A Change of Plans

First, I want to wish anyone reading this a very Happy New Year, full of good health and prosperity! Next, I have to say that I don't plan to work on the Quiltville NY quilt afterall. After seeing the Clue 1, I decided that I'd rather work on finishing up some old projects than start another new one. I have plenty of crochet and knitting to keep me busy, and as the weather allows and I can get into my work trailer (studio), I have dozens of quilt tops to get quilted (most for charity projects). So with that said..... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Fabric Choices

Here are my fabric choices for the New Year's Eve Quiltville.com mystery quilt. I really like the Civil War Reproduction fabrics and decided to use some of them in this quilt. (I am still on no-buy and am always glad to pull what I can from my stash.) I am really looking forward to this mystery quilt. All of Bonnie Hunter's quilt designs are so easy, unique and imaginative!! I like working with strips of fabric now, since I've done a couple of her quilt designs. Anyone interested in joining in can go to www.quiltville.com or go to the Yahoo! quiltville group for more information. See you there!

December 25th Dafodils

This morning when I was feeding the yard kitties, our Shizuku got out. It is great fun for her to have us "chase" her and the sun was shining. When I stepped over the flower bed next to the walkway, I looked down and there were dozens of dafodils trying to come up. December has been a very cold, rainy and unpleasant month. These dafodils were not up yesterday. Consider it a Christmas miracle, or not, you choose. I personally think that God is trying to tell us something.

Merry Christmas

The above picture came from the Lion Brand Yarn website. I hope everyone has a happy and peaceful Christmas.

VJGC #3

This is a work in progress photo. I decided to use the old standard Spiderman Round Ripple pattern instead of the Gentle Waves one. I really like the way it is turning out and this will be the final one I do for the challenge. I've got other things to finish up as well, and need to get busy with them.

Another foggy, miserable day in western NC. Rain predicted all weekend. Yuck!!

VJGC afghan #2

I finished another crocheted afghan for the Victory Junction Gang Camp this morning. I have already started on #3. It is called Gentle Waves and is a round ripple. I said that I would make three (possibly four) and I am anxious to fulfill the commitment. I have worked extra hard lately and have finished up several projects. It helps to pass the time in this dreary, drizzly, foggy weather. How depressing!! Dora, the kitten, has been a terror lately, so we decided not to put up Christmas decorations. Five minutes ago, she crawled up in my lap, bit me, and jumped down. That's gratitude for ya! I'm thankful that this wet stuff is NOT snow! A little is fun, but NC is not equiped to handle a Michigan snow! Have a happy Wednesday.

Two scarves

The pineapple scarf is actually an old gold colored wool, ball bands long since lost. The pattern can be found at http://hubpages.com/hub/Elegantps It only took one afternoon to make and I really like pineapples. It is called Elegant Pineapples Scarf 75. The purple scarf is made from Plymouth Encore, Wor.Wt., and the pattern came from http://macrochet.blogspot.com/2008/11/free-pattern-pretty-one-skein-scarf.html As I never wear a scarf, I always find someone to give them too. Good time of year for that, huh? The purple one only took one afternoon to make as well. I like to work on quick projects in between the larger ones!

My next project to start will be an orange Aran sweater for me. I like to use the Grandma on the Mountain pattern and have made one for both my children using that pattern. Guess it's about time to make one for me.

It's not perfect, but it's done!

The purple cable sweater that I am making for my daughter is done, finally. Thank goodness. As always, after I finished sewing the seams together, I found a mistake or two. Not major ones, I'm glad to say. But I noticed them. The pattern is one torn from a magazine a few years ago. The yarn is Cascade 220 (wool). I can knit with wool, but I cannot wear it. I also finished two more scarves and am now working on an afghan for Victory Junction Gang Camp and also the Snowflake afghan squares. I always have something on my hook or needles!

New Scarf

This is the scarf I worked on yesterday while I was hoping the rain would stop. It finally did and the sun came out this morning, along with the wind! The Scarf pattern can be found at www.crochetme.com/shelly I think I will use it for a gift. I'm not giving many gifts this year, but some are necessary, and I try to help my son out by giving him a few things to give to his co-workers. He makes hats on a knitting loom, and I make a scarf to go with it! Thank God it is Friday. This has been a rough week!!

