Carmi's Quilting Room

Eggstraordinary

2012-02-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

My hens have finally started producing. It seemed like it was a long dry spell. Had it not been for my young laying pullets laying almost everyday, we would have been skunked. Now of my 15 hens, I have been getting anywhere from 4-9 eggs daily. When we gathered the eggs last night, we counted 10 eggs. That is an all time high for us. That means that some of my older hens are laying. Which ones, we don't have a clue. I'm so glad I talked Doug into culling the end of March.

I think this is great! I've been selling my eggs faster than I can bring them to work. This last week I was able to bring in 3 dozen and still have some for our personal use. This week, I'll probably take in 4 dozen. I'll find out where the saturation point is for eggs at work. No matter, I'll find inventive ways to use them if that happens.

For now...Atta Girls!

This post is being shared with the Barn Hop

Design Wall 2-13-12

2012-02-13T05:43:00.000-08:00

It's been a good week. Since I signed up for Judy's UFO project and started posting What's on My Design wall at Patchwork Times, I've been sewing more. It feels so good to get old projects out of the way and not feel guilty about starting new ones. I posted the start of my son's quilt on Judy's website, last week. Since then, I have only been able to sew on the weekends. My nights after coming home from work don't allow any time. But his quilt is started and there are more parts on the ironing board.

This is how I originally thought I would layout his quilt.

But when I started putting the squares on my design wall, I saw this design. I like it.

Since I took the picture this morning, I have 7 rows and 12 columns completed. My finished design, so far is 14x16 with a 2 in border.
This post is being shared on Patchwork Times Design Wall Monday. Thank you for joining me.

What's on My Design Wall

2012-02-06T12:36:00.000-08:00

This weekend I finished up on my January UFO project and have almost completed my February project.

I only have to bind that one so I decided to only sew on it at night after dinner while we are watching television. I really want to finish up my unfinished projects but I have several quilts that I need to make. The most important is one for my son, Doug. He's been so patient with me. He only requested his quilt about 3 years ago. Well, it's started!

It's a jean quilt. He provided all the jeans. For the back he provided crown royal bags. I'm not sure how that will work. I guess I'll figure it out when I get there. Anyone have any ideas?

This post is being posted on Judy's Design Wall posts

January 2012 UFO Project

2012-02-03T16:05:00.000-08:00

Minutes ago I finished my January project. It has been washed, dried and delivered. Whew! I did it! I'm calling it Flower Garden. It was a block of the month class I took several years ago. The top was completed but not quilted or bound.

Judy called for project number 5:

,
I'll finished this one when she calls 11. I substituted this for 5 because of a deadline. I donated this quilt to to our local parochial school annual auction. I hope it brings them a decent amount of money.

For February, Judy called project 1. This one is a child's charity quilt. Someone from one of my favorite quilt shops made the top and I will finished it. It only needs binding.

Chicken Ahead

2012-01-28T08:14:00.000-08:00

This morning I was reading this post about making chicken for a week of meals and decided to try it. I have done this with Chicken Tetrazzini. The Chicken Tetrazzini recipe makes enough for five meals. I substituted chicken for the turkey. I labelled each container and then froze them. It was great to come home after work and be able to have a good meal without all the prep. It was such a great experience that I decided to try Dicky's Chicken for a week. Once the chicken has defrosted some, I will take out the giblet bag and the tray packing. You can see it on the chicken in the front.

The chicken is in the roaster and it's Saturday, so I have time to do this. I was glad that I had whole chicken in the freezer. I bought these for $.79 a pound. I buy the limit everytime they come on sale and of course, space availability in the freezer.

Now, I have all day to finish my quilt. I've been saying this for two weeks. It's a quilt I'm donating to the St. Paul Parochial School Auction. It'll be held February 4. So you won't be hearing about it after that. Then I'll be on another UFO (unfinished project).

I should be able to take if off the longarm today and make the binding and attach it. I can make it.

How is everyone's Saturday?

Taco Soup

2012-01-18T17:28:00.000-08:00

Today was a blustery day and we just needed some good old hearty soup. I made Taco Soup with homemade garlic bread and avocado slices.

This soup changes as ingredients are available. Doug tells me to "make that taco soup" and I have to think what did I put in it. So this "taco soup" I wrote down. The vegetable vary. I use whatever leftover vegies I have in the fridge. Tonight was potatoes. Try this soup, it's great and hearty.

This post is linked to Real Food Wednesday

Boy Scout Vests

2012-01-09T05:30:00.000-08:00

I finished my number 11 UFO project today. I had two Boy Scout vests to finish and send to my son-in-law in Montana. He's the pack leader and a couple of his Scouts wanted these for applying their badges to.
My grandson has his and I guess the parents liked it well enough that I made a couple more. I'm not sure but heard there may be may to request them.

Number 11 UFO finished.

This post is being shared on Homestead Revival Barn Hop. This Hop has so many wonderful articles. Take some time and read a couple.

Chickens and Coop

2012-01-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

We finally were able to find some recycled windows at the auction Tuesday and put them in the chicken coop. We were leaving the big doors open for light, but the grackles, starlings and sparrows were wreaking havoc on our feed and the chickens weren't getting enough natural light.

Doug spent a couple of hours yesterday installing the windows.

Today he will trim them out and revamp the nest box arrangement, We have 15 hens and one rooster. It's a small space so we are continually trying to perfect it.

I was trying to get some pictures of hen butts yesterday, since it was so nice out and they were enjoying their freedom. Problem was they are continually moving about.

We can't seem to build up our burn pile. The chickens find it so interesting they end up spreading it all over.

Oops, a rooster butt

I just think they are so nice, interesting and entertaining.

Homemade Laundry Soap

2011-12-29T10:48:00.000-08:00

I just made some laundry soap. I've had all the indgredients to make this for a long time. I just needed to exhaust my supply of store bought soap. Today was the day.

