A Good Day for Baking

Today was one of those cold, rainy, miserable days that was good for nothing but baking. Sooo after church I went grocery shopping and came home and did some baking. First I made a big pot of Cheesy Potato Soup with carrots and brocoli (? sp) added. It really hit the spot. After I enjoyed my soup and got my bones warmed up I started on the cookies. First I did a double batch of Peanut Butter Cho Chip. I found a new recipe at www.wilton.com . They turned out perfect. Next I tried another new recipe for Sugar Cookies. I tried to fancy them up and I ended up with a mess. They taste alright, but look awful.

Last Fri we went to AJs' schools' Christmas show and party. Those little kids put on a fantistic show. Afterwards we all went to Micheles' for pizza and wings. Later TR & Michele went out and the other Grama and Grampa stayed with AJ. I stayed and visited for awhile. Then I came home and sewed for awhile. It was a very nice evening.

I'm still getting in a lot of hours at JoAnn Fabrics. All of this craziness will be over in a couple of weeks and I'm hoping to cut back to three or four days a week.

It's almost bed time again. I have been trying to read after I get in bed, but I always seem to fall asleep with my book.
Good night and sweet dreams, Everyone...

What I did today...

Today DID NOT get off to a good start. I was a half hour late for work because my car doors were frozen shut. After several pots of boiling water, I finally got them unfrozen and opened and my day began. Fortunatly(? sp) the rest of the day was good. We had a good day at work and then I went to my knitting group for about an hour. This evening I finished another pillow case for AJ and I made a pair of pj pants for me. Tomorrow I am back to work at JoAnn's and I get AJ in the afternoon. He is always interesting to have around. It's almost bed time again so I will get my nook and get in bed. Good night and sweet dreams, Everyone.

Here are a couple of photos of the Mug Cozy that I made this evening. People have been asking for them, So I gave one a try and I like it. This afternoon, after church, I got all of my laundry done and taken care of. I raked up some more leaves, then I took a nice long nap. Now I'm off to bed. Tomorrow I'm back to my regular Mon. routine. Chiropractor, line dancing, work, and Bible study. Good night, Everyone and sweet dreams

The End of Nov...

The end of Nov is quickly coming up. Where does the time go?? Thanksgiving was nice. I spent it with my son, grandson, and daughter-in-law and her family. Black Fri. has come and gone again (thank goodness). It was hecktic at JoAnn Fabrics. I worked from 7AM to 12:30PM. After that I did a little shopping. I got a sewing machine table (so I can set my sewing machine up down stairs) and a few other things. I worked again today. Today wasn't as busy as yesterday. Tomorrow I have off.
We had a few snow flurries this morning and it was windy and cold outside. This is just the beginning and I am NOT looking forward to winter.
It's almost time to get my book and get in bed again. Tomorrow morning is church. Then I need to wash some clothes. If it's not to cold out, I may rake up the last of the leaves in the back yard. This is turning into an endless task.
Good night and sweet dreams, Everyone...

BEET BREAD

I have had several people ask for my receipe for Beet Bread, so here it is:
2.5 cups flour
2 t. cinnamon
2 t. baking soda
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup Ganola (or Crisco) oil
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup cooked, diced, and drained beets
(Fresh are best, frozen are good, canned are OK)
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 cup crushed pineapple (a flat can is good)
2 t. vanilla

Mix all ingredients together.
Beat thoroughly.
Pour into two medium size greased and floured loaf pans
Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees

Better if frozen for a couple of days. Enjoy...

Nov 11th

Today was Veteran's Day. Not only do I remember all of the service men and women, but I also remember my Dad. Today was his Birthday.
I did a craft show at one of the local nursing homes today and didn't do good in sales, but it was a good day anyway. I had a chance to visit with some friends that I hadn't seen in a long time. While I was there AJ, my grandson, and his Mom, Michele, came to visit me. They had been at my house raking the remaining leaves in my back yard. It's a relief to have them cleaned up.
Tomorrow is the start of a mini-quilting weekend at one of the local quilt shops. This evening I gathered up all of my quilting stuff that I will want to take with me and I cut out some change purses and clutch bags that I want to work on.
I need to get in bed. Tomorrow, before I go quilting, I want to stop by JoAnn Fabrics and pick up a few things. It is double discount day and I need some fleece fabric for some Christmas projects.
Good night and sweet dreams, Everyone

What I did today

I went to my knitting group this afternoon and worked on my knitted lap robe. Knitting is soooo slow. It will take me forever to finish this thing. After I got home I made a pot of potato cheese soup for myself. I am on the look out for more easy soup receipes. I love my soup when the weather is cold. This evening I puttered in my sewing room. Didn't accomplish much.

