CQI Retreat 2009 update

Too Much Fun........That's exactly how I would describe this year's CQ Retreat in Breckenridge, Colorado. Don't get me wrong, last year's retreat was a really good time, too. It's just that this year we had more room, more "crazy ladies" in attendance, more time to stitch and visit, truly gorgeous mountain views, and new places to shop - BONUS!

One of those being the Breckenridge Bead Gallery. They have a wide variety of beads, charms, bits and pieces, and the prices are SOOOOOO reasonable. The little gal working that day was just giddy from all of us, and other customers, piling up our purchases. CaChing, CaChing, CaChing!!!!

I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that 14 women, over 4 days, in relatively close quarters managed to get along so well. Everyone was so happy to share their 'stuff', their stories, their techniques and ideas, their beautiful work, and there was so much laughter. It's good to laugh!

I really can't thank Leslie and Gerry K enough for the effort they put forth. Not only with the EATS (which were fantastic, BTW) but with just everything that organizing this adventure required. I must also note here that Lauri makes a mean spaghetti sauce - YUMMMMMMY! With everyone taking turns prepping and cleaning, each meal, tutorial, and 'event' was nearly seamless (pun, pun, pun). Kudos to EVERYONE~

(Remember to click on the image to enlarge it)

This is the view from the condo that I stayed at with Lauri and Ingrid.





The place is huge! Top floor, three bedroom, 2 bath, fireplace, wall of glass for amazing views, and a deck running the full length of the condo. One of the bedrooms is a master with on-suite bath and sliding glass door to the deck. Plenty of parking, great kitchen and I even ended up with the purple bedroom~~~~



This condo is about 5 miles from the "Main Cabin" so we were able to get back and forth quickly and not miss any of the festivities. The main cabin has a really nice open floor plan with a good size kitchen, dining area, and living area. In addition to a 2 car garage for storing extra 'stuff' and a hot tub on the patio. The place has bedrooms and bathrooms everywhere. LOL.





That's my little camp chair and PILE of stuff in the lower right corner. I swear, I don't know how we managed to get all of the suitcases, boxes, totes, etc., that we brought into that cabin. Let alone how we managed to so easily maneuver around it. We must truly be a ONE with our stashes. LOL. BTW, I must, must, must tell you that Ingrid had the stash that WE WERE ALL in awe of. WOW, to be the cat while she's away!

There were so many activities and tutorial going on over the course of our time there, that I can't even remember all of them. I've listed what I do remember:

Hot tubbing (I'm not going to go there. LOL) Button painting tutorials, lace dying, making clay faces/objects, ugly silk tie grab, Stash and Dash, velvet embossing, Angelina fibers, Brazilian embroidery, various types of flower making, and of course, the Chinese Auction.

This is what I brought home with me. It's a Janet original.



Don't you just love this box??? I do!!! Although, I didn't have much hope that I would snag it in the Chinese Auction (sorry Theresa). Talk about a swapping frenzy. LOL. It was truly a hoot with so many wonderful gifts being offered up.

Leslie made this very pretty Santa CQ and offered to finish it into a pillow for its owner. And while Debbie originally opened it, I believe it was Kerry who took it home. But it looks like Debbie was happy taking home the penguin that I made. I can't believe I forgot to take a photo before I wrapped him up - DUH! Thank goodness I did get one photo and was able to swipe another one.



As to who got the rest of the gifts...It's pretty much a blur. I'll list what I can remember. However, I can assure you that Janet and Cathy got to open the most presents. Sadly, someone else just kept claiming them as their own - if only for a little while - before they were reclaimed again for the 3rd and final time, and became off limits.

And Carolyn had the most gifts pass through her hands. She seemed to want everything that was opened. LOL. But who can blame her? Everything was so, sew, wonderful. Here she is visiting Cathy for (I believe) the second time. LOL.



Alas, in the end, Carolyn found herself the proud owner of a lovely tea cozy made by Diane. And Diane took home a darling, heart-shaped pincushion made by (I think) Claudina.



Lauri made this beautiful quilt and a teacup pincushion. And while Cathy didn't get to keep the quilt, she did end up with the teacup pincushion and a sweet little handmade lavender sachet.



And Connie claimed this lovely pincushion (made by Gerry K).



Ingrid got to take home this lovely little CQ'd box, full of goodies and fairy note cards (from Debbie). She also graciously split the note cards with Janet.



And Janet??? Well, she took home the most amazingly glass button collection from Kerry. I think she was really happy with the way things turned out!