I grated a bar of Fels-Naptha and set aside 1 1/3 cup for another batch. I used my food processor for this. I add this to a kettle on the stove to 4 cups water. Heat to dissolve the soap. Meanwhile, measure out 1/2 cup each of soda and borax.

Add 4 cups hot water to a storage container. Add melted mixture to the storage container plus 1 gallon and 6 cups water. Mix.

This container is huge. I will more than likely put it in a smaller container plus I have a milk jug I will put some into for daily use.

The information below I got from another blog. She also had a video tutorial, if anyone is interested. I didn't keep tract of my prices. Next time I will and give you an update.

Price comparisons
All calculations are based on the national avg. of 400 loads of laundry per family per year, or 7.69 loads per week

Tide $12.99/64 loads .20/load=$80/yr
Gain $5.99/32 loads .19/load=$76/yr
All $4.29/32 loads .13/load=$52/yr
Trend $2.49/38 loads .7/load=$28/yr
(generic brand)

Fels Naptha soap $1.19/bar
Arm&Hammer Super Washing Soda $2.99/55oz box
20 Mule Team Borax $4.49/76 oz box
One box of the washing soda will make just under 7 batches of soap, and the borax will make exactly 19 batches.

One batch of soap calculates out to:
$1.19/Fels Naptha
.49/Washing soda
.24/Borax
$1.92 per 10 gallons

10 gal (64oz) divided by 2 oz./load=320 loads/batch=.006/load

Final cost per year=$2.40!!!!!!!!!!

Now that's a great bottom line! Please post a comment and let me know if you try this and what you think.

Do You Want to Make Mozzarella?

2011-12-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

The Woodwife's Journal has posted a tutorial to learn how to make mozzarella. She also is having a giveaway for the supplies needed to make mozzarella. I hope I win. I've been wanting to make simple, no press cheeses. She's drawing a winner on Christmas Eve.

More Christmas Baking

2011-12-20T01:15:00.000-08:00

I started fruitcake right after Thanksgiving and brushed it weekly with brandy. We just had a taste this week and it's delicious. I had always relied on my mom for fruitcake, but this year she wasn't baking so I decided if I wanted any, I'd better make them myself. I'll make them again next year.

Fruity Fruitcake

I've made a couple batches of cookies already. I had planned on making up plates for the next door neighbor, mail lady, and a couple people from Doug's work, plus my son. But...... I only have a very small cache of cookies left. Doug has been eating them like they are going out of style. So I have cinnamon roll batter in the fridge and those will go as gifts instead of cookies. I did get these made but they are gone now.
Cowboy Cookies and Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies

All that's left of my cookie baking are Peanut Blossom Cookies. They are disappearing fast though. Oh well, I'm glad he likes them and it gives me a reason to bake. I love to bake.

This post has been linked to Made from Scratch Tuesdays. You can find her button on the right side bar if you want to see more recipes.

Ramblings from last week

2011-12-19T08:53:00.000-08:00

I worked 4 days last week, then I'm off (from work) until January 3. I've never had a staycation before. I always went somewhere. This time off kind of took me by surprise, I guess I didn't plan my summer time off very well. Well I have lots to do.

I have several quilts I'll be finishing.

This is my daughter's quilt. It's on the longarm now with only the borders and binding left to do.

Not a quilt but I have two of these to finish for my grandson's cub scout troop. They are using them to put their badges on.

My number two granddaughter's quilt. She's graduating from a lap to a double size quilt. The top is all that is done at the moment.

This quilt top will be donated to Saint Paul's Parochial School auction in February.

This one, when finished will be for a co-worker of Doug's. She picked it out so it's not a surprise.

So, I have a lot to do this week and next. I really need to get the last two done first, but my daughter's quilt is already on the longarm, so that one will be first.

I have just a small amount of baking to do. I've made my fruitcake, and several cookies already. I had planned on making up plates for the next door neighbor, mail lady, and a couple people from Doug's work, plus my son. But...... I only have a very small cache of cookies left. Doug has been eating them like they are going out of style. So I have cinnamon roll batter in the fridge and those will go as gifts instead of cookies.

Cowboy Cookies and Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies

Fruity Fruitcake

Yesterday, we sort of took the day off and relaxed. We got a used roll of fencing from a friend of mine and plan on using it to expand the chicken yard.

You can't even see that it's fencing for all the weeds in it, but the chickens love it. PJ (Plain Jane) the white chicken is climbing up the fencing to see if there is anything edible up there. We hope to get the fencing put up this week.

Below are the newest additions to our coop. We got these from my son. One is a Red Wynadotte, Black Wynadotte, and an Ameracona. They are assimilating but it's a slow go.

Below is Olive Oil. She is about six months old and a regular layer.

Peeping Chickens

2011-12-16T09:18:00.000-08:00

The chickens want to see if I'm home or not. They're checking me out, wondering if I have any goodies for them. Doug (DB) would be right out there scramming them off the patio and out of the backyard. I'm a push over. I like them right where they are, but I won't tell him that I let them wander wherever.

We got 3 hens from my son's roommate this past weekend. These chickens are a little discumbobulated. My Cleo (black hen behind the sex-link is the top chicken) but I fear she may loose her post to a huge black Wynadotte. They've been mixing it up.

I'm on vacation now until the first of January. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm planning on finishing some quilts. I have 4 or 5. One for my daughter, granddaughter, quilt for the local parochial school here, and one for Doug's dispatcher. I'll post pictures when they are completed. Wish me luck.

Christmas Baking

2011-12-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

I started baking last week with a Fruity Fruitcake, then yesterday with Cowboy Cookies and Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies.

I plan on making some more sweets but haven't decided yet what. We love them but this time of year they go directly to the waistline. I'll probably make more and give away to Doug's work and take them to my work.

Chicken Nest Box Giveaway

2011-12-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

Nestbox Giveaway

Life on a Southern Farm: Chicken Nest Box Giveaway: If your hens have a HenPals Chicken Nest Box on their Christmas list... then they are in luck! We are so very thankful for everyone wh...

Turkey!

