I Had a Busy Day.

I got a lot accomplished today. I have been feeling a lot better since I started eating healthy and exercising. I have also lost 6 pounds. I know that is a long way from my goal this summer of 30 lbs, but it is a start. I'll take it. LOL  I started my day out like always: check my BG, make my green tea, get dressed, make the bed, then settle down for my Bible reading. My day just goes better when I begin it in the Word.  I decided to do my exercises right after my study.

I remembered yesterday how much I always enjoyed working out to Sweatin' to the Oldies, so I drug them out. It actually makes exercise fun, yet I got a good workout. Boy, I was sweating. LOL  After an hour of that, I decided to get the housework done. Then after seeing that the weather was supposed to be rainy most of next week, I decided to weed the garden. I had the whole garden weeded, tilled between the rows, bean seeds planted in bare spots in the rows, a hill of zucchini planted, and everything that bugs like dusted in less than 2 hours. (More like 1 1/2 hours.)  I only had to swat one mosquito. I hate those things. Here is our garden, but don't mind the weeds in the back ground. The garden is planted in a field and our rider is broke down, so until we can push mow around it, we live with the weeds. LOL

Those are sweet potatoes on the right, with 2 bell peppers , 2 eggplants, and a hill of zucchini at the end of the row. Next are our 8 tomatoes. Then we have 2 rows of green beans. This is the smallest garden we have had in almost 33 years of marriage. Our garden is normally 10 times bigger than this. We decided not to plant more than we can comfortably take care. We would still like to plant some watermelon, muskmelon, and spaghetti squash, but that may not happen. I am happy with this.

I  sat down on some blocks to cool down after coming from the garden. Look who showed up. No, not because she loves me, but because she wanted me to feed her. LOL This is Red Sweetie. (See I told you nothing around here gets very original names. LOL

Red Sweetie is very tame and gentle. She will let me pick her up and pet her. Not so with Black Girl. I can't get near her.

This was taken with the zoom. See, she is about ready to take off. She also looks mean. I only have two chickens left. Our winter was rough on them and something caught the rest of them. These two seemed to be smart enough to hide.
After a bit, our Norwegian Elkhound, Midget, decided to come for a petting. His mama was a NE, but we have no idea what his daddy was. He is about 11 years old and is the best dog.

After our lunch, Kevin and I sat down and decided what we wanted to eat for the next couple of weeks. I don't do well without a list. I think he is going to try joining me with the healthy eating. I'm not pushing him, but he did list mostly veggies that he wanted me to get. (grin) Also, first he asked  me to get ham, then changed it to chicken breasts. I am rubbing off on him. LOL

On the quilting front...I have the Carpenter Star all cut out. I usually make a block before cutting everything out, but this one didn't work that way. I am changing some things in the pattern, so wish me luck. I even have the lines drawn on the HST's. It is ready to sew, but probably not tonight. My shoulders hurt too much.(All that hoeing.)

Instead of using 8 fat quarters, I am using 4 half-yard pieces. So I had to label all the fabric, because when I get the HST's done the lay out has to be a certain way to make the design. I hope my fabrics have enough contrast. I guess I'll see.

I think I will go watch some tv now. Everyone have a great evening. Thanks for visiting.

Controlled Scrap Baby Quilt

We had about 1/2 inch of rain last night and chances of more storms building up this afternoon, so it was a rainy day for me. I love rainy days as long as lightning and thunder aren't involved.  It means being able to work on things in the house without guilt. LOL I got some deep cleaning done this morning, then cooked up several things from the freezer. I am trying to get things used out of the freezer so I can defrost it and start over filling it this summer. I found some dry beans that I had cooked a couple of months ago and some tomatoes. I threw those together and added some onion powder, chili powder and cumin. It was pretty good. I also found some spinach. So for our lunch we had beans/tomatoes, spinach, fried zucchini, and cottage cheese. I decided to try a meal without meat. Hmmmm, Kevin asked if we had any hot dogs. LOL So I have chicken out for tomorrow. (grin) I guess he isn't a fan of meatless meals.

Last night I finished the binding on this controlled scrap baby quilt. The colorful blocks were trimmed from the ends of a scrappy strip pieced quilt. The sashing is very old fabric that I have used in many projects. I think I finally got it all used up. Then the sashing cornerstones (Is that what they are called?) are scraps from a jumper I made for myself several years ago. I loved that plaid jumper and wore it out. LOL  The border is some fabric that when I bought it, I thought , what will I ever use this on. It worked good for this quilt. Anyway, this was a fun project that I just started sewing and adding pieces as I wanted. It turned out a great size for a baby.