Here are a few more of the photos that made it home on my camera. I hope you enjoy them.

The STASH AND DASH
Let me tell you that when the stash (and scissors) come out, there is no stopping this bunch. It's a fabric sharing frenzy, the likes of which most people never get to experience. Proudly, I have been there twice! LOL. (A note of thanks here to Cathy who always manages to bring a TON of fabrics left over from her charities)



Okay, now on to the eye candy............

Lauri brought her Under the Sea (UTS) quilt that she has been working on. It is beyond stunning! And its beauty is only matched by its weight. Yes, you read correctly - its weight. This thing is HEAVY. But then why wouldn't it be? It's approximately 5 foot square and is completely covered with beads, charms, buttons, and any number of assorted DO-DADS. The stitching is exquisite and she has hand drawn/created most of the motifs herself. Talk about WOW factor! In fact, those who see it in person are so enthralled with it that they have started gifting her goodies to attach to it. Needless to say - I love it. (See her blog [link above] for more photos and information)







Claudina brought her crazy quilt for use to drool over. And yes, it is beautiful, too. Hers is much more traditional in style. Not that it is 'just usual' by any means. She has created a quilt that is truly elegant and timeless.







Ingrid also brought a fabulous surprise for us. She had the 2009 PieceMaker's quilt with her. I did not take any photos of it (I'm such an idiot!) but I did find this photo at their website.



This quilt is breath-taking! I would estimate it to be approximately 5 foot by 4 foot. It is backed and bordered with black velvet. Each square is meticulously stitched and embellished. It truly is a labor of love and I am so very thankful for having had an opportunity to see it in person. Ingrid also brought each of us a 2009 calendar, which features each square and patterns to make them. What a treat!

In fact, a number of the ladies attending brought a gifty of some sort. Leslie made all of us a wonderful CQI tote and brought us an eye candy calendar from the Rocky Mountain Crazy Quilter's association.

Here are just a sampling of some of the goodies that came home with me. They are a combination of gifts, stash dash, and free for all items.







Believe it or not with all of the goings on, I did actually get some stitching done while on retreat. Here is the progress on my Crazy Quilted Christmas Stocking, aka Victorian Boot Christmas Stocking.



So, here we are at the end of the retreat and what did we accomplish? Well, according to Cathy, "when crazy quilters get drunk they make a sane quilt." I guess Cathy is right! LOL. But you be the judge. (From bottom to top: Ingrid, Janet, Theresa, Carolyn, Leslie, Claudina, Debbie, Cathy, Gerry K, Gerry H (me), Diane, Kerry, and Connie)



And after they drink? Well, they need to stagger up the stairs to use the 'ladies room.' LOL. (only kidding - well sort of)



Oh, and did you notice that our dear, sweet Lauri was missing? That's becaise she graciously offered to take photos for all of us. Wasn't that nice of her? So, as not to leave her out, and because we all know how much she loves to have her picture taken (NOT!!!!!), this one's for you my dear friend: You're BUSTED! (Isn't she just a doll???)




I encourage you to visit the blogs linked to see more eye candy and to hear everyone else's stories. You won't be disappointed. And if you have a blog/link that you would like me to add to this post, OR if I've misremembered anything, please just shoot me an email.

Our 2008 Retreat info is here.

Thank you so much for joining me on this journey down my recent memory lane. Have a great weekend and don't forget that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Don't forget to Give.


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!


Gerry

CQI Retreat 2009

I thought I would take advantage of the time I have on this dreary, rainy morning to post an update here on my poor, neglected blog before I am once again not posting for a few days. LOL.

As some of you might know, I've been sorting, organizing, packing, and checking off my (very long) list in preparation for this year's CQ retreat, which will be help in Breckenridge, Colorado.

The "RETREAT" is set to begin on September 24th and run through September 28th. Luckily, I live close enough to head out early(ish) on Thursday morning and be there in plenty of time to meet up with the rest of those who are attending.

Last year, at this same time, we held our first CQ Retreat in Colorado. We had a great turn out, put faces to email addresses, made new friends, shared ideas and techniques, went shopping, exchanged gifts, and ended our short time together already planning for the next retreat.

Well, not only will we see our 'old friends' again this year, we will also have many, many new comers. And thanks to Leslie's thoughtfull planning we are all able to stay together (or in close proximity) at the "Main Condo" instead of spending most of our time driving back and forth each day.