2011-11-24T16:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all my family near and far. Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends,and coworkers. Seems like such a big edible day that takes hours of prep and it's gone in a matter of minutes.

DB carved the turkey..

I set the table..

And all enjoyed our dinner.....We are

stuffed. Dessert will have to wait for a couple of hours. Well we have the game to watch.

I hope everyone is enjoying their family and friends.

Weekend Cooking, Baking and Firewood

2011-10-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

Since the days have been cooler, I've been wanting to make some comfort food. I started with soup. No name actually. I looked in the freezer for meat and found some hamburger patties and pulled them out, next I went to the fridge and found some leftover pork roast, pulled it out, with carrots and celery. Soup needs onions so I went to the garage and cut off an onion from the braid we have hanging in there. I went to my pantry and got some canned corn and green beans from last year. So pretty much the soup was all homemade except the meat.

I added a finely chopped jalenpeno, potatoes, garlic, some tomato sauce, beef broth and let it simmer all day. I didn't want to go to the store for bread so I made bread next. DB has been talking about wanting some "stretch necks" so instead of making two loaves of bread, I used one for the stretch necks. I call them "fry bread." I love making bread, it's so easy and rewarding. I love the smell of the yeast and the baking.

I didn't get a snap of the bread, this is from last weekend.

And because I was on a roll, I also made Overnight Cinnamon Rolls for Saturday morning. I started these in the evening. They only took a couple of minutes to mix together and an hour for the first raising. I rolled them out and filled them with cinnamon, melted butter, a little nutmeg and some walnuts we harvested roadside last year. I covered them with plastic wrap and put them in the fridge. The next morning I took them out while the oven was preheating. Thirty minutes later we had fresh, hot out of the oven cinnamon rolls.

Firewood: DBs nephew brought us out a couple cords of wood. Saturday morning we hauled it all to the back of the house and stacked it. We'll probably have to get a couple cord more because we don't plan on using our oil heat too much this winter.

DBs in the living room right now, I hear the snap and pop of a fire getting started. Ahhhh.

This post is also published on Homestead Revival.

Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

2011-10-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

were made yesterday and baked this morning. I got this recipe off of Chickens in the Road blog and have made them a couple of times. Making them ahead is great because once you take them out of the fridge, preheat your oven, you can pop them in and in 25 minutes they are ready.

These are not from a can in the refrigerator section of your local supermarket. These are 100% homemade and delicious. Check out Chickens in the Road to get the recipe.

Making Bread

2011-10-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

We got up at 5 this morning ready to get started with our day. I decided to make bread because I didn't get to it yesterday. Here is it raising just before baking.

I chopped onions that we had drying, vacuum sealed them in 1 cup portions for cooking with later on. I chopped red and green peppers and sealed them also for later use. I so glad I got that done. I just couldn't waste them.

We did some winterizing on the chicken coop. Installed a light on a timer and a coop door. They had been using the large sliding doors but the temps are suppose to be a lot cooler the next couple of nights. I gave the girls a pan of yogurt and some boiled eggs, they ate every bit up. Cleaned out their water and added some apple cider vinegar. I think they are happy. They have been able to free range during the weekends and they love it. When I get home from work, I will let them out until dark.

The bread turned out lovely. We had a pork roast with carrots and onions and a side of french cut beans (homemade) with bacon bits. For desert we had an apple crisp with ice cream.

LJ is our rooster.

Look at those fluffy butts.

Chicken Treats

2011-10-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day. We let the chickens out of their yard to forage. They love their scratch and have gotten used to having it when they are out of their yard.

We have to get some light in the shed for them. There are two starting to molt and their egg production has tapered down. We're getting there. I would love to see your set up for winter if you would post. I need and would like to get some ideas.

MQX West Portland 2011

2011-10-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

I had a real treat this last week. I attended the first MQX West (Maching Quilters Exposition) in Portland. I took a couple of hands-on classes from Linda V. Taylor and a lecture demo with Kim Brunner. The first class with Linda V. Taylor was Stargazing. She gave us ideas on how to quilt stars.

Then we got to practice. We were using a Gammil longarm quilting machine. These were wonderful to quilt with. Maybe one of these days, I'll be able to get one. But I like mine and am getting use to quilting with it. These aren't my stars...I wish. No they were Linda's demos for her class.

The class I took with Kim Brunner was on Edge to Edge Quilting. She thought this subject was needed because not everyone does custom work. She had some great handout for us to practice with. I can't wait to get started.

Do You Need a Nestbox?

2011-09-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

A nestbox for chickens. I would love to win this three hole nestbox. My little girls have started laying and I would like to revamp my nesting scenario. I'm entering. Here's your chance. Go to Life on a Southern Farm and see the nestboxes they make.

photo courtesy of Life on a Southern Farm

Tomato Juice

2011-09-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

I have not been feeling well and didn't think I would get this accomplished. But the garden can't wait so I forged ahead at a slow speed. I have more tomatoes to can so that will have to happen after work this week. One canner at a time. These are my Romas. I have some Beefsteaks left to do. My son brought them over from his garden. It was welcome because this was not a good year for my tomatoes. Seems like most of then have rot on the bottom. My mom said it was "blossom rot" from inconsistent water. I haven't looked this up yet but it's frustrating because I'm all out of tomatoes in the pantry. We are on an irrigation system for our household and 5 others. When our landlord irrigates his crops, we get water. This year he grew grass seed, garlic, green beans and it looks like field corn for seed. We had great water the beginning of the season, but after he harvested the green beans, he didn't need to water the other crops very often. We've had water off and on, three weeks off, then on for 2 days, off, on, currently off. I've spot watered with the household water. The beets, cukes, and green beans are ok, it just the tomatoes really suffered. I glad my son is helping his ole mom out with produce.

Will I Get Eggs Today???

2011-09-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

I was sitting out on my back patio this morning talking to my mom and I kept hearing this whoosh noise. I thought it was coming from inside the house. Well it wasn't, it was coming from the field beside my house, just out of eyesight. When I walked out to the yard I saw...

