Catching Up - A Little

September has been maybe the most busy month we have ever had. The STS-Summer swap wrapped up, we went to our first (and second) community event, I attended the first quilt retreat ever, we had our first house guest in our new home, I made a wedding book cover for a friend, we had an open house, and we bought an SUV. Gosh, how's that for a month full? I've taken so many photos that I'm finding the sorting, tweaking, and naming to be just a bit over-whelming. And I'm sure it will take a couple of posts to cover it all.

Let's start here:

The STS-Summer block share has officially come to a close. The final 2 blocks go out in the mail to their homes tomorrow. Sharon G, bless her heart, suffered a devastating blow with the death of her mother recently. And she wasn't able to finish working on her partner's block. So, I asked her to send it to me to finish. And this is what I did with it.









I forgot my camera for the first community event which was a street fair downtown. It was very cool seeing the merchants out on the street, people milling around trying a sample of this and a sample of that. Kids running wild, playing, getting their faces painted and enjoying the blowup playgrounds. Adults saying hello to one another, having a glass of wine or a beer, and enjoying their community.

The second event that we attended was the Longmont Oktoberfest. Each day there were different bands playing throughout the day and into the night. Beer booths and wine tasting, people setting up their lawn chairs and settling in for the concerts, kids frolicking, the mouth-watering smells from the many booths, and of course, local artists and crafts persons selling their wares.





(That's my DH being a bystander)


I picked up these little goodies there and later gave them as hostess gifts for our retreat. I cannot find the card for the fobs, but the fairy dust came from Magical Mischief.



Next I want to share photos of a wedding book, book cover I've been working on. I did manage to get it done today, despite the fact that the wedding was on the 13th of September. Oh well, hopefully by the end of the week it will be in its new home.









We also had an Open House, which went off without a hitch. We handed out 1/2 sheet flyers inviting friends and new neighbors to a champagne brunch. Since there was no RSVP, we just planned for 60 (and I bet we came really close). Well, with the flowers on the patio - Come On In!

The small print is a warning that Fritz barks but doesn't bite. He's a mini schnauzer and cannot help himself.

Here's a peek at the menu.........
We start off with a spinach, sausage, and cheese quiche (I made this BTW). Next the cheeses (port wine cheese ball, muenster, swiss, provolone, sharp cheddar and colby longhorn cheddar).


Then we move on to the fruits (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, grapes, and kiwi on the side).


Now for a quick stop at the meat trays. Hmmmmm, what do we have here???? Honey ham, smoked ham, roasted turkey and roast beef. And of course, the shrimp tray just over there.........


Now, for something to help wash it all down. We took the recommendation of our local liquor store owner (LOL) and tried the Silver Cap champagne. It was wonderful. However, we seriously misjudged how much we would need. We ordered 2 cases and barley used one. Oh well, it will keep in the basement until its needed later.

It was fun to wash the dust off of my glasses, add their charms, and set them out. The card is instructions for making a mimosa. Did you know that you can make one with Cranberry juice? I didn't!

And to round off the brunch - dessert. I didn't order nearly enough eclairs but there was still plenty of other goodies. BTW, notice those croissants....I baked those. If I don't watch out, I'm going to become domestic. LOL.


Leslie and her DH came to visit us and look what she brought.....Home canned goodies!!! Don't they look just yummy???? Oh, and the beautiful table cover, too. Thank you so much, Leslie. I had to post the gift bag too because it looks like it was cross-stitched. Too funny! I like her style.


Too bad that I didn't get any other photos, though. When everyone started to arrive, it got pretty busy. It was all we could do to say, "HELLO" and try to remember names.

But I will share with you the quiche recipe I used. I didn't write down the site but if you Google "Crustless Spinach Quiche" it will come up. I did make a few modifications which you will notice if you pull up the original recipe.

First prepare:
1/2 pkg frozen spinach, cooked to remove water/moisture
1 can mushrooms, drained (can be cooked with spinach)
1/2 pound bulk sausage, cooked (scrambled), drained
1 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 cup grated monterey jack cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup diced onion



You will also need:
9 eggs
1 cup Half & Half (or heavy cream)
1/2 cup milk (any except skim)
1/4 tsp nutmeg (fresh is best)
Salt and pepper to taste



Now, preheat your oven to 350 (F) degrees

Get a 9 by 13 glass baking dish and spray lightly with Crisco (or other) spray.
Add cheddar and monterey jack cheese (on bottom)
Add spinach and mushroom mixture, and onions evenly over the cheese (second layer)
Add scrambled sausage on top



Mix together (in blender) eggs, nutmeg, half & half, milk, salt and pepper. Then pour slowly into baking dish. Sprinkle with parsley and pop into the oven.



