HAPPY NEW YEAR

I can hardly believe this is New Years Eve! Where has the year gone? Too fast for me, thats for sure. It has been a wonderful year as I found the blogging world. I have been Blessed meeting so many fellow Quilters, and many of you have become dear Friends, for that I Thank You. There have been a lot of ups and downs for most of us, lets hope this year blesses us with mostly ups. My wish for you all is Good Health and Happiness, and pray for World Peace. Happy Quilting! Love 'n hugs n'kisses Kaye

Home for Santa!

We made it home with absolutely no problem. 27 inches in Reston VA at my son's house and boy they were ready for it. It started to snow about 8:30 Fri nite and plows were out and waiting, the Dept of Public Works deserve a huge hug and the Thanks from all who were on the roads. It was the same in Maryland all the way into Delaware. The pictures are from my sons House, it was beautiful and it really feels like Christmas. Thanks to Our Lord and Our Guardian Angels for the safe ride home
The picture of Santa and Mrs Claus was taken at the Cracker Barrell thats on Rte 50 past the Bridge, opposite the outlets. It was the perfect ending to our trip.

White CHRISTMAS

Its a winter wonderland! Living in Delaware we see very little snow, but we traveled to my son's house in Virginia for his annual Christmas Party. I just didn't believe the weatherman when he forecast up to 2 feet, was I wrong. We woke this morning to 11 inches of the white stuff Its beautiful. Sorry I can't post the pictures we took, as I am using my sons laptop and I don't have the cables to hook up the camera. Katie and Brandon are so excited, they haven't seen this much snow in a good long time. Hope we make it home for Santa!!

Happy Birthday

My Baby is 40 to-day, yes Kathy is 40. Her birth was extra exciting as she and my nephew Kevin were born on the same day. My sister Pat and I were room-mates in the hospital, and the newspaper came to take our pictures and write a story about us. It helped that our Mom worker at the hospital. My 5 children were all born in the 60's--- 60, 62, 63, 66 and 69. I can't even begin to believe that my oldest will be 50 next year..Life has been very Good to us, Sure we have our aches and pains, who doesn't, but we have been Blessed many times over. My Grandson Nicholas was born on Christmas Day and this year will be 18. How cool is that??

Christmas Concert at Elementary School

You know its getting close to the big DAY when the school has its Christmas Concert. My Grandaughter Katie's school goes to 5th grade. Its a Great School and what Fantastick Teachers. The music teacher has been doing 2 concerts a year for 30 years. She is so talented and it shows in the children. Every year its different and every year the kids get better and better. This year was the story of Kids having a Pajama Party , and the theme is "Jamming in our Jammies" They all wore their P J's to scool along with their slippers and some had to bring their pillows They told the story and sang and danced and I"ll tell you they were great. Even the boys got into it. They sang traditional Christmas Carols and some cute dancing songs. I was fortunate to sit in the front row and had a birds eye view! Katie is in the front row with short blond hair and purple pj's and slippers

A Great Book for all Quilters

I have just finished reading " The Master Quilter " by Jennifer Chiaverini. It is the story about the making of Sylvia's Bridal Quilt. Pat Casadei has been busy making the blocks and I am busy reading about them. It is a great story with a bit of mystery in it, and talks about the friendship , creativity, challenges and dreams that Quilters have. There is a series of books Jennifer has written, the popular Elm Street Quilters series. I also have Circle of Quilters and The Christmas Quilt. There are 8 more books that I know of that will definately be on my list for SANTA. A good read for many of my fellow bloggers. ps: am having a problem with my computer and my camera, they are not getting along, so no new pictures till I can get them looked at

A new and great give-a-way

Wow, Rhonda, http://ravelly1-quiltzblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/500th-give-away.html has had her 500th blog and is giving a gift certificate to a quilt shop. You have to go there to find out how much and where it is. Congratulations Rhonda