I am about ready to get my book and get in bed where it is warm. I have been reading "The Help" by Katheryn Stockett. While I was in Tampa, I acquired a "nook" and I love it. It is small and compact and easy to handle and I can make the print any size I want.Who out there has one ?? Tomorrow is another work day and AJ will be here after school. Good night and sweet dreams, Everyone ...

My "Quick Trip" Quilt

Here is the "Quick Trip" small quilt (or wall hanging) that Ifinally finished. I'm not sure if I'm going to keep it or sell it or donate it tothe Senior Center. I really like it and it is a perfect throw for the back of my grandfather's rocking chair.

I had company today...

Today was an interesting day. I had a visit with a friend (and her husband) from my past. We have know each other since I was about three years old. She had moved to Fla and we lost track of each other til we got together on Face Book. We had a nice visit, but it was to short. I had to go to work and she and her husban...d were meeting someone for lunch. Now, it is bed time again. Good night, everyone and sweet dreams

What I Accomplished Today

I had a good day today. I actually accomplished what I wanted to do. I finished a pair of mittens. (I had only one thumb left to do.) I also finished the binding on a scrappy strip pieced quilt and got it posted on My Etsy. It has been forever since I did anything with Etsy.
I went to noon mass then to my knitting group. We are making lap robs to give to nursing home residents. I started one, but got the pattern so messed up. I ripped it out and started another simpler pattern. I have two months to finish it. Hopefully I will get it done.
This evening I went to the funeral home to see a friend who's husband passed away yesterday. The funeral is tomorrow morning. I think I'm going to go.
That's about it for tonight. Good night, everyone. Sweet dreams

My Day

I started out my day by doing a load of wash. Then I went to the Sr. Center for yoga. That is a real work out. My aged joints just aren't that flexable anymore, but I do what I can. Maybe I will get better with time??? I had AJ this afternoon. We made a loaf of banana bread. I had some ripe bananas that I wanted to use up. The bread came out alright - not wonderful - but alright. I worked on my knitted hat some more. Two inchs to go and I get to start decreasing. It cooled down this evening (the temp was in the high 80's today) so I went out for a nice long walk this evening. The breeze felt sooo good. After I got home, Michele called and asked if I wanted to go to Friendlys for ice cream (dumb question). We went and she insisted I have a sandwich before ice cream. She knows I'm not eating as I should. I had a turkey club and we had sundaes and lots of conversation.
There is nothing special going on tomorrow. Only work at JoAnn's in the evening. TR will probably stop by for some banana bread. Good night, everyone and sweet dreams...

What I did today

I got out early this morning (about 7AM) for my walk. It was foggy and their was a mist in the air. It felt good. Later I went to Friendlys for breakfast with my friend, Joan. We did a lot of catching up. This afternoon I went to noon Mass and then quilting. I'm still working on that hat. The design in it is complicated and I'm not doing well at concentrating, but I AM going to finish it one of these days.

I worked at JoAnn's this evening. Tomorrow morning is yoga and AJ will be here in the afternoon. The weather man said it is going to be hot again tomorrow and will cool off on the weekend. Cool will be good. I am looking forward to that. I'm going to start to get ready for bed. Good night...

This morning at quilting I started this small "Quick Trip" quilt for the quilting group. I still need to find something for the border and binding and backing. Maybe tomorrow I will get that done. We are needing some quilts to sell. This afternoon I went with some friends to an old quilt shop that is closing. It had be...en in business for several years. There was lots of interesting stuff, but nothing that I needed. Tomorrow is knitting at church and work in the evening.

