Blocks Finished!

Just finished the last of my (30) "Dutchman's Puzzle"
Flying Geese Blocks.  As mentioned sometime ago,
I've been trying to use up fabric left from the business
I had several years ago.  Now, it decision time
concerning sashing.  I've taken a couple of pictures
with blue (the old country blue) and navy fabric and
am posting them here.  Discovered a bolt of the blue that
has been hidden away and really need to use it up.  Thinking
that it may work here.  Tell me what you think or any
suggestions you may have.  The pattern used a red fabric,
but I am NOT a red person and red does not go in my bedroom
where this quilt will make its home, so I need something
that is soft, yet sets off the blocks.  Don't want the
sashing to be the focus.

Sashing will be either 2 inches or 2 1/2 inches finished
Blocks are 12 inches finished

Navy fabric is a white/cream dot fabric

The navy didn't show up very good...almost looks black.

But as I look at it here it almost seems a little too intense.

Hmmm.  So hard making decisions!

Nola

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Outside my window...The air is a gritty brown from the dirt
kicked up by the wind that has been howling around since last 
night.  Leaves from last winter and other light objects fly past my 
window.  A storm is on the horizon and is supposed to bring SNOW!

I am thinking...It is only a few more days until my new
grandson makes his arrival!

I am thankful for...My sister who spent a couple of hours
on the phone with me this morning helping me with a quilt I 
am working on.


From the learning rooms...Two minds are better than one.

From the kitchen...Split Pea Soup simmering and soon 
muffins baking in the oven for dinner

I am wearing... Blue long sleeved shirt, levi's and slippers


I am creating...A quilt for my bed...three more blocks to go


I am going...To start some wash when finished here

I am reading..."A Question of Trust" by Carole Thayne

I am hoping...My "Hives" are all gone

I am hearing...The sound of the wind whistling around
my house and through the trees outside


I am remembering...The fun time we all had this past
Saturday here.  We had our annual "Grandma's Easter
Party" early so everyone could be together.

Around the house...Just a little tidying up today

One of my favorite things...Daffodils in bloom (Hope
this wind and storm that is coming won't affect the
ones that are blooming in my garden


I am Praying...For a dear neighbor who is suffering
from some serious health issues and that the doctors
can find a way to help her.


A few plans for the rest of the week:
1.  Finish last 3 blocks for my quilt
2.  Work
3.  Tend grandchildren--new baby coming Friday
4.  Assemble craft activities for Grandkids
5.  BOM class Saturday (Block completed)


Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Hoping they will survive wind and upcoming storm

Nola

Guess Who Else Stopped By...

Honestly as if "Mr. Cough" dropping in uninvited wasn't

enough, I inadvertently issued an invitation to a distant

friend of his, "Miss Hives".  Oh yes, she dropped in with

all her little irritants.  But, with the help of a good doctor,

every effort is being made to discourage her stay and I do 

believe she is almost packed and out the door.  It will be a 

welcome relief to have her gone.  I believe I will then put 

out the "Closed to Any and All of the Virus Family" sign.  
And, I promise never again to brag about getting through 
the winter without a cold, cough, runny nose or anything 
slightly connected.

I really can't afford to have any more "uninvited guests"

since I'll be busy with my grandchildren this weekend

while Mommy and Daddy pay a visit to the hospital. 

All must be in order to "Welcome Home" our new little

one.

Scratching and Itching,

Nola

Does It Count.....

Does coughing 'til you drop count as exercise?

How many calories can you burn as you cough your
head off?

Sleep deprivation must serve a purpose or one wouldn't
cough for 2 hours straight while trying to go to sleep.

Does that "throat" tickle you fight to control count toward
extra "treats"---Like chocolate? for all one has to endure?  


Why does "Mr. Cough" always show up in the late
evening and early morning hours?

Where this terrible cough came from, I don't know.  Why
did Mr. Cough "choose" my house?  I have nothing to offer.
I didn't put out the "Coughs Are Welcome" sign.
Honestly!  Rather rude inviting itself, I think!

