Packed and Ready

Guess what time it is..... Quilt retreat time. I have been busy cutting fabric up for various projects so once I get there all I have to do is sew them up. I took notes from my friend Sandra Barber. Every year she'd bring all these projects and usually completes at least 4 because she already had them cut and ready to sew. So we'll see what happens in a couple weeks.  David and Lilley will have to take care of each other while I'm gone. I think I've got things organized and ready to go except pack and load up. But until then (October 11th) you'll find me in the sewing room cutting. 

I just finished cutting 72 - 5 1/2 vintage Santa squares to make a Christmas Quilt for our vintage room. Just figured out I only needed 63 but I'm glad I cut extra because a couple of them weren't centered quite right. Not sure it will be ready for this year but we'll see. 

So far I've got 6 whole log cabin blocks finished. It's semi scrappy. I wasn't going to take this one to retreat to work on but changed my mind and it's in the bag. Hopefully I have enough strips cut. I did bring some of the fabric to cut more if I need too.  I have added 1-4 strips on the other 57 blocks left so I've made some progress. 

I've got plenty of projects to work on in my bag. All cut and ready to sew.

Well I've got everything in the car except my suitcase and last minute items.

 

Our little herd went from 22 to 20 Thursday (10/7) We sold two heifers to the Harpers. It took David, Ross and I about 45 minutes to get the little brats loaded. But not without a minor hitch. It could have been so bad. Ross had the wheel barrow with the cow crack in it and the cows wouldn't back off. One got to close and swung her head around for the flies and her horn grazed Ross. Oh Lawdy. It was already starting to bruise after a couple hours. We felt so bad. But thankfully while he was banged up but not as bad as it could have been. 

We got lucky and the black heifer we called Louise went right in the chute and in the trailer but Thelma the red heifer wanted no part of the coral or chute. After Ross and David most of the chasing her around for a while we ignored her and she then decided to go in the coral, then in the chute but so did two small calves. Ross got the calves separated and between the two of us we got Thelma in the trailer. I wasn't a whole lot of help because of my bad knee but I tried to do as much as I could.  Thelma and Louise seemed to be quite at home when the boys unloaded them at their new home.

We sat around and visited for a couple hours and took some pictures. Santa was in the house. If you're needing a live human Santa I know where you can find one. He's available for hire.

Even Dixie told Santa want she wanted for Christmas.

Pamela put October 8th on my calendar as a play date.  We asked David if he'd go but he had to wash his hair. LOL  So I drove to Pamela's and we started our outing with lunch at a place called Las Americas. It's a Latin. I got a salad with chicken poblano soup. The salad was great and so was the soup. Pamela got their tacos that she said were really tasty. I'm bad I can't make you drool because I didn't take a picture but trust me it was good. If you are in Brenham you need to try the place out.

After getting out tummies full we headed to The Busted Oak Cellars. I had seen this place last year when I went my friends house just down the road and told Pamela we needed to check it out but she beat me there a few weeks earlier with friends. I guess I'll forgive her. LOL.

The people are really nice and the wine is darn tasty....

We were having fun. We kept making faces and finally once we made a face at the same time. Yes we're goofy.

Then we can sweet. LOL 

On the way to the winery I had called my friend who lived down the road if she could come down and join us for a drink.

 At first she said no because she was helping a friend but before we were ready to leave she called and said she was on her way. I've known Jan for 24+ years. She is the one who started the book club I belong to. Was so glad she could join us for a drink.  It was great seeing and talking with her.  

After a while it was time to head to our next destination.. in Navasota. We were headed to the Wildflyer Meadery.  We each got a flight tasting. I came home with 2 bottles. One bottle was Julius which tastes like a dream-cicle. Yum and the other was a Blueberry lime. Both are very tasty. One is going to retreat with me.

