Warning - Quilting Content!

Our cable has been out since early this morning so we haven't had any TV or Internet all day. I couldn't care less about the TV, but Leo wasn't too happy that he missed his football games. Having no Internet, however, caused me to suffer withdrawal symptoms all day.

I got busy and took some pictures for you. These are more tree napkins that I made for Sandra with penguins on them.

I also got some pictures of my 'deals' from yesterday. For someone who doesn't like Christmas, I bought an awful lot of Christmas stuff. This snowman is similar to the Santa I showed you a couple of weeks ago - he's a tea cosy but would look great just sitting on a table.

I just couldn't resist this tube Santa - the sample was adorable and he wouldn't take up much room.
This little kit came complete with all the embellishments and the hanger. The only thing missing is someone to sew it!

This is a very bad picture of the fabric I bought.


I'm a sucker for a panel - just can't resist them.


Looks like Ben can resist this one either!

I bought this to try a One Block Wonder.

Finally, I got this kit which included the book and fabric to make a table runner. This was my deal of the day at $15 for the book and fabric.

I also promised I'd show you pictures of the cards I was making before I got sick. I took some pictures today to do a little tutorial, but since this post is so long already, I'll save it for another day. Here is an example of what they look like.

Since I did my part to boost the Canadian economy yesterday, I'm off to do my part for the U.S. economy tomorrow as Sandra & I are headed to Buffalo.

I've Been Bad...

But it felt so good! My good friend Lee & I hit two quilt stores today that were having year end inventory sales and we did our part to give them less to count. If the battery in my camera was charged, I'd show you what I bought, but I've got it charging right now so I'll show you tomorrow.

I spent some time this afternoon trying to clean out some of my bookmarks and I came upon this embroidery design:

It's from a site called BFC Creations and I'm not sure how I came upon them. They have some beautiful designs but I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried anything from them? I have my concerns that something this dense might not lie as flat as it should when it was finished. Check out some of their other designs when you're there - they have some beautiful stuff.

Well, It's Over

And I'm not sorry. Christmas around here isn't always a happy time - we don't have the storybook Christmas. I tend to look back on past Christmases that were full of fun and laughter and excitement when the kids were younger and looked forward to Santa's arrival. At one time there were 13 around our Christmas table - this year there were 5. It's hard not to think of all those that are gone and also wonder if this may be the last Christmas for some that are left. My Mum will be 87 this year and my Aunt, who is like a second Mother to me, will be 82. Neither one are in the best of health.

This year also marked the first in 29 years that Sandra didn't spend Christmas with us and she was sorely missed. We did go over to Darren & Sandra's yesterday morning to open our gifts and it was so much fun watching the kittens. They were into everything and had themselves a ball. There was sadness too, though, as this is our first Christmas without little Elliot and he too, left a big hole in our hearts.

If you're still with me, I apologize for being so maudlin, but as Rian would say, I'm just keeping it real. Sometimes you just have to tell it like it is.

On a happier note, Santa did come through and brought me one of these:

Guess that means that now I have to cook!

From Our House To Yours - Merry Christmas

He's watching for Santa!

Today I've Been Making.....A Mess

I've come to the conclusion that I can't make anything in my sewing room without making a mess. My sewing table was clean as a whistle on the weekend and after making some tree napkins yesterday and a few quilted cards today (which I'll share with you later) it is an absolute mess again. I try to keep things organized but somehow it doesn't stay that way. Do you have this problem?

My desk at work is totally organized - I can't work unless everything is in a neat pile and I prioritize the pile and work through it. Why can't I stay organized in my sewing room?

I hate posting without a picture, so here is a Christmas tablerunner I made a couple of years ago. I've always wanted to make another one. I bought quite a few rolls of the gold bias on Ebay but I haven't got around to making another one......someday....

I'm off to bowling. Remember that new ball I bought that was going to improve my average? Well, let me tell you, it didn't work :-)

Customer Service

I am starting to feel better, so yesterday I decided I would give Tillie a run and finish a small quilt I've had loaded on her for ages. Since she hasn't been running for a while, I gave her a good oiling and while I was doing so, managed to get a wad of batting that I was using as a rag completely wound around my bobbin casing and the machine just stopped. All the lights were working but I couldn't get it to stitch.