She heard the click of the camera. Not that Callie likes having her picture taken, but she figured it meant a quilt out on the bed for her to lay on. LOL Little brat.

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"Aww, a quilt just for me!" Sorry Callie, I'm afraid not. I moved her to my ironing board so that I could get some more pictures. I think she is pouting. LOL

Here is a closeup. It hasn't been washed yet, so you may still see some of the chalk marking lines.

Of course I have to share the back. (grin)

When I started this quilt, I intended on using it to practice machine quilting. But when I got it pieced, I liked it too much to take the chance of ruining it. So I hand quilted it. That is what I am comfortable with.  I'm not sure what to share the next time. I need to get busy. LOL Everyone have a great evening. Thanks for visiting.

I Wish I Had More Time in My Days!

I have so many things buzzing around in my head that I am almost feeling overwhelmed. I have so many quilts that I want to make. I am a hand quilter, so no way can I keep up with what I am piecing. I love redwork. I have several projects there that I want to work on. I enjoy applique, both machine and needle turn. Again, several projects that I want to do. I also enjoy counted cross stitch. I made counted cross stitch birth announcements for Ashton and Noah. Hmmm, Hazel asked me a while ago where Izabella's is. Let's see, I am just a little behind. I need to make one for Ava, Izabella, and Madison. If only I didn't need to sleep. LOL  Oh mustn't forget, I also enjoy crocheting, knitting, and reading. Just not  enough time in my day, I tell you. Even feeling as overwhelmed as I have been, I was so excited to get this in the mail today.

Kevin gave me the money  for Mother's Day to pre-order it. I have had EQ6 for at least a couple of years. I have used it some, but not a lot, so I hesitated to order the upgrade. Kevin wanted me to, so I did. He put it on my laptop this afternoon and I have played with it for several hours. I had planned to start on the Carpenter's Star quilt. Oh well, maybe tomorrow.  I do believe Kevin is expecting some nice quilts out of this. LOL

As I told you before, we went to Jamesport on Saturday. I love it there. Their Fabric Barn is not huge, but it fits me perfectly. A lot of their fabric is a few season's ago, but I don't care. If I like it, it doesn't matter to me if it is current or not. Everything I bought was quilt store quality and was $4-$7 a yard. I do like getting fabric from Wal Mart for $2 a yard if it is good quality, but they are going to quit selling it in a few months. I love JoAnn's but only buy their fabric that is on sale. (Of course, I missed their big Memorial Day Sale, visiting the grands.) So I need to realize that I am going to have to pay more for fabric unfortunately.  Since the trip to Jamesport was kind of a spur of the moment, I didn't have a list prepared, so I had to wing it. LOL I ended up buying this pattern and picking out Thimbleberries fabric to make it.

Of course, when I bought it, I did not realize that it is almost all HST's (half square triangles). LOL Might not have bought it if I'd known that, but I should get good at them after a while. I have made lots in the past couple of quilts. While the young lady was cutting the fabric for this quilt, I picked out some more to add to my stash.

I was about done when Kevin poked his head in the door (He waited in the car for me. He encourages my passion, but fabric stores are not his thing. LOL) to remind me to pick up any needles etc that I might need. I really didn't need any (Crispy sent me several a while ago.), but I bought a few packages anyway. Since it is about 85 miles away, we probably won't be going there again for a while. I also found some fat quarters and this cute little tape measure that I plan to carry in my purse.

Then I noticed the stencils hanging on the wall, so had to get a few of those.

So I brought home quite a stash.

Then we went to the bulk food store run by the Amish. I love that too. I bought all this for just $12. I didn't think that was bad. I tried to concentrate on things I can't find locally.

Then we stopped at a couple of furniture stores. They do such beautiful work, but it is really expensive. We found a table and chairs for over $5000. To us that is a lot of money. I think all of the table and chair sets were at least $1000. I would love to have some of their furniture if I could afford it. I am sure it would last for generations. If I ever get rich, I think I will buy a houseful of Amish made furniture. (grin) (I'm not holding my breath.)

Sunday, I had to run to Wal Mart for something for Kevin. I figured as long as I was out, I might as well stop by JoAnn's and use those coupons that were burning a hole in my pocket. LOL  I like a pair of small scissors to clip threads at my sewing machine. Somehow, I have misplaced my pink handled scissors that I always use. (I am blaming it on the cats. hehe) So I took the blue handled ones I use for quilting and embroidery and moved them to the machine. Then I bought these cute little Italian made scissors for half off.

