Grab Bag quilt

I've mentioned before (here)about the grab bag quilts. I finished mine last week and sent it off to the coordinator. I just found out today that Julie, the person I made a quilt for last time, is the same person I made a quilt for this time.

I really feel sorry for Julie because I don't think either quilt is a spectacular piece of art. I hope she isn't too disappointed. As soon as I get the okay, I'll post a photo of the quilt I made.

Birthday Party

Noah had his birthday party today. It was a joint party with his friend Daniel. They held it at a bounce place which is filled with various bounce castles, big enough for adults too. Jerry was in the thick of it with the kids and he was almost as tired as the 5 year olds when the day was done.

Daniel is on the left in this photo - Noah on the right. Aren't they cute?

Studio Makeover

I signed up for an online Studio Makeover class at Quilt University. Obviously it is sorely needed! My sewing room is the room over the garage. This photo shows the stairwell. At the top of the stairs on the left is a bathroom. The partially open door is a closet.

The white drawer unit (with the clock on it) is butted up next to the TV - you can see it in the first photo. I have another shelf in the closet with books on it too. You'd never know I recently culled out a number of books! To the left of the brown dresser is an ironing board and a short door leading to under eave storage. (like in the next photo)


This wall joins up to the wall with the closet on the far right (out of photo range). The short door leads to an under eave storage space.

This is the only window in the room and it's so high I can't look out. We're talking about putting in a dormer bump-out on one wall which would really help with the lighting issues. Failing that I'd like to have a skylight or two put in. Of course I need to be careful with light so it doesn't fade the fabric. I'd also like to put in a hardwood floor at some point for ease in cleaning up thread ends & dropped pins.

I'm a bit ashamed to post these photos but I'm sure I'm not the only slob out there. I'm hoping to get a handle on the mess - which has never really been organized since we moved in a year ago. Do you think there's much hope?

Five Years Old

Five years ago on August 22nd I was at work in California when I got a call from Charleston that Chrystal was in labor and we could expect a baby that day. As soon as the call came, I started to cry and spent the rest of that day in happy tears while waiting to hear that Noah had arrived. Craig finally called about 6pm California time to announce his arrival. We already had a trip to Charleston planned for August 29th, so I knew we'd see him soon, but it was still really tough to be across the country when all the excitement was going on. Happily we're now in the same town and can help Noah celebrate his birthdays in person.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart. We love you.

C is For...

I'm way overdue on my wordplay entry. Since I'm finding out it's not as much fun as it looked when Deb did it, I've decided that C is for CONCLUDE wordplay. Sorry!

It's official

As of today Jerry is officially retired (for the 2nd time!) While he hasn't worked for a year, he was officially under contract to Sony Pictures until yesterday. Now he's not obligated to anyone - well, except me!

Quilts from last century

I came across photos of these two stack & whack quilts the other day. It must have been the late 1990's when I made them - back when S&W was all the rage. The pink and purple one was made for my dad and stepmom. Sherry asked me once to make her a pink and purple quilt so I did. I gave the gold quilt to Claude & Janice my brother and sister-in-law. I tried to make the settings a little unique since most S&W quilts tend to be set the same. I don't think the recipients were very enthused with their quilts but I had fun making them.

First Day of School

Noah started kindergarten this morning. He's been attending pre-school for several years so school isn't an entirely new experience for him. Chrystal said he just joined in with the other kids and threw kisses to mom & dad as they left. Good to hear that he's going to adjust well. He's a really bright kid (if I say so myself) so I hope school will challenge him.


I found a photo of MY first day of school at John C. Lodge elementary school in Detroit. I still remember the cloak room this photo was taken in. I'm the second person from the left and in the middle is Liz, my oldest friend in the world. (well she's not the oldest, just the longest). I think the blond on the far left is named Nancy - but I'm not entirely sure. The girl on the far right is Lori Richards. I have no idea who the girl in the overcoat is. Notice she has pants on too. Back then we couldn't wear pants in school, but we used to wear them under our dresses to keep warm on the walk back & forth to school and then would take them off upon arrival. Obviously she had just gotten there.

Happy News

I started my latest A is for... entry (for the letter C) but it's getting really big because we have lots of "c" people in our family so it will have to wait. Instead I'll share the happy news that my quilt 'Amazing Grace' has been accepted into Houston. I really feel like this is one of my better quilts, so I was pleased to get the acceptance.

I hadn't planned to go to Houston this year, but now I have to go! I got on the phone this morning and of course all the hotels have sold out of special rate rooms. I was able to get a room at the hotel connected to the convention center, but at regular prices. Now to start working on my tiara for the Quiltart tiara parade!

Tiger Ledbetter?

We live on a golf course and Noah has taken an interest in the game. Jerry cut down a couple of his old clubs and purchased a couple of kid sized clubs for Noah and it seems like he's doing fairly well. Not bad form for a 4 year old 'eh?

Now, if we can cultivate this into a career, we'll be home free in our old age.

Happy Birthday Mark

Mark was best man at our wedding. Can you believe the suit he wore? No wonder he needed a drink or two! You have to remember that we were married in 1972 which helps explain the suit.

We haven't seen Mark for a few years, but I can assure you he looks a little different.

Hope you had a great day Mark.