15 Reasons for Buying Fabric ( as if we need any reason)

At our Lancaster Trip Sherry gave each of us a copy of this, I thought you would enjoy it. Here they are: 1. It insulates the closet where its kept 2. It helps keep the economy going. It is our Patriotic duty to support cotton farmers, textile mills and Quilt shops 3. It is less expensive and more fun than psychiatric care 4.Because its on sale 5. Because I'm worth it. 6. A sudden increase in the boll weevil population might wipe out the cotton crop for the next 10 years 7.I'm participating in a contest: the one who dies with the most fabric WINS 8.It keeps without refrigeration, you don't have to cook it to enjoy it, and you never have to feed it, change it, wipe its nose or walk it. 9. I need extra weight in the trunk of my car for traction on snowy, icy roads. This is important even in Florida and California, you never know when the weather will change. 10. Like dust its good for protecting previously empty spaces in the house, like the ironing board, the laundry hamper, the dining room table.......... 11. When the big earthquake comes, all the quilt shops might be swallowed into the ground and never seen again 12. Stress from dealing with the Fabric Control Officer (my husband ) made me do it. 13. Its not immoral, illegal or fattening. It calms the nerves, gratifies the soul and make you feel good. 14, Buy it now before your husband retires and goes with you on all shopping expeditions. 15. A yard a day is all the Quilt Shops of America ask.

Wonky Swap

A couple of months ago, I joined a swap on East Coast Quilters, a group in Quilt with Us from Connecting Threads. It was a fun swap, and here are the 8 great blocks that I got. Thanks again to Barbara Dannenfelser from NJ, Lisa Timmer from MD, Debbie Kozcela from NH, and Sue Lynch from Maine.

Thanksgiving almost here

I would like to wish each and every one of You a Happy Thanksgiving. It crept up so fast, but its here along with the start of the Holiday Season. How many of you are going out shopping bright and early on "Black Friday"? I think the crowds will be less this year because of Swine and reg flus. This Turkey I made from a Pat Sloan pattern, isn't he just too cool? The wooden holder was made by an Amish gentleman. It was in the last Quilt shop we went to on our Lancaster trip. Its the same place where Pat bought the never ending tote. I am really sorry I did not get one, next trip

How Lucky can a Person Be?

They say Friday the 13th is a Bad Luck Day---- not for me!! First my DH was born on Friday the 13th of March and then ------- I won the most awesome give-a-way I have seen--- It is from Kelly Jackson of www.ihaveanotion.blogspot.com Here is a picture of some of it!!!! WOW-- The Basket and contents are valued at $225.00. Pinch me I am dreaming. Thank you Kelly for your generousity

Our Lancaster Trip

Its hard to know what to tell you as Pat and Kathy both are blogging about our Great Trip. If its repitious, I am sorry. I will tell you about the evenings. Oh my Goodness were we having fun, just like a group of teenagers, silly and giggly. We decided to each take a silly picture. Here are a few--Sherry & her Sister Prue, Linda & Sherry goofing off and then there is Prue teaching us to cut out snowflakes. They are soo nice and easy when you know how. Last is Pat Casadei with her wee one. We had 3 teachers in the group, Pat, Prue and Kathy. She was a college professor. We tease her sometimes and call her Doc, but she is a great gal and a beautiful quilter.

