Poppies and Palms

Quilt in my Bonnet

2009-02-03T13:27:00.003-05:00

This is what I've been up to the last 24, although I've told the husband I've been cleaning!! What he doesn't know what bother him!! I did run the vacuum and dust and picked up "stuff".

One is Valentine's, One is Easter, they both need to be quilted, then bound. Does anybody have the "Binding Thingy"? I can't figure it out for the life of me!!

Valentine was developed in my brain, Easter one is from a pattern I got at Nancy's Quilt Shop in Vegas, I did it with brights rather than pastels and put all three patterns into one scene.

Chihuly Event at the DeYoung

2008-10-19T09:52:00.005-05:00

This was our other huge event while I was there (besides the new twins and family)Amazing Antique Boats one with globes and one with various shapes. The best part is they sat on black glass (??) and the glass reflects back the shape, beautiful. This is the boat with various shapes.

An amazing hanging piece, my camera just doesn't do justice to the colors. You couldn't use flash, and they sold only one post card!!

A walk thru a flower garden, again all set on black glass to give more reflection.

a Ceiling filled with sea shapes! Gorgeous!!

Pill Box Delivery

2008-10-19T09:28:00.004-05:00

Well my "able to live hormone" pills are here from Madison Wisconsin, they actually compound them there. I feel better today already, let's hope that continues!!

More pics of Calif trip. These are Legoland during the Star Wars weekend:

The Amazing Darth Vadar and one of his peeps.

Footnote:My husband is right next to me in bed while I do this. He's sound asleep and his breathing/snoring sounds just like Vadar's breathing. Maybe we can market this?? It might boost the old stock portfolio back up so we will be able to buy bread when we retire!!

Chewbaca was only there in Lego form, don't know why costume form wasn't there, he's one of my favorite. But amazingly cook in Lego form, I must say!

My favorite of all time, mainly because I relate to her body shape, very much!! Of course when the original movie came out, I was shaped like C3PO!

Making sure you buy as many legos as one possibly can!! Everybody did a fantastic job!! Not sure how much the actual park costs (we had lots of Lego Club coupons, but it is a great day of entertainment, even without the star wars part!!) Great Park!

Suzie and Austin contemplating the next trip to Legoland and/or the gift shop!!! The kid made out like a bandit, but he does love his Legos. His birthday is next month, his present was bought early with his permission, and he does love those big boxes!! Maybe a little lego present in November, I know 11 pieces, he'll be eleven!!

My Meds Cabinet

2008-10-18T08:02:00.003-05:00

This is a famous painting by Damien Hirst, it's what mine looks like! (Almost) Alexis Stewart turned me onto this painting. If you all want a great laugh (some vulgar words) listen to Alexis & Jennifer, Sirius Radio (5:00 eastern, 2:00 Pacific) How her mother lets her get away with 7/9s of what she says is beyond me. She is so far from her mother it's hysterical!!

This post was a joke, I know once the meds get straight with my own body, I'll be fine, it's just getting to that step. It's a good thing I don't really have any health issues, because this "we'll try it" stage of medicine is awful!!

New Meds Yet Again!

2008-10-18T07:51:00.002-05:00

Well, with the new group of meds, i'm supposed to be like new and this time hopefully it will last!! The dr game me anxiety meds that are connected to menopause, then another pill (hormone) that's taken like a birth control pill, (has different strengths) according to the week of the month, then I'll be getting some hormone creams!! Hopefully with all those toys I'll be back to me. The last couple months were rough. Although when we were in Glacier with no phone, no tv, no computers, I seemed to be fine. But then again, we were there on my one good week a month. Maybe I'll move to Glacier, but getting hormones and other meds up into those mountains but be challenging for UPS. Husband has been great except he thinks the minute you swallow the pill, the next second all issues are gone and wants to restart a social life with friends. It takes a couple of days, I've tried to tell him that. Right now it's taking me at least a whole day to get myself psyched and ready to go to meetings or a football game. But with hormones, hopefully, I'll be my old dopey self soon!! I am going sewing today with a scrapbook group (just 3 of us) and working on my halloween quilt. I had to cancel my state fair quilt, my art gallery quilt behind the glass window, and a few other big projects. Rough stuff!

Halloween Kaffe

2008-10-12T11:29:00.003-05:00

Here is the beginnings of my Halloween quilt using a pattern from the new Kaffe book. I sure hope he doesn't read my blog, because not one of my triangles made a square where they meet. Maybe the fabric is hooked on Spook Punch, and the chose not to meet. Yeah, that's the answer!!!

Last night I vowed to not leave the house until I recover from Liposuction, that's the only way I'm going to lose weight!

spell check

2008-10-12T07:28:00.002-05:00

Spelling & Grammar errors don't count of Blogs!!

whate doo eye know, my edumacation is from california!

Here they are!!

2008-10-12T07:13:00.004-05:00

Connor:

Happy, looks like Dad, likes to spit up when you least expect it!! Giggles in his sleep!

Cassandra:

Sorry about the no clothes, but she's making up for it with her cute Mary Jane socks. She has a couple of different colors. She loves to eat, loves to scream (she'd make a great cheerleader!) smiles a lot, loves to give surprises in her diapers, surprises of many colors!

Not sure which one this is, they are wigglers, but that's dad, no doubt in this world, the Daddy, no mix up genes here!!

Mrs. Doyle with her first grandchilder, flat tummy Mommy and proud Pops, they make a nice family!!One of the beautiful cradles Daddy made for his sweet babies!!

Kaffe is here!

2008-10-08T16:34:00.002-05:00

The new book is here!! I'm going to eat dinner with a glass of wine and my new book!! By Peeps!!

Blogspot is going thru meanopause too!

2008-10-06T08:14:00.003-05:00

ok, blogger just messed up, left off half of what I wrote and 5 pics. I'm sure my words weren't important.

so, here's the pics -

Glacier first

Avalanche Falls

St Mary's Lodge (our home for 3 nights) on the NE side of park, which is now closed for winter! Closed 9/15

One of the many amazing views from Going to the Sun Road!

Look closely and you will see our bear!! We were right on the other side of the trunk on the left hand side of this pic. He actually was fine with us until a flash went off from a camera, not mine! and then came over his log after us and we all ran. Not what we were supposed to do, but this time we were lucky and he was sleepy!

Kaffe's New Book

2008-10-06T07:58:00.001-05:00

It's in transit, due 10/10, but it's already left Greensboro, NC, so could be before due date!!! Can't wait.

Meanopause is better today, we've determined I'm having one good week a month, and this is it, so must cook, clean and put up halloween, befoe the week runs out. I cancelled my whole life for this month and parts of next. I did keep gym, walking, hair coloring (a must) and bible study.

Meanopause

2008-10-05T10:18:00.002-05:00

Menopause is mean!! How can a human brain have so so many capabilities that it is able to change your whole persona in one day??? I sure hope this transition isn't going to take forever and that I find a dr that can get a gaggle of meds that work for me!! Otherwise I'm only good for one week a month, as far as being human and coherent!! Thank God I have the best husband and family in the world!! Otherwise, I'd be alone at this point!!

I still haven't gotten our trip pictures ready for posting yet!!

What a Loss!

2008-09-27T10:05:00.003-05:00

A sad, sad, sad day. My Mom's all time favorite, we celebrated his birthday, celebrated his first movie, last movie, when he did Butch & Sundance, everything. When I was in Israel, I went to the King David Hotel, just to say I was in the same place as "the man". Condolences to his family from our family especially our Mom!

Leaving on a jet plane!!

2008-09-24T09:05:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm off, flying all day today!! The trip from west to east coast is a killer!! It seems like it is 24 hours long instead of 12!! I had a nice visit, had fun at Legoland, enjoyed the babies immensely, and enjoyed Suzie and kid too!! (Austin) He's growing up so fast!! In November he'll be 11 and it seems like yesterday I picked him up for the first time out of his crib and cooood and smiled at me the whole time I was holding him!! Now, he's a very picky eater, loves his legos, loves his cars and is a very smart and good kid!!

After I get home, sort through about 1500 pics, i'll blog with pictures!! Now it's off to Sacramento, and on to a long plane ride to Atlanta, and a hop to Columbia.

And home to my sweet husband, Bogie and Starbucks who I have missed immensely!!

Art @ the DeYoung!

2008-09-21T19:56:00.002-05:00

Chihuly Glass at the DeYoung. I knew that he had planned an exhibit before I came, and we ordered timed tickets in advance. This was one of the largest museum exhibits he's ever done. What an amazing talent he has!!! I wish I had one little finger worth of his imagination!! Love, love, love his stuff!! When I get back to Columbia, our art museum has a mini exhibit, two chances to see his things in one month!! Wow, how lucky am I.

