KATE'S VISIT

Kate visited me in early June.  It was way too short of a visit. 

Kate was at a craft fair in Tennessee selling her new product.  After it was over, she drove an additional
3 1/2 hours down to spend time with me.  Now, that's a friend!  She was smart and left here mid morning and made the trip back to the Milwaukee area in two days.

Kate designs Practically Ribbons  Check out her website.  These pretty ribbons (wired ribbons) have grommets in them and can be used with clips and/or hooks, such as the hooks used to  place ornaments on the Christmas tree.  The ribbons, which come in a variety of colors and themes, can be used for ornaments, cards, scarfs, etc., - the uses are endless.  They can hang from almost anythings (such as a curtain rod) by using a shower curtain hook.

Below is a picture of one of the ribbons Kate gave me as a gift.  I have five total, all holiday ribbon,  and plan to use them to display my Christmas cards.  I think they will work perfect in my dining room window and make that area look festive during the holiday season.



I used one of the ribbons to display some
of my birthday cards in my front window

I think these ribbons have lots of uses, especially in places like assisted living facilities and health care centers.  They could make hospital rooms cheerful by easily displaying pictures, cards - you name it, while not taking up much space.

I loved having Kate here.  We had some great talks.  She has always been there for me, always supportive.  I miss you, Kate.  Wish we were closer logistically but, I am not moving back!.

A PLATONIC VISIT

My good friend, David, came for a visit in May for five nights.    We went up to Helen, GA and then to Anna Ruby Falls.  We went to the Aquarium and saw the dolphin show (very cool) .  We visited with my sister and brother-in-law and went to a couple of MeetUp functions.  We also just hung out and talked. 

Me and David at Anna Ruby Falls

I've known David for about eight years.  He has been a very good friend to me and I hope he feels the same about me.  When Phil died over a year ago now, David was the first one at my side and shared his stories of depression and suicidal thoughts.  His insights were extremely helpful to me.  In fact, David's insights on life are always interesting! 

We've had a lot of fun over the years and helped each other over some very rough times.  Our friendship is just that - friendship.  We do not cross the line.  And, that is just fine.  I've met most of his family and his awesome daughter.  It's been fun watching Nicole grow up and David is a great dad to her.  I really admire his parenting skills.

I have always had friendships with men.  And, once the "line" is drawn, for me it doesn't change.  I can somewhat understand that some people don't understand friendship between a woman and a man and I can understand how a man I am romantically involved with might feel threatened by such a friendship.  Everyone is different and I do understand that a man/woman friendship can cross the lines and become sexual.  It takes respect, understanding and trust to maintain such friendships on every ones part.  And, I have learned that if I am romantically involved with someone and he really gives me a difficult time about any "man" friendships I might have, he is totally insecure within himself and I need to leave. 



Pondering relationships at Anna Ruby Falls

 Were there awkward moments between David and me when he was here?  Maybe when I walked out of my bedroom in my robe and jammies the first morning, but we actually had a good laugh about how stupid I looked and moved on.  I know David would like to come again in the next year or so and I hope it works out.  I would love it if he brought his daughter along, but either way, he is always welcome!

WESTWARD HO

Over Easter I spent a week in Mesa, AZ visiting my gal pal Nancy and sister, Linda.  I had a great time. I enjoy visiting this area and love the mountains, but sure was glad to be back in Georgia where it is GREEN! 


Nate and me

 A highlight of the trip was meeting my second cousin, Nathan, son of my cousin, Scott. The last time I saw Nate he was six weeks old. Now he has hair, teeth and is no longer in diapers (joking here) and is all grown up into a very nice and handsome young man. He is attending the University of Arizona on a full scholarship and going into enginering.  Linda and I had dinner with Nathan and his mom, Kaye and had a great time. It was so good to make this connection and next time I am in Arizona I hope we can get together again.



Sister Linda, me, Nate and Kaye, Nate's mom

 Nancy and I went to the Desert Botanical Gardens.  I took a ton of pictures, a few of which are shown below.  It was spring time in the desert and so many plants were in bloom.  It was a lovely day there.
Nancy and I always have fun together and this trip was no exception.  We ate laughed a lot, shopped a little, shared secrets and ate great food (YUM to the Thai and East Indian place, and Agritopia).  The best part is that Nancy is purchasing her very first house in Gilbert, AZ!  I got to tour the house three times and it is just charming.  She closes in a few weeks and I hope to return soon so I can see it all decorated and really made into "Nancy's home."

