Briarside Lane

♪♫♪ Happy Birthday... to ME ♪♪♫♫

2012-02-02T05:50:00.001-07:00

It was fantastic... I want to see it AGAIN!!!

Today is going to be wicked... this kind!

Back with a review after the show!

...Karen

February's BOM...

2012-02-01T12:01:00.001-07:00

The 12-inch block is "Aunt Vinah's Favorite."

I still need to make the additional mini blocks using Christmas prints.

AND a topper... something for Valentine's Day, I think.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

...Karen

January BOM topper...

2012-01-30T12:20:00.002-07:00

I am still auditioning fabrics for a border(s) for this topper.

It is 30 inches square at the moment.

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Visit Sally for additional blue posts from around the world

or to join in the fun.

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Visit Judy at Patchwork Times for additional Design Wall Monday posts

or to join in the fun.

If the 12-inch center block looks familiar to you,

it's because this is the third one I've made.

See THIS post.

My friend Sandie ~ call me crazy and I are hosting a BOM

on the HGTV Quilting and Needlework Message Board.

In addition to making a fall and Christmas BOM,

I decided to use the 12-inch square as the center for a topper-a-month.

Uh-huh... what was I thinking?

Oh, it'll be okay... I hope!... as in... I hope I can keep up!

We have had an overwhelming response AND participation with the January block.

I am working on February's...

Have a great Monday!

Karen

Hoo's in the yard...

2012-01-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

This Great Horned Owl was in our pine trees earlier this month.

He is the biggest bird we've seen in our backyard.

We first noticed him about 3 p.m. The day was overcast and rainy.

We lost sight of him at nightfall...

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Yesterday afternoon, this Desert Cardinal (Pyrrhuloxia) made an appearance.

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As I have mentioned before,

when one feeds the birds they then become the fed upon.

I was hoping the hawks that frequent the yard were getting the mice.

Not so... this hawk hopped into the oleander to get the finches and sparrows!

I closed the blinds... :-(

...Karen

reds, pinks, and blues...

2012-01-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

OH, NO... Mr. "Pill."

(Pseudoephedrine - Diphenhydramine - Guaifenesin)

Uh-huh... I have had the (as one blogger so aptly called it!)

"more than a cold, less than the plague" crud.

I am much better now but left with a cough. This, too, shall pass.

Soon, I hope!

Most helpful was lots of tea and soup... when I wasn't sleeping.

mmmmm, my favorite ~ homemade potato soup...

Hubby and DD took good care of me.

Do you like my newest thrift store find?

McCoy Pottery Chocolate Brown Stripe Soup Bowl.

I found a set of four earlier this month before the "less than the plague."

There were $.99 each...

And THEN....

A "little because surprise" arrived (10 FQs) from a blogger friend at just the right time.

It really made my day, LV... thank you so much! They are just perfect!

Look at those cute birdie fabrics!

Stop by and visit LV at Thoughts from Meme's Corner.

She is truly enjoying life and is quite an inspiration.

"In my 80's blogging to 100" ~from her blog!

Thank you again, LaVoice...

~ from your "almost out of Texas friend."

• • • • • • • • • • •

Hope your Monday is going well.

Karen

a little quilt...

2012-01-06T17:00:00.001-07:00

Some quilters are very prolific, and I have truly been inspired by so many of you.

Well, I am always "inspired." Doing the project is another matter.

Karen - Log Cabin Quilter is one of those prolific

inspirational quilters. Have a look at her blog.

So, today... Karen, many thanks for your inspiring posts.

⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜

The little quilt above is the one that DD Kate

drafted in less than 3 minutes after seeing a topper on Karen's blog.

Mine is constructed differently than Karen's and probably much smaller.

The one above is 16-inches square.

Here is another pic of the fabrics.

The flowers and the flower pot are wool!

This is my first time to work with wool... I'll let you know.

⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜

An Audubons-Warbler (Yellow-rumped Warbler)

has been frequenting the backyard.

I ♥ backyard birding...

Have a great weekend!

...Karen

A year-long project...

2012-01-03T14:14:00.001-07:00

...and here are my January blocks.

One is made with fall/autumn fabrics and one for Christmas 2012.

The 12-inch block is from The Quilters Cache.

More about this project later...

Have a great Tuesday.

...Karen

Pyrex ~ Snowflakes

2012-01-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

vintage Pyrex ...something else I collect. ;-)

My 2.5 quart Pyrex Snowflakes casserole is perfect for...

You can visit other participants by clicking the Blue Monday button.

Thank you, Sally, for being our hostess each week.

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I was "inspired." DD drafted the pattern... in, like, 3 minutes!
(Thanks for the inspiration, Karen!)

Check back for the work in progress!

Happy New Year!

...Karen

sewing and supper...

2011-12-29T11:52:00.003-07:00

...neither of which I had anything to do with!

Eight pounds of brisket is in the smoker... thanks to hubby.

Comin' for supper?

Yesterday was Thimbleberries Sew Day.

I did not sew... :-(

looked at my book and found a project, if that counts. :-D

The kids are out visiting friends so I may get into my stash today.

Found a cute pattern in the book from our last sew day.

I just may have something to show after while.

☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼

...Karen

Thimbleberries Sew Day...

2011-12-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Oh, dear... and it's only once a month.

You'd think I would be "with the program" by now. :-/

You can visit Sandie AKA crazy'boutquilts to join in.

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My DS/DDIL will be back from visiting her family

who lives about four hours away.

And they have invited some friends for dinner.

I'm not sure how much sewing I will get done today... we shall see.

But there is always time for tea...

...warm cinnamon, clove, and allspice combined with sweet
vanilla bean and citrus create the heady, inviting aroma.
It's a Peet's original.

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Enjoy your Wednesday,

Karen

Blue Monday ~ I laughed, I cried...

2011-12-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

I missed seeing this movie at the theater, but DD gave it to me for Christmas.

We just finished watching it. It was great!

Today, I am joining Sally for the final Blue Monday of 2011.

When I first began my blog,

smilingsally.blogspot

was one of the first blogs I began to follow and link to on Monday's.

You see, Sally loves blue and invites anyone to link their post to her Blue Monday post.

Bloggers from all over the world join in the fun.

Did you notice the spout peeking out behind the movie above?

... a new Polish pottery teapot!

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

....Karen

Oh, Emmanuel...

2011-12-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

The Father's precious Son

Who forgives our sins and washes clean

The hearts of everyone

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

In Him,

God has given me so much

that heaven can give no more...

Blessings to you this Christmas

and every day!

...Karen

Late again...

2011-12-13T11:06:00.001-07:00

You remember the Friday Night Sew-In, right?

