Road Trip!

How does this sound, as we make our way to Altanta we are making a few stops, we have a new TomTom to play with along the way (if I have time I will download the Yoda voice):

1. Cracker Barrel for breakfast (I love eating breakfast out, but GP says it steals half his morning)

2. Trader Joes's in Charlotte (can't wait until the triad gets one)

3. Mary Jo's in Gastonia (GP also knows if we are headed down 85 I almost always need to pick something up there)

4. REI just north of Atlanta to look for some snow boots

We are visiting my god-daughter and then taking my neice and nephew to the new Harry Potter movie on Saturday. GP hasn't seen any of these movies (and only the first Star Wars) so I will use the time in the car to catch him up on the story.....I am sure he will be ready to put his ipod on and spend some alone time in the garage with Banjo when he gets back from this trip!!!

Fun in the Snow

Here is our first family photo....with our blended households....Banjo and Zorro aren't really too fond of the snow but they are tucked back into the warm barn in their beds this afternoon. I think I will get a cup of hot tea and settle in for an afternoon of rug hooking. I may even get GP to sit down for a movie.....The Grinch or Christmas Vacation?

Here is Banjo doing his best snow leopard immitation. He bounds through the snow like a rabbit. We have 6-7" on the ground and took a Jeep ride back into the woods....it has made for a very pretty and memorable first Chirstmas together.

Merry Christmas

The boys and I made cookies for Santa...and Banjo is snuggled in for a snowy Christmas Day. Hope everyone has a wonderful day with family and friends on this cherished day we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Merry Christmas from the cabin!

Shhh Don't Tell Banjo

Mom had to make some cookies last night and was feeling a little guilty that she hadn't spent much time with me lately. So Dad smuggled me past Banjo and into the cabin. She had to get up every 11 minutes to take the next pan of cookies out of the oven....but I didn't mind, she left the quilt behind.

Christmas at the Cabin

I had no idea as a brand new quilter that this Log Cabin tree skirt I made my Mom almsot 20 years ago would someday be under my tree in a log cabin. Go Postal and I both chose ornaments from our stash to get our first tree together done up right.

He added candles to all the windows......

And we moved our new Santa to a more prominent place on the Huntboard since it is his time to shine. We were given him as a wedding gift, made by oneof GP's college roomate's Mother. His coat is made from an old Victorian Crazy Quilt and his old world charm couldn't be more perfect for our decor.

Christmas cards are getting addressed and I am dragging GP to Winston tonight to start some shopping. It will be Christmas day before we know it!

Feliz Navidad

It was showtime last night for the 3rd grade classes. Each celebrated a different holiday and did a very good job. Buddy's class had a song about a pinata party. Feliz Navidad.

I was also pleased to see a manger scene and a song about the tiny baby that would be King.




Bull showed us where his locker was. Their school used to be a high school so it has a nice auditorium and a LOT of kids....I think there were 8-3rd grades alone.

Now I'm in the Christmas Mood!

First snow of the season, it didn't stick to the roads but very pretty falling. The lows will be in the teens this week so I my down coat and some long johns from the house in Winston this weekend.

We had an ornament making event after the Christmas parade and I really like these little reindeer made from corks.

And finally, here is the man himself. He comes to Yadkin county on a Farmall tractor!! We hope to get our tree up tonight and it will soon be time to address cards and start baking cookies.

Jeep Ride

Uncle Go Postal took Buddy and Bull on a pre-dinner Thanksgiving Day Jeep Ride. Their Mom and I were busy scanning the sale papers and plotting our Black Friday strategies. Bull was worried that there were no seat belts, but we assured him that Uncle GP wouldn't let him bounce out!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope we can all slow down and enjoy our friends and family for Thanksgiving. I for one sure have a lot to be thankful for this year. I plan on carb-o-loading and hitting the sales with sis early Friday morning.

View over Coffee

Usually I pour my first cup of coffee around 7am and watch a little of the Today show. This morning I had a much more peaceful first mug as I watched four does in the front yard eating acorns.