Alice rocks!

I also stopped at Coopertown - Alice Cooper's bar/restaurant so I could pick up a birthday present and tee shirt for my nephew, Paul.  That was fun.

This was the first time in almost a year I ventured more than 100 miles from my new home here in Georgia.  It felt good!  I'll be back soon, Nancy!



Feeding a squirrel noodle salad!



The three Chichuly glass sculptures at the entrance to the gardens. Fabulous!
If you EVER get a change to see his art, GO!  I have seen his art in various locations
in the United States and it is always wonderful



A Walk in the 'Hood on a Fall Morning

Most mornings I walk Sam up the hills to the far end of the subdivision, about 2.5 miles round trip.  I finally remembered to take my camera along.  Due to the clouds, the mountains can't be seen.  However, the clouds are beautiful in these pictures and you can click on the pictures for a better view.  The pictures are in random order, not our specific route.  Too hard to move pictures around when posting,  Anyway, come along and enjoy the walk with me.   



Looking down the last hill before we turn around to come home.  This would have the best mountain views, if not for the clouds. 



First hill we climb (view is looking down).  Don't be deceived, it is a huge hill!

 

Houses in the area are decorated for Halloween.  This is simple and my favorite



Scarecrow "love birds" at a house in the 'hood

 

You might have to double click on the picture to see this house all decked out for Halloween



After over a month of walking this hill, I am still out of breath at the top



Looking down to my street.  You can't see my house, but it would be on the left.

 

This house always is landscaped beautifully



First of two round-abouts we walk around.  Now if Americans would only learn how to drive around them!

Another pretty view

I love living here!



My street

 

Witch cat statue in front of my friend's house.  Too cute!



Fall Decorations

A scarecrow to welcome you

Two of the things I really enjoy in my new home here in Canton, GA are my fireplace mantel and my front porch.

Almost every day I sit on the wicker love seat and watch the world go by.  When the humming birds were still here I would spend hours watching them at the feeder.  Now, I am seeing the winter birds arrive.  Although more skittish than the "hummers" some are getting use to me (and Sam) sitting within 10 feet of one of their feeders.



Sam and I both enjoy sitting on the front porch

And, I decorated my porch to fit the season.  The love seat is now covered with a fall colored cloth (actually a tablecloth) that I think looks great and adds warmth to the porch.  The wagon I "won" at the silent auction benefiting the Cherokee County Humane Society.  It was loaded full of garden items - too many to mention.  I really was fortunate to win this item and all of the goodies in it.  A scarecrow, fall leaves, a pumpkin and a wreath on the door complete the decorations.  More Halloween-ish decorations will be purchased after October 31st when they are on sale and they will be carefully kept until next year.  I think a couple witches will grace the tree in 2011.

   

Witches for Halloween



Decorated for the fall

 

My fireplace mantel is also decorated for the season.  And, yes - those are really candy corn pieces in the glass jug.  Ha!  It was full a week ago.  I just changed some of the items out for a couple of weeks and add my collection of witches and my quilted witch panel.  After Halloween I will add some Thanksgiving items and the fall panel will return. 



Moved things around a little

My dining room table has a fall runner on it along with a basket of harvest items.  My coffee table has fall colored candles in a wooden bowl.  Other little fall items are spread out throughout the house.  Even the table in my back screened porch has a fall tablecloth on it. 

The last few years in my house in Milwaukee I hardly decorated at all for the seasons and holidays.  Only the wreath on the front door changed every few months.  Maybe because I usually spent Christmas and Easter here in Georgia with family, that I lost interest in decorating for the seasons in Wisconsin.  This house really calls out for seasonal decorations and I am looking forward to Christmas, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day and the rest of the holidays. 

Halloween door

Fall Door

Almost every house in the subdivision has some fall decorations gracing the front porch or yard.  It is fun to walk every day and see them.  

It doesn't take much effort to decorate for the seasons (well, expect for Christmas - I have a ton of stuff).  It changes things up a bit and makes the house more interesting.  I enjoy it and I hope you do, too!

House For Sale

My house if officially on the market. The first weekend (last weekend) I have 5 showings! That was exciting. Unfortunately, no offers. I had a showing last night and the couple like it so much they are returning tonight to see it one more time. No other scheduled showings for the weekend.

