric broom (since 2001)

5. rescued 2 parakeets (haven't had parakeets since 1985)

6. bought and now wear cute lipstick color (Covergirl Outlast, I'm cornering the market.)

7. expanded my garden and added a rose bush

8. got an iPod classic and am now buying the stuff to go with it.

9. got DSL for the house

10. bought a SWEET laptop (I think I am one of the few people who love Vista.)

11. bought new bedside tables

12. started 3 Dog March Quilt

All of these items I've been planning on doing but just couldn't justify. Right now I can't think of anymore but I will add to the list!

Friday

2009-08-24T20:31:00.004-05:00

Had the chance to attend a retreat by Msgr. Ken Velo. How is it possible for a speaker to know what is in your heart and on your mind before you even know it?

This man spoke to us about Cardinal Bernardin - what a holy man - when will he be canonized? I've been to many events such as this - I've never been so touched and connected - at the end I was sobbing but it was such a relief.

I truly felt blessed - Thank you, Msgr. Velo!

July 9, 2009

2009-07-09T21:45:00.002-05:00

An innocent dog walk led to an exciting NASCAR moment - as Molly and I walked our usual route this morning we spotted the NASCAR display at our local Jewel food store. Molly and I went over to look at the cars and noticed that there were many people standing in a big long line just waiting ...... so I went to a Jewel manager and asked which driver was coming to the store ...... he replied "KASEY KAHNE." he said. "That's my favorite driver!" I yelled. So I ran home, put Molly in the house (too hot for her to stand in line), got my camera and ran back to Jewel. Kasey would be there at 11:00 to sign autographs - I got in line at 10:30. Stood behind a little family of two boys and a mom. The older boy was a kindergartner and Kasey was his favorite driver! Number 9 RULES!!!!!! He kept telling everyone. I told the boys I had a Kasey Kahne cap, die-cast car and poster from his 1st Cup win in his rookie year- all autographed.
However I had nothing with me for Kasey to autograph so I ripped a Bud sign off the fencing where I was standing and figured I could use that for his autograph. I got up to Kasey by 11:30. He was so adorable that I couldn't help myself so I patted his hand and told him good luck this weekend. He is the FIRST driver I've met and touched! Thanks to this event I now have a picture of Kasey and me as a memento but I'm posting a picture that I think more people will appreciate!

Isn't he adorable!!!!!!!!

July 6, 2009

2009-07-06T22:32:00.002-05:00

This post is just an assortment of random thoughts .........What a weekend! Tony Stewart wins!!!!! The race on Saturday really gave it's money worth. And now they are all coming HERE!!!!!!! If I time it right I'll be able to watch the fly over!!!!!!

I also shopped, worked on my friend's Featherweight, cooked, enjoyed some wine, watched fireworks (they were much too short), added plants to my garden, did a little reading. I ended the day by watching some of the Children's TV shows that I grew up watching. I found these on Youtube, thanks to a good friend (we actually used our cell phones while on the computer so we could watch together, is that 20th century meets 21st century technology?):

1. Captain Kangaroo and the Banana Man
2. Ernie Kovacs and the Nairobi Trio
3. Soupy Sales

All these shows were examples of early TV shows and all were done live! Soupy Sales was hysterical mostly because of the banter between Soupy and the crew. When you watched you felt like you were in on a private joke. The Banana Man was hypnotic.

Happy Fourth of July!

2009-07-04T18:03:00.003-05:00

Happy Fourth of July!

NASCAR Hall of Fame

2009-07-02T23:35:00.002-05:00

I just registered so now I'll be able to vote! Don't forget to let your voice be heard!

How exciting this event will be - picking the first group inducted into the Hall of Fame.

That is one of my life goals to see the NHOF, maybe I'll go for it's opening - wouldn't that be fun.

Just finished.......

2009-07-02T22:41:00.003-05:00

Reading! ...... The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. It made me cry but it was such a good story I couldn't put it down and now that I have I want to read it again! On the cover was a rave review by the author of Water for Elephants (another great story). I agree with her rating. Give this book some time - I think you'll like it too.