Bake for 40-45 minutes (approximate - ovens vary). Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving so that center will firm up.



Bon Appetite!!!


And lastly, for this post...We got an SUV. It was really difficult to trade in DS's Mustang - the Mustang I never wanted (go figure). Anyway, we did it. DH decided quite some time ago that he wanted a BMW X5. Therefore when it came time to shop for an SUV, he had blinders on to say the least. So, guess what we bought? A pre-owned (2005), black, BMW X5. Who could afford a new one? Did I mention that it's black? I mean really black.

You can probably guess that black would not have been my first or even my last choice. Well, that sort of set the tone for my relationship with this CAR over the past 2 weeks. I've gone from out and out hating it to actually being able to look at it in the garage. I don't drive it unless I absolutely have to.

I don't know why I dislike it so much. I just do. I don't like anything about it. (Notice that I'm not posting a photo of it either!) Which doesn't make sense because it's a really nice CAR. Maybe its too computerized. Maybe it's because I don't feel like I really had a choice. Maybe because I don't really feel like its my car. Maybe it's because its new and different. Maybe because I'm totally an ungrateful bitch. I don't know.

I'm sure that we will come to terms at some point in time. But for now, I'll just call it THE BEAST and avoid it when ever possible.


Well, I better go for now. I'm off (in THE BEAST) to get some new glasses, find a boarding kennel for Fritz, get medical records transfered, yada, yada, yada.

Take care!



Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Holy Moly!

Has it really been so long since I last posted? I can hardly believe it. I have missed being in the 'thick of things' but I just really haven't had the time or attention to sit down until now. And boy, oh boy do I have oodles and gobs of stuff to share.

I've also got lots and lots of photos to help try and hold your attention. LOL. As for the photos, I'm running low on space with Blogger so I'm linking to my Flickr photos. What a pain in the ass that is. Maybe it will get easier. But the point I'm trying to make is...........If you can't see the photos, please let me know.

Here's what's in store for those of you who have the time (and attention span) to hang in there with me for this post: Updates on my projects, RR's, block shares, give aways won, gifts received, my new studio, my new house, upcoming swaps and retreats (but not necessarily in that order). Hold on to your seat..........here we go!!!!!!

Let's start with projects finishing up, shall we? There are two of those. The first being the CQI FFT RR. I received my block back yesterday and the other participants are chiming in on the group to say that they are also receiving theirs.

This is my completed block and I just love it. I just can't thank Diane, Karen, Peggy, Cindy, and Debbie enough for their lovely additions. It was so much fun and so easy to work with all of them during this RR. I look forward to the next project with them.



This is the my work on Diane's block and how her block looked when I mailed it home to her. She really put together a beautiful block to work on, even though there wasn't much room left on it by the time it reached me. LOL. I'm very fond of Asian style/themed blocks and everyone really did a super job with their additions. Look closely at the butterflies, bamboo stalks, the geisha, etc. Maybe you'll pick up a few pointers and ideas (like I did).



The second project to wrap up was the STS-Summer block share from CQN. In case you haven't been following these posts, this has been a year long commitment to complete 4 blocks, one for each season. I have to give a BIG THANKS to everyone for being so patient in getting their blocks back for Summer. Moving from Texas to Colorado proved to be more of an adventure than I had planned for. So.........Thank you!!!!

What does a final mail out looked like for a swap with 30 blocks? Here ya go~



I have just recently mailed Mary's block back to her, I'm waiting to mail Cynthia's to her after vacation, and the final block to finish up is coming from Sharon, who has recently been just devastated by the death of her mother. Our prayers go out to you and your family, Sharon.

Here is my partner, Debbie's block after my work. You can see her 1/2 worked block here.











I can only hope that she likes what I added to her block as much as I like what she added to mine. Isn't it just too cool? It's so wonderfully embellished. And it fits just perfectly with my other seasons. What a great addition to my set!



(My original 1/2 worked block)



I would also like to tell Wendy THANK YOU for sending me this pin cushion pot. Too cute, huh? I use it all the time. It's perfect for holding longer needles and partial strung bead projects. I also recently won a give away on her blog for this Daisy Kingdom transfers book. It is awesome. And who doesn't just love Daisy Kingdom? Thanks again, Wendy!!!!



I also, through the moving 'adventure' (becoming an 9 letter word. LOL), managed to work a little on my large block. You know, the one I started back at the end of May until early June. Anyway, here is my handy work so far.



