Construction progress:

I've been slow about posting about construction, but we've been fighting snow/rain/ice so the progress has been slow.
This is the latest we've accomplished--concrete footing being poured around the base of the house. Seeing two concrete trucks pull up into the yard was exciting. The plumber has since even been onsite to begin his job which goes under the concrete floor. Slow but sure we'll get there. Dh teased me last night that we might be in the new house by Thanksgiving! Of course it rained this weekend, which we don't cuss a rain this time of year but it puts things off another two weeks.

March Madness

If somebody would come to my house and

*do the laundry,
*fold the clean laundry,
*clean out the dishwasher,
*fix supper,
*clean the kitchen,
*clean the bathroom,
*pick up the living room,
*go to work on a daily basis for me

THEN, I might be able to get some sewing done! But, I can't get any takers.

I keep telling my guys that if we didn't have to eat or wear clothes, then my life would be so simple. Can you imagine not having to go to the grocery store, not needing a 'fridge, not having a washer or dryer, not ever cleaning out the dishwasher again, or not having a messy closet? Oh, if only in my dreams. I kinda freaked the boys out when I mentioned the idea of not wearing clothes.

Dh calls it spring fever. We get this way every year because we're so ready to get out of the house and work outside more. I keep telling him that we need to move further south, but he likes it where we are. I have no relatives that I care to stay in the area for, but he likes it here.

I am so ready for the daffodils that are peaking out of the ground to come up and show me some color. These aren't from my garden, but if the wind doesn't beat them to death we should have some......sometime.

Almost feel guilty........almost I do.

It's been mid 60's here the beginning of the week with only a very slim chance of even a slight sprinkle. Yes, that may change in a moments notice but the next two weeks look good. I almost feel guilty about enjoying this wonderful weather.

Almost if the key word.....they're pouring footing for my new home today. We're only two months behind because of all the ice/snow/freezing temps we've gotten. I'm sorry that it's so cold in other areas but I'm exciting about the next step in our project. I may not be there when the concrete trucks pull into the driveway, but you can bet I'll be there before they leave.

Hubby called me twice this morning...once was to tell me that he found the twin-calves born last week. We never could find them together, but he went over early this morning to try to catch them eating breakfast and he did. Then he called later to tell me when the backhoe tractor arrived to start digging. I'm kinda glad I have a job 30 miles away so I won't be out in the middle of them. They're probably happy too.

On another note (No picture downloaded yet) Troy had a stockshow over the weekend and placed pretty good. One more show for the season. I keep reminding myself that he's having fun and he's running with good kids.....the hours he has to be at these shows are long, but like I said he's having fun and learning responsibility. Thank goodness he can drive himself.

On a sewing note, I've been making HST's for my string star I started--have about 100 6 1/2" blocks made. At guild last night, there was a gal who found out I was making scrap quilts and gave me a big box to take home. Mixed thoughts because I'm trying to get RID of scraps and not accumulate anymore, but they'll get used or stored for the next scrap project. I do have a tumbling block quilt started too. They'll get used for something.

Finished Embroidered Quilt

I was persuaded to show this by Gail @ Quite Quilted. She asked about the iron-on transfers and we found them online so she could get a copy too. This was a fun quilt to make. I worked on this in the evenings and even drug the blocks along at stock shows. Oh yeah...these blocks even went to Houston with me!

I've shown this in the flimbsy stage, but since it's been quilted, I'll show it again. The quilt was given away last saturday at a baby shower and my niece was the lucky recipient.

Individual blocks:

I'll definitely make another embroidered quilt. This was fun and different to make.

Peanut Butter

Having raised/raising three monsters we have gone thru a lot of peanut butter. Last night on the 10pm news (yes, I was awake for once) they came across with a peanut butter recall.

I never check on these things because I rarely have the brands they are talking about. NOT this time!

Read about it here.

First I griped...."do they know how much that jar of peanut butter cost to just throw it out?" THEN....my frugal-ness settled down and since I can't stand anybody being sick....I kicked myself for even thinking it.

Yes, it went into the trash before I left the house this morning.

Check the number listed on your jar of Peter Pan peanut butter. I don't want ANYBODY getting sick, okay?! I warned ya...

Chocolate on Valentine's Day

This is what I made last night for my Valentines. Three of the five will eat lunch today at home (not me) and this was their treat. We actually sampled it last night --had to make sure it was edible and it is!