After my morning walk I baked a couple of loaves of Beet Bread. I had some left over frozen beets that I wanted to use up. AJ was here for awhile this afternoon and I had a chance to work on my knitted hat while we watched TV. After his Mom picked him up, we all went to "the club" for hot dogs and pop corn. After I ate, I went to work at JoAnn's. Now I'm ready to get in bed - again.
Good night, everyone

My Morning Walk

Today was a great day. It was nice and cool for my morning walk. There is a sad happening here in Johnson City. One of the oldest churchs in this area is being taken down and has been replaced by a new building across the river. My Grandparents were married in that church. Some people call this "progress". I call it "awful". I love the old buildings in our area and we have lots of them. They are part of our history.

Hi... I'm still here

Hi. I'm still here. I can't believe it has been over a month since I last posted anything.
I have been busy with my job at JoAnn Fabrics. I have been getting in a lot of extra hours lately - which is good. Now that AJ is in school all day, I don't get to spend very much time with him anymore. Only three hours (at the most) twice a week. That is a real bummer.
I have joined a knitting group at church. At this time I am making some knitted hats and mittens for the children at Samaritan (? sp) House. I have also made some soap sacks and wash cloths for them. I have taken up Yoga on Mon. morning after line dancing. Some of the moves are difficult, but I am enjoying myself.
I am about ready to go get in bed. I'm tired tonight. Tomorrow will be a busy day. Good night...

I'm learning to Applique : )

I have decided to learn something new. Last Wed I had my first lesson in Applique and I think I'm going to like it. At the Senior Center on Wed mornings we are starting a new quilt. The blocks are all appliqued flowers (of a sort) and I'm working on one of them. I think I did pretty good. My stitches are a little big, but that will improve with time and practice. On Fri., Sept 10th I will be joining an applique group and I intend to start a set of Sunbonnet Sue and Overall Bill wall hangings. I have good intentions. Now, I wondering how far I will get with this project.

I had AJ today. We had a good, but quiet day. All we did was sit and watch TV. That is really unusual for us. I am feeling a little blue this evening. It was one month ago tonight that Tony passed away.

I'm about ready to get in bed. Tomorrow is another work day at JoAnn Fabrics. I'm getting in lots of hours lately and that is good.
Good night

My Life Has Changed

There have been some big changes in my life. Three weeks ago tonight on July 14th my dear husband, Tony, passed away. He was 85 years old and had been sick since Jan. of '09. I know he is at peace, so it is alright. I know I will be alright in time. I have several close friends who know how I am feeling. The photo is the last one taken of us together. The child is our only grandchild, Anthony.
I am back to quilting at the Senior Center on Wed. mornings and I went back to work at JoAnn Fabrics last Sunday.

Today was another busy day. I went quilting this morning and I finished tieing the log cabin quilt. I will post a photo tomorrow. I came home and proceeded to unclog Tony's paper shredder. I did it and it is working now. Next I tried to figure out why the sound isn't working on the CD player and tape player in the entertainment center. I found two unplugged plugs, but I can't find where to plug them in. Will I figure it out before TR gets time to look at it for me??? Then I went to work at JoAnn Fabrics this evening. I am about ready to get in bed. AJ will be here in the morning. Good night...

Progress on my Quilt

Yesterday I took my new quilt to the Sr.Center and we got it pin basted and most of it tied. Last night while I sat and watched TV with Tony and I finished tying it. I got all the ties clipped and the edges trimmed it trimmed. The morning I made the binding and stitched it on. Now, I have to figure out how to join the two ends of the binding. I know how to do this, but I still have to "talk to myself" a little before I get it on there right. (You know what I mean).
The man from the cable co. was here this afternoon to fix Tony's TV. In the end, all that was wrong with it was the batteries in his remote were dead. He checked out my computer for me. I have been having problems with my internet connection. The internet kept going off. I know how to fix it, but it causes a major inconvience (? sp). He left me a new modem box. So far everything is good. After that he went down cellar and updated the wiring for our phones. Soooo, everything should be working just fine around here.
I want to get back to my quilt and get that binding finished. Hopefully I can start hand stitching the binding this evening.
Take care...

AJ's first T Ball Medal

AJ got his first T Ball medal at last Tues's game. He was sooo thrilled. All of the other kids on the team got medals, too. After the game everyone went to "the club" for hotdogs and chatter.