Our airport was close due to a crash of a Lear Jet with Travis Barker (Blink 182, not my choice of music, but I do have kids) 4 people died, and 2 are at the Augusta Burn Center. Ken says the airport is back in action. I fly home Wednesday, so just in time. Columbia has never had so much attention, especially the airport!!!

Twins are Adorable!

2008-09-18T09:39:00.002-05:00

I saw them!! They are so cute, they made me cry the first second or so!! They are almost 2 months old!! Connor can push himself up a little, and he roles over once, Cassandra can almost get over!! It's just a matter of time. They have figured out how to cry and poop in tandem!! Pics to follow as soon as I get home!!

Star Wars hits Legoland!

2008-09-14T20:39:00.002-05:00

We had a great time in Legoland with all the Star Wars characters. The park, or Hollywood, whomever, did a great job!! While everybody was still standing in line waiting for the park to open, the park turned on the music from the bar where Luke met Han Solo, then from every opening in site, characters came out, and the park opened!! The kids and adults all went crazy in line. We were number two in our line!! As soon as I get home, I'll be able to do my pictures! The park is cute too, we didn't make it to their new aquarium, ran out of time. There will be other trips for Austin, so he will get to see it. Now time to get ready to see the twins. I see them tomorrow!! "Anytime after 11:00 a.m." a direct quote from Mom!!

In Calif, through with Glacier

2008-09-11T18:57:00.002-05:00

We had the best trip to Glacier Nat'l Park. It was spectacular!! I have over 700 pics, so I need to organize and perge and/or organize again. We have a long list of animals that we saw, including an encounter with a bear!!! Yes, a bear. We hiked a total of 19 miles, that's not a lot to many, but for us it was enough to rub Bengay on our calves about every night!! We also kept looking for Tucks Pads in the general stores, I guess we are getting old!! OH, people who know me well won't believe this next tid bit---I did #1 in the woods 3 times. Sometimes you just got to let go of your phobias!! It wasn't easy, but there was something about that altitude, when I had to go, I had to go!!!
And another tid bit. I found a quilt shop in Kalispell, where the Glacier International Airport is (all two gates!). The shop is called Glacier Quilts. It was AWESOME!!! I spent some bucks there!!! But wow, what inspiration!!
Ok, peeps, Austin has informed us that we are leaving at 5:00 a.m. for Legoland (for 2 nights, and then it's on to see the new twins!!) Got to go!
Pics to follow when I get home, Suzie has an antiquated system here, my 700 pics is libel to blow up her entire system!!

Ahh... Pet Smart we have a problem!!

2008-08-27T16:11:00.003-05:00

We've had a medical emergency here at Bogie's house. His most beloved Hedgehog, blew a gasket and his entire inside's were strewn all over the living room this morning. Now, keep in mind Dad reads within inches of this event, and he said he never heard or saw anything!! Anyhow, my evening will be spent on Hedgehog surgery. We have a spare hedgehog, but it doesn't taste near good enough, and he's often ignored!

Well, the insides are on the outside, hmmm... surgery might be required.??

"I promise Mom, I didn't do it, but it sure was a great idea!"

This is the "fall back" Hedgehog, but doesn't have near enough dog koodies on it.

Can't Wait!

2008-08-26T11:12:00.002-05:00

PEOPLE - LOOK WHAT'S COMING!!!

You can pre-order on Amazon!! I think it's out in October!!! YUMMY!!

A Real Art Show

2008-08-25T13:28:00.001-05:00

I was accepted by the "paint people" they are up for most anything and can't wait to see what a "textile" person might do!! I'm going to be in an art show just like real artists!! whoo hoo!! Got to go sew!!

I have Baby Pics!!!

2008-08-24T08:42:00.002-05:00

I have 11 pics of the twins!!! Whoo Hoo!! I would post them but they (the pics) are very grainy and not easy to see! So, you will have to wait another 3 weeks for pics from my camera!! Unless Mom & Dad are able to send pics from somewhere!! Mom is back to her usual small self, flat as a board stomach, she doesn't look like she had twins 1 month ago!! I'm so glad I'm doing my diet thing, and won't be gigantic next to the skinny new Mom!! These babies are adorable, and Casey is definitely the father!!! Proud parents is also obvious!!! I can't wait to see them!!

Bye Beijing Olympics, you did a great job. I hope closing ceremonies are as grand as the opening ones!! I'm sure just as high tech!!

Things

2008-08-23T08:59:00.003-05:00

We have such sad relationship news in our family. Two of our very favorite people are choosing different paths. It breaks our hearts and stuns us too. We have no favorites when it comes to these two, both are entirely special and have our love and support!!!!

I sewed yesterday, but not on the state fair quilt. I've had to ponder my waves part of the quilt, I think I'm finished pondering and the solution is to add more waves! So, off I go to sew!

But before I plug in the beast, I've been asked to be in an artists exhibition using vintage windows any way we want!! I have to talk to the organizer, cause my info is second hand, see if those paint people are ready for textiles yet??? But, if she says yes, I think I have some awesome ideas!! This event happens in October, same as the State Fair, and I'll be gone most of Sept, so I guess I need to get cracken!! Plus I'm doing a craft bazaar with my sister in November, and we have Gamecock football mixed in there too, plus my Halloween party, eeeeeks, got to go people!!

Let me just say --Great move Obama!!!

State Fair Quilt

2008-08-21T07:00:00.002-05:00

Well, I sewed my amber waves on my quilt. I'm thinking they are too far apart, (about 2 inches) they maybe need to be 1/2 inch apart otherwise they waves will get lost when I couch the "peace bird" over it. None of this will really show up in pics yet. I did my waves in red, how brave of me.

oh no, Ken has a hearing he can't wear his Chevy Chase boots to work, plus he has to wear long pants and a tie!!!

maybe 4th time's a charm!

2008-08-20T13:08:00.001-05:00

Here's my hiker channelling Chevy Chase in European Vacation (Oktoberfest). He's breaking in his hiking boots, getting ready for Glacierfest!! He's walking around downtown like this in 90+ degrees weather!! I'm wearing mine today but in the privacy of my own home!!

These are a sampling of my dirt collection! I've got dirt or sand or salt from all over the world. Martha did this years ago, and I picked it up about 6 years ago. I still have to put my Italy and Paris dirt in bottles. The labels are Martha's, beautiful.!!

Our heron is back. We saw him Sunday, yesterday I saw him cleaning himself and this morning he was on our boat. I was so afraid somebody had hurt him. He's lived in our cove for at least 10 years!!

URG

2008-08-20T11:10:00.000-05:00

What the *&$#@ is wrong with blogger?? This will be my 4th try to post pictures!

Channelling Chevy

2008-08-20T07:18:00.001-05:00

I know you all have heard of European Vacation when Chevy Chase was at Octoberfest, well we here in SC do Glacierfest. Ken is

Olympics

2008-08-19T09:42:00.003-05:00

Whoooo Shawn Johnson!! You go girl!!

USA is proud of you and all your teammates!!!

What a great Olympics for you!!

Olympics

2008-08-15T09:54:00.002-05:00

Yeah Woman's Gymnastics!

Gold for: Nastia Liukin

Silver for: Shawn Johnson

Bronze for the 12 year old girl from China, isn't she lucking she most probably has 2 more Olympics she can participate in and win different medals!!

Hooray Ladies!!! Our girls were also very gracious and well behaved!!

Congrats!!

State Fair Quilt

2008-08-14T07:24:00.003-05:00

Well, with some tweaking, ironing, this my be the first draft for my State Fair Quilt. I'm going to work on it after the gym today. The flag part is an interpretation of a Jasper Johns painting. Then I'm going to quilt in the strips area wavey lines in red. Then on top of all that I plan to couch in black(not very boldly) the "peace bird" from a Picasso painting. Going to call it "Amber Waves of Peace" Hopefully, it will all work, we'll see.

Still no Heron !! Hope he's ok!

Bald Eagle

2008-08-11T06:48:00.002-05:00

We saw a Bald Eagle last night!!! We have several up here on the lake, but I haven't seen one in about a year. Larry & Ruth have one that lives close to their cove, they see him quite often. Speaking of birds, I haven't heard our Heron or seen him in about two weeks!! I hope he's ok. We see him at least one a day, and here him alot.
Speaking of no shows - no baby pics of the twins yet!!!! They are going to be in college before I see pics!!! I guess Mom & Dad have their hands full! When I get there, I'll take tons of pics, don't you worry!!

I'm on my new Dell Laptop

2008-08-09T07:20:00.002-05:00

It's great, but I have to move all my stuff from one computer to another now. Lots of tedious work!! I just discovered the Tokyo International Quilt Festival. That is a wish if I ever knew one!! I will go for sure one day!! Their talent is unbelievable!!! Speaking of unbelievable, the Olympics opening ceremonies, was also another jaw opener!!! The technology along with majesty was awesome!!! Not enough adjectives to describe it all!! Ok my peeeps, I'm going to unload one computer and fill up another!!