The recipe comes from here. Not low-calorie and not sugar free, but when it comes to chocolate ...I don't care!

I made this chocolate truffle recipe last sunday and didn't care for it. I love chocolate, but this wasn't what I expected. Will have to try a different version.

Still haven't figured what I'll fix to go with it for supper tonight....but at least we have dessert.

Love Pies!

No, it's not already Valentines day at our house but I got a last-minute call to make pies for a concession stand. A group that we belong to is sponsoring a stock-show and guess-who has a history of making pies? The gal in charge decided at the last minute to serve this type of dessert.

Cherry and a coconut creme always sell well, so that is what I made. No sewing this weekend but we'll have fun at the stock-show. Maybe Troy will place well.

Everybody have a good weekend and I sure hope it's warm somewhere because it sure isn't here! Guess I shouldn't complain....no Gail...I don't wanna come for a visit right now!

Scraps-Strings-HST

This is what I've started. It's easy, it's fast and you can see progress in a hurry. You just have to be let alone long enough to get to sew. My "Come and go with me" partner is always thinking of things I need to do instead of sew.

I'm sewing strips together and then using my WonderCut Ruler to make HST. I have several WOW fabrics but these happen to all be the same. When Walmart (Yes, I buy walmart fabric sometimes) has $1 a yard on WOW, I usually stock up.

Not even sure if I'm going to leave them in this star pattern, but Mary had this design on one of her strip-piecing posts and I used it. What the rest of the quilt will look like..I have no idea...more stars probably.
BTW--the blocks are 6.5". Nice and big so it will work up fast...IF I get to stay home!

BTW--our walmart is not losing their fabric dept. We are still a small store-not a supercenter. This is the closest place I have to buy fabric--or drive 80 miles...or shop online... Several of the supercenters closer to the OKCity area did lose theirs, but we haven't....................yet.

Like I need help looking crosseyed?

Try doing this a few times.

Yep, stole it from Shannon because I hadn't seen it before. Guaranteed to make ya nuts for awhile!


Oh...my lowest score? 49 Yeah, I'm half-blind.

Leave it to us Okies...

You knew we know how to entertain ourselves, right?!

FEBRUARY 2 GROUNDHOG DAY
The Oklahoma City Zoo is celebrating Groundhog’s Day in true Sooner style. This year’s annual prediction will be made by the Zoo’s bison! Groundhogs are not part of the Zoo’s collection, so this hardy herd have been designated this year’s official Groundhog’s Day delegates. Join us on Friday, February 2 at 10:30 AM for this wild tradition. Hitch a ride on the “bison express” (aka Safari Tram) to the festivities. The Zoo will be offering free tram rides to and from the bison exhibit from 9:00 to 11:00 AM for Groundhog’s Day. Guests will also enjoy free hot chocolate and doughnuts courtesy of Brown’s Bakery while supplies last.

http://www.okczoo.com/abou_news_deta.htm?id=2462768

And the verdict is:

GROUNDHOG DAY PREDICTION February 2, 2007
The Zoo's bison have seen their shadows, signaling six more weeks of winter. Please check back for further details.


Yep, we're definitely Okies....we gotta do things a little bit different!

Crumb scraps

I've seen several crumb quilts over the past few weeks and I swear I've shown mine but I can't find it.

This was made last spring out of a bunch of scraps I had stashed. Some of the pieces aren't real small, but it still took awhile to get them together. No sashing--just a whole quilt of small pieces sewn in every-which direction possible. The borders are even left-overs from another quilt--yes, they're even different colors .

It's actually a favorite for the guys if they happen to be sleeping in the recliner. It's VERY long and will cover their feet and will tuck up under their chins to keep the cold drafts out.

I made my blocks and then cut them diagonal--for what reason, I have no idea, but it worked. Gives it a directional zig-zag look. This quilt stays in the living room. It's very big and very heavy. I wasn't real happy with the quilting on it (puckers) but it's a good utility quilt that every likes to use. The quilter hasn't had another one of mine sent to her either.


This would definitely qualify for stash-busting even though it was made a year ago!

I don't have enough scraps to make another one of these "monsters", but am aiming towards a string quilt made from HST. I can always make strips from ugly FQ's.

Am I boring or what?

...maybe they just didn't ask the right questions?