July 2, 2009

2009-07-02T22:31:00.002-05:00

This has been the summer for getting things done. In the past few weeks I've - found my beloved doggie gate from old, my wire shelves for my bathroom closet, special plants for the garden, DSL, a wine club, racetrack betting, and now my electric broom.
It took 9 years for me to find one, not because I am a bad shopper but because I just couldn't find one I liked. Finally I found a good possibility at Kohl's. It's called a Bissel Featherweight! So what have I been doing since I put it together? Cleaning - BIG TIME!!!!!! One thing leads to another and I've moved stuff around, tended to the indoor plants, rearranged my computer area. I can't stop!!!!! I still have more perennials to plant. And the biggest job of all = the garage. I want to clean it up, paint it, throw stuff OUT and call me goofy but I want to put down an indoor/outdoor carpet to cover the floor. Let's hope this job gets done this summer.

June 30, 2009 Books!

2009-06-30T16:22:00.004-05:00

Finished reading:
Plum Wine by Angela Davis-Gardener - I enjoyed this book. It did a great job weaving history, romance and mystery into a story line that also presented the Japanese perspective on our major worl conflicts.
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See - I didn't really enjoy this book. It was interesting but I didn't think the ending fit with the rest of the story. I think I also had a hard time with the way the sisters evolved after all the triumphs and tragedies.
Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure by Matthew Algeo - I happen to love folksy Presidential books and this one fits the bill. It is adorable - especially if you remember road trips during the early 50's - no AC, windows rolled down so the hot air blowing in your face could cool you off, radios with limited tunes, sitting up front with your parents but still not being able to see "out" because the dash board was a massive view blocker and best of all - legs sticking to the car seat! I loved it all! That's the place this book took me too - except it threw in Harry Truman and Bess. The author threw in a little history just to keep you aware of the place this marvelous trip stood in history. It's a great read!
American Lion by Jon Meacham - another President book. I enjoyed it - not a folksy book - but I am always interested in anything about Andrew Jackson. This book explained much concerning the social/cultural/political thinking of the time. They thought differently back then - sometimes that was good, sometimes not - we get to look it all over now and judge with our viewpoint. It's good to read books that remind us of that our reality was not their reality.

Gale Storm

2009-06-29T17:57:00.007-05:00

I was sad to hear about the death of Gale Storm I remember the "My Little Margie" show so well! She was cute and perky. She was the career version of Mrs.Cleaver. According to the web article the show began in 1952 and ended in 1955 which means I would have been between the ages of 2 and 4 when I watched her on TV! Hopefully I was watching re-runs. Or maybe I remember her other show - The Gale Storm Show - Oh Susanna. She was a cruise director and her best friend was Zasu Pitts (Isn't that a great name!) I must confess that for most of the show I thought Zasu was her grandmother - hooray for hair coloring. This show started in 1956 and ran until 1960. Again Gale was perky and resourceful - an all around good sport. At the time I didn't know what a cruise ship was but I remember thinking it was cool! LOL

Weekend fun!

2009-06-28T22:01:00.003-05:00

I'm on the new and improved INTERNET!!!!! The connection was very fast and easy - thank you AT&T! But I think this new DSL will not let me get anything done!

What a weekend! Worked Saturday .....but Saturday night Geri, Bob and I went to Balmoral Racetrack for Harness racing! I am now addicted! What fun we had ..... I actually couldn't concentrate on the food (which was delicious) because the betting part was so much FUN!!!!!! We even got to have our group picture taken in the Winner's Circle and it just so happened that the driver was the one I picked to win!!!! Hey, I even got to pet a horse!!!!!

Sunday I went on a neighborhood Garden Walk. It was very inspiring and filled with beautiful flowers! I enjoyed the wonderful weather outside with flowers and birds but as I drove around I listened to the NASCAR race - Congrats to Joey Logano - he's adorable!

Here's a picture of my "Garden Walk" it's my new daylily - a ruffled Peach variety. I bought it last year and have been waiting for it to pop up.

Welcome to the 21st Century!