Rainy days

The weather people are still saying we are in a drought, and I wish they would hush about it. It has rained, off and on, for three days now and I am sick of it. I cannot concentrate on my projects when it is so gloomy, and have taken to browzing on the computer (and munching on popcorn) just because I cannot seem to get anything else done. (God forbid that I tackle the sink full of dirty dishes!) They say we might get another three inches of rain today! No thanks! I'm just glad it's not snow!!

I have joined another Yahoo quilt group and it is called FabricaholicsAnonymous. We will be doing a New Years Eve Mystery Quilt and it sounds like fun. I don't do a lot of mystery quilts, but I need to use up fabric, so am game to try it! I didn't see any Button for the group, so I just made a photo of the photo on the homepage and made my own, so to speak. I do not have the talent to make it active, though.

Found two really cute scarf patterns this morning, and might work on those for awhile, and watch the rain. So many projects, so little time.

Another quiz!

Your Spiritual Number is Seven

You bring knowledge and wisdom into people's lives. You are an expert in many fields, and you give excellent advice. Right now, your life is about perfecting your skill set. You are almost a virtuoso at the thing you love best. With some practice, you'll get there. You are highly intelligent and intellectual. You have profound analytical skills. But you also have the soul of an artist. You long to create.

What's Your Spiritual Number?

I am constantly amazed at these quizzes. My son took this one and here is his results. It is absolutely him!! I don't know how they do it! He is a math instructor at the local Community College, and an expert video game player. Amazing! By the way, if you look at the photo of Shizuku in the sidebar, there is a faint outline of him in the background. He is playing a video game, and I just noticed that he is in that picture as of yesterday!

Another quiz

Your Spiritual Number is Two

You bring kindness and harmony into other people's lives. Whenever a situation or idea seems extreme, you try to lend some balance. Right now, your life is about benefiting from choices you've made in your past. You have done your best to be a good person, and it is starting to pay off. You are an idealist with interesting ideas. You can't help but see all of the beauty in the world. But you are also aware of the world and its limitations. You have realistic expectations.

What's Your Spiritual Number?

Thanks for the quiz, Ghost. I love these. For once, our results are different! I'm not at all surprised that my number is 2. I do EVERYTHING in two's. I have always said that I must have been a twin (I was adopted, so maybe....?) As for work in progress, I am knitting my fingers together on a purple sweater. Only half of one sleeve plus the other and neckline to go. Must admit that I am rather tired of this one. Photo when finished!

It's Garfield!

I started this Garfield quilt awhile ago and then put it away to do other things. I have been trying to finish up old projects and found this one. I just love to do the "Square in a Square" block, using the special ruler. It is amazing to me how many blocks can be accomplished using this technique, by just turning the cut pieces and re-assembling them. I am a really big Garfield fan, and even had an orange cat named Garfield back in the 1980's. He was such a character! I hope to finish up this quilt soon, and maybe give it to my daughter (haven't decided yet). She was a big Garfield fan also. Anyone else sick of Thanksgiving leftovers???

A Nice Day

Since my son is in the same room with me, playing a new video game, I thought I'd show this picture I "gleaned" from another blog somewhere. I love it! I've never played a video game, but if I did, I imagine it would be a craft one. My son and I just got back from a trip to the Ben Franklin Store in Mocksville, NC. I hadn't been anywhere in awhile and I actually drove there & back. I've become too much of a hermit lately. We both made purchases, and I found some Vanna White yarn at the walmart there!! I'm excited. We stopped and ate a barbeque sandwich on the way back. Aside from being super-messy, it was very good. I had a very nice day, and enjoyed getting out of the house and also enjoyed my son's company!

Dora continues to improve! This new med seems to be doing it's thing. I am very grateful for everyone's prayers and concern.

Another Quiz and a Comment

You Are a Maine Coon Cat

You tend to be loving and playful around your family and friends. But when you're around strangers you tend to be a bit reserved. You are intuitive. You understand human emotions well. You do best when you are around people. You don't like being left alone.

What Breed of Cat Are You?

Thanks for the cute quiz on your blog, Ghost. I do enjoy taking these tests and seeing the results. Good news on Dora. She seems to be responding to the new meds that we started on Monday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and thanking God for everyday that she is not sick. She started responding to the new stuff almost immediately

And now a question....there is an annoying ad that pops up over the Maukie Cat. I don't know how to get rid of it. I apologize if it annoys anyone who reads this blog. Please let me know if you'd rather I take it down, the cat, not the ad, as I've tried and I can't.