My new "spot" in the cabin

I finally set up the Ott light I bought for 75% off last Thanksgiving for the cabin. With this new set up I got to work the last few evenings...and got the binding stitched down and most of the cat finished on my rug. This quilt has wool batting and flannel on the back so it will be used a lot this winter! Some of you may recognize this as the $5 quilt from SO last year.

Banjo is No Dummy

Zorro and I worked in the quilt studio last night but when the wind and rain got really bad I came downstairs. GP was changing the break pads and rotors on my Civic....($100 savings woo hoo) He pointed over to the old wash tub thats filled with towels...and look who was in for the evening. Banjo was so comfortable that he couldn't get him to leave the barn at bedtime...so he spent the night in there. Actually I wouldn't mind if that would become a habit since I know he would be safer in there at night. We have heard coyotes before out there!!

Busy Weekend...Quilts, Deer and Preemies

What a full weekend, we started off Friday night with the opening reception of our Bee's quilt show...it will hang in the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center through the end of the year.











Saturday morning we were on our way out the door to head to Winston to do some errands and GP's brother called. I heard GP say I will have her get her camera. He had just used his black powder rifle to get the pretty 11 pt buck. My Dad hunted when we lived in Wyoming so I had seen (and eaten) game before...but never had it been shot right in my own backyard. I am sure he will have this one mounted.






We did some work at my house then hit Chelseas to wish Salem Stitcher well during her quilt show and sale. After that stop we delivered about 15 preemie quilts to the Neonatal unit at Baptist. Here is sis with one she picked out for the little girl under the special lights to treat jaundice. We met several parents and they are always so suprised that someone would give them a handmade quilt for their baby...no strings attached. Our guild is full of very generous ladies who keep this project going strong.

Dinner and a show tonight with friends, then it will be the begining of another work week. Monday Mandolin, Tuesday $5 Quilt, Thursday Ski Club....good thing GP likes a little alone time every now and then! I have him set for the week with some homeade pumpkin bread, laundry all done, and putting on a pot of pintos for Monday night's supper. I love this time of year.

Yadkin Cultural Arts Center is Miss BeeHaven

Here is a sneak peak of the Miss Bee Haven quilt show hanging at the new Yadkin Cultural Artc center, it will open tomorrow night with a reception from 5-7 and be up until the end of the year. Next door at the Uptown Wine Gallery is a show of handmade Santas. Drop by and enjoy!

First Snowflakes

It was time for my semi-annual trip to Black Mountain to quilt, can you believe on Nov 6th we saw SNOW??? Look closely at the peak in the middle of the photo (I snapped this on my phone while sticking my arm out the back seat window).....the cloud was leaving snow on the peak.

The cold weather made us opt out of our normal hike up to the lookout. Instead Salem Stitcher and I walked from our lodge at Montreat into town....to get our own set of Dr Seuss fat quarters that others had found. I was able to get several quilts bound and the sleeves on...ready for the quilt show at the Yakdin Cultural Arts Center this weekend.

Thankfully it will be warming back up here this week.....I enjoy Fall way too much to jump right into Winter.

What will you do with your extra hour?

I am headed to a quilting retreat this weekend...and its going to be very cold so no doubt how I will spend the extra hour. I have a Star Wars quilt to finish for a very patient 8 year old, my Dad's 70th birthday quilt to begin, two quilts to bind, two quilts that need sleeves for an upcoming show, two $5 quilt blocks to finish.....and lots of friends to catch up with. An extra hour will not be enough!

Its on the Market

We finally have the house ready to show....I know its not the best time of the year to sell a house but nobody would look at it if its not on the market. We took so many pictures down, painted the hallway and straightened up the closets and cabinets. It doesn't feel like home anymore, so I hope it finds a new family to once again fill it with love and laughter.

Know anyone looking....send them this link:http://www.allentate.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?pageid=11&pagealias=ListingDetail&ListingID=1889435&Region=Triad&ListingPosition=1&From=Full

Halloween 2010

Banjo was our only trick or treater here at the cabin...he came calling this morning, and again tonight. He gets dry food in the morning and a treat of Friskies wet food at night. He still looks in suspiciously when he sees us in the kitchen....he remembers spotting Zorro walking around last Sunday.