Going Hi Tech!!

2008-08-05T07:33:00.002-05:00

I got a new laptop!! Well, it will be here Thursday. I bought a new Dell at Best Buy with their back to school sales and no sales tax weekend. Got a goooood deal!! But it has to be shipped from a warehouse, and they are all of stock at the stores!! The "computer shoppers" had their own line and you had to follow the blue line on the carpet at the store to get to that line, then you had to sign up to wait for a sales clerk, highly busy!!! Anyhow, I got one, now I can download pics and blogs while we are in Glacier and Calif next month!! Just like the big kids!!
It has been soooo hot here and going to be again this whole week, everybody is hunkered down and staying cool indoors!! My meds have been totally whacky and my blood pressure has been doing weird stuff probably because of the meds. Anyhow, going to gym today and grocery shopping - that's it!!
Our sweet Lili is in Charleston getting their apt set up to go back to school. She's a sophomore?!!! Plus Austin starts back TOMORROW and he's going in the 5th grade, where has time flown!!!????
Ok, got to go to Gym!!

Artist Block

2008-07-28T11:20:00.004-05:00

I guess you can't read this, this is the best bumber sticker in a long time --- I haven't been the same since that house fell on my sister!! What a hoot!! Just kidding Julie and Suzie!!

I have had the worst creative block. Couldn't get anything to excite me, until now!! I've changed my quilt idea for the state fair 2000 times. The fair is going to come and go if I don't watch out!! So, whatcha think of "Amber Waves of Peace"???? Cool, I think, see below

My inspiration, Jasper Johns, then use applique to build a Picasso styled dove over the flag,

My start!!

They Are Here!!!

2008-07-26T14:54:00.002-05:00

Welcome Casandra & Connor!!!

Babies, Mommy & Daddy are all ok!! Cassy (sp?) 4lb 7 oz 18 inches, Connor 5lb 11 oz, 18 inches, she came out fussing and kicking and he is more subdued, like his Dad!!! Both have lots of dark hair. I'll share pics when I get them!! Micheline had protein in her urine and the levels were too high on Thursday, so off they all went to Sacramento and now they are here!! Everybody will be home in a couple days! Congratulations, Mom & Dad and Grandparents!! and Aunts and Uncles and everybody!!

103!

2008-07-21T07:23:00.002-05:00

Our temp today is supposed to be 103 degrees, that's not including the horrible humid heat index. Living inside today!! That is after walking, a pedicure, and a car wash!!! Cleaning out the frig for dinner!! Somebody told me last night that I looked like I had lost weight, she was serious too!!! Hallelujah!!! I downloaded a book onto my i-pod, (a mystery about the painting of the Last Supper!) so off I go on my 3 miles on the off days from the gym!! I changed my mind (again) for my submission to the state fair. I have a sketch of it. I'll have to share with you later!! I finished my pictures of Israel. I have about 1/2 to journal still, but it's all done but the writing!! Only 122 pages!!! It's going to have to be split into 2 volumes weight toooo heavy as it is!! Oh, I e-mailed Kaffe Fassett's family restaurant Nepethene in Big Sur (where the horrible fire was/is). I had seen them on CNN saying they were going to stay and try to save the restaurant and shops, mainly because it's a huge attraction to the area, a huge contribution to the arts and they have generations invested in the business and area. They e-mailed me back, said they had made it and thanks for my concern!! How nice to return my e-mail in the midst of all that turmoil and chaos!!! So everybody, if you're in the Big Sur area, eat and shop at Nepethene!! They need your help!!

5 o'clock somewhere!!

2008-07-15T16:21:00.004-05:00

At 5"00 p.m., well actually 4:30 the line-up starts, where's Daddy?? When is Daddy coming home, where's Daddy??

Poor Bogie, doesn't like asparagus!! He ate everything, moved the asparagus and ate around it!!

Ok people, what is this thing?? It's labeled as a Chinese Wedding Basket, but all that I found about those there are made of reeds tightly woven or wood. This one is brass, but not shiny, very dull. It does have oriental characters engraved in it!! So what is this??

Corny People!

2008-07-13T09:13:00.003-05:00

This was our sunset last night!! It was a gorgeous night here on Lake Murray!! Jean cooked for Ruth and I (and the spouses) in return for helping her with her antique booth Friday!! We told her for those kind of wages, we'd help anytime. We did have a 30 minute conversation on the different ways to eat corn on the cob. Some eat like a typewriter, some eat round and round, some like me eat it very sporadically and leaving lots of goody still on the cob!! We cracked ourselves up with all this!!

This is my sweet little man, he's not moving this morning, ran his heart out last night and ate a pound of goose doo. He loves the stuff, now he has a very sour tummy!! Maybe he needs a beeno!! Poor guy!! I do have his Halloween costume thought out. It came to me in the middle of the night 2 nights ago. Picture this embroidered on a themed sewn outfit:

"a child's drawing of the Jacks game" + a bird = Jack Sparrow!!

He'll have a pirate hat with dreadlocks of course, and he already has a pirate collar!! He'll be the talk of the party. Of course, he never wins, because Pet Smart (where the parade and party are held) always picks animals that wear their costumes!! Who wants a store bought costume?? Yuk!! Bogie does usually win the crowd favorite though!! 2005 - Desperate House Dog, 2006 - Bogie's Anatomy (had a dr theme!!) and he wore a scrub!! 2007 - he didn't feel like participating!! 2008-Jack Sparrow!!

Where I be at

2008-07-11T07:18:00.002-05:00

I've been busy. Today, helping a friend set up her antique booth at a huge shop. She's been into antiques forever, but closed her shop for about the last six months. Now getting some of it into a booth until a new shop becomes available. Have started my State Fair project, it's bright and bold!! Still walking 3 miles 3 times a week and gym + 1 mile other 2 days. Eating very proteiny (sp?) and fiber and do feel less bloated and have lost 2 lbs!! Only *^%$# more to go!! One day I'll be a size 6 again (only 2 sizes to go!!) Just need to shed lost of blubber! But it does keep me warm!!
See ya!

Sunday Wows!!!

2008-07-07T08:10:00.003-05:00

This was a day filled with wows! and they didn't even start until 4:00 p.m. our time. Wimbledon was totally amazing. Roger and Rafael! What a match!!!! I've never cried at the end of a tennis match, but I did yesterday. I wanted them both to win! It's not often John McEnroe is at a loss for words, but yesterday his interview at the end with Roger brought me to tears!!

Then, I know you think I'm completely stupid and a real dork, but I watched a Roast of Gene Simmons of Kiss Fame, very raunchy, but really good and his charity (wounded soldiers)benefited and he got a American flag flown over Iraq. I've never seen that man brought to tears but he was when he received that flag. It was awesome. I've always liked Kiss, I'm not a crazy fan, but there's something about a man that did that much and has that much fame that has never drank and never did drugs!! Plus he's a great Dad!!!

Then we had ribs and stuff at our weekend hang out, with our gang of friends. Larry smoked the ribs, they were unbelievable!! The best ribs I've ever had, I was so fuuuuulllll when we got home, but the food, AWESOME!!!

Back to my gym routine everyday!! I'm determined to be skinnier than the Twins Mom when I get to see them in Sept!!! I refuse to be fatter than a pregnant women who just delivered twins at 46 and it's her first baby!!! Have I told you about her, she's done an amazing job!!!!

White Caps on the Lake!!

2008-07-06T09:14:00.004-05:00

Last night while getting ready for the 4th fireworks display on our beloved Lake Murray, the wind became so powerful, we had a water show also!!! Check out these waves!!

The Water Show getting prepared and ready!!

It took three men to get three flags down, Stars and Stripes, and Historical SC Flags

Act I

Act II

Act III - back in the corner of the point

Final Scene - A pretty Sunset, let the fireworks began!!

The Fireworks were great, but due to wind, a lot didn't get above tree line, which dampened the show, but it was still pretty!! Happy Birthday America, best wishes for many safe more!!

Fourth!!

2008-07-04T08:28:00.003-05:00

Happy 4th of July!! all my people!!

Ice Ice Baby!!

2008-07-01T11:20:00.001-05:00

The new ice machine is on it's way!!! woohoo, woohoo!!!

