Life on the Marsh

One more peek at projects....

2011-07-05T19:05:00.001-07:00

And all those little bags. Let's face it, I just get a lot of pleasure from making bags....!!

And what about that Mardi Gras?

2011-07-05T19:00:00.001-07:00

For The Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival, I just bought some fat quarters to make a Mardi Gras table runner.

Laissez le bon temps roulet!!

Historic Virginia Garden Week, 2011

2011-07-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

This was the first year I was behind the scenes with Historic Garden Week. While I can't take much credit for the arranging, it was certainly fun to have a chance to learn and practice with someone who was so good at arranging these flowers! This was in the guest bedroom of our featured house.....

and this was in the bath!

Visiting my precious children

2011-06-14T17:28:00.000-07:00

Bob finally convinced me I was going to see the children without him. A year was too long--he was probably tired of my crying and moping! I had a fabulous time! This was a perfect Sunday afternoon that was deemed my "Mother's Day" although this was March! I have the most wonderful daughter in law, and I am so blessed.

My first child and me!

My precious grandchildren---Ruthie who was 3 years, 3 mo. and Elliot, all 18 months of him in this picture.

The only time he slept in my arms I think during this trip. He is usually just a barrel of energy.

Those Christmas projects never posted!

2011-06-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

This is the bag I made for Whitney. She brought it with her to Cazenovia! I really did like this bag.

Kate's Christmas bag. Notice the turtles!

This bag is prettier than it looks; it was pretty washed in this picture. But she loved it, and that's what counts!

Graduation Weekend in Cazenovia

2011-06-11T13:20:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful time during Spencer's graduation weekend. Although we certainly did not lounge this much, we did have some relaxing family time. We have not been with "Aunt Linda" in way too long and that was such a good time!

Those Blackburn girls do like their rainy afternoon TV time!

Our graduate who by Sunday afternoon was a bit worse for wear!

After a very hectic last spring, he is finally able to relax a bit though!

Towards the end of the day.

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After it was all said and done....

and a look from the bridge down the creek.

More of the day!

2011-01-17T16:34:00.000-08:00

Kate and her friend, Anne. Snow bunnies.

We walked to 7-11 and bought some supplies and a NEWSPAPER! Bob and his faithful follower, Raleigh.

What a great day!

And our little four-legged snow bunny.

December 27, 2010 OUR BIG SNOW

2011-01-17T16:28:00.001-08:00

We had about 13 inches.

It was a winter wonderland.

Raleigh LOVED it!!!

She stayed out as long as possible!

Christmas Eve, 2010

2011-01-17T16:18:00.000-08:00

We were invited to the Smiths for Christmas Eve brunch. What fun. Our family picture.....with MOST of our family!

Kate and me....

and again.

Ally Smith, a freshman at UGA (Go DAWGS) and me!

The Fall Dining Room

2010-11-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

Since we had dinner club Saturday night, and I am hosting the Kecoughtan Literary Circle next Tuesday, I had real incentive to decorate for the fall...as if I needed it!

So, Kristen, just enjoy!!

Happy Fall! My Favorite time of year!!!

2010-11-01T09:02:00.001-07:00

Kristen was really missing FALL and all we celebrate in the states, so I made her a table runner!

This was the cutest fabric, and I knew it could still be Halloween-ey and yet very fallish! So, I made her a quick project. The pumpkin fabric was too cute to cut up anyway! That girl does love her candy corn too!!

Then I also stitched in everyone's names and the date....

Once again, I had so much fun, and I was in agony waiting for it to get there! It took two weeks but they were out of pocket a lot when it arrived, and it took almost one more week to pick it up!

One more project!

2010-09-22T13:24:00.001-07:00

Bob brought this Malaysian piece (the center art piece) back in 1993. I have carefully kept it. Last summer I thought "Now or never" and plunged in.

Of course, so typical, I then finished half of it and left it for something more alluring and seductive and NEW! It's now finished and hanging up. It's about time!!

Whitney's Quilt is Finished!

2010-09-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

This is Atkinson's "Yellow Brick Road" which I have been working on for a while now. Most of my batiks came from this inspiring shop in Portsmouth, NH--Portsmouth Fabrics. Fortunately, I was able to finish it before I left on my trip to Maine, and she picked it up on her way down to South Carolina. I just wasn't able to see her. Boo,hoo.