I've still got my miserable cold/flu (even though I had the shot). Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Been working on a mindless sock today. Hard to think/concentrate today. Glad I can't spread germs thru this blog!!

Happy Thanksgiving

To wish you all a Happy Holiday Season, starting with Thanksgiving, I thought I would post the above awful photo (and you thought things couldn't get worse after I posted my own photo below!). Dora is still sick, had to call the Vet back on Sat. and get more meds, and I have inherited my son's cold. Looks like this will be an interesting week. A happy day to anyone reading this. <><

Star Afghan

This is a 6-pointed star afghan, kid sized, that I made for Victory Junction Gang Camp. It is the first, and I hope to make four from all different patterns. This pattern came from a Crochetville (Crochet along). It made up pretty fast and easy and is somewhat different from the 12-point Round Ripple that I have done several of. I have always loved 6-pointed stars and also hexagons (in quilts). Dora kitten is still hanging in there, but no good news to report yet. Still praying for a miracle!

Yellow Sweater

I finally finished the big yellow sweater with the cables in the raglan area. I am pleased with it, and the recipient has often said, "I really like that sweater". He will have to wait for Christmas to wear it though. Aren't I mean? My favorite sweaters to knit are top-down, except for the sleeves. I'd rather do the sleeves flat.

I am requesting prayers for my youngest kitty, Dora. She has been feeling poorly since Saturday and it is serious. I am giving her some antibiotic and it seems to be helping, but I'm thinking she should have been perked up by now. At this time, I can't afford to take her to the Dr. My fixed income just won't expand that far these days. I can barely afford to buy food for them. It is a lower-stomach problem (on-going). She has never been "right" since we brought her in. I blamed the fact that her mom didn't take care of her and she didn't get the proper nutrition when she was at the critical first-weeks stage. I am praying that she will get over this. I put it in God's hands. We are all His creatures, not only humans, but "all creatures great & small". I thank you in advance, and may God Bless all.

These tests are fun!

Your Autumn Test Results

You are a energetic, warm, optimistic person. You approach everything with a lot of enthusiasm. When you are happiest, you are calm. You appreciate tradition and family. You enjoy feeling cozy. You tend to be afraid of change. You are never ready for things to be different. You find love to be the most comforting thing in the world. You feel at peace when you're with your loved ones. Your ideal day is active and full. You like to keep busy with your favorite things, and you appreciate a routine. You are very impatient. You spend more time waiting for something than actually enjoying it.

The Autumn Test

Looming some hats!

I decided over the weekend, for no good reason, that I wanted to loom some hats. With the Holidays coming, I thought they would be okay to give as gifts, or to the homeless. Anyway, they make up pretty fast with chunky yarn, and I enjoy making them! The yellow loom is an experiment that seems to be working. I usually use a round loom by "Loom Room", but the pegs on the yellow Knifty Knitter loom are smaller and closer together and seems to work better with the Encore Chunky. I'm having fun with these, for today anyway. Who knows what I'll start to work on tomorrow. (Yep, that's Spiderman Afghan on the chair!)

Prayer Request

I would like to make a prayer request of my Christian friends out there. A very good friend of mine (who shall go nameless here) is going through a rough time lately. It seems like life is trying to get the best of her. Please stop and say a prayer for my good friend, that God will give her the strength she needs to get through the Holidays and beyond, and give her peace. Thanks!

Funky Purple Socks!

I finished these simple tube socks last night. The yarn is dk weight, but they have strings of blue, red and yellow throughout, giving it a very "funky" look. I love the way they turned out, and enjoy working on these plain tube socks. I was really getting very "burned out" on heels. I can do them without any problems, but seems they wear out so quickly, even with reinforcement. This yarn is from NZ and is great to work with and is called Magic Garden "Allsorts". It is a washable wool.

I am adding a new "button" on the side for a new project of mine. A group on C'ville will be making colorful kids afghans for the Victory Junction Gang Camp here in North Carolina. It is not far from me, actually. I do apologize that I do not know how to make a "usable" button, but if you want more information, you can go to Crochetville.org and look under charity afghans. Information is also available at the Victory Junction website. Also, a number of the members of the Yahoo! group "Crochet_Swaps_Galore" are participating. This is a great cause and it should be a lot of fun to make red, yellow, green and blue afghans!! These groups are hoping to make 200 afghans for disabled kids attending the camp in 2009! Please consider helping out!