Califorrnia Burnin

2008-06-27T12:07:00.002-05:00

My home state is HOT!! There are over 1000 fires burning!! Two days ago it was 800. Suzie and Austin are going on vacation, just up north (because of our lovely gas situations!!) and now have to consider the fires in all their travels. She lives down in Modesto area and they have horrible air quality, when someone opens the door in her office (she's in a little bldg of the campus of Gallo Wines) she is immedialy inundated with smoke. People are really having a hard time. Poor Micheline over 7 months pregnant with twins and having to deal with all this!! People don't throw cigarettes out!! It's bad enough with all the lightening!!
Well re-dedication #83 in progress! I've been fairly good with my dieting, but my two hours a week at the gym are just not cutting it, so I got a walking pass at our local rec center, and am now walking 3 miles on my off days from the gym!! Plus I'm having to tightly schedule my day, so as not to fall prey to the nap monster!!!
Watched the Bucket List last night, very good, very sad, but very good!!! A real feel good movie, everybody rent it!!
Think happy thoughts for Suzie, she is going up to Novato (our home town, yeah Novato High!!, class of 198*&^) tomorrow for a "life celebration" for a father of a very good friend that she has been estranged from for several years. It's going to be tough on her, but something she should and wants to do!! Hang Tough!!

Ice Machine Cometh

2008-06-26T09:59:00.002-05:00

Well, after 3 different repair trips for this *^%$#&()( Ice Machine, including the only Kitchen Aid "certified" tech in the state, it still doesn't work!!!! We bought a new ice machine, (the old brand we had before, Scottsman) and it will be delivered before the 4th!! Ugh, I'm serious people at least 6 repairs on this thing a year, after having it replaced by a brand new one a year after purchase, and we have never had it work correctly!! Three years of fighting with Whirlpool/Kitchen Aid, ugh!!! Bring on the Scottsman!!! Our old Scottsman was 15 years old and we never had a kink in service!! Didn't even know we were supposed to clean it!!! It was a goody and highly recommended by the "certified" tech yesterday!! So, maybe we will have great ice again. I realize this isn't a life and death situation, but darn it we paid a lot of money for that thing, and we can surf the Internet on a little disk that fits in the palm of your hand, why can't somebody as big as Whirlpool make an under the counter ice machine that works!!!???

This calls for a heavy sewing day!! Have to get my mind right with the world again!!
See ya!!

Today's Project

2008-06-22T14:35:00.004-05:00

Today it's this one! I'm going to bind it and back it in white and it will have fringe on the uneven end and hang from the straight end. I was inspired by a quilt similar to this that I found a long time ago. Always liked it so I tried it myself!!

Sewing for Fun

2008-06-21T15:32:00.003-05:00

You know how when you are supposed to be doing something specific, and you end up doing something entirely different and not important to the original task, well that's what I've been doing. I'm supposed to be a stepford wife today, cleaning, cooking, entertaining, nah!!! I spend half the day sewing. I saw a table runner similar to this on someone else's blog, can't even remember now, and said that's cute I think I'll do something like it!! Well, I've been sewing all morning and this is what I came up with:It's going to go in the middle of my table for 4th of July!!
Happy Baby Shower Day to Micheline and Casey out in California!!! The twins will be here in about 2 months!!! They are doing great, all 4 of them, babies and parents!! Can't wait until my sister takes pictures at the shower today, cause I haven't seen anything of this belly yet!! Micheline is not as into minute to minute updates as I am!! I'm think of them all day today!!

Live while you are Waiting!

2008-06-20T12:44:00.003-05:00

I'm quilting!!!

Aunt Julie scrapbooking with a very dirty dog in her lap! This is what we did last Saturday. I'm working furiously on Israel.

I don't know what this might turn into, but half is my dyed fabrics, and store bought. I did machine quilting but the whole back fabric slid, so I'm way off from the front. Ugh!!

My very favorite fabrics, Kaffe - trimmed in black. I did all this one this morning. My poor dog is getting a hair cut, so I have been sewing. I have been listening to podcasts, and in my element!! I love these bright colors with the contrast of the black! While I was cutting fabric, a woman on Opera's blog said "Live while you are waiting!" What a great way to spend your life!!

Thursday, Ice Machine Saga Part 2

2008-06-19T07:57:00.002-05:00

Well, I wrote a letter to the Appliance Store (repair people), copied it to Kitchen Aid and Ken's Office, with his Attorney title added. I'm getting results, Kitchen Aid said it should work, Appliance store says it should work, so repairman coming again today, of course, now the machine is working!! I don't know what else they can do, it just picks it's own time to work which usually isn't convenient!! It's like a car, it never does the noise at the shop!!!
Anyhow, I shall see what happens today!!

Ice Machine Blues

2008-06-17T11:34:00.002-05:00

We have this ongoing issue with our under the counter ice machine. Anyhow, after repair call #127 on Friday, I just a sent off a scathing letter to the repair shop and Kitchen Aid. Yes, it's not working again!! This machine has just been awful, after the other one that we had for 15 years and never had a service call. They don't make the size we had (our spot is narrow and we have very limited space) so we went with this machine, Kitchen Aid. Ugh.... I'm sure my neighbors think I'm having an affair with the appliance repair man, he's here so much, but no just service calls. I don't know what else to do, we just want ice without the hassle of noisy machine, hot cabinets, and empty ice trays!!
I have started my diet again today!! F-Factor, now I know what the F stands for!! I just had my yummy lunch, 1 cup of V-8 juice and 1 container (approx 3/4 cup) Dannon Fiber Crap Yogurt, mixed with 1/2 cup Fibre bran crap cereal. I get to have two fibre crackers with peanut butter or 20 peanuts for a snack. Hmmm. decisions, decisions.
Tonight we have a social for all the new SIS members, and I can't have wine!!! UGH!! But I need to lose 25lbs!!! All my pics from Israel reflect my gi-normous size!! So, it's the F-Factor for me. I heard about it on Marth's Radio Channel, so it can't be tooo bad, just lots of protein and fibre and real strict amounts for the first 2 weeks.

I have to get some stuff ready for the social. bye, think about me and all the fibre, hope we have a large stock of toilet paper!!

Father's Day!!

2008-06-15T16:21:00.004-05:00

Happy Father's Day to all!!
My Dad is a special Dad, anyone that can be the only man in a house of 4 women deserves cutos!! He never ever got upset about the extra hormone inbalance to his tiny little testosterone!! He did spend a lot of time in the garage when we were little. That was the time of CB radios and his caning chairs hobby. He had a frig and a tv out there too, and even a space heater when necessary. That was his haven!! 4 women (one wife, three daughters) and even a female dog for the last part of our growing up years!! Happy Father's Day, Daddy!!

Dad and Bogie

Now my sweet Ken, he's what you call an "enabler father", but it's only cause his heart is bigger than his brain!! He would walk on water (and usually does) for his kids!!! One day they will bend over backwards to thank him for all he has done for them. One day!!!

Happy Father's Day to Casey!! He's the Dad to be out in California to the new twins!! They (the twins) will be here about mid to late August!! So, again, Happy Father's Day Casey!! Keep working on those cribs!!

Micheline, Casey and the three dogs, soon to be joined by a little girl and a little boy!!

Nancy Crow arrives!

2008-06-11T16:03:00.002-05:00

My Nancy Crow book arrived, between her and Kaffe, I want to morph into a combination of the two, I would be perfectly happy!! Their talent is to be envied totally!!!

Ithink I'm going to do a Kaffe stripe like Nancy. Have it reminded me of Israel too!!

Hot Sunday!!

2008-06-08T15:11:00.002-05:00

The heat index is supposed to be 111 today!!! Insane. We started at the water side eating breakfast, then went for a long jet ski ride, then progressed to floats in the water. It's now 4:00 and we are just coming in. I believe we've had enough, we both look like raisins!! A day spent with some turtles (even they are hiding in this heat) probably 10 different Herons, and 2 Osprey. Last night we had folks for dinner, Carol and Dave and after dinner we went looking at houses and stayed out long enough to see the sun set!! What a lucky life we lead on this lake!!

I"m up to about 25 pages in my scrapbook, haven't even touched the surface!!

Just Stuff!

2008-06-05T09:55:00.002-05:00

See if I ever call my sister (the one in SC) again. When she answered the phone I was singing "Livin on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi - she said I sounded like a fax machine!!
I just spent $57 dollars on one tank of gas, that is completely out of control, I think I will start walking or at least have 6 errands to run before I leave my driveway!!
I have had "intentional" issues ever since Israel. I finally broke down and went to the dr on Tuesday, they had me do all these incredibly gross tests, but in a few days I should know if I picked up a parasite or some funky thing!! Of course, as soon as I saw the dr I felt better, but my deposits in the toilet are still not the correct color or consistency!! Now that I have grossed everybody out - hee hee, I'm working on page 5 of approx 125 pages of my Israel Scrapbook! If it stays this hot out, that's all I'm doing this summer!! Today should be a heat index of 106!! Mind you last Monday it was 70 here!! Ugh!!! Even the animals aren't moving around!!
What else - well nothing much. I am watching a bunch of religious movies since my trip, the other day Abraham, today Masada. It's so cool to say "been there"!!
We have planned a trip to Glacier - it ought to be cool there, first part of Sept, then I fly straight to Calif for the arrival of the twins!! Ken is flying home!! Can't wait to see those sweet babies!! But remember, I have no diaper experience at I don't intend to start now!!