All of the top stitching took a lot of time, but I have learned so much!

I really got carried away with just growing the flowers all over the batiks squares...

and then just growing circular motions out from each other. It was a lot of time, but I learned so much and became so much more at ease. Thanks Whitney for your patience!!

Kate's New Sewing Machine!

2010-09-22T12:51:00.001-07:00

After MUCH thought and discussion, Kate decided she would like a sewing machine for her 21st birthday! So, we bought her a Bernina 56. She came up in July, and we had such a fun week shopping for stuff and SEWING together!

She made her first project---a pillowcase to send to Ruthie!! It was SO CUTE!!! She selected the fabric and everything.

While she was busy sewing at her table, I was sewing "humbug" bags. Does life get any better than spending a week with someone very special teaching her something I love? Absolutely not!

MAINE!!

2010-09-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

Rockland, Maine and all those wonderful "dinks." We were able to be in Maine from August 9 - 25! Fabulous!!

The fog in the morning over North East Harbor.

A VERY large sailor in Booth Bay! I look like a midget.

Fall table Runner

2010-09-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

It has been a very busy and hectic August and September, but here goes. I did just finish this table runner over the weekend. It's still 90 degrees here, but I am ready for that beautifully cool weather of fall! Being in Maine in August definitely inspired my need for fall!

Christie had given this fabric to me, and I thought I would make a runner instead of a quilt. I really like the plaid used on the bias.

It's so fun how much easier stippling has become--in fact, a lot of my free motion quilting. Oh, it's just PRACTICE!!

tried waves for the first time.......

Christmas Pajamas

2010-07-25T11:26:00.001-07:00

No! These are NOT Chris's pajamas! I made them for Kristen for Christmas. She just told me a size "Large." Believe me, she is NOT a large. These were a men's large, and they fit my son really well. Kristen and I took several inches off of the pants and remade them. But I left the pajama top alone; the tailoring looked so good. Kristen says it makes a great top over a T shirt for those cold winter nights.

My granddog is just the cutest!

2010-07-10T06:34:00.000-07:00

Since my grandchildren are now too far away to hug and squeeze on, I have joined the ranks of those grandparents who claim their children's DOGS! But I do so enjoy Raleigh. This is an earlier picture of her with Monroe, who truly feels his empire has been usurped!

But nothing will stop him from the smell of cream cheese--even if it is in Raleigh's Kong!

And obviously, nothing will stop her from continuing her efforts to retrieve the said cream cheese!

Vignettes!

2010-07-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

I am all about those lately. In that space in our pantry we were planning for a second refrigerator, I have moved this dresser. I am so enjoying it. And I can turn on this small lamp and not the fluorescent fixture.

Easy days on the marsh

2010-07-10T06:21:00.001-07:00

In this sweltering heat we have had here lately, a cool May morning seems a very distant memory. My hydrangeas which were just beginning to bloom here are now gasping for breath even with an irrigation system.

One more project!

2010-07-10T06:17:00.000-07:00

This was made for Christine Meador who just had a sweet little boy!

What mother does not think boys and monkees almost in the same nano second! Well, at least this one does.

New Projects!

2010-07-10T06:10:00.000-07:00

This was for my sweet friend, Ali Smith, going off to UGA this fall!! It's the Bow Tucks Pattern and I found the red fabric in a shop in Watkinsville, GA while we were in Athens for Jim's and Tracy's wedding.

Little dog feet on the inside of the bag for those Georgia Dawgs!!!

Ruthie's First and Last Visit to the Apt!

2010-05-02T11:11:00.001-07:00

When Bob and I brought Ruthie back to Raleigh, I stopped by the apt. before meeting everyone for dinner. Ruthie thoroughly tested out the accomodations......

the bed seemed to be agreeable....

but the best things were still the cosmetic items

and shower cap in my toiletry bag!

Sharing Spring

2010-05-02T11:04:00.001-07:00

For Kristen, this is the Clematic armandii snowdrift

growing on the front porch.

And it smells so lovely!