2009-06-28T22:00:00.001-05:00

I finally have DSL!!!!!!!!!! Yeah - let's do a happy dance!!!!!! Will this let me journal more? I hope so - this connection is very fast!!!!!! My next test is updating my photo service.

Easter Vacation 2009

2009-04-15T17:42:00.002-05:00

Saturday - Candy story visiting, Passion Play attending, talking to Lucy and listening to Dave Byron.

Sunday - dinner in St. John: sharing stories of old times - dad was a gentle soul to all he touched!

Cute!

2009-04-15T17:40:00.000-05:00

Two more villagers in the library pond - aren't they cute!

March 2009

2009-04-15T17:39:00.000-05:00

Another creature in our library pond!

February 2009 - a Winter Snow

2009-04-15T17:34:00.002-05:00

I took this picture as I drove home from Crown Point, Indiana. The deer were just grazing on the side of the road shrouded by the softly falling snow. I could be a photojournalist for NatGeo as long as I get to stay inside the car!

2009-04-15T17:33:00.000-05:00

Look who's swimming in our pond - a little muskrat!

Spring! March 25, 2009

2009-04-15T17:18:00.002-05:00

The first sign of Spring in my hometown has always been the temporary Greenhouse that is set up in the Jewel parking lot! It is empty right now but soon it will fill up with flowers - I can't wait!

Easter Shopping?

2009-04-10T18:50:00.002-05:00

I decided that I need a new pair of jeans because I am tired of my old lady jeans.so with coupon in hand I went to a store - Jeans Therapy - to hunt down the best pair. This store is supposed to be so good that they can determine your best jean just by looking at you. Well, I flunked - natural waist ? I don't think so! Not even close however I did determine that I like the boot cut look, for me that's a step in the right direction. Then I went to Coldwater Creek, I used to be a big fan 'cuz I love the old fashioned "lady in the dressing room" idea but I think CC is not for me anymore. I couldn't find anything I really liked. My only purchase of the day was the first store I perused, J.C.Penney. I used my gift cards to purchase DKNY Be Delicious perfume!!!!!!

Poetry

2009-04-10T18:24:00.000-05:00

Blue Iris
Mary Oliver New and Selected Poems
Both by Mary Oliver - very nice!

Misc. Stuff

2009-04-10T18:09:00.003-05:00

Right now I am in the Good Friday portion of my life. But good friends help.

DVD Results

2009-04-10T18:07:00.001-05:00

Both DVD's were great! Man on Wire was almost a memorial to the WTC buildings - very eerie!

April 10, 2009

2009-04-10T18:02:00.002-05:00

Easter vacation begins with a wonderful 3 hour dinner at Houlihan's. My library friends and I laughed, talked and shared good food. I was good - no Gin and Tonic until Sunday!

March 15, 2009

2009-04-10T17:56:00.002-05:00

Took advantage of a wonderful presentation at my favorite museum - Illinois state museum Lockport Gallery to see a presentation on the 100th anniversary of Daniel Burnham's Chicago Plan. Fascinating.

Chocolate cake in a mug!

2009-04-10T17:54:00.000-05:00

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..

Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.

The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

More books, again!

2009-04-10T17:52:00.000-05:00

Lincoln and his boys by Rosemary Wells

Old Dogs are the best dogs!!!!!!

Feb. 10, 2009

2009-04-10T17:45:00.004-05:00

Eddie Schwarz died last week (Wednesday). Eddie memories are abundant in my family. My cousin called and we talked for 2 hours about "Chicago Ed". Ed got me through many storms with his unique style of "doppler radar" - he would ask people in the neighborhoods to call and report conditions in their area. You could actually track the storm if you knew Chicago!
RIP Chicago Ed- you were the heartbeat of Chicago!

Feb. 10, 2009

2009-04-10T17:44:00.001-05:00

Bud Shoot-out was great. Kevin Harvick sure can drive. I am planning on watching 99.5 of the 100 hours of Daytona.

Another round of books!

