Okay...so, WOW!

In my last post, I had started on a new quilt...the Choose Your Own Adventure one.  At that time, I only had the first two rounds done.  But, hey...now it is finished!  The quilt top, anyway.  And, I am really liking it (what's new, right?)!!

Here it is...not a great photo because I don't have 72" of space anywhere to lay it out.  I am not a big fan of anything pink, but I think it adds a bit of drama to this quilt top.  What do you think?

And, I finally finished a quilt I started in 2012.  I have an 'almost' birthday twin...Lindy's birthday is the day before mine and she is a few years younger.  We met on the Wool Snippets message board and have been friends for several years.  To the extent that we exchange birthday gifts.  Cuz, why not?  Back in 2012, Lindy gifted me with the fabric collection of Curio by Basic Grey for Moda.  The project sheet that came along with the quilt was the quilt I made.  Back here is when I finished the top and backing.

Here it is now, all quilted and laundered...

The details...

Curio by Basic Grey for Moda

64" square (before laundering)

Quilted by local longarmer PJ 

with Feelin' Groovy pattern.

Love, love, LOVE this quilt!  Thank you so very much, Lindy!

In other news, me Mum is doing better.  Awake more often and eating more.  Still delusional much of the time, though. 

Stitch Kitty is growing by leaps and bounds.  He was neutered a month ago...went through it just fine.  Do I have photos?  Why, of course!

And, the best thing of all happened...my son, Paul, came to visit!!!  Not only that, he surprised me with his visit!  I had no idea he was coming and all of a sudden, there he was.  I cried, of course...it was so great to spend time with him.  It has been a year since my visit to Wisconsin...and it will be another year before I go again...so seeing Paul was wonderful!

Stitch was completely in love with Paul.

Having a heart-to-heart talk with Stitch.

Paul & his Gram had a nice visit.

Yesterday was 3 years without Tag.  That's all I can say.  

I am working on the sewing room.  PURGING!  Feels good to let go of some stuff.  Seriously.  Moved it here from WI and it's been almost 3 years...do I really think I will get it done?  Quite a few things fall into that category.  I am tossing some stuff, donating other stuff...and giving away lots.  Trying to lessen the load, ya know?  I want to do what I want to do, not what others think I should do.  Working toward that end. 

One thing I want to do is to start sewing clothes for myself.  It has been several years since I've done anything like that, so I am looking forward to it.  In fact, I just ordered two patterns that I can use in multiple ways to make multiple pieces!  I am excited about that.

Well, I think that is it for this post.  It is a gorgeous weekend here...and I plan to relax and enjoy it.  


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Visitors...

We've had visitors this week...coming to say good-bye to Tag. And, to say good-bye to me. 

Kristen worked with me in CCU at the Vet School...she has known Tag all of his life.  She is a very special friend...

Paul, Rachel and Devin came for lunch today.  I will not see Rachel and Devin again before I move, but Paul will be here to help load the truck on the 14th (ohmygosh...that is just 9 days from now!). 

Here are some photos...

Contemplative...

  

Of course, he did...he had to poop.  Thank you, Devin, for doing poop patrol.

Paul is Tag's favorite brother.

Tag is taking a little break with his warthog

A bit blurry, but a good photo of Devin with Tag.

Goofy face on Rachel, but I love this photo, anyway.

As I am typing this, I look up to see the brown boy watching me.

Time is quickly passing...the days are numbered.  



"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Happy Birthday to ME!...and a Giveaway!

Happy Birthday to me!!! I actually love my birthday.  Gotta love a day that is 'all about me'!  ~grin~  Every year, me Mum reminds me of the year - I was a young child - when I became very upset because my Dad had to work on my birthday!  Actually, I always thought that, but it seems that one year I made a particularly big fuss about it.  That makes me smile.  Because, of course, everyone should be available to help me celebrate MY day, don't you think? 

What am I doing to celebrate my special day?  Well, for one thing, my son, Paul, along with his wife, Rachel, will be stopping by.  They picked up a tv that I bought and will be delivering it.  (I am so excited about this...but more on that at a later time).  We will have some time together and then will go out to eat for lunch.

For those of you who are wondering, I will be 61 years old at 12:12 today.  And, not a minute before!  ~grin~  One year closer to retirement is the way I see it.

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Later...

So, I had written all of the above this a.m. and, for some reason, my laptop shut down.   It's now almost 10:00 p.m. and I am just getting back to it.

