grandmas-bits and pieces

what happened

2012-02-25T20:50:00.001-08:00

I am so late tonight. I have been messing around with my embroidery machine trying to get it to work. I did all the instructions that were in the group files but still the machine reverted to the internal designs. I have tried to call Tom but he is not available because of the fire. It is very frustrating. I am going to try Mason's maybe. But somewhere in the back of my mind I have heard that Mason's doesn't do a good job.
I am disappointed as I wanted to get some things done this week. Oh well. I guess I'll have to make lemonade. LOL.

We went to London Drugs to buy a new memory stick as I thought that might be the cause of my problems but it did the same thing. We even tried the old SD cards, no luck there either.

I saw a totem pole in front of Jordan's Carpet and Flooring ,seems an unusual piece of statuary for a commercial venture. But it is beautiful.

The weather in Edmonton was dreadful and the roads were dangerous but Jim took off for California anyway. I pray that he gets through all right. He is going down th Los Angeles to visit a friend.

Peter is in London and sad that there is no Tim Horton's in London. Plenty of Starbucks though so he can get coffee or lattes if he is desperate.

Some photos of Adam on the slopes.

On the slopes literally LOL. But Adam and Adam had a lovely time.

Ray and I are so disinterested in cooking but we keep trying . I said to him today maybe we should try some of those frozen dinners for a while until we get over this. So we did. I had Shepherds Pie for dinner and it was very tasty, we'll definitley buy this one again.

http://sew4home.com/projects/storage-solutions/1096-hello-kittyr-sewing-basket-pincushion

Neat sewing basket for those who are more energetic than I am ;)))

I couldn't let a blog go by without something to drool over even if you don't make it. haha.

It's time for me to leave you - hope you are all fine and have a great evening.

Seminole piecing

2012-02-24T19:00:00.001-08:00

http://www.eldrbarry.net/hatr/megquilt.htm
Seminole table runner. There is a lot of other stuff here but just click on the blue line that says Seminole Runner.
I did a Seminole table runner several years ago. It was a pattern by Terry Atkinson and cost me $8.00 for the pattern. It was fun to do.

Wow this is long isn't it?

It snowed today , fat flakes that didn't stay long around our place but in other parts of the city and surroundings it did stick to the ground. And then came the rains, what a mess of slush, dangerous to walk on. Ray and I don't have the sense to use an umbrella so we both got a bit wet.

We had to go to the clinic today to question about the exchange of appliances. Ray took that up with the nurse in the clinic.

Then we went to Cockney Kings for fish and chips. Good as usual.

I just thought I'd share this with you I got a kick out of it and hope you enjoy it too.

This afternoon I had planned to embroider a piece for a friend , so I plugged in my memory stick and my machine just kept reverting to the internal designs. It was so weird. I tried ant tried but then remembered the words of Albert Einstein . Definition of Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

With that in mind I stopped doing the same thing over and over LOL. I checked the stick into my PC and it looked all right there but in my laptop it was not behaving. So my thought is that the memory stick has become defective. Tomorrow I will go and buy a new one. The only thing about that is formatting the stick. I forget how to do that. It has to be formatted both in the computer and in the embroidery machine.

Vikki from my embroidery list has given me some good advice regarding this which I will try soon

So that messing around took the better part of the afternoon, no time for a nap today LOL.

I have been having a lot of trouble with pains in my eyes lately and think it may be the laptop. Tonight they are quite sore so I am going to sign off.

Bon Soir.

visitors

2012-02-23T20:43:00.000-08:00

http://thehappyzombie.com/blog/?p=543 A unique take on the traditional Monkey Wrench.

http://www.fabricfreedom.co.uk/QuiltsAndProjects.html This is the Talk of the town so to speak. I made this one a long time ago, taught to me by a friend. I like it so much that maybe I'll make another one.

We had a lovely day. First Ray and I met our dear friends Bob and Buzz for lunch. That was the usual fun. We have been friends for a long time and it is always good to get together. Thanks for finding my ring Buzz in the pocket of the coat you took for the church.

Ray and I went for a bit of a walk but his leg is bothering him and he can't walk too far. He thinks it is from the statins he is taking for cholesterol. I think he should try without them and exercise and eat well to keep that cholesterol down but the doctor has a fit at any mention of that. It is not fun for him when that leg causes him so much distress.
After we got home Margaret came over with a book by Karin Slaughter entitled Fallen. Another good visit- she and her daughter Karin are coming to my birthday party but Marg thought it was a secret and talked to Ray first. He told her I knew all about it.
Then two of my friends from the Pot Luck group Jan and Jan visited for while bearing gifts , a lovely orchid and a gift from Nepal .

We all taught school together , they are still teaching while I retired in 1996. They brought me a nice gift from Patti who spends her summers in Nepal climbing mountains with her husband. What a pair, they are so adventuresome. They are great skiers too. Thank you Patti for the lovely little bag of tea.

They wanted to know all about my kids so we talked about that and how Adam took little Adam skiing in Utah for Mardi Gras, a bit of a departure from the usual Mardi Gras celebrations. LOL
I also talked to Adam on the phone , he said little Adam is a good little skier and show a bit of adventure too.
In between guests I managed to do a bit of knitting or should I say a bit of unknitting as some of it was wrong. :(((

Good night folks.
Have a great evening.

blazing, amazing

2012-02-22T20:33:00.004-08:00

http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutorials-f10/rhondas-new-shortcut-block-triple-strip-block-t167602.html
This is amazing, a strippy start and a wonderful finish. I am enamoured of it.

Now I am going for a nap, can't keep my eyes open. The cleaning lady is here but she always does my room first as she knows I sometimes nap in the afternoon. Nice lady.

http://mychellem.blogspot.com/2011/09/extra-scrappy-pinwheels-tutorial-video.html

Videos on this site maybe 9 of them and all different techniques. Lots of fun to watch and to learn a new trick or two.

I slept the afternoon away , I wonder why I was so tired. Oh well, it was a very good nap.

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2012/02/four-squared-quilt.html
I like squares as they are symmetrical and that suits my sense of order .

It was a nothing day, just the nurse ,the medicine delivery and cleaning lady. Three phone calls by someone who wants to sell me something. Don't you hate that. It is such an intrusion when they call at dinner or when you are napping , not that they would know any of that. it must be a thankless job.
I don't need anything and mostly don't want anything. Well maybe I want something once in a while but I can't rmemeber so as my dear old mother used to say if I forgot what I wanted," It can't be very important". And she is right.

Ah the little princess, isn't she beautiful with diamonds and pearls. Now for another cutie.

There don't they warm the cockles of your heart. I think this little guy is so adorable.

Watching ET fashion designer do her shopping at Winners. It amazes me because I can never find a thing at Winners. But then I am not a good shopper. If the racks are all different and packed full it discourages me. It just looks like a big jumble to me.Too bad it would save me money it I could shop that way.

My boys when they were a lot younger. I hope to get a picture of the five of them at my birthday party next month. Then I would have photos of them when they were younger and this one and one of them as adult men. I'd like that . Matthew is the youngest and in the front , just behind him on the left is Peter the third son, and on the right Adam who is the eldest son,behind on the right is Richard the second son and right Jim the fourth son. Handsome looking group aren't they?
And so good night dear friends. Enjoy your evening.
Bonswa.

To the doctor

2012-02-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

A Clean Machine is a Happy Machine
Sewing machine care
http://homepage.mac.com/mbgoodman/clean/ Maintain your sewing machine for
in order to keep it humming for eons.

http://www.quiltmaker.com/patterns/details.html?idx=13917 A pattern for Project Linus for those of you who do these quilts. It is adorable.

We went to see Dr. Vortel this afternoon. He said he can't keep me on antibiotics forever so I will be going off them on the 29th of February. Hopefully it will be fine but if I get sick again it's back to the hospital and he wants me to go to the largest hospital Vancouver General where there are a number of infectious disease specialists as well as the big guy I went to see last week Dr, Bowie. But he did say he would not abandon me ,for which I am grateful as I trust him and like him.

I got my FQs packaged up to send in for my on line Bingo game.
I have won several times in these Bingo games, so it is a bit of fun. Anyone want to join us? Let me know. The cost to play is one FQ and then if you get the first Bingo you get all the other player's FQs too.

My friend Gail again with her new mauve, her favourite colour, walker. Mine is not my favourite colour as it is black. But I like my walker despite that.

When we got home from the doctor I got started on taking the stabilizer off the ballerina blocks and snipping the jump threads.
I got them all finished and now need to check the size and square up all the blocks . I told Ray I needed the ironing board out for a bit to press them. It is a bit of a nuisance as it has to stand almost in the living room but in an apartment and with no sewing room that is what happens.
Now I want to make a little mug rug while the machine is still on the dining room table. I have a cute design I am anxious to use.

That's the state of my mind right now LOL!!

My eyes are really burning right now , this computer is hard to read sometimes. So I think I'll cut this off. Have a great evening.

Bon soir!

Slave driver

2012-02-20T20:29:00.001-08:00

We went to the clinic today and thank goodness everything was okay. In the morning my stoma had receded and become recessed. The morning nurse was worried about it , but by the time we went to the ostomy clinic the stoma was back where it belonged and the nurse there said that happens occasionally. That was a relief as I didn't want to go back to the doctor .

We had a hamburger at McDonald's and it was so big that I could only eat half of it. We rarely get hamburgers there so were surprised at the size. It was good though, next time we'll order one and split it.

I took a couple of pictures today. This one is of a new fence.
Here in B.C. it rains a lot during the winter and the ground gets soaked so the posts of the fences rot and the boards suffer from the incessant rain, so wood fences need to be redone over the years.

I'm having trouble with the edit part of this programme so you get the front of the car as well as the fence.

On Marine Drive which is a major road to get folks across town there is something new. It caught my fancy and made me laugh so I had to take a photo. Arms , legs caps, all out of joint on this pole. It is quite hilarious .

So the slave driver is Ray. he decided when we got home that I needed to clean out my yarns bags. He brought them all out here to the living room and put me to work. I arranged the yarn into cottons for knitting dishcloths and threw out all the small bits I couldn't bring myself to throw out previously. That reduced the yarn to one smaller bag. The wool that I use to make socks was arranged in a knitting basket and again I tossed the smaller bits. I just could not bring myself to throw some of the wool out but it will go when I next get the tossing urge. Now guess what comes next.... Fabric of course. I did the magazines earlier. Now Ray is talking about the bedroom closet, OOOO he is getting boring LOL.

Then I got my knitting needles and crochet hooks back where they belong in the cases and wrapped elastic around my sock needles to keep them all in one place. In the process of cleaning out I found a set of templates for curved blocks that I have been looking for forever. Hurrah!!

Now don't you think I was almost perfect LOL.

Watching The Mentalist again even though we have seen it before. It seems to me all there is are reruns.

That's it folks, time to go.

Have a lovely evening!!

lunch with Sam

2012-02-19T19:15:00.000-08:00

Making pillowcases two at a time the easy way.
Here is an easy set of instructions!

http://www.maryquilts.com/pillowcase/

We had lunch with Sam today and talked a bit about my 80th birthday party which he is organizing. He said he is going to have it catered. My kids are all coming so it will be so much fun. HE asked what I wanted and I said a cake LOL.

However this is a bit too early since my birthday isn't until April.

Ray and I went to Fabricana this afternoon after lunching with Sam to buy 2 Fat Quarters of 30s fabric for my on line Bingo game. While we were there Ray spotted a really cute pair of scissors. We bought one pair and now I wish we had picked up a couple more pair for gifts.

Aren't these amazing ? It was love at first sight for me and Ray loved them too. He likes different things like this. A man of taste :))

But not of patience as he doesn't want me to spend time looking around so it's in, buy and out. For some reason he does not like to spend time in a fabric store even though he chooses great fabric and spots cute items like the scissors.

We also went to London Drugs for Ensure as it was on sale and bought some of the lovely foamy hand soap, Dial I think it is. It is for disinfecting your hands and I love using it.

Tonight I'll do some more stabilizer stripping and hopefully get several more completed. I am eager to get on to the next phase,starching and squaring off of the blocks.

Cool outside today with a light drizzle but still comfortable to me. I would like a real hard rainstorm as long as I am laying in bed and watching it slam up against the window. Crazy isn't it.

But then some people like to watch the snow falling. LOL.

Adam , my great grandson, on the hills of Utah during time off school for Mardi Gras. He had that experience last year too with his grandpa. Grandpa says he is a good little skier and he excells at other sports too.

Here he is again and that is grandpa in the background.

Time to go folks. Have a good evening, I think I'll knit. Oh no I said I'd remove the stabilizer.

God Aften.

paper shredding

2012-02-18T19:57:00.000-08:00

http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-piece-at-a-time/2012/02/mimis-bloomers-block-1.html
For the lovers of applique try this one, the first of a series of blocks. Remember to bookmark the site though so you don.t lose out on any ensuing blocks.

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2012/02/salt-air-diamonds.html
I really like this quilt with strippy diamond blocks.

Facing the music, haha.

Grocery shopping today and I went around the store with Ray, I had been sitting on my walker and checking out the magazines , so this is a victory for me. We didn't buy much though, seems that we don't need very much these days. We stopped at TIm Horton's for coffee and a muffin for me and a bagel with cream cheese for Ray.

Then we called Margaret to take her to the casino. She was happy to go and she did quite well this afternoon. I did well too and came home ahead of the game even after giving Ray some money. He did not win today. But we all had a good time.

After dinner I began to remove the stabilizer from my ballerinas and to snip the threads at the back first. It takes a bit of time to do that as you must be very careful when pulling the stabilizer from the back of the block. I always support the embroidery with my hand before pulling the stabilizer off. Otherwise the threads can be damaged. and thus the embroidery ruined. I have three done , so you know what I'll be working on tonight. The next step is to square up the blocks and then to cut the sashing. Buzz said she would come and do the cutting for me so if all goes well that will be soon. Oh and I plan to give the blocks a bit of starch to give them body.
It snowed today, yes, I said snowed. Not the lovely big fat flakes of snow that cover everything in sight and look beautiful but thin almost rain flakes which did turn to rain again in half an hour. So this is winter!!! And in February too!!
This is the windshield -heavy rain , really you say!! Good thing we were parked LOL.