Sex and that Wonderful City

2008-06-02T16:22:00.004-05:00

Just saw the new Sex And The City movie. Let me just say as a great fan of the series and a HUGE fan of the city, the movie does not disappoint. It was awesome, but now I have a major headache, mainly due to the fact that I cried about almost all of the 2-1/2 hours!! The clothes were out there a lot of the time, but it was all believable with these ladies!! I still love Carrie's spirit but adore Charlotte the most!! Probably because she's from SC, greater Columbia to be exact!! Love, Love Charlotte's clothes and her apartment is awesome!! Go see the movie, it's great!!What a Guy!!!!

My Very Own "Mr Big"!!

Planning Scrapbook

2008-05-31T09:01:00.003-05:00

I've finished my outline for my Israel Scrapbook

It's two pages, divided into Page 1- Misc,Culture,Precept Teachings, Page 2 - is Strictly sights and visits. I have approximately 150 pages planned, I guess I should buy a stack of black paper at Micheals, and buy other stuff in bulk!!! I already had ordered some things from Scrap Your Trip, Mouse Memories doesn't have anything for Israel. I thought my Italy book was thick??!! I guess I will have two volumes also!! Ugh!!

Now I really want to sew something representing this trip, the problem is I have a lifetime of colors, patterns and ideas in my head just from memories of the past two weeks!! Ugh, how do I condense them into a few??

All these pictures are military related, hopefully I don't go missing after I post these:

Wire, common around the city of Jerusalem

Security at the Temple Mount

Satellites from the Air Force very close to the Lebanon Border

The UN compound between the above mentioned satellites and the Syria Border

Friday post Israel

2008-05-30T07:21:00.004-05:00

How do you live life as a normal person after this trip!!?? Not very easy. We took two of the three kids to see the new Indiana Jones movie. Even that leads to Israel, there really was a Mr Jones and he had the hat, was an archaeologist in Israel!! The movie, pretty predictable, they do make fun of Indy's age, but still had a swarm of bugs scene, lots of narrow misses, the bullwhip, the bad guys lost, and a missing treasure. It's entertaining, that's all I could say!! Ok, more pics:

A closer look at the Dome of the Rock - all original tile mosaic work!

In the Old City, just looking up an alley way!

Overall shot from Southern Steps

David Arthur and wife Margaret (she's from Columbia!!!)

Overall shot from area called promenade - a beautiful park, overlooking old city area, gold domes are the Russian Orthodox Church

Catholic Church outside of Garden of Gadsemene, statues are Matthew, Mark, Luke & John

Cave where Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947, somehow, picture went back to sideways, so tilt your head sideways to look at it!

Some "tidal pools" at the Dead Sea

Dead Sea, going down below sea level. It is real hazy here, below sea level issues, I think!

More Pics

2008-05-28T06:44:00.004-05:00

More pictures, blogspot was threatening to crash with the last picture on previous post, so this is part two of two:

Olive Tree on Mt of Olives - these date back to that time, they are HUGE!!

Jerusalem Cityscape

Jerusalem Rooftops

Don't worry people, there's a lot more to come!! The cat is is now threatening a revolution if I don't pet him, got to go!!

Israel, 2 days later

2008-05-28T05:49:00.005-05:00

I feel like I just want to bust!! Don't know where to start, scrapbooking, quilting, making sure I noted every little word Kay said and that I learned in my Bible, where, where I ask?? Ok, maybe laundry is a key spot! I did order about 200 pictures, that's the first order people, I have to get organized! So, here are a few:

Dolly & I in front of our bus - the red bus, we were the best!!

Sea of Galilee from our hotel in Tiberias

Avi (our Israeli Guide) grafting Kay in as the Gentiles! in Caesarea

Israel is extremely well planted!! Just like California in a lot of views!! This is from the Mt of Beatitudes

Nazareth from a restaurant - looking into town, didn't go in because it's occupied by PLO

The Jordan River at our baptism site!

Skinny ole me on a camel (poor camel) I might be the "straw" that broke the camel's back!!

Camel and desert before going up to Jerusalem - this might be my Christmas Card!!

Food at a gas station, not sure this would pass DHEC codes here, but this is what I ate a lot in Pita Bread with hummus - it's yummy!!

The Western Wall, we are now in Jerusalem, notice the much wider side for the men, women are still very second or maybe fifth class over there!!

Back in the USA

2008-05-26T16:02:00.002-05:00

Well, we are h0me!! Got in early this morning. Happy Memorial Day everyone!! First thing I did was take a nap, all right, a really LONG nap. Now going to do hamburgers on the grill with Mom & Dad and Julie. Then I will start on my tall laundry pile!! I've separated the purchased items from the scrapbook items, from the sewing items, and then the work will start. I've downloaded one picture disc, I have to do the other, then I'll start ordering pictures and blogging with some.
It's so nice to see English on Blogspot again!! It was weird trying to deal with Hebrew. Now maybe I will spell things a little better!!!
BACK IN THE USA AFTER AN AMAZING TRIP OF A LIFETIME!!!

Shabbat Shalom Y'all !!

2008-05-24T23:17:00.002-05:00

Well, we are on our last day, sleep on the plane tonight, and home in the morning. Happy Memorial Day to all!! Yesterday was very moving!! Made it to House of Caiaphes, Kay did a teaching of this in the early morning!! We saw the 40 steps that Jesus used when Judas betrayed him and the 40 steps he took to the upper room for the Last Supper!! The pit Jesus was dropped in (didn't remember that part) where they rubbed vinegar in his wounds then soothed them with honey, only to let them heal for a short while where the would rub more vinegar into them, continuing this process. After breakfast we went to the Israel Museum and saw the model of the City of Jerusalem, then the Dead Sea Scrolls!!! After all that we went to the Garden Tomb, and had communion after seeing where Jesus was reserected!! Communion was held in a little chapel, so moving, imaging singing Amazing Grace at church, now image singing that in Jerusalem at the Garden Tomb, after communion where you learn you get to keep the cup!! Not a dry eye in the house!!! My eyes are really puffy this morning. We are on to one last teaching from Kay, the Holocoust Museum and then it is time to pack, eat our "last supper" and on to the airport!!! This trip, oh my, this trip, once in a lifetime!!!
Kenny, don't forget us in the a.m.!!! I know you won't!!! I miss you!!!
Please everybody forgive my spelling!!! I need to brush up on my Hebrew typing skills!!! We didn't get to go on the computers yesterday, it was Shabbat, no work allowed!!
Love to all, Beth & Dolly!!

Mother - don't worry, my health has been very good, not even the first skip of the heart!!!

Free Day

2008-05-22T23:14:00.002-05:00

Well, yesterday, Thursday, was our free day. Wow!! 5 of us did the Kinnesset, 2 (me) of us did the Supreme Court, Wow, then we shopped, which i did not partake in, I just kept them company. The Kinneset was HIGHLY security conscience!!! Like at the Paris Embassy, we had to leave everything in bags, including our passports and retrieve it afterwards!!! Bullett proof glass everywhere, no parking in front, only allowed in front of the checkin bldg right before your tour starts. So, no cameras there!! Nice artwork in lobby, huge tapestries and mosiac all by the same man, which I will google when we get home. We saw the chamber floor or whatever they call it. They have a woman speaker and we saw her arrive in a helicopter with gun ships. They are only in session Mon-Wed, so no session but a few were in. Then, Carl (the baby Politican) and I went to the Supreme Court. We sat in on a trial, only word we understood was Hamas, so we left. The prisoner was typical Hamas evil man, scary looking!!!!! The stories I can tell. I will always remeber this!!! Dead Sea, Sea Scrolls and Masada today!! Lili, tell Brilli hi!! Love to all, Beth & Dolly

Wednesday in Jerusalem

2008-05-21T09:01:00.002-05:00

We survived the early wake up call. We did the Mt of Olives and had a teaching from Kay. She really has been amazing. Walked down the Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gadsemenne (sorry for spelling!) Very moving, saw real olive treese that you know had to be at least 1000 years old!!! Wow!! Went to Tower of David museum, very well done, but that spot is not the real biblical spot. Weather was much more tolerable today, yesterday was very hot!!! I've got a great Isreali tan!!! Got some great wall hangings that will be used in an art quilt!! Bought a skirt that I intend to tear apart for the fabric, (it was cheaper that way!) I forgot to say we are staying in the Sheraton Hotel, the other hotel has most of our people, but it is full!! About 30 people are here. Fruit and veggies in this country are awesome. We had Pickled plums today, very good!! Still don't like the dates, but Dolly loves them, she has a handful of dates everyday. Oh, the olives are to kill for!!! yum. Saw lots of soldiers here today, even the off duty soldiers carry loaded machine guns!! You hear helicopters at least every 15 minutes overhead, so very safe here!!! At the Western Wall, we go thru security 2 times!!! People here from all over the world. We've met some amazing people here from our tour too!! Ken, you wouldn't have been able to handle the crowds, nobody does lines organized - and you wouldn't not have been able to convert them, even with a booming voice!!! Are Jewish Guide, Avi is so great, he's also in the Air Force Reserve, all married men serve until they are 45, they are called the old guys, so they will be last to be called, but he trains anti aircraft skills regularly. He's also quite a star here, he's a private guide also, taking people like Laura Bush on special tours. He also does commercials for Honda Motors!! I'm spending sheckles!!!! Ok, I'm tired, tomorrow, hopefully Kinnest, Supreme Court, and shopping for Dolly - my sheckles are gone, but I won't pass up a bargin!! Friday off to the Dead Sea, Dead Sea Scrolls and Masada!!! Wow!!!

