Road Trip!

Saturday was a beautiful day so we hopped in the Toy and went 4wheeling.  Temps were in the 50s and we had clouds!!!  We found a new-to-us abandoned ranch.  We think it is the old 96 Ranch.  This place was something in it's day.  Looks like it goes back to around 1900, with a second house built in 1934.  Very nice place.  Sadly, it is very run down now.  So much hard work put into a place, and people just come in and shoot it up and tear it apart.  No respect left anymore. 

We also got some amazing landscape shots of the scenery.  All in all a very good day.

Empire Ranch

This weekend we went down to the Sonoita area for Steve to hang out at Empire Ranch.  We decided to check out a local bed and breakfast and chose Whisper's Ranch.  The owners maintain an animal sanctuary next to the lodge.  We reserved the Ranch Suite, which was awesome.  The whole suite was a loft setup and the living room was all ours - we didn't have to share!  We arrived about 2:30 Friday afternoon and settled in to enjoy the quiet.  Around 4:30 we went into Sonoita for a steak dinner and a little live after dinner music.  Friday we headed into Empire Ranch where Steve and John hung out all day getting their pictures taken and adding ambiance to the event.  They love just hanging out playing cowboy. 

 They provided hayrides throughout the day.  The location was absolutely beautiful.



            This windmill was on the edge of the property.  The moon was still up at 9:30 in the morning.  There were lectures on different aspects of western life, demonstrations, food, hay rides, trick riding, and lots of other fun stuff.  It is really worth the visit.  This event was to help raise funds to restore the ranch.  You can find out more by visiting their website.  Rita and I wandered around for about an hour or so, then went back to the bed and breakfast to hang out til dinnertime, when we met the guys at the steakhouse.

 



These guys were pretty good at roping!  It was fun to watch them.  Steve and John looked pretty good, don't you think?

Meanwhile, back at the bed and breakfast, we saw some "wildlife".  Steve enjoyed watching Mama and baby having breakfast in the parking lot on Saturday morning.  On Sunday, we caught these butterflies, and MANY more, hanging out on the skunk bush.  All in all, it was a great weekend and I am already looking forward to returning next year!  You'll have to forgive the haphazard arrangement of the pictures.  Evidently I have not yet mastered blogging!

 



Who likes alterations??

I am doing some alterations for my mil and while trying to remove the elastic in the first pair of pants - you know the kind that's sewed on with FIVE rows of stitching - I am once again reminded why I don't like doing alterations.  Also, she gave me the length for shortening the hem and when I measured it out, it looks like the pants will become pedal pushers.  AND the pants legs taper, so not sure how that's going to work.  I guess I will have to stop removing the waist elastic and take the pants back over to her to put on so I can see what's going on.  I was really hoping she would pin the pants legs up to the proper length instead of giving me a measurement.  I don't know where she measured from - top of waistband?  bottom of waistband?  I know it's not the inseam measurement, because then nothing would be taken off lengthwise.  Or maybe this pair of pants is the right length????  Ugh. 

On a more cheerful note, the music cabinet in my last blog is now holding my collection of Home Arts Needlecraft vintage magazines.  I now have more than half of all the issues published!  Woo Hoo!  I'm in the process of trying to put the articles online on my other blog.  As if I need a new project.  But I think overall it will be fun.

Well, time to head to the shower to get ready for a meeting of a new committee I joined two weeks ago - Arizona Quilt Documentation Project.  I volunteered to be secretary. 

New / old

 

Steve and I went antiquing today and this music cabinet came home with us.  I have been looking for one for a long time but was able to walk away from whatever I saw.  Not today.  I love it.  That's his humidor sitting on top.  The cats had to check it out - something new in the house.  Now to rearrange the living room to make room for it.  lol  Something in - something out.

Arizona Centennial Quilt Project

Well, 4 years of hard work is coming to a close.  We viewed the "100 Quilts - 100 Years" at the Arizona Historical Society in Tucson.  The show will go to the end of the year.  It's a must-see.  They're not your grandma's quilts.  And you NEED to see the commemorative quilt!  WOW is an understatement!  There's lots to see besides the quilts, so if your dh is not into quilts, he will see lots to keep him happy while you view the quilts.  In this picture I am bragging a bit - my name is on the sign just inside the front door and also on the back of the commemorative quilt!  How cool is that to be a part of history???

Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame Winners Part 2

Enjoy the show and remember, please do not download pictures without permission.

 

The End!

Hope you enjoyed the show!  I know I did!

Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame Winners!

Viewed a small quilt show of quilts that won ribbons from the Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame.  What amazing talent these ladies have!  Enjoy the show, but please do not download pictures without permission.

I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to catch a photo of this quilt with the two subjects and the maker!

 

More pictures tomorrow!

Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe: Is it time to give away some hand dyed floss? YES!#c6686176641372151508

Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe: Is it time to give away some hand dyed floss? YES!#c6686176641372151508

If you love hand-dyed fibers, check this out!

DH and I went to Tucson this past weekend and had a great time.  The hotel - Marriott - was absolutely beautiful.  Everything I did was within walking distance.  Hubby went "far afield" on Saturday while I stayed close and attended two seminars.  Today I'm posting pictures of our hotel.  The lobby was amazing.  I have never stayed in a place like this.  The staff was great, also.  I think we will be returning!



It's "cool" here!

Well, relatively speaking - we are down to double digits.  Still overcast today.  Two days ago it rained for over 6 hours straight.  Then the sun started to peek out and it got unbearably muggy.  But it was so nice while it was raining.  I may even make some cookies today because it's so "cool".

September

I'm reading on everyone else's blogs that they see fall in the air.  It is still triple digits here, and will continue through at least next week (more likely the next month).  I am ready for double digits and lower dew point so the swamp cooler works.  I am ready for cold water to come out of the tap when I turn on the cold water faucet.  I am ready for the house to be cool enough to cook again.  I am ready to be able to step away from in front of the fan and not break out into a sweat.  I am ready to move to the North Pole for a few weeks.  I did get some sewing done today.  I made block 3 and 4 of the Summer Sewalong from the Temecula Quilt blog.  I'm only 4 weeks behind.  Didn't sleep well last night so napped today.  And tummy was queasy all day.  I don't like hot weather.  But what do you do when you live in Arizona?

Making Progress

I've finished quilting the body of the small quilt.  I need to decide what I'm going to quilt on the borders.  I know I will do small hearts in the corner blocks, but not sure what to do on the sides.  Have to dig out my stencils and see if anything "speaks" to me.  :)  It's been fun working on this.  Does it look properly scrappy to you?  Looks a lot different  on the computer screen than it does in "real life"!  The white really seems to jump out.

Doing some hand quilting in between laundry loads.  This is a small quilt - 22 x 22 from Temecula.  I am doing one of their monthly quilts and the neat thing is that each month you get a "bonus" pattern for a small quilt.  Now to decide which of my dolls will "inherit" this quilt when it's finished!  :)

Stormy Weather

We had a storm blow thru the valley yesterday evening around 6ish.  We got hard winds and almost lost a tree.  Others weren't so lucky and did lose trees.  The dust storm portion passed through west of us so we missed most of the dirt.  We also didn't get much rain, just some sprinkles.  The picture is the beautiful side of the weather.  I love how the sun rays stream down.  Gotta tell ya, I am loving my new camera!  :)

A River Runs Thru It

Ever have a noise wake you up in the morning and you think to yourself "I don't want to know what that is" ?? That was us this morning. Walked out of the bedroom into the hallway to a flood. The swamp cooler had sprung a leak. The hall ceiling and the front bathroom ceiling were demolished. Drywall in the toilet is not a good thing. Water flowed down the hall, along one living room wall and into the kitchen. Not how I wanted to spend the day.  I have been wet vacing up water.  Steve is on the roof trying to repair the cooler.  At least it is not triple digits today.

4:51PM  Cooler is repaired.  Mess cleaned up in the bathroom and hallway.  We have a bathroom back!  lol  Guess we will live with the lack of ceiling until we can install the a/c later this year.  No point in spending money on drywall, just to tear it back out in a few months.  Home ownership. Huh.