I hear that Brad and Angelina are expecting twin boys and thinking of tying the knot. Eight children , it's about time to commit.

Good night folks , have a happy evening. SWAK.

old friends

2012-02-17T20:38:00.000-08:00

http://pamhollanddesigns.typepad.com/gabriella_goodness_and_he/
I am reminded of when I first encountered Pam Holland on the first list I was on. She was an accomplished quilter and held forth at her shed with her quiting group, where they did most marvellous quilts. And shooed the chooks(chickens) out of the door.   She lives in South Australia when she is not teaching around the world. Pam is an interesting lady and you can find out more about her just by typing Pam Holland into your search engine.

http://countryjunktion.com/2012BOM.html>      Block of the month #2 for February- free for this month. January's block is still there but it isn't free any more. They are just free for the month they are depicting. Actually they are little wall hangers. Keep tabs on this site if you want to catch each month as sometimes I may not recall them or may not be available to put them on the blog.

I had a call from my specialist Dr.Vortel today and he said that based on Dr. Bowie's advice he will be taking me off the antibiotic. Whenever I have been off them I have ended up in the hospital as the infection just takes over. I guess they need to see what will happen once they take me off it, but Dr. Vortel said he was not going to keep me on it for the rest of my life. I sure hope they have a plan B. LOL

I am knitting a hat right now and I bought this huge ball of yarn that is driving me nuts because it is loosely packed and keeps slipping and sliding off the ball. It is so frustrating-and the pattern is keeping me bobble eyed. All in all not too good an experience. I think I'll go back to knitting dish cloths, don't even need to look when I knit those LOL. Maybe I should reach deep down into the ball , find the other end and start to wind it all back into a tighter ball.

Still thinking of what to use for sashing of my ballerinas, I have some lovely turquoise batik but am afraid it may overpower the girls. I think I'll have to go to the store for some assistance. And I need to cut the threads at the back and remove the stabilizer. Lots to do yet before it becomes a quilt.

These two pictures show the fabrics I have that might work. If you have any suggestions make a comment and if you can suggest some other colour comment on that too.

Lots of rain today, a good day to stay home but of course we didn't ))))

There was some discussion on one of my lists about Charm Packs, Jelly Rolls and the 10 inch square cuts, Layer Cakes they call them. It was said that those particular cuts could hide some bad cuts, such as selvages, half the charm instead of a whole piece, off the grain to name a few things mentioned. Then there is the cost.

I personally love them but then I just handle them and do not use them. At least so far LOL.

Time out ! Have a great evening.

Kalispera.

sleepy time gal

2012-02-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.ehow.com/how_5853258_bury-_amp_-starting-machine-quilting.html
A treatise on how to bury your threads, just a little technique that may make your work more perfect. If that is possible. )))
The nurse today wants to get the ostomy nurse from the Vancouver Coastal Health involved in the treatment of my wound . She called and asked if they could take pictures of it to show to their ostomy nurse. It has been so long since this sore began and I am ready to do anything to get it fixed. So we'll see what a second opinion does for me.
We went to the mall for lunch and had curried chicken and rice. We only buy one plate and 2 forks LOL. Then we did our walk-around for exercise, not that we can even get the heart rate up at the speed we walk but it does keep us limber if not lithe. haha. On the way back we ruined it all by eating a Dairy Queen Sundae, but it was a small one.

Then it was time to go to see the accountant to get our taxes done. We have been going to her for twenty years and the price is right. She always finds a good return for us. This year it was very close to $2000. We are very happy about that as we have had some big expenses lately because of all my troubles.

Right now we are watching The Mentalist. I wonder what happened with Bomber Girls, the sixth and last episode left everyone we talked to up in the air. It did not feel finished. I actually looked for another episode on Sunday. Maybe they left it open ended so they can produce another 6 episodes.

Rick's new truck arrived today and will be ready tomorrow. It is a Ford 150 just like Sam's.

Rose all cozy and warm on the ferry from Victoria to Vancouver. She has been on the ferry 4 times in her short life, already a world traveller. LOL. Hopefully we can get together with Mary and Rose.

Margaret came over this afternoon with a book by J A Jance for me to read. It is a library book so I have to get to it right away and get it back to the library this week.

Jim called today and said he had bought a new camper. He likes to go camping in the summer and he has an wooded acreage up north of Edmonton where he also like to camp out. he'll get a lot of pleasure out of that.

Now I am going to knit but first I have to write what Adam out on his Facebook- If life gives you melons, you are dislexic. LOL.

Now it's time to go , my day has been full and I am tired.

Buona Sera

pinwheels

2012-02-15T20:46:00.000-08:00

About.com Quilting Guide has some very nice variations of the pinwheel blocks today. It won't allow me to download the site so you'll need to type it into your browser if you are interested in pinwheels.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=oXvJ8UquYoo&vq=large
This is not quilting related but is such joyous fun to watch. It will bring a smile to your lips.

http://lynbrown.com/happy-valentines-day-2/ Cute little quilt I love it . It could be used any time of the year. Hope you can find the dotted black fabric as that makes the quilt.

Okay so Valentine's Day is over now, hope you all had a good one.
My day today was full as usual and we were not able to go out . The nurse came and then the delivery man from Calea which sends the antibiotic and all the other items needed to administer the antibiotic. The cleaning lady Lynn came next and finally the water was delivered the water cooler. We drink scads of water , at least I do in order to keep my kidneys functioning well. And it works as my numbers are great.
I thought I'd go to the PC to get some pictures printed and though I had sent the particular one I wanted it wasn't there. So back to the laptop to send it again. I need to get in there to check out things.
Also i spent an awful amount of time trying to download my embroidery designs. Finally did it but don't know how LOL
Can you imagine, I poked around in this and that so didn't know what I did. And on this laptop I don't manage anything to do with embroidery.Sigh.
No dogs today but I did watch a dog show . Don't they fix the poor things up so outrageously . I always feel embarrassed for them but they probably don't care as they do get a lot attention.

Chelsea tooting her saxophone. She is living in Toronto now and going to university there. As you know she is an accomplished musician and plays any number of instruments.

Ray and I at Tops . This was a while ago as I am a lot thinner now. Well 20 pounds thinner. LOL.

And I did find a dog, he is Australian and it is claimed that he is the smallest dog in the world. I think there is room for a challenge here LOL.....

Adorable isn't he.

I'm off for the night folks. Have a wonderful evening even though it is rather late.

Good night.

those pesky computers

2012-02-14T20:09:00.000-08:00

My computer has decided it doesn't want to allow me to reply to and messages I get. I shut it down as sometimes that helps to reset the machine, but no luck there. So if you are expecting a reply from me don't wait up LOL. Hmm I wonder if I just wrote a new message if it would go. Hold on I'll go and try that. Well that worked, man I am clever haha.
After the nurse left Ray and I did something very bad. We went to Cinnabon and had a lovely cinnamon bun with icing and coffee. It was delicious.

I bought three books today. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen,

The Night Before by Lisa Jackson, Hell to Pay by Wendy Corsi Staub.

Today Marg called and we talked for a while, she does a lot of work for her church but the church will be closing soon due to a lack of worshippers. The minister will be going to another parish and he wants her to come along. It is a bit out of her way and she has no car but there are others that will go who have a car and would give her a ride.
After she left I embroidered my last ballerina, she is very pretty as they all are. It is a lovely set of designs. Kathy wanted to know when I was doing another one so here she is Katthy. Your wish is my command and thanks for the threads.

Now I need to cut!!!! I hope I can stand up to the job. Literally. We'll see how that goes. I'm sure a little bit at a time will do the job even though it will take a lot longer. Oh well it has already taken a lot longer. Charlotte is already a year and a month old. LOL

Then I want to start

a quilt for baby Rose. She'll probably be over a year too before she gets it. hehhee

I need to go to the fabric store and buy some material for the sashing.

Tonight we are watching a marathon of Rizzoli and Iles. We haven't watched it before. Not bad though.

Good evening all, have a great night.

Bonne nuit.

free

2012-02-13T19:37:00.000-08:00

http://www.quiltersworld.com/featured_pattern.php Free pattern ,rainbow design.

http://www.henryglassfabrics.com/projects/new-free-projects/ More free projects

Here we are 3:30 and the nurse just left. There are so many appointments that it is hard to keep them separated. That's what happened this morning. We had an 11:30 appointment at the clinic and the nurse was unable to do her task before that. She had to come later in the day. This nurse, Caroline , is from England. We have some interesting discussions. Today we talked about English history. I had just seen a book called Sister Queens by Julia Fox on Good Reads.
It is about Kathryn of Aragon Henry the Eighth's first wife and Juana of Spain. If my memory serves me right Juana was committed to a castle tower because she was thought to be mad, Juana la Loca they called her. She was incarcerated for the rest of her life and dies at 75. If you want to know more about her type Juana of Castille into your browser. Interesting stuff. I read a book about her many years ago. And we all know what happened to Kathryn of Aragon.
Tragic stories are the lives of monarchs in the long ago past. and not so long ago if you count the Russian royal family the Romanovs during WW1.
That the lesson for tonight LOL.

A special display of delicious pink orchids for that special person on tomorrow's special day, Valentine Day.

These orchids were displayed in Safeway, they always have such gorgoeus flowers. A very happy Valentine Day to all of you.

Sam called tonight to set up an lunch date for later in the week, probably Friday. Ray and I went out for dinner tonight after my visit to the hairdresser for a cut.

Do you stand out in a crowd? He must have a headache. LOL. Some kids just want all the attention. haha....

I'm out of talk so have a lovely evening folks.

Good night.

Seasons

2012-02-12T20:33:00.000-08:00

http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/10/tulip-quilt-block.html
Leaping lizards, spring is on its way with this very nice tulip block.
Winter here has been very mild and not very wet. Soon the snowdrops and crocuses will be pushing their way through the earth. It is a magical time. I love this time of year.
We had a lazy day today, didn't go out the door. We just did some washing.
I was fast asleep when Ray woke me up at 8:00. i didn't want to get up but he had started breakfast, bacon and eggs. I can never resist bacon. We have that on Sundays, well not always the bacon but always eggs- one egg each and toast. We put all our pills into the pill box for the week. That took care of our jobs for the morning LOL.
By noon I was so tired I went to bed for a long winter's nap Haha.

Wake up mommy, time for breakfast. The ever smiling Charlotte beckons.

Yesterday we bought some new towels, deep pink for me and plain eggshell for Ray. And I forgot to take a picture of them.

I couldn't resist this one, it's good for a laugh. Ray would not laugh though as he is quite fussy about keeping things clean. I am the untidy one with all my projects , quilting, knitting, laptop , you know what I mean

Due to the long nap I managed not to do anything of consequence today.

But we did watch the last of the Variety Show of Hearts and it raised 6.7 million dollars for the kids. There are some very heartwarming moments on the show. Travis Lulay ,Quarterback for the football team,showed up for two little boys who were football fans and gave them each a B.C. Lions jersey with their names on it. The delight on their faces was wonderful to see.

We will get the latest Robert Bateman poster because of our donation. It is a superb picture of a family of lions, babies and all.

Times up for me, I have nothing more to say. LOL.

Have a great evening.

Bon Soir.

ruffled hearts

2012-02-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

We went grocery shopping this morning for three things. Hahaha you say who gets out of the store with three items.

See the sign on the left. What does it say? Lock out auto crime. We parked right in front of this sign. It should have been a good reminder to lock up, but when we got back to the car the door to the driver's side was wide open LOL . Talk about not paying attention. But not a thing was missing .Amazing!! Mind you there is nothing in our car anyway other than Tic Tacs but they were still there.

Out for a walk, looks like he is alone but his mom is right there beside him. I like the way he steps out as if he has a purpose that we don't know about.

These little guys out by the tennis courts for a stroll, I see them nearly every day.

Tonight we are watching the Variety Show of Hearts . It happens once a year around Valentine's Day and is for the children in children's hospital to help them with things they need such as wheel chairs, , hearing aids, medical assistance, prescriptions and aid to parents. All the money goes directly to the kids, no one gets paid. The stars tonight are Michael Buble, Elton John, and several others that I don't know yet. We watch it every year. I just made our donation.

http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/cutting-corners/2012/02/10/ruffled-heart-pincushion-tutorial
This is an adorable ruffled pin cushion. It would make a nice gift for a quilting friend or for yourself!

http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/11/night-and-day-quilt-block.html
Interesting block -night and day.

Thes little guys are just so cute sewing up socks for their cold feet. And I could not resist the sewing machine LOL.

My on line bingo group is beginning a new game so I need to get my FQs so that I can participate. The theme this game is The Thirties. Now I have a lot of 30s fabric but most of them have been cut into. I'll need to go through them first and if they are not good then oh sweet dream I'll go shopping!!!! :)))))

Now the time has come to say good evening.

And to hope you have a wonderful evening.

Delectable mountains

2012-02-10T18:50:00.000-08:00

http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-piece-at-a-time/2012/02/a-little-friday-gift-for-you.html
A lovely little basket, you can fill it with anything that pleases you, Easter eggs for the season,chocolate bunnies etc.

http://www.quilterstv.com/ There are videos of Delectable Mountains on here. They are shown by Eleanor Burns. I know she is a love her or hate her quilter. I am on the love her side. I think she is hilarious . The first time I saw her was in Delaware and she did her trick of throwing her cut off pieces over her shoulder to the floor. I amused me a lot. I know she has help picking up and cleaning her sewing room, but still she amuses me. In one episode I saw she had invited her sister to join in and demonstrate a technique. Imagine how funny it was when I realized there were two Eleanor Burns, I loved that show. Anyway she gives good clear instructions on how to make Delectable Mountains.