2009-04-10T17:42:00.000-05:00

Standing for Something by Gordon B. Hinckley
In Silence...why we pray by Donald Spoto
The chocolate snowman murders by joanna carl
A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg

More books!

2009-04-10T17:40:00.001-05:00

Now the Drum of War by Robert Roper
American Lion by Jon Meacham

DVD watching?

2008-12-17T19:38:00.007-06:00

Books? my list grows!

Music? nothing beats www.pandora.com - try it for yourself.

Now - 2 DVD's I've heard about but couldn't find until TODAY! Man on Wire and Twenty Four Eyes.

The question - do I have the patience to watch them? Time will only tell - I'll keep you posted - LOL

How much longer till .......NASCAR season!

2008-12-17T19:26:00.002-06:00

I bet you thought I was going to say Christmas - LOL!

Really I can't stand the waiting! The awards ceremony wasn't enough at all!!!!! Why doesn't Speed Channel run all the Sprint races over again? Wouldn't that be a good idea? I bet the sponsors would LOVE it! Maybe show Back in the Day. I am so desperate that I'm watching the auto auctions - caught sight of Ray Evernham buying a car (who was sitting next to him?).

December book

2008-12-14T14:49:00.002-06:00

I just finished A Dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid. This book was perfect for a Christmas read. And .... spoiler alert ..... the dog doesn't die!!!!! And the dog isn't stupid and destructive - maybe I should say the owner isn't stupid and destructive - Ho, Ho, Ho!

Halloween

2008-12-10T13:16:00.000-06:00

isn't this the cutest dog!

Trip to Washington, D.C.

2008-11-14T17:02:00.006-06:00

On my recent trip to Washington, D.C. I realized one of my dreams .... to visit Arlington National Cemetery.

It was an emotional event, my purpose - to see the grave of JFK .... was spiritual and prayerful .... people all around me, speaking in hushed tones of various languages, all paying their respects to one of America's fallen leaders. The grave site is a perfect tribute.

The trolley circled through row after row of silent graves, holding simple people, famous people, all part of a their own personal heroic moment .... then coming to the Custis-Lee home ..... feeling the anger, sadness and loss of personal history for that family and yet at the same time the sorrow and loss of all the Civil War dead.

When I arrived back home I started to look up the stories of some of the graves ..... I was surprised to learn that Frank Reynolds, a TV journalist (watched him on the local news and to my family he WAS the news!) had been buried there! The graves highlighted on the website ranged from very old to modern day.

More Thoughts

2008-11-12T19:35:00.005-06:00

I've been reading:
Christmas Grace by Anne Perry
McKettrick Christmas and
Last Secrets of the Titanic by Kohler and Chatterton - the guys who did the Shadow Divers book! If you can stand to read ANOTHER Titanic book - let this be the one! They end the mystery! It is solved so now we can all relax. Don't get me wrong I love the mysteries attached to shipwrecks but the Titanic story has been done like toast!

November 12, 2008

2008-11-12T19:31:00.002-06:00

I have a cold.
It makes me old.
I want my sniffs to fold!
But my Vicks is gold!

Random Thoughts

2008-10-03T16:43:00.003-05:00

Well,it's my favorite time of year - Fall!
I love the falling leaves, the brisk evening temperatures, the smokey scent of autumn. Walking the dog in the very early morning hours is a treat! Everything is quiet except for the tiny sounds .... pips of little birds, chirps of tiny bugs, scurrying feet of hidden animals. When I walk I hear the soft calls of the geese on the lake. I think they're talking in their sleep.

Oct. 3, 2008

2008-10-03T16:19:00.003-05:00

I just finished "Then Junior Said to Jeff..." by David Poole and Jim McLaurin! Another great NASCAR book. It tells some great stories - my favorite, on page 52 called the Stretcher Story - it involves Buddy Baker and a wild ambulance ride. It was a hoot!

Sept. 30, 2008

2008-10-01T07:30:00.002-05:00

White Sox did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They are the best!!!!!!!!

More Great Books

2008-09-17T19:26:00.015-05:00

Great Houses of Chicago by Susan Benjamin and Stuart Cohen - good house sources for the city of Chicago. Sad to think most are gone.

