In & Out of Pocket

Isn't this little moth a beauty?  Ok, that's the science teacher still lodged deep within me. I've been retired for years but every time I see something I deem interesting, the camera comes out and I start snapping.

Now, to the reason I'm posting today. It's hay season around here so I'm kind of busy with that but also, I'm in somewhat of a slump when it comes to my quilting projects. I'm just not into anything sewing or fabric right now.....sigh.  I have been doing loads of reading on my Kindle and watching nature.  I've also been doing some canning, baking and testing new recipes.

Sometimes I feel a bit guilty about not sewing something, anything. 

I think some of my problem has to do with the weather around here. It's been rainy and dreary and that's not the kind of weather I love. This is a real challenge.  I'm a summer, sunny, the hotter the better because I can always cool off easier than I can warm up, girl. I need the sun to shine for days!!!!!

So until that happens I suppose I'll be in the dumps for awhile.......sigh.  If it weren't for my wacky girlfriends, I probably would not talk to anyone.  Sorry to unload on all you blogger buddies and please understand, I'm really okay. I just want lots of sun. So if you're getting lots of sun please sent some my way. I'll love your forever.........hehehehehehehehe!!!

A is for Aardvark .ie Earth Pig

A is for Aardvark

Here's my latest finished quilt top. It's a hand embroidery "black work" design project I've had in my head for several weeks.  The animal print fabrics have been sitting in my stash for "years" just waiting for a chance to cheer up a quilt.  

Since I come from an elementary science background, animals have always intrigued me, not to mention, I have an abundance of wildlife in my yard as some of you have read about.

I'm always practicing my hand embroidery skills which are nearly non-existent ...... no really!

I decided to share my designs with everyone who wants to get in some practice and have a great child's quilt at the end of the process, as well.  

Starting in January, I'll be posting, weekly (BOW = Block of the Week), 

the designs and doing a few give-aways to my "FOLLOWERS", as well. I love give-aways and always try to give great fabrics, book and patterns. So if you're into that sort of thing, make sure to become a "FOLLOWER". But you do not have to be a "FOLLOWER" to participate in the BOW.  

It took me about two to three hours on each block which measures 6 1/2 inches unfinished .... but more about all that in January.

below are a few blocks to wetter your appetites.

I chose critters from the Animal Kingdom rather than just domesticated or wild animals. 

I named the quilt "A is for Aardvark" because (1) I love aardvarks which are amazing animals (check out this link for more info); & (2) it was the first block on the quilt.

On a personal note......

My heart is still heavy and prayerful for the families, children, teachers, first responders and community of Newtown, Connecticut. To aid in the healing, Becky at Quilters Corner in New Milford, CT is asking for donations of PILLOWCASES for the 600 or so children of Sandy Hook Elementary.  If you would care to join this effort simply make a pillowcase or cases

and mail them to:

Quilters Corner

312 Danbury Rd.

New Milford, CT  06776

Here's a tutorial video on How-To make a pillowcase. Certainly there are plenty of ways to make them but this is one of my favorites.

In These Shoes

"In These Shoes"

is what I've named my new project. I don't know what I'll do with these 

except all a few more styles.

This year I've really tried to "not" purchase fabric and only use what I have.

That, surprisingly, has worked well. Yea, me!

On another note, I can't believe it's 12.12.12

I hadn't thought about events like this lately, other than, the first president I remember when I was little or where I was during 9-11 or the year I retired (LOL) and then there was Y2K. 

This is awesome to live through.

Take care everyone!!

The Good Old Days of My Life

A little summertime fun was had with me, my brother and our two cousins. Their swing set was the only one in our little community. Needless to say, we had a blast. Summertime was always my favorite time of the year and still is even though I'm about to burn up in this Texas hot weather.
BTW, if you can guess which little swing-rat is me and you leave that little tidbit of information in your COMMENT, your name will be placed in the "HAT" for a fat quarter give away. For those who know me, you know the fat quarter will be something special!!

The Kitchen Table Book

Yes, that's what the book is called and it's published by The Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing.

Mom is always purchasing books that wind up on her bookshelf but this one, she actually loves to read and practices some of the suggestions. 
So I've decided to list a few every now and then that have worked for her and you may find of interest. I won't go into detail, you'd have to purchase the book for yourself but this will certainly wet you appatite.