Jerusalem!!

2008-05-19T23:13:00.002-05:00

We arrived in Jerusalem yesterday afternoon, after having lunch in a Beduin Tent where we both rode a camel and saw a baby donkey being born!!! What timing!! The surrounding mountains are so dry, much different then what we had at the Sea of Galilee. We are off to the Southern Steps, the Holocoust Museum, and one other place, can't remember!! My journal is already proving tooo small!! On Thursday a group of us are going to try to do the Kinnest and the Supreme Court!!!! Aren't you Jealous Ken?!! I've been sitting with a guy from Texas by way of Cambodia who is a Young Republican!! We've had the best time with him. He's taking care of all of us single women!! Bye for now, we have a tight scedule to maintain!! Love, Beth & Dolly!

Sunday, May 18

2008-05-18T09:57:00.002-05:00

I'm on!!! Google is so smart, no Hebrew error messages!! Ok, we are completely enlightened but exhausted!! If I had a scheckle for every amazing I've said I'd be rich!! We are leaving the Sea of Galilee tomorrow, it's been awesome. (there I go ago again) The country side is beautiful, alot like the San Jaquin Valley, tons of agriculture!! These people have computerized cow milking and drip irrigation! Yesterday was the re-baptizing in the Jordan River, again amazing!! Today we did Capernaem, and the Mount of Beatitudes - plus a short boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, and then dinner at a wharf restaurant. Tomorrow it's on to Jerasalem!! We are having the time of our lives!!! Love to all, hi to all pets!! Beth & Dolly!!!

Ok, no spell check, forgive my spelling today and the rest of the trip!!

The Day is Here

2008-05-13T06:35:00.002-05:00

We are leaving in about 40 minutes!! Bye for now to all. I will be safe!! Starbucks left me his usual "love ya" present a 9 inch lizard, found it just as I was zipping the suitcase!! Glad it wasn't inside, hope it wasn't inside ever!! Can you imagine security if that thing was in there!! How embarrassing to have to tell them, "oh it's just a present from the cat". I will miss all of you. Watch the blog for updates!
Love, Beth

Our Hotels

2008-05-12T07:30:00.001-05:00

Check out our hotels!!

http://www.gaibeachhotel.com/eng.html

http://hotels-of-israel.com/laromme/index.html?gclid=CPK2xfW1n5MCFRc0kgodrgtlqQ

I'm going to be hard to live with today!!!!

A New Mother's Day Wish

2008-05-11T08:21:00.003-05:00

One More Mother's Day wish!!

Happy First Mother's Day to Micheline!!!

The twins aren't here yet, but they will be soon!! Happy Mother's Day!! This will be your calmest one - enjoy it!! Love, Beth

This is Micheline and one of her furry kids, a great dane name Pele (hopefully spelled right)

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T07:55:00.004-05:00

Happy Mother's Day!! My Mom is basking in the glory of her three daughters. Me, I'm basking in the glory of my three step kids and my two fury kids. Juile is basking in the glory of her sweet fury kid, Suzie is basking in the glory of her sweet, smart child and her two fury kids. Our offspring be it, acquired, fury or by birth are what make us who we are. Happy Mother's Day to all especially my Mom - who started the ball rolling for all of us!! We were going to take my Mom out for breakfast to a restaurant up the lake but Mom reminded us of bad weather coming through, and guess what she was right. Storms all today in the forecast. They clear up only on Tuesday, the day we take off for Israel. So she's even clearing up the skies for us!! Happy Mother's Day, Mother's Know Best!!

Mom admiring the Great Mom - Mother Nature

Mom's Brood - Julie, Me, Austin, Suzie, Dad, Mom

Trip Layout

2008-05-10T09:05:00.002-05:00

This is our trip layout:

You will visit these and other important sites:
Chorazin
Dan
Caesarea Philippi
Megiddo
Mount Carmel
Golan Heights
Sea of Galilee
Caesarea by the Sea

in Jerusalem:
Temple Mount
Caiaphas’s House
Mount of Olives
Garden of Gethsemane
Garden Tomb
Western Wall
Praetorium
Pool of Bethesda
Holocaust Memorial, Yad Vashem
Shrine of the Book ( Dead Sea Scrolls)
Citadel of David ( Jerusalem Museum)

We fly from Newark, NJ to Tel Aviv then bus it to Haifa - I think. We only stay in two hotels the whole trip, just make day trips from our two central locations.

Can't wait, I'm packing today and sewing a light cotton jacket. In some places we have to have shoulders covered, which in my case with the never ending hot flashes is an issue. But I have found a very lightweight white cotton, that will go with everything, plus I have a hat. So. I'm off to do some birthday errands for a friend and get my summer clothes out of my parents attic. They have tons of room, and neat packing boxes that everything hangs in during the off season. Bye for now, Beth

Bible Study last class

2008-05-07T11:10:00.002-05:00

We just had our last class until the fall. Now we are really excited about Israel. It's all starting to get very close!! So excited!! Plus I already got my new credit card after cutting up my correct one yesterday. So now I can shop, not really, probably won't be doing much shopping, just getting full of love and knowledge!!!

dumb and dumber

2008-05-06T12:24:00.002-05:00

Doing real stupid things all day today!! While trying to be efficient, I cut up my old credit card, got out the new one, preparing for my trip. Yeah, yeah, yeah, did I cut up the old one, that's a big fat NO, I cut up the new one. I leave in one week!!! Ugh, called the credit card co, they are expressing me a card, put fraud protection on it for a month and noted on my account, I will be in Israel!!! Bought the best birthday present for a good friend. Princess cookies from Williams and Sonoma, only to find out she loves to bake, just not cookies!!! They never come out right!!! Well, she's getting them anyhow!!! Off to get my hair de-grayed!! Bye!

Countdown til I-Day!

2008-05-05T08:57:00.003-05:00

7 days until we leave for Israel!! I'm so excited!! I will try to blog everyday from there, but no pictures, unless it's easy from there. Leave comments to communicate with me. I won't have an international phone. so..

Yesterday was as pretty as any day gets here on Lake Murray. Temperature was about 85, no humidity, lots of sun. Me, I'm sunburned to prove it. Didn't think I was getting that much. Bogie was our captain, and reassured everyone that this was his lake!! Now, I'm going to chiropractor, Bogie is coming, Dr loves Bogie, everybody does, he's so cute!! Then a few errands, and it's home to pack!!! Got to see which clothes in my wardrobe I can still fit in!!

Help

2008-05-05T08:11:00.004-05:00

Did a whole Blog on counting down to Israel, where did it go???

Oh well, 7 days until I leave. Schedule full of gym appointments, hair, nails, meetings and packing. Today it's off to Chiropractor, so I can make it on the horrendous flight!!! Anybody ever flown on El Al?? Security ought to be interesting!! Got to go start the errands!!

Flag

dome of the rock

Dome of the Rock

Jordan River where we will be re-babtized!!

Um... Galilee I think. These are all of images, but soon I'll have my pictures, can't wait!!!

Countdown to I-

2008-05-05T07:56:00.001-05:00

On To Israel!!

2008-04-30T13:14:00.004-05:00

Spring Shower for the Bride to Be
Catch of the Day - Centerpiece
Sweet Serenity
Pastabilities
Garden Party

Went to a Garden Party
Mimosa Madness
a Day by the Pool
Evening in Paris
Palmetto Paradise

Sassy Settings is over!!! Yeah, a lot of fun, but a lot of work. So tired today. I have to go the dr, then it's veg time for me!! Some Pics are above

Flowers

2008-04-27T10:01:00.003-05:00

Rhododendron - the best year we've had in a long time!!
Up close - beautiful
Seating area down by the water!!
Looking up to the house from the dock

This year, our flowers just seem to be doing great!! Ken has spent a lot of time, tweaking all of them. Usually our Rhododendron gets lots of buds, never blooms. This year it is beautiful!!