The chickens were going nuts. They kept running to their house, in and out and squawking, running into each other. The people in the baskets were waving, unaware of the commotion below. The girls really didn't like this disruption to their normal, quiet routine. I hope this commotion won't hold them back from their laying. They have been so good lately giving me from 3-6 eggs a day. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Just beyond the line of trees in the background is the Willamette River. They need to get their lift so they can clear the treeline. Then they like to follow the river, which is about 80 below the bottom of the treeline. They all made it. I hope they don't do this on a regular basis. The chickens will loose all their feather and quit laying if they feel a threat. I don't know this for real, but they are really sensitive.

French Cut Green Beans

2011-09-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

I'm canning french cut Green Beans today. Of course it's suppose to be 90 degrees today. Isn't that the way it goes? I've already done 7 quarts and have another 7 quarts in the pressure canner.

Eggs!

2011-08-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

Well it's not really a big deal. I have been getting anywhere from 3-5 eggs a day. But since we've had this hot spell, I've been lucky to get 2 a day. One day I was skunked. Zip, Zero. Pathetic. Well today the weather was cooler and I thought I would get at least 5. I mean how long can they hold them? Look what I got today......

Nothing to write home about. Our standard egg from our Buff, Gabby. But look a new one. It's GREEN! I'm stoked. I think it from our little girl we call Shrek, cause she has green legs. I don't know for sure. We got our little hens from a co-worker along with 7 brothers. Not really brothers and sisters. They bought the eggs and hatched them. They picked a variety but they can't remember which ones were which. I'm guessing at Shrek laying the egg. But it's cool nevertheless. This being her first egg is small....
See it compared to my Gabby's? The other eggs, the lighter colored ones are coming from our Reds.

Now hopefully they won't go on strike because it's getting chilly.

Iced Coffee

2011-08-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

Iced CoffeeI

This is the best. To sweeten it, I use Stevia. A couple of drops is perfect. Go to the link above and click on it for the recipe. This is the second batch I've made and drank almost all on my own. Of course it took me about a month. I can't wait to try the Vietnamese Iced Coffee. It's on the same link. If you like the website I sent you to. Watch her on FoodTv Saturday, August 27. It's Ree's debut.

Garden Update & Misc. Happenings

2011-08-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

The last time I posted I was in Montana visiting my family. Since then, my mom and sister came out here for a couple days. Because my mom loves to bird watch, so we went to the coast and visited Nestucca Bay National Wildife Refuge, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. We went to a couple of state parks on the coast. She had her list of birds she wanted to look for and we found many of them.

We celebrated my birthday and watched the chickens. We took her to the Woodburn Auction where we sold 6 roosters. That really made my "girls" happy.

Well the garden has finally come into its own. I've been canning pickled beets, kosher dills, hamburger dills, freezing broccoli and cauliflower, blueberries and peas.

Last night, DBF picked all the cukes and today, it's more of the same. Hamburger Dills, Baby Kosher Dills and maybe some Bread and Butter Pickles. Tomorrow, beets again. We want enough to last two years. We don't plan on growing beets next year so I have to can a bunch this year. I think I can. That's all for now. Talk to you all later.

Nestbox Giveaway

2011-08-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

Nestbox Giveaway Check out this blog for your chance to win a 2-hole nest box completely handmade. All entries must be received by August 6th. Winners announced on the 8th.

Chaos Averted

2011-07-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

Wow, There was chaos in our henhouse and has been for a couple of weeks. We got 11 chicks from a friend and of then only 4 turned out to be females. Well the crowing and the procreating was getting to be very cut throat. We had time on Tuesday and took 6 roosters to the auction. Good thing is they sell and you don't have to take any back home with you. We kept one Brama (Long John) for our rooster. From what I've read, they are pretty docile. (I hope). He crows like a sick foghorn but I'm sure he'll master that. The girls are much more settled now. They didn't have a second of peace with all the males in the pen. I had only been getting from 1-3 eggs a day because of the chaos. Yesterday I got 5! That meant all my laying hens except Cleo (she has 3 chicks she's raising) are laying again. Hoorah!

Here are the boys who went to auction.

Water Baby

2011-07-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

I'm here in Montana visiting my family. I took my grandkids out for a picnic yesterday at a park I used to go to as a child. They were watering the lawns go we decided to run thru the sprinklers. I think it was about 90 yesterday. My youngest granddaughter Dani loves water. Here she is playing in the sprinkler. I think you can enlarge it. She's there with her brother, Jessee and oldest sister, Rachel. When we came home, we sat outside in the shade. Dani decided she wasn't though with the water and got inside the cooler, ice and all.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

My dad was my greatest inspiration. He taught me so much. Thinking of you today and everyday.
Cherish your dad's, because when their gone all you have are the memories.

Broody Hen

2011-06-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

One of my hens has gone broody and we don't have a rooster. I have put some golf balls under her but want to get some fertilized egges for her. Does anyone know where I can get some that live in the Portland/Salem area?

Sunny Saturday

2011-06-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

Today is a wonderful day. We let the chickens out of their run around 5:30. We planned on making their watering scenario a little more automatic. We purchased a float and DB attached it to our improvised water trough.

We hooked it up to a hose and is run from the house. We plan on burying it where it crosses the yard. I think this will also keep the water cool during the summer as it sits in the hose.

He made our water trough and feed trough out of rain gutter with endcaps. Then in order for them to not tip, he notched out some wood to cradle the troughs in. It's working great.

Next he moved indoors and installed my winder AC. Now he's playing horseshoes. He wants to hone up so he can play in some tournaments this summer. Me, I'm washing and hanging my clothes out. It's great to be able to have the sun out and the temps warmer.

Yesterday was wonderful also. I walked around our yard and just took some pictures of our flowers. Want to see?

The red hot pokers are a favorite of the orioles. We have a pair so far that like to dine on them.

How's your day going?

Getting Big

2011-05-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

Our pullets are getting big. They were moved to the coop a couple of weeks ago and this is the first time they have been let out to roam and stretch their wings.