The regular set for Delectable Mountains or at least the one Eleanor Burns makes.

A different set for this pattern.

http://scrapboxquilts.blogspot.com/ This blog has a lovely table runner of DM.

Ray had a pair of jeans that had to be shortened so we went to Metrotown where there is a small shop that does sewing for people. It was a bit of a walk from where we parked the car . There was a wait so we went and had lunch. Ray walked back for the jeans but my legs didn't want to . I waited for him.
I wanted to sit at the tables where it has a handicapped logo but there were people sitting there who were obviously able bodied. I sat at another table , the man and lady next to me were very angry at those ladies who were sitting there. I wonder what they think when they can see that there are people who should be sitting there and they don't move. My rant for today.
Then we went to the library, I picked out three books .Ray had to go for tests so I sat in the car and began to read one of my books but I fell asleep. it was by Marcia Clark one of the prosecutors in the OJ trial.
Dinner tonight was a roast in the slow cooker that I made. Getting better!!! Very hard work LOL.

This heart quilt was made up of blocks that I received from a group I was once on, long since disbanded. The blocks were of different sizes so a lot of up sizing needed to be done and I needed to make quite a few estra blocks to make the quilt work.

One of the hearts in the quilt. I made this one. It is paper pieced and I don't like paper piecing but loved this block so I persisted with the darn paper LOL.

Pretty pictures tonight, hope you enjoyed them.

Time for me to go, have a great night.

Bueno notte.

I stand corrected

2012-02-09T19:30:00.000-08:00

Last night on my blog I said that Downton Abbey was on at 9:00. It was not . Jean mentioned that it was showing on Sunday evening in Delaware . I looked at my date book where I had written it in red so I wouldn't miss it. Yep. I missed it ,thankfully I missed it early and not later LOL.
Oh and I also thought Bomb Girls was on its last episode but the way it ended couldn't have been the finish so there is one more episode to enjoy. Now I hope I have it right this time. VBG and a red face.
Our garage door would not open this morning so we could not get the car out and we had an appointment at the clinic. I called them to say we couldn't make it but then the repair man came and fixed it . So I called back and reset the appointment. They were very good about it. The nurse was not quite happy with the appliance so there was a slight change in equipment. The good news is the wound is getting better every time we go to the clinic.
We went shopping for groceries after the clinic , As usual Ray bought the groceries and I flipped through the quilting magazines.
No purchasing though. I know I'll not get around to sewing so what's the point of buying new magazines.

Haha, my memory is sure not up to par this week. Too many things to remember.

But my plan is to improve LOL.
We are watching the Mentalist right now, I write during the commercials and if I write fast I can get a lot done, the commercials are so long you could actually write a chapter of a book Haha.

I've always wanted to do a bargello . However I realize that you need a design wall to organize the bits. I had a friend who was doing a bargello and she put all the pieces onto the design wall. She was an amazing quilter but sadly passed away from cancer before she finished the quilt. Her daughter completed the quilt in her name.

My best to all of you my dear friends , I appreciate all my lovely readers. Also I love your comments so please keep them coming.

Good evening folks. Have a great one.

Chiclets anyone

2012-02-08T19:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.brandysquiltpatterns.com
I like this design/pattern and may have put it on my blog an earlier time. But the pattern is good so take advantage if you like it . It makes good use of your 2 1/2 inch squares if you have plenty cut as some people do.

http://blueelephantstitches.blogspot.com/2012/01/granny-square-quilt-block-tutorial.html
More ways to use up your squares. Easy and pretty.

Off to the specialist this morning. He was very nice but decided that he wants me off the antibiotic and will talk to Dr. Vortel about that. He said , well I didn't really understand what he was trying to tell me except he said I deserved better treatment that I have had. He thinks there may be another reason for my problem. I told him that taking me off anti biotic was very frightening as I was afraid of passing out and collapsing. But he seemed to think that I would get better treatment and investigation. I hope so . I am not convinced . We'll see. Oh and he wants to get me off the pic line of course. I know he is the top specialist so I'll just have to trust him. No one seems to know what to do ......
Lynn showed up at her usual time to do the cleaning, I was surprised as I thought I had cancelled her for this week. Crossed wires again but it was good since Ray did not have to do all the work.
Right behind her came Caroline the nurse to do her job and then the delivery of the medicines. It was getting a bit crowded in here LOL.

Friends, together forever!

More animals to come.

Great photo I laughed out loud!!! Still do whenever I look at it.

My dear friend Gail getting ready to work her magic on the barbecue at her son's place. She has been cleaning out her sewing room and got rid of lots of fabrics to charity organizations. She is a prolific quilter and embroiderer.

Tom sent out an update today. He and Kerri had just been able to get into their store. It will take forever to get things settled so he is looking WAIT FOR IT.....another venue for his business.My prediction is coming true - not that the prediction is rocket science. LOL.

Tonight is the last episode of Bomb Girls, if you get to see it as a second showing take the time to have a look. And I saw one channel advertising the first episode. Can't recall the channel though.

And tonight is Downton Abbey also the final episode. It will be a busy watching night in the Boudreau household.

Have an enjoyable evening folks.

work day for me

2012-02-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

It has been fun embroidering my next ballerina. That took care of my afternoon. Here she is and one more to go!

http://www.bdieges.com/text/bdaplq.html#ndlund

Good tips here for applique, I think I know how to applique but still found some information I can use. There is always something new to learn.

http://quiltaddictsanonymous.com/tag/free-quilt-pattern/

Cute spring table topper, shouldn't take too long.

I had to go to the podiatrist this morning. The receptionist there said we were supposed to come yesterday. But my appointment said Tuesday. Unfortunatley I can't find the appointment card which I got two months ago. No problem though as she was very nice and said the doctor would still take me.
However we had to come home and call the nurse to give me the juice LOL.
We have to do the same thing again tomorrow because I have to go to VGH to see the infectious disease specialist. I am grateful for this second opinion.

This next picture was taken on our wedding day. We got married at city hall and hosted our own party at home. Ray has his eyes shut, could it be the sun or something else OMG -LOL. 1976 is the year.

Tonight was /is guild night ,Kathy offered to take me but by evening I am so tired and my legs won't hold me up. So hopefully next month it will be possible. Kathy came over with some purple threads for my last ballerina. Thanks Kathy. As she said we won't be able to get them from Tom for some time to come. I predict that Tom will be moving once again to another site. Apparently the programme was to cut 5 inch squares and to package them. All for the guild quilt show boutique. We did that the last show and it was successful. I would have enjoyed the packaging part of the process. I do miss the camaraderie . So I sure hope I can be better by next month.

I had Ray take my picture today just for nothing LOL. I am dressed all in black, something I never have done but on my shopping spree the other day I bought a black top so therefore the Woman in Black haha.

Does this seem like the Vanity Press to you :)))))

Trivia, -Charles Dickens is 200 today or it is his 200th birthday.

Back to my knitting folks.

Have a great evening.

Bon Soir.

slow start

2012-02-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

More beautiful days. It was lovely outside ,just crisp though , not hot. I sat outside on the sidewalk in my walker which has a seat. Ray was parking the car so I had a little wait. I have been stuck inside for so long. After I got out of the hospital my skin had the look of someone who had been in prison for a long time. Prison pallor I think they call it. I need to get the roses back in my cheeks.
Ray took the handles down a notch on my wheel chair and it makes a difference, so no more pain in my arms.
The morning was very regimented.
At 8:00 the shower lady showed up. That was a surprise as I was told that February 2nd was the last day. She was surprised too.
At 9:00 Matthew came over to pick up the wheelchair, the walker and the second walker from the Red Cross and to return them to the Red Cross. We gave him a cheque for the donation, had a bit of a talk and he was on his way.
At 10:15 the nurse arrived , Monday is the day to change the dressing on my arm that has the pic line. All that and the antibiotic delivery take about an hour to finish.
And at 11:30 we headed off to the ostomy clinic for a change of appliance and to check up on the crater which is no longer there. It still needs some work but it sure is getting better.
After we were done there Ray said do you want to go for fish and chips. Well DID I? You bet. I had one fish and some chips with a bit of cole slaw and also a bowl of fish chowder. All good stuff. Ray just had one fish and coleslaw , he is not allowed to have potatoes because his potassium is too high, There are lots of things he can't eat.
After lunch we had to go to Safeway ,they have a coin machine there and you can bring in your saved up coins, throw them in the hopper and wait for the voucher. I had over 60 dollars. We took the voucher to the cashier and got the money. Ha! I am richer now LOL.
We had to go to our little mall for bread and in the grocery pharmacy we found the Florastor and Cranberry pills. That came to over $100 . We have spent a ton of money this week, Ray's car insurance, my new walker, some prescriptions that came to over $300. Our bank account is taking a beating. However we will get a refund on our income tax which will even things up.

Guess what I did when we got home.... Had a nap, I was pretty tired.

My dad's family or some of them. Left to right Uncle Bill , grandpa , two of my aunts whim we can't identify , grandma and my dad in uniform taken before WW1.

Majestic wave and some surfer is riding it. Looks like fun doesn't it.

I am gone for the night folks, have a lovely relaxing evening.

Buona Sera.

new clothes

2012-02-05T18:25:00.000-08:00

This afternoon Ray and I went to Brentwood to return that red shirt I bought a few weeks ago as it was too tight. The store did accept the return, there were other tops on sale and I liked them so I bought three plus a starburst brooch. I like to wear a pin on my coat. The shirts were all the same style but different colours. Here they are.

And the sparkly brooch. Doesn't look quite as good in the picture as it does in real life but it will look good on my coat.

We went to IHOP for lunch and I had some of their fantastic potato soup with half a sandwich. Ray stayed with the old tried and true bacon and eggs.

And here is my new walker. Ray lowered the handles today as he thought they may have been too high thus causing the pain in my arms.

Looks pretty good doesn't it, it's nice and sturdy.

Tonight is picture night.
Charlotte is the star of this show.

Ooh Mom how could you do this to me. I guess a dill pickle is not the treat to Charlotte as it is to you and me.

Oh my gosh , she's reading already LOL. What a clever girl and she is reading about diamonds. A girl after my own heart :)))

Ah another distraction, life is full of so many interesting things and Remy is one of them , I hope he knows what a prime piece of property he is LOL.

Nose to nose , tickle her toes.

I hope you enjoyed these pictures of Charlotte. I think they are great but then I may be a wee bit prejudiced.

A more formal portrait of Albert, Rose and Mary. Lovely one. Mary says there are more to come. Good!!

That's the show for tonight friends. I am going back to my knitting.

Have a great evening.

Guten Abend.

fire

2012-02-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

http://appleavenuequilts.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2012-01-01T00:00:00-07:00&updated-max=2013-01-01T00:00:00-07:00&max-results=4

Two neat table toppers for Valentine's Day or for the whole month of February. For those of you who are string piecers the second heart is perfect. Happy days!
http://luannsloosethreads.blogspot.com/2012/01/heart-strings-table-mat.html
Similar quilt to the one above or even the same . I'm not sure but anyway look at it and decide if you want to do this one.

http://www.fabrictherapy.blogspot.com/2011/11/strippy-scrappy-flippy-happy-happy.html
Great use of scraps, it's like magic. First it looks like a dreadful jumble and then tada! it looks wonderful. Magic!!

Wow it's after 8:00 and I am just starting my blog. I really feel lazy tonight. We went to the casino today with my sister Margaret. I took my new walker but still walking all afternoon so to speak was very tiring. Ray won 250 Dollars approximately . I won aome first off and that kept me going most of the day until nearly the end. I did come home with money though. Marg had a good time and so did we.
At the grocery store I bought some pretty nail polish and a new lipstick to replace the tube I dropped in the toilet the other day.

Chelsea in concert in Toronto.

This one makes me laugh. How many of us have felt like the odd man out in the family. I'd be mad at my mom and would imagine I was adopted LOL.

Senor Adam all wrapped up in his serape, now all he needs is a sombrero!

I received another letter from Tom about the fire. He said they are working with the insurance adjusters and hope to set up in a temoerary site. The fabric in the store has suffered smoke damage and he thinks the machines also may have been damaged in the fire. Actually he said the fabric and the machines are ruined.

I've exhausted my brain for tonight so it is time to leave all you lovely people.

Have a good evening.

Kalispera.

beautiful day

2012-02-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com/boms/
Four Block Wonder is the name of the pattern. It looks intricate but the blocks look easy.

Embroiderthis.com has some very nice free Valentine designs for the embroiderers out there.

What a busy day , Matthew came over this morning for a visit and after he and the nurse left we went to the doctor for a prescription for the walker.
When we were finished with the doctor we had lunch at Wendy's and I had the chocolate Frostee, oh how I love that piece of decadence. Sam used to bring me those when I was in the hospital.

We went to the Medical Supply store and bought the walker we looked at yesterday. It has some very nice features, a basket for carrying things, and it can be pulled up in the middle to make the chair narrower to go through smaller places. The brake wires are enclosed so they don't hit doorways and get bent. It's good.
Matthew said he would take the chair and walker back to the Red Cross for us. That was so nice of him.

This little bird house

has always pleased me. It is in front of one of the units in our complex. I wonder if it has any little inhabitants in the summer. I think it is such a neat idea to put it on top of the post.

A bit lop-sided but it was a gorgeous day today, the sun was shining, the air was fresh and clean and the sky was cloudless ,the temperature just right. I love these February days.

I am re reading The Help again. When it first came out in hard cover I took it out of the library and read it then, that was a long time ago but on second reading I am still enjoying it immensely.

This is just so cute !!

And now I am leaving you again so enjoy what is left of your evening.

Good night.