I was recently feeling rather smug that I had made it
through the winter healthy!  Bad mistake!  Why is it that
as soon as you mention it, think it, or say it out loud you
get knocked down?

Finally after two hours of serious coughing, rubbed
some VICKS on the soles of my feet (I'd read about
this in an email I had gotten some time ago), slipped
on some old socks and believe it or not--"Mr. Cough"
backed off and I was able to get some much-needed
sleep.  I still coughed a little, but it wasn't that croupy
cough I had been struggling with.

Although my cough is doing somewhat better, it keeps
threatening to steal my voice and even more sleep.

Would it be rude and inhospitable to put out a sign---
"No Cough's Welcome Here"?

"Coughingly yours",

Nola

Miniature Wall Hanging

With spring just around the corner (at the time), I decided
to make a miniature wall hanging for a friend and myself to
welcome SPRING.  This is a pattern I've had bookmarked
in one of my "Miniature Quilt" Magazines for forever.
It was a little harder than I thought it would be trying to
get the points correct.  The blocks are 3 1/2 inches.
All in all I think it turned out quite nice.

Nola

More Daybook!

I can't believe how fast Tuesday comes around!  Seems 
like I just made an entry yesterday and here I am getting 
ready to add a new entry even though it is late in the day.


Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Outside my window...The sky overhead is a beautiful

blue and as the sun begins to set, the mountains to the

east are taking on a pinkish tinge and the sun's rays are

reflecting on the fresh snow that fell last evening and today.

I am thinking...I need to get busy organizing "Grandma's"

annual Easter Party which is taking place this Saturday.

We are doing it early because we are expecting a new

addition to our family April 2.

I am thankful for...cough drops.

I am wearing...P.J.'s, slippers and robe.

I am remembering...What fun I had shopping with

my friend today and the darling fabric she found to

make her future grandson a special quilt.

I am going...To bed early and hopefully get some

sleep as I have to work in the morning.

I am currently reading...Nothing!  Which is very

unusual for me.  I always have to have a book nearby.

However my new "Ensign" arrived in the mail today

so guess I'll start skimming it.

I am hoping...That I haven't exposed my family and

friend to this cough. 

On my mind...Thinking of all I need to do to get

games, eggs filled and games organized by Friday

as I work Saturday morning.

Noticing that...I have a shirt to iron for work.

Pondering these words... "A  friend will strengthen

you with his prayers, bless you with his love, and

encourage you with his hope."

From the kitchen...All is quiet.  The kitchen is

"Closed" for the evening.

Around the house...Waiting for my son-in-law to

drop off some medicine.

One of my favorite things...Poppy Seed Muffins

and Scones.

I am wishing that...I will sleep well tonight!  And

that I don't lose my voice. 

Happy First Day of Spring!

With all the excitement going on in my neighbor's backyard
the past few days, I have not accomplished a great deal.  But,
I have had fun sitting with my grandchildren in the very
best "seats" watching their Cottonwood Tree come down.
It is such fun to "see" the action taking place from a child's
point of view.  Questions they ask and comments they make
are often things I would never think of.

However, I did get a few things sewn and completed.  "Brutus,
The Cat" finally got the last few stitches finished and now I'm
starting the next one in the series.  Only have a couple of
weeks to finish it.

Recently while surfing some quilting blogs I found,
Rachel Griffith's blog, "p.s.i quilt" and saw that she
was doing a "Pinwheel Sampler".  I LOVE pinwheels!
Have wanted to do a "Pinwheel" quilt for the longest
time!

Now I know I told myself "no more new projects"!
Must finish what I am working on and the ones I
recently purchased.  But, sad to say...NO, I'm happy to
say I jumped on the bandwagon and spent the week
madly making my blocks so I could be caught up and
ready for "Block 5".  If you are interested in seeing
her blog and Pinwheel Sampler block go here:
http://www.psiquilt.com/
Be careful...you may get hooked!

This is what I have sewn...

Block #1

Block #2

Block #3

Block #4

Rachel's instructions are very easy to follow and these make
up quite fast.  Can't wait to see what Block 5 will be.