Back in production..

Finally got my sewing room back to where I can sew and press, and the floor is still clear!  Did some alterations on a dress for my niece and got a quilt block cut out and started piecing.  Also watched some Olympic trials while I did some cross stitch.  So today was a pretty good day.  It's good to have my sewing room back open for business!  Now to finish all the WIPS so I don't have any more piles!!

Happy Father's Day

We miss you!  This picture was taken probably around 1951-1952,  we were living in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.  He really had his hands full with 4 girls!  I remember he got "special" treatment when we were growing up.  At the dinner table, he got to share his day first, then we could share our day.  He always had first dibs on the bathroom (had to - with four girls wanting access! lol).  But he worked hard for his family, even going to school while working full time, earning a master's degree.  Not easy with a family.  We never had a lot of money, but we never went without, either.  He could fix anything.  He could solve any problem.  Thanks for all you did for us!  We love you and miss you!

Memorial Day Tribute

A picture of my dad, who was career Air Force, retiring after serving 22 years.  He started out in the Army Air Corp, then transferred to the Air Force when it was created.  He served in WWII in England, went on many TDY duties throughout his career, and finally retired out of Langley AFB in VA.  I believe this picture was taken in Germany, at Bitburg AFB, where he served from 1956 - 1959.  We were able to join him at this post.  Thanks for your service, Daddy!

New Computer!

Got my new Dell laptop today!  Still working on getting files transferred over from old laptop and desktop.  DH wants to use the laptop as his gaming computer so he wants all unrelated files off it and on to my new computer. Hmmmmm.  lol  I have a built in camera so I can skype now!  Just have to figure out how and find someone to skype with!  It's also much faster than the old laptop.  And has a numeric keypad, which I have really been wanting.  Having fun finding my way around.  I think I will like it!

3rd Annual Arizona Quilt Study Regional Study Weekend

I know, it's a mouthful.  lol  Just got back from Tucson from the 3rd Annual Arizona Quilt Study Regional Study Weekend.  It was awesome.  The speakers were Helen  Young Frost (Grand Endeavors: The Arizona Quilt Project), Carolyn O'Bagy Davis (Hopi Quilts: Community and Culture), Janet Carruth (Emma Andres: Little Sister of America's Quiltmakers), Julie Silber (Quilts in Women's Lives) and Jean Carlton (quilts made at/around  the time of Arizona history).  I will post pictures thru the week.  I took lots of pictures.  This was the first year that we had a two day study.  I hope that continues.  My sister, Lois, is here visiting for a week so she was with me.  Loads of fun.  If you live in Arizona, you need to check out our group.  We have quilt studies throughout the year, not just once a year.  Lots of show and tell.  Lots of eye candy.  Also got to see the "100 Years - 100 Quilts" exhibit at the Arizona Historical Society Museum.  That display will be there thru December and it is a must see.

Rain, rain, go away

We had lots of rain today.  Along with wind.  Also a bit of hail.  And snow on the Superstition Mountains.  I took this picture this evening on our way home from visiting friends.  Don't worry, I wasn't driving, dh was!  lol  I love seeing double rainbows.

Mother is at rest

Mother passed away peacefully in her sleep early Sunday morning. Elaine and I had settled her down for the evening and since she was breathing easy, did not give her any meds to help with her discomfort. Elaine had checked on her about 2am and she was sleeping quietly, I checked on her about 5:30 and she was gone, still in the position that we had settled her in the night before. She looked so peaceful. She was an amazingly strong woman and she will be sorely missed. I am so grateful for God giving me a Christian mother.  I am so grateful that I got to spend these last two weeks with her. She took care of me for so many years, I am glad I got to return the favor. I will cherish the memory of this time for the rest of my life.