Well, here is the second one in December already!

I started stitching the pattern from the kit I won from Kim,

and didn't post a progress pic on Saturday. Oh, well...

The branch looked a little sparse, so I added some one thread pine needles.

And I like it! What do you think?

I used a snowflake fabric from my stash and

will use others for the borders as well.

There is a prim embroidery I'll use with the fabrics in the kit.

I ♥ those little houses!

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The weekend was a bit busy because...

We found out Friday hubby had to have his other knee

scoped for a torn meniscus.

...and the opening the doc had was yesterday afternoon.

All went well. He is on crutches for a few days.

I need a nap...

Until next time,

Karen

I got mail...

2011-12-09T17:34:00.001-07:00

...from Kim's Big Quilting Adventure.
I was the lucky winner in Kim's recent give-away.

Thanks very much, Kim! It's such a cute pattern!

♦ ♦♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦ ♦

Have you joined the Friday Night Sew-In?

Have a good evening!I'll be sewing... Karen

a bit frozen this morning...

2011-12-07T16:46:00.000-07:00

Temperatures were in the 20's last night and this morning.

DH didn't turn off the sprinkler system last night. :-O

The result?
Lower branches of the pines had icicles and the grass was crunchy.

(click all pics to enlarge)

My computer was frozen, too, for whatever reason this morning

so I went out to watch the birds.

Coffee and camera in hand, I saw the usual finches and more juncos.

The flickers are back but I didn't get a pic.

Later, while cleaning up from lunch, I noticed this sharp-shinned hawk.

I was even able to sneak out on the patio to get these shots!

It is in the Bur Oak. The Red Oak still has plenty of leaves.

I believe the hawk heard the mice that are living in the rock wall

and came down in the yard to investigate.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

I am gathering projects for the Friday Night Sew-In.

Until next time,

Karen

visitor this morning...

2011-12-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

~ click pic to enlarge ~

Have a great Monday!

...Karen

Thimbleberries Sew Day topper...

2011-12-01T15:22:00.001-07:00

...minus the applique.

Vines, leaves and some flowers to be put in the blank areas.

SOMEone needs to vacuum.

...Karen

progress... Thimbleberries Sew Day

2011-11-30T16:44:00.001-07:00

Today I made 16 of these 6.5" blocks to be sewn into a 40" topper.

I have some applique pieces to make tonight.

Check back tomorrow for more progress.

Thanks Sandie for hosting...

Until tomorrow,

Karen

...and away we sew!

2011-11-30T09:04:00.001-07:00

My three fabrics for Thimbleberries Sew Day.

I did a bit of "stash shopping" last night.

...AND I found my Triangulations™ CD.

Every time I use this program, I think this is THE BEST $20 I ever spent!

Sew we begin!

I will be back later with an update.

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If you would like to join the fun and sew along with us,

visit Sandie HERE to let her know so we can visit you, too.

...Karen

Thimbleberries Sew Day...

2011-11-29T18:35:00.001-07:00

My post disappeared...?

So, here it is again.

Just a reminder...

Tomorrow is Thimbleberries Sew Day.

I will be picking a project from the book above... I think! ;-)

Visit crazyboutquilts for info.

She will be posting a reminder as well.

I have missed the last few sew days... for whatever reason???

It is fun to visit other participants and cheer each other on.

Barb usually joins in the fun, too.

Hope you will join us!

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

I managed to get a fuzzy shot of a Junco yesterday.

And there were quite a few in the yard! Oh, well.

They are just too quick!

(Could be that I am too slow...)

Enjoy your day.

...until tomorrow,

Karen

Winston wanted you to know...

2011-11-27T17:23:00.001-07:00

...it wasn't entirely his fault,

but he's sorry The Lady hasn't posted lately.

(uhhh, The Lady... that's me! DD Kate is his mommy! He likes her best.)

So, I have no excuse really... well, just tired.

Okay, there was the week that Winston was like a toddler on Robitussin.

You know the label warning: "sensitive to its effects, especially excitability."

We had, for a few days, a dog that would not sit still or sleep through the night!

He had a cough after getting his teeth cleaned... back to the vet... given a Rx.

We finally figured out that the Rx was making him hyper.

He has recovered as have we... finally, I think.

Thanksgiving here was good... how was yours?

DH usually brines a turkey and cooks it in the smoker or grills it.

We decided to have ham this year instead of turkey along with other favorites.

Fresh dill was the herb used in a few of my prepared dishes.

It is one of my favorite kitchen herbs.

~ Sweet Potato Casserole ~
baked in a Longaberger Woven Traditions Pottery Pie Plate.

~ Petite Green Pea Salad with dill dressing ~
Anchor Hocking crystal bowl ~ Wexford Pattern

~ Cranberry Salad ~
Anchor Hocking crystal bowl ~ Wexford Pattern

~ Deviled eggs with dill ~

~ Cheddar Dill Scones/Biscuits ~

I forgot to take a pic of the pumpkin pie.

It had cute little maple leaf cut-outs around the top of the crust.

Next time... which will be soon, I think.

Pumpkin pie is a favorite here!

The Anchor Hocking - Wexford Pattern mentioned above is something I collect.

This is the footed compote (my Mom's) that started it all.

I have recently added this larger bowl... and a few other pieces I will share another time.

DD Kate and I usually decorate for Christmas this weekend.

She is a bit under the weather so postponed that 'til next week.

Just a month ago, our Bur Oak in the backyard looked like this.

Notice the acorns???

A cold wind blew through here Thanksgiving and brought us some much needed rain.

I, for one, just love the cloudy, overcast days. But not too many!

We usually receive our annual rainfall of eight inches during the summer.

Summer here was very dry... about four inches of rain all summer.

This was a most welcomed sight... and sound.

There have been a few Juncos frequenting the backyard.

I have yet to get a good pic of these little guys.

This afternoon I saw one in the birdbath, grabbed my camera, and tried to sneak out

through the bedroom French door onto the patio.

But what did I see instead???

The Junco was gone and in its place...

He lingered for just a moment then flew to the rock wall.

Aren't these trees beautiful?

Unlike my Bur Oak... remember the beautiful green leaves above?

This is how it looks after that blustery cold day...

All but a few leaves remain... it is still a beautiful tree to me. I love the texture.

AND, it affords me a better view of the birds that will visit this winter.

The acorn yield last year from the Bur Oak was two... this year? THIRTEEN!!!

There is a penny placed on one for size comparison... they are huge!

My design wall is empty... my sewing machine has been idle.

I did trace a Persian flower from the mid-1700's France (Dover book) to embroider.

This square tray is another bargain from my favorite thrift store...