Rosie and Mrs. America by Catherine Gourley -

August. 27, 2008

2008-09-17T19:26:00.012-05:00

More titles - I can't get enough.....

New Found Land by Allan Wolf the Lewis and Clark story told in poetry- it is mesmerizing.

Terra Cotta Army by John Man - GREAT BOOK!!!! are you as obsessed with the TC Warriors as I am? This book has wonderful photos and it is very current. They are uncovering more every day! Maps and diagrams bring it all to life.

Show and Tell: exploring the fine art of children's literature by Dilys Evans

The Tender Years by Janette Oke - good story very much like Catherine Palmer. At first I didn't like it but then I got into the story and realized it was the continuation of the Love Came Softly story. I really connected with the family problems - made me want to finish the book to see how it turnee out.

The Lincolns: portrait of a marriage by Daniel Epstein

August 22, 2008

2008-09-17T19:26:00.009-05:00

Add these titles to my summer reading list. It just keeps growing.

Prairie Rose
Prairie Fire
Prairie Storm
all by Catherine Palmer - I came upon these while researching media for a Pathfinder I was creating at the library. The topic was ........ you guessed it ..... PRAIRIES! I liked the first two in the series.

Death in a Prairie House by Drennan read this one after reading Loving Frank (see past posts) because I wanted to read the fact based story. Sorry to say that there were a few areas where the fiction played fast and loose with the facts. I don't mind embellishing the dialogue but I don't like it when the actual facts are re-arranged.

Here's my music of the moment .......
Listening to Smooth Jazz 2 presented by the Weather Channel - what a surprise - this is great!

Rarities, B-sides and other stuff by Sarah McLachlan - love Sarah (she does a great dog rescue commercial) my favorite track - Time After Time - Sarah sings a duet with Cyndi Lauper (love her too)

July 30, 2008

2008-09-17T19:26:00.005-05:00

I've been a busy little reader this summer! I just finished these two books - thanks to my local library!

Liberated Quiltmaking by Gwen Marston for a quilter this is a very exciting book. No rules, no templates, no quilt police just a creative boost. You can not buy this book it is out of print. The talk is that the fans of Gwen are trying to get her to re-print the book. If you go to the link you'll be able to read lots about Gwen.

One Helluva Ride by Liz Clarke- fun and informative NASCAR book. If you check my blog you'll see I've read quite a few books on the subject. I'd put this one at the top of the list. The author really knew how to let the stories lead the book.

July 30, 2008

2008-07-30T14:54:00.002-05:00

Molly walks?

I think I told you that I'm looking to add another dog to the family - well on Monday a lady came over from Dachshund Rescue to check out my house and Molly. It was very interesting. She actually took time to go on a little walk with Molly (and a little dog she was fostering) so she could observe Molly in her natural surroundings. She thinks Molly would do better with a submissive male (wouldn't we all - LOL) because Molly is very alpha. The interesting part - through the whole outdoor visit Molly barked at EVERY dog that went by. She was a wild dog! She was okay with the little Doxie but any dog that came near us Molly had to confront - she was even sitting as if she was guarding us - looking at the open field and scanning for things coming toward us. On Tuesday Molly and I were walking and we met this little lhasa that we hadn't seen before - when Molly went to sniff her I had to restrain Molly because I thought Molly was going to take her head off (which is unusual for Molly, she barks but she usually doesn't charge) so I had to do the Cesar Milan "sound". Molly snapped to attention and looked at me as if I'd used some secret dog word! She calmed down instantly! I then put her in a down and we chatted with the lady and the little dog. Molly was less frenzied but still wouldn't sniff the dog without a confrontation.

July 19, 2008

2008-07-19T12:17:00.002-05:00

I've finally finished the blocks for my Lewis and Clark Quilt!!!!!!!! I am now in the process of putting it together.Oooops I just hit a snag - I can't find one of the blocks!!!!!!!

Bird Watching

2008-07-16T17:24:00.004-05:00

I've joined a formal bird watching group. I saw my first Indigo Bunting and Yellow throated Warbler (no pics) - I am hooked! I did take some great pics of butterflies and a wild orchid!