1. Sipping green tea in the summer aids against skin cancer (page 162)
2. Taking a bite of certain cheeses after a meal cuts the sugar acids in the mouth (page 120)

Update on Mom

Thank you all for your prayers and warm thoughts. Mom is doing quite well and will be home soon. The nurses and staff have been so kind to her which makes things go a lot smoother.
There is still time to leave a comment to get in on the 9 inch square give away.

Mending Fences

This past Saturday I had the wonderful chore, along with a couple of cousins, to repair fences on our property after the recent flash floods we've had.  While participating in that, I caught a little peacefulness before heading off for my second reason of tagging along....... I was also on the lookout of those pesky moma cows and their newborn babies. My job was to get a head count, for some reason known only to my cousins...... personally, I think they just wanted to get rid of me...... just sayin'.  Anyway, the baby critters have a tendency to hide in the oddest places..... like say in an adjourning pasture because the little buggers have rolled under the fence somehow and are now stuck in the neighbor's place.
Did I mention that I don't really like things that are bigger, smaller, faster, buzz, fly, slither, swim, waddle, crawl, flitter....... need I list more!
Ah farm life.... 

There's A Frog In My Hair!

I swear, I'm never going outside without protection again.
As most of you know, I live in central-ish Texas where the weather is always changing. One day hot the next cold..... make that changing from nearly moment to moment... today, it was a balmy 71 degrees, just perfect of working in the yard... a slight cloudy day but I can work with that....... but I'm babbling.
So I was outside raking leaves, minding my own business when suddenly something plopped onto my head. At this point I'm thinking it's a small branch that's come loose from my red oak and landed on my head.
Did I mention that I don't like surprises.
I reach up to brush it away and my hand connects with something slightly moist, wiggly and it was soft. Not a branchy, hard, rough feeling at all.  Of course I panicked went into survivor mode and carefully brush off the offending critter (NOT). Let's just say it was not a pretty picture. Leaves, my rake, gloves and one tennis shoe went in a counter clockwise directional pattern, the frog landed safely several feet from me (unharmed, I might add) and I wound up bottom first on the ground.  Can you say "upset" cause I really was.
Did I mention that I don't like things that flutter, fly, leap, hop, crawl, creep, slither, limp, wiggle, etc.
I would have posted about the incident right after it happened but I was too traumatized to do anything but have a stiff glass of iced tea and downed a couple of aspirin and a Tea cake to soothe my nerves.
I thought frogs hibernated during the winter. I guess he didn't get the memo.
Note to self....... New plan when raking leaves..... suit up in my hunting gear..... loaded for bear!

I pulled this photo out of the archives to remind myself how to dress when going out into my very dangerous, critter filled yard. I think I need a check list, too......
boots-check
gloves-check
long sleeved shirt-check
pants that can be tucked into boots-check
protective head gear-check
goggles-check
 and then there's the all important fire arm with plenty ammo-check.
I'll be ready next time..... I hope.

Family History

Mom had this photo stashed away but pulled it out to show me my great grandparents on my granddad's side.
I was so excited to see it and even posted it on my sidebar for all eternity..... LOL
I've mentioned that both my parents are only children so I have great aunts and uncles. In the photo standing are: great aunt Ettelene, Edwin (granddad), great aunt Ollie, cousin Oddie, great aunt Peachie and great uncle Will (Great uncle Will was not originally in the photo but was placed in by the photographer... wasn't he clever way back then).  Seated are: great grandfather Daniel, great grandmother Delia, cousin Vinnie and great uncle A.D.
Great-granddad Daniel worked for a railroad in south Texas while Great-grandma Delia raised the children and kept house.

Sewing School

Months ago I posted about my late Great Aunt and her wonderful collections of sewing books and quilts.
One book that I am really fond of is "Hand Sewing Lessons." The book has many great lessons about hand sewing but it also contains a treasure, Great Aunt's personal notes.  Just viewing them brings tears to my eyes and makes me feel even closer to her even in death.
Below is one page from the book. I hope you can enlarge it to read what's on the page.

Where Have I Been?