A Finish (almost)

The top for my patches and four patches quilt is finished and I have the backing and batting all ready to put together. Hopefully I will do that on Wed. I am posting a little preview of this one. The top for my red and black Big Blocks quilt is almost done. I need to add one more border to that one. I have been doing a lot of puttering around and not accomplishing as much as I would like to. I did use up some excess fabric yesterday making three pillow cases.
I worked at JoAnn Fabrics today. Things were very slow in there, so we did a lot of cleaning and re-stocking.
Our weather is staying nice and warm. DH and I spend time sitting on the front porch and going for short walks when he feels up to it.
That's about it for tonight. Take care and have a nice evening...

Memorial Day 2010

Here it is Memorial Day again and the official beginning of summer. I my especially thinking of my youngest brother, Lawrence E. Johnson, who was killed in Viet Nam back in 1966. If you Google him, you can read about him.

I am making good progress on Patches and Four Patches. I'm finally ready to add the first narrow border. I am hoping to put it together and pin baste it next Wed.. Maybe have it finished by the following Wed.??? I'm over half way aroung the binding on the Log Cabin quilt that I posted awhile ago. I really like that one. It seems as if it takes me forever to finish anything.

Yesterday evening Tony and I sat on the front porch and enoyed a dish of pistashio ice cream. Everything was nice and quiet. Very unusual around here. It was nice and enjoyable.

I need to get moving around here. It is going to be warm again today. After church I'm going to work at JoAnn Fabric's. With all of our holiday sales I expect we will be really busy.

Have a nice day and enjoy your weekend...

Not a Good Day for Sewing

Yesterday was not a good day for sewing. I had intended to get a lot done on the quilt (I've named it "Patches & Four Patches") I'm making for a friend, but...I need to add more four patches and 5" patches. The top isn't wide enough. Of course I didn't have my extra four patches with me so I was at a stand still. "Bummer"... I did acquire another bag full of good scraps (all washed and pressed). I'm going to use my "GO" and cut the smaller pieced into more useable sizes. Then...it's back to Patches & Four Patches...

Today is going to be warm again. I am enjoying the sunshine. It feels sooo good. I need to do some grocery shopping this afternoon. DH is almost out of his cold meat. I did three load of wash this morning and hung the majority of it on the clothes line.

I found out last night that AJ will be graduating from pre-K the middle of June. His "first graduation". How exciting is that??? He is growing up much to fast for this Grama.

I need to get a few things done around here. Take care, Everyone and have a nice day...

Warmer Weather

Good morning. We are finally getting some warmer weather around here. Yesterday the temp was 80+. AJ was here and we had a great day. We spent a lot of time outside. He got a new book at the book fair at school (Something about a racing car. I forgot the title) We sat on the front porch and read it a few times. We went for walks around the block. Later in the evening I went to his T Ball game. That is always fun.

Today I'm going quilting at the Senior Center. I intend to finish sewing the strips on the quilt I'm making for a friend. Hopefully I will get some of the borders on, too. I'm looking for something dark for the first narrow border. I'm thinking maybe dark blue??? This afternoon I'm working at JoAnn's. Today the temp is expected to go over 90. A little on the warm side for me, but I will take it over the cold stuff any day.

I need to get in the shower and get something to eat and get going. Have a nice day, everyone and take care...

My Log Cabin Quilt

Good afternoon, Everyone.
Here is the Log Cabin Quilt that I'm making for the Senior Center. I intended to machine quilt it, but it will be tied instead. I really like the log cabin pattern and intend to use up a lot of my scraps making some more.
It finally stopped raining and the sun is shining. This is a real treat. I want to get outside and go for a walk, but first I need to go grocery shopping. We are out of everything around here. I'm schedualed to work at JoAnn Fabrics this evening. I'm wondering how busy we will be???
We had AJ yesterday. He had a bad day. His allergys (? sp) were bothering him. His Mom made an appointment for him to see my chiropractor. We are all hoping this will help him.
I finally got my sewing room all neat and tidy. I'm wondering how long it will stay like this??? I found a space to set my new Accu-quilt and dies up. I have been cutting a lot of my scraps into useable sizes and shapes.
I need to get ready to go grocery shopping. Take care and have a nice day...

The cleaning bug???