The big hen is Cleo. She's seen them in their sectioned off area but this it different. I don't think she likes being left out. The rooster is Fonzi. Man he's loud.

Escapees Cont'd

2011-05-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

We were finally able to see how they are getting out......
Our chain link fence is shorter than the rest of their fencing.... DB is getting ready to raust him from his perch....The chicks are also basking in the sun.. They are really enjoying themselves.

I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday. We've decided since it's such a great day, we are going to BBQ tonight. I've already got the pork ribs marinating in a dry rub. DB says I make the best ribs. We'll see if I can do it again.

Eggs and Escapees

2011-04-29T14:29:00.000-07:00

It seems like my hens are starting to get "with the program" Eggs that is. Consistently within the last week I've been getting 3 eggs. Yesterday, they surprised me with 5 eggs. Now to get the other two to become "team players". I know one of the hens that isn't a team player is Cleo.
She's a loaner. She wasn't part of the family we got the rest from so she's inserted herself as the Queen, hence her name "Cleo".

For the last 3 days now we've had a Roo and a couple of hens escape from their yard. I think they must be flying over. I've yet to catch them in the act. The weekend's here tomorrow and maybe I'll be able to watch them and find where our weak spot is.

Meanwhile, the chicks are doing very well. DB made a larger box for them in the garage. He hung one of my songbird feeders up for them and we've got a couple of ideas for a better waterer for them.
Look at his comb. Can you tell at this age (3wks) if its a roo from the comb?
This is one of the runts. He/she is small but sure fiesty. He/she holds its own with the larger one.

This is the other runt. I can't believe how they are growing. Their feathers are growing out. Their heads, I've heard are the last to get feathers.

I've been looking online to see what kind of chicks these are. I can't tell. They probably have to grow some more before I can tell. Some of them have the regular yellow legs and feet, some have green and some have black. They sure are a menagerie.

Life on a Southern Farm: Nesting Box Giveaway from HenPals Chicken Nest Boxes

2011-04-26T06:40:00.000-07:00

Life on a Southern Farm: Nesting Box Giveaway from HenPals Chicken Nest Boxes
This giveaway ends Friday, April 29th. Don't miss out!

Chicken and Chick Happenings

2011-04-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a week and I think the hens and Fonzi are liking their new home. We let them out of their yard everyday that it's nice, so they can scratch. When they see me coming around 5, they scurry to the opening. They know what seeing me means. The rooster likes his harem and is exerting himself daily. When they go to far, out of our established area, we (DB and myself) herd them back. Fonzi has challenged DB a couple of times. He didn't win, but when he backs off, he crows and thinks he's won. NOT.

Now the chicks we got from a friend are a week old and they growing my leaps and bounds. We've also been letting them out of their space onto the patio for some exercise and sun. They love it. They exercise their wings and investigate. They don't like the grass, yet. I'm sure they will as they get bigger.
We have 11 and they are thriving. One has green legs and feet. I'm thinking he must be an "Easter Egger" as I've heard them called. I tried to get a short video, but I can't figure out my camera, yet.

On the egg front. We've been getting 3 eggs a day now for the last 4 days. They are all consistently bigger than store bought extra large. The hen that laid the first two hasn't laid again. (bad picture) Her's were perfect. Not sure why she's taking a leave of absence. I hope she starts back up again.

Homestead Revival: Give Away: Homemade Living - The Series!

2011-04-20T06:28:00.000-07:00

Homestead Revival: Give Away: Homemade Living - The Series!

Progress

2011-04-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

We've had our chickens since Tuesday, 3 days and I got an egg yesterday and one today. I think they are getting used to their new digs.

The one on the left is the first one and the far right one is the one I got today. They are huge. That an extra large egg container with a store bought egg that came in that carton. I can't even close the lid on the carton because of the one on the right. This is great. Once the weather starts to get nicer, I'm sure they'll be more appreciative.

Fonzi and the girls

2011-04-12T18:29:00.000-07:00

We went to the Auction today to get 7 layers and one Rooster. I was in charge of picking the hens and my DB wanted to pick the Rooster. We looked at all the poultry and decided which ones we wanted to bid on. Believe it or not, we got the ones we wanted. I can't believe some of those Roosters went for $17. Here's ours:

He's the big guy. Fonzi

Three of our girls. This will be an adventure. We've both had chickens before. I was a young teenager and wasn't really interested then. I think I'm really interested now.

OLD HOUSE KITCHEN: Gooseberry Patch Giveaway!

2011-02-11T10:25:00.000-08:00

OLD HOUSE KITCHEN: Gooseberry Patch Giveaway!

Carmen is having a Farmhouse Kitchen cookbook giveaway. Get your name in the mix, it ends Friday at midnight.

Who's Your Pick?

2011-02-06T10:15:00.000-08:00

Superbowl Sunday, Packer vs. Steelers I know lots of you care, I don't not really. I hope to see some good commercials and visit with family and eat. Maybe we'll get in a couple games of Pinochle and of course snack. I made some rockin Wontons. I tasted them. Wow, good. I got the recipe from Picky Palate.
It's call Crispy Southwest Chicken Wontons. The recipes calls for 1/2 cup of both onion and red bell pepper. I used one each finely minced. I also used on 1/2 pint home canned chicken and one store bought can of chicken. I used all my wontons (43) and only had a couple tablespoons of mix left. We will serve it with ranch and green salsa verde, although I thought they tasted wonderful without. Try them and subscribe to the Picky Palate. She has lots of recipes.

Try them and let me know how you like them! BTW, I don't have a favorite for the game. I guess since I'm from Montana, I would probably go with the Packers but I'll root for both. I just want me and my partner to win at Pinochle. That's what I'm interested in!

No sewing today or this weekend either. Man, I have to get myself in gear. I've a lot of projects waiting for me.