Good question.
I've been attending a church conference with Mom.... very uplifting and a little time to "bond" with Mom.  I did visit with several folks that I hadn't seen since last year and walked away with some great ideas to take back to my church.
I'll be back to the sewing world next week.

To Each His Own with......

To each his own with a little common sense......
If you're wondering what's up with this post, I'll explain. I live in Texas which is under a severe draught, meaning there has been little to no rain all summer (3 months). This means it's very, very, very dry here, the grass is brown, trees are suffering, flowers... what flowers! You get the picture. To top it all off we've had a lot of fires... very devastating but what is more, several of them have been started from someone pitching their cigarette butts out of their car windows..... which brings me to my little rant.

I have nothing against smokers and before you say, "Yea right!" My dad was a chain smokers so I've been exposed to smoke. I'm okay with that, I don't smoke myself but as I said, "To each his own." The problem I have is that if you're smoking in your car and don't use the ashtray, oh dear, what's up with that? Some of my friends have said that they have "stuff" in their ashtrays (keys, change, lipstick, etc.).... Okay, I'm not understanding that but that's just me. However, it is very careless of someone to pitch a still lit butt out of the car window, especially in TEXAS right now (I'm saying that because I live in Texas but I'm sure other draught riddled states would appreciate it as well). Please think about what you are doing with those butts.
Our firefighters place their lives on the line for us everyday but I'm just disturbed that something so careless as pitching a cigarette butt out of a car window can lead to so much destruction and death.
I didn't post this to offend anyone but just to remind all of us, please be aware.

Family Photo

Mom found this photo of my Great Aunt Erma.  What's so special about it is this was taken her second year os sewing class at Paul Quinn College, Waco, Texas.  I knew that my grandma & my Auntie were quilters and seamstresses but I hadn't realized that a few other members of the family were as well.  I was so excited to see this old photo and to gather little tidbits of my family history.

By Degrees

If you haven't seen Menopause the Musical, please seek it out.  You will definitely enjoy it and your tummy will ache for days from laughing so hard.  That said.....
It's hot here in central Texas.....  105F by five PM..... and I'm menopausal..... yes, I said it. You know, what women call the change of life ...... It's a change alright..... and this heat is not helping one bit. The ground is so dry that even the lizards don't want to crawl over it.
As we say here in Texas, I'm thinking of taking a dip in the "tank"..... translation, the big pond.
Stay cool and keep hydrated everyone.

My Perspective

A few years ago my great aunt passed away.  She left us with many wonderful memories.  My cousins and I were fortunate enough to receive some items from her home, of our choice.
Since my great aunt was like a second grandma, I spent many a glorious times with her and her husband.  She was a seamstress, teacher (Homemaking) and an excellent cook.  One of the books I wanted and got was "Hand Sewing Lessons - A Graded Course for Schools and for the Home" from the Educational Publishing Company, Copyrighted 1901 by Sarah Ewell Krolik.
I don't know if many of you remember Homemaking classes in high school but reading through this book brought back many memories of those days.  Back then (1960s and 70s) girls took homemaking and boys took shop.  Girls learned to cook, sew and balance a checkbook while boys learned machine work.  How, I'm not sure it there's even homemaking anymore.
OMG, what a great memento to add to my collection! I hope you will be able to read the Preface that I've shared above.  I will be sharing more of this wonderful book over the next few weeks and months.

Dash

The following poem has been read at a couple of funerals I attended lately. It struck me how deeply the poem affected me. I think we all want to matter, make a difference, do the right thing ..... as we live out our lives .... I think is particular poem made me more aware of those thoughts as I strive to do more.

Life Between the "Dash"
By: Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates of her tombstone
from the beginning ... to the end.

He noted that first came date of birth
and spoke the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the "dash" between those years.

For that "dash" represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth ...
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars ... the house ... the cash,
what matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our "dash."

So think about this long and hard ...
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
 to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile ...
remembering that this special "dash"
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash ...
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your "dash?"

Just a Thought

I'm no Spring Chicken anymore but I done seem to realize it. I get plenty of sleep, try to eat healthy, drink water and manage to get in a little exercise. I, also laugh a lot.....even at myself.....I communicate often with my wonderful "sisters of the heart" girlfriends and with the older folks in my community.....they need a little love, too. When I visit my doctor, the first thing he asks me is, "How are you feeling?" My reply always is, "I feel great and I'm on top of the world!" He is always amazed at my attitude.......he says he rarely sees any patient who is this positive. So I just wanted to say is.......try to have a positive attitude, do something encouraging to yourself and others each day and stay in touch with your friends and family even if it's only via phone or email. Enjoy life!