I posted on the APQS Forum (which is wonderful, by the way) and Nadia, a fellow Canadian from Vancouver Island knew right away what my problem was. The machines that are sold in Canada are all CSA approved and have two extra fuses and she suspected one of these fuses had blown. She contacted APQS and this morning THEY CALLED ME to walk me through finding which fuse was blown and told me how to replace it. In today's day and age this type of customer service is unheard of and I just wanted to give kudos to both Nadia and APQS. They really are a wonderful company and I have nothing but good things to say about them, their customer service and their machines!

So, since I couldn't quilt yesterday, I thought I'd give these tree napkins that Deb has been making a try. If I'd known how easy they were, I'd have tried them a long time ago!

When I had the camera out, Ben was complaining that I hadn't taken his picture for a while, so here he is, my little snow dog.

This picture of Abby arrived in my In-Box this morning with the caption "Spot the Impostor".

It sure feels good to finally have some energy back! Now if we could just postpone Christmas for a month, I could actually make everything I had planned to.

I'm Dreaming....

Click to enlarge:

I'm not a big drinker (got that out of my system in my youth) and wine gives me migraines, but I just HAD to post this today - Cheers!

Whole Lot of Nothing Goin' On

I don't have much anything to blog about but thought I better let you know I'm still alive....barely. My asthma seems to think now would be a really good time to rear it's ugly head and I've been struggling with that.

As Sandra pointed out to me, it's my own fault as I said Christmas wasn't happening in my life this year, so I've missed all the festivities and parties. She was only kidding, but it is rather ironic. Every day I struggle to get enough energy to do something - anything, but it's an uphill battle.

I'm meeting with my 'adopted' granddaughters tomorrow and I had planned to go out today to get them something. Well, we had the storm of the century here today and my car is currently stuck in the mall parking lot. Let's just say it doesn't like snow any more than I do and leave it at that. Unfortunately, I got stuck before I had a chance to shop so my pathetic gift to the girls is going to be a money bag. I made 2 of these little bags and I'm going to fill them with Loonies and Toonies ($1 and $2 coins).

It's the first time I've been near my sewing machine in what seems like forever.

Have you seen one of these?

It's an Aerogarden and is used primarily to grow herbs and lettuce year round in the house. I want one. It's all Judy's fault as I'd never even heard of them until she mentioned them on her blog. She ended up getting a competitive make, but from the research I've done, the Aerogarden gets better reviews. When I mentioned it to Leo, his response was - what do you want that for - you never cook! I just know if I had one of these I would cook more - honest! Fresh pesto, fresh lettuce for sandwiches....mmmmmmm

One festivity I didn't miss was our Stitch N Chat Christmas lunch on Tuesday.

We met at a great local Chinese buffet (which explains the palm trees???) and exchanged gifts. A great time was had by all and we got some imaginative and creative gifts.

Enough Already!

I'm still feeling like death warmed over and am so disgusted that absolutely nothing has been accomplished in the last three weeks. It seems to be all I can do to work up the energy to transfer a load of laundry from the washer to the dryer - and lots of times even that doesn't happen and I end up having to wash it over.

I don't usually watch any daytime TV but I have resorted to The Food Network and HGTV to pass away the hours. I never watch Oprah - she bothers me on so many different levels, but I did catch part of her show on Monday when Mary Tyler Moore was on. I have Googled to try and find a picture of the coat/jacket Mary was wearing as I thought it was absolutely stunning - but can't find a full length picture anywhere.

I would love to see the details on it.

Thank you for all your suggestions for names for the kitties - they have officially been named Miles & Abby.

Aren't they adorable!

Introducing....

Sandra and Darren picked out this adorable duo today at our local Animal Shelter. Darren is holding the little boy, and Sandra the little girl. They aren't littermates, but they are the same age and get along beautifully together.

There were tears and laughter but we all hope these little guys will help heal their broken hearts.