Also finished a small gift for a friend but can't share the
picture just yet.  Will have to wait until I give it to her.
It is fun and "springy".

Thought since it was National Quilt Day I would be able
to quilt but so far it hasn't worked out.  Did stop at the
fabric shop when I went to mail a birthday gift and bought
a couple of yards of cream colored fabric to use as a
background in one of my projects.

Being the First Day of Spring it seemed appropriate to be
outside enjoying the warm sunshine and working to clean
up residue left from the workers and the cottonwood tree.
The sunshine felt so good and temperatures have been in
the low 50's.  Not too hot and not too cold!  Just right for
a light jacket.  It was great to take a few minutes and "rake" 
in the sunshine while sipping on a lemonade.

Hope you're all having a wonderful and productive day
and enjoying the "First Day of Spring"!

Nola

Going, Going, Gone!

Going, Going, Gone!  And we are all "Celebrating"!
After 30 years, it is gone!  I don't know who is happier,
the homeowners or the surrounding neighbors!  It
has really become a pain and a worry.  I could just
see this old Cottonwood tree falling on my house when
we had a powerful East Wind.

For years I have been cleaning up after this tree as
it would drop small branches and tons of leaves in my
yard in the fall and even during the summer months.
It seems the wind favored my yard and always blew
everything my way.  Seems like I'd just get my leaves
cleaned up for fall and there would still be leaves
clinging to the branches on this Cottonwood and it
would hold them until the snows came and it was
too cold and late in the season to bag them.
It was as much a problem for Leslie as it was for
me.

She had wanted to take this tree down for sometime,
but the cost seemed prohibitive.  Finally, she found a
tree service that was affordable and gave them the word:
"Cut it down!"

For three days I haven't accomplished much because it
has been so fascinating watching the workers.  My daughter
and her son's came to watch.  We brushed off winter's
dirt from a few chairs and joined others sitting outside
in their yards to watch the action.

"Getting Started"

Progress being made!





















Hope we don't get stiff necks!

And, he's afraid of heights?  At least that's what he
said!  You'd never know it the way he swings from
one limb to another.





















My yard filling up with branches from the north
side of the tree.

These are the small limbs cut into pieces.
Most were much, much bigger and I was told
some of the limbs probably weighed between
100 and 200 pounds.  When some would fall to
the ground my house would literally shake!  The
workers told me that if any had broken off and
hit my house it would have taken it out!

















The really big ones are to the side and in Leslie's yard.


Almost Gone!

Going, Going....

...GONE!

Just the base and roots to be ground out another day.
This has been a 3-day project!


Thanks Leslie for the peace of mind we now all have.
I know how happy you are and how relieved to have
it gone.  Maybe we can play more now that we won't be
out there raking and cleaning up!  But, will we still visit
over the fence as often now we don't have the tree
to complain about!  I'm sure we will!

Smiling....      Nola

Daybook Entry

Today...Tuesday, March 16, 2010


Outside my window:  The sun is brightly shining,
the skies are mostly blue with a few wispy clouds
and there is a very slight breeze.  So inviting!


I am thinking:  How nice it is see the grass greening
up, buds forming on the cherry bushes, more spring
flowers bursting through the soil.


I am thankful for...The season of spring-- the hope

and the new life it brings.

I am wearing...Levi's, green shirt, socks and

slippers

I am remembering...The fun my grandchildren

had playing in the yard yesterday.

I am going...To sew the binding on a couple of

mini wall hangings this afternoon.

I am currently reading...Betsy Brannon Green's

book, "Murder By The Book"

On my mind...Wondering how I am ever going

to get everything done inside and outside.

Noticing that...my windows need to be washed.

Pondering these words..."Thou shalt not idle away thy

time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be

known.  (D&C 60:13) 

From the kitchen...Chili and blueberry muffins 

Around the house...The music of Susan Boyle from

her album, "I dreamed a Dream" is keeping me company

this afternoon.

One of my favorite things...Hugs and Kisses from

my precious grandchildren.

I am wishing that...My journal was up-to-date

From my picture journal...Where have all the 

years gone, son?  Wasn't it just yesterday you were 3?