A tragedy of sorts

2012-02-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

Do you remember Tom's where I go for classes and all things to do with sewing/embroidery. His establishment is in a short strip mall in Surrey. There was a huge fire that started on one of the other businesses on the strip and engaged a good part of the building. Tom's business suffered mostly smoke and water damage as far as I can tell. However nothing can be done towards reopening or restoring until the insurance people take care of things and determine whether it was accidental or arson. It started at the back of the building on the lower end. Such a shame . A fire can do more than damage the contents of a building, the mental and emotional damage can be just as devastating.

http://gramadebbiesdesigns.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gramadebbiesdesigns
I'm sure this one has come up before but I really like it, not that I've done any of them and they do cost, still fun to look at even if you don't want to buy them.

If you recall I mentioned that my specialist Dr. Vortel had recommended me to another infectious disease specialist at Vancouver General Hospital. He had told me it may take a couple of months or more but I got a letter today with an appointment time of February 22nd. I was so excited and called to confirm right away!

We went again to the clinic for my treatment and it appears that my crater is getting more shallow , so the treatment is working.
This little guy was tied up to the post while he waited for his owner. I think he looks a bit sad. For me though it was a good setup as the dog was sitting still and I was out of the car. I am tired of trying to take pictures from a moving vehicle. ((((

I no longer need the wheelchair and the Red Cross wants its equipment returned as the time is up, that means the walker too so we went to the medical shop to check out what they have there. They had a really nice one on sale with some good features . We will go back tomorrow and purchase it. We did go to Blue Cross to see if my insurance would cover the cost and it will up to 80%.

We're due for a baby picture, adorable isn't she.

I started on my hat tonight with the needles Ione picked up for me. Thanks again Ione. I use the method of casting on that is done with one needle and twisted around the thumb. It requires a long tail to work with . The first time the the tail was too short and I had to take all my stitches out and do it all over again. But that doesn't really bother me I'm patient LOL. Tomorrow I'll take a photo of what I am doing after I am sure it is right.

We're watching the hockey game right now Detroit vs Vancouver. The score is 1-1 in the second period.

Time's up, I'm going to play Solitaire.

Have a pleasant evening.

Bon Soir

two places to check out

2012-02-01T18:47:00.000-08:00

http://auribuzz.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/february-aurifil-designer-of-the-month-sherri-falls/
Just for looking around. Things to see.

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2012/01/patchwork-chevron-quilt.html
Moda Bakeshop comes up with another good tutorial.
These are the two places to check out for ideas.
Another stay at home day for us. The nurse didn't get here until 11:00, the company with the medicine 12:00 and the cleaning lady 12:30. It took until 12:00 before my antibiotic was finished and y then so was I -LOL.
It is certainly not exciting. I went down for a nap as I was really tired out, I wonder if the Antibiotic can cause that degree of sleepiness. Ray said the cleaning lady vacuumed right around the bed and I didn't even notice. I find that hard to understand. Deep sleep!!!
But imagine the magic ,go to sleep and wake up to a clean house , It's like a fairy story Hahaha.

Katie made this quilt for her little brother Ricky when she was 13. It is an easy I Spy. The bottom row is a skyline of several cities. It is quite interesting.

I've been going throughsome old pictures and I feel like sharing them. This one is of my 5 sons

many years ago. Front is Matthew ,clockwise Peter, Richard, James, and Adam. I like this snapshot.

Left to right Katie,Meaghan and Mary in 1991. Pretty little girls aren't they.

We are going to watch Bomb Girls tonight , the second from last episode or the penultimate episode . Oh stop showing off Nan!!! LOL.

I had hoped to go to Tom's to pick up some thread for one of my ballerinas. I want the do her in purple /mauve and seem to be short in that colout department. Maybe it would be possible to make do with what I have but I really want to buy something . It has been so long since I spent any money on my hobby. It's an urge, maybe that is a good thing.

I also have to go to Blue Cross to see why they aren't paying the insurance part of my pescriptions. And the Red Cross called to say I had to return the walker and wheelchair. We'll have to get out and buy a walker for me. I am looking forward to getting one with a basket . I think they are rather expensive.

Now is the time to go and relax for the evening.

Have a nice relaxing evening yourselves.

God Kvall

Peter was here

2012-01-31T21:09:00.000-08:00

I am late tonight first because I wanted to finish my pink ballerina so I could take a photo.

She is a pretty girl but then I love pink. Now there are only two left to embroider.

Secondly Peter came over to visit after dinner. He was teaching a course at Metrotown which as you know is not too far from us. It was really nice to see him. He said how he found teaching to be very exhausting. He was really tired and left early to go to bed.

I had lost my little knitting book of socks and hats and spent two days looking for it. Finally it appeared in a place I had already looked at twice. It was hidden in plain sight, well almost it was beneath a Keepsake Quilting catalogue on a small table in the bedroom. But I am done for the night so I'll start tomorrow.

Both of us were a bit on the slow side today, Ray didn't have any energy and neither did I. However he got all the receipts for income tax organized. I spent sometime on my PC trying to figure out how to print a photo from My Pictures. I got it eventually and not too many tries either. It was a photo of Ray's sister Marion who is still with us and her 5 children. It came in the e mail and he wanted a hard copy.

Then a friend phoned and we talked for some time. It was good to hear from Barb. She has her own set of problems dealing with her husband who is having vision troubles along with some other issues. Getting old is not for sissies LOL.

Is this the same couple that Jean found in Puerto Rico LOL....

If you have seen War Horse you might find the real thing interesting. My dad was in the Royal Horse Artillery and was among the first group of Britains to go over to France in 1914.

See this picture of the RHA

It is time for me to go. Have a good evening.

Kalispera.

yoyo

2012-01-30T19:39:00.000-08:00

I just wandered through a blog that had yoyos on it. She is committed to making a quilt of yoyos and needs 1008 in order to complete the task. She used that yoyo maker to make hers but some of my friends say it is just as easy to make them the old fashioned way by cutting out the size circle you want including 1/4 seam allowance and stitching a running stitch around the circle at the seam allowance, then pulling it up and tacking it down.

Lu Ann's blog is called Loose Threads and the yoyo button is down on the right hand side. There are loads of items of interest on this blog, plenty to keep you busy for a while.
I also ran into some knitiing blogs and crochet blogs. No doubt there are blogs on everything.
We had to wait for the nurse this morning and that was a concern as our appointment at the Ostomy clinic at noon. But she arrived at 10:00 . My dressing needed to be changed on the pic line, it gets changed every Monday and that takes a bit of time too.
However we were able to get it all taken care of and reached the clinic in time even a bit early.
Lucy , the nurse , looked at my wound as they call it, I call it a crater, and pronounced it improved. Then she redressed it, so I had two dressing treatments today.
We went for lunch a Tim Horton's and bought some bread at the bakery.
By then I had to go for a nap. Well we came home first LOL.

This picture of my dear friend Gail in Phoenix, well really Surprise, AZ. was taken in her sewing room where she works her magic. It is a lovely room to work in. When I was there we would spend the whole day in there just chatting and sewing. It was a lot of fun. We went out for dinner at Abuelo's and Olive Garden, both restaurants that I really enjoyed. We also went to some local quilt shops of course :)

TODAY I received an envelope in the mail. It was a set of 5 double pointed knitting needles, Ione found them for me and mailed them. THANK you Ione. You are such a treasure. I do so appreciate your kindness.

Take care of your own, what lucky chicks sheltered beneath their mother's loving wings. This is such a lovely picture and captured my imagination completely.

Matthew called this evening and we made a date for him to come over for a visit on Friday. We had a laugh because my calendar is very busy, but not with social engagements but with medical appointments.

I think I'll set up my hoop for the next ballerina, that will be my sewing work for tonight LOL.

Have a good evening folks.

Barka da yamma.

guilty guilty guilty

2012-01-29T19:37:00.000-08:00

The Shafias have been found guilty of killing three of their daughters and Sahfia's first wife of a polygamous marriage in what was described as an honour killing.. First Degree murder is a life sentence and in Canada life is 25 years. We agree with this verdict.
Shafia , his second sife and his son all convicted.

http://www.ryanwalshquilts.com/2011to2/valentine-inspiration-cross-your-heart.html
Scroll all the way down to find some more sites to click on rug mugs for your valentine.
http://www.modabakeshop.com/2011/12/go-tell-it-on-mountain.html
I have never been particularly enomoured of this block, Delectable Mountains, but this piece kind of catches my attention.

I love this picture . Of course I don't care if it is Monday tomorrow or not since every day is Saturday LOL. I am afraid to say it , but I will, I always liked Mondays, it was a day to have a clean slate for the week. I'd get everything ready on Friday and was raring to go on Monday.

Charlotte's chubby little face, I think she might be eating something.

Rose and Mary next- a Madonna and child photo.

Isn't it adorable.

Rick called today and we had a nice long talk about trucks and cars and weather in Calgary which he said was beautiful this week. Sometimes I would like to go to Calgary, I have been there once a long time ago when Matthew was working there. I liked the city and if I could escape the antibiotics every morning I would visit.

We went to our new Subway for lunch today. We had soup and sandwich. Then we shopped the produce store and bought strawberries. When we got home Ray cleaned the strawberries and covered them with whipped cream. Oh they were so good.

After we walked around the grocery store and bought some mixed nuts. That was all. But I used my walker so got in some exercise.

Good evening folks , have a good one.

Sleep tight!

heart to heart

2012-01-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.craftpassion.com/2012/01/heart-chenille-valentine-pillow.html
This is an interesting pillow but you will need a tool that does chenille, still I like the looks of it.

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2012/01/emerson-street-table-topper.html
We all need more table toppers don't we?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/jan/24/make-an-apple-pin-cushion
I absolutely love pin cushions not that I have made any LOL, except the one on my scrap bag that site on my sewing table. But I get excited when I see a new one. Most of my pincushions are the little chicken ones the people have given me. Some day I want to make a big chicken one haha.

Grocery shopping today. Ray loves his peppers both regular ones and hot ones. So he buys a variety of peppers, slices them up and fries them in olive oil. Then he puts them on toast and eats them. I have to go to the other end of the apartment when he is cooking peppers as they make my eyes burn. LOL.

I took my walker to the store today but didn't walk all around the store. I sat at the magazine section and looked through every quiting magazine there. I didn't buy though as there wasn't any designs I saw that caught my eye. McCalls quilting was enclosed in a plastic envelope. It did have a CD in it but I don't like buying a pig in a poke so I just left it. Cant' see what's in the magazine they can keep it.

Big RV sale going on out in Abbotsford, I know those vehicles are beautiful inside and out too with their lovely awnings, but I wonder how on earth anyone can afford the gas but then I have a small mind and don't think big . That's why |I don't get it. Lots of rich people around. If I did have the money to buy one I would go to a hotel on my vacation where there would be no cooking, bed making and house cleaning, like the one Jean and I stayed in in Orlando,see last night's blog. It was a delightful experience. Since |I no longer can leave town it would be a good idea to go downtown to one of our special hotels and enjoy the life there. Haha.

My dog fix for today....

Now that's training....

Have a wonderful evening folks.

Bon Soir.

it's a question of ....

2012-01-27T19:29:00.000-08:00

The question has been posedby Billie as to what these two are doing. Jean who took the photo has responded in a comment in yesterday's blog. LOL.

We went out twice today, making up for the past three days :)

In the morning we went to the bakery to purchase some nice pastries for when Bob and Buzz came over. We had to go to the bank ATM for some money. Drat! the baker wanted us to pay with cash LOL. And tada! I used the walker to go out today and left the wheelchair back home. It was so great to be able to do that and it makes me think I'll get better and be able to go around to my groups. What a blessing that will be.

Buzz accompanied by Bob came to help me with some disposals. We winnowed out the shoes that I can't wear any more. Not because they were worn, they were like new, but they hurt my feet. I wanted them to go to women who were homeless and needed shoes aand Buzz said her DDIL's church took things right down to the homeless rather than selling them which some charity organizations do. She said some of those women were using cardboard for soles.

Then we turned our attention to my closet. Several coats(jackets) quite a few tops and some old towels. It was quite a bit but there is still more to go.

We had coffee and cakes and visited. Buzz asked when we were going to get new furniture. I said we aren't. She said we usually changed our furniture occasionally. I said we are getting shabby and the furniture and carpet are getting shabby along with us LOL.

I love this one ,so I'm sharing it with you. :))

We decided to go out for dinner tonight. So we went to TOPS as usual. I had the salad with their fabulous house dressing and a bowl of clam chowder. Ray had Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes and veggies. He can't eat potatoes because they are full of potassium and his potassium is too high and that is really dangerous so no potatoes for him. However I helped him out a bit and ate some of his potatoe and gravy. Couldn't let it go to waste, oh no! I am a good wife Haha.

Another of Jean's pictures from Puerto Rico. This fish pond was in her hotel.

When Ray and I were in Orlando we stayed at the Rennaissance . The balconies of the rooms face into a huge atrium on the hotel where they had a fish pond with lovely Koi and lovely parrots in cages.

We were across from Seaworld and it was fabulous. I loved it.

I have some great photos but they are in an album and would have to be copied into the computer. Some day I'll do that.

Have a great evening folks.

Buenas tardes.

pattern

2012-01-26T20:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.unitednotions.com/un_main.nsf/fp_quilting
Patterns for quilts and for use of charm squares. Look under sewing for two Valentine designs. Just click on the tabs along the top.
Salliejean, my machine worked fine today after its accident yesterday. I began the Daffodil ballerina after the nurse left, but stopped it every time I had to leave the machine even for a minute. It was partially done when Ray and I went on to take care of all the magazines and books I want to donate to the guild library. I needed to sort out the ones I wanted to keep and the ones I wanted to give away. I loaded about 100 items into bags for Juliet to take to the guild. Ray took them down to her car because they were so heavy. I hope she can get help at the other end.
After Juliet left I went back to the ballerina and finished it. Here it is.