Added to stash

My daughter took her friend and myself up on the mountain to Galax, Virginia yesterday to a favorite yarn shop there called deBeez House of Yarn. I have been on "no-buy" for about two years now for both yarn and quilting fabric, so it is unusual for me to actually buy something! But I do hate to go to a small store owned by a friend, and not buy something. So I bought the above (minus the pottery of course!) and enjoyed talking to Deb again. I plan to use the green/gold for a Round Ripple afghan, putting some pale gold and some dark green with it. I'm not at all sure what I will use the purple camo yarn for. It just "called to me". I love purple! The two Paton's books have top down sweaters. My favorite kind. I enjoyed getting to go up on the mountain and seeing the Fall foliage this year. We'd had a drought all summer, but the colors were really nice. Oh, and we ate at our favorite Chinese restaurant, called Peking Palace. Really good food there, and supposedly no MSG!

New Fall Quilt

I finished quilting a fall quilt yesterday and hemmed it last night. The fabric was from a collection from Keepsake Quilting a few years back and the pattern is Turning Twenty, if I remember correctly. Dora is trying to help, and says "I don't like the way you've draped it, I think it should be on the floor!". She's quite the little helper and tries to be within sight now that she doesn't have her playmate. She is truly a "Quilter's Cat!", unlike Shizuku, who could care less about knitting, crochet or quilts! I really need a better place to photograph quilts, but living in a mh, space is so limited. You can click on the photo for a close-up if you want! Have a blessed day!

Photo in Header Above

The beautiful photo in my above header was obtained from Weather Underground. Photo was taken by Aaron Wilson and I am currently asking permission to let it remain. My apologies for not asking before I posted the photo. The lighthouse is in my hometown of Port Huron, MI.

Oreo has left the building

Oreo has left us. Last Friday, I'd had enough of his unpleasant behavior and destruction, and I set him back outside, with instructions to go back to where ever he came from. I guess he did, as we haven't seen him since Saturday morning. I wish him well, where ever he is, but peace has been restored to our household and I am very glad. Somethings just don't work out, ya' know? Dora missed him at first, but now is glad to have her share of the food to herself again!

On a lighter note, yesterday was my daughter's birthday and she spent some of the weekend with us. I think she had a pleasant time with us, and a Happy Birthday, at least I hope so. By the way, her Aran Sweater "fit like it was made for her" and she seemed to like the green and white afghan.

It is very windy today and getting colder outside. I hate wind, ever since my old Florida days, and don't care much for the cold (OUCH!) either!

On the needles, a yellow sweater, top down, with cables between sleeve & body (photo above). Top down sweaters (sweatshirt-style) are still my favorite!

Blue Water Bridge & Thousand Footer

Christmas at Sea

I began knitting for this group in 1990. I had been seriously depressed for about 3 years, and I can say that Seamen's Church Institute saved my live. I read about the group in a magazine and wrote to them, and they sent me patterns & yarn. I got busy at once!! I knitted caps and scarves thru all good times and bad times. I took yarn & needles to the hospital all those months my husband had cancer. When I ran out of yarn, those precious nurses would bring me more, at their expense. But I ran into a personality problem with the head of the group. I don't know how it happened, but it did, and I started to knit and crochet for other groups. Groups that I wouldn't have to pay so much postage, and run the risk of my contributions getting lost in the mail. I have really enjoyed working on Prayer Shawls, and give them to our local hospital. But now there is a great new "fearless leader" of the CAS group of knitters. I am willing to try again. I can crochet Prayer Shawls and knit for CAS. Seems like an excellent solution. In the past, all the while I am knitting, I pictured in my mind the thousand foot ships entering the Detroit River from Lake Huron. I have so loved to watch those large ships and hear the foghorns go Beee and the answering BeeeeOhhhh! It was such a comfort as a child! I've looked backward too long today. Time to get busy! Have a blessed day!

Small donation quilts

Eight small quilts are ready to go to the Foothills Quilter's Guild meeting tomorrow. They range in size from 40x45 to 44x70. These will either go to the Elkin Rescue Squad or the Elkin Police Dept. to give to distressed kids. I have been making these quilts out of remnants and sale fabrics since 1990. That's 18 years! Wow! But I still love to make them and it makes me feel good to know that they will go to kids that need a little comfort. (Once in awhile I even get a quilt done for me.) I quilt them on my Gammill quilting machine (now 14 years old), and just hem the edges instead of using binding.