The cleaning/decluttering bug must have bit me. I got up early this morning and started cleaning. I cleaned the bathroom, then went down stairs and did all of that. I did two loads of wash and hung everything out on the clothesline. I took a load of old magazines and other stuff out of the cellar and put them in the garbage. Yesterday I took boxes of garbage stuff out of the attic and put it out for the garbage man to take. I took three suitcases of clothes to the second hand store. By golly-- I've been busy. I have three (I think) finished quilt tops that need to be put together with batting and backing. I may send them off to my daughter in Pahrump - if she wants them. She will finish them, then sell them on etsy. The one thing I have left to do is clean/declutter my sewing room. That is an never ending job. It's almost 12:30 and time for "The Young and the Restless". I'm going to go watch that. Take care, Everyone, and have a nice day...

Top Bloggers

http://topblogsbycrafters.gotop100.com/in.php?ref=742

Now what. I don't know how to add a link. Maybe someday I will figure this thing out.

May 1, 2010

Here it is the start of another month. Where does time go to?? It flys by much to fast.
I have finished two of the three Anti-Gnat Hats that my friend Janet ordered to give as Mother's Day gifts. These are great hats. Wonderful for any person who enjoys the outdoors. The netting is long enough to come down and cover your face and neck so those pesty little gnats can't get to you.
TR (our son) stopped by and mowed the lawn for me. Tomorrow, after work, I will do some sweeping and some edge trimming.
The weather was perfect today. Temp in the low 80's. It can stay like that forever as far as I'm concerned. I know - I know - I'm dreaming...
I worked at JoAnn Fabrics today and I'm working again tomorrow. Business is starting to pick up. I'm getting more hours.
I'm headed for bed shortly. Good night...

The sun is shining...

I am soooo bad at keeping up with this blog. Anyway... I'm still here and still sewing.

Good morning. The sun is finally shining again and the birds are singing. It is going to be a wonderful day. AJ will be arriving shortly. His Grampa has been out of cupcakes for a few days, so we need to get busy and make somemore for him.
I have been busy making three Anti-Gnat (formerly "Anti-Bug") Hats for a friend to give as Mother's Day gifts. I need to try to work on them today while AJ entertains himself.
DH's older son, Franky, is here from Fla to celebrate his Dad's 85th b'day with us on Mon.. We are going to have a small party at home. Just a meal and cake and ice cream. Certain members of this family NEED cake AND ice cream to celebrate a b'day...
I am including a photo of the last quilt I completed. This one is a scrappy Double Four Patch that I made for the Senior Center.
Take care and have a nice day...

Some Catching Up

Hi Everyone.
It is about time I do some catching up. I do believe spring is finally here to stay. The weather has been nice and warm and sunny. I'm still attempting to get the leaves in the back yard raked up and disposed of. That job is almost finished.
Here are a few of the projects I have finished since I last posted. First, there is the ironing board cover I made for myself (the blue one). I really like it. It came out really nice. A friend saw it and asked for one to go in her fish themed bathroom. Her's if the one with the fish. I got the pattern at www.modabakeshop.com . I like all of their patterns. Next is the barbeque (sp) style apron I made for our DIL for her birthday. That came out pretty and she really liked it. The last project is a Scrappy Log Cabin quilt that I am still working on. I have found one border for it. I want to get another border, then I need to find something for the binding and the backing. Soemday I will finish it.
I am working at JoAnn Fabrics this evening, so I need to get ready to go down there. Take care and have a nice evening.

Good SUNNY Morning

Good morning. The sun is shining again this morning after three days of rain and gloom. It is going to be a good day to make cupcakes with AJ.
I have been trying to get things picked up and organized in my sewing room so I can finish some of my UFOs. Progress is slow. I will try to work on that this afternoon while AJ is here. Wish me luck.
He's here. Gotta go. Have a nice day...

An Expandable Tote for Maria

Good morning, Everyone. Today is another nice warm sunny day. I love it...

Last night I finished this Expandable Tote/Duffle Bag for Maria. She gave me one of her favorite dresses that is "out of style" and asked me to make her some bags using that fabric. I came up with this Expandable bag and a small clutch purse. The big bag is about 12" high when folded down and about 20"high when expanded. There are six 12"deep pockets around the outside and a draw string closure at the top. The small clutch purse has two zippered sections and a wrist strap.

My next project will be an ironing board cover for Joan. I got this pattern from http://www.moda.com/ I have one for myself and I love it. It is so pretty.

I'm headed for church shortly, them to work. I will stop at Quiznos for sandwiches for diner.