Woke up to rain this morning. It has let up temporarily, but still cloudy. This is the kind of day that I miss now that I live in Arizona. I love when rain settles in for the day, rather than passing thru in a few hours. We laid Mother to rest yesterday. It was a bright, sunshiny, warm day. Cousins came to the service and it was so good catching up with them. I am embarrased to say that I did not recognize some as I had not seen them since they were children. Where does the time go?????? We had such a good visit before the service, then again after the graveside service. We shared memories of Mother, of visits with our grandparents, of visits with each other, many memories revisited and many laughs shared. What a wonderful healing time. The church service was beautiful and the host church made us feel like family. The graveside was special and personal. It was nice being back at the church we attended when visiting our grandparents. Although none of us cousins ever lived in Kents Store (well, we did for 3 months before joining Daddy in Germany waaaaayyyy back in 1956) we have roots there. My greatgrandfather pastored the church for a time, a cousin's husband pastored the church for a time. My grandparents and now both my parents are at rest there. There is something about that area that makes even those who did not grow up there feel at home. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us during this time. Your love and support have indeed been felt and cherished.

Still hanging in there......

Mother's breathing seems more labored. It is getting harder to get her to take her meds. We crush the pills and mix with a little applesauce or yogurt to help them slide down. Sometimes I think she only "endures" it to please us. We have to keep her sitting up all the time to aid in her breathing. We try to keep her restful with the meds for nausea and anxiety so she doesn't have to endure the pain in her chest. She rouses a bit on occasion, but she is so tired. Thanks to everyone for your continued prayers. It really does help knowing you are all out there supporting us.

Chest Pains continue

Chest pains are continuing to plague Mother.  We are giving the stronger meds more frequently.  So tough to see her suffer.  She and I have some interesting discussions during the day as she hovers between sleep and awake.  At one point she said she felt "murky".  Poor thing.  Lois is here for overnight.  This morning as I tried to comfort her until the meds kicked in, she reached up to give me a hug.  Did it bring on the waterworks??? Naahhhhh.  :)

Request prayers

Mother's good day has turned not so good.  She is having chest pain, presumably from bad heartburn.  Have given her two doses of her morphine, but she's still in discomfort and still awake.  The first dose did absolutely nothing.  Not sure exactly what is going on.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...

Most of our snow has melted.  The sun is shining.  Two of Mother's cousins came by today to visit with her. She knew who they were and chatted with them for a bit. Then we had a nice long visit. We all realized during our conversation how blessed we all are to have come from such a strong Christian family background. Our faith has been passed down thru many generations. It is something that as children we tended to take for granted as that was all we knew, but now as adults realized how blessed we all are. As Happy put it, we were saved "from" sin by being born into Christian families. Our faith was with us from the beginning of our lives. We didn't have to go looking for it like so many others. Truely a blessing. (Hope this all makes sense! lol). Another cousin, Cathy, stopped by near the end of our visit.  Cynda led in prayer over Mother before they all left. The visit may have done me more good than Mother! :) Praise God for our extended family!

Family Reunion

All three grandkids were here today to visit with Mother.  Bryan and his family, Sarah, and Art (he flew in from MI today).  We got lots of pictures and Mother seemed quite aware of what was going on, even though her eyes were shut most of the time.  I think she really enjoyed having them all here today.  Did her a world of good.  Of course, us "oldies" had a good time also.  lol  Elaine, me and Lois.  Just missing Carolyn, but she will come up for the day tomorrow to see M and Art.  Lois and her crew left just before dinner.  Art will be here til Tuesday.  All in all a good day.  Thanks for all the prayers.  They are much appreciated.

Update on Mother

Mother is holding her own, I guess you could say.  She does have problems with acid reflux which is very painful for her.  We have been giving her some meds and hopefully they will work to control that.  I so hate to see her in pain.  She has been a real trouper all thru this.  She is eating a little bit, which makes us feel better anyway.  She spends most of her time sleeping. which is to be expected.  I am so glad I am here.  No place I would rather be right now.