Kate's room

2010-05-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

This fabric was from Cleo's stash also, and I made two cushions for this old chair of Bob's that looks much better in Kate's room. Love the orange and pink!

Molas Become Pillows

2010-05-01T12:21:00.001-07:00

In all of Cleo's stuff, I have found several molas from Central America. I just love these, so I made matching pillows for our new couch......Look closely...this bird who looks to be some big executive (note the desk and chair) has a cigar in his hand....

while this one is talking on the phone!!

This is not a true mola; it was a Guatemalan jacket that my father gave me in college! I have always kept it and made a large pillow to go in the middle! I LOVE bias seam binding! The binding is all the same in the three pillows---a beautiful batik with purple and orange colorations. I removed the pockets and arranged them on the front. Reuse, reuse, reuse!

Our visit with the Kids in Richmond

2010-05-01T11:35:00.001-07:00

This is one of the last visits we had with the kids in Richmond. We were at Short Pump Mall for a delicious Thai meal. Ruthie and her Poppy....

Nana too....

and our little Elliot!

And an update on those sewing projects!

2010-05-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

This is the pillowcase I made for Ruthie to take with her as they moved. I knew it would pack light! There are little puppies running around it.

This panel was a gift from a friend so I made a quick cat quilt out of it to keep that long hair off my cushions! The binding is the same as Ruthie's pillowcase border fabric.

A travel blanket I made for Raleigh. The underside was outdoor fabric from my mom's stash. I wanted Kate to have a memory of her grandmother.

Another T shirt that I had to Re-use. We just love Black Dog in our house! And I love to find other uses for perfectly great things. So, I made Kate a pillow for her couch.

Jim Lanning's Wedding

2010-05-01T11:18:00.001-07:00

Jim is waiting for Tracy at the ARCH at UGA. This is a school tradition where the bride and groom meet before the wedding! She was so tricky and sneaked up on him and then made him wait to see her!

The gorgeous bride preparing to get in the car without crushing the dress!

Love those Bulldog Red shoes!

Our much-loved handsome groom!

Jim Lanning

2010-05-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

Graduation Weekend 2007

2010-04-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

Kelly and Aunt Linda.

Spencer was our missing family member in our big group picture.

More graduation pictures!

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My graduate and me!

Kate and Aunt Christie with her beloved quilt!

Family Additions

2010-04-11T18:15:00.001-07:00

Since Kate's graduation picture was taken in May, 2007, we have added sweet little Raleigh which Kate adopted at Christmas--a beautiful little Golden Retriever.
In September, 2009, along came Elliot---and what a charmer he is. All big blue eyes and constant smiles.
And then there is our Ruthie, who was in our graduation picture but disguised. She was our Christmas babe of 2007. This past Christmas, these were some of her favorite toys: a bowl of corks and a tea cozy! How she has worked her magic around our hearts.

While our family is changing yet again!

2010-04-11T18:08:00.000-07:00

While our family is dealing with yet another major transistion, it is heart-warming and comforting to me to look back on some of our best moments and some of my favorite pictures! this is Kate with Kelly, and his best friends from high school, Brady and Brandon.
These were taken at Kate's high school graduation in 2007--before I was blogging. This is my all time favorite group shot!

Unfortunately, my cpu blew up a few months back, and I am still putting the pieces together. I have other shots I will be adding as my IT skills increase! ha!

Fall Art Piece is Done!!

2009-11-23T04:39:00.001-08:00

This is Edyta Sitar's "Fall Memories," and it is finished! Just in time for the fall to be over! It was great fun, and I learned a tremendous amount---more as I am asking questions about techniques, etc.
The wonderful accomplishment with this piece was that all of it was free-motion quilted, and I have gotten more confident with that! Unfortunately, none of the stippling really shows up in these photographs. I stipplied using very small strokes and a thread color which blended into the background around all of the leaves, basket, and pumpkins. The orange inner border has a leaf pattern sewn around it, and the outer border was stippled with large strokes and metallic copper thread.

Most of the applique work, however, was sewn with my walking foot. I had trouble with the tackiness on the back of the applique pieces as the needle was moving through. The walking foot is an amazing piece of engineering. Oh, so many things to learn......

Now, on to those few (very few this year) Christmas projects!!