It had just a few light surface scratches and a dusty glass insert, otherwise in great condition.

Many thanks to those who've emailed, stopped by the blog... and called! ;-)

As today marks the beginning of the Advent Season,

I wish to leave you with this....

"What a wonderful beginning to the greatest story ever told,

His birth still rings with promise, as true as in days of old.

So let us sing His praises, and let us open up our hearts,

And receive His timeless message,

that gives us all a brand new start."

excerpt - What a Wonderful Beginning

~written by Allen Shamblin & Austin Cunningham

...until next time,

Karen

"There and Back Again... Part 5" ~ wrapping it up... almost

2011-10-29T17:13:00.001-06:00

Old Faithful Geyser of California erupts about every 30 minutes.

Visitors, including some well-known ones (photo below),
are treated to an eruption of steam and scalding 360° water
spraying 60 to 100 feet in the air.

This geyser ranks among the world's few geysers with the designation "old faithful"
because it "performs" at regular intervals.

...some ripples in the water

...bubbling and gurgling

...a few poofs of ---- well, if you've ever been to Pagosa aka "stinky" Springs...

...and then..... nothing!

...this is it!

...more poofs, and t h e n ! ! !

...poof again.

F I N A L L Y. . .

These little birds flew around the geyser area making lunch of the many dragonflies.

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Lunch here....

We moved up quickly in line... but it never seemed to shorten!

Cheeseburgers, sweet potato fries...

Spicy Tomato Soup

...and an Expresso Bean Shake. (It was delicious!)

Quite pricey, but very good. HERE is their menu.

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We also visited a forest of petrified trees...

These little lizards were everywhere...

... well, give or take a few million years ;-p

The Queen

∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷ ∷

An afternoon of sailing...

actually "motoring," as my BIL called it.

He and my SIL are new to sailing but it was still fun.

BIL also said there was a lot of screaming last time they were out.

Seems the sailboat was heeling a lot and SIL was, well, screaming a lot...

They thought it best not to scare us to death... especially me! I'm glad!

They haven't named their sailboat yet...

An osprey having lunch...

Sea Lions checking us out as we passed by...

The second pelican I saw this trip...

DH wondering if he "missed the turn."

BIL decided to "take back the helm"
as we (they) are not quite ready for the Bay.

♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦ ♦

I do have a few more photos from our trip.

Another post...

This month has flown by, and I did lose quite a few days.

I'm doing much better and just can't believe...

it's 56 days 'til Christmas!

So, until next time...

Karen

"There and Back Again... Part 4" ~ Napa Valley

2011-10-07T09:42:00.000-06:00

Napa is one of the most beautiful areas I have visited.

And I found the perfect house... er, uhhh.... castle to live.

What do you think?

~ Castello di Amorosa ~
"Castle of Love"

Your home IS your castle, right?

My dear husband rolls his eyes and says...

"Just a small place in the country, Hyacinth,

I'm just a retired civil servant."

(That's a quote from one of our most favorite,

hilariously funny BBC comedies "Keeping Up Appearances.")

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

(click all pics to enlarge)

Moat complete with water lilies...

...and grasses. Notice the dragonfly?

...and of course, a peacock!

Olive trees had been planted along the vineyard.

... some green and ripe olives below blog title and date in photo.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Until next time,
Karen

GOOD NEWS....

2011-10-06T10:55:00.000-06:00

Heard some chirping out my sewing room window and saw this little warbler...

♪ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♪ ♫ ♫

His song and timing was perfect because...

I just received a phone call from my endocrinologist's office.

BENIGN... no cancer cells in my thyroid!!!

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

...Karen

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

"There and Back Again... Part 3"

2011-10-06T08:40:00.000-06:00

Next stop...

Tiburon Railroad and Ferry Depot Museum.

HERE is where you can read some history, and

there are more pics there to see than the two I took...

This quilt and child's bed were most interesting to me inside...
well, except for the views out this second story residence.
But it was foggy and overcast.

Outside, it was still chilly, windy, and foggy.

This was only one of two pelicans I saw the entire trip.

A couple of starfish...

... and some little crabs scurrying over all the rocks below.

Then we stopped at the China Camp State Park.

These photos are much better than what I took that day.

From that site...

"A Chinese shrimp-fishing village thrived on this site in the 1880's.

Nearly 500 people, originally from Canton, China, lived in the village.

In its heyday, there were three general stores,

a marine supply store and a barber shop.

Fishermen by trade in their native country, they gravitated to the work they knew best.

Over 90% of the shrimp they netted were dried and shipped to China or

chinese communities throughout the US.

The museum at China Camp Village helps tell the story of these hardy shrimp fishermen."

My son tells me it's a great place for mountain biking and hiking.

Unfortunately, this is one of the CA State Parks on the closure list in 2012.

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We stopped for dinner HERE.

Mulberry Street house made pizza sauce, whole milk mozzarella,
our own andouille sausage, jalapenos,
three kinds of onions and our own blend of Cajun spices.

DH, DDIL and I ordered menu items less spicy than DS.

We didn't dare try that pizza!

Leaving Marin, we traveled north around San Pablo Bay...

to visit DH's mom, sister and brother-in-law in Vallejo.

We stopped here on our way.

Sonoma Creek

The weather began to clear as we neared Vallejo.
There were many sites to visit to include...

'til next time.

...Karen

"There and Back Again... Part 2"

2011-10-05T13:50:00.000-06:00

For dinner, we met DS/DDIL at Feng Nian in Sausalito once again.

I enjoyed a pot of scented Jasmine green tea trying to warm up until they arrived.

As happened last year, take-away boxes were needed and no dessert.

The next morning we met DS at The CREPEVINE in San Rafael.

"San Francisco"
~ fresh salmon with capers, red onions, spinach, Dijon and dill Havarti
served with house potatoes & mixed greens with vinaigrette ~

French Toast ~ homemade white French bread

"Sante Fe"
~ grilled chicken, apple sausage with scramble eggs, green onions, provolone and salsa fresca
served with house potatoes & mixed greens with vinaigrette ~

Here is the Golden Gate Bridge that morning...

and I don't think it ever cleared the entire time we were there!

I drove over it last July in a light fog when DD and I were there after being in Portland.

I don't think I would have liked it as much this time... much too dense.

~ Great Egret ~

...more tomorrow.

I hope your Wednesday is going well.

...Karen

● ● ● ● ●

As for the biopsies I had on my thyroid Monday?

I won't know any pathology for a few days but hoping and praying that it's benign.

This "ultrasound guided FNB" experience was quite different than before.

A whole team in the room and lots of needles... did I mention lots of needles?