100 Quilts 100 Years

The "100 Quilts - 100 Years" quilt exhibit opens at the Arizona Historical Museum on Saturday, February 18 with  ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:30 pm.  The Commemorative Quilt will also be on display.  The book and dvd (a virtual tour) are available for sale.  You can but either one or get both at a discount.  Here's the link.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKkN3jsmh_U

Update on Mother

I will be flying to VA on Tuesday to help sisters care for Mother.  She seems to be holding her own.  Supposed to be released from hospital tomorrow and transported to Elaine's, where I will be going.  Hard not knowing how long I will be staying, but plan to see it through.  Will take some hand piecing and some cross stitch projects to keep my hands busy.  Elaine has lots of books, so will be well supplied in that area.  Looking forward to seeing everyone, even though the circumstances aren't the greatest.  Really mixed feelings on this trip.

Requesting Prayers

To family and friends: Mother went in the hospital this morning in Hampton. When she woke up this morning and was unable to sit up or dress herself so Carolyn took her in. She is currently on oxygen and an IV and they are getting ready to move her to a room in the Hospice ward, where she will be able to stay for up to 7 days while other decisions are made. Elaine and Lois are in Hampton now. Mother's kidneys are not up to par, so we do not know how long she will continue. The doctors say days or months. Please keep us in your prayers. Marsha, could you contact your mother for us? Thanks!

Wandering Wednesday

Errand day again.  Went to Penzay's to pick up some spices, etc.  I LOVE that store!  One of my new favorites is the dried celery.  I don't use enough in cooking to make it worthwhile to buy fresh - always goes bad.  This stuff is dehydrated and puffs back up when put in liquids.  I like the flavor much better than using celery seed.  And a little goes a long way.  Ask me how I know.  lol  Picked up more fresh eggs from my girlfriend.  It has warmed up enough that they have started laying again.  You get spoiled real quick with fresh eggs.  The ones in the store pale (literally) by comparison.  Faded out yolks and whimpy flavor.  

I will tackle part three of the "great sewing room cleanup" tomorrow.  I will sort thru the stuff on the shelves and get rid of what I will probably never use.  If I haven't used it in 20 years, I probably will never use it, you think??????  Sis has expressed an interest in my gingham (which was gifted to me by a friend who's sister used to make square dance outfits), so will box that up for her.  I need more shelf space and the only way I will get it is to get rid of some stuff I don't use.  Real estate is too valuable in there! 

A new book came in the mail today.  "Colour Confidence in Embroidery" by Trish Burr.  Mary Corbet reviewed it on her blog last month - http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/12/colour-confidence-in-embroidery-book-review.html .  Sounded like just the thing to finally teach me about color.  Haven't gotten too far into it yet, but so far I really like it.  If you like embroidery, Mary Corbet's Needle 'N Thread blog is a must-visit.

I must apologize to those who have left comments on some of my blogs.  I have it set up so they have to be approved, and I forgot where to go to find pending comments.  My bad.  I will be more prompt from now on.  :)

I Did It!!

Cleaned everything out of the sewing room, well, everything that was on the floor and chest.  Made sure all projects were bagged up so all parts are together.  Piled everything on our queen size bed.  The bed was completely covered, a foot deep in many places.  Vacuumed the floor!!!!!!!  Put all my vintage linens, etc inside the chest, then piled all the bagged projects on top of the chest.  Boy do I have my work cut out for me!!  I still need to rearrange my shelves and get rid of some stuff and shelve stuff I want to keep.  Put a bunch of stuff in the truck to drop off at the Goodwill tomorrow when I'm out for errands.  My sewing table is loaded up again, but that should be rectified Thursday.  Dh goes back to work and I will have a long day home alone to work in there again.  Friday is the Quilt and Craft Expo at the fairgrounds.  That's my annual selfish shopping spree.  I have so much I don't find much I can't live without anymore.  Bummer.  :)  Saturday is quilt study group.  Uncovered two of dh's old quilts that his grandmothers made (may go back farther, he doesn't remember, may need to ask his mother).  Also found the quilt that my grandmother made for my son 40+ years ago.  Taking all three to quilt study for show and tell.  I think I did good today.  My back hurts something awful from all the bending and lifting, but it is looking good!!!!!!!