Sigh.

Keeping a house clean 24/7 is harder than I thought. it has made me realize just how much I leave laying round and I am a very neat and tidy person. I can't imagine how people with children do it when trying to sell a home. I did drag out my quilting things long enough to cut and sew binding and machine sew it to the top a quilt so I can start the hand stitching process.

And, since I don't have any showings this weekend I plan to work once again on my Underground Railroad quilt. I have 1 1/2 blocks left to go and then I can start the lattice and posts. Every other quilting project is on hold.

Please, please someone buy my house. I need to start quilting again!

A Few Words on Quilting - or My Lack of It.

I haven't quilted in weeks. Packing and organizing have consumed me (well, a couple of other issues, too, but I digress).

I have packed up a lot of my quilting paraphernalia. Six huge boxes. This includes material and patterns for future quilts and completed quits and well as other miscellaneous quilting items. I kept out several kits and projects, both on-going and waiting to complete.

I currently have 4 quilts that need to be bound and I will get 2 more back from the quilter tomorrow. So, hopefully this weekend I can get a few of them machine bound.

Jeannie's BOM quilt is still in progress as is my Underground Railroad quilt. Hopefully, within the next few weeks the Underground Railroad quilt will be sent to the quilters. My dreams of starting the Wisconsin Barn quilt that Jen is offering will probably wait until after I retire. Sigh. I really wanted to start it, but I have my nephew's Double Irish Chain quilt to start ASAP (Ha - that's funny!)

In the midst of this I have to keep my house neat and tidy for possible showings. Ha! That's funny, too!

I kept out my two rolling carts full of scraps and fat quarters for Jeannie's BOM and other small projects. The carts can be tucked into a small closet each night. Both my sewing baskets are still out, but one really should be packed up as it is not used that often. All of the rulers are hang nicely from hooks in a closet.

I've been quilting less than 2 years! Where did all of this come from?

Of all of the things I have packed, I miss my quilting stuff the most. I like having it spread all over the house. I like finding tiny pieces of snipped fabric. I like my threads on the floor. Am I nuts? I crave my rotary cutter and miss the hum of the sewing machine.

Next week I start quilting again!

Getting Ready for Retirement

Funny things start to happen when you tell people you are going to retire.

First, I went to a work offered retirement seminar last November. It was great - well organized and very informative. I was given lots of brochures and pamphlets to read, which I have done. There are just over 200 of us City workers that fall into a group that are eligible to retire if we use the incentives they are offering. Truthfully, we would be crazy not to grab the deal and run, which is exactly what I am doing! However, all at once I started to receive mail from the Employees Retirement System - pension estimators, benefit plans, etc. Yikes! This is really going to happen!

Co-workers approch me. "Hey," they say, "I hear you're retiring!" Or, "How much longer do you have?" Or "What will you be doing once you go?" This is all fun stuff, although my immediate co-workers must be getting tired of hearing my answers all of the time. Several co-workers insist on getting together after work as my "time" approaches. I'm looking forward to that!

The most asked question is, "How many more days?" Well, as of today I have 5 months and 14 days. Exact days? I'm not sure. Well under 100. I got vacation time to use and it will all be spent house hunting in Georgia and moving down there.

This is all good stuff. Fun stuff. I thought it would be much different, but recently life has a way of kicking me in the butt and directing me down paths I really didn't want to go. But, it is all good (at least that is what I am telling myself over and over). It is all a learning experience. It is a new path, a new part of my life - so very different than what I am use to.

If I survive what I am going through now, if I survive selling my house, buying a new home and a move to a whole new state without losing my mind, if I make it to August 23, 2010 - a whole new life will begin.

Bring it on!

Packing it Up!

Last week my wonderful sister, Suzanne, flew up and we spent 3 1/2 days packing and organizing my basement as well as other areas in preparation for the sale of my house.

Now, I am not a wuss and I can pack, but I was stuck in a rut and needed Suzanne to give me that swift kick in the butt to get going. She is good at that!

We got a lot accomplished and 72 boxes and bins are sealed, neatly labeled and ready to go. And, more boxes to pack. SEVENTY-TWO with more to come. Jeez - where did all this stuff come from? And, now I have 4 large boxes in my dining room full of quilts and quilt stuff. More of that, too. This doesn't include every day things that I will need until my house actually sells like pots and pans, dishes, etc.