The Dragon Tales block has been totally put on hold. Too bad, too because it's almost finished. Oh well........

Now, on to NEW stuff. This is my new studio. I just love it. I don't have nearly the square footage or closet space that I had before but I don't really miss it. At least not yet. For now I have concentrated on making my CQ necessities handy, along with my books, CD player (the important stuff), computer and desk, both printers, etc. The bulk of my fabric and other GOODIES are in the basement. When we get to the basement (it's totally unfinished) I'll have a designated WORK ROOM for my quilting frames, fabric storage, etc. Pretty neat how I ended up with 2 areas, huh????? Hubby is still scratching his head. LOL. The bonus part is that we are wireless here. All I need to do is get a laptop and I am completely mobile!!!!

The kitchen pretty cozy but has great potential. The views are wonderful and having the deck has been so nice in the morning with coffee and newspaper, and at night with wine and conversation. I'm sure at some point in time we will be doing a over haul in here but for now the only real problem is that Fritz is really freaked about the wood floors. They're slick and give off a lot of shadows. Poor baby - he's used to tile.



I make note of this photo because I am especially pleased with this room. I don't know if I mentioned it before or not BUT there is A LOT of purple and green in this house. Normally, I'm okay with both of them, even together BUT the paint job in this room was too much. It's a textured paint treatment in guess what???? Purple and green that left the walls looking like a HUGE BRUISE! I swear, I couldn't come in here and turn on the lights. Anyway, I haven't painted it yet but I did make some decor changes that really toned down the walls. Now it's one of my favorite rooms. It's pretty and it doesn't make me gag anymore! LOL.



We opted for a TV in the bedroom for the first time. It's not so much that we actually watch it, it's the fact that it's there. Can you tell that I wanted it and DH didn't? LOL. And another wonderful view out the window. Anyone know where I can buy 2 settees? I need one in this window and in the living room. Well, that's the tour for now. Paint, window treatments, yada, yada, yada will all come in time.



Good grief, we're nearing the end of it - FINALLY! LOL.

Upcoming events would include the (1st annual) Colorado Retreat for Crazy Quilter's beginning on the 10th (until the 14th). That's right, just a few days away. The ladies joining in will be coming from different Yahoo Groups, both from the around the USA and maybe even as far as the UK. We will be converging on our hostesses, Jill and Leslie, both from CQI, in the northern Colorado area (from around Fort Collins to Denver). They have put together a schedule of activities that is sure to please. Truly something for everyone. And I'm sure that I will come home each night totally exhausted from fun and games. Did I mention that they are also feeding us? What a bargain, huh? I still have a couple of blocks to piece, an auction gifty to finish up, a travel bag to pull together. Oh my, so much to do, so little time!

Another upcoming event is the 3rd annual Victorian Boot Christmas Stocking (VBCS) swap hosted (again) by Mary over at CQN. This is maybe my favorite swap. I've participated in the last 2 swaps and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Here are the Crazy Quilted Christmas Stockings that I've made for swap, and the ones that I've received.

Mine, year 2006 and 2007:


And the stockings that I received (from JK, co-list mom at CQN) in 2006 and from (Mary) in 2007:



Aren't they just precious? Not only do you get this labor of love in a keepsake, it comes filled, and I mean stuffed with goodies. Are you jealous yet? LOL. And don't think that Christmas is all that far away - you know how it sneaks up on you every year.

Well, I guess that's it. I don't see any unposted photos or blocks, notes or tidbits of things. Thanks for your time today. Have a great rest of the weekend!


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Checking In

Gosh, this unpacking and cleaning stuff is for the birds! I swear that these boxes reappear each night after I go to bed. LOL.

I've been so caught up in trying to get settled in that I completely spaced off the fact that yesterday was my 2 year BlogAversary and National Left Hander's Day.

I've been receiving blocks regularly for the STS-Summer block share and hope to have them all received and ready to send home by the first of the week.

I also have a FFT RR block to work on. The last block in this round robin - WOW - has this gone by fast! It seems like we just started. Anyway, I'm going to sit down, relax, and work on the block over the weekend.

Well, I guess that's it for now. The dryer is beeping at me and there is SOOOOOOO much left to do.

BTW, I love it here. DH and I have ventured out more in the past 2 weeks of being here than we did in the last year we were in Texas. The mornings are cool and bright and a wonderful way to enjoy coffee on the deck. The evenings are a little crisp but really nice for walking Fritz before bedtime.

Okay......I'm outta here!