Where Has The Fall Flown?

2009-11-17T16:39:00.000-08:00

Several of my friends have commented that I have not been blogging. And now I am having trouble uploading my pictures....so much to show and so little technological knowledge!! My biggest joy has been the birth of my second grandchild, Elliot. He is just fabulous. I am the luckiest grandmother to have them both!! And we have taken several trips. My sewing has really suffered, but I will add more when I have pictures.

Sewing those Pillows, Pillows

2009-08-08T07:41:00.000-07:00

This pillow was a combination of two sweatshirts. The green reindeer was one I made in 1987 with my two son's handprints as antlers. Chris was 6 and Kelly was 3.

The Christmas of 1994, I made one for Bob's mother with Kate's handprints added. She was 5. Cleo never wore it, so it was in perfect shape. It became the front of the pillow. As my children are now all adults with children of their own, I don't want to forget the love and memories that pour through me when I see pieces of them at much younger ages.

This began as a Tshirt that Bob brought me back from Bangkok! It was so unique and I wore it a few times in Houston. But then I just saved it. So, I combined it with a bit of upholstery remnant and a lovely cording. And there it is.

I really love the way it looks with my favorite aubergine pillows that my good buddy, Christie, made for me several years ago.

The "Big BB" Bag

2009-08-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

This is Mickey Beebe's bag pattern. It is so clever and has two zipper pockets, and three other pockets. An amazing amount of organization in a small space. I made it while I kept Ruthie. She took such wonderful naps, and I could be upstairs and close by listening for her.

From my stash of fabric, I was able to pull several of these pieces. Being the critic that I am, I would defnitely work to make it perfect, but it was a fun short project, and I really needed a small black handbag for summer---perfect answer.

The DREADED CAT BED

2009-08-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

This has been the summer of finishing projects and making ideas come together. This was truly the project from the underworld. I will defer to my sweet daughter in law and not use the other word. It was a Simplicity pattern I bought two years ago and began. I soon learned that it really required a commercial sewing machine since I was sewing as many as 3-4 layers of foam rubber together.

I have picked it up and put it down several times in utter disbelief and frustration. I decided this week was THE WEEK. I was in such a foul mood with this thing that I should have been in Time Out. Fortunately, Bob went out of town, and I just DID it. It's not perfect by any means, but it's finished. Bob named her Sweet Lips after a tropical fish with large lips just like hers!

As my friend Rosemary said, "If those cats don't use it, they should just be given to the SPCA." Of course, I may not let them use it since it was so dang hard to make it! But, I just don't seem to give up and quit! I think I would be saner if I chose that path.

Sadie's Visit

2009-08-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

July was a very busy month!! Whew! Kate, Chris Myers, and his new puppy, Sadie came to visit July 15-18. Chris attended a Seal Reunion at Little Creek with his dad and Kate and I took care of Sadie. She is the sweetest little lab, and it gave me a taste of a new puppy.

One of the wonderful things about puppies, like children, is that we can buy them all of these fancy specialized toys, but if we give them an old sand bucket, they are just as happy!!

We were blessed with just amazingly breathable July weather. We were sitting out Saturday morning watching kayakers and playing with Sadie.

July 4th Pictures

2009-07-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

July 4th was a beautiful day---very cool and dry for our typical July. What a gift. Chris, Kristen, and Ruthie came up on the 2nd. We took them to the subdivision beside us for their annual July 4th Parade. It is just so much fun--very small town with ALL the kids participating.

John and Carol's granddaughter had decorated her wagon, and Carol pulled her in the parade. Carol was all decked out in red, white and blue down to her toes! Too fun.

We finally were able to persuade Ruthie to get in the wagon.

It was after the parade, but so what?

She had a good time, and we were able to pull her around in the wagon for a spell. It was a fun beginning to a lovely day.

Poppy Explains the finer techniques of steering.....

2009-07-12T12:59:00.001-07:00

Ruthie Takes to Boating!!

2009-07-12T12:48:00.001-07:00

After a spell of sitting on my lap and watching all the activity, she then moved to Poppy's lap and helped steer!

Ooops! Watch that engine hatch switch!

Her favorite spot on the boat!