By this time I was ready for a nap, it was a short one but it helped.

Doing all those books was very tiring.

Jean sent this photo from Puerto Rico I think she called it the Crown of thorns. It is very pretty whatever it is called.

This is interesting .Idid not think that reptiles cared for their offspring. Can any one tell me what is happening here. Is it a friendly relationship or special delivery ? LOL.

Everyone needs a loving friend. I have the wheelchair but not the dog Boo Hoo. I love dogs but we don't want to have one in this apartment. So I just find or take photos and look at the puppies in the pet shop. Sigh......

I am getting ready to go to one of my groups next month . My walking is getting better and hopefully by then I will be okay with some help. Please God.

We are watching The Mentalist right now. I watch and write-clever eh! LOL.

We didn't go out again tonight, at least I didn't ,Ray took his car out for a carwash while I waited for Juliet and sewed as I waited.

Have a good evening folks.

Buona notte.

staying in

2012-01-25T20:22:00.000-08:00

A good day to stay home as the nurse, the cleaning lady , the delivery man and the pizza man came. We ordered pizza this evening for supper. We rarely buy pizza but sometimes we don't want to be bothered cooking. The pizza was good but too much for Ray and me. He had two slices and I had one.

I started to do another ballerina, yellow dress this time and red hair. Remember folks that embroidery machines are very temperamental. They want your complete undivided attention. But everything was going beautifully so I erroneously thought I could leave it working and go for my pizza. NOT. It did it again, jammed up totally . I had to remove the hoop and that was not easy since the thread had clumped up badly in the short time it took for me to reach the machine. What a mess. I had to use scissors to break through the thread jam. The stabilizer was torn from the jamming and had moved the design out of place. I thought I might be able to save it but it was not to be.Wasn't I just saying the I shouldn't work at night -too many mistakes. Or as Adam is no doubt thinking it is a self fulfilling prophecy LOL. I'll try again tomorrow in the afternoon.

It's a shame isn't it? The damage was done to her face. Poor Daffodil.

I think I told you I had lost 25 pounds while I was in the hospital, well they weren't lost for long, I found them again. Fiddledeedee.
I guess I need to curb my appetite. I don't want to round up too much.
We're watching the drama Bomb Girls. This is the third episode out of six. I am enjoying it. It is a Canadian production I think and well done.
Ray bought me my favourite candy today, a box of Smarties. They are so good , similar to M and Ms.

Good evening folks have a great one.
Buenos Noches.

FMQ

2012-01-24T19:01:00.000-08:00

Here's the link for Leah's: http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2012/01/quilt-along-3-playing-with-scale.html
Stippling to scale. Looks easy when she does it :)http://weefolkart.com/content/snowflake-applique-block
An applique snowflake , I'm not sure it is hand or not
.
We went to the ostomy clinic today. I haven't mentioned before that I have a crater in my abdomen that won't get better , so that is why I have to keep going to the clinic. It isn't very nice and sure needs the treatment. We had to learn what to do just in case there is a complication between visits. Fortunately I can't get an infection as I am already on heavy antibiotics LOL. Otherwise It might become septic.

After the clinic we went to our old Walmart only to discover that it is a new Walmart. They had added a huge grocery component to the store . We didn't go all around as for this day I went out with the walker, not the wheelchair. I was very impressed with myself LOL. I didn't get to see if they had renewed their fabric section,but next time I'll check that out.
Margaret came over after we got home and brought me a book by J.A.Jance -Fatal Error. I do enjoy her stories so it will be a treat to read. I still have other books to read first though. She brought The Help over too. I had already read that one when it first came out but I could read it again.
We had some very heavy rains today , but Marg and I both said we liked this weather. We have lived here too long haha.
I promised you some birds this is a Blue fronted Amazon Parrot.

These are Scarlet Macaws in flight.

No time to sew. I was disappointed but do not trust myself to sew at night . If I am tired I make mistakes so maybe tomorrow. The hoop is ready to go.
Life is sweet when we are together.

Time flies, temus fugit.
Have a good evening folks.

blogging time

2012-01-23T18:36:00.000-08:00

http://www.dreamcastlequilts.com/?p=2744s
What a cute idea-comfort food quilts. I noticed that Eleanor Burn has some food quilts on her site. It must be the latest rage.

Some cute photos of Charlotte in her new sailor dress. Every girl needs a friend but
Remy wants bite of that cookie. LOL.

A girl, a dog, a mom and a basket.

The nurse was quite late today . It was the day for the dressing change . She had forgotten the dressing tray and so had to call someone to deliver it to her. All very time consuming and we had to forget about our chores today. We wanted to return red shirt

I bought recently. But we don't like to travel when the traffic gets heavy.

Tomorrow we have to go to the ostomy clinic so no returning of merchandise.

My friend Jean has been enjoying her visit to Puerto Rico as seen in the photos below.

Jean and a cockatoo. It looks like a Sulphur Crested cockatoo. If the comb is yellow then it is. Note the Blue and Gold Macaw in the cage.

And here he is out

of the cage.

I was so tired after the nurse left that I fell asleep in my chair. So there we were the two of us snoozing away on our chairs LOL.

No sewing but in the morning I cut the stabilizer for the next ballerina and hooped the stabilizer and fabric. So it is ready to go. When is anybody's guess!

That's my news for tonight.

Have a great evening.

Bon Soir.

a day late

2012-01-22T20:16:00.000-08:00

Mary caught me by surprise last night, a nice surprise as it was. Lovely to see sweet baby Rose.I will have to tell you about yesterday if I can remember.
We went grocery shopping and after that in the early evening we went to The Keg with Sam, Aaron, Rodger and Gloria. Gloria is mother to Aaron and Rodger. Sam is mine LOL. We all had a great time. I had a Caeser but it wasn't as good as the one I had at the Cactus Club several months ago. I shared an order of Mushrooms Neptune with Ray along with some delicious bread. Usually Sam likes to share them with us but not last night. My entree was prime rib and mashed potato . I shared a bit of Rodger's dessert, strawberry cheese cake. MMM delicious.

Sam, Rodger, Aaron and Ray after dinner. The pictures are better outside the restaurant.

See that short one? That's me in my wheelchair. The others are from left to right are Sam, Gloria, Aaron and Ray. Rodger is on the other side of the camera. LOL. I choose not to add the ones in the restaurant as they are too dark.

Today was a busy day for me. I decided to do some cooking so I made pork steaks with onions and celery covered with mushroom soup. All went into the slowcooker at a low temperature. It was delicious when we plated it for dinner. And while I was in the kitchen I made a sandwich using the new dark rye bread I bought . I filled it with butter, mayonnaise, tomato,onion and celery. That was all to much for the bread and it broke apart, but I ate the pieces anyway. LOL.

After eating my concoction and drinking my Sprite I turned on my embroidery machine. I set the hoop and away we went on another ballerina. It took about an hour and a half to two hours to stitch out.

Here she is....

Now there are 4 more to go. And then to figure out how to put them together. And who to give them to.

Mid afternoon , Rick and Peter came over for a lovely visit. They had come in from their weekend sailing. Some spots were wicked as there was a gale warning for a bit. But all's well that ends well and they arrived safely.

I was pretty tired after all that and had a nap . Ray woke me up for dinner.

Time for me to go.

Have a good evening folks.

Hijacked by Cuteness!

2012-01-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Mary here.

This blog has been far too sparce on pictures of Rose (part of that is my fault, I've been busy!) so I'm taking over for a post and giving you plenty!
Let your mouse hover over the picture to see a caption. You can also click the pictures to make them bigger.

Pictures from the Hospital

In comparison, here's a picture of me as a newborn!

Out of the Hospital (Christmas!)

Back to Victoria

And for your viewing pleasure, here are two videos of Rose:

Rose making meeping noises... she's a squeaker!

Baby hiccups!

Mugs

2012-01-20T20:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.pleasant-home.com/2012/01/scrappy-mug-mat-tutorial.html
Easy peasy mug rug but with a difference.
After all the hullabaloo about a storm it did not appear on our street. But up in the valley the storm raged, more snow, more freezing sleet. They certainly have had the bad side of winter out there.
The rain came this afternoon so that means the end of the snow in Vancouver. Doesn't hurt my feelings LOL.

Remy may have a different opinion, Rick and Carla's canine friend.

Aaron called today. He has been working up north in Alberta. quite a change from Louisiana. He is coming here to B.C. to see his mom I'm sure but he and Sam want to take Ray and me for dinner tomorrow night. That will be fun.

We got out early today as the nurse came early and Ray was eager to go. We went up to Metrotown and decided to have lunch at Manchu Wok where we often eat lunch. First the portions were a lot smaller and the vegetables were awful plus they didn't have the chicken I like. We think it has changed hands. It has come to our notice that when a company changes hands the quality goes down. Can't save money on the rent, can't save money on wages so they have to cut on the food. But it does not make us happy. Now I am complaining about it but don't have any solutions . Typical.

Guess what, no sewing,too tired after our outing and went to bed for a couple of hours.

We are very sad to hear of the death of Sarah Burke on the half pipe run. I recall watching Shaun White win the gold medal at the Olympics here in 2010. It is exciting to watch but so dangerous to perform. We feel badly for her family .

And we lost Etta James today. But we won Barak Obama as a replacement LOL.

Friends helping friends, what could be better. Have you helped a friend today. My friend Ione is going to help me find the knitting needles I want and can't find around here. She is a very kind and generous friend. I'm very fortunate in my friends.

Juliet, if you are reading this would you be interested in some books and magazines for the library?

Step up to it Charlotte, Uncle RIck won't let you fall. Wow time flies, she is on her way to making her mom's life full of fun and games. LOL

Good news, my Keepsake Quilting catalogue came in the mail yesterday. I haven't had the time to really do more than skim through it. I always love reading it and do so over and over.

I am so lazy, there are a couple of photos in my camera which is in my purse and I don't want to get up and get them. But I did get up and here they are.

Sam and Grandpa after a good lunch at White Spot.

And this one is me,you sure are short in a wheel chair. I notice that today at the bakery. The lady could not see me over the showcase and I could not see her LOL But we bought the cookies anyway.

Have a good evening folks.

Guten abend.

keep up the exercise

2012-01-19T20:03:00.000-08:00

http://quilting-tutorials.blogspot.com/2012/01/quilting-tool-you-never-knew-you-had.html
A great little tip.

This one's for Salliejean, keep up the good work. I am doing finger exercises.LOL.
After our usual stuff this morning we met Sam for lunch at the White Spot. He is such an entrepreneur so has interesting tales to tell. He told us about negotiating with some Chinese businessmen. They are so impassive and give off no body language or facial signals that it is very difficult,read impossible, it know what they are thinking. That makes very hard to do business. But Sam is smart and will figure it out.
I had a strawberry waffle and 4 strips of bacon with coffee. It was so good!!
After lunch we were off to the ostomy clinic. I needed some help with my skin, There was a crater around the stoma and it was painful. The nurse there treated it and made an appointment for a follow up visit next week. I am happy that we found that store and nurse's station. I needed the help.

We went off to Michael's to look for some knitting needles but they didn't have what I wanted. I think I'll call a yarn shop and ask them to mail them to me. I have done that before with fabric, I just have to pay the postage. And the cost of the product haha.

I found my unpacker, did you find yours. If so count your blessings.

I want some ice cream but I have to suffer, I'll buy some tomorrow. Although it does make you gain weight doesn''t it.

No sewing today as I was tired after my lunch, treatment, shopping and so had a nap. That took care of the day.

We are told that a big storm is coming our way tonight. It must be

the one that buried Seattle earlier this week. The weather up in the valley has been horrendous, snow and bitter cold. Lots of areas lost power. Matt and Caroline played crib by candlelight.

Time is running out so I'll say good evening.

Aloha ahiahi

once again

2012-01-18T20:43:00.000-08:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/crochetbytrish/
I think I may have shown this before but it is worth a second look.

http://www.sewwequilt.com/2012/01/tool-time-with-another-kerri-with-i-and.html
More twisted blocks. I like this site ,even though I mentioned the Twister recently. I want to buy the ruler if I ever get to a quilt shop in the near future.
http://www.patchworktimes.com/patterns/ Lots of quilt patterns , don't think I have shown this one. Who knows?
I am stunned at the tragic sinking of the Costa Concordia , and the gross negligence of the captain. He tripped and fell into the lifeboat , that's the biggest joke of all.

We stayed in all day because the nurse came, then the cleaning lady , the medicines were delivered and Margaret came over with dinner that Michael had made. That was so nice of them.
I did not get my sewing done today because I had a nap after all the company. It does tire me out.
I talked to Richard in Calgary tonight where the temperature is -30. I worry about him but of course I do. He says it is bitter cold but he is still getting in to work. His truck struggles to start in the morning. It is a British Columbia truck so most years it never sees that kind of cold. But this year it is pretty bad out in the valley so his truck would have had to deal with bad weather anyway.
Still haven't made contact with Jim in Edmonton where the weather is just as bad.

I am busy ? watching TV. Bomb Girls is on right now , it is so interesting. A depiction of how the ladies created the bombs for the Allied air forces to drop during WW2. It is equivalent to Rosie the Riveter in the US. Or so I think.

We also watched the penultimate episode of Marg Helgenberger on CSI where she gets shot. It is to be continued so we'll be watching for it. I heard that Marg was planning to leave the show. That makes a few of the characters on this show who have left for who knows where,never to be seen again. That is unless it is David Caruso LOL.

Were you all blacked out of Wikipedia today? I don't think I use it unless it is without knowing. On the internet who can tell where you are.

Have a wonderful evening folks.

Bon Soir.

fabrics to die for

2012-01-17T19:37:00.000-08:00

And patterns too. I love Breeze, pink, blue and purple.