Have a nice day and enjoy the sunshine...

Spring is here (I think)

I guess Spring has finally arrived in our neighbood. I hung clothes on the clothes line for the first time in a long time and some nasty bird pooped on my car. I have always said that birds need diapers. We had AJ today and he spent a lot of time out doors running and jumping as only a five year old can. Temp was in the low 70's.

I have one of those new Accucutquilt GO machines and I'm loving it. It is sooo easy to use that even I figured out how to use it with no instructions - just a quick demo. I have three dies for it. The one I got free with the machine (a 4.5" & 2.5" squares and a 2.5" tri-angle combo), a 5" square, and a 2.5" strip. I want more, but I need to wait til I find them on sale.

My Double Four Patch top is put together. I need to add some borders to that one. The blocks for my Scrappy Split Four Patch (is that the right name???) are done. I still need to do something with that one. Right now I'm trying to finish another Expandable Tote that I'm making for a new friend.

I had two Dr appointments this week. The first was for a regular check up. My cholesterol (? sp) needs attention. What else is new??? I'm being more selective of what I eat and going back for another blood test in three months. The next day I went for a momogram. All is fine there as far as I know.

That's about it for right now. Life just isn't very exciting at my house. Take care...

Is Spring really here???

I'm wondering if Spring is really here. The sun is so nice and warm today. You don't even need a jacket. I raked up some more leaves out of the back yard this morning. There is about a ton left out there to be picked up. Maybe tomorrow when AJ is here I can get him to help with them. Wish me luck...
I unpacked my new GO machine this morning. I haven't had a chance to use mine, but I'm sure I'm going to love it. I got the 2.5" strip cutter and the 5" square dies for it. Earlier this week one of the ladies brought her GO machine into our quilting group and I had a chance to try it. It was "love at first cut".
I have been playing with two blocks. They're the Sliced Nine Patch that I found on www.modabakeshop.com and my version of the Double Nine Patch. Both of them are looking good. I will post photos later.
I need to get ready to go to work. Talk to you more later...

Two new Finishes

First, here is the Expandable Tote Bag that I made for a new friend. I am trying something new with my bags. I have added a peltex lining to the two big pockets. This gives the bag more body so I will stand straight and not flop over. I like it.

Next are the new Valintine pillow cases that I made for me and DH.

I spent a lot of time today stitching scrap pieces of fabric together. I will be making another scrappy strip pieced quilt. I enjoy making them. They go so fast and use up a lot of left over fabric.

Take care...

Good Snowy Morning

We have snow this morning and it's still coming down. Not a lot (compared to
what some people have) but enough to close the schools. When the schools are
closed, the Senior Center is closed, so, that means no quilting this
morning. Bummer... So---- what shall I do today??? I may shovel some of this
mess. TR will be here late to do most of it. I really want to finish an
Expandable Tote that has been ordered. I should add my new scrappy Double
Four Patch quilt to my Etsy and see if I can sell it for the Senior
Center... We will see how much I get done today.

Quilting Weekend 2010

Another Quilting Weekend has come and gone. We had a great time (as usual). This year I learned how to make Fabric Bowls. I was amazed at how easy they are to make. I did two. One for me and one to give to Nancy (she stayed with her Dad Fri. & Sat. nights). We got photos with the bowls on our heads (using them as hats).I also learned how to make a sewing machine mat. I made three and gave them all away. Later I made one for myself. I sold 5 (I believe)Expandable Totes and got an order for one more. The weather was very cold the whole weekend and parts of the hotel were cold.

Another Quilting Weekend

Another quilting weekend is coming up this coming weekend and I am eager to get going. I've been busy getting my stuff together. I have a box of projects to work on put together. I intend to finish up some change purses and some more clutch purses. I have some zippers that I want to put into something and use up some of my small pieces of fabric. I have 8 or 9 Expandable Totes all ready to take with me. I have fabric for two more expandable totes that I want to get cut out and ready to machine quilt. I am really looking forward to this weekend.
Work at JoAnn Fabrics has been crazy busy these past few days. Lots of sales going on. I worked last evening and today and I'm working again tomorrow. That will be it til next week.
I am going to take a quick nap before I start dinner. By the way -- The photo is of one of my pretty little Clutch Purses...