It was a great Fall day today so after church Salem Stitcher, Go Postal, and Dairy Queen headed up to Hanging Rock. I haven't done much hiking this year and it was good to get some exercise a very clear day; we could see all the way to the Greensboro skyline from the top.

Then we had time to stop by and wish Bull (Jengo Fett) and Little Man (A Werewolf) a Happy Halloween and watch them and about 15 of the kids that live on their street take off on their quest for candy. Our Werewolf heard about a dentist that is offering money in exchange for Halloween candy....and he told me he wasn't eating any of his but turning it in for cash.

Good Reminder

I went to a training class for work last week, one of those motivational speakers that remind us about our "soft skills" The engineer in me always thought these were kind of a waste of time, I am not sure you can teach people to be nice and respectful and thus good leaders if it isn't already in them....but I digress.

The speaker gave credit to George Carlin for the following, and it struck me as funny since this was out of character for him, but also a great reminder of how I hope I am living......

* Spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever
* Say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side
* Give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent
* Say "I love You" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside you.
* Hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again
* Give time to love, give time to speak. And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind
* Be a person of influence where people will come back to you

And for the Quilters

I took a two hour Hawaiian applique class on Friday afternoon, to mainly learn more about the history and techniques of these beautiful quilts. It was supposed to be a group of 6 but a few had cancelled and I had the instructor one on one. I selected a kit that already had a taro plant design cut out in green batik on a brown background knowing it would blend in with the cabin decor best. The Hawaiians all learned to needle turn mostly from missionaries from New England. Most of their patterns reflect plants and nature. They echo quilt once they are done, and don't cut away the backing like I have done before with freezer paper pieces. I liked not having to prep all thei pieces, but I would have to practive a lot to be able to turn in the sharp valleys and curves consistently. But I hope to complete my square and have a nice memory of our Hawaiian honeymoon.

We had time before catching our red eye home on Sunday and GP actually found an add for the Maui Fabric Mart. I didn't think it would be open but much to my suprise it was....and what we found was the Hawaiian version of Mary Jo's. I knew I was pushing the 50lb limit on our suitcase but couldn't resist buying some fun fabrics. They were all between $3.50 and $4.75 per yard...and were nice 100% cottons. The woody/surf board fabric in the upper left will be a shirt someday for GP to wear to car shows. The lower left has a postcard theme.....of course he liked that one too. The upper right hand fabric was very nice so I got enough to use in a back and the lower right hand jeep/palm tree fabric was so soft...I could resist buying the last yard and a half that was on the bolt. It is sometimes hard for me to know how to buy fabric when I don't have a specific project already in mind.....but I couldn't resist.

Ahhh Maui

Here are just a few of the shots from Maui. We had a great trip and decided to spend our whole week on Maui after seeing how high the inter-island flights were priced. But this gave us the opportunity to do ALL we wanted on the island. Here is a top-line agenda (mostly for me, because I know as I remeber back, it will be hard to keep it all straight)

Sunday - Arrived about 3:30pm which with the 6 hour time difference felt like 9:30pm to us. Got checked in and had an early dinner...then off to bed.

Monday- Got all our plans set for the week, excursions on the water and other day trips...explored the little town of Lahainia

Tuesday- Up at 3:15am to drive to the summit of Mt Haleakala to watch the sunrise. Unfortunately clouds blocked the sun's orb from peaking over the crater but it was still beautiful...and cold. It was in the 40's and windy at 10,000 ft. We then had time to visit Iao State Park on the West side.

Wednesday - Raft/Snorkel trip around the island of Lanai. I hadn't snorkeled in a long time and it was GP's first time. We saw all kinds of beautiful fish, green sea turtles and even a pair of Monk Seals (which the guide said are extremely endngered and rare to see) The water was cooler than we had expected, but it was a fantastic day.

Thursday - Road to Hana, we packed up the Jeep and did the 60 miles of curves and bridges as we stopped along the way to see the waterfalls and rugged coastline. Our day concluded with a dip at the seven sacred pools in Haleakala NP's rainforest. These pools cascade down the side of the hill in a series with waterfalls. Breathtaking...and refreshing!

