New York

I am only on page 251 of New York.  That's maybe 3/4 of an inch from the beginning.  There are a total of 862 pages....I still have a way to go!
 
I thought about sewing today, but I got distracted by the heat....again!

I have been mentally thinking about a larger quilt.  My girls have medals from swimming and no place to put them.  I was thinking of a quilt about 1/2 yard in size with a large shark in one corner.  The team mascot is a shark!  Then the rest of the are is blue for the ribbons and medals to hang.  So far it is just an idea!

Happy Quilting
Caren

New book

I just finished a new cozy, but I didn't care for it that much so I won't name it.

I went to the library for a refill on books and found this huge book.  It was sitting on a table with books about New York.  When I saw it I got so excited, my children looked at me like I was crazy!

New York, Edward Rutherford

This book is huge. 860 pages. I read Sarum when I was in 9th grade (about 15 years old) and loved it.  I have read several of his throughout the years and have enjoyed everyone of them.  The plan is to start reading the book, and if I like to buy it.  Unless it is awesome and I do nothing but read for  a week!
 
Anyway, I am really looking forward to reading this book.

Happy quilting
Caren

Too hot to Sew...

Yes, it can be too hot to sew.  I haven't touched my sewing machine in weeks ( or at least that is how it feels).  Anyway.  I went for a walk at the mall this morning and the merchants were already pulling out heavy sweaters!  It made me sweat just looking at them.  We still have a good month or more of hot weather.  Good news is all the summer stuff is on sale!

Sew, what have I been doing instead of quilting you may ask.  I have been working on a secret project (ha ha ha), reading cozies (mystery books), and finishing off the first 10 seasons of Midsomer Murders!  It's amazing so many people can die in a small county!  On that subject I have to ask my readers in the UK two questions.  1- What's the deal with coconuts? Every time there is a fete, Ins. Barnaby gets a coconut. 
2-  Are those baked beans he eats for breakfast or BBQ beans?  And can I get a recipe!?

I think the heat is starting to mess with my mind!

I just finished another great little book and I am surprised I have not run across this writer sooner.  "Booby Trap" by Sue Ann Jaffarian.  It was so funny.  Very well written.  Unlike a lot of cozies, the sleuth isn't old.  She a little older than me, but she is a big gal.  Unlike media of the day she is beautiful, bright, and a lot of fun.  There are several books in the Odelia Grey series and I highly recommend them.
 
Ok.  I have bored you enough go back to quilting.

Caren

AAQI headed to Houston

If you read the AAQI blog you know they need quilts.  If you don't they are on my blog roll or just click here.  The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative needs more quilts.  They are starting to keep some for the November trip to Houston for the huge quilt festival.  You can see the quilts here.  They hope to have 1,500 quilts at the show.  I have never been to the Houston show :(  But this year 2 of my little quilts will :)  I mailed 4 more off today.  I hope one ore two of them will make it. 

So if you are going to Houston for the show check out the AAQI booth, better yet  buy a small quilt.  They make great Christmas gifts  ;)

Happy Quilting
Caren

Christmas in ...129 days!

This is totally unrelated to quilting.  I went to the library today and checked out this little book:
"The Official Guide to Christmas in the South or, If you Can't Fry it, Spraypaint it Gold"  by David C. Barnette.

I laughed the entire time I read this book.  It is hysterical, which it is meant to be.  BUT it is so true.  I saw more than a few relatives and loved ones in this book.  Now I have to admit I am only half southern (my mama's from Texas and everyone knows it is it's own country.).

It covers all of the southern traditions, more than a few may be odd to outsiders.  If you need a good laugh go to your local library and check out this book!

Happy Quilting
Caren

Birdbath???

Look closely....

Stripes has made himself a new bed!

Happy 11th Anniversary....

Sweetie Pie and I celebrated our 11th Anniversary yesterday.  He was so sweet, he surprised me with an evening trip to the beach.  It takes an hour and a half to get there from here and is my absolute favorite place in the world and he knows it.  Sweetie Pie doesn't like the beach so much :)  We had a amazing meal of fresh seafood, I even braved the shrimp and crab claws ( I'm allergic... thankfully I only ended up with a case of the itchies... don't tell my doctor!)  Then we bought a beach towel and watched the moon rise and the waves rush in.  It was so very romantic!  ( sigh of contentment)

The gift:  So my sweetie gave me a gift. 

My baby made these for me.  He turned them on his lathe.  2 are wood and the other is acrylic.  I'm not sure which I like better ;) They are heavier than the cheap plastic ones, but not too heavy.  They are really sharp!  I like that they can be closed.  I've poked myself more than once by the standard variety.  I also like the pen clip at the top.  I can't wait to take them to the guild and show them off!

Disclosure:
(There's a girl in my blog roll that sells acrylic seam rippers on etsy, her husband also makes them, I just can't remember who it is. )  We may start selling them as well!?  Who knows seems like a lot of work to me!

Isn't she beautiful:

Ignore the messy house.  We were getting ready for church!  This is daughter #2.  She is wearing the dress my eldest niece wore in our wedding.  This picture is my favorite.  I have a proper picture of her standing in the garden, but this is so much sweeter!

Happy Quilting!
Caren

Bad internet connection....

I have had the worst time with my internet connection this week.  So I am trying to post this real quick.  I have done very little sewing...too hot.   I did finish this little red quilt.  

HELP.....
 I need a title and the top corner seems to need something.

Happy quilting

Caren