She could look out and yet still hold on. She is still a little iffy on the "one hand on the boat, one hand eating rule."

After two hours when we came on in, she was so comfortable on the boat that when Bob and I both jumped out of the boat to grab lines, she just laughed at us from the other side of the Eisenglass. Unfortunately, I could not get a picture of that!

The Ida Lewis Comes to Our Waters

2009-07-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

Saturday, we took off in the Formula to go see the girls ourselves.....we took Bob along to drive the boat!

All week long, Ruthie and I have watched the Ida Lewis Regatta going on in front of our home. I have told her all about her Aunt Kate sailing in it in 2003.

West Point

2009-06-02T13:47:00.001-07:00

Sunday, we drove to West Point. It's not very far, and it was a lovely Sunday for a drive. West Point is spectacularly located which makes sense since it began as a fort during the Revolutionary War period. It has a perfect vantage point on the Hudson.

Then we drove to Hudson, NY which is just this picturesque quaint little town loaded with antique shops. We were able to eat great Mexican!

New York City!!!

2009-06-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Lisa and I took the train to New York. It was such fun. The weather was just perfect and we were able to really spend some time looking around Bloomingsdale's. Walking to meet the guys, we happened upon this great street fair which just lined Lexington for serveral blocks. Then we met up with the guys and walked to Rockerfeller Center. It was just as if I were looking at it through the eyes of the Today show! Ha!!
Lisa and Bob

Bob and me

Lisa, Ralph and Spencer

Whitney's Prom

2009-06-02T13:31:00.001-07:00

Whitney's Prom was Friday evening. Bob and I drove up to Ridgewood, NJ on Thursday afternoon. Friday, Lisa and I had lunch with Whitney and then enjoyed the hair and makeup sessions. That early evening, she was ready to go. She looked fabulous and the dress is beautiful.

Lisa, Ralph, Spencer and the Prom Girl in their backyard. They have a really lovely back yard and these gorgeous roses. We were also so fortunate that everything was blooming. It was just a very special time to be all dressed up!

Whtiney and her date Dash. He was very charming. There was a before prom party in a friend's back yard. The family really made a lot of effort to make this such a special evening for this group of friends.

All the girls who were at this one party. I always laugh and think that girls did not look like this when I was a senior in high school!

Remember that quilt idea and all that fabric?

2009-05-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

The quilt top is finished. It was fun--the first one I've just figured out as I went along. I had a basic idea, but it did keep changing as I moved along on it. the quilt will be 50 x 63 approx. finished. I really like a lap size.

The fabric grouping is "Daydreams" by Deb Strain. I really like the "Inspire, "Dream," and Journey" squares---perfect for graduation or for any change in life. Now, on to finishing this piece before it's due if that is possible in my quilting world.

Kate's 20th Birthday

2009-05-15T06:54:00.001-07:00

Kate's Birthday was May 3rd. She and Chris were able to drive up for the weekend! Yeah!!! We had a very quiet but lovely weekend, and it is always wonderful to have her home.

One reason they came was that Chris has been dealing with serious sore throats. He was feeling so bad and was on antibiotics. Kate brought him home so that he could rest all weekend. He looked much better by Sunday. But he will be having a tonsillectomy this coming Tuesday--same doctor as Kate! Weird coincidence. But I will take the kids coming home in whatever shape they arrive.

It's going to be a BOY

2009-05-01T08:08:00.001-07:00

Chris called me last night to let me know that their new little one will be a BOY either named James Eliott (Eliot?) or Eliot James! The due date has been moved up to September 16, 2009. Kristen is doing well and feeling good.

Garden Week Revisited

2009-05-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

Historic Garden Week of Virginia was all of last week. It brought back such wonderful memories of Garden Week last year when we were on the Hampton Tour. That was such a special time for me. It became a time to make new friends and enjoy so much help from my already-established friends! It did take an army of people helping out. These were some of my favorite arrangements---as if I did not LOVE all 23 of them......This one was arranged by Mary Dame Broad, such a dear friend....

the dining room arrangement where the peonies were not Available so these beautiful roses were used to mimic the art...

the amazing dining room table centerpiece.....

and the fun, fun kitchen arrangement.....