Bonnet granny square

I was finally able to make a copy of the Bonnet In The Middle pattern by my friend, Tammy C. this morning. Just had to hurry up and make a sample, while doing a load of wash, this morning. I think it turned out pretty good, really good, in fact. It was a fun to make pattern, and will probably be used in a swap in a Yahoo! crochet group after the Holidays. Good job, Tammy C., and thanks!!

New Photos on Sidebar

I have temporarily added two new photos to my sidebar. They are of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina and the volcano Sakurajima, Kagoshima, Japan. Pilot Mountain can be seen from all over our area. It was never a volcano, but it is a respected landmark in our area. My daughter lived very near Sakurajima when she lived in Kagoshima. Just across the Bay, actually. It is a much loved landmark in Kyushu. Pilot Mountain is one of the reasons we moved to this area, and even though I am no longer able to do any hiking on the Mountain, every morning, as I take my son to work, it looks different. Kind of like one of the advertisements for Sakurajima.

Getting ready to sew

This morning I finished the knitting on my daughter's birthday sweater for this year. It is an Aran by Grandma on the Mountain. I have made this sweater twice before and also made a multitude of Teddy Bear sweaters. Her website is www.aranknits.com and I highly recommend a look-see. This is probably the easiest and most enjoyable Aran that I have ever knit. My friend, Tammy P. gave me the pattern for my birthday a couple of years ago. I have really enjoyed this pattern. Thanks again, Tammy. To motivate my knitting, I have watched my favorite movie "The Secret of Roan Inish" several times lately. It is about Ireland. Even though I am of German decent, I do feel so much at home with anything Irish......most especially the music! Have a blessed weekend!

Birthday

October 7th was my late husband's birthday. He would have been 66 years old today. The photos above were taken shortly before we married in 1967. I can hardly believe that he has been gone 9 years. How have I survived that long?? He was a good man and a good husband. He always put his family first. I thank God that he is in Heaven and that he is waiting for me on the other side of the "river". I can see him there, with his fishing pole. He always worked too hard here on earth.....I hope he is having an enjoyable time fishing now. His youngest brother has the same birthday......only 30 years apart (same father, different mothers). My advice to everyone is "enjoy each day, you just never know what will happen tomorrow". God Bless!

Another photo of unnamed kitty

He's up from his nap and ready to explore, followed closely by Dora. The family cat says "Oh no....not again.......grrrrrr!!"

UPDATE: We are now calling him "OREO". He seems to answer to that name, so my guess it is what his former owners called him! Every time we say "Oreo", he will look at us and say "Meow".

The new unnamed kitty

This seems to be the "year of the cat" around our house. First, Dora makes her home with us. Then there are a dozen yard cats born outside this spring/summer. Now, today, someone drops off this beautiful, what seems to be a long-haired male kitten. He is about the same size as Dora, so I would imagine that he is about 5 months old. He has very big feet for a young cat, so I suppose that he will be a large cat when he becomes an adult. I just cannot understand the cruel mentality of anyone who just dumps a cat out because he/she sees other cats in the yard!! When we came in this evening, he just came in the house & made himself to home!! I have a lamb skin on the lazyboy that my Boo used to love. He was in 7th Heaven on that sheepie & claimed it for his own. Things work out. God's in charge. This kitty just needs a name and hasn't given us a clue as to what he wants to be called. Any & all suggestions appreciated.........

Kitty Quilt

This is the Kitty Quilt that I finished this week. The cutouts came from a sale table at Hancock Fabrics several years ago. I finished the applique, by machine, but never got around to quilting it. I have promised myself that I will not make anymore tops until I get some of these quilted. A lot of them are for the Kids Quilt project for the Foothills Quilter's Guild, but anything with a cat on it is "mine". (heehee) Not sure what I'm going to do with this one yet, but the Good Lord will show me what He wants me to do with it! I've not counted yet, but have a large rubbermaid plastic rolling cart full of tops to be quilted (my guess would be around 75 tops). I'll be busy for awhile!!