Gerry Krueger has taken on the responsibility of being our "Food Goddess" this year. And from the menu information she has provided, we will not only be eating healthy but probably eating way too much. LOL. She is even bringing homemade granola with her, in her suitcase, from her home in Washington state.

Since the majority of our time will be spent stitching (and gabbing), I have prepared a PILE of projects to take with me. One of them will be this Crazy Quilted Christmas Stocking, aka Victorian Boot Christmas Stocking for CQN (more details on this swap later). You can find more information on previous year's swaps 2006 here, and 2007 here.





Well, I best go finish my laundry, sort trims and lace, and dig out some large suitcases! Have a great day.


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!


Gerry

STS - Summer 2009 Update

My lovely block made it home about two weeks ago and I completely spaced off posting photos - duh! In case you missed it in previous postings, Ing and I were partners for this season's block share. This is the first time that we have worked on a project together and it is so nice to now have a sampling of her lovely work. Needless to say, I am very pleased with my completed block. It is far more beautiful than I had hoped for. It's so nice to have high expectations and still be surprised. LOL.

A bit more background: When this block share was announced on CQN I naturally wanted to choose a theme that was in keeping with the spirit of the year long project, yet I longed to do something different. Something more interesting and challenging than I had done in the past. Something outside what is generally considered the seasonal norms. Something that would have a duality in purpose and meaning. Something with a more personal meaning to me.

So.... My theme is related to four Pagan sabbats. The first being Litha, which is more commonly known as the Summer Solstice. The other three blocks, in keeping with my chosen theme will be those of Yule (Winter Solstice), Ostara (Spring Equinox), and Mabon (Autumn Equinox). (Oh, I guess I just stepped out of the broom closet. LOL)

Anyway, Ing was just wonderful to work with. I had only two requests for this block: 1) to maintain a fairly specific theme; and 2) a general color scheme. Ing really went all out on this block and she absolutely came through for me. I am so thankful to her for taking the time to research this celebration, to seek out some of the related history, and for adding items to my block that are truly representative of the theme. As you can see from the photos, she was just as attentive to the color scheme, not to mention how wonderfully creative her embellishments are. She even sent a variety of beautiful threads back with my block!

Okay, enough delay.....let's look at photos.








Thank you so much, Ing for being such a good friend.


Well, I'm off to find a couple of goodies to send out tomorrow with my Mabon block. So for now, I leave you with this poem:

(author unknown)

Go about your own path.
I will go about mine.

Should we meet and agree,
it will be beautiful.

If we do not, then it too,
will be beautiful.

For your path has its own beauty
and wondrous sights as does mine.

The greatest beauty will be for us to
share our experiences and be made
richer by our differences.



Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

A Pet Peeve

As defined by Wikipedia: "a minor annoyance that an individual identifies as particularly annoying to them, to a greater degree than others may find it."

Admit it, all of us have some (or many) Pet Peeves. Well, misused words are one of mine. I routinely encounter those who not only misuse words when writing but also (and more often) when speaking. Misdefinitions (is that a word?) are another of my Pet Peeves. It makes me want to carry around a basket full of dictionaries and thesauri. Unfortunately, most of the people that I would hand them out to wouldn't see a use for them.

So, what prompted this little rant? I was doing some research today; looking for definitions, origins of words, etc., and I found this post at HELP! Educational Blog. After reading it over, I have to admit that I agree. I also have to admit that I have made some of these mistakes myself. And some of them often - BOO HISS.

Now that I have seen the error of my ways, I thought I would share them with you, just in case...

1. Accept/Except- Although these two words sound alike (they’re homophones), they have two completely different meanings. “Accept” means to willingly receive something (accept a present.) “Except” means to exclude something (I’ll take all of the books except the one with the red cover.)

2. Affect/Effect- The way you “affect” someone can have an “effect” on them. “Affect” is usually a verb and “Effect” is a noun.

3. Alright- If you use “alright,” go to the chalkboard and write “Alright is not a word” 100 times.

4. Capital/Capitol- “Capitol” generally refers to an official building. “Capital” can mean the city which serves as a seat of government or money or property owned by a company. “Capital” can also mean “punishable by death.”

5. Complement/Compliment- I often must compliment my wife on how her love for cooking perfectly complements my love for grocery shopping.

6. Comprise/Compose- The article I’m composing comprises 32 parts.

7. Could Of- Of the 32 mistakes on this list, this is the one that bothers me most. It’s “could have” not “could of.” When you hear people talking, they’re saying “could’ve.” Got it?