Every night more "stuff" gets sorted through and packed or put into boxes for Goodwill. Friends and family are welcome to things they admired and would like for their own so a lot is leaving via the front door. My desk and curio cabinet are claimed and waiting to be moved (please come get them). I would much rather give things to friends and family than sell them on Craig's List. This way people will have a remembrance of me and something they like. Pictures/art work are bubble wrapped and not much is left on the walls. My home is becoming more and more depersonalized. Sigh.

I have contacted a couple of realtor's and one will be chosen this weekend. My house will be ready in a couple of weeks. I have a cleaning service coming in to do a heavy spring cleaning before any perspective buyers come in to view it. I am keeping my nephew busy with fixing broken light switches, moving things around and general "PLEASE COME OVER AND HELP ME DO XXXXX"

Yup. This is all happening. I am retiring and moving to Georgia. The Canton area of Georgia, close to the Blue Ridge and within a quick drive from Suzanne and my nephews.

It is exciting, fun and stressful.

And, I am scared to death!

Panel Hangings

Here a a couple of holiday panels I made in October and finished this month.

I love the Santa with the polar bear. I added a border to the panel. Of course, it is in blues, which is one reason why I love it. I love all of the animals, too.

The cat panel is a Christmas gift for my doggie sitter, Mary Sue, from Gracie and Lucy Lou. Mary Sue is really a cat person, but she loves all animals and adores my "girls." I have always given her dog themed Christmas presents, so this year I saw this cat panel and decided to go with it. I added border to this, too.

Both panels were quilted at The Patched Works.

I added crystals to both panels, which do not show up on the pictures. On the Santa panel I added over 60 clear and blue Swarovski crystals and amber Swarovski crystals to the cat panel border, trying to place them on the stars. I bought the crystals, which are flat on the bottom and have heat activated glue on them, along with this tool that heats up and affixes the crystal to the material. The tool really doesn't work as it should. You can purchase these crystals in all different sizes and the tool comes with "bits" to match the size of the crystal. The instructions say to place the crystal right side up on the material and place the heated to (with correct size bit) over the crystal for 15 seconds or so. Well, I found the crystals would stick inside the bit of the tool and it was hard to get them out. So, I placed the crystal where I wanted it and pressed the side of the bit to it and hold it in place. This works as far as heating the crystal enough to get the glue to stick, but it also moves the crystal a little. I had crystals flying all over the place!

Anyway, I am very pleased with the way they both turned out and thanks to Jen who gave me the idea to add the crystals. It adds a little something extra and special both panels.

Blue and White Forever!

Blue Danube plate with Broken Dishes fabrics. Yum!

I have always loved the mixture of blue and white, especially on fabric and dishes. My eye automatically is drawn to blue and white and I like a little yellow mixed in. Ever since I was a little girl, with the exception of a few years, I have had a blue and white bedroom. It's funny how certain things like this can call to you your whole life. Same thing regarding artwork with flowers and birds. If you look at the artwork in my house or little decorations, it is mostly flowers and birds.

Kitchen corner cabinet with display of my china. Close up of a vase

























When I was 17 I started collecting Blue Danube china. For over 40 years I considered it my "good china." When my parents moved into a independent living facility years ago, Mom gave me her good china. It is dainty and elegant and I love using it. My poor blue and white dishes were backed in boxes for years. Just over 4 years ago I had my kitchen completely remodeled, down to the wall studs. I picked out white cabinets with tons of glass doors, grayish blue Corian counter tops and yellow walls with splashes of red in artwork. I decided life is too short to keep things for "good" and never use them, so I donated my old CorningWare dishes to Goodwill and brought out my beloved Blue Danube china, which I still am collecting.


Antique creamer & sugar bowl & Blue Danube Irish coffee set





Last December my sister, Suzanne, and I went up to Dalongah, GA to check out a quilt store. I found a little quilt kit entitled "China Dishes." It has all blue and white fabric. I love it. Now, I am finally getting around to piecing it. I think the fabrics are beautiful and am having fun working on it. Once all of the "dishes" are made, I will have to arrange them before sewing them together. I'm excited about doing that process. All these pretty blue and white fabrics.

I am very careful when I shop for fabric, though. I really try to pick out other colors, such as in my Friendship Star quilt. Otherwise, they would all be various shades of blue or purple with white, yellow and red. Same thing with decorating my home. Not a bad thing, but maybe a little too much of a good thing!