Afghan, socks, and the family cat

The afghan is in progress, almost completed, only a few more rows. The pattern came off of a yarn label. It's just a rectangular granny square, but I like the two color effect. The socks are tube socks, no heels, just plain. I hate putting heels in with the self-striping yarn!! Of course, the family cat is looking on.......I don't think she knows she's in the picture (heehee)

Not quite finished

I call this pattern the Surry Four-patch. I live in Surry County, North Carolina, and when I was teaching a beginning lap-quilting class at the church a few years ago, this is the first pattern I gave them. It is simple, yes, but they liked it, and one student even made 20 blocks!! That gave me the idea to use it for the charity quilts!! This one (after it is hemmed) will go to the Elkin Rescue Squad. It is about 40 by 70 inches. I make these quilts in all sizes, as the kids they give them to come in all sizes!! This is a project of the Foothills Quilter's Guild, Elkin, NC, of which I am a member. I formerly made these kid's quilts and gave them to the Surry Rescue Squad (began doing this in 1990), but that project kind of ended. I am glad to have someone who wants these now. I think a boy would like this one, don't you??

Foothills Quilter's Guild will have a Quilt Show at the Yadkin Valley Pumpkin Festival at Elkin, NC tomorrow. It is at the Episcopal Church beside the Library. Any and all are welcome, if you are in this area. BTW, Dora the kitten is now sleeping on a corner of the quilt. She pulled it on the floor & curled up on it!!

Round Ripple Afghan

Just finished a round ripple afghan for a friend. It is a project of hers to give these (comfort ghans) to a certain group of sick children for Christmas and I thought I'd enjoy making one for her. I have made a few of these in the past and I used the "Spiderman" round ripple afghan pattern from the internet (still available, just Google). Since it is mostly boys that are affected by the illness, I used shades of Windsor blue. I am pleased with how it turned out, and it will be sent to Nebraska soon! Love you, T.C.!

Happy first day of Fall!

Anyone still working on this?

I think a lot of us stopped working on these blocks for the summer. There doesn't seem to be anyone left on the list who is posting pictures of their blocks. I have made three blocks recently and still enjoy working on them. Anyone else out there?

Lunch with Soupy Sales

I haven't had anything "crafty" to post about lately, so thought I'd mention one of my fondest memories from childhood (1950's). I grew up, the first eleven years anyway, in the Detroit area. Every weekday, at lunchtime, there would be a TV program on called "Lunch With Soupy". I really loved that program, and insisted that Mother not fix lunch until Soupy said what he was having for lunch that day. I loved White Fang and Black Tooth (dog paw puppets). Oh, those were the days. I seem to be looking backward a lot these days. Maybe it's because I don't like what I see in the present and am unsure of the future. Anyway, I thought I might share a nice memory with someone. And, by the way, as far as I know, Soupy is still on Planet Earth.....he is 82 years old (acccording to Wikipedia)!! Love you, Soupy!!

My new Jimbo's Chophook!!

Isn't it great! And it came packaged in the felt & ties. It is whittled from a chopstick and is so nice & smooth. It works great, and is easier on the hands than metal hooks, too. More information about chophooks on Jimbo's blog at: www.jimbosfrontporch.blogspot.com Oh, and the size is between a J and a L. I like to use it for "drapey" type afghans.

Fall Shawl

This is a Fall colored shawl that I finished weaving over the weekend. It takes me awhile to make one as I can't stand up for very long, and the first several rows are hard on the shoulders. It is made with the Lion Brand "Vanna White" acrylic yarn which I like very much. This shawl is a real "keeper". I make lots of crocheted and knitted Prayer Shawls, but the ones I weave on the Tri-Loom that my daughter made for me are special. By the way, thanks for the prayers, I'm better now. I realized yesterday that I could breathe properly again when the toast smelled good!

Under the Weather

I've been taking a little break...from most everything. I caught a bad cold, actually, my son brought it home from work, and I can't seem to shake this thing. It has gone into my lungs and is being most unpleasant. It is hard to work with any "fibery" as I sneeze worse & can barely breathe. I would appreciate prayers, and also prayers for the people and pets on the Gulf Coast in Gustav's path. Hurricanes are bad business. Growing up in Florida, I went thru several. Here's to better days!

A Tale of Five Little Girls

Once upon a time there were five little girls, all the same age, growing up on North River Road. In the 1950's there weren't too many concerns for the little girls. We all wondered about an angry man in faraway Russia, who would shake his fist and tell us that he would bury us, but we all had plenty to eat and nice dresses to wear to school. Our fathers all had jobs and we'd never heard of "downsizing" or lay offs. Most of our mothers were homemakers. We all met in the second grade at River Road School.