With the bandage, residual iodine and now some bruising showing up...

I would have been ready for Halloween!

Feeling better today after just chillin' yesterday.

"There and Back Again..."

2011-10-03T09:48:00.000-06:00

No, not The Hobbit's adventure...

our visit to the Bay area.

I had to include this pic from Point Reyes visitor's center...

love the title.

...HERE and HERE are sites for some info about the area.

This is a quick post with a few pics as I am off to the hospital.

I am having ultrasound guided "fine needle biopsies" of the nodules on my thyroid.

Actually, I had this done before about 15 years ago (single biopsy).

And it was done by a surgeon in his office!

Trying to remove the band-aid was worse than the biopsy.

So.....

I will leave you with some pics for today.

It was cold and foggy and windy.

We did NOT walk down to the lighthouse this trip.

Those few coming back said visibility was zero.

So... a trek down those 308 steps and back up was kinda, well?

... next trip!

Here are some pics along the drive.

Sea Lion Overlook

Sea Lion overlook

...basking in sun

"California Cow" ;-)
This cow was close to the road we were driving on back from Point Reyes.
The rest were just "cows in the mist."

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...more later.
Have a great Monday!

...Karen

See you... ♪♪♫♫

2011-09-19T09:04:00.000-06:00

... ♪♪♪in September... October!

We are heading to the Bay area to see DS/DDIL.

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I will catch up with you in a couple of weeks.

...Karen

Friday Night Sew-In progress...

2011-09-17T13:31:00.001-06:00

Remember the 9-Patch Pizzazz blocks HERE?

I sewed this 36-inch square together using some of those blocks.

This will be easier for me to quilt than a larger quilt.

AND... I have blocks left over for another project!

Also, I stitched a bit of the Little Birdie Stitches.

I am using a Kona for the background and

Moda Whimsy to surround the blocks.

When I began blogging in February last year,

I won the charm packs from Karen over at Log Cabin Quilter.

If you love applique and prim, be sure to visit her and say hello.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Have a great weekend!

...Karen

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Use this button to visit other participants...

Friday Night Sew-In...

2011-09-16T19:17:00.002-06:00

...just so you'll know what I'm doing tonight!

Click the button to visit Heidi, and join the fun.

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Check back tomorrow for progress...

Black-headed Grosbeak
(backyard, May 2011)

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...Karen

"Keep your face to the sunshine...

2011-09-15T10:38:00.000-06:00

...and you cannot see the shadow.

It's what the sunflowers do."

~Helen Keller

Nothing says fall like sunflowers,
except of course, mums!
While blog hopping, I've noticed so many cute projects for fall.

It just seems lately I have been seeing one doctor after another.
Two appointments today!
There was one yesterday and two on Tuesday.
My post-op followup Tuesday went well... doing nicely.
I was very pleased about that, but it looks like I will need a root canal.
Oh, joy!
Thanks for all the well wishes, too.

☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼

There is a road trip in the near future...
if all goes well today with these two appointments.

☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼

Have a great day, and I'll be back later this afternoon.
...Karen

G o b s m a c k e d ! ! !

2011-09-08T12:10:00.000-06:00

~or in other words, astonished... utterly!

(I have probably been watching too much BBC!)

Look what just arrived!!!

Still a bit teary eyed... sheesh!

(Hormones, you know.)

These are from my new dentists!

One is the general dentist and the other a surgeon.

I had surgery Tuesday morning so that is why I have been MIA

for a couple of days since my marathon sew weekend.

Still on the "mushy diet" and taking it easy.

I go back for the post-op follow-up next Tuesday.

Hope your day is going well...

Karen

9-Patch Pizzazz... progress

2011-09-04T17:19:00.000-06:00

...still need to sew the blocks together

and add a couple of borders...

another day!

My machine needs a break...

and me, too!

...Karen

Weekend Sewing Plans...

2011-09-03T11:08:00.000-06:00

Welcome September!

I am sooooo ready for fall and cooler temps.

How about you?

This collection is perfect!

(click all pics to enlarge)

...and then there is this collection!

This book promises, "Fast, Fun & Finished in a Day."

We shall see!

☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼

Have a great weekend!

Check back Monday... or maybe sooner for progress!

...Karen

Vintage 30's...

2011-08-08T15:25:00.002-06:00

During my thrift store shopping "therapy" last week,

I also snatched up these snack plates.
(click pics to enlarge)

This depression glass snack plate set

was made by Federal Glass of Columbus, Ohio.

The art deco style pattern is called Columbia Clear

and was only made from 1938 - 1942.

I found among my UQO's (un-quilted objects),

this 30's fabric table topper.

I've been looking through this book...

... in hopes of finding a quilting pattern.

The pattern for the topper is not in this particular book.

It was a freebie from Marcus Fabrics a few years ago.

Deciding on a quilting pattern is the difficult part for me.

Any suggestions?

My "newest" snack plates do look lovely on this little topper.

Snack plate sets are something else I collect.

One day, I'll have to share the story of how this adventure started.

It was about 20 years ago at an estate sale.

I had no clue about the box of goodies I purchased for $30.

I'll save that for another post.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Our movie is about to start....

The series that I am watching with DD Kate is

"Lark Rise to Candleford."

We began watching it through Netflix,

but their change in services and hubby's threat to discontinue service

prompted me to purchase the entire series and book.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Buttons, buttons, buttons....

Do you have jars or tins or bags of buttons?

New and old???

Kate was searching through our stash for just the right one.

She recently purchased a new pair of sunglasses

and crocheted a little keeper for them.

It will protect from "dust and scratches, but not from smashes."

She auditioned many and found the perfect one.

♪ ♪ ♫ ♪♪ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♪♪♪

Hi Ho H i Ho ... It's off to sew I go...

... some vintage sheet strips!

♫ ♫ ♪♪♪ ♫ ♫

Have a wonderful afternoon... Karen

Timeless Treasures...

2011-08-07T23:06:00.001-06:00

In an effort to take my mind off

"The Bane of My Existence,"

I thought a little thrift store shopping would cheer me.

While standing along side another shopper

perusing the used books,

I watched as she placed this one back on the shelf.

I waited a moment while she moved on and

then the book was mine!

As you can see, I have a few books by Emilie Barnes.

When I opened the front cover, I read this:

Collective sigh here...

Upon arriving home, I shared the inscription with my Kate.

She said, "Oh, Mom, surely no young person married in 1990

(date at top of page: 1-5-97)

would / could write something like that for a 7th anniversary!"

So we imagined Mary & Tony

were seasoned citizens...

possibly a widow and a widower,

maybe long lost loves of yesteryear re-united once again.