Chicken Tetrazzini

2011-01-08T18:56:00.000-08:00

I just made this recipe I got from Judy at Patchwork Times. It was delicious. I just had to tell someone. I made 4 dishes and froze 3. Now, like Judy, I'll have 3 dinners where I won't have to cook. I'll definitely put this in my recipe box for dinners to make again.
In a day or two, I'll post some of the sewing and quilting I have done for Christmas.

Grandson's Scout Badge Vest

2010-11-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

My grandson called me the other day to ask me if I would make him a vest to put his Boy Scout badges on. It needed to be red and his mom wanted it a couple sizes larger for growth. I mailed it Friday. I hope he likes it.

I've been sewing on my daughter's quilt, still. It's as if I'll never get done. Actually, it looking nice. I think she'll like it. I'll have to put it on the back burner till after Christmas. I want to make the grandkids (4) each something for gifts. I'm thinking of either fleece vests, pillowcases or pjs. It'll be a surprise to me as well.

Design Wall

2010-06-28T06:50:00.001-07:00

Here's my design wall. It's slow going but I may have a completed quilt in a couple of months. The inside block is 9 inches and the whole block is 18 inches. I have about 24 to make. This will eventually become a king size quilt for my daughter. Here's how is started. Here's my design in EQ6:

You can see I have a ways to go yet. I'll keep you posted. Check out Judy's blog to see what everyone else is up to. Have a great day!

Ramen Cabbage Salad and Giveaway

2010-06-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

I read Chickens in the Road daily. Suzanne has so much to blog about and her dailies are so interesting. Today she's having a Giveaway for a cast iron dutch oven if you submit a summer recipe. Here's mine:

Ramen Cabbage Salad
1 head of cabbage, sliced thinly
1 green pepper, sliced thinly, optional
1 package Chicken flavored Ramen
1 package toasted sliced almonds

2 T. sugar
1/2 cup oil
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
2T. vinegar
1 packet chicken flavor

Put in a jar with lid. Shake to mix. Reserve.
Break up package of Ramen noodles

When ready to eat, mix all together and serve immediately.

Don't mix ahead of time. It will get soggy.

I usually put the ramens in a baggie and another baggie for the cabbage.

This is simple but delicious.

I Can't Believe It!

2010-06-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

I've been silent for over a month. I read the blogs daily but think that I don't really have a lot to say that anyone would be interested in.

We're getting ready for a surprise birthday weekend for my DBs sister. She turns 60 this weekend. Her daughter and oldest sister are planning a get together on Sunday and we're having the primer on Saturday. Food, family, horseshoes, music, whatever. I'm just thankful that the weather will be great. Our lawn is still a little soggy but that won't stop the horseshoe competition.

I've been cooking. The BBQ beans are in the oven, the potato salad is made and in the fridge soaking up all the flavors. I've made brownies for desert. I still have my coleslaw to make. That needs a trip to the store for the cabbage and whatever else we need.

Since I didn't take any pictures of the food prep, here are some pics I have taken this last month.

Here's one grosbeak. We have several male and females.

The goldfinches are in abundance. I'm going to put some thistle out for this weekend. Our family loves all the birds we have here.

Wonderful Saturday

2010-05-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful day. I couldn't ask for a better one. I refilled the hummingbird feeders. They go through about 2 cups of juice a day. They are great entertainment. I planted some Alyssum, pink and purple next to our birdbath. The smell is wonderful. And because my clothesline looked so lonely, I hung up some wash. I love clotheslines. I grew up with them.

The irises are really starting to bloom. We should be getting some purple ones soon.

Just some fun pictures of a couple of my flowers:

I haven't had a chance to sew lately. I got my rush gifts done and in the mail for my Mother for Mother's Day. I need to clean the wheels on my HQ16 before I can do anything in there. On top of all that we are getting ready for a yard sale next weekend. Man I hate getting ready for those.

First Oriole of the Year

2010-05-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

Our first Bullock's Oriole landed on our feeder just a half hour ago. We didn't think they visited feeders. Oh well, I'm not complaining.

Last year he visited our Red Hot Pokers everyday for a couple of weeks. Someone forgot to tell him that they aren't ready yet.

Mother's Day-Ahead of Schedule

2010-05-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

My mom mentioned a while back that the apron she got from my paternal grandmother was wearing out. She wasn't able to button it anymore because the fabric was so worn. I had my daughter take some pictures on her phone and send them to me. I had seen the apron but hadn't paid a lot of attention to the details of it. After I got the pictures, I started surfing the net for the "right" apron. I found it at MOMSPatterns. After getting the apron, I thought this would be great out of 30's fabrics. The pattern is Simplicity 9206, probably from the 70's.

I made her two. I still need to put the bias tape on the arms and buttons and buttonholes.

I'll iron them before I put them in the mail. I figure I need to send them Tuesday in order for her to get them by Mother's Day.

EQ7 is coming soon. Preorder now

2010-04-30T12:38:00.001-07:00

Electric Quilt has announced the details of EQ7 on their website, including pre-order prices. Great pre-order prices!

Spring Flowers

2010-04-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

Aren't they pretty? We must have gotton 200 free irises last year from DB's sister, Sandy, and a friend from work. We planted every last one of them. They are yellow and purple. Now they're starting to bloom. Thanks Sandy! The rhodies are starting to burst also. We have red, pink and purple. The red hot pokers are coming up and will start coloring soon. I hopt the Bullock's Oriole stops for a visit. Finally, my rosemary. I've had this plant for about 12 years. Last year it took a hit with the cold and we had to trim it down. But all winter it bloomed. It's been blooming for a couple years now non-stop.

I'm working on EQ6 today. I am putting the finishing touches on my floating star. I hope to get it done soon. Pictures later.

It's Spring

2010-04-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post this on the 12th, so here it is. Well it's spring, but only in bits and pieces. One nice day and several rainy and windy. I took these Saturday. My DB started feeding the finches out of my plant hanger. He doesn't particularly like feeding the red wings because they just scatter the seed on the ground, then the feeder is empty. This way we get to see them up close. They are starting to know that we aren't predators and are feeling a little more comfortable around us.