Life was good. Summers were hot but tollerable. We had no air conditioning in the 1950's. We swam in the Black River behind my home. Winters were very cold with lots of snow. We made snow forts and snowmen and had lots of fun together.

I am the oldest, and I turned 59 this past March. Next in line is Kathy, who birthday is in June. Then comes Marianne and Linda, both born in July, then Susan, born in August.

The cure for polio was not yet found, so in the summer, we all had to be quiet during the heat of the day. My mother would read to us from "Pollyanna" or "The Secret Garden". Kathy's mother taught us easy sewing stitches and embroidery, and took me to Church. Sometimes we would play baseball in Marianne's yard or spend the day at Susan's house, 1/2 mile down the road. She liked the new Barbie dolls. Crafts were not popular then, not even in VBS.

Well, in 6th grade, my family moved to Florida for Dad's health. In 7th grade, Kathy moved to Detroit area for her father's work. I lost touch with Marianne for over 25 years, but we found each other again awhile back. Kathy and I have remained close. Sadly, Linda died in a car accident when we were 24. Susan died of a brain tumor in 1998, right before my husband died of cancer. Kathy, Marianne and I keep in touch by email now. Marianne and I are retired, Kathy works in her husband's business office.

Kathy does beautiful needlepoint, Marianne and I both make quilts. My friend, Tammy (in NC), taught me to spin a few years ago and it has taken over my life and home. My dust bunnies are wool and mysteriously migrate around my vinyl living room floor like tumbleweeds. Spinning has given me some degree of peace since my husband died.

Come to think of it, life is still pretty good.

The Family Cat Quilt

The quilt picture on top is called "To All The Cats We've Loved Before" and was started in the mid 1980's from traded quilt blocks. I used to trade quilt blocks all over the world. Well, I got this bright idea to put the names of all the cats, mostly indoor cats, that we have cared about over the years, beginning with our first cat, KeyKey, in 1972. I added Dora's name to the last and final block today. The photo of my helper cat for today is the outdoor kitty we call Jack. He's a great cat and a good helper but will remain outdoors at his request.

The second photo is my "Boo's" block, who died a year ago this week. I don't think I will ever get over losing her, and I cry every time I think of her. She was a solid black, longhair. My husband had named her "Blackie", but after he died, she just seemed to be called Boo from then on. I began this blog about two weeks before Boo died, and didn't have digital camera at that time. I only have a few old photos of her. I didn't realize this until she was gone and it was too late. She died so suddenly. I feel like this quilt is finally complete as of today.

Snoopy (happy) Dance!

After several months (yep, I said months!) of working on spinning this purple mohair/wool it is finally finished. I washed and dried the last of it yesterday. This stuff was awful to spin, but I was determined to finish it! It was full of veg.matter and sandspurs (anyone from S.Fla. will know what I am talking about). But I am doing a snoopy dance, as best I can, and will give it to my daughter the next time she comes over. She wanted it to make a tri-loom shawl out of it and was eagerly awaiting my finishing with it. By the way, I couldn't show it all on the small table, there is more of it than shown. I started on some plain-jane, off-white, easy to spin stuff late last night. Whew! What a pleasure to spin after that purple stuff! <>< June

Camera Shy Kitty

The family cat did not want her picture taken! Usually she will run & hide when she sees me with the camera. She is 11 years old and was born in Ei-cho, Japan. She is my daughter's cat and loves her dearly, but she wants to live here with my son and I. I am home all the time and my daughter works. This cat is not a helper-cat like Dora. But she is a joy to have around and is very intelligent. Cats sure make life more enjoyable!

Update on Dora

Our Dora is about three months old now. She is quite the little "helper cat", unlike the family cat who could care less about my quilts or yarn. Dora got tired of watching me on the computer, so decided to catch a nap under an old box of my son's tapes. She looks slightly "hungover" here, doesn't she? At times I'd like to give her back to the yard cats, but then, when she's asleep, she's a nice kitty. She sure keeps things active around here, and helps me to remember to keep things picked up and "kitty-proof". I really need to get the day started around here, but just can't decide what to work on. Went to quilt guild meeting yesterday, so am almost inclined to work on something "quilty". But then again, the round ripple afghan is calling to me!!