A second chance at romance later in life.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

I have enjoyed reading the book, and

a sense of nostalgia has been with me ever since.

The book, Ms. Barnes writes,

"is a book about true treasure---

about the things we hold in our hand and

the memories we hold in our hearts.

It's also about the stories that make up our lives."

She encourages the reader, long before finishing the book, to

"dig through your storage boxes,

flip through those photo albums,

pick up items one by one and tell their stories to your children.

Dust off your pen or your computer,

pulling out that half-forgotten scrapbook,

working once more on that box of old hankies

you hoped (someday) to turn into a baby quilt

or those bits of yarn once destined

to be an afghan for your sister.

Your timeless treasures represent

your true heritage of love and memory.

They tell your story---

a story that is worth telling.

Keep them close to your heart...

and then pass them on."

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Woven throughout the pages of the book,

are stories of her treasures...

of teacups and silver spoons,

quilts and other handmade treasures...

as well as those of friends and acquaintances,

neighbors and nurses, and her seminar attendees.

She writes,

"Our timeless treasures symbolize what we value most in our lives:

love, joy, beauty, hope, family.

A delicate cut-glass vase,

a brawny set of antique tools,

a child's drawing,

a grandfather's memoir---

any of these can be a timeless treasure

if it brings to mind your most beloved relationships,

your dearest memories,

if it inspires you to reach out and share your story."

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

In the end, all of those "things" we collect...

well, they are just things.

But indirectly and sometimes directly,

those things when present while investing time and energy

in loving others... well, that has the capacity to shape memories.

Every day is a timeless treasure...

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Memories of my Granny were stirred when I found this set of tumblers.

I remember well having Cheerwine soda

served in these glasses at her house.

(Cheerwine is a cherry-flavored soft drink

produced by the Carolina Beverage Corporation, NC.)

It was always a treat as a child when visiting my Grandparents.

My home state of MD did not sell Cheerwine.

This pattern, Yorktown, was made by the

Federal Glass Company during the mid 1950's.

And yes... this is a set of 12!

Perfect condition and have probably never seen

the inside of a dishwasher!

And they never will at my house.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

So now you know one of the "things" I collect... glassware.

I'll share some more in the days to come.

How about you?

What do you collect and why?

Does the item evoke a memory

of days gone by or of a loved one?

Do you then share that memory with your family and friends

to keep that love and history alive?

♦ ♦♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦ ♦

Until next time...

"I'll note you in my book of memory."

---William Shakespeare

... Karen

mourning the losses...

2011-08-06T13:18:00.001-06:00

...latest breaking news HERE.

SEAL TEAM 6 members among 38 killed in Afghanistan.
The Navy SEALs were among 30 Americans,
seven Afghans and an interpreter killed in the deadliest incident
for U.S. forces in the Afghanistan war when their helicopter is shot down.

● ● ● ● ●

Karen

"It's been a long time comin'"

2011-07-29T08:20:00.001-06:00

So...

if you're still with me...

A teaching commitment in August is helping (forcing) me get back on track.

The applique sample block above will be the class.

(It still needs a few more elements.)

And here are the batiks from which to make kits for each attendee.

These are not mine... oh, no!

They belong to my good friend Denise!

We will be making kits for the workshop this weekend.

● ● ● ● ●

A few weeks ago,

I made and entered this 32"x40" wall hanging

in a message board challenge and won 2nd place. The prize?

A $100 gift certificate to Martha's Quilting Corner.

Our Winston... such a handsome guy.

● ● ● ● ●

And my kitchen???

Better known as, "The Bane of My Existence."

We will probably redo the tile backsplash...

for the third time.

I just can't go there right now!

● ● ● ● ●

Have a great Friday, and I'll be in touch!

...Karen

Friday's Project... NO foolin'

2011-04-02T14:01:00.000-06:00

Gosh... is it really April???

The kitchen is "on hold."

We are still a few weeks out waiting for windows,

counter top, etc.

So...I sewed, and it was wonderful!

About time, don't you think?

And now I have a question for you...

Do you think it needs another border?

Is the piano key border enough?

Thanks for stopping by...

Karen

Happy Spring!

2011-03-21T21:45:00.001-06:00

Hi, I'm still here!

These past few weeks have been interesting.

Let's start with the First Day of Spring,

which began yesterday, and I'll backtrack

to what's been happening since my last post...

oh, my gosh... that was March 5th!

"Our Lord has written

the promise of resurrection,

not in books alone,

but in every leaf of springtime."

~Martin Luther~

Red Oak

Bur Oak

Pine

These trees are in my backyard.

The pine especially has filled the air with yellow pollen...

and it, among other things, sent me to the "Doc in the Box"

for a breathing treatment and steroid shot on Saturday.

I'm better, AND I'm staying inside.

However, I did slip out earlier today to get these pics above.

It was a beautiful day, mid to upper 80's, with a gentle wind...

Hearing the wind rustling through

the pine trees is one of my favorite sounds.

NOT like the wind we had last week!

My very own "Whomping Willow."

This video was taken last Monday.

Also known as...

We celebrated this special day with this:

Caramel Pecan Silk Supreme Pie

...because I could not bake this requested dessert.

Boston Cream Pie

You see,

twenty-five years ago on March 14th,

I fell in love...

once again.

~Kathryn Elizabeth Anne~
4 months old

Keepsakes...

I look into your room and see

All the memory gifts God gives to me.

The child you were I still can find

Among those things you'll leave behind:

Your favorite doll upon the bed,

The hand-smocked bonnet from your head;

A tennis shoe, now scuffed, once new;

The birthday dress I bought for you.

How fast those hours and days have passed;

Your childhood years just couldn't last.

But though you've grown to find your own way,

The love we share will always stay

Forever, in my heart.

Happy Birthday, Kate!

Love, Mom

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

As windy and blustery as it was on Pie/Pi Day OUTSIDE,

it was just about as bad INSIDE my house.

More kitchen demolition took place on that Monday.

The remainder of the tile countertop and

the tile backsplash was removed.

And if that wasn't enough,

prior to this, the broken tiles in front of the sink

were chiseled out
plus the remaining grout and thin set was
ground out from that area.

(I think outside air looked a bit better.)

The above pic shows the space ready for tile.
And did you notice the rather large area
of curing concrete?

This is how it looked prior to being patched.
(backing up another week)
The trench got a bit bigger...

When the plumber returned to fix this damage....

(after he had fixed the leak the week prior)

his hammer drill slipped so he had to jackhammer

all the way back to the footer of the house...

He could not find good pipe to sweat.

Actually, this was a good thing!

The pipe leading to the supply was bent and twisted.

BUT...

it then resulted in this!