The greatest gift of all was all the help we received.....all the time my husband, Bob, put in and then my two secret weapons: my sister Lisa who came up early with a SUV filled with plants and who then proceeded to work in the rain planting all the front entry beds with annuals and making numerous trips to Anderson's for more plants and my sister in law Linda who came early and began manning the kitchen to keep order on all things on the interior. What a blessing.

There was my friend, Connie Elliott, who planted this beautiful old buggy so that Doris Smith (left) could stand out in the yard and talk about the history of the property and what it was when she was a wee little child.

Kristen, Ruthie and my niece came up for the show day and stayed the week and then Chris, Kate and Ralph all came in on Thursday. It was a fabulous time for the weekend. The house and yard NEVER looked better!

Latest Quilt Project Part II

2009-04-17T08:14:00.001-07:00

This is Alex Anderson's Sampler Quilt in "Start Quilting." I like the friendship star and the checkerboard close together....

This is the friendship star I just mentioned....

Latest Quilt Project

2009-04-17T07:53:00.001-07:00

This is my next quilt project while I am formulating my Kaffe Fassett project. These are the bulk of the fabrics going into the quilt.....

probably more pictures than we need....

This is Deb Strain's "Daydreams" for moda fabrics. I really like her greens. There is also a pattern on modafabrics.com which uses this line. Look in the pattern section.

and then this is the panel that started everything. I really like the pictures for the context of the quilt and I will use the Chimneys & Cornerstones 12" square found on quilterscache.com to fill in the three spaces. Then I was thinking of having a line of 6" squares on the top and bottom to lengthen the quilt. Next I would add a small 1" border and then a larger 4 - 6" border. I would also like to use the Friendship star that is in Alex Anderson's book, "Start Quilting." It's a 6" pattern. I could use the checkerboard pattern between the stars or I am open. I will start with the Chimneys & Cornerstones and get those squares made and then progress with the rest of it. I just have to do the math again to make sure I have enough border fabric. So, that's where I stand. Quilting friends, let me know your thoughts!

Those McCutchens

2009-04-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

This is Ruthie when she thinks she is really smiling for the camera! She is such fun.....

Every time a camera is pointed her way, she is working it....

This beats a "bed in a bag." It's Ruthie in a bag!

And she adores her mom!

She thinks her daddy is awfully special too!

Ruthie's Christmas Quilt is Finished

2009-04-16T07:48:00.001-07:00

Ruthie's quilt is finally finished. I finished the actual quilt and delivered it a while back.....

but I wanted to show the angels with my beginning and somewhat primitive free motion quilting! Angels in two different positions were sewn around the border using Golden Threads paper.

With Ruthie's help (or lack thereof--the girl does NOT like her hand traced!), I made the label. Kristen had the sweet idea that each year we would add another label with Ruthie's hand print THAT year. I only hope she becomes more cooperative about getting that sweet little hand drawn.

Moments of Memory

2009-04-16T05:46:00.000-07:00

There have been moments during my life since Jim died that I can turn and look at the boys and I see Jim so clearly reflected in them. These moments always catch my heart a bit. This picture that Kristen published on her blog was one of those moments. I have seen Jim when he looked just this attentive at his small children. Memories are very tricky, capricious things. But I have always been so grateful that Jim has lived on in his children.

Kate's Tonsillectomy

2009-04-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

Kate had her tonsils taken out last week. I put these pictures in backwards, so we will start with how she looked the day following the surgery. Kate and I were a bit bored with hanging out at Bob's studio apartment, so we went over to Kristen and Ruthie's for a while!! Kate was a trooper and just has really done well with the recuperative process!! Ruthie is always happy to have company. She is already an aspiring Southern hostess!

This is not for the faint of heart. This shows Kate the afternoon of surgery and what the back of her throat looks like---look, MOM, two holes! The green tongue is from a green popsicle!

This is Kate the morning of surgery.....early that morning.

Thsi is Kate the afternoon before surgery. Poor baby, she hasn't felt well for several months.

Her surgery was performed by Dr. Price at Capitol Ear Nose & Throat in Raleigh at the Blue Ridge Surgical Center. Both Dr. Price and the nurses at the surgical center were fabulous!