We've had 3 hummingbirds this past week, but today we saw several. Rufous and Anna's. We love watching them and their antics. This time of year we start buying more sugar because they go through it fast.
Our cherry tree is in bloom. We are hoping the bee population will pick up soon so we have cherries to eat. Edited: We now have around 12 hummers. They're so fast it's hard to count. We know that we are refilling the feeders three times a day on the weekends.
We noticed that the weeds my DB has been pulling have started to disappear. We looked up in our carport and noticed a nest being started. Not sure yet what it is. Edited: Well the nest blew down and the finches didn't want to rebuild in the same location.

EQ6 - No pictures

2010-04-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

I've been taking the lesson that the EQ6 User Manual has. I can get through them fine but can't seem to but them into use. What I want to do is work with this quilt. I want to create a center medallion of one of the squares but enlarged. One of the borders will be the squares I've already sewn. I decided I need a class so I've signed up for a beginner EQ6 class on Tuesday. I'm hoping since I've read and done some of the lessons, I'll be able to absorb more info.

I am fixing BBQ chicken sandwiches and coleslaw for this evening. I got the recipes from Picky Palate. They look delicious and I'm hungry for coleslaw. I'll let you know how it turns out.

I won!

2010-04-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU so much Keryn from My Country Blog for the really colorful measuring cups and spoons. I've put the to use many times already.

EQ

2010-03-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

I broke down and ordered EQ6 last week. It arrived and I'm playing/learning. I tried to dive right in but found out that I should probably go through at least some of the lessons. Guess you know what I'm doing today. That is until DB and DS get here and then my day is not my own. Oh well, it could be worse. I could be cleaning bathrooms!

Fishing

2010-03-07T19:51:00.001-08:00

No quilting today. It was so nice we went fishing for the first time last Sunday. The weather was gorgeous and we had to get out. We didn't catch anything, not even any bites. But we enjoyed the sun and the ducks and geese.

Canadian Geese

Coots.

Mallards. The male has something wrong with his left foot. See how's he listing. He's not using it at all.

No fish for dinner but we enjoyed our day and fun in the sun.

Practice Feathers

2010-03-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

I finally got my tension correct and practiced on my feathers. I don't know what I'm going to do with this, probably bind it and hang it on my wall.

I was practicing Kimmy Brunner's Twirly Whirly Feathers. I was having trouble and getting confused when starting my feathers to get the correct direction. It will get better and I'm hyped to practice more. I love feathers.

My Progress

2010-02-14T17:56:00.001-08:00

Well it's Sunday evening and I need to quit and start dinner. I got more accomplished than I thought I would.

Thank you Judy for another great Quiltathon. Here's what I got done. What do you think?

Sue from Alderwood has a Giveaway!

2010-02-14T09:21:00.001-08:00

Check out Sue's blog. She has a Giv eaway. She'll be drawing the lucky winner March 1.

Quiltathon Update

2010-02-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

I finally managed to get some quilting done. YEAH! I've been working on Judy L's "Out of the Bag" quilt. Here's what mine looks like so far. I need to root through my stash and see if I have enough for the backgroud. I usually only buy yard cuts.

See what everyone else has been doing.

For dinner last night we had stuffed peppers, asparagus, artisan bread, pickled beets. It was wonderful.

My camera doesn't do justice for the colors on the plate.

Quilting?

2010-02-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

I really really want to participate this weekend in Judy L Quiltathon. Seems like everything has come before quilting lately. I really MISS it. I'am going to work on one of Judy's stash projects. It will look something like her Out of the Bag quilt when I get finished. I didn't have enough light value fabrics so I had to breakdown and buy some. Wish me luck that I don't get sidetracked today.

I also have a practice quilt on the frame to practice feathers. I've been practicing alot on paper and on my whiteboard.

I have dinner ready. Stuffed Green Peppers from the garden last summer with fresh asparagus and some Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. I've been making this bread for only about 3 weeks now. We love it. I can pull off a chunk for one meal and not have any leftovers. This is a good thing. It doesn't get stale, dry or moldy. AND we don't overindulge our waistlines. I looked for this book at a major brick and mortar store and found it was almost $11 more. I decided to wait for the shipping and save my money. We made pizza last night from it (didn't get a picture fast enough). I'll definately be making that more.

Judy's Quiltathon 2010

2010-01-18T09:33:00.000-08:00

I kinda of participated in Judy's Quiltathon. I started Friday and got this practice quilt squared up and ready to quilt. I wanted to try out Judy's Feather Video

Here's what I'm using for my backing:

I got it on the LA and then started looking for the right thread. I wanted to match the backing with a solid bobbin thread. I couldn't find anything to work. So I got online and ordered some thread. I went to Columbia River Quilters for it. Well, so I can't work on that so now what. I have my daughter's batik floating star on the design wall, but I'm really kinda bored with it right now so now what?

I printed out a Stash Busting project "Out of the Bag" from Judy's blog last February. I had a lot of it cut out. So this is what I worked on Sunday. I'm going to continue to work on it today.

For dinner tonight, I've put a whole chicken in the crock pot and we're going to have my DB's rendition of Chicken and Dumplings. He likes his dumplings made out of yeast bread dough and not a biscuit type dumpling. They really are good.

Windy Night

2010-01-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

According to our weatherman, we sustained 55 mile an hour winds last night and early this morning. It woke me up from all the noise. I glanced at the clock and it was blinking. So the most important thing in our morning is to have fresh coffee already brewed and just waiting for us. I needed to get up and reprogram our coffeepot. I did that and then decided to turn our the porch light and take a look at our "poor shed". Remember our shed last spring? Now look at our shed. Lucky we cleaned it out this summer and took a load to the dump.

Here's what's in the shed and - - - - -

Here's the shell. It's across the garden leaning against a tree and fence.