Robin Love

2008-04-25T10:05:00.002-05:00

I am still up to my elbows in table settings for Sassy Settings!! I basically have been procrastinating, thus making me freak out and work in a stressed fashion. It sort of is like starting your taxes on the 14 of April!! Why do we do this to ourselves, who knows!!! But as I am trying to come up with a list to jump start me - a female robin flew into one of the kitchen windows. She bounced off and flew directly to the tree right in front of her. She has scrunch down into her body, so I'm sure she has a headache. But the sweetest part of this whole story is the male robin came right over to her and sat with her for the longest time. He was trying to comfort and check on her. I thought they were just the cutest things together. She (20 minutes later) is still in the same place and the male is gone. Maybe he's gone to CVS to get her some Bayer or Tylenol.

Lili is officially a sophomore in college!! Wow, where did that first year go??? 18 days until Israel!!! Wow, and they are starting to bubble over there. Stay peaceful until we leave, please!! Well, it's never peaceful, but at least tolerate each other!! 5 days until I can go to the DR and figure out why my heart races and why I can't sleep, and why I'm fat as an oompa loompa!!!???

Table Setting

2008-04-21T09:46:00.003-05:00

Well, I've re-vamped the whole table setting!! I was making dolls, that would act like part of a centerpiece around an elaborate candle abra. Well, the dolls weren't coming together at all. So, we (my stylist, Julie) started all over!! It's cute. Here's a rough draft!!

rough draft #1!

Rough draft #2

This is my little helper (besides the stylist Julie) He's laying on his daddy's legs. They spend a lot of time like this in the evenings reading. Both of them are too cute!! Ken claims that I talk to the animals too much, but these two, during their reading time, do a lot of talking!!! The discuss world affairs, politics and gardening!! We are sending kind thoughts to Martha, her dog Paw Paw died. Oh, so not looking forward to those days with this guy. He's so much a part of our family!!! He had us at hello!! And yes, he completes us!!

More on the Quilt

2008-04-14T09:23:00.003-05:00

Some of you have asked about the quilt for the firemen. Here is a picture of it. The entire background is quilted in jagged angles to represent flames, the fire helmet has soot on it from my fireplace, the chin strap has the name of all the firemen who lost their lives, and it will protect the lives of the men in the future, the back is hand dyed in red, and hand embroidered the symbol of the fraternal order of firemen. I won second place at the State Fair and this was my first one ever entered!!

Mission Accomplished!

2008-04-13T18:13:00.005-05:00

Well, while in Charleston, delivered my quilt to Fire station at the corner of Wentworth and Meeting! I delivered it to Billy Perez (very tall!) and they were very appreciative. Before I went to the station I made my pilgrimage to People, Places & Quilts (yummy place!) and they look at the quilt. They said I should have arranged for the Chief to meet me at the station and get a little fan fair. They said my quilt was awesome!! I felt so proud!! But I'm not into fan-fair unless of course it comes with a check. This event just was better done simply!!

Absolutely no fat jokes!! It's fluid!!!

This is a bell in a tiny garden next door to the station. There's been tons of flowers here ever since the fire.

Saturday was the anniversary of the shooting at Ft Sumter. There was a lot of Civil War events going on. Thus:

Where are the Yankees??

Look closely, plastic cups, automobiles, Oakley sunglasses, and Vera Bradley purses, no wonder we still haven't won!!!!

Charleston

2008-04-11T08:11:00.002-05:00

Off to a funeral this morning and mid-day. then down to Charleston to see Lili. The azaleas are at their peaks, should be beautiful and the weather seems to be good too!! I'll take pics for my peeps!!! By the way peeps - my diet has been 2 days now, and you wouldn't believe the energy, I'm trying to do lots of protein, I got a ton of stuff done yesterday all at a leisurely pace and no stress - almost slept through the night without hot flashes nor tingly ants crawling on me!! We are actually going to take the girls (Brielle and Lili) in a carriage ride, it's not too hot yet so the horses don't stink tooo bad and with the flowers at full bloom - fun. They've never done it nor have we. Plus I'm delivering my firemen tribute quilt to the fire station that lost the men at the sofa factory fire last summer. I've just never been down there since (well one time but I had that psycho mother (a mother of one of Lili's friends) with me, so no fun stuff was done then) So I will cry I'm sure - but this was the purpose of that quilt to give it to them. Plus it won second place at the State Fair - my first entry ever!! I already have my plans for this year's fair!! I can't find those pictures of my quilt right now!! Ugh, so you will have to wait.

Diets!!

2008-04-09T12:03:00.002-05:00

High protein, low carb, no fat (as much as possible) DIETS starting today!! We will have fish, chicken and some beef with lots of veggies and some fruits everyday - that's it. I've gotten so fat - that I'm seriously considering switching over my entire wardrobe to berkas. Only because I can't fit into anything else in my closet!! After 6 changes of clothes, I finally found something to wear to a meeting last night. The whole night I was miserable with my stomach hanging over my belt - my fat bra squeezing my boobs and causing back fat all over the place, not to mention the boobs were resting on the ever expanding stomach. Ugh!!!

Sassy Settings

2008-04-07T08:00:00.003-05:00

Working on my table for Sassy Settings. My women's civic group has a spring fundraiser that is an auction of themed tablescapes!! Fun, Fun. I'm doing a Halloween Table, last year I did Breakfast at Tiffany's - or rather Birthday at Tiffany's - I think it was by far the most original.

I made my own Tiffany Boxes, painted them, stenciled Tiffany on them, added them to flower wire and put them in a crystal vase with white tulips. My table cloth was "the blue" with white satin ribbon down the center as if a box. I had "diamonds" scattered all over the table (from the flower dept again). I used silver wedding favor trays for the seating cards, then the napkins were the same "blue" with diamond rings that you would use for a wedding shower as the napkin rings. I made chair covers out of white satin. It was very good!!

This year I'm going with vintage Halloween, black and orange. My center piece is going to be an elaborate candle obra that is black with crystals and I'm making three muslin dolls about 18 inches high dressed in vintage Halloween costumes (like the fabric I'm using for an apron) The dolls stand around the candle obra. I'm still looking for orange place mats. It's been fun!! This year I'm ahead of schedule and it's all coming together smoothly, (I hope I don't screw up!)

A Tiny Setback!!

2008-03-29T09:03:00.002-05:00

Well... I spent Thursday in the Emergency Room. I started my morning at the gym, just like any normal Thursday. I did my workout with my trainer, then did some more mileage on the treadmill. I was really winded and "tingly" after the treadmill, so I sat for a minute until I could get my breath. Well, it went down hill from there. I got really "tingly" everywhere and my hands and feet started drawing up like lobster claws. Then my face started it too, I could hardly talk, couldn't form my mouth (now that's bad, when we can't talk!) So, they gym people called my parents, only a mile down the road, they were going to come get me and I was going to rest up at their house, then go home. Well, by the time they came, the dr at the gym, said call an ambulance, my pulse was really weak and he was afraid I was having a stroke. (not to mention all my normal heart issues!) So..... after an ekg, cat skan, blood work, pee test, yada, yada, it was determined that I was extremely low on electrolytes and potassium. I now need to take Gatorade to the gym, not just plain water. So.... untold thousands of dollars and hours later, they sent me home. The only lasting effect is I'm sooooo very weak!! All my energy has been depleted from my system. I get winded just walking down the hall or up to the mailbox. And the very worst part is I've missed my hair appointment, now everybody is going to know how much gray hair I really have!!!

Enjoy!!

2008-03-26T10:33:00.002-05:00

My sweet babies taking in a little sun!! Crisp air but beautiful sun!! (a lot of pollen too!) I'm land locked - my car is getting a monumental inspection, so no flitting around for me. My "One Fish, Two Fish" is in the mail. It's recipient snuck a peak on my blog. She tells me she never gets on the computer at home as too much time is spent in cyper space at work. Sure, like I believe that, she's already seen her surprise!! Well, she has a few more sercies coming with the quilt!!

Final Shot!! One Fish, Two Fish

Channeling Suess

2008-03-22T15:48:00.005-05:00

My Friend that is having twins at age 46, her first baby(!!) is having a birthday next week. She's doing the nursery in fish....sooo.....

I still have to put buttons on for the eyes, but it's mainly done. It needs a label on the back too.

The back has lily pad fabric with bright accents, the purple represents me, my favorite color. The girl and I have been friends since the 4th grade, so the wall quilt is also filled with love!!

It started as this: It's all my hand dyes and some stenciling of the letters. My techniques are just about perfect in this one, I'm getter better!!