I brought her back here Thursday afternoon, and her boyfriend, Chris, joined us for Easter. We really had a lovely weekend. Kate was pretty inactive, and our weekend was fairly quiet. Thank goodness for those NCIS netflix movies, sweet potatoes, lots of ice water and root beer floats!!

I selfishly enjoyed every minute of it. I LOVED spending the week with her. And I know she is going to be so surprised at how those darned infected tonsils really pulled her down. I am so looking forward to hearing how good she is feeling--it may still be a week or so.

Sadly, Chris drove Kate back to Raleigh on Monday. They both had class on Tuesday. Boo, hoo.

One last winter picture

2009-04-14T04:45:00.000-07:00

This is my last memory of winter. It was the only real snow we had although it seemed to be a very cold winter for us.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

Happy, happy Easter Sunday to everyone. It has been clear and breezy cool here. We had friends over for dinner after church and are now just sitting around enjoying the early evening. I hope everyone had a wonderful day.

Kate has been home recuperating from her tonsillectomy. Shamefully, I have LOVED every minute I've spent with her. Her boyfriend, Chris, has spent Easter with us also. Having any of my children home with their friends is just a JOY to me.

They have made such fun of my not attending this blog....I promise to add more regularly. Connie, I am coming with those pictures of Ruthie's quilt, and, Kristen, I will upload those new pictures of Ruthie!

Foggy winter morning

2009-02-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

Last week, we had some wonderful foggy mornings. It's so beautiful looking out over the marsh.

And, yes, the Christmas reindeer may just remain until the Easter bunny comes. They make me happy.

Ruthie's Christmas Quilt

2009-02-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

With this project, I have been really practicing improving with the Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR) for that free motion stitching. It's coming..no where near perfect, however.

Ruthie's quilt before Christmas--why should it be finished?

Stay tuned for a finished product.

Christmas Projects

2009-02-06T15:55:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, I made for family and friends tea cozies...

(and some napkins)...

and more tea cozies..

Pillows for Whitney and Kate that I designed and quilted (I really enjoyed this small project)

and 'Hug A Fish." He began his life as a T-shirt that Kate didn't want to wear but she really liked the fish and wanted him made into a pillow. I did get a bit carried away. He's perfect for hugging though when we're having those really bad, terrible days.

Ruthie's Birthday

2009-02-06T14:56:00.000-08:00

Since I will always try to make her something, I made this little sweater. Several of the women in my sewing group have made them, and they are fun and so cute! We really like them; now if only the recipients will.

A Birthday Project

2009-02-06T14:51:00.000-08:00

She doesn't seem that fond of it however.

It is a tad too big for her; but she'll grow into it!

Ruthie's Trip Home

2009-02-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

Brave Poppie drove back to Raleigh with Ruthie. For a tough guy, he was a wreck at the thought of all that COULD happen. Fortunately, the trip went well and both arrived safely.

Ruthie's Visit

2009-02-06T14:28:00.000-08:00

During Ruthie's visit, Monroe followed her everywhere, always keeping a respectable distance but always watching her! She was his entertainment for the week; actually, I believe it was mutual!

Ruthie LOVED playing in the drawers of plastic ware. By Day 2, I didn't care WHAT she played in as long as she was happy and safe.

Ruthie and Poppie enjoying a rare, quiet moment.

Most of my pictures came out just like this....bye, bye.

There she goes again.

All in all, we did seem to do an awful lot of this!

Catching Up

2009-02-06T14:23:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy month of having my children for the holidays, taking care of Ruthie for a week and then racing down to Houston for a long weekend. All were wonderful. The catch-up never is though! Lately, I have been feeling like this.....(a wonderful Natl Geo. pic sent by my daughter!)

And a very merry Christmas to all

2008-12-24T11:04:00.000-08:00

As this month is just once again flying by, I hope everyone is getting those lists checked off and making a little time for themselves and some time to remember the reason for the season.

There will be more pictures forthcoming. I made my granddaughter the cutest little sweater for Christmas and I am working on her Christmas quilt now. We had an early Christmas together as a family this past weekend. Now, I can FINISH those Christmas projects!!

Have a very blessed and wonderful Christmas.