Yes, I know I could have continued to move the blue ones back and forth as needed, but these are so cute, LOL  and they work great.  This is everything that I bought at JoAnns. Didn't need much, just a few odds and ends.

Well, I have been rather long winded today again. LOL  I hope to be back tomorrow and share some crafty things. My blog hasn't had many crafty projects on it this month, but I have had more posts. Thank you all for the kind comments on our grandbabies. I love them so much. Thank you for visiting. Please come again. Oh, by the way, Callie must have really freaked herself out. She hasn't even looked at the door. In fact, this is usually where I can find her.

Yep, laying on my ironing board.  As you can see, I try to spread some bags on it to cut down on the hair, but I still have to clean it every time I use it. (grin)  It is worth it, though. See you later.

Fun with Noah and Izzie!

I arrived at Hazel and Ivan's apartment mid-afternoon Sunday. I do not like to drive in heavy traffic, so the Kansas Turnpike was not an option. (No matter how much quicker and easier it would be, according to Cath.) I researched and found that Hwy 92 was the perfect way for me to go. I took my time because it was the first time I had ever been on this road. Who said Kansas is flat? Hwy 92 is not flat. It is hilly and curvy, but nice scenery. I only made one booboo. That was in Leavenworth. I took a left when I should have taken a right. I only drove about a mile in the wrong direction till I figured out I wasn't getting any closer to the Missouri River. (grin) Once I got turned around and headed the right way, it was smooth sailing. I was happy to cross that Missouri River bridge cause that meant I was back in my home state. I love Missouri. I was born and have lived here my whole life. Anyway, by the time I arrived, Haze and Cath were on the phone with each other trying to figure out where in the world mom was. LOL I told them I could make it on my own.

Noah and Izzie were kind of shy when I first arrived. I am sure they thought my arrival meant their parents were leaving again. As soon as I got that straightened out with them, they started to warm up to me. Of course, the Hershey bar I brought each of them helped with that. (grin) I am not above bribery to get some loving from the grandbabies. Noah had to demonstrate his new Sponge Bob chair.

Of course, Izabella wasn't going to be outdone. LOL See the chocolate around her mouth. She really enjoyed that Hershey bar. She also insisted on the sweatpants under her dress, even though it was in the 90's. That girl has a mind of her own.

I had a terrible time getting a picture with Izzie's eyes open. Every time I tried to take one, she would close her eyes. See what I mean. I have about 20 pictures of her eyelids. LOL

Finally, I caught her all stretched back enjoying the cartoons.

We played cars, ball, train, but the biggest hit was the blocks. They played and played with these. Noah was constantly making another creation for my approval. (grin)

This shocked look on his face is because his blocks fell apart. LOL

There, that's better.

I actually got a closeup of Izzie, even though it isn't a head on shot. Best I could do with the little darling.

As you can see, her hair is finally growing back in over her right ear. Noah cut it straight across the top of her ear back in March while I was watching them. Hazel tried to straighten it up some, but we are all glad it is growing in again. I am thinking she either needs the bangs cut again or to start wearing a barrette. I don't like hair down in the eyes.

Noah built a bridge for us to play cars on.

They play very good together. They have their squabbles, but what brother and sister don't. LOL

I hope you have enjoyed my visit with the grandkids in the past 2 posts. I sure had a wonderful time. I got home about 7  Monday evening. It was good to get back home to Kevin.  Tomorrow I will show you pictures of my Jamesport goodies. I bought some good stuff. Sure makes my day to get to pet some new fabric. Today I had to make a quick trip to Wal Mart. Kevin needed something that we forgot yesterday. So I stopped by JoAnn's to use my coupons. I missed their big sale last week. I got the cutest little pair of scissors for snipping threads while I do redwork. I got them for 50% off. Can't beat that. I'll try to get a picture of them too. Of course, not everyone gets as excited as I do over a new pair of scissors. LOL Just bear with me. (grin) Have a wonderful evening. Thank you for visiting.

Fun with Ashton and Ava!

I had so much fun this past weekend, so I will split it up. I took 179 pictures, but I won't bore you with that many. LOL  Ashton, Ava, and I played hard all weekend. I decided to jump on the trampoline. Not a good idea. I am too old and shall we say 'fluffy' to be jumping on that thing. I promptly did a seat drop and just bounced. Ashton got a big kick out of that. I just couldn't get off my seat. Hmmm, then when I tried to get up, something popped in my knee. Sweet Ava brought me an ice pack in one of her socks. It really helped. My knee was sore for a couple of days, but I am ok now.  Live and learn. LOL  After that, I watched and took pictures.

Look at her hair fly.