Window Wells

My house is 120 years old. I have always gotten water in a certain area of my basement. Usually it is not too bad unless we have days of heavy down pour. When I bought the place almost 11 years ago the inspector to me to have window wells dug out by 2 (or 4) of the basement windows.

Hopefully, I will retire next year and will be selling my house next spring and I decided to have this done.

My youngest nephew, Patrick, generously offered to do the job with the help of his 17 year old son, Aaron. Saturday they started. They finished on Sunday.
(nothing like rotted wood!)

Four window wells, 3 yards of dirt, 20 bags of rock, 25 rolls of sod, one trip to Menards, one trip to True Value Hardware, one trip to the place to get the sod, one gas tank filled, one dinner, one lunch, a breakfast and many hours of very hard labor, it is done.

Oh, and while they worked they butts off, I got to spend time with Patrick's daughter, Shannon, age 2 1/2.

I think I came out with the better end of the deal.

(See how beautiful it looks!)

When Patrick sets his mind on doing something, he gets it done and he does it right and it looks great.

Since this side of my house faces my neighbor, Lesa, I told her what was going to happen so she could dig up her plants temporarily. So, Lesa not only dug up her plants, but some of mine that will be replaced with a small patio later this month (also needed to prevent water in the basement). Lesa worked her butt off. She loves to garden even more than I do and she really worked hard this weekend.

I got to play with Shannon.

I think this cost me around $400 everything included (gas, food, etc.). It is so well worth it. Patrick and Aaron did a great job.

Oh - a couple of weeks ago I came home and went to get the mail. When I opened the mailbox the whole post fell over. Patrick and Aaron also installed a new mailbox and post for me. It is as solid as a rock!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Patrick and Aaron. I appreciate it more than you will ever know.

Antique Quilts

I have always been attracted to homemade quilts and quilting. This attraction is for many reasons, some of which are that I love antiques, I love the thought of making quilts to keep a family warm at night and that I have a couple that were made by my mother and grandmother. The image of pioneer women making quilts from scraps or even my grandmother piecing quilts is a strong image for me and calls to me.

Hence, I am thrilled that I am learning the art of quilting. While "artistic" quilts are beautiful, I am strongly attracted to "old fashioned" quilts with traditional patterns. Even if made with more contemporary fabrics and patterns, I still love the old patterns. I am also attracted to the 1930s reproduction fabrics, which are so popular now.

While at the International Quilt Show I found a lady who was selling antique quilts, quilt tops, blocks and individual blocks. I spent more time in her booth than all the others put together.

While looking at the quilts, she had them tagged and labeled very well. If she knew anything about the quilter, she had that listed along with the location where it was made, the era and the overall condition of the quilt.

I felt a little sad looking at these quilts. They were beautiful. Someone had put love and effort into these quilts and now they were for sale to the highest bidder. What happened? Where there no family members to lovingly pass these quilts on to? Maybe family members didn't want them, just didn't appreciate them. Were they sold because some where over the years they needed the money (even now with the economy as it is)? Where they just lost and/or forgotten?

This bothers me. These quilts, whatever condition they are in were made from the heart. For the most part they were all hand stitched or machine sewn and then hand quilted. So much work and effort. Yes, some had tears and stains. Some were in sad condition. Still, to me, they are works of art for all of their original, practical beginnings.

I bought 2 packages of individual quilt blocks. Makes me wonder even more. Why weren't they finished? Were they ripped out of completed quilts because the rest of the quilt was in too bad of shape to save? What was the quilter's overall vision?

Well, now I am their keeper. The double wedding ring quilt top I purchased was made in the 1930s. It is my all time favorite quilt pattern. The Dresden Plate blocks, while very incomplete is my second favorite. The tulips are just sweet and pretty. Hopefully, with the blocks I will someday have the skills (or find someone who does) to piece them into a complete blocks and tops. The double wedding ring I would like to have quilted soon, but that might wait until I have the time and skill to hand quilt it since it is all hand pieced.

If you look closely at the tulip blocks you can see that even some of the blocks were pieced together. Probably out of old sheets or pillow cases, maybe old shirts. This just makes them even more special to me.

I think I see a new collection starting here. Old quilts, blocks, patterns accumulating. I will love and care for them and try to bring them back to the best of my ability or just leave them to be loved (again) as they are.