Take a look. It will inspire you.

http://www.inthebeginningfabrics.com/freepatterns.htm

And I like this block too. looks like fun.
http://alittlebitbiased.blogspot.com/2012/01/scrap-jar-stars-tutoroial-giveaway.html

Brutal weather up in the valley and beyond, loads of snow, dangerous driving conditions, lots of people staying home, schools closed. But that is in the valley not here in the city. We had some snow but it didn't interfere with any activities. We went out both days.
Rick is in Calgary where the temperature is -30. I hope he is managing okay. I always call us B.C.ers hothouse flowers. LOL.

hibiscus......

We went back to the hospital this afternoon to see Dr. Vortel the infectious disease specialist. He is the one who prescribes the

antibiotics that I get every morning. He is unhappy that I have to be on this medicine for long term but is unhappy that the germ is still there and I need the treatment. He said that we are walking a fine line here. He told us that both of us deserve a medal the way we are dealing with things. Scary stuff but there is nothing else for it but to have this antibiotic. He said he will take me off it in February, I think to see if I will be okay. But I am afraid I'll just end back in hospital again. There it is an enigma of sorts.

Marg called when we got home and wanted to come over with another book. This one is a large book, The Decision by Penny Vincenzi. She said it was a good book but my hands get very sore holding up big books. It might take me a month at least to read it -haha. Well I just checked the number of pages and there are only 730 so the actual reading would not take too long but holding it will lengthen the time as my hands will need a rest. Oh Adam I know you say to get a Kindle but then I would not get all this reading material for nothing LOL.

No sewing today but tomorrow when the cleaning lady comes maybe she will be willing to work around me LOL.

I am fired up so I hope to get another one done this week, or maybe two.

Time to fly.

Good night

two fools

2012-01-16T19:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.craftpassion.com/2012/01/macaron-coin-purse.html Adorable little coin purse, great for gifts.

http://www.theraspberryrabbits.com/dynamic/?page=5 For those of you who like this series , enjoy!

Do you remember the day when Ray and I went looking for the medical supply store? We went all over New Westminster. Today we tried again and went to a small mall where we thought it might be. And it wasn't. So I found the address in the glove compartment from our last trip. What a pair of fools. Who doesn't look at the address first .
We managed to get on the correct street and followed it all the way down to the end and there ,very close to home we found our destination. We had a good laugh over that.
Inside I saw Lucy the ostomy nurse whom I had wanted to see. Good luck for me . I made an appointment for Thursday to have them check my skin as it has a bad irritation. I am sure the nurses there can help me but what a stroke of luck to catch Lucy on one of her two days a month at the store.
We went to London Drugs to purchase new cartridges for my printer and some glossy photo paper. I needed Tylenol too for the pain in my feet.
My plan for today was to embroider another ballerina. As you are aware plans often go awry so I had a Plan B which was to prepare 2 hoops for the next embroidery.
I went to bed instead and had a long nap, my sleep last night was not good so I needed that nap.
Knitting is also on my agenda and I started a hat for a friend. Personally I never have worn a hat ,don't like the feel of things on my head.

Not making this one, mine is pink and mauve.

We are watching NCIS. I love Abby!! On NCIS Los Angeles I love Hedy. The two of them are great characters.
Kate has a new blog that is very disturbing if you care to read it. Kate is a very compassionate woman and wants to help those who are on the back edge of society.
http://survivethewinter.blogspot.com
Love to all and have a lovely evening, we are off to watch Betty White's birthday celebration.

Good night folks.

snow today ,gone today

2012-01-15T18:25:00.000-08:00

But in the morning it looked beautiful and here is the proof from my windows.

More snowy streets.

As I was taking these I stood next to this beautiful red colour a poinsettia and could not resist the contrast.

As promised last night we did not go out today but idled the morning away doing e mail and waiting for the nurse.

In the afternoon I started on another ballerina. I was so tired after it was done, had to keep going back and forth for the thread colours I wanted. I did choose what I thought would work but seemingly I cannot help but change my mind. Anyway I got it finished. It was supposed to be blue but in my opinion there were too many blue ballerinas in the set so I changed this one to peach and I think it is very pretty. So here she is......

Pretty in Peach.

That was the extent of my day but I feel good about my work.
Ray finished his 3 day soup and it tasted great. Meat and vegetables fill you up on a winter day. Nothing quite like home-made soup is there.
Boy my hair is just like straw and I don't know what to do about it, I have half a dozen different shampoos that I rotate but they are all the same and my hair is still a mess. I think I'll go to the hairdresser and see if she can help me. Got any good ideas?

Here is the magazine that I bought yesterday. I haven't had time to read it yet.

We are watching Jake, a child prodigy who is a mathematical genius. It is totally amazing. He will be graduationg with a PHD when he is 14. How can one get their head around this. The parents seem to be okay though. The mom took him to university the first time as he was 11 or 12 and they all thought she was the student . What a surprise was in store for the professors.

Have a good evening folks.

Bon Soir.

a mover and shaker

2012-01-14T21:26:00.000-08:00

Charlotte is crawling , she is putting on the speed. LOL
When we woke up this morning there was a light dusting of snow outside the window. Further out in the valley there was enough snow to make snowmen. So winter has slightfully arrived LOL.

The nurse was late this morning so we were late getting out for out grocery shopping. The stores get a bit crowded later on in the day.

But we managed okay , found a cashier line up that wasn't too long. And I bought the latest Fons and Porter, Love of Quilting magazine. I wanted to buy the newest Blocks magazine but restrained myself. Next week. I usually purchase that magazine when it comes out, haven't ever done anything in it but I like to read it through occasionally and dream of what I want to make.

I could not resist this since I am putting on a few pounds that I lost in the hospital, funny I have not been back there to find them but they found me LOL.

So if you are feeling discomfort just grab onto the hand of a loved one and go walking. Walking will lighten your mood and exercise your heart.

Ray has been trying to make soup for the past three days. Each day he has been short of something but now we have all the ingredients so the soup will be on tomorrow. We have decided to stay in for the day which means while Ray is cooking I can be sewing. How good is that?

Day is over , time to rest.

Take it easy folks and have a lovely evening.

Bona nit.

of shoes and books and many things

2012-01-13T18:49:00.000-08:00

http://komplexify.com/blog/2007/06/09/bedspread-mathematics/

Some complex thoughts arising from these quilts, a fascinating study of quilts and mathematics. Now don't run scared it asks nothing of you and expresses the ideas of the writer.

http://www.mccallsquilting.com/blogs/blog/2012/01/13/friday-freebie-artful-simplicity-table-runner/
I just love these table runners and so easy to make. Think of how many you could do for you Christmas list.

http://www.favequilts.com/Valentines/Valentines-Day-Table-Topper/ct/1

Cute little valentine topper, only a month away if you want something new for Valentine's day.

Now that's enought to keep you all busy for a while.

Check this guy out...

Grand Caiman alligator or crocodile, can't tell which but the butterflies are having fun . No fear there.

We met Bob and Buzz for lunch today. I still go out in the wheelchair but it makes travel easy for me, not so easy for Ray. We had a nice time together as we usually do. Buzz said she had found a place where they take your old towels, soaps, shoes , clothes and whatever else and deliver them directly to the street people. She said she would come over and help me get some of my shoes and clothes ready to go to someone who needs them. My shoes are in super condition as I had to stop wearing them due to foot problems. Did you realize when you get older the padding on the bottom of your feet shrinks away and the sides of the shoes stick into your ankle bones. Very uncomfortable. I have been reluctant to send them to the regular places where they sell them to the poor. I want to give them away.

When we got home Margaret came over with a couple of books for me to read. I am not getting a lot of reading done right now as I fall asleep while reading and leave the light on. Then I wake up in the middle of the night to turn it off.

Adam and Adam enjoying their time together and sharing in the music of the bagpipes.

Ray was not feeling very well this afternoon. I think he is under a lot of stress because of his sister and me.

Which style of morning coffee owl are you? LOL.

Time to go folks. Have a lovely evening .

Buona sera.

too pooped to pop

2012-01-12T19:27:00.000-08:00

Lazy day today,at least the afternoon after we came back from Metrotown. We went to Safeway and while Ray was paying for the groceries, I foot wheeled my wheelchair over to the books. This chair has no big wheel to turn the smaller wheels so I have to use my feet. Really it is walking while sitting . That made me tired {<(
I looked at the magazines which was my destination . There were some good patterns in them this time. It has been some time since I felt good about the projects in the magazines. There was no time to choose what I wished to buy as Ray wheeled me out of there.
Some photos of Louisiana where my son and his family live,the wildlife being alligators. We are always curious to see them but you sure need to make sure you see the DO NOT DISTURB sign or you could be in trouble.

Friendly neighbourhood 'gator.

Big Daddy of the swamp, it is not a log, see the eye (:) Again, don't bother him.

Too close to the road for my liking.

Adam,high and dry.

There as promised, a day in the swamp.

My intention was to embroider today. My dad used to say the road to hell is paved with good intentions so you could say I added another brick to the road.

Report on Marion, yesterday we were told by Gerry in Thunder Bay that Marion was in palliative care , but tonight Leo called and said she was not in palliative care yet and was holding her own.

That's about it folks except for

Have a good evening ladies and gentlemen.

Aha at last

2012-01-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

Ah, the browser function has returned, just needed a rest I guess. Thank goodness. This is the ballerina from yesterday. Ballerina in blue!

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2012/01/four-square-layer-cake-quilt.html
--Looks like fun.

I had this blog all finished and somehow blew it out the door. Grrr

Leo called to say that Marion is full of cancer, no white blood cells in her bone marrow, She will be going into palliative care. Ray is very upset, he loved this sister best. The tragedy of it is that he is afraid leave me here alone. I told him we could make arrangements of some sort but he won't hear of it. The main thing keeping us here is me having to get the IV antibiotic every morning. I feel badly for Ray , he is a man who wants to do what is right and in this case he is caught between a rock and a hard place.

Behind bars- some girls just can't stay out of trouble LOL. Sweet Charlotte is crawling, there is great rejoicing in the family. I love that face....

We didn't get out today, the day was taken up with health professionals so we stayed in , OF course!!

Tomorrow I think it will be a nature blog, I see how I can do that.

Have a good evening folks.

Guten abend.

I embroidered

2012-01-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

This will be short , no photos even though I have new pictures to display. My blogspot has chosen to eliminate the browser button for the pictures.
I decided that today was the day to try and do some work. The threads were all packed away in the back closet but I managed to lift the container and put it on the bed where I could get at them and I gathered up the colours I needed. Hooping is always trouble for me for some reason so that took a bit of time. Checked the bobbin to see if there was enough thread. I hate having the bobbin thread run out.
I had to put the new embroideries on the memory stick but noted that there were only 2 ballerinas designs on the stick. Hmmm I guess that third one I have been searching for was not embroidered if it wasn't on the stick. GRRRR All that looking for nothing. Now I have three squares done.
The embroidery went very well and I was happy with it. I was happy too that I could do the job, walked around the apartment a bit today without the walker. Not good steps , kind of clumsy but steps nonetheless.
We went to Marks Warehouse because they had a half price sale. Of course the jeans Ray wanted were not on sale but the cashier gave us ten dollars off. So we went away happy.
Then we had lunch at McDonald's. We had the new Angus beefburger. Not bad.
Still no luck with the picture browser so that's it for tonight, Have a good evening.

I cooked

2012-01-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

http://sew4home.com/projects/storage-solutions
Some interesting items and good ideas here. they are all made in vivid bright colours. Good thing. I can see them that way.

www.ufo-rphanage.com/holiday_gifts.shtml

Get a head start on christmas. For a beautful table runner check out #4. Lots of ideas to play with on this site.

Ray did not feel up to cooking tonight but I really wanted to cook up the mushrooms that we bought at Walmart. I took my walker into the kitchen so I could sit if necessary. I really wanted to try out the Slap Shot I foolishly bought from the As Seen On TV store. Don't waste your money. At least for me it was not workable , so I resorted back to my trusty knife. Sliced onions and sliced mushrooms in the frying pan with butter as the agent for sauteing, salt and pepper and garlic powder. That was my dinner. I did not make a lot just enough so that I could finish it. Ray did not want any.

Now I want some ice cream but there is none in the fridge. AW!

So I am eating grapes instead.

We went to Brentwood today and had lunch at IHOP. Ray had a stack of pancakes and I had half a potroast grilled cheese sandwich and beautiful potato soup, my favourite. Coffee too.

Then we went to the bookstore, Ray wanted to buy a calendar of Clydesdale horses. They are so hard to find . I managed to buy 2 pocketbooks for bedtime reading. I don't know why I like to read of murder and mayhem at bedtime but I do, never have a nightmare either.

I have been a fan of Peter Robinson for a long time and like Rick Mofina too.

We went to TanJay because I wanted to buy a cardigan sweater , no luck there but I did find a super red top , no hesitancy there , right onto the counter it went. It may be a bit big but so is everything else I own. LOL.

No Mary on Facebook today, she must be really busy on her first day back home with Rose.

Time to go folks

Good evening ,

Bon Soir.

man's best friend

2012-01-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

http://syverkstan-helena.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-new-year.html
Calling all dog lovers, this will be a cute quilt to make. And last year she had cats. I did not investigate too far but maybe they are still up on the site.
http://incolororder.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html No blue on this one so you'll need to copy and paste into your browser for the tutorials.

http://tinyurl.com/7wwbhot BOMs .Scroll down to see a really cute dolly quilt. I recall someone asking about a dolly quilt my friend made. Looks like a lot of fun.

Check out my granddaughter Katie's latest blog.
http://survivethewinter.blogspot.com I am so happy she survived the accident as well as the winter.

Now for my day :))))

Nurse first with IV and then Mary and Albert and baby Rose came for a visit before they left for Victoria. I held her for most of the time, it was such a treat. What an adorable baby. I didn't take any photos as there were still some left over from yesterday.

Now hear this!!! I can see she will be a take charge girl.

And another take charge girl had her first birthday yesterday.