While I'm sewing, Conchetta is cleaning and Bogie is trying to defend his food bowl from her!!

I'm Back!!

2008-03-21T10:18:00.002-05:00

My sarcasm is in full swing, I must feel better!!! My whole family hates my sarcasm, but me, I love it!! I laugh at my own diggs!! Weird, yes, but I still love me!!

Pollen Headaches

2008-03-21T08:23:00.003-05:00

Beautiful Spring is coming!! Love the Crepe Myrtles, love the Pear Trees, Love the Azaleas, Love the Dogwoods!! Hate the sinus headaches!! My head /face has been ready to explode for 2-1/2 days!! My eyes are so swollen!! I feel like I've been crying for days, but it's just sinus and yes I've taken sinus meds. It just doesn't help!! My house is a wreck!! Thank goodness we aren't doing Easter here!! I need time to put my house back together!!

This isn't our yard, but this is what the whole state looks like for about two weeks!! Starting now!! Lucky us, unlucky heads that suffer from the pollen!!

Rainy Days and Wednesdays get me down!

2008-03-19T09:26:00.003-05:00

My sister Julie has issues with her co-workers. Let's just say she hates office politics and sometimes her attitude needs adjusting - not saying she's wrong or right or that the others are wrong or right. Everybody needs adjusting from time to time!! My husband found a book for her called "how to get along with your co-workers". She loves it, now if someone would write - "how to get along with your family"!!! Whoever writes it owes me a finder's fee!! Anyhow, I'm working on one fish two fish. Pictures to follow after the recipient receives it!!I've got some netflix's and I'm settled for the morning. It's rainy here anyhow.

Man oh man did we have the weather Saturday night. A little town called Branchville, is pretty much flat. We've eaten at The Churn (gone now) after kayaking, another town Bath (never heard of it) is pretty flat, and lots of damage in Elgin, on the east side of Columbia. Us, we hardly had any wind - some people had hail here, we didn't. The sky changed colors so many times and in such short amount of time!! It went from purple to grey, to bright white during one commercial section of the Top Chef show!! It was freaky!!

Bogie's watching netflix too!

Blue Lagoon

2008-03-17T17:27:00.003-05:00

Here are some of my underwater shots from Jamaica! Not very good, but it proves that I was there!

That's a big fish!!! My sweet husband!!

Easter on Parade!

2008-03-16T16:28:00.003-05:00

I've been working on this, hand dyed, center section is hand painted, and machine quilted. It's not perfect, but I did do my corners better. I'm of the school, get it done, even if it isn't perfect. My seams are all 1/4 inch, and that part is done right. I'm honing my skills, I want to get on etsey pretty soon!!

Pics abound

2008-03-11T08:40:00.004-05:00

Sounds like a lot of people had problems with pics on blogger. So I'll try today.

Lili and Brielle getting ready to ParaSail!!

The girls with one of their new found friends!

Bougainvillea - plants as tall as houses (our type of houses, not theirs)

A group of houses behind the craft market (which was imported from India and China t-shirts)

The tranquility of the island is fabulous - a sunset from our beach!!

Back to Reality

2008-03-09T09:59:00.002-05:00

Well...... I'm back in the US, no more food prepared for us, no more lovely umbrella drinks, no more beautiful sandy beaches, no more reading in the middle of the day, no more looking at older, fatter sun burnt women with no tops!!
The Europeans are so much more freer (sp ?) with their bodies than us US citizens. Me, I had a one piece on, an athletic skirt over my big fat bottom, then when I left the beach I had a huge cover up on!! Ken said I needed to loosen up, me I feel a little left to the imagination is a good thing. Plus 46 year old skin that is starting to sag is just not pretty no matter what country you are from!!
We had a lovely time - the girls were delightful!! We giggled with them a lot, Brielle is adorable and so good for Lili, she loosens Lili up too!!
We stayed at Riu Negril. It was an all-inclusive resort. Apparently this is a big thing with the
Europeans, me I had never heard of such a thing. I was like being on a cruise, they feed you, they house you, they fulfill your liquid desires and you pay one price. The girls got massages, that was extra and Ken and I snorkeled one day, that was extra, otherwise all was paid for. Jamaica - no don't get mad at me if any of my "huge" fan base is Jamaican, but that island is dirty!! The people are so poor - granted I only saw from Montego Bay west to Negril (about an hour -and a half van ride each way but the trash 0n the side of the roads, was horrible. I would think for the sake of their economy which is based hugely on tourism, the government would make the citizens keep it clean. But whatever, we had a great time, but I would never venture out of a resort area if we go back. The people seemed to be so lovely, so happy and carefree, everything is "yea mon" Nobody is hurried about schedules or deadlines, maybe that has something to do with the readily available drug culture!! Ken was asked a few times if he needed any - he and I did venture into the Negril craft market. It rained so hard that the water in the street came up to my knees and let me just say this water was not CLEAN by any means!! Did I say we had a good time, we did - stay in a resort!! Maybe I am too uptight, naw, I'm perfect just like I am!!

Blogger is not taking my pictures, you just have to wait on those!!

Jamaica Baby!

2008-03-02T05:45:00.002-05:00

Gone to Jamaica - back on Saturday 3/8/08
I'll be sipping umbrella drinks, toasting to all of you!!

A quick observation

2008-02-27T15:57:00.001-05:00

It just dawned on me, all my fabrics look like the colors on those cute little umbrellas they put in drinks. Maybe.... it's cause I'm going to Jamaica in 4 days!! Hee, hee!!

To Dye For Part II

2008-02-27T15:47:00.003-05:00

I've been playing with dyes again!! It is so windy here, my experiments dry in no time!!

Backin Out

2008-02-25T09:17:00.002-05:00

I have completely become on old person. As I was playing with more dyes and just gabbing on the phone to CA at the same time, my back just completely started twisting (the muscles on the lower left side) I could honestly feel it just twist, as if I was a piece of wet laundry that needed wringing out!! I had to hang up the phone, and flayed on the hard floor trying to get some immediate relief. The floor part was great fun for Bogie who started slathering me with kisses. Anyhow, long story short I was a vegetable all day yesterday, watched cooking channel and pre Oscar stuff on tv all day. The Oscar dresses were all pretty, not a bad frock among them, hardly. Didn't like Daniel Day Lewis's wife's red tie straps or that horribly gaudy jewel thing on her dress. But, Daniel took away pretty George's Oscar so I could be a tad bias!! I am still on aleeve, the muscle is now sore like after a leg cramp, it's just amazing how the whole thing happened, wrench, twist and whamo, I'm down!! I must add, Tommy Lee Jones, Harrison Ford, nor Daniel Day Lewis are aging gracefully, but that George, he just gets prettier and prettier!! AAAAH what a man!!
Oh yeah, this is a quilt blog, well back permitting, maybe I will sew today a little!!

Saturday to Dye for!

2008-02-23T15:50:00.003-05:00

We've had beautiful weather today. Ken got some new furniture for our sitting area down by the lake and it came today. We christened it with a glass of wine!! Other than that I've been dyeing, painting and coloring fabric all day. I have one clean hand, one hand that has gone "green" and a sweatshirt that looks a little blotchy!! My kitchen counter has a little extra color but it will come clean!! Here are my works of art:

my blue and greens

Easter colors

Not sure, but I love!!!

Quail and pathways

Drew is supposed to be coming over to cook us lasagna for dinner. Unless he gets a better offer than "parental units" it should be good!! If he ditches us, I guess it's Bomb Island Grill. Need to eat salads until Jamaica!!!

Family Family, Family

2008-02-19T13:30:00.003-05:00

Up to my elbows in family, or I was. Suzie & Austin came in last Thrusday (Valentine's Day) to surprise our parents, then Uncle Bill, Shari, Denise and Little Miss Addie came and spent the day with all of us yesterday (Sunday). So we had a wirlwind of meals, pets, shopping, family funny stories, shopping for Austin - the Lego trip - two Birthday celebrations and did I mention food?? I am ready for salads, down time with Bogie and Starbucks, Bible Study and messing with textiles, oh yeah husband too!!

Our Gang

Austin begrudingly sharing Legos with Addie

Don't know if I mentioned yet, but my best friend - still in Calif - is having twins!! Yeah! She's made it past the three month marker- more Yeahs!! We are a little nervous - did I mention she's 46 and this is her first pregnancy?? Yikes - they are brave!! She's in great physical shape to her credit!! But Micheline has wonderful support from Casey (the proud Daddy) and her Mom, plus there is a friend Elizabeth close by, that knows all the routines. Micheline is going to stay working and make her own baby food - kudos to her!! I've told her about my favorite tv show, Kate & John plus 8!! She needs to watch them for pointers!!

I'm off to go play with fabric!!