Absolutely Frustrated

I am sending out an SOS to all my blogging friends. I'm posting via Picasa because each time I attempt to log in to my blog it jumps to a redirecting loop.........EEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeekkkkkkkk! What is going on? Can't anyone out there in blogger-land help me out of this loop before I lose the rest of my little mind? Before you answer that, let me just say that I've done all the "help" advice.....the cookie thing, the script thing, rebooting, de-bugging, cleaners, ALL of it...&*#$(&%(*)_$)*~#$%^&*(> Help!!!!! Help!!! Help!

Hog Killing Weather

Disclaimer: This post may be distasteful to some but is told from my memory of long ago.

It's bitterly cold here in central-ish Texas.....around 27 degrees with a wind chill factor of 10 to 15 so that brings things down to 17-ish degrees........what we Texans call "hog killing" weather.
I remember those cold, blue northers sweeping in, blotting out the sun, chilling us to the bone.  On one of those times all the brothers and brothers-in-law, old and wise in their years gathered in our back yard in their long-john covered overalls, wool caps, coats of varied lengths, thick socks.......all in old mud cracked and caked boots. 
Granddad would load his double barrel shotgun in preparation for the "event."  My brother and I dawned our overcoats as grandma cautioned us to stay back and out of the way. Our eyes clear and shining, so excited to get to see this now forgotten experience.
Uncle Kenchion sharpened his ax as a large hog was moved from one pen to the next.  This prize hog would have been fed corn and other grains for a couple of months.  A large tree where a series of ropes hung behind the pen in readiness.
A shot rang out, the hog is dispatched instantly. Uncle K moves in to rope the hind legs of the hog and the other men hoist the 200 pound hog off the ground. A vein is opened with a sharp knife, draining the blood.  My brother and I move closer to see all the action. Gory but back then, a way of life.
Granddad places a large trough under the hog as Uncle K. uses is ax to open the underside of the hog.  The men move in and start to cut away the precious portions of the hog to be shared by many families.
Grandma helps to salt down the pork and rinses the intestines many times to clean them for use later.  Very little is wasted as the men work.
My brother and I are freezing but don't want to go inside and miss anything.  The men carry our portion of pork to the meat-house or smoke-house to be stored.  Salted meats could last quite a while during winter months. The other men wrapped they portions in bits of cloth to take home to their wives and families. This pork would feed several families for weeks to come.
The day is nearly over.  Grandma soaks the intestines in salty water to leave over night.  It's almost time for dinner.  My brother and I warm by the heater as Grandma begins to prepare the evening meal, Granddad gets cleaned up and Mom is home from school.
Those are the memories I had when it's so cold like it is now.

In Hot Water

Okay, what the heck is going on, I ask you? First, I had the "bone" in the tire; then my "router" went out and now it's the hot water heater. Uuga!

So, of course the little maintenance guy can't get here until next week but he did suggest that I try a few things just to get enough hot water until then.  Can you feel my temperature rising?

So, I'm out in the garage with a crescent wrench (whatever that is), a hammer, a water hose, some buckets, a long spoon (don't ask) and my trusty screwdriver and gloves. Electricity off (check)...that's very important when dealing with wires near water, by the way.  Unscrew valve (yea right....which valve........there are 3 on my heater)....after some experimenting, one very wet tennis shoe and a bruised knuckle the valve is unscrewed and the water hose is in place to drain the excess water. 

Do you know how much water is inside a hot water heater?  I do...............now!

Do you know how long it takes to drain a hot water heater?  I do..............now!

Next, I'll need to flush out the sediment at the bottom of the heater, the little guy says..........hummmmmm.......this should be easy........you would think.

Thirty minutes later.......drenched from head to toe (picture a cat dunked in the river), most of the sediment down my throat, in my other tennis shoe and the rest on the garage floor.......I'm thinking of stringing up that maintenance guy.

BTW, no pictures in this post.....I didn't want to scare any children!