8. Desert/Dessert- A desert is a hot, dry patch of sand. Dessert, on the other hand, is the sweet, fatty substance you eat at the end of your meal. [I remeber that dessert has a double 's' because you always want seconds]

9. Discreet/Discrete- We can break people into two discrete (separate) groups, the discreet (secretive) and indiscreet.

10. Emigrate/Immigrate- If I leave this country to move to Europe, the leaving is emigrating and the arriving is immigrating.

11. Elicit/Illicit- Some people post illicit things on message boards to elicit outrageous reactions from others.

12. Farther/Further- Farther is used for physical distance, whereas further means to a greater degree.

13. Fewer/Less- Use fewer when referring to something that can be counted one-by-one. Use less when it’s something that doesn’t lend itself to a simple numeric amount.

14. Flair/Flare- A flair is a talent, while a flare is a burst (of anger, fire, etc.)

15. i.e/e.g- I.e. is used to say “in other words.” E.g. is used in place of “for example.”

16. Inflammable- Don’t let the prefix confuse you, if something is inflammable it can catch on fire.

17. It’s/Its- It’s= it is. Its=a possessive pronoun meaning of it or belonging to. Whatever you do, please don’t use its’.

18. Imply/Infer- A reader infers what an author implies. In other words, when you imply something, you hint at it. When you infer something, you draw a conclusion based on clues.

19. Literally- If you say “His head literally exploded because he was so mad!” then we should see brains splattered on the ceiling.

20. Lose/Loose- If your pants are too loose you may lose them. That would be almost as embarrassing as misusing these two words.

21. Moral/Morale- Morals are something you want to teach your kids. If your team’s morale is low, you need to do something to boost their confidence.

22. Percent/Percentage- The word “percent” should only be used when a specific number is given. “Percentage” is more of a general term.

23. Stationary/Stationery- You are stationary when you aren’t moving. Stationery is something you write on.

24. Then/Than- “Then” is another word for “after.” Incidentally, the word “then” makes for boring writing. “Than” is a comparative word (e.g. I am smarter than you).

25. There/Their/They’re- There are few things as frustrating as when I look at my students’ writing and they’re misusing these words in their writing.

26. Unique- Something can’t be “kind of unique” or even “very unique.” It’s either one-of-a-kind or it isn’t. There is no in between when it comes to unique.

27. Your/You’re- If I had a nickel for every time I saw this one… yeah, you know the rest. “Your” shows ownership and you’re is a contraction meaning “you are.” Get it right.

28. To/Too/Two- Two is a number. “To” is used in instances such as, “I am going to the store.” If you are supposed to use the word “too,” try inserting the word “extra” or “also.” If one of those fits, you need to also add the extra “o” to make “too.”

29. Lie/Lay- After you lay the books on the table, go lie down on the couch.

30. Sit/Set- Set your drink on the table and sit in your chair. Got it?

31. Whose/Who’s- Whose is the possessive form of who. Who’s is a contraction meaning “who is.”

32. Allude/Elude- When someone alludes to something in conversation (indirectly references), if you aren’t paying attention the meaning may elude you (escape you).


If these words aren't enough for you, please pop on over to CME and take a look at their "Tricky Words" list. Or Infoplease's "Easily Confused or Misused Words" list.

Fun Fabrics and Stuff

I just had to share a couple of novelty fabrics that I bought recently. I only have these two handy because I have stashed the others away already. LOL.

This one I thought would be cute for a crazy quilt project. I must have been in a very 'woman-tude' mood when I bought these because I thought they were just darling. My favorite is in the second column, second down:
I DON'T HAVE HOT FLASHES... I HAVE SHORT PRIVATE VACATIONS IN TROPICAL-LIKE CONDITIONS! I'm going to use that one. LOL.

(Click on the image to enlarge)



Each lady is in a 2-3/4" by 3" box with plenty of surrounding fabric to make a perfect little motif with.



I'm entertaining the thought of putting something together for a swap. I don't know if I can commit the time, though.

This fabric I bought to make some art for my hubby's office. Maybe a large frame with the fabric squares stretched or attached to small canvas blocks, or frames, or trim pieces, and matted with a fabric border/background. We'll see what I can come up with. These pieces are 5" by 4-1/2", also with a wide enough border between them to create a nice look.