You've Changed 4% in 10 Years

You've hardly changed in ten years, from your lifestyle to those very retro clothes. And unless you were really ahead of your time, you probably need to acquaint yourself with the modern world!

How Much Have You Changed in 10 Years?

Last Week of January

Where has this month gone? It started out warm, but that didn't stay long. We're still below freezing a lot these days. Since our last big snow storm, we got another blanket of the white stuff yesterday (saturday) morning. It was gone by mid-afternoon, but it was enough to remind us it's still winter.

I do feel like I've accomplished a lot this month. I've finished 3 UFO's --large quilts, and one baby blanket UFO and they're all sent to quilter's. And...you know I've started on something else. The project I really wanted to do, I didn't have the right FQ's for so it will have to wait. There's always something else I can work on.

I also sent two String-quilt-blocks to Nancy for her project. That was an easy project and it's HER fault that I got the bright idea to start another string quilt. I'm going to do them a little different--going to make them HST's. Instructions are on Bonnie's site if you're interested. Most of my scraps are small, so this formula will work better for me.

While I'm cutting strips, I got the bright idea to also cut tumbling blocks as I go--bought the template in Houston. And THEN...if you're cutting strips....why not cut 1" strips for the Locker Hooking Rug you want to make too. I'm multi-taskable, but this might be a bit much. Guess I can't get bored on this many projects!

This weekend we also attented Troy's first stock-show. He did well with the two show-pigs he took. One placed first and the other third. He also won a Reserve Champion in one breed. He'll be rich for a few days.

BUT....the sad news?! The engine blew in his new/old pickup. We were on our way to the stockshow and the worse noise I ever heard came out of that red truck of his. Thank goodness we were both with him and thank goodness for friends who stop to help, and thank goodness for tow-trucks. BUT..thank the most goodness is that his Dad and brother Trent can take it apart and have it back together running better than new in a few days. A cost we weren't counting on right now, but what do you do?

OH...bad news, but wanna hear some good?....Troy got invited to the PROM! How did my 16 yr old boy grow up? The little gal who's sweet on him is a grade above and she wants him to go. I told him that he better save his show-money for a tux and flowers. He has no idea what the cost is going to be. (neither do I)

Going to go put the clean sheets on the bed, maybe eat a few of the homemade choc chip cookies I made and call it an early evening. The guys are all still down in the shop (Troy just came in bleeding holding his hand!) and will probably all be in pretty soon. When the sun goes down, it sure gets cold in a hurry.

Can you hear...."Mama I need a band-aid"! ?

Weekend Snow

Do weathermen ever get it right? Not complaining, but the 10" of snow that we were later predicted for actually turned into about 5" and the rest turned into rain. It was a very wet snow with big fat wet snowflakes. The wheat fields are soaking in all the much needed moisture.

These were taken saturday afternoon and by today, the sun is out and the roads are already clear. With 40 degree weather predicted for most of the week, all of the white stuff will be gone before long.

I did get to sew during our snowy days. The double 4-patch quilt I started last week got it's borders. I know it's a horrible picture--the outside border is a blue-plaid. I'll try to get another one of it when it comes back from the quilters.

Snowy Weekend Ahead*CHANGE of FORECAST**

In just a few hours, they're already changing the forecast for even MORE snow! (Fri-morning)
Thursday Evening

I can see piles of firewood stacked in the mudroom.

I can see the fridge full of necessities for home-bound people.

I can see the puppy spralled out on the rug in the kitchen because somebody thinks he's cold.

I can see Mama sewing a bunch this weekend.

I can see coveralls and boots piled on rugs in the mudroom.

I can see "Administrative Leave" on a payroll account because her little car is being held hostage in the garage by a snow-drift.

I can see this family watching lots of movies and playing lots of card and board games this weekend.

Yep.....is March 20th here yet?

I'm ready to see the daffodils and tulips.

Happiness Is....

Sending in the check to the Sally-Mae instuition that will pay off a student loan to go to JohnDeere School! YEAH....one bill we no-longer have to pay.

Thank you employer for helping us out. We (including Trent) so much appreciate you!

ICE!

I've had several of you email me to see if we've survived the first ice storm of 2007. Thank you. Yes, we have. It started last friday morning and we received about 3" of the white stuff. If you've never been outside when it's raining b-b's, it's quite an experience. Mini-hail is what DH called it.