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Signing Off For Awhile

Just a quickie post to let you know that I will be off line for awhile. The computers are getting packed up as soon as I get done with this post, and everything gets loaded on the truck in the morning. We should be at our new home in Colorado by Saturday and with any luck at all I'll be back online by the end of the week.

Well, I guess it's time to pull the plug. So long for now!


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Nominations

I wanted to take a few minutes this morning to acknowledge a couple of nominations that I've received recently. And also to say, "THANKS" to the two ladies who thought of me; Judy and Kat who have both nominated me for the "Brillante Weblog Premio -2008" award.

Of course, they have also received this award for their wonderful blogs. Please take a moment to pop on over a look around. And don't forget to say, "HI!"

I tried to find out where this award originated, in order to give its creator credit but I couldn't figure out who it was. If anyone out there knows, please leave a comment and I will give credit where credit is due!

Anyway, the rules are:

1) Put the logo on your blog;
2) Add a link to the person who awarded you;
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs;
4) Add links to those blogs on yours; and
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

Well, here's where I become a party poop because I'm getting ready to move and my time on the computer is very limited right now. I have made my nominations below, even though I haven't listed ALL that I should, I believe this will keep the award going and also give recognition to but a few of the really deserving bloggers out there.

So.................drumroll...................here they are.................


My first nomination is Lori who I find to be a most amazing woman, both in her inner strengths and in her creativity.

My second nomination is Barbara because she is incredibly talented and does such a nice job of posting a variety of interesting topics to her blog.

My third nomination is Sandy because I love her 'take' on life, the poem like flow to her posts, and her ability to laugh at herself.

My fourth, and final nomination goes to Diane. Not only is she very talented in her needlework, she has amazed me with her cake decorating abilities. There is simply no way to adequately describe her work. You must see it for yourself.

Well, my computer time is up for now. Thanks again to Judy and Kat. And I hope the bloggers that I have nominated will have just a little time available to them to keep the award going. Tootles!


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Nine Years Ago Today.......

DH and I were newlyweds. Although for us at 36 and 48 that sounds pretty strange. Anyway, we got married on a Friday morning. Our reasoning being that if it didn't work out, we wouldn't ruin the weekend. LOL.

Today has been a fairly lazy day for both of us. We're sort of just killing time until dinner. We are going out to Corelli's. We will probably both have the veal and I'm sure we'll share a bottle of Chianti. We'll split a dessert and have a glass or port. And for as mundane as this might sound - we look forward to it as our special time each year. At least since we've been in Texas.

Before moving here we always took a 2 week bike (motorcycle) ride. And oddly enough usually ended up in or at least going through Colorado, which is where we will next call home. Anyway, we are both looking forward to getting back on the bike, and to taking not only our anniversary trip again but road trips in general.

I guess I better go get gussied up. LOL. Have a nice evening....I know I will!


PS. Our wedding pictures were not taken in black and white :-)

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

CQI FFT RR - Debbie's Block

Today I finished adding my work to Debbie's block. This is block 4 of 5 that I will work on in this Fabulous First Timer's (FFT) Round Robin (RR) at CQI.

This is what Debbie's block looks like so far. It has now been worked by Cindy, Peggy, Karen, and me. It's off to Diane next and then it goes home to Debbie.



My first addition to the block were the pink stitches with the gold and purple beads on the ends. The little purple silk flowers have tiny white beads at their centers. This area was fairly large and I thought something across it might be best. Maybe Diane can add something that will tie the two ends of it together. I also added the spider and web. I'm not sure how Debbie feels about those BUT I HOPE that it's okay.



The spider is purple, too!



Last I added a button/bead trail combination on a floral, gathered wire ribbon piece. And yes, I know it isn't purple but the block was starting to look like it needed another splash of color on it.




Well, I hope Debbie likes it!


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

CQI FFT RR - Cindy's Block

I've just finished working the third of 5 round robin blocks that I will work on for the CQI, Fabulous First Timer's (FFT) Round Robin (RR). These photos are Cindy's blocks after my work.



Cindy came up with something very fun and unique. She's making a CQ Rabbit. How cute!



Well, I hope Cindy likes what I've added to her blocks. These will be in the mail on Monday and I'll be waiting for the next block to arrive.


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

America's Day!

I join you in celebrating "OUR" independence! And ask you to remember as you BBQ with family and friends, and watch the fireworks, that today is not just a holiday. That it does in fact have a very significant meaning.

I ask that you also give a moment of silence during your day to remember those who have served and died to reserve YOUR freedom, as well as those who still do.

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!