Friday - Kayak/Snorkel trip to Turtle Town. Getting in and out of a kayak in the water with all your snorkel stuff on is a trip in itself. We saw bunches of green sea turtles hanging out on this part of the reef. Then I took a Hawaiian quilting class in the afternoon....don't think I will be a big needle turn applique person but I hope to finish the Taro leaf pillow I started. The day concluded with the Luau at our hotel.

Saturday - Learn to Surf Its not too hard if you have an instructor giving you a little push on your board and its about 8 ft long! GP had this on his bucket list.....so check that one off. The rest of the day we did a little shopping and watched the Sunset.

Sunday - We took a red eye home giving us plenty of time to take a helicopter tour of West Maui and the island of Molokai. It rained that morning delaying our trip so when we went at 2pm there were still a lot of clouds but we got to see more waterfalls and even a double rainbow! We had time to grab an early dinner of Mahi Mahi and chips and watch some sufers and kite boarders on the North side of the island where the trade winds are always ripping.

Our trip home was long....but now we are settling back into the cabin. I even made Gina's apple cake last night to welcome Fall in North Carolina. Trips like this one will stand out for us but we teased each other about coming home to paradise....it really is where I prefer to spend my time.

Rain...Rain

It was a dark rainy morning....Banjo didn't venture out into the rain yesterday but last night he came for his dinnertime "wet" food that he loves. He spent the night on the porch which is unusual for him, but he hates the wet grass.

I think I heard him singing this morning.....
Rain, Rain Go Away....Little Banjo wants to play

I however am thankful for the rain and it sounded wonderful on the tin roof of my sewing room last night as Zorro and I worked on assembling a quilt top together.

Yadkin Valley Cutltural Arts Center

I volunteered to put on a quilt exhibit for the grand opening of the new arts center. As usual I had no idea of the work involved....and wouldn't have been successful if my friends hadn't stepped up. This gives me a new appreciation for anyone that hangs a big show. We had a lot of postivie feedback, it was fun showing people what modern quilters turn out. And Kathleen and I would like to state for the record.....WE CAN HAND QUILT, but choose often to have our quilts machine quilted so we can move on to the next quilt. (Some folks seemed a little judgemental....ha) Thanks Quilt Keemosabe, Salem Stitcher and Kathleen....I had a ball.

Happy 75th Blue Ridge Parkway

It was a shame it was rainy on Saturday because I am sure a lot more folks would have gone up to the parkway to help celebrate its 75th birthday. They had artists, music, historical displays and food! We bought a copy of this commemerative print, here is GP by an antique diesel, and a 75th anniversary quilt coordinated by the Asheville quilt guild.

We took a short ranger led hike around the Blue Ridge Music Center and would have loved to stay longer. Its a wonderful resource....and we are lucky to live so close by. Happy Birthday Blue Ridge Parkway....someday I hope to drive it end to end.

Prayers Needed

My sister in-law needs our prayers. She is faced with a serious health concern and has to wait until next week for any answers. I know she reads my blog so if you want to leave her a comment....we'll just call her GP's Sis.

We love you and are praying hard!

First Time Seller!

My boss asked today "Have you ever sold anything on ebay?" Well, no I have bought things and even used Craig's List to buy my last used car but I haven't tried being a seller. So he said, well take those old scanners in the back and see what you can get for them. How awesome is that, I get to use ebay and facebook as part of my actual JOB! We did sell Go Postal's dryer today using craigslist and if this ebay thing is pretty easy I can't wait to list a bunch of the stuff we are thinning out of our houses. Anyone need an antique pump organ?

Mostly "Labor" Day Weekend

We worked hard at my house in Winston this weekend, and got the garage doors and mailbox painted, all the windows washed inside and out, the flower beds cleaned up and mulched, pine straw spread, and the quilt room officially looks like a bedroom again. Hope nobody tries to sit on the bed however, Go Postal and sis simply layered two air mattresses on the bed frame and made it up. I still have lots of de-cluttering to go but it will hopefully be ready to go on the market before we leave for Maui. We still squeezed in a little fun too....we hit the Hot Cars, Hot Nights cruise in on Saturday night and caught most of the Tams concert. Then Sunday afternoon headed up to Grassy Creek, NC (just outside of Jefferson) for the New River Blues festival. This was a pretty setting with the river just behind the music tent....and for once we were some of the younger folks in the crowd. The weather was perfect for spending time outside!