Quilt Retreat

Sorry no pictures yes, had a bit of a camera problem, Oh Goodness- where do I begin? It was absolutely a great time. The girls couldn't believe it was the first time in 50 plus years of Marriage that I ever had a vacation away from DH. I was so happy to go as I have to use oxygen when I sleep and a walker to walk any distance and the girls were so good, took great care of me. I haven't walked so much in years but I managed to keep up..We went to a quilt shop after quilt shop and in between a Candy Factory and a pretzel factory and another quilt shop. We left in the mornings at around 9, shopped, had lunch, shopped and got home around 5. We had planned to eat all our meals out but by 5 were tired so we got take out and ate home. Pats daughter told her to eat something she had never eaten before and do some fun- silly things, well we sure took her advice. I had stuffed pepper soup and tasted sho fly pie. I ordered for dinner one nite that we did eat out stuffed cabbage. Speaking of cabbage, Pat bought a hugecabbage, about 15 lbs for 1.50. They had the largest califlower and broccoli almost as big for 1.00. Must be all that horse fertilizer. LOL. The highlight was seeing them plow the fields and watch the children walk to and from school with their Lunch pails. The one room school was down the road from us, We saw them at recess, and heard the bell call them back in. Most go to school till the age of 12 and then either work the farm or around the house. The entire Lancaster area is so clean, no litter and the sight of the farms at a distance is breath taking. Almost all of the shops that sell material also sell quilts. What an inspiration they are, prices run from around 400 to 900 on the average. Most of the ones for sale are done by Mother-Daughter teams. The reason for that is the stitches should be very much alike. I asked about the quilt bees and was told that was when they were making quilts for newly weds. Each new Bride gets 7 Quilts. I bough a couple of patterns that hopefully I can do. The prices were unbelievable! From 3.00 to maybe 6 or 7 dollars. A queen size backing piece of quality material was 24.00. The house we rented was so clean and spacious and lovely. It cost each of a a little over 90 dollars for a 3 nite stay. We were 6 but it holds 16 people. More tomorrow about our nightly activities and anything else I can think of that will interest you. One thing I will say, if you ever have the opportunity to go there GO. We decided to do it a couple of times a year, it was that wonderful

Lancaster Quilt Trip

I am so excited, I am all packed and ready to leave tomorrow morning for Lancaster for our Quilt "Retreat" as I refer to it. 6 of us ( 3 are bloggers, myself, Pat of A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of Pat, and Cathy of Creative Urges) have rented a beautiful house. It is well furnished, and 4 of us have our own bedroom and the other two are sisters and will share a room. We will do no cooking, will eat out except for maybe breakfast. Besides sewing and shopping we may relax and read or play Dominos- Mexican Train or a couple of card games. We will do a lot of shopping that much I am sure of. Only thing we will be missing is a computer but be sure we will catch up when we get home Fri or Sat.. It will be great just to get away. We went to Quilt Guild today and they revealed our Secret Sisters. I said many times over the last year that I felt my Sister knows me because she got me such great gifts, but I had no clue who she was. I found out and was floored, she is my Pal and fellow Quilter, but best of all Friend. It is Pat Casadei ( Little Bit of Pat) How she pulled it off I have no clue as most times we rode together, but she sure hid it well. Thanks again Pat for your Generosity and thoughtfulness, most of all I so appreciate your friendship.

Halloween at our House

Boy oh boy, what a night for the Grandkids. The rain held off and they had a great nite "Trick or Treating" Katie was Vampira and looked so cute, Brandon was an ugly goulie. I have always enjoyed it and made many a costume for my kids and my nieces and nephews. Only about 6 kids came to the door. I was kinda disappointed as in NY we would get over 100. The gk went to 3 churches for Trunk or Trick. If you have never seen or heard of it, a group form a semi circle and open their trunks, or rear doors and thats all decorated with the candy ready for the kiddies. A lot of the people dress up and its a great time. Its safe and best of all the kids don't bother people who don't like Halloween. They got soooo much candy, I have never seen so much. Now its November!!! get ready for Thanksgiving, my how time fkies

A Lesson Learned

This is my disappearing 9 patch for Halloween. It is from a charm pack by Moda called Spook Tacular. I decided to stipple quilt it, now I haven't done too much of it, but said--give it a go, how bad can I do. Well did I learn a Lesson the hard way. I stippled and I stippled some more, and the runner can almost stand by itself LOL Next time I will remember that LESS IS BEST.

Mixed Up C actus????