Saturday 10/9 was the Aggie - Alabama game. I was really worried about the score for this game. Alabama is a great team but the Aggies came out with both guns and scored twice in the first quarter. What!? That's crazy. By the 3rd quarter Alabama was catching us.  In the last seconds the score was 38-38 and the Aggies kicked a field goal and won the game. Everyone went wild. It was an awesome game. Both teams played hard but our boys in Maroon won. WHOOP!

I'm off to bed. I have to get up early to leave for retreat. Yippee.

Until next blog...."To all, to each, a fair good night, And pleasing dreams; and slumbers light."  ~Sir Walter Scott

Social Butterfly Friday

 Friday 9/24 was a busy day. I got up, got dressed and headed to Calvert to meet up my friend Linda from Linda's Life Journal.  Check out her blog if you haven't. She does a lot of cool things and is a talented artist. We meet over 10 years ago at a crawfish party and have been friends ever since. Her daughter's husband and mine used to work together back in Katy.  

I stole this picture of her that Sherry took. She's so photogenetic.
Anyway Friday was her birthday and after her visit to our place in August she decided we needed to meet up again for her birthday. Worked for me. We met at Farmers to Market Coffee shop which was great because I wanted to buy another bag of the Calvert Crack Coffee but OH NO! they were out! I ended up buying a bag of Mexican Canalli. Hope I like it.

Linda's daughter in law Sherry came too. Really enjoyed the company of both of these ladies. These two tend bees, all kinds of critters, garden whatever else on Sherry and her husband Dean's ranch. Found that she is too is a quilter. Probably better than me too. 

After we finished our drinks we started shopping.

Our first shop was Under the Chandelier next to the coffee shop. They have some really pretty jewelry pieces. Linda made her purchase and on to the Purple Pig Antiques next door. The lady in there has all kinds of cool stuff. 

I found something I couldn't live without. A very old quilt. 

I have plans for it. Just have to figure out how to make it happen. LOL. Linda found a couple things. In fact she found a denim jacket with some bling that looked to be in great shape. She's always finding the really good, and cool stuff. We nosed through the next antique store called ..ahh I forgot and can't find my receipt. Anyway as I started to walk thru I saw a wine rack. mmm a much needed wine rack. After mine and David's trip my wine bottles over floweth the built in and my cabinet. LOL. That wine rack came home with me and is now full of wine on top of my pantry fridge. Next door to this store was an open court yard that the gentleman that owns the store own this property and the next building he's fixing to open up. Well the open court yard provided us some photo opt moments.

We are all intrigued by the gecko hiding in the flowers. LOL. 

Linda is the energizer bunny. She's always doing something. I hope I look half as good as she does at 73. I for sure don't have the energy she has.  Our next stop is at the Cast Iron Bistro. They have yummy food. We were getting hungry. Just before our food arrived I looked up and here comes my daughter with 2 friends from Bryan. They came up to the Coffee shop and the winery in town. She had texted me earlier to see what I was up too and told her I was in Calvert with Linda. I told her she needed to come see me at the Cast Iron and she did. She was sweet enough to take a picture of Sherry, Linda and I. When the food arrived the girls took off but not before Pamela snuck a bite of the fried goat cheese ball on my Ocean Goat Salad.

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Linda ordered Toast Cheese. (a grilled cheese sandwich with extra umpf) and Sherry ordered the Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

Everything was so good and lots of it. I left them in Calvert and I had to head home. David and I were going to be meeting friends later and wanted to hit the Antique Rose Emporium. 

On my way home I snapped a couple pictures of the cotton fields that are about to be harvested. As you drive towards them that look like the snow has fallen. My picture doesn't do it justice but trust me it does look like it snowed. 

I get home and David isn't ready to leave right yet so I actually had time to sneak in a quick nap.  Awwww.

Love the Antique Rose Emporium. All the roses and the color. David wants to make a bed like this in our yard but he says he needs to figure out where it'll go best.

Had time for a selfie. 