I also wanted to share yesterday's sunrise with you. Not that it isn't beautiful every morning but yesterday it was especially RED/ORANGE. And that light entering the house made the walls, carpet, curtains, everything look red/orange. Sadly, I believe that's because of the fires in California and Utah.



Speaking of curtains.....here is a really bad photo of the curtains I finally finished in the family room. I'm replicating the curtains that I made in Texas. At least in the second (Texas) photo you can see them. Well, that's one window down, about a gazillion to go. LOL.



Lastly, I wanted to put in a little update in here to mention that the 2nd Annual Colorado Crazy Quilt Retreat is coming up on September 24th - 28th. This year it will be in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado. Leslie has done a wonderful job in getting this organized for us (again this year). She found a darling cabin home to rent, with plenty of space to eat, stitch, and play. This year there will be approximately 18 of us - WOW!!! Some locals, some driving from not too far away, and lots who are flying in from all over. It promises to be a great time with plenty of activities/outings, great food and good company.

Oh my, look at the time. Well, better get back to curtains and pop dinner in the oven!


Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

STS - Fall 2009

It's official, we just received notification that our STS Summer blocks are on their way home, which means that the Fall block deadlines will soon be announced. I wanted to get a jump on my block because lately I don't seem to know what's going to come up or be going on. That's a different story for another time.

In 2007 I was sort of prompted to host a swap (of some sort) and I wanted to do something different, so I put together a Season To Season (STS) block share. I had a wonderful time hostessing it, thankfully everyone was great at keeping their deadlines, sharing photos, ideas and techniques. It was a lot of busy work but it was so much fun!

I was really happy that it went so smoothly and that there was so much interest, for each season. The bonus was having all of those lovely blocks pass back and forth through my hands. But the best part (of course) was getting back so many beautiful blocks over the course of the year.

Anyway, Lesa, the co-owner of CQN is hostessing, organizing and tracking the project this time around. And yes, she does get to fondle all of those lovely blocks!

Here is my naked Fall block:



And my half worked block (or at least what I consider to be half worked):









Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

STS - Summer 2009 Update

This is my partner, Ing's block after my work on it. She gave me a beautiful block to start with, so prettying it up was super easy.

From the orientation of the block shown, Ing worked from the top to the center and then to the right. She added the most wonderful sun to her block. As well as the clever little net in the lower right. I don't know if the photo (enlarged) will show it or not but she also added some cute little fish with blue metallic threads.

I added the fibers, bead, shells, and charms to the left hand side, just to the left of the mermaid. I also added the SRE roses to her head piece. And the seam treatments and embellishments at the bottom. And I just couldn't resist adding a little anchor to her net.



I'm really excited to get my block back and see what magic she worked on it. I just know I will LOVE IT!!!!



This next photo is my latest adventure in PhotoShop. When I decided to make a banner for my blog, I put together a collage of my works. I'm still tweaking it but it's been a great learning experience.





And finally, I had to toss in a couple photos of my furbaby, Fritz. He's such a good doggy. I just love him to pieces.

This is one of his favorite toys, Eeyore aka Eeyboo. He was playing with it on the landing and when if fell down the stair, he looked so forlorn that I had to take a picture.







Well, DH is done wrenching on his motorcycle. We've both had showers and it's time to get this party started. Take care all and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Celebration Day

Today is my 3 year BlogAversary.

For those of you who don't already know, the name of my blog was inspired by the fact that I'm a Lefty (aka Southpaw). And because I love to sew, I chose the name Sewing Southpaw.

Yet it was purely a coincidence that I started my blog on National Left-hander's Day, which is also today!!!!

And how totally cool that all this took place on my favorite number day - the 13th. I guess, it was meant to be. LOL.

Here are some Left Handed Facts and Trivia (courtesy of Holiday Insights):

1. Sinistrophobia is the fear of left-handedness or things on the left side.

2. While many people are left handed, very few are 100% left handed. For example, many Left handers golf and bat right handed. On the other hand, there is a high percentage of righties who are 100% right-handed.

3. Lefties are also called "southpaws". The term was coined in baseball to describe a left handed pitcher.

4. Tuesdays are Lefties luck day.

5. Only about 10% of the population is left handed.

6. During the 1600's people, thought left handers were witches and warlocks.

7. International Left Hander's Day was first celebrated on August 13, 1976. It was started by Lefthander's International.