I don't think my cactus knows what season we are in. Its a Christmas Cactus and is now in full bloom. I have 3 of these plants, only this one bloomed

Lakeside Parade & Halloween Party for the KIDS

The weather co-operated and the rain held off till after all the festivities. It took place at "The Point" in our Bayside community. Its a lovely spot, right on the water and in the summer its where the weekly concerts are held. The Home Owners Assoc. puts it together for the kids. They have games, ex: hoola hoop on the pumpkin, pin the nose on the pumpkin etc. All children got a goody bag and after the games they had the parade. Soooo cute, even some of the animals got dressed up. The big surprise of the day---- our local Fire Company came with their New Fire Engines and gave all the kids ( adults too) a ride. It was really nice. The sun was out but it was really windy near the water, its such a beautiful place. Lots of benches to sit and relax on and just enjoy the Day. Its where most of the boats are docked and also where the beach is. We can use it at any time even though we live in Lakeside. Thats Katie dressed as Vampira and the last picture is DH Larry and our friend Joe (who with his wife Phyllis just moved down) posing and reminising about their days as Firefighters. Joe was a Captain and he and Larry have been friends for a long time. Joe hung up his golf shoes for a rest and they are having a ball fishing. Thats what retirement is all about, Right?

Hurry Hurry Hurry, a great post

For a fabulous giveaway go to http://pumpkinpatchprimitivequiltshoppe.blogspot.com/2009/10/its-happy-halloween-giveaway right away as it closes on the 31st and will be drawn the next day. She has some very nice things in her shoppe, stop by and tell her you read about it on my blog. I read about it on Pat's blog

Rain, Rain go Away

I thought you would like to see where we dock our Pontoon. In the first 3 pictures you can see the walking docks under water. You also can see right thru the pontoons. Picture 4 shows the water spilling out onto the parking lot. Picture 5 is our Bayside Beach, no sand to be seen, it looks like picnic tables in a pool. It has been raining everyday for over a week, pretty soon we will need water wings. Its not really a serious situation, just something to share. It is really nothing compared to the losses our friends in American Samoa have suffered and they have no where to go. I pray for them daily and hope they get the help they need soon. A lot of our wonderful Blogger friends have sent packages, but they need lots more. Please remember them in your prayers

Flu Shots

Its that time of year again. My DH and I both got our flu shot last week, the other for the swine flu hasn't arrived yet here in Delaware. Guess we got it just in time as my Grandson Brandon has been home sick all week. He went to Dr on Tues, its the reg flu, no strep. It knocked him for a loop. Boy was he upset that he had to miss school all week. The school has their work and homework online so he can somewhat keep up the work. Schools are being strict as well they should. I know its hard for working Moms or Dads, but one sick kid in school can infect many many more. Here he is looking better than he does this week

BLOCK SWAPS

I have had a great time being in a few block swaps. Its so interesting to see what ideas our Blogging friends have. I was also in a friendship bag swap. A small, cute little bag and so easy to do. I was late on sending the bag and I do apoligize for that. My dear Janome machine is yet again at the dealers being fixed. The purple is the one I did, the orange is the one my swap partner sent me!

Prayers for Barbara

Please say some prayers for our blogging friend Barbara of Bejeweled Quilts. We got word tonite that there was an earthquake and tsunami in Pago Pago, American Samoa where Barbara lives. We are praying for her safety. At this point in time there is no word of how bad it is but I am sure she is frightened beyond words, Her Hubby is away for his job and she doesn't like being alone, now this. I am hopeful electricity will be on and she can blog us. In the meantime please PRAY

Mr Peppers Farm

Took the Grandkids and we went to the local Farm to pick pumpkins and buy our fall mums. What a great time we had. We met Mr Peppers 8 yr old Grandaughter who greeted us and wanted to know if we had been there before, I told her Oh yes, for the past 6 years. She told us to make sure we checked the bottom of the pumpkins as all the rain we had caused a lot of rot. She was so cute and so smart. She collected the money and told us her Grandpa taught her all last winter. He sure did a great job. The small deco pumpkins were 50 cents each, the gourds 4 for 1.00, the hay bales 3.00, the straw bundles 4.00 and the biggg mums only 3.00. The corn maze was blown apart by the bad winds, but they were giving hay rides. Its a great place to visit and has become for us an annual part of the start of Fall