He punched through to the outside!

Outside wall under kitchen window.

DH noticed it when he went out on the patio.

It's been patched,

the tile in front of the kitchen sink cabinet reset,

and the new sink cabinet is set in place, too.

But, there's more!!!

On Tuesday morning,

a window rep will be here to measure for

five new windows in the kitchen/family room.

After the tile backsplash was removed,

we were able to see this...

Somehow, this just didn't look right...

blocks of wood and wads of paper?

I just don't understand this being done

in a house built in 1998... maybe 1898!

Everyday I am reminded of this!

The windows will take about three weeks.

About as long as the counter top...

So last Friday,

the counter top guy came to measure.

He couldn't get an accurate measurement because

where the tile backsplash had been removed,

the drywall was...

unstable.

All of the drywall in that area needs to be replaced.

Are you remembering images from The Money Pit now?

Great movie if you haven't seen it.

I just don't particularly like "living it."

Moving on...

The counter top has to go in before

the new backsplash is put on.

My new kitchen sink has not arrived yet,

but I don't have a counter to put it in anyway...

We are now looking ahead to a t l e a s t

the third week of April...

maybe I'll have a kinda/sorta kitchen by then...?

Oh... and DS/DDIL are planning to arrive

April 8th from Cali.

How are things in your world?

...Karen

kitchen update... but first!

2011-03-05T15:27:00.001-07:00

My latest backyard visitor!

A Ruby Crowned Kinglet!!

I was so excited snap these pictures.
(click all pics to enlarge)

Such long legs...

and quite a busy little bird

flitting around the yard

and through the trees!

I ❤ back yard birding...

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

So, on Thursday

the plumber finally showed up with

a jack hammer...

made a lot of dust,

made a lot of noise.

Think....

MRI of your house without

the earphones and nice music

they have you listen to.

Here is the result.

And here is the pinhole leak...

New copper installed.

So, the plumber turned the water back on,

hung around a bit and then left.

Upon closer inspection,

I found this...

A  to the GC who then

came by today... not happy at all.

He said he will make it right.

So, the plumber is supposed

to be here Monday...

sometime.



Have a great weekend.

...Karen

trying to keep calm...

2011-03-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

A cup of tea and a biscotti helps.

I enjoyed tea this morning

(and I'd already had two cups of coffee earlier)

in the living room because

this is how I had breakfast...

We are trying to NOT use dishes to wash.

The work here is going slooooooowly.

A miscommunication resulted in the

plumber showing up late Tuesday afternoon.

Tools are another problem...

but I won't bore you with that.

Here is where we are this morning.

This is a four-inch square cut into the slab

at a depth of about nine inches.

This is only the hot water pipe...

not where the leak is located.

And there is water coming in from

a different direction, as well...

to the right, still concealed under the slab.

That's where the cold supply pipe is.

The jack hammer has yet

to make an appearance.

The noisy hammer drills have been enough.

I may leave today.

We are having beautiful weather...

temps in the low 80's.

■ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ■

Moving on....

Isn't this the cutest honey dispenser?

I purchased it at

Tyler Florence's Shop

in Mill Valley

last year while visiting DS/DDIL.

Water is ready for another cup of tea...

Hope your Thursday is going well,

and thanks for stopping by.

I will try to visit later... after the dust settles.

Who KNOWS when that will be!

Everything is covered in plastic,

and doors remain closed throughout the house.

Taking a deep breath makes me cough!

☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼

I am retreating with my tea to my bedroom.

The plumber called... he's on his way.

Catch up with you later...

...Karen

...and so it begins

2011-02-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

The bitter cold that

blew through my town on

February 1, 2, and 3

wreaked havoc with the utilities.

We were fortunate in that

there was no gushing water.

Just a small leak... ahem...

in the slab.

Unfortunately,

it is no small thing...

The demolition has begun!

The plumber has been here and left

after some under the sink work.

Now the demo team is busy...

This sink cabinet is on the patio

along with the dishwasher.

Now we wait for the plumber to return...

with a jackhammer!

...more to follow.

Karen

My first bargello...

2011-02-17T21:39:00.001-07:00

This is another project from retreat.

I probably should've waited 'til

the morning for a pic.... more light.

Anyway, here are the fabrics below.

They reminded me of the

Murano Millefiori glassworks.

There is 1.5 yards of the pink (left),

1 yard of the white background pink floral (right),

and .5 yards each of the green and stripe.

If you would like it,

leave me a comment saying so.

If you leave a comment but

do not want to be in the drawing,

please say so... thanks.

I will pick a name Saturday night.

And make sure I have your email...

▐ ▐ ▐ ▐ ▐ ▐ ▐

Now...

how about a cup of tea?

And a piece of cake, too?

It's triple chocolate, you know...

Semi-sweet chocolate ganache

between layers of chocolate cake

with chocolate buttercream frosting....

I think I have had enough

Valentine's Day this week...

...Karen

a day late... Part 2 ~

2011-02-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

So... if you recall,

I had gone on an extended sew weekend

with my friend Denise to her place in Alto, NM.

You can visit her HERE.

Adding yet another project to my

ever-growing pile of UFO's

and UQO's

(unquilted),

I have started the

Sylvia's Bridal Sampler

with a group of friends.

My goal is to make 10 blocks,

(an entire row) at least, each month.

Denise and I were going to try that

other sampler... uhm, you know the one...

Dear Jane.

We will save that one 'til a bit later... LOL

Here are the blocks I have made so far.

A-1 ~ Mosaic No. 3

A-2 ~ Shoo-Fly

A-3 ~ Bright Hopes

A-4 ~ Posies 'Round the Square
(need to applique flower and leaves)

A-5 ~ Amethyst

I did not complete my January goal of ten,

so now I have 15 to do this month!

...and only 13 sewing days left.

hmmmmmm... never enough time!

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Did you blog hop during the

"Be Mine Blog Tour" and

collect any of the cute patterns?

Here is one of those projects.

You can find the directions HERE

at Kim's Big Quilting Adventure.

There is an extra border to this table runner

but it would not have fit on my

family room coffee table.

And did you notice that sunflower afghan??

Isn't it lovely?

My daughter, Kate, made it for me

for my birthday. I just love it!

We have a beautiful print of sunflowers

in a willow basket over our

family room fireplace.

She found it for me a few years ago.

The afghan fits nicely in that room.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

During those frigid days the

beginning of the month,

the backyard had a new visitor,

and I haven't seen them since!

...AND a completely unexpected one!

Maybe Punxsutawney Phil is right!?!

They shared a drink despite the

blustery winds and cold.

My DH removed the frozen block of ice

every morning during those days...

the flickers chipped away at it.