Now for their names - we're asking for suggestions. They prefer 'people' names - not cutesy names like I would pick :-) Emma is being considered for the little girl and Elton or Oscar for the little boy. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Just Shoot Me.....Please

The dreaded crud has returned and last night I just wanted someone to put me out of my misery. I saw the Dr. again this morning and I am on more puffers, more antibiotics and ANOTHER round of prednisone. For those of you who have never been on this drug, thank your lucky stars. Here are just a few of the side effects of this dreaded steroid:

weight gain in the trunk (buffalo hump) - you literally could eat the house

facial swelling (moon face) - lovely, just lovely

depression, mania, or other psychiatric symptoms - I'm not a shiny, happy person to begin with

unusual fatigue or weakness - at least I have an excuse not to cook

mental confusion /indecisiveness - I already suffered from this without any help from pills

blurred vision - does this explain all the stitches I've been dropping?

abdominal pain - haven't noticed that - probably because I've been too busy eating

peptic ulcer - no, don't have that one either

insomnia - this one should be in capital letters - there is nothing worse than feeling sick and not being able to sleep

mouth sores or dry mouth - I have dry mouth alright and nothing seems to help

increased appetite - no shit - what do they think "buffalo hump" is?

hyperactivity - would that explain why I can't sit still?

frequent urination - as if I didn't suffer from that already too

I have a lousy sense of timing. I missed bowling last night, missed our staff Christmas luncheon today and it looks like I'll be missing our Guild's Christmas dinner tomorrow night - no, actually it's tonight as it's past midnight.

I'm holding a pity party instead - wanna come?

Ho Ho Ho

Here is the extent of my Christmas decorating:

I can't remember how many years ago I bought these gaudy balls (yes, they are pink!). I was going to make a gaudy ball wreath like Martha, but never got around to it. For my Canadian readers, I bought them when White Rose was going out of business, so you know it's been a good few years.

Since my spring wreath, complete with robin's nest, was still on our door, I decided today was as good a day as any to throw something together and hang it up. It's not terribly artistic and it's rather plain, but it's done and it's hanging up and sometimes done is better than perfect.

I'm still sticking to my "Christmas isn't happening in my life this year" motto - no tree, no decorations, no stress - yea, right.

Tomorrow is my turn to host our Stitch N Chat group, so I spent the morning baking - there are almond lemon bars, chocolate chip blondies and butter tart squares.

You'll notice I had to sample a couple to make sure they were fit for consumption.

I'm back on another round of antibiotics and prednisone as my nasty cough has returned. The ONLY good thing about being on prednisone is I can knit without my arthritis bothering me, so I've taken advantage of that and almost have my scarf finished.

Just a couple more inches and it will be ready to be blocked.

It Doesn't Take Much

To make me happy - really it doesn't. I spent the best part of yesterday hunting for a new ironing board cover - my board is not the standard size - it's longer and wider and I couldn't find one anywhere. I went through this same search a couple of months ago and don't know why I didn't buy two then. I am very hard on ironing board covers.

After a frustrating search, I decided I'd make my own - my way. Bad decision - more frustration and still no new ironing board cover. Then I remembered Debra had a tutorial on her blog on how to make your own.

This morning, in less than 45 minutes I transformed this:

into this:



I took Debra's advice and used an upholstery weight fabric so hopefully it will last longer. I will never buy another ironing board cover again. It's the little things that make me happy.

My First Award - WOW

I was really touched and pleased when Bunny at The Creative Hare nominated me for the Kreativ Blogger award. Thank you so much Bunny!

The rules of the award are:

1. The winner may put the logo on her blog.

2. Put a link to the person you got the award from in your blog.

3. Nominate 3 blogs - it was originally 5, but I changed it to 3.

4. Put links to the blogs.

5. Leave a message for your nominees.

Those of you who blog, know just how difficult it is to find something interesting to talk about, post or show every day. Here are my nominations for the award:

1. Nadine at the Quilt Epiphany Blog - Nadine is soon to see one of her dreams come true - having a book published next year. She's one talented lady and shares lots of tips and techniques willingly.

2. Rian at Rian's Pages - Rian is another amazingly talented lady and is so creative. She likes to 'keep it real' and can always bring a smile to my face.

3. Randi at Allen Quilts - Randi's longarm quilting is amazing and I am in awe of her talent.

As promised, here are the pictures of my friend Ursula and I, along with Maggie, at the Spa in Port Hope. Maggie is giving me a wonderful face exfoliation in the first picture.