I had a great day.  Paul and Rachel came...as planned.  Paul got my tv and blu-ray player set up and then we went to Outback for a birthday luncheon.  Very nice waiter and great meal!


I had one of these...

we shared one of these...

served by our waiter, Ben.

I didn't take a photo of our dinner...too hungry or something, perhaps.

Here is a great shot of Paul and Rachel...

 

and another one... 

We had a great time.
    
It has been a great day.  YAY!

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On to the exciting part of this post...the Giveaway!

I made this little mat before Christmas and did nothing with it.  I thought it might make someone a nice little gift.  The fabric is Jovial by basicgrey for Moda and the mat measures about 13 1/2 inches square.  I quilted it with little loopy-loops.  

front

back

No tricks or hoops to jump through...just leave a few nice words for me.  I will use the Random Number Generator at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 20 and will email the winner.  Please ensure that I have your email address...either through your profile or left in the comment.

Good luck to all of you!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

I LOVE My Grandkids...

That should go without saying, I know.

I don't see them often,

so every single time I do see them,

I am reminded of how precious they are to me.

Here are some photos from today.

My son, Paul, with his daughter, Kaylynn.

(I love this photo!)

Devin with the neighbor's cat, Nugget.

He (the cat) used to live here and 

walks over every time I have company.

Jasmine was very impressed with this very tall dandelion.

By the way...Kaylynn adores her cousin, Jasmine.
She imitates her every move...

it is so dang cute to watch.
Fortunately, Jasmine loves being adored.  
{grin}

 Conlan.

 

Tag is ecstatic that his kids are here...

he's very tired tonight, though.

My Family Christmas...

Yesterday was the big day...

my sons & their families were all here.

What a wonderful day.

Here's my little helper, Kaylynn.

Kaylynn with Daddy and her stepmom, myRachel

(that is what Kaylynn calls her).

Matt's family.

Paul's family.

Conlan...

Devin...

Jasmine...

Kaylynn and her silly Daddy...

 

Beautiful grandchildren!!!

Thank you for the wonderful day!!

33 years ago...

Paul Gary was born. 

 

Happy Birthday, Paul!

Congratulations...& 4 Blocks Done.

Paul (youngest son) and his fiance, Rachel, dropped by.

They've set a wedding date!  Finally!

Been together for 5 years...

It's official now...she has a gorgeous ring!

New Year's Eve civil ceremony.

Congratulations!!!

We had a really  nice visit.  I sent stuff home with them...
a dresser I needed to get rid of, plus a few other (small) items.

ohyeah, and guess what they would love for a wedding gift from me?  Yup...a quilty gift...a double-sized lap quilt for snuggling on the sofa while watching tv.  Made of primitive colors.  hmmmm...wonder where I can get me some of that fabric?  {grin}   

(Paul is Kaylynn's daddy...she is so much like him.) 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Needless to say, I didn't get very far with my sewing.

I did get 4 blocks done...and am happy with how it's going to work out. 
(Holy Schmoly, are those bright or what?)

They will be sashed with blue to make 12 inch blocks and 
will be bordered by the hot wheels flames fabric.
This quilt be will for Devin...
Rachel (of Paul & Rachel) is his Mom.

Paul came this afternoon with Devin...did some odd jobs for me. Paul moved totes to the basement (my mess is almost all cleaned up!), brought a table up from the basement, raked the fenced area and carried some stuff to the garbage for me.

Devin and I swept the basement, and then he wiped up the kitchen floor. I must say that he did fairly well for a 10 year old. Here's Devin with the dogs...

Thank you so much, guys!!!
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Dandelions are a nuisance weed.

That is,until your grandchildren pick some for you.

Then they become a beautiful bouquet. Like these...

Paul's Family Visit...

As I said in my previous post, Paul & family stopped by when my sisters were here. I don't see them much, so it was a great surprise!

My son, Paul, with his fiance, Rachel...they're watching a video of cousin Tony.

Great Aunt Joyce immediately took Kaylynn Marie and held her on her lap. Kaylynn is now 2 1/2 years old...she's wearing the apple hat that Great-Gram knitted for her. Isn't it cute?

Devin, Rachel's son, loves Tango!

Kaylynn and Devin think giving treats to the dogs is great fun! The dogs had just finished eating when they came...they were out of their crates and playing together with the kids before long.

This picture is a bit blurry...but I love having a photo of me cuddling with Kaylynn!


Too short, but a nice visit! Come again, soon!!