We Got It!

We went to an auction all day Saturday. This couple has been friends with my Go Postal's family as long as he can remember and they are downsizing to a garden home....and so they had to downsize their possesions as well. We went with the intention of bidding on this sideboard. We picked a spot out for it in the cabin before we left. Dr L was a Dentist but also a very talented woodworker. He made this out of old church pews from the church. He had even lined several drawers with felt and put in organizers for silver. Go Postal also got a planer and dust collection system. We picked up some other items as well....and the real bargains were to be had at the end of the day when the crowd started to thin. They grouped together a whole box of linens and I got it for $10 not really knowing what I would find. Mrs L's mother was a fine needleworker and inside the box where several napkins and guest towels she had embroidered. There was also and appliqued block (and the fabric for the rest of the quilt) What Fun. We will treasure this piece in our home because of its beauty, but mostly because of our love for the craftsman and his family.

If I NEEDED another bicycle....

Check out the patchwork motif on the fenders! This would be a great beach bike. I bet Bonnie would like the Creamsicle orange one right beside it. We could attach a big sewing basket to the front....cruise the New River Trail a ways, find a sunny rock at the edge of the river....have a snack and do a little hand work. OK I can dream. Reallity is that I haven't been on either of my bikes in months....or done any handwork. But if I can get settled into the cabin and get my house ready to put on the market maybe the Fall will allow more time for these activities.

Preview of the new Cultural Arts Center in Yadkinville

The Yadkin Valley Cultural arts center will celebrate their grand opening on Saturday Sep 18th in conjunction with the town's Harvest Festival. I am organizing a quilt display and demonstration in the classroom area so they took me over to get a preview of the building. Its right across from Allison Oaks where we had our reception in Yadkinville. It is going to be amazing. There is a huge quilt block in the women's bathroom made from small glass tiles, the main gallery is accented with antique barn wood and there will be an wi-fi enable cafe run by the caterer that did my wedding.

This will be a great resource for the entire Yadkin Valley. The auditorium will be completed in Phase II begining soon. They will also offer classes as part of their community outreach. She asked me to help find teachers.....Not a Problem.....I can't wait to have this in my new backyard.

Bree's Last Boy Head to School

I can't tell if this is sadness....or yeah finally some peace and quiet because I really need it from Bree. Her last boy is starting kindergarden next week.

Since I was making some rest blankets for others, I decided to dress up his as well by adding some train fabric to the back of his towel. I better stick to quilting as sewing fabric to a towel is tougher than I expected.

My sister hasn't had any daytime to herself in about 8 years, I wonder if she will have big plans for next week too? I would check out a movie matinee, go to the mall by myself, or maybe lunch out with other newly liberated moms. But I am sure putting her youngest on the bus that first morning will still pull at the heartstrings a little. I have heard her tell her oldest he must sit with his brother on the bus....just for the first few weeks anyway. ; )

Happy 70th Daddy!

Happy Birthday Dad, wish I had a piece of that coconut cream pie right now. We celebrated early this weekend but Mary and her boys are still there today for the official turning of a decade. We gave him an hour flight that he can take around his home, farmland, church and the ponds/rivers he grew up exploring. The plane can seat two more....hmmm he has three siblings. We suprised him at his favorite catfish place on Friday night just as he was sitting down to a plate of catfish and grits. If you are ever in Ray City Georgia....you gotta check out Rays Millpond Cafe. Dad its on my bucket list to celebrate your 100th at Ray's as well......we both better get to exercising and eating better! Love You!

South Georgia Fun

Sofia and Baby J got to see Dad's place down in South Ga as we all went to suprise him for his 70th birthday. We ate catfich, saw alligators, drove to the pond in the back of a truck, chased lizards (yes one is sitting on Marshall's hand) and played on the tire swing. They all took a turn on the speeder at Jedi training camp too. Mary's boys are staying a few extra days as they are not back in school yet. They will probably go out in the boat today and try to catch Moby the elusive 10 pound bass that I once hooked but couldn't land.