While David went inside to pay I stayed outside to play with the kitties. This one was lazing out on a pallet of potted pots. And then I caught her stretching and yawning. She looks mad and mean but she wasn't.    LOL

Larry called and said they were a tad lost but would be at the Independence General Store shortly. David loaded up the roses he bought and we headed down the road. We all arrived at the same time. Friday night menu at the store was Fried catfish and hamburgers. We all wanted Catfish. We grabbed a couple of beers and headed to the back to their deck that over looks a pasture of goats, maybe a chicken or two and at least 1 cow. It was a great evening to sit outside.

Back a few weeks ago I gave Sylvia a quilt I made along with a partial care package post breast surgery. I found this list recently on a site called Sparkles of Sunshine which I'll share with you in case you know someone fighting breast cancer.

1.   Throat Drops-During surgery, a tube is inserted down the throat for anesthesia.  This can make the throat dry and sore, and throat drops can really help soothe the irritation.  These Luden’s Wild Cherry Sugar Free Throat Drops worked great.

2.   Lip Balm-Chapped lips is another side effect from surgery, so a good lip balm is a must.

3.   Cleansing Wipes-It will be awhile before she can take a shower, and cleansing wipes can help her feel clean and fresh during this time.  These Yes to Coconut Cleansing Wipes are a great option and smell so good!

4.   Dry Shampoo-Since showering is off limits for awhile, dry shampoo can really help her feel cleaner. I’ve tried many brands, but Suave Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo is still my favorite.

5.   Neck Pillow-She may have to sleep on her back or sitting up for awhile, and a neck pillow will support her neck and prevent any neck pain. This neck pillow is super cute, and comes in many different colors!

6.   Bendable Straws-She will need to stay hydrated, and these will help her drink liquids while resting in bed.

7.   Slipper Socks-These will come in handy in the hospital, keeping her feet warm and keeping her from slipping while walking on the bare floors.  She’ll enjoy these at home, too!

8.   Button up Shirts-Button up shirts will be needed since she may have trouble lifting her arms above her head after surgery.  This will help her get dressed much easier.  You can also buy stretchable tanks/tees that can be stepped into and slipped up the body.  I found my mom some great stretchable tanks at Kmart on clearance that worked like a charm!

9.   Small pillows that fit under the arm-Small pillows are a must have item, to help prop up the arms to relieve pain and discomfort.  We were very fortunate that a wonderful group of ladies in our area make and donate special pillows for this purpose to the hospital to be given to breast cancer patients.  These were a huge blessing to her!

10.Magazines/Books-Like any surgery, there will be a period of recovery time and she’ll need to rest.  Magazines and books are a great way to help pass time as she recovers.

I didn't manage to get everything on the above list but I made a dent in it. The items in pink I got. And here's the pillows and seat belt cover I made for her with Aggie fabric. 

Our yummy catfish arrived and we ate it up. Well actually I had to share some of mine with David.  I couldn't eat it all. We sat out there on the deck until the darn mosquitos started nipping at us so we went inside so the guys could finish their beer while Sylvia and I talked. Us girls were getting tired and she needed to get her feet up so it was time to head home. It was a perfect place to meet. We both drove and equal distance. Good food, Great friends, good conversation and a beer or two. What more could you ask for.

Until next blog....Friendships are sewn one stitch at a time.

A Quilt that wouldn't be nice.

Just FYI if when reading my blog for those who didn't realize this...If you see a location or place in bold, underlined and/or highlighted you can click on it and it will take you to the link for that place/location to read more about the place/location. Someone was asking why some words were special like that.  Now you know if you didn't already.

9/11 Our herd of 20 just grew to 21.  Momma actually allowed David to get close but not too close.

This little baby deserves the name of Freedom in honor of 9-11. Baby calves are so cute. Jerry came over to check out the new baby. Momma wasn't sure she was happy about that but all was good.

  

Sometimes Jerry is ornery and likes to separate the Momma and Baby for grins but today he behaved.