I would also like to wish all my American friends a very happy Thanksgiving - have some turkey for me please!

Sandra's Beloved Little Kitty

Somedays there are just no words.

Elliot: April 8th, 2001 - November 23rd, 2008

Are You A Jackie or a Marilyn?

This is a two question quiz and I found it amazingly accurate - for me anyway.

Give it a try - and here are my results:

You Are a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Be direct and clear
• * Listen to me carefully
• * Don't judge me for my anxiety
• * Work things through with me
• * Reassure me that everything is OK between us
• * Laugh and make jokes with me
• * Gently push me toward new experiences
• * Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Marilyn

• * being committed and faithful to family and friends
• * being responsible and hardworking
• * being compassionate toward others
• * having intellect and wit
• * being a nonconformist
• * confronting danger bravely
• * being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

• * the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind
• * procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself
• * fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of
• * exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger
• * wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right
• * being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Marilyns as Children Often

• * are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn
• * are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger
• * form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent
• * look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel

Marilyns as Parents

• * are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty
• * are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence
• * worry more than most that their children will get hurt
• * sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz

Under The Weather

I caught some nasty bug going around and I've been battling it since Sunday - it's winning. Quite a few years ago when I had my gall bladder removed, they partially collapsed my lung and ever since then, whenever I get a cold or anything remotely resembling a cold, it immediately settles in my lungs and knocks me out.

As I've told you before though, I have a wonderful Doctor, and he knows just how many drugs I need to start feeling better and he's been pumping them into me since Monday. They are finally starting to work and it's a good thing, too, as I had to go back to work today.

While I hate taking Prednisone for many reasons, the one benefit is I have no pain in my joints so I've been making the most of that and doing some knitting.

We received this in the mail yesterday:

Initially, I thought it was junk mail promoting a new movie, then when I looked closer (click to enlarge) I realized it was a birth announcement.

I also wanted to share these with you that Sandra gave me:

Now, this isn't just some ordinary sticker book - it has stickers of my baby in it!!!!

There are 24 different pictures - all of my baby! I'm like a little kid when it comes to stickers. Sandra had a book made up for Elizabeth, her bridesmaid, with both her little boys in it and she also had one done for herself with all their engagement pictures on them.

If you can't live without some of these in your life, they can be found at Moo.

Heaven...I'm In Heaven....

At least I was for the last couple of days. My friend Ursula and I treated ourselves to a stay at The Hillcrest Victorian Inn and Spa in Port Hope.

Port Hope is one of the smallest towns in Ontario and it was absolutely charming. The Inn is set on a hill overlooking Lake Ontario and surrounded by forested grounds.

After looking through all the little boutiques on the main street, we checked into the Inn. We were treated to a complete tour of the building by Rochelle, the Innkeeper. This was the point where I realized I had forgotten my camera and started kicking myself. The following pictures are all lifted from their website.

This is the front entrance in the background and former dining room of the original house which was built in 1874 as a gift from a father to her daughter on her marriage. Rochelle pointed out the 'coffin window' on the left. It goes right to the floor and opened up completely to allow removal of a coffin.

The living room had a fire burning all the time and was a great place to relax while waiting for treatments.

As for treatments - you name it, we had it and every single one was AMAZING! I'm not sure if it was the small town atmosphere or just the charms of the house, but the staff were the best I've ever experienced. They were friendly, professional and experts at their job. We were made to feel so welcome in the Inn - told to help ourselves to any cold beverages from the fridge and just make ourselves at home.

My favourite treatment was a reflexology pedicure and massage - I never want to have a pedicure sitting down again!

Then we get to the food. This is the dining room with windows on three sides which overlooked the pool and lake.

The meals were absolutely delicious and so well presented. They serve breakfast and a three course lunch and dinner. Just in case you were hungry in between, there were fresh baked scones, muffins, cookies and homemade preserves available all day, and afternoon tea was served in the late afternoon.

Can you tell we had a good time? It really was the best spa I've ever been to and you should have seen their little greeter. Maggie was about 4 lbs. of curly fur and gave me a face exfoliation with her kisses every time I picked her up. Rochelle took a picture of me with her just as we were leaving and promised to e-mail it to me. I hope she remembers so I can share it with you.

Lest We Forget