My New Alarm Clock

New Alarm Clock

I have a new alarm clock

It didn’t cost a penny

It’s sweet cadence let’s me know

When it’s time to start another day.

It requires no batteries,

Doesn’t run on electricity,

Requires no daily winding.

Has no blinking lights or

Red numerals that light up.

There is no snooze button,

No buttons to set the hour or minutes.

It is all automatic,

The tone of my alarm clock

Is most pleasant to the ear,

Not like the loud beeping of my old one.

I do not awake now to “Fisher and Peggy’s” 

Morning conversation

Or

Pre-programmed music.

But come 6:00 a.m. on the dot

My new alarm clock sounds off.

Next to my bed it isn’t

But, right outside my window.

Morning light is barely stealing the night away

As I hear

“Chirp, chirp,” and then a little “trill”

Repeated over and over

As my little Robin Red Breast

welcomes the new morning

Telling me and his fine feathered friends

It’s time to get up

Time’s awasting.

Natures’s alarm clock,

My new alarm clock,

Is soon joined by others.

Their combined warbling

Makes for a very pleasant awakening.

Nola

DAYBOOK Entry

FOR TODAY:  March 9, 2010

Outside my window...  It is once again a overcast gray

day.  The weatherman keeps insisting that we are going

to get rain or snow sometime during the day.  That's ok

as we need the moisture and I know that if it does snow

it won't last very long.  

I am thinking...  How nice it is to have more daylight

hours.  However I do not look forward to the time change

this weekend as I enjoy more morning hours.  Seem to

get so much more done.

I am thankful for...  Hands that work and eyes

that see so that I can sew, work in my yard, read,

enjoy the beauties that surround me and do the

things that bring me great joy.  

I am wearing...  My standard dress for the day.

I am remembering...  My Mother's hands and failing

eyesight and how she did not let those "little" inconveniences

keep her from doing her beloved handwork right up to

the very end of her life.

I am going...  To our Relief Society Birthday

Party this evening.

I am hoping...  For clear blue skies tomorrow and

warmer temperatures.

I am reading...  Some of my old "Miniature

Quilt" magazines.  Trying to decide what to

keep and what to dispose of.  Knowing me

I'll end up keeping them all thinking that I

will somehow, sometime, get to all those

adorable little quilts I have bookmarked.

On my mind...  My appointment for my

upcoming mamogram. 

  

Noticing that...  The promised rain is

beginning.      

Pondering these words...  "The path to 

cheerfulness is to sit up cheerfully and to act and

speak as if cheerfulness were already there."

...William James

From the kitchen...Once again the tantalizing

smell of freshly baked whole wheat bread. 

Around the house...  Files waiting to be set up,

sewing projects beckoning me, and a little vacuuming

and dusting waiting to be done.

One of my favorite things... Time to read without

feeling like I should be doing something more

productive.

I am wishing that...  Life was not going by so

quickly.

A few plans for the rest of the week: 

1.  Finish gift for a friend

2.  Shopping for Easter Gifts

3.  Working on all those unfinished projects

4.  More yard work

5.  Grocery shopping--taking advantage of the

case lot sales.

From my picture journal...  

This picture of my granddaughter playing in

fall leaves and reminding me that all this

work of raking up old leaves that wintered

in the garden are really worth it when I see

such a look of pure delight.  Guess the trees

will have to stay!         

Finally! After How Long...

Finally, my "Bunny Love" quilt is finished.  And it has
only taken me about 8 years.  I purchased Australian 
Country Threads magazine at a local quilt shop (now out
of business) and fell in love with this quilt.  I loved
what the quilters in Australia were doing and knew this
little quilt would look great in my home and that my
grandchildren would adore it.

My nieces gave me a gift certificate for Christmas to use
in helping gather my fabric and soon my Mother, Sister
and I were out shopping for just the right fabrics.  It didn't
take long to find the fabric and I was excited to get
started.

But life has a way of interfering with the best of plans
and things were put on hold for awhile.  Finally, last
year I was able to applique the bunnies...