2008-12-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

This is the biggest and brightest full moon we will see this year. It's a "whopper" claims nasa.gov site. Since the moon's orbit is elliptical, it's orbit was closer to the earth and made the moon look 14% bigger and 30% brighter. I raced over at 4:30 and grabbed my neighbors so we could view it together. What a gorgeous sight.

After the storm on Thursday night, we were graced with a spectacular evening and sunset on Friday. The colors were just magnificent and the air was so cold and crisp.

Full moon rising.

My neighbor, Carol, and I in our Christmas colors with the moon between us. John F. Wilson is my noted photographer.

It's So Cool to be ONE

2008-12-11T15:48:00.000-08:00

Ruthie and her little Miss Piggy who is always with her for the monthly pictures! I just love this pose.

Ruthie as she greets most of life!

Now that this blog is going, I thought I would include these pictures. I'm not doing anything except Elf Projects which I can't print yet, so I'll just print out this sweet little girl.

It is raining here so hard tonight, i think we will float away. Snow in New Orleans and Baton Rouge---what a day!

Ruthie's First Birthday

2008-12-08T06:06:00.000-08:00

Ruthie playing...

and in her too-cute birthday outfit.

The proud parents, Kristen and Chris

Kate and her boyfriend, Chris

Our granddaughter, Ruthie had her first birthday on Friday with her party on Saturday. Here are some cute pictures from the event!

The Eagles Have Landed

2008-12-06T02:30:00.000-08:00

First, there were these two eagles.....

.
then one flew away. This one stayed for a good while.

John was able to get this shot in last week off one of his piers. He had had two then also. But, it is a beautiful close shot of these magnificent birds.

While I have been playing elf today, I heard a very large blopping sound on the skylight in our office. I thought it was a heron flying overhead. Then I kept hearing a lot of racket. When I went outside, there were two eagles in the pine tree right above my studio. Fortunately, my good neighbor, John Wilson, took these shots.

The first day of December

2008-12-01T11:44:00.001-08:00

It's hard to believe December is here. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are back at home catching up from our trip to Lisa and Ralph's.

It's beautiful here today but blowing about 30 from the west which is weird for this time of year. It's white-capping like crazy out there.

I have project pictures but since they are Christmas presents, they will have to wait until after Santa comes. Since my daughter somewhat dared me to keep up, I am at least posting!!

The Odyssey Quilt

2008-11-29T18:52:00.000-08:00

The pineapple square. The beads were machine stitched. The crystals on the pineapple are Swororski crystals.

The wavy flag.

My favorite piece--the thread-play baskets.

The paper-pieced sun.

The whole project. It was almost a year in length, and I learned so much!! I was a very novice quilter when I began. Each square was done over the month; it was great fun and a fairly great challenge for me!!

Whitney's 18th Birthday party

2008-11-29T18:10:00.000-08:00

The Betancourts-Lisa, Whitney, Spencer, and Ralph

Ruthie and me.

The Birthday Girl, Lisa and Maggie.

Poppy and Ruthie!!

Bob and me.

Ruthie's early birthday party. We went to a wonderful restaurant, Ruthie was fabulous, and we all had a fabulous meal!!

More Thanksgiving shots

2008-11-29T12:53:00.000-08:00

The dreaded giblet gravy turned out perfectly!

Whitney and her beloved brother, Spencer!!

Is Ruthie just the cutest little thing?!!

So much of our time is spent watcing Ruthie interact with everyone and everything.

We were able to teach her to climb up the stairs, but she doesn't quite grasp climbing down.

2008-11-29T12:35:00.000-08:00

Bob and Ralph cutting the turkey! Bob always cooks this delicious turkey!!

Kate and Chris

Ralph's delicious Oysters Rockerfeller. Kristen is really enjoying food photography.

Kate and our Ruthie.

Chris and me preparing for the dreaded gravy-making!!

My new blog

2008-11-29T12:24:00.000-08:00

Kristen and Ruthie

Kate playing the spoon game with Ruthie!

Almost the whole family.

Ruthie and I researching Oysters Rockerfeller for Ralph.

Today Kristen, my sweet daughter in law, helped me organize and begin this blog. I have so enjoyed theirs, and I think this will be fun. Be patient!!