8. They say everyone was born right handed, and only the greatest overcome it. (he,he,he)

9. It is believed that all polar bears are left handed. Also see Polar Bear Day.

10. There is a rumor that octopuses have but one right hand. Scientists are diligently studying this issue.


To everyone who has followed my blog from the beginning, those who pop in from time to time, and those of you who are new or 1st timers, I say THANK YOU so very much for taking the time. It's wonderful to hear from you. I appreciate you all!

Have a great day and if you're a Lefty - kudos to you!



Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Friday Afternoon Chuckle

A woman stops by her local lounge to have an after work cocktail before heading home to kids, fixing dinner, finishing laundry, and stumbling, exhausted into her bed.

As she sips her cocktail she notices a tall, stunningly handsome, 20 something man walk through the door. She is thinking to herself that he really is quite exquisite when she notices him looking back at her.

Becoming painfully aware that she has been staring at him, open mouthed, and worse that he noticed, she blushes and looks away.

Surprised, as he approaches her she smiles at him. He smiles back and leans very close to her and whispers in her ear, “I will do anything. Absolutely anything for $20. But there is one condition.”

Intrigued, she asks what this condition is, bracing herself for what that might be. He tells her that she must tell him what she wants in only 3 words.

She grins and reaches into her purse for a $20 bill while writing down her address. She turns to him, hands him the money and her address and in her best, sexy voice says to him, “CLEAN MY HOUSE.”


Hope this brought a smile to your face, too!

400th Blog Post and More....

While here deleting another post, a bad, bad post, hasty and without proper research, (thank you, Cathy) I noticed that I had managed to reach 400 blog posts. What a surprise when I don't seem to get here very often anymore. But then again, I am nearing 3 years of having this blog. I was obviously much more 'active' in the past. I remember when I opened my account on August 13th, which is National Left-handers' Day, in 2006. Totally a perfect coincidence.

I was so absolutely intimidated by the idea of blogging. I was also very frustrated because I just didn't know where to begin. I wanted so much to have one of those beautiful blogs that I saw every where during my surfing. Well, it was through that surfing that I learned the basics of blogging, editing html code, using PhotoShop, etc. A truly great learning experience and fun, fun, fun (mostly) at the same time.

That's also about the time frame when I was introduced to crazy quilting, Yahoo Groups, etc. Looking back that time seems so long ago. Maybe because so much has happened since then. Much loss and sadness, but also much joy and much renewed hope.


Now the "More" part....

Today is also our 1 year anniversary of closing on our Colorado home and embarking on our Empty-Nester's Journey. Now that was a quick year! And yet, in just one short year the house we bought, that I hated, that I even sat in the car crying because we bought it now hold such warmth and comfort. I can't imagine living anywhere else. I truly feel like I am home. Maybe for the first time in my life - truly home. I attribute most of those feelings to the GUT JOB that we did at the first of the year.

DH and I also celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary (in July). We spent a very relaxing, long weekend in Steamboat Springs. The time away, and time together was more needed than either of us originally realized. We took Fritz with us, so we were somewhat limited in where we could go but we didn't mind at all. I much prefer to have him with me than to worry about him in boarding.

I have also decided to stop ignoring, and resisting what I believe is a direction in my life that I have (for as long as I can remember) felt pulled toward. This is a personal, and relatively private journey that I take but just accepting my path has brought me a great deal of peace of mind.

Wow, this is turning out to be a really 'happening time' of year. LOL.

Before I close, I would like to acknowledge an award that I received from my dear, dear friend, Charlene WAY BACK ON July 18th. I feel just terrible for being so remiss in responding. And I might as well apologize right now for not passing it on to seven other bloggers. I just haven't been doing much reading or visiting lately. Hopefully, I will kick in gear before too long and then I will be able to earnestly pass it on.



Thanks for thinking of me, Charlene.

I also thought it would be fun to share this with you. I don't know how many of you play Cribbage but DH and I find it both fun and challenging. As in - we both WANT TO WIN. LOL. This game was the closest game either one of us has EVER had. There was only 1 peg separating the winner from the looser.

The top deck card:



His hand:



He counts his points - OOOOOOHHHHH he counts, he's finished. And just one peg away.

Next it's my hand, my crib. (I count last):



Close but no cigar....I'm in by only 1 peg! VICTORY!!!!!!



Needless to say, we didn't play another game. LOL.

Well, we're outta here. We're going to dinner to celebrate our 1 year anniversary in our home. Since I didn't cook that night, I guess we've started a tradition (of sorts).

I'll be back tomorrow to post a photo of my STS-Summer (2009) partner's block. Until then, have a good one. Good night and............

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!