Ashton soon got tired of bouncing and went to the swings. He loves swinging and rocking.

Then Ava and I blew bubbles while Ashton was on the swing.

 Ava gave me a manicure and pedicure. I was quite a sight. LOL And no, I didn't get any pictures. Ashton loves to play games on the computer.  Look how intense he is.

Ava and I put a jigsaw puzzle together. She did a great job of fitting the pieces together. Only tried to force a couple of them. LOL

I had Cath snap a picture of the kids and me. As you can see, I really, really got a haircut last week.

Cathryn and Jeremy have turned their garage into a playroom for the kids. They have a projection tv set up out there. Saturday night they opened up the garage doors and invited all of the neighborhood kids over for a movie. We probably had 12-14 kids show up and several parents. We had chairs set up in the driveway. Cath made everyone treats of popcorn, Gatorade, and Starburst candy. What a fun time they all had. I think they do this about once a month and the neighborhood kids love it. While they were getting everything set up, I took a walk around their block. It is 1/2 mile around it. When I got back, Ava was unhappy because I went without her. So we went another turn around the block. She held my hand and chattered the whole way. LOL

Ashton loves to rock in their rocker. In fact, he has claimed it as his own.

Ava played dress up and I was the photographer. She did a good job of modeling. (grin)

I played Pokemon with Ashton. I'll admit, I never understood heads nor tails of that game. I think he was making up the rules as we went along. LOL  Mostly I played with Ava. Ashton likes to play computer games. That is not my thing, so I'd just look and tell him how good he was doing. (grin) Ava and I also played Barbie dolls in her dollhouse. I really think I went back to my childhood last weekend.

While Ava and I were playing Barbie, Ashton was doing this.

 Yep, playing a game. He reminds me of our son, Jon. Jon is a computer geek. Looks like Ashton will be one too. (grin)  I am about done, because I don't know if there is a limit to the amount of pictures you can have in one post. This is Jeremy and Ashton, playing around.

 Cathryn playing with the two kids in the playroom. You can see the big screen in the background.

That is all for today. I may not make it back here tomorrow. Kevin and I are talking about going to Jamesport tomorrow. It is supposed to be raining here, so he suggested we just get out and play. Jameport is an Amish community. My favorite store is the Fabric Barn, of course. (grin). I blogged about it last Sept. I look forward to going there, but I think what I look forward to the most is the drive. It is almost a 2 hour drive for us, and we visit the whole way, no radio even. What fun! So I'll be back with more in a day or two.

Once, again, thank you all so much for the comments and prayers for my Callie. She is worn out today. Sleeping on my ironing board as I type. She hasn't tried to escape any today, so I hope it was a one time thing for her, and she has it out of her system. Thank you for visiting. Have a wonderful weekend.

I did something to mess up my signature, so I'll just sign it.....
Winona

Callie's Home!

Thank you all for praying for my baby to come home. I have been so worried. I tried to be strong, really I did, but I found myself crying several times this evening. I love my cats a lot. Anyway, Kevin told me to turn the pole light on after it got dark. (He is such a sweetheart. He has woke up a few times just to ask if I found her yet. He loves our babies too!)  I went outside calling her every 10-15 minutes. Finally, at 9:45 I walked out the door and said her name one time. I heard a rustling noise behind me, then heard her sweet meow. Oh goodness, I hugged her till she was about ready to get lost again. LOL I told her she is grounded! She is laying right here beside me as I type. I think she is kind of freaked out. She has been outside  since about 1:00 this afternoon. That is when Kevin and I came in from working outside. I started our dinner and he did some computer work.

After dinner, we were watching Dr. Oz, when I asked him if he had seen Callie lately. Then we both got worried and turned the house upside down. So she has been outside for about 9 hours. The good thing about this, is that I have walked over 10,000 steps looking for her. I am wearing my pedometer. I don't think I want her to get lost to encourage me to walk any more, though. LOL

Once again, thank you all for your kind comments and any prayers said on our behalf. I hope to be back tomorrow with some pictures of the grandkids. Everyone have a wonderful night. See you in the morning,.

A Favor to Ask

I had planned to blog about my wonderful weekend with the grandchildren, but I am too upset at the moment to do that. This may sound silly to some, but my Callie is missing. I think she might have sneaked out the door when one of us either went out or came in. Kevin and I have been all over outside calling her. I have even been shaking her treat bag. She always comes to that. If you wouldn't mind, could you say a prayer that she comes back home. She is my baby. I will post when we find her. Hopefully, she will soon be sitting at the door meowing to be let in. Thank you, so much.