Halloween Block Swap

Back in July I joined a swap, had to make 24 Halloween Themed Blocks. 12 9 patch-same 2 materials 12 themed-mine was witches and each unfinished block was to be 12 1/2 in. My goodness people did a super job, I absolutely Love the ones I got back. Now comes the hard part-- how to put them together, make 1 large quilt, take 3 blocks and sash in between and make a wall hanging, make a table runner ? Any suggestions? The swap host was Jane Remus of JanesFabrics.blogspot.com. She did an excellent job, Thank You Jane

new Give-a-way

be sure to go check out Bluebird Quilts for her celebration give-a-way at bluebirdquilts.lyn.blogspot.com

The Janome Curse

That's right, now my machine has what we now refer to as the Janome curse. Anne from our Lakeside Ladies group was the first with a problem with a brand new machine. She hasn't been sewing on it since it was "fixed" as she had very serious shoulder surgery. Next was Pat, first in March and now again with her jumping and catching material in bobbib area, now mine again. I took it in the beginning of Augusy, it just stopped sewing although electric was definately on. The dealer told me it was the area across top of machine, as take up wheel wouldn't move. Service took machine and reported back problem was because I never had that part of machine serviced duh!!! no one told me about that. She said they were very kind and put in a new piece. August 2nd to yesterday Sept 22nd, exactly 49 days and I can't use it again. I personally think they must get seconds or else Janome just stinks, I am so frustrated at this point. Lucky for me Pat also has an older singer to lend me. It seems the older machines are more reliable. Our machines weren't cheap either, Pat's computerized model was about 1,100.00 and mine was about 600.00

School Sales

Do any of you have any feelings for or against the kids selling stuff for school. Myself I absolutely hate it! First week of school they come home with papers to sell magazines, cookie dough, and a whole lot of other stuff. They brain wash these kids with all the big prizes they can win--Wii games telescopes, microscopes, and a lot of other goodies. In todays economy neighbors sometimes can't make expenses never mind buy all this stuff from the kids. How many times can you ask a co-worker to buy? The kids that usually sell the most have parents who work in a large company and then that parent is obligated to buy a lot of stuff they don't use or need. If the schools need extre money for class trips or equipment for the playground, can't they just ask parents for a donation or have a community fund raising. Have a bazaar or a game day with parents, kids , teachers and invite the community. Do I sound like scrooge? I just am so aggrivated with all the selling. Then soccer sells and scouts and on and on and on. Tonite I am on my soapbox and thanks for listening!

Our Friday Nite Visit

Was a scarey one for sure. DH found out last week his back and leg pain is from a pinched nerve in the lower back. Its from arthritic spurs that came back from the surgery he had about 12 yrs ago. The only time the pain is relieved is when he sits or lies down. He is trying to be patient while waiting for an appointment to go for pain management therapy, but is getting impatient. The last 2 days he has seemed antsy but today he was extremely nauseas and dizzy and clammy, the same symptons he had before his quad by- pass several years ago. He had no pain, no chest pain but took nitro glycerin pills 1/2 hr apart. He didn't tell me and in the er he said I took them in case. A big no-no. He didn't put up too much a fuss when I called an ambulance. They did lots of blood work, chest and back x rays and several hours monitoring. Thank God all tests were good. After all was said and done he had 2 problems, The NITRO pills are for chest pain only and he has vertigo. For me it was really a scarey couple of hours but thank the Good Lord its not a serious or life threatening problem. Now he waits for the pain management! Keep your fingers crossed that that happens soon! Needless to say I haven't done much sewing, I can't seem to concentrate but I will be back!!!!