...and assemble the blocks.

I've spent the past couple of weeks hand quilting it.

And FINALLY it is DONE!!

And, I STILL LOVE IT!

Outside My Window

I looked out my window upon waking this morning and
this is what I saw:  Two inches of fresh snow and it
is still snowing.

Slipped on my robe and took these pictures:

Had to take a quick peek to see how my little crocus'
were faring:

Looks like they're hanging in there.

The snowfall stopped mid-morning and with the skies
lightning up and the temps warming, decided to go for
my daily walk.

Upon returning the mailman was just pulling away from
my mailbox and this is what I found:

Couldn't wait to get it inside and open it knowing it was
something special from my dear friend, JoAnn.

She always wraps everything so lovely!  Almost hate to
tear the paper off!

But, I did and this is what I found:

Isn't she adorable!  I love it!
Thanks so much, JoAnn!

Shopped Til....

...We dropped!  JoAnn and I had so much fun and probably
spent way too much money yesterday!  But, then I tell myself
that's why I have this little job---to support my hobbies.  Good
thing today was payday because I spent all I had been saving for
this outing.

Pillow cases were delivered and now I think we can take
a short break and catch up on all these unfinished projects
that have been patiently waiting.  And, MAYBE get these
new projects up and running!  I am really excited about
them.

But, first must get my "bunny" quilt finished.  Have only
one more block to quilt and a few hearts and then it will
be ready for the binding.  How long has this taken me????

Found the new pattern for the March Schnibbles, 
"Roundabout".  Was really excited when I saw the fabric
line, "Aster Manor".  Need to quickly finish up my
January and February quilts so I can start this.  Hesitated
to pick up the charm packs, but knew if I didn't get them
now, whether they were used immediately or not, they may
be gone before I'm ready to start.  Was wondering if there
are any corrections to this pattern as there have been
for the last two projects???

Couldn't pass up these "Eden"charm packets by Moda.
Thought they would be great made up in the Schnibbles
pattern "Picnic" Baskets.  However, after reading
over the pattern last evening, I'm a little nervous about
starting them.  Hopefully it won't be as difficult as
it looks.  Anyone done this?  Any changes?

Also picked up some great "fat quarters" to go with
my stash that JoAnn just gave me for " A Tisket, A Tasket" 
BOM from "Bunny Hill Designs".

Now if winter would just come back for a few weeks, I
could sew without guilt feelings about working in the
yard and getting my spring cleaning done.

Daybook

FOR TODAY

March 2, 2010

Outside my window...

I'm seeing light, wispy pink clouds

in the sky.  It is supposed to be a

beautiful day today with temps in

the high 50's.  Yeah!!

I am thinking... 

That it is going to be a great day to play with my

friend, JoAnn.

I am thankful for...

The sound of birds in the tree outside my window.

I haven't heard their songs since late last fall.

 

From the learning rooms...

It really is ok if everything on my "To Do List"

doesn't get done!

From the kitchen...

Breakfast is calling me.  Swedish Almond Cake

and hot chocolate.

I am wearing...

Red plaid p.j.'s and warm fuzzy socks

I am creating...

Nothing new.  Just trying to finish up projects down

on my sewing table and in my basket by my comfy chair.

I am going...

To drop off pillowcases today and then shop til I drop.

I am reading...

"The Measure of Mercy" by Lauraine Snelling

I am hoping...

To stay healthy.  Two of my neighbors have Swine Flu

and several have pneumonia.

I am hearing...

My washer and dryer going.  Hoping to get a little

work done before I play today.

Around the house...

St. Patricks and Easter decorations going up.

One of my favorite things...

Birthday parties.  Celebrated my daughter's 31st birthday

here Saturday.  There's nothing better than having family

gathered together.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

1.  Work -- three days this week.

2.  Wash family room windows and curtains

3.  Clean up leaves so spring plants can pop up and

show their bright little faces.

4.  Attend a presentation by Michael Wilcox.  Love his

books and tapes.

5.  Continue quilting bunny quilt

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Happy Birthday to a special daughter!