It was fun to watch.

I'm glad those temps were not with us

for very long.

We put out extra bird seed and bells.

By doing that...

the "fed become the fed upon."

This sharp-shinned hawk made

quite a few appearances in our yard.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

I hope your Tuesday is going well...

It's 76° ~ woo-hoo!

...more later.

...Karen

...a day late and

2011-02-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

probably more than a dollar short.

More about that later...

but for now,

I hope your Valentine's Day was special.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

♥ ♥ ♥ Cranberry Coins ♥ ♥ ♥

(a shortbread cookie with orange-flavored

cranberries with a hint of orange zest)

The recipe is from the

Martha Stewart Holiday Cookies

Special Issue.

♥ cookies, coffee, and dark chocolate M&Ms ♥

...and an "abundance of love."♥

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Be back in a bit with another post.

I need to upload pics and take a few....

AND open the windows!

We are in the mid 70's today.

Expecting low 80's tomorrow!

At the beginning of this month,

we were at 1-2° with

wind chills to -17 which in turn

created havoc with all the

utilities throughout my city...

...Karen

p.s. I am slowly catching up with emails

and your postings... I'll get to you one of these days!

cold weather woes....

2011-02-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

UGH!!!!

... and add BRRRRRR to that, too!

Only have a sec before the power goes again...

Off twice already today and

it's only 11:45 a.m.

It was 4° when I got up at 6 this morning.

It is 22° or so now...

at least the wind is calm!

Half a pot of coffee brewed when the power

went off this morning,

so I went back to bed.

Power back on so I went about

doing some things around the house.

... to include another pot of coffee! ☺

While standing in front of the kitchen sink,

I thought the floor was quite toasty....

but

w e d o n o t

have radiant heat under floor tiles.

(on my wish list when we re-do the kitchen)

A call is in to a plumber....

Then the power went off again.

Shutting the 'puter off before it goes again...

...more later.

...Karen

~and thanks for all the birthday wishes!

I'll get back to you soon...

Hope you are having a better day!

A Special Day 'cause...

2011-02-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

... it's my Birthday!

Just a quick hi! ... and I'm back!

A couple of trips,

being overwhelmed with other commitments,

and just general tiredness...

well, all that got me off track.

It is bitter cold in my town... 9°

with wind chills below 0... brrrrrrr

I would be watching the movie above,

(it's a tradition in my house)

but we have been having

rolling blackouts.

So, I am shutting off the computer again!

...before it goes off.

I will catch up with you

towards the end of the week

when this cold moves on!

Stay warm!

☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼

...Karen

sewing machine and...

2011-01-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

projects, and bags are packed.

Four Day Sewing Marathon...woo-hoo!!!

... talk to you on Tuesday!

...Karen

Be Mine Blog Tour Day 5

2011-01-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hi... and Happy Thursday!

If you are following along on the

Be Mine Blog Tour...

HERE is Day 5

over at Carol's Crafty Creations.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Oh, and my Flickers showed up this morning!

Right on time... about 8:15.

(click pics to enlarge)

The water has been changed

to a "non-solid" variety, and

the feeders have been filled.

It was 27° this morning!

(and just 37° now!)

brrrrrrrrrr

Have a great day!

I AM sewing, you know... I'm just kinda slow.

...Karen

Be Mine Blog Tour Day 4

2011-01-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

A cute table runner

HERE

at Kim's Big Quilting Adventure.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

...Karen

Be Mine Blog Tour Day 3

2011-01-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

The tour today takes you to

Miss Punkie Pie (Jen)

for a sweet

Be My Valentine

pillow.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

These projects, sew far, look quick

and easy.

I am sewing this afternoon!!

How about you?

Tell me your sewing plans for today...

I'll be back with mine after

grocery shopping...

and I'd love to visit you, too!

Sew.... I will catch up with you in a bit!

...Karen

Be Mine Blog Tour Day 2

2011-01-10T22:30:00.000-07:00

...can be found HERE.

Another cute project for Day 2.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

This morning I gave a presentation about quilting

and a show 'n tell of quilts

to a local women's organization.

I sewed blocks last night

for signatures.

My guild makes and gives

a quilt to soldiers in the

transition unit at the army post here.

And I sewed a round on the

internet round robin

that I joined... can't show ya,

sorry...

And I've just received the next round!

Last one!!!

I need a personal sew day... or two!

Coming soon!!!

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Just about every morning,

I have been joined for breakfast by...

Couldn't believe I got "two" in this shot!

...Karen

Be Mine Blog Tour...

2011-01-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

Day 1

can be found HERE...

And this is the project

by Vickie E...

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

...Karen

Hum for a Blustery Day...

2010-12-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

♪ ♪ ♪ ♫ ♪
Hum dum dum ditty dum

Hum dum dum...
♪ ♪ ♪

Oh, the wind is lashing lustily

And the trees are thrashing thrustily

And the leaves are rustling gustily

So it's rather safe to say...

That is seems that it may turn out to be

It feels that is will undoubtedly

It looks like a rather blustery day, today.

It sounds that it may turn out to be

Feels that it will undoubtedly

Looks like a rather blustery day today.

● ● ● ● ●

The morning was calm...

The gray desert cardinal stopped by again.

The finches and doves

flitted between the feeder,

the ground and the Red Oak.
Temps in the 50's...

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

...and THEN!!
The wind began to blow,
the temperature dropped,
and this....

It's going to be quite chilly tonight...

and all weekend long.

I need to put Christmas back its boxes.

And I hope to get in a bit of sewing.

What are your plans for New Year's Eve?

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

...Karen

The Gift of Gifts...

2010-12-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

Herein is wonder of wonders;

He came below to raise me above,

was born like me that I might become like Him.

Herein is love;

when I cannot rise to Him,

He draws near on wings of grace,

to raise me to Himself.

Herein is power;

when Deity and humanity were infinitely apart

He united them in indissoluble unity,

the Uncreate and the created.

Herein is wisdom;

when I was undone,

with no will to return to Him,

and no intellect to devise recovery,

He came, God-incarnate, to save me to the uttermost,

as man to die my death,

to shed satisfying blood on my behalf,

to work out a perfect righteousness for me.

In Him,

thou hast given me so much

that heaven can give no more.

♥ ♥ ♥

May the best presents in your home

this season and New Year

be the presence of

The King of kings and Lord of lords.

Merry Christmas

and

Happy New Year!

Laus Deo

...Karen

♫♪♪♫ Christmas - Part 2

2010-12-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

... on to the dining room.

This is the Nativity

in the china cabinet above.

Basket and garland atop china cabinet.

...Karen

visitor this morning...