The first picture is of the open prairie! This view greeted us as we began to walk!

Here's a little flower in the footpath!

This butterfly was very tiny. It took many clicks to catch him with his wings open to the sun!

This is the Illinois wild orchid that the volunteer highlighted for me!

July 16, 2008

2008-07-16T16:12:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted for a while - actually I had 10 posts in draft but none of the pictures showed up in the entries. The pictures, in this case, were worth a 1000 words!

The reading bug has hit me! Here are a few of books I've finished this summer.
Silent Thunder by Katy Payne. A very interesting book about elephants and how their family groups help them survive. It also gave in-depth information on how they communicate - a kind of low frequency rumble. It got a little technical in parts. When the story came to end I felt sad ......... because we, as humans, know so little about the animals that live with us and in spite of us! We take them for granted and don't appreciate their spiritual qualities.

Population:485 by Michael Perry This book was great! It tells about life ...... in a small town .... through the eyes of a volunteer fireman. The author's style draws you into the town. I felt like he was sitting at my kitchen table just telling me about his day. I will give a warning ..... the ending made me gasp.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski Once in a while I will read a book ....that consumes me ..... I can't stop reading ....... I become part of the story, I'm watching it evolve but I stand off to the side, just far enough out of the storyview that the characters can't see me ....... That's what this book did! The author's word imagery was amazing - I felt like I had a "Viewmaster" that I could click with each passage. Yes, this is a dog story but it is so much more .... go to the Amazon link and you can read an essay by the author.

June 6, 2008

2008-06-24T18:03:00.002-05:00

Last day of school - is it possible to be happy and sad all at the same time? This group of first graders will stand out in my mind as one of the BEST groups I've had in a long time.The rest of the year swirled with upsets, hurt feelings, highs and lows. As a teacher I can go into my room, close the door and block out the negatives. This year these children were a haven for me. I think that is was teaching is about - it's what we receive from the students that truly keeps us going. Any little positive vibe and a good teacher is back on track. I had lots of positive vibes from this group.

May 8, 2008

2008-04-30T19:57:00.004-05:00

And this final quilt in the series ............ Yellow Brick Road pattern done all in plaids. I wanted to deplete my plaid stash so I thought this was a perfect way to do it. Gail taught this for our Midday Madness class! My plaids are almost down to zero but now I have this wonderful quilt!

May 7, 2008

2008-04-30T19:54:00.003-05:00

The next blog brings to me ........ A Thimbleberries Reversible Cheater Quilt! What fun this was to do! You can't see the back but it is a wonderful chocolate brown! I bought this as a kit in Bit's and Pieces in Crown Point, Indiana. I think I was celebrating my birthday!

May 6, 2008

2008-04-30T19:53:00.004-05:00

On the Seventh day I rested and watched more NASCAR ! Denny won the Nationwide race at Richmond!

May 5, 2008

2008-04-30T19:50:00.005-05:00

On the Sixth day of Springtime another quilt came to my blog ........ A Sarah Sporrer Calendar Block - at the top it says "One day in the country is worth a week in town." It took me soooooo long to finish this quilt! This was a BOM from Country Threads and I would take a block with me when I'd go to visit my mom in the hospital. It didn't get into a quilt show until 2007 but I started it in 1996. I love anything done by Sarah Sporrer at Indygo Junction. I would love to meet her and she her trunk show! Click on the link to see her other patterns!

May 4, 2008

2008-04-30T19:48:00.004-05:00

Number 5......... Nantucket Cottage Blanket from a shop in Spring Green, Wisconsin called Country Sampler (google them right now!). This wonderful quilt has a vintage swag at the top that the Moda company reproduced and then sold out! The swag was something you'd see hanging on turn of the century porches for the 4th of July - can't you just picture it! Anyway it was so much fun - it's a kind of cheater - the center squares were sold on the bolt already put together, you just cut them up and put them back together and then Rit dyes the whole thing. I just love how it turned out - pics don't do it justice.