The Big Sewing Room Cleanup

I finally got into my sewing room this evening to start cleaning it up.  It was so bad there was no bare floor.  I had taken my sewing machine in for repair and while it was gone, I loaded up the sewing table with yet more junk so there was no place to return my machine to.  Nor my serger.  Sigh.  The sewing table is cleaned off and the machine is back in place.  I was surprised at how thrilled I was to have it set up again.  Can't wait to get in there tomorrow to do some stitching.  I still need to clean the other 3/4s of the room, but progress has been made.  I will have to pull everything out and sort it on my bed.  And make some hard decisions about getting rid of stuff.  I just have too much stuff.  No, scratch that.  My sewing room is too small.   Yeah, that's better.

I have been following several needlework and quilting blogs this year.  With the coming of the new year, most are taking stock of their WIPs and setting goals for completing them.  I know I should list my UFOs and WIPs so I have an idea of what I need to do and maybe come up with some kind of order of progress. But maybe not, I might get too discouraged. Reading others' lists of to-dos makes me feel not quite like such a failure. I am good at starting, not so good at finishing. I love to finish - it's a good feeling. Wonder why I can't seem to do it more often. Maybe it's like reading a good book, you want to see how it all turns out but you're kind of sad when you get to the last page because you have to "leave". Make sense? I have next week planned to get into my sewing room to get it organized and cleaned up, then see what projects need to be finished. Maybe start with the ones that are closest to being completed...  I think my oldest project is one I started while still living in VA (that was over 20 years ago).  Pretty bad.  It's a gift for my sister and only needs the outlining completed.  Maybe a week or so, working on it a bit every day.  Not so hard.  So why do I keep avoiding it?  It's a beautiful project and will look great hanging in her house.  We're not getting any younger......  Last year was the year of no new starts.  This year will be the year of completions.  I have projects in cross stitch, crewel, needlepoint, quilting, garment construction (an 1880s sac coat for dh), crochet, knitting.......  And list upon list of new projects I would like to start.  Only one new start this year and that is a sampler I have had my eye on since 2010.  I fell in love with it when I saw it in Sampler and Antique Needlework Quarterly and broke down and bought the supplies for it.  I HAVE to have this one!  lol 

I realized the ACQP will be winding down this year.  Some big events happening this year - all coming to a wonderful culmination during Arizona's centennial year.  Hard to believe we are finally reaching our goals.  I think I will be a bit sorry to see the project end.  It has been an amazing journey.  I have met some wonderful and talented women with whom it has been a great pleasure to work.  Retirement does indeed open new doors!  :)

I have also been part of an amazing group of women who love quilts.  They are all so willing to share both their knowledge and collections in our quilt study meetings.  I am making an effort to attend more meetings this year.  I am also working on encouraging a girlfriend to attend with me.  She does day care and her weekends are mostly taken up with family, but she has expressed a desire to do some things "just for herself".  Don't we all need some of that?  I hope she will be able to be my "quilt buddy". 

Normal Wednesday

Errand day today.  Sprouts ( health food store) was packed today.  Picked up 3 books from the library.  Went to Target for toiletries and sundries.  Picked up milk (we get raw milk - delicious!).  Stopped by friend's for eggs but her chickens aren't laying well right now.  Did leave her another egg carton.  She will need all she can get when they start laying again.  Then by grocery store.  Picked up three magazines: Threads, Chickens, and Victoria.  Oh, also picked up a reloading magazine for dh.  Made meatloaf for dinner, so he gets a meatloaf sandwich for lunch tomorrow.  I read and caught up on my emails after dinner.  He worked on a wallet he's making for his bil for 70th birthday.

I Solemnly Resolve....

Last year I promised myself not to start any new projects.  I kept that promise.  Well, except for the small quilt that I started in a quilt class that my sister treated me to, but that doesn't count, right??  I was hoping this goal would help me finish up some projects.  Nope.  So this year my goal is to finish some projects. Now that I have said it and put it in print, I hope it will happen.  I am almost done on one project that I started in 2008.  I should finish it this week.  At least the stitching part.  I want to mount it on a box lid.  We'll see how long that takes to happen!!  I hope to post pictures of my projects, at least as I finish them, maybe while I am working on them.  We'll see how that turns out.  :)  The road to where is paved with good intentions??????????