2010-12-19T08:13:00.001-07:00

Pyrrhuloxia, also know as the Desert Cardinal.

...Karen

♪♪♫♫ It's beginning to look...

2010-12-18T16:41:00.001-07:00

a lot like Christmas♪♪♫

Welcome to my home,

and Merry Christmas!

A peek in the living room..

Have a good evening...

Karen

Red Oak...

2010-12-17T07:50:00.003-07:00

Happy Friday...

and next Friday is Christmas Eve!!!

Just had to share the red oak in our backyard.

I am still enjoying fall foliage...

AND warm temperatures.

It has been 65-71 degrees this week.

Below is the Bur Oak.

It lost its leaves around Thanksgiving.

Sure makes it easier for me to

capture a pic of the Flicker

that stops by.

I found a video on the web

after seeing this lighthouse on the news!

This is incredible! Did you see this?
Lake Erie, OH

BRRRRRRRRR!

~ video removed ~

If there is wintry weather in your part of the world,

stay warm and be safe... no falling down!

I'll be back later with Christmas pics.

Winston has been such a good helper! ;-)

Enjoy your day!

...Karen

Holly Jolly Blog Bingo Prize....

2010-12-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Received this lovely

French General Pin Cushion

in the mail yesterday!

The Holly Jolly Blog Bingo

is presented by The Quilt Shoppe

on their blog, In Stitches.

❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦

As of this writing...

8 days, 14 hours, 51 minutes

'til Christmas!

Have a great day!

...Karen

Holly Jolly Blog Bingo!

2010-12-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

Starts Friday, December 10th.

Read all about it HERE . . .

❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅

I am trying to get Christmas decorations

"out of the boxes" and placed around the house...

Enjoy your Monday.

...Karen

He's baa-ack!

2010-12-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Last fall and winter,

we had three Flickers

that visited quite frequently.

This photo was taken last year ~ December 11th.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

The visitor this morning!
I took this photo from the window
of the breakfast room.

He flew to the top of this pine tree
so I had to dash out onto the patio.
BRRRRRRR... it's cold! 24 degrees!

❅❅❅ ❅❅❅ ❅❅❅ ❅❅❅ ❅❅❅ ❅❅❅ ❅❅❅ ❅❅❅

Don't forget to check out the...

My post below has a list of all the designers.

Enjoy your day!

...Karen

Henry Glass Designers Holiday Project Parade

2010-12-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

December 1 - 7

Here is a list of the designers participating.

Each will be sharing a free project...

plus lots and lots of other goodies and giveaways,

including a Grand Prize Giveaway!

Day 1:

Heather Mulder Peterson of Anka’s Treasures athttp://ankastreasures.wordpress.com/

Linda Lum DeBono at http://www.lindalumdebono.blogspot.com/

Little Quilts at http://www.littlequilts.blogspot.com/

Day 2:

Amy Hamberlin of Kati Cupcake athttp://www.katicupcakequiltingco.blogspot.com/

Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie’s Quilt co athttp://www.lavieenrosie.typepad.com/

Kari Ramsay of Fresh Cut Quilt Patterns athttp://www.freshcutquilts.blogspot.com/

Day 3:

Jacquelynne Steves of the Noble Wife athttp://www.thenoblewife.blogspot.com/

Jill Finlay of Jillily Studio at http://www.jillilystudio.blogspot.com/

Day 4:

Laurie Bird of Rose Cottage athttp://www.rosecottagequilts.blogspot.com/

Barbara Jones of Quilt Soup at http://www.quiltsoupblog.com/

Beth and Liz Hawkins of Lizzie B Creative athttp://www.dreamlaughcreate.blogspot.com/

Day 5:

Chelsea Anderson of Pink Fig Patterns athttp://www.pinkfig.typepad.com/

Brenda Pinnick of Brenda Pinnick Designs atwww.brendapinnick.com/blog/

Day 6:

Leanne Anderson of The Country Caboodle athttp://www.thewholecountrycaboodle.blogspot.com/

Dana Brooks of Lazy Daisy Cottage athttp://www.lazydaisycottage.blogspot.com/

Day 7:

Kim Diehl at www.henryglassfabrics.blogspot.com

Janet Nesbitt and Pam Soliday of Buggy Barn athttp://www.buggybarnquilts.blogspot.com/

❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄

...Karen

Beautiful Music...

2010-11-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

"Beautiful music is the art of the prophets

that can calm the agitations of the soul;

It is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents

God has given us."

...Martin Luther

During this first week of the Season of Advent,
may you take time to stop and listen
to the music of the season.
"Next to the Word of God,
the noble art of music is
the greatest treasure in the world."
❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅
...Karen

Happy Thanksgiving...

2010-11-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

Finally!

... some fall foliage from my neighborhood!

I took these pics just this morning.

This is our Bur Oak, planted a few years ago.
Its acorn yield? Two this year.

This Red Oak is just beginning to lose its beautiful green.

These leaves will eventually turn the most gorgeous red.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Hubby put the turkey in the smoker this morning
for tomorrow's dinner.
It was in a brine since yesterday and
has been sprinkled with his own special blend.

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●

I am off to the kitchen now to do some baking.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

...Karen

Christmas Quilt Show 2010

2010-11-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

A Guild Challenge in 2005 was

"What Christmas is to you."

Being originally from Baltimore,

and missing home,

I made this Baltimore Album.

It was my first ever Challenge entry,

and I won the Best Workmanship Award.

Here is a close-up of the folded flower bud.

This was hand appliqued and machine quilted by me.

It is 30-inches square.

Have a great Monday!

...Karen

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

I am linking this post to

SewCalGal's

Christmas Quilt Show 2010.

Visit HERE (or the button) to see all the entries.

Civil War blues... a sneak peek

2010-11-08T09:13:00.001-07:00

On my design wall this morning...

...and then there is this.

hmmm, you say...

What is she making???

You'll hear ALL about it... later. ;-)

I can't share just yet...

☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼

Have a great day!

...Karen

☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼

I am linking today to:

Smiling Sally ~ Blue Monday!

Visit Sally's blog for a trip around the world

to view additional Blue Monday posts.

Judy L. at Patchwork Times ~ Design Wall Monday!

Visit the blog of Judy Laquidara for wonderful

design wall inspirations.

another new basket...

2010-11-01T09:35:00.000-06:00

Hello, and Happy Blue Monday!

Look at these lovely threads

and my new basket!

We had a Harvest Party

at church last night for the kids.

Pizza and games and goodies...

and a silent auction.

This handmade basket and threads was my win!

For additional Blue Monday posts,

please visit Smiling Sally.

...Karen