Charlotte

After the visit we went to Walmart and came out with a bill under $100, now how did that happen. We didn't go through the grocery aisles, that's how. We bought a new bath mat for the bathroom and what else I can't remember, oh yes margarine and a few other household needs.

After shopping we went to Wendy's , ordered one hamburger #1 small fries,and a drink. Ray and I split the hamburger. I love Wendy's hamburgers but even so I could not finish my half. I wish I had ordered the malted drink, I love those. Good thing I don't get them very often , I'd blow up like a balloon.LOL

When we came home I had my nap because I get so tired when we go out.

Leo called tonight to say that Marion is taking the new chemo and she is looking and feeling better. All five of their children are arriving tonight. That will make her happy.

That was my day. Have a lovely evening folks.

Good night!

Dobru noc.

better news

2012-01-07T17:14:00.000-08:00

Leo, Marion's husband, called a few minutes ago to say that Marion is in better condition today, She is getting blood tranfusions but the blood is leaking somewhere and they can't quite figure out where. But her condition is more stable than yesterday.
I had a call from Jim in Edmonton this afternoon and he offered to come and stay with me if Ray has to go to Winnipeg but Ray doesn't think anyone can take care of me but him.
I had a big surprise today. Ray called out to me to ask what I was doing in the kitchen, (looking in the fridge for ginger ale) . Shock to both of us , I had walked in there without my walker, just didn't think. That is good!!!!! For me things are looking up in the standing and walking department,certainly not in top condition but definitely better.
Rick also called today to see how we were.
http://www.jinnybeyer.com/ New BOM from Jinny Beyers. I always think that her designs are too hard for me but they probably work for some of you better quilters.

Talk about strange events. Ray called out to me while I was otherwise occupied saying did you know you had money in your coat pocket. I thought I had removed the money from yesterday and laid it on the table and I had done so. But Ray said it was over three hundred dollars. How can you forget you have that much money in your pocket ? I think it must have been the money I won at the casino in December. Better to be in the black than in the red or is the other way around. Doesn't matter I am up $300. )))) LOL.

http://ajpadilla.com/bom/asian-teapots Cute little quilt with tea pots. I made a teapot and cup quilt a while back and really enjoyed it. Of course it is applique which I understand is an anathema to lots of quilters, but if you have a simple design with no points it is relatively simple to do. Try one!

Now what could be more perfect than this?

Have a wonderful evening everyone.

Bon Soir.

away and away

2012-01-06T19:05:00.000-08:00

Ray talked to his sister Gerry in Thunder Bay. Marion's prognosis is not very good -barring a miracle. She wants Ray to come to Winnipeg but no one seems to understand that he can't really leave me alone as I am still not able to take care of myself, Ray needs to prepare my meals and help me when my legs give out. I am trying to think of ways he could go to see his sister. I know there is respite care but wonder if it has to be spoken for in advance. I guess they think because I am home I am fine.

Margaret called this morning to ask if we were going tot he casino. We hadn't intended to but we relunctantly LOL agreed to take her.
We all had a good time sometimes winning and sometimes losing, but we all came home with money. We had a small lunch at the cafe.

This is a really nice block, it came from About Quilting. I could not get the PDF . If you would like to make it you can go to the site and download the instructions from there. Lots of great things on that site including puzzles and quizzes. It is a fun place to look around in.

A bit of philosophy . To burn a bridge requires great courage as you can never go back, you have to know that you don't ever want to go back. No shilly shallying.

Everybody wants a goodie so step up to the plate little guy behind the box. And the tiny guy in front needs a big boost :)))

He was looking in my window and I was looking in his, cute little guy.

Time out folks.

Have a lovely evening.

Wuynas nuchis

the long sleep

2012-01-05T19:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.fatcatpatterns.com/Funky_Chickens.html cock a doodle do look for the outline pattern for establishing the design on your fabric.

http://www.bobbysocksqc.com/blog/ New home, fun to look at and drool a bit, but not on the furniture.

Nancy sent lots of pictures of the babies in Quebec they grow so fast. Just last January they were born and now they are a year old as is Charlotte. Time flies.

Two little Christmas elves. Emilie and Joli Anne. Christmas is so much fun for the little ones.

Tea for two and a cute server too.

Family photo, David,Nancy,Emilie and Catherine.

Ray and I went to Tim Horton's for lunch, Meg and Lewis had given us a gift certificate so we had a coffee and sandwich on them. We did a bit of shopping,came home and I had a nap. This time it was 3 hours, did not sleep well last night.

I finally finished my book, it has taken weeks to get it done. the writing was so dense. The theme was magic and murder. Shell Game by Carol O'Connell, a tough read but I managed to get through it.

Ray's niece Pam just called to say her mom, Ray's sister Marian ,had to be rushed to the hospital. It does not sound good,she has cancer and Leo found her comatose and called the ambulance. Then to discover his oldest sister who has aneurisms in her brain is becoming ill too.

Not a good evening for my dear Ray.

Good evening all.. Love your loved ones.

hearts and more hearts

2012-01-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

A selection of heart quilts! There is also a Free Pattern link at the top of the page.
http://quiltinspiration.blogspot.com/2012/01/free-pattern-day-hearts-and-valentines.html

http://www.freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/
I found this one unfinished so here it is just for the sites ti sew.
enjoy.....

free patterns

2012-01-04T11:52:00.000-08:00

http://www.ttfabrics.com/patterns/index.shtml Free patterns.
http://www.clothworkstextiles.com/patterns.asp More free patterns.

Is it a New Year's resolution? There were a ton of free quilt patterns floating around.
I could not put so many on the blog.
I know I won't make any of them but at least it it fun to look. You can download a nice pattern and save it until you feel ready to make it, or until it calls to you whenever you open up your computer haha.
I stayed in all day since we had 3 people coming to do things around here. I can't go out before my antibiotic nurse comes, then we had the house cleaner came and the man with the week's supply of antibiotic plus all the supplies.
Adam phoned from Louisiana today so I guess you could say we had 4 visitors. It is fairly warm down there at least by our standards. We had a nice talk, we always have a nice talk. He and Lisa will be up here in April hurrah!! Lisa is sick with the flu, I feel sorry about that , I had the flu so many times while I was teaching and some flus are just awful. Since I retired I have not had the flu and that was in '96. Get well soon Lisa.

Nancy sent this photo of the Frappier family. Nancy is our granddaughter in Quebec,David is her husband and the two little ones are great granddaughters Emilie and Catherine. I love this photo, thanks Nancy.

Now look here I need something to put in my mouth, I'm just a baby.

Catherine and Emilie.

Tonight We are going to watch the premiere of Bomb Girls, a story of Factory girls making bombs for the soldiers of World War Two. It takes place in the '40s and I remember that era so it will be interesting for me.

The only crafty /sewing thing I have been doing lately is knitting those little dish cloths. I had started a babycardigan sweater a long time ago. One side went perfectly but the other try as I would it did not work. So I am trying to persuede Ray to take me back to the store. They had a sample done so they should know what to do.

Good night folks, have a lovely evening.

great ideas

2012-01-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

http://www.babylock.com/projects/quilting Good looking here and nice ideas. An applecore quilt at the bottomof the page which gives practice sewing curves
.http://bumblebeebliss.com/2011/09/23/gathered-bag-tutorial/ Wonderful bags and super for the coming spring.
Speaking of words that are overused ,great is one of my pets, apparently absolutely is another for yesterday's list.
We are watching the recolonization of Mount Saint Helen's after the volcano, plants, animals large and small return to the burnt out mountain. Nature is amazing!
Mary called to say she , Albert and Rose will drop by for a visit on Sunday morning on the way back to Victoria.

Baby Rose and Auntie Katie, does Kate look nervous? LOL Don't you love the precious little feet?

I /we went to our family doctor today to get the results of the tests I had in the hospital last month. Except for the fact that the infection is still there everythign else was good. My kidneys were very good. That was my biggest worry. She said my sodium was low and I needed to add table salt to my diet. I drink a lot of water so that washes out the salt. Maybe I need a salt lick LOL.
My friend Jan , from the Pot Luck Group, came over after school for a visit. She brought a gift with her, Cranberry Bark and it is delicious :)) We had a nice visit. She is still not going to retire. Apparently teachers can work past 65 now, not that she is 65 yet. When I was teaching we had to cease teaching at 65. Times change.

No more naps now that I am almost one and a big girl. Charlotte will be having her birthday party on Saturday.

My philosophy exactly LOL>

Time's up folks. Have a good evening.

Kakuma.

heads or tails

2012-01-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

Scary looking isn't he? Jean sent me this picture of the lobster she had for dinner on New Year's Eve , 4.5 pounds. Oh what luxury. I'm jealous. East coast lobster is delicious. I remember having lobster when we were in Prince Island about16 years ago. The dinner remains in my memory as a very special one.
When I lived in Nova Scotia in 1959-1961 we used to drive around the province on Sundays and there were lobster stands on the sides of the road that offered cooked lobster for instant eating. Another memory that I still enjoy. So Jean I relate to your pleasure. LOL.
The worker who helps me with my shower was ringing the bell over and over this morning but I was fast asleep so it took a while to get my attention. So embarassing. I thought she was coming tomorrow. The office keeps changing the days on us.
We took a chance today and went to Metrotown but it was still crowded with shoppers, including us. We did something really sinful and bought one Cinnabon, cut it in half and ate it. Coffee too of course. Oh my it was delicious :)))

http://thegoldenthimble.com/clubhouse.html
This site is closing its doors to business but there is still so me things to see if you hurry. It is such a shame when well developed sites close down . The owner gives the reasons for her decision. So go and look around for the last time.

I spend so much time with photos trying to get them onto the blog, it is a big pain in the foot. LOL
It is so mild here these days ,not like winter at all, no cold, little rain. Where has winter gone? Maybe to that great Valhalla in the sky? I'll bet January will bring some snow.
After out trip to Metrotown we just came home and vegged out except for my exercise walker walk down the long hall.
That's it folks . Have a good evening.
Kalispera

little hooters

2012-01-01T14:28:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year !!

Owl Potholder<http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/FreebiesForCrafters/%7E3/_wfMG9jjvQQ/owl-potholder.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email;

Cute owl potholders. They look like fun to make. No I am not making them right now but sure would like to see the ones you make , if you make one LOL.
By the way does anybody have one of those machines that die cuts different shapes.
Ray is making scalloped potatoes and ham for dinner. I can hardly wait. My appetite is coming back. I can't eat a lot but at least I am eating and enjoying it. Still I was down another pound this morning, it must be the soup for lunch Haha.

http://sentimentalstitches.net/
Red and white , who can resist it, six lovely blocks,easy ones and six more to come so hang on to this site.

We had a stay at home day and I got nothing done, but I did have a beautiful nap. I still need a nap occasionally but I am getting up better , Ray doesn't have to help me get up out of my chair and I can take a few steps ,well shaky steps, but that's good. It heartens me that I can get better.

Not done yet.

Do you have any New Year resolutions? Many will want to lose weight and still more will want to exercise to get in shape.

So do the Mizzlies or that's what I call them.

There you are now up and at "em. LOL.

Have a lovely evening folks.

Konbanwa

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date

2011-12-31T20:02:00.000-08:00

Charlotte in her new vehicle , she looks happy. Soon Charlotte will be one year old. Hard to believe.

Do you have issues with overused words? The word like comes to mind. There was a good article in the paper this morning regarding this topic. The author lists 10 words and phrases that should be banished for 2012. His top choice is

.Amazing. followed by Baby Bump , then Shared Sacrifice, Occupy, Blowback, Man Cave, The New Normal, Pet Parent, Win the Future,Trickeration, Ginormous and Thank You in Advance.

No more Amazing Grace...... His joke , not mine. There were

two columns as he is very passionate about these "iconic" , another bad word, mouthings. I thought it was fun and entertaining. And will it make us more aware of the words we use way too often.

Last night it rained so hard it woke me up. The rain pelted down on the roof and the windowpane. It was extremely noisy but I never mind the sound of the rain. When I could walk I used to get up in the night and go to the front room window to watch the rain run down the roof of the townhouse below us. It was soothing for me. Picture courtesy of

maxwell@housemouse.com

You can sign up for you Daily Squeeek if you choose. It always makes me smile.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow because we can't go anywhere. I need to get on my PC and do some organizing. This laptop also needs organizing. And of course there are some embroideries I need to get at.

It's time for winter

Have a fabulous New Year Evening.

A very prosperous , healthy and happy year ahead.

Happy New Year.

sites to see

2011-12-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

http://www.thequiltshow.com
Videos on this channel. You may have to register but there is no fee. At least I did not pay anything. Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims host this site. Keep scrolling and find the jigsaw puzzle.

http://www.kreativekiwiembroidery.co.nz
I just bought the cutest designs from this site. They are called Couch Potatoes. It is as it says an embroidery site. The digitizers in New Zealand produce some wonderful designs.

Winter cutie. He's going downhill on his tush LOL.

If you are out and about on the mountains with your skis, a warning- The weather has been unseasonally warm , the snow is soft and wet and that lends itself to avalanches. Stay out of the back country. Three young people were caught in such a situation this week and did not make it out alive, a word to the wise.

What a pretty quilt nine patches and triangles. I'm sure there are instructions but I don't seem to be able to locate them. If I do then I'll put them up. Until then enjoy the pretty quilt.

Couldn't quite resist this one. Too cute!!

We went grocery shopping this afternoon, it was a madhouse. We bought a ham but who knows when we'll cook it. After eating the ham Ray makes green pea soup. It is just delicious. I must get after him to cook that ham.

Happy New Year.

Feliz Ano Nuevo

This just came in,it relates to yesterday's blog about the twister design and the twister ruler. Many thanks to ang.