It's now tuesday (Monday was a federal holiday) and I'm back to work. The major highways are clear, but our back country roads are still slicker-than-you-know-what.

They're predicting freezing temps for most of the week and another ice-storm coming in later this week. Just what we don't need with construction going on.

Speakin' of construction...I took this picture the night before the storm (when it was 70 degrees outside).

It's my 25x25 basement. The rods poking up will be a wall dividing the room in half...which is also support for the garage up above.

AND.....you know when it's storming, I have to spend part of the time sewing. This is what I started (and finished) over the icey-weekend.

It's a double 4-patch which is scraps from my last two homespuns projects. ONLY scraps and it's 72x72 before the borders. I don't wanna see anymore homespuns for awhile!

Troy calls it "the ugly quilt", but I betcha it'll work good keeping us warm!

It's tuesday, so it's back to work!

Bricks'nStones

Anybody remember this quilt-start?

Well...it finally grew up and turned into this:

As soon as I get the backing figured out, it's going to Bonnie for quilting. Yes, I'm on her list so it won't be a surprise to her! I have faith that it's going to be marvelous when it returns.

If anybody wonders--the dark border is green not black. The next thin border is a dark ecru/camel (plaid)color. I thought taking it outside would let the colors show up, but on my screen it looks dark too.

BTW--it's 84x104 MOL

AND.....I still have homespun scraps!

BULLSEYE!

This bullseye has been an ongoing project for awhile. There's another bullseye out there somewhere waiting to be finished...but I won't mention her name....!

The fabrics are homespuns and it's all over my house.

Troy is standing on a chair so it's a little deceiving how big the quilt actually is. I think I measured it 64" wide--he's about 5'9" and it's as wide as his arms will spread...is that an exact measurement?! Not a big quilt, but big enough for him to wrap up in.





Now....how do I quilt this darn thing? Round and round each circle? I have barn-red homespun (checked) to go on the back so it's going to be a heavy quilt. Nice and warm!

The picture makes it look a little yellow because it's under my kitchen florescent lights. It's very warm-rich colors.

Quilting ideas?!....please?

Starting a new Year

Yes, it's been awhile since I've posted. The holidays always put me in a grump-of-a-mood and it takes me awhile to get out. I get so tired of all the commercial attitude that my friends have towards the Christmas Holiday and it's easy to slump down into my own little world and dwell on myself. May be hard to describe, but my Zone Manager said it the best...he told me to keep my family close and celebrate in our own way--let the world go their own way and do what's best for us. That's exactly what we did.

It's now the beginning of a new year. This year will hopefully begin the start of some new things in our life.

#1--a new house. I have a big hole in the front yard where it's been too wet to pour concrete for the basement. We have 6 months to be in (before the interest goes up) 6 months!...that'll be here before we know it.

#2--a promotion at work. Our family is as guilty as the next--the more I make, the more they spend!

#3--drivers license for my youngest driver. This thursday he (hopefully) will take and pass his drivers license test. The pickup is ready but I don't know if Mama is.

#4--a new pet. We lost both of our dogs in the past few months. Yes, Andy is also gone. It was a tragic death (one I don't want to describe), but we have a new chocolate lab. --pictures later. He has been neglected but with some TLC from us, he'll be a wonderful pot-licker.

#5--new relationships. My #2 son has a wonderful girlfriend and has become closer and closer to her. They have dated off and on for 7 years and I told him that he better not screw it up...I like her and she fits in so well with our family.

#6--back to sewing. I finally have a project that's almost ready to go to the quilter. How can you buy a whole bolt of fabric for the backing...and you need 9 more inches?! arrrrrrrrg...I'll make it work somehow.

I'm listening to Gerald Ford's funeral on the television as Kissinger is talking. Sure brings back lot of memories from my Jr.High days. I'm not a political person but was raised by a politician and I can so relate to the public life. The funeral makes me think about going thru the same emotions with my own parents as I buried both parents before I turned 40..."Abide with Me" was played at both services. Did you hear it this morning? Brought tears to my eyes. Susan Ford is holding up a lot better than I ever did.

Life goes on...my Dad use to tell me that Life is for the Living...you cannot change what's gone...keep living and remember who raised you!

As I'm enjoying this Federal Holiday.....life is going to be very busy in 2007...bring it on!