On 9/15 The pups had a grooming appointment which usually means I have a day to waste in Bryan so I hang with Pamela all day. Today we decided to try a new place to eat lunch. The Franklin Deli in Franklin. Would you look at the size of that sandwich. I was only able to eat half. I boxed up the other half for lunch another day. It was really tasty though. The left over half was good too the next day.

So have you ever had a easy quilt turn into the quilt from hell? Okay so it wasn't maybe that bad but it was so frustrating. I'm making a quilt for me using fabric with bluebonnets/wildflowers. First I made a poor choice of placement. I placed a white background block inside a white square. 

What was I thinking!  I had to rip it out and replace with a different fabric and re-sew the column. Some how I had sewn the column wrong, like in a loop and had to start over. But at least now the new fabric stands out and it looks better.  Hard to explain what exactly I did it but made it difficult.  

In that same column I managed to flip the triangle blocks wrong. This pattern is called a square in a square. Well if you look at the area I circled you should be able to see the problem. The Bluebonnet square was supposed to be in a white square but I flipped the triangle block around so that it had two white sides and a green one that should have been white.. 

Ripped it out and did it again on the next to last row. Grrrr.  So I ripped out most of the row then the bad block. Then I flipped the block the right direction and sewed the row back. 

The best one was the last row.... I sewed the whole row upside down.  Some of the fabrics were directional. So again I had to rip out the whole row, flip it around and sew it up again. But I am finally done with all the blocks. 

I only had to duplicate 3-4  fabrics.  I tried to make every square a different fabric but I couldn't find any new bluebonnet fabric prints. I am finally done, YAY.  All that's left is to add a couple borders and it will be ready for the quilter.  Lilley obviously approved. 

Bri and Sophie came to stay with us while Pamela hung out in Houston. I cracked up laughing because everywhere David went they were right behind him like little ducks. They love their furless Gramps. LOL

Saturday 9/18 David and I went to the Gause Volunteer FD fish fry and it was good. Good thing we got there when we did because they ran out right a few minutes later.. Well they ran out of fish but they were still cooking fries. LOL.

Then we ran down the road to 4C Brew Barn for a drink and a visit. Besides Vernon and Melissa we always meet some really nice people that come in to eat or have a drink.   David got his usual, a Bock and I got their frozen drink that started off as orange-cicle flavor but as it ran out they added different flavors, like strawberry, pineapple and whatever else they could find. It was good so I wasn't complaining. That's Vernon in the background of the drink.

We came home after hanging out at 4C. When David went out to feed Lilley he stuck his head back in the door and hollered at me to come take a picture of this moth. It's camouflaged with hints of pink and gold. Pretty cool lookin.

When it got dark we went out and sat on the front porch with the big full moon. The evening was very pleasant to sit outside until the mosquitos showed up. Dang it.

Monday 9/20 David went out to open the gates and to his surprise there was a new calf. This makes 7 this year. Our herd is now at 22. That's way more cows than we need. Now this Momma #7 wasn't so pleased with David walking around taking pictures of her baby calf. 

She  had finally had enough and charged him. He got out of the way real fast. Maybe it's name should be Seven.   Seventh Calf of Momma tag#7.  LOL

On Tuesday 9/21 I had a doctors appointment down in the Woodlands so I called Joe and told him I would be down so why don't he take advantage and go run errands while I stayed with Mom. I got there at 10 and didn't have to leave until 1:30. I believe he appreciated the break by all means. He got Mom up and dressed and when she walked in the room I waved and said "Hi Momma". She goes what are you doing down here so early.  LOL. She was having a good moment. 

Next she asked me 3 times in a row where I lived but that's okay. We played on my phone using snapchat filters and sent a message to Pamela then David saying 'Hi'. She thought that was funny. Pamela sent us this picture back. LOL. She had to work or she would have been with me.  Mom thought this was hilarious.  Then I took a selfie of us. It came out good. She had a big ole grin. 

I'm gonna end on this happy note. Tomorrow will bring new adventures.

Until my next post...I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine - she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights. ~Adabella Radici