Take i piece of a 5" plexiglass square you can get cut at hardware store measure in 1.5" on each side draw the X and you got a twister tool for half the cost or even you cardboard cut into 5" and do the same thing way cheaper. making mine tomorrow so i dont have to spend any money on mine

twist

2011-12-29T10:57:00.000-08:00

http://happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.com/2011/12/tnt-thursday-with-diagonal-twister.html

It looks good and I know most of you can figure it out but I couldn't. that is no reason not to put it up.

http://www.pbtex.com/html/free_patterns.html Watch for the big black patch at the top, I thought there was nothing there so scroll down.
It was our 35th Wedding anniversary today. It's a long time for a second marriage. But I did better the second time around ;))
We were going to go to a nice restaurant but Ray said he wasn't up to eating a big meal and I can't eat much at a time either. So we scrapped that idea and went to visit our money at the casino as my friend Salliejean says. There will be more to visit the next time we go. LOL
We ate our anniversary lunch at the casino, very special!! Ray had a hot dog and I had chips and gravy. I couldn't eat them all so Ray helped me.
My legs were bad today, could barely stand up. It's strange, some days they are good and on other days terrible. I will be happy to see a neurologist.
But on to other news. Gerry, Ray's sister called this morning to tell us that Marion, their sister who was treated for cancer ,has had a recurrance of the cancer and it apparently is bad. They are looking at a very strong chemo which is extremely expensive and applying to the government for funding. It will take two weeks before that happens . Meantime they are giving her
chemo to keep the cancer quiet.

New topic, Baby Rose, Mary and me. Baby Rose never batted an eye. I must call Mary to see when she is leaving for Victoria and if she, Albert and Rose can drop in for a short visit.

We are watching Murdoch Mysteries, a period tale of murder and mayhem. It is a very authentic depiction of life in Toronto in the late 1800s.

Good night friends- have a great evening.

Feliz ano nueve.

something fun and useful

2011-12-28T11:19:00.001-08:00

http://sew4home.com/projects/fabric-art-a-accents/1047-worlds-cutest-felt-sewing-kit-
So useful for travelling to classes or sewing groups as it carries all the items you may want to use and in one place too.

http://quiltsatcs.blogspot.com/2007/04/disappearing-9-patch-tutorial.html http://psiquilt.com/2009/03/disappearing-9-patch-tutorial-super.html

Two tutorials on how to make a disappearing 9 patch. I think that it looks better in a controlled colourway such as in the purple one made from charm squares.
Charlotte is beginning to read LOL. Look!!

She is such a clever girl LOL.

Doesn't she look adorable, Charlotte always knows when she is the centre of attention .

Such a full day today, the shower lady came first, then the nurse for the antibiotic, the usual stuff, The cleaning lady came next and then Peter and his cousin Liz, on his dad's side, came for a visit. We enjoyed the visit. Peter said that he was going to South Korea on business, glad it isn't North Korea and hope it is not near the border. I think he said Inchon was the place he was going to.

One wonders what my happen along that border after all the funeral events are over.

Adam called today and put little Adam on the phone. It is much easier to talk to him now that he is 9 years old. While we were talking Rick's call cut into our conversation. It was really weird. Adam is in Louisiana and Rick is in Alberta. We must have crossed wires somehow.

The last person to come today was the man who

delivers the anti biotic for the week.

Whew a full day!!

Our girls having fun at Christmas.

Meaghan, Charlotte making trouble haha, Katie in from the great white north , Fort MacMurray , Mary and baby Rose still sleeping through the noise LOL.

Did you get snow today, we had a temperature of 12' today , no rain , but it is coming!

That is the news for tonight.

Bonne Annee.

back to normal

2011-12-27T14:48:00.000-08:00

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2011/12/eydie-as-jelly-quilt.html
Time to get started and here is a simple yet effective quilt to get you going.
It has been a nice quiet day for us. After the nurse was finished we went to Metrotown . It was packed. Being in a wheelchair does not protect you from injury. People just walk right into you or in one case on my foot. Not that anything was really damaged but if one of them had fallen on me it could have been disastrous. We went along to the Bay for an egg sandwich. It was the worst egg sandwich we ever had and the Bay used to make super ones. Why do businesses do things like that?
We watched a marathon of Holmes on Homes this afternoon. some of the houses were almost falling down they were so bad. They had to rebuild them from the ground up. And now I am watching Murder She Wrote.
Jelly rolls, my mother used to make cakes called jelly rolls but now we make quilts with them. LOL. Here is a good place to take a look at jelly roll quilts and a few other things.
http://www.crazycreekquilts.com/free-jelly-roll-patterns.html
I kind of miss the babies, they were so much fun yesterday. And it was wonderful to see all the grandchildren.

And Santa is on his way

Nice picture of my sweetheart who is preparing my super right now. Once this turkey is gone I am going back to eating more soup.

The three Musketeers, Sam grinning, Rick no smile and Jim no face, eyes down and not paying attention to the camera. I have noticed that my sons all have a picture /camera face,no smiling.

There Santa is laughing,because it's time for he and me to go!!

Dobri noce

SBS

2011-12-26T11:08:00.000-08:00

http://tipnut.com/26-free-tutorials-for-needle-books-cases/

There are a great number of neat needle cases on this site that you can make and save for gifts. I love the Sunbonnet Sue one as you scroll down. Happy needling!
What a fabulous three days we had here. I told you about Saturday in my last blog.
Rick and Jim were here from Alberta, Peter and Judith came over to visit. I took pictures of them and after they had gone home I accidentally deleted them. What a sap!! LOL.
Rick cooked the Christmas turkey, Ray made the dressing snd salad, Sam peeled, cooked and mashed the potatoes, Matthew brought his home made cranberry sauce and it was wonderful! Jim put a safety bar in the shower/tub so that it will be safer for me.
Today Ricky, Katie, Meg,Louis, Mary, Albert and the two babies visited.
Charlotte you already know , she is nearly a year old and beginning to walk. She is a ton of fun, full of energy and a mind of her own,

Charlotte and her protector. Mommy Meg in the background.

Can't you just see mischief on this face LOL. She is teasing Daddy.

Then there was new baby Rose,just 6 days old . Such a perfect baby. I held her for quite some time, she slept through all the noise going on around her.

Sweet little girl isn't she. My clothes are falling off,too much weight loss. Maybe I need new clothes.

Four generations ,Rose, Mary, Rick and Nan.

I took more pictures but will save some for tomorrow.

Rick and Jim left in the afternoon to go back to Edmonton. It was a late afternoon start but they break the 13 hour drive up by spending the night in Kamloops. I hope the roads are good.
Christmas has been very special for us this year, gifts just for the babies and that was so good.

Time to go folks.
Bon soir.

no blog tonight

2011-12-25T19:51:00.000-08:00

early start

2011-12-24T11:39:00.001-08:00

Not even noon and I am starting this blog. Jim is here and we chatted for a while . Now he and Ray have gone to the hardware store to get a bar for the tub. Jim will install it for us. I'll feel a lot more seccure once that is done. Right now there is nothing to hold on to at a decent level so I have to be extremely cautious.
It has been a great day. Rick,Jim, Sam Matthew , Caroline, Ryan and Chelsea came for the afternoon and Caroline brought dinner . Oh how lovely it was. Ryan made macaroni and cheese, Caroline made meat loaf and she brought chips and dip and home made cookies. There was pumpkin pie and whipped cream. I ccould only eat some of the food but it was delicious. I loved the dip and the macaroni,but didn't have the appetite to eat the meat loaf so we saved it.

Ryan Grandpa Ray and Chelsea. I was impressed with Rayn , he speaks Japanese, new news to me. Chelsea brought her saxophone and played two selections for us. She plays quite a few different musical instruments.

Matthew and me having a cuddle.

Group photo or some of the group.

Now for something new.

As seen through the closed window of my car:

Next one with the window open, I got hooked on the green hydrants as you can see LOL.

I am off the air for the night.

Have a very merry Christmas Eve.

Good night!

late again

2011-12-23T21:18:00.000-08:00

Today was full of things to do. We waited for the lady who gives me a shower and when she didn't make it at 9:00 we waited for a while and Ray helped me. Then she, Emily, came after 10:00 . Well about that time the nurse came to do the antibiotic . I spoke to Emily regarding the time frame that would work for me. She went back to her supervisor with my suggestions, the supervisor called and she needs to work it out on the timetable.
Ray and I went to TOPS for lunch, we ordered Shepherd's Pie and salad. It was delicious, but way too big a portion so we had it again for dinner. Neither of us like to cook any more so we eat dinner out more often so we can have a decent meal.

Then we had to do a bit of shopping for the Christmas dinner even though Rick is going to cook it.

We have had some white Pyrex dishing for years but lately Ray has been breaking them, I wonder why. LOL.
We hunted down a store on Fraser Street that carries all kinds of housewares. I waited in the car as the store was too crowded for the wheelchair and Ray went in a found what he wanted. We just had three of these dishes but the packages had 5 in it. $200 later we were back on the road. But we are both happy with our purchase. Merry Christmas to us.
Margaret came over for a visit and to return my clock, Ray was out at Safeway so we turned off the TV and chatted. It was Karin's birthday today, Karin is Marg's daughter. She was hoping that the baby would be born on her birthday.
Then Peter came for a visit , it was great to see him and to hear of his experiences in Hong Kong. He had a fine time and some funny tales to tell. For instance he went to the floating restaurant , can't remember the name , and ordered Peking Duck. No,no,no said the waitress too much food for one person. She was insistent and ordered him something else, pork, chicken, He said it was good.
Now we are waiting for Jim to arrive. He dropped Rick off in Abbotsford for the night.
You may be wondering why I have not been taking pictures lately. It is because I am pretty well stuck in this chair and when in the car I'm not fast enough.
Baby pictures.

first weigh in, first of many :))

I too am very tired now so off I go.
Have a great evening folks.

a treat

2011-12-22T20:01:00.000-08:00

http://www.quiltersnewsletter.com/nine-patch-quilt-patterns.html
Wow this is a great Christmas gift. Have a look and see if there one you would like to make.
Ray and I were out for nearly three hours today as I felt quite good.
We had our Chinese food lunch at the mall, then we went to Sears . I thought I might buy a new outfit , one that would fit me since my clothes are all too big now since I lost 24 pounds . The selection was just awful,colours were dark and dreary except for dresses that looked like cheap gold lame . I could not find one single thing I liked.

I liked this but it didn't fit -too small.

LOL. Well one can dream can't one!!!

I am sitting here eating an orange, a mandarin of course. While I was in the hospital Ray used to slice up a navel orange and bring it to me.

Ray just talked to his sister in Winnipeg

whose cancer was in remission. Her white blood count is back up again. We are praying it does not mean the cancer has returned.

I guess you are all getting ready for the big day. Ray and I are being well pampered this Christmas. On Christmas Eve, Matthew and Caroline are bringing dinner over and on Christmas Day Rick is making turkey dinner for us and Jim as well as Sam. They all said

neither of us would have to clean up. Darned good thing, I would just fall over LOL.

I just called Mary to see how she is. She is still pretty tired, not much sleep I guess. But both she and Rose are well which is the main thing. She said she is downloading pictures to her computer so we'll have some new ones soon.

That the end of my story.

Have a good night.

she's here

2011-12-21T20:30:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas Rose not even on day old. Beautiful baby isn't she. She was born December 20th at 11:30 and weighed in at 8 pounds exactly.

There! we will get to see her on Boxing Day when the family comes over. I can hardly wait.

More pictures, these are of Charlotte.

Charlotte reading her book LOL.

Trying to escape, soon she will be walking,

It has been a hectic day, Mary called at 7:15 to announce the news of the baby. The nurse arrived at 10:30, we had to go for some groceries and had to rush back for 1:00 as the cleaning lady

was coming and she was right on time.

Later the delivery man came with my week's medication.By then it was time for some kind of dinner. I do not have an appetitefor food these days so I hope I can eat my Christmas dinner.

Tomorrow we shop for the things we need for Christmas dinner.

Some people like to collect things, actually most of us do to some extent. We collect fabric and thread but some collect wooden thread spools.

I wonder what they do with them if anything. Haha. Have you ever seen the shows about hoarders,most of us are hoarders in some small way, books,dolls,stabilizers for my embroidery machine, fabric more that I can use. But this year I haven't bought any fabric. Nor used any of what I have :)))

That's all folks, have a great evening.

Buon Natale

early night

2011-11-29T20:41:00.000-08:00

It's a bit early but we will be out for dinner. Jim called from Seattle and wants to take us for dinner at the Keg for Ray's birthday on Saturday. It should take him about 3 hours to get here from Seattle barring any incident at the border and rush hour traffic. It will be good to see him, he has had a long journey.
I had to rearrange my calendar this week. We postponed our casino visit with Margaret as Jim does not like the casino. Then I had to change the restaurant because we had planned to go to the Keg too so now we are going to Swiss Chalet for chicken with Sam to celebrate his and Ray's birthday instead of steak. Two celebrations in one week. We are a busy bunch here. I think I am recovering well because we are pretty active at least part of the day.
Ray had to take his car in this morning but they were too busy so he has to go back tomorrow. he did have an appointment but he didn't want to leave me alone for too long.
I receved a lovely floral arrangement this morning from the ladies "Pumpkin Seeds group" where I used to go on Tuesdays to sew. It is gorgeous and I am very happy with it and thankful for the thoughtfulness of my friends.

Great dinner at the Keg. I had the quarter head of lettuce covered in blue cheese dressing, diced tomatoes and something else that I forget. But it was delicious. The first time I had this was in Reno quite a few years ago. I liked to so much but had never seen it on another menu, so of course I had to have it. Then we all ordered steak or prime rib with baked potato and all the fixings. It was a lovely evening.

We're watching The Mentalist so I need to focus :))

I'm getting pretty tired, another busy day, so I am thinking of going to bed soon. I really need to lay down but then I read for a couple of hours,so it is my body that gets tired and needs a rest. I am going to do that after the Mentalist is over.

Good night folks.