Ride with Pat

Took the ride this morning with Pat, I went mainly for moral support. The Janome dealer is very knowlegable but does a lot of double talking. I did not expect her to say to Pat the things she did. Pat was such a Lady, kept her cool and got her point across. The dealer acted like Pat didn't know what she was doing. She would say something and then the next sentence contradict herself. She implied that the machine was replaced once and there was nothing wrong with it. Thats a crock, as no one replaces something that expensive for no reason. Too bad Pat doesn't have the serial number of the first machine as the dealer said its for sale at the other store. Now both Pat and I are leary she is being truthful as the second machine didn't come in a sealed box. Its also strange that the problem happened the first time when the machine was 6 mos old and now 6 months later the 2nd machine is doing the same thing. Doesn't sound kosher to me. I think its now time we go over the dealers head and go to the head of Janome. What do you think?

My Oldest Grandson James

I never quite understood what kind of Doctor James was going to be or what research he was doing. He is in Grad school at Northwestern, just finishing his first year.His research study that he came up with is to see if bilingual Spanish-English speakers are better than monolingual English speakers at learning words in a third, made up language of his own design.He's had a lot of people respond so he's now busy looking at their data to see how well they learned. I find it fascinating, certainaly a lot deeper than anything I ever studied. Hopefully he will send me the results soon. Hope I didn't bore you all,( it has nothing to do with quilting ) but I think its quite interesting knowing James as I do. He is a very shy, quiet young man, very much the silent type and now he speaks in front of many, many Doctors, Professors etc. Amazing!

Sooo Quiet, I Love It

Tomorrow is Labor Day and I intend to do nothing but SEW!!!! New York Bartolottis left about 10 minutes ago, my son Larry also left for Virginia and my DH went with him. He is giving his Father a white pick up truck as he bought a 2003 Beautiful Black Cadillac. DH will drive it home Monday morning, hopefully before traffic gets crazy. Opening day of school was scheduled for Tuesday but has been postponed till Wednesday. The funeral for the slain state trooper will be tuesday and they anticipate horrendous traffic. I Love all the Company and miss them when they leave, but its so much work cooking, refereeing and the noise level is difficult to listen to at times. Amazing isn't it how the weather knows school is starting and cools down. Happy Fall to All. Hugs Kaye

MadelinesDanceStudio

Sorry I have to do this in 2 parts, but I couldn't figure out how to put info with each picture 1- soldiers in part of battle enactment 2- Ambassador Pierre Vimont left side 3.-- Congressman Hinchey, 2nd from left 4---Eliza singing 5--Teachers and Students-- DIL , Madeline, far right, Grandsons Raymond--right, Nathan, next to him in front row

MadelinesDanceStudio

My DIL Madeline has had a dance school for the past 18 years. Besides dance they are involved in many community events and fund raisers. The studio is involved with the local radio station and the Disney Players. They bring dance to hospitals,nursing homes and also areas where the children seldom get to see a dance school in action. They are very community spirited. One of her students Eliza has a beautiful singing voice. She does a lot of acapella and has a special talent. The local congressman Maurice Hinchey recently hosted a tour of Washington's Headquarters on the Hudson River. This was in honor of the French Ambassador Pierre Vimont and Eliza was requested to sing. They also did an enactment of an old battle and the Ambassador was very impressed. I wasn't able to go up but my Grandsons Raymond and Nathan were there (they have been dancing since they were 2). They brought me the pictures and told me all about the day.

My NY Grandsons Come For a Visit

The boys are here for their "Delaware" vacation. We really enjoy them being here as we don't get to see them as much as we would like. The hardest part is the noise level when they get together with Katie and Brandon and all the games. They love the Wii, Animal crossing, and Wi Sports Resort. They are all very good at it and very competitive. Yesterday they went on the boat fishing with DH and my dtr Pattie. A great time was had by all and they even caught some fish. They came back and went to the pool. Today is overcast so I think they will go to Jungle Jims. Its a water park w/ bumber cars. After 4 hrs there they should be tired out. LOL. This is Raymond on left 9 and Nathan 7 1/2 Nick with his "BIG" fish and the whole gang. Good time was had by all