Feather Fun

2010-01-07T18:09:00.000-08:00

I started making a top that I can practice on using Judy's video feather technique (http://www.patchworktimes.com/2009/12/30/a-feather-video/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PatchworkTimes+%28Patchwork+Times+by+Judy+Laquidara%29). I wish I could add a link without the link showing and just a word to represent it. I will hang it in my quilt room when it's finished.

I'm going to add these to it and some borders so I can practice. I used all scrap from my stash. I'm looking forward to it.

Last Project of the Year

2010-01-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

Here it is. My first applique project was started about 3 years ago. I did the crosshatching with my sewing machine. I didn't have my LA yet. I still have to do some quilting in the applique areas and forgot to do then when it was on the longarm. So I'll do them on the sewing machine.

What do you think? It's (applique and quilting) are very beginner but it'll get better.

I'm so directionally challanged, I had to turn my wallhanging to do the feathers. I already had the feathers done when I saw a video that Judy from Patchwork Times did for her blog. http://www.patchworktimes.com/2009/12/30/a-feather-video/? I'm going do put something together today so I can practice her method.

I've been Revisited!

2009-12-31T09:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning I was out getting a load of firewood and saw a yellow streak. I had to see what kind of bird it was. I went into the garage to get a better look out the side window. To my surprise, I had a Western Meadowlark. He came back. I was so pleased, I text'd my DB to tell him. I watched him during the day make his rounds and when he flew into the backyard below the feeders, I grabbed my camera. Isn't he beautiful?

I haven't seen him today so maybe the conditions were just right for him to visit. Last year during our "big" storm he stayed for a week. I hope he comes back.

I need to get motivated today. I really really want to get into my sewing room and finish a wall hanging that's been hanging around for a couple of years. It's almost done. I quilted most of it, then turned it. I'm so directionally challenged, it's the only way for me to do it.

I hope everyone has a Great New Year!

Winter Storm

2009-12-30T07:20:00.000-08:00

I'm home nursing an ear infection and my DB calls and asks if it's snowing at the house. I look up and what do you know, yes it's snowing and I was going to go into town for groceries. Not now.

This is the front yard and drive. You can almost see the road.

The back yard. Even the birds took off. They are probably under the Red Hot Pokers. Good cover for them.
Time to put another log on the fire and hunker down. Maybe I'll head for the sewing room and get something accomplished.

Dani's Quilt Grand Finale

2009-11-23T04:00:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted in a while so I have lots to talk about. Here's my newest grandaughter with her quilt. She's so adorable, but she sleeps all the time (during the day anyway). And when she's awake, she's hungry.

See she's sleeping. Her sisters just love her.

Even her brother

And grandma-grandma

Oops, her eyes are open.

"Chickens in the Road"

2009-11-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

I started reading Chickens in the Road about a year ago. I was looking for anything rustic, back to nature, gardening, etc. I found Suzanne. Visit her blog. She writes wonderfully.

http://suzannemcminn.com/blog/2009/11/22/apple-spice-simmering-potpourri/

She's asking for her readers to vote for her. She's a single stay at home mom and this is an opportunity for her. Take a look. If you comment on her blog, let her know I sent you.

Walnuts Galore

2009-11-22T08:05:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I've been absent for so long. We picked walnuts a couple of weeks ago. My DB located the owner and was given permission to harvest these walnuts. We got 3 five gallon containers. We set them on our livingroom floor by the woodstove to dry.

Now a couple weeks later after turning them, we put them in bags. They will go out to our pantry and hang until we decide to crack them and freeze them. DB loves zuchinni bread loaded with walnuts. See where this is going? Oh well, I love zuchinni bread also, not to mention everything else I can make with them.
In fact, I think zuchinni bread is on the menu today. Stay tuned!

NW Quilt Expo

2009-10-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

I had an opportunity to take two of Karen McTavish's lectures at the NW Quilt Expo last month. I was even able to purchase her last Whitework Quilting book that she brought to the Expo. She even autographed it for me.
She's funny and so down to earth. If you get a chance to take a class from do it. You won't be sorry.

Design Wall

2009-10-12T04:50:00.000-07:00

Well I have't made any progress other than to re-arrange the blocks. Hum. It was suggested that I make a large star for the center and arrange the smaller blocks around it. Since this is scrappy batiks, and I'm only using fat quarters for it, I don't have enough of any two FQs to make make it with. I'm stumped. I would love to put the design in EQ but I changed laptops and can't find my software. I hope I can figure something out soon. I'd like to put another UFO up on my wall.

Dani's Quilt part 2

2009-10-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

How does it look? It's ready for the longarm. Whew!

Dani's Quilt

2009-10-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

I am working on a quilt to give to my newest grandchild, Danielle. I'm heading over to Montana to see her for the first time in a couple of weeks and want her to have a warm quilt for her mom to wrap her up in. I haven't have time to sew since June when I was back there sewing with my older granddaughters. I've been so busy gardening, canning and work. Now that the garden is done, maybe I can quilt again. I've missed it. I got the butterfly squares from Ebay and decided to do scrappy on the rest of it. I'll post a picture when it's finished.

Canning and Bread

2009-09-19T13:11:00.001-07:00

I received some pears from a friend of a friend. My DB loves canned pears, but only in glass. Seems the ones in tin have a taste he doesn't care for. I had some leftover pears so I made some Pear Bread. It turned out wonderful, moist and favorful.

I hope to do some quilting today. I want to work on my Floating Stars.

Welcome to our family, Danielle!

2009-08-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

This is the newest member of our family. Danielle Grace, born August 21. I get to meet her in October when I go to Montana. I can't wait. I really would love to make her a quilt but her mom's comes first. I wonder how old she'll be when she gets one from me. My list of quilts for the family is long and everyone wants one. My two children don't even have one yet. My son saved jeans for me and the whiskey bottles that come in the purple bag with the gold crown them. That's what he wants for his quilt. I finally after two years have come up with a design for it. I had a real mental block about that one. He's being very patient with me. Thank you.

Floating Stars and Such

2009-08-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I've been silent for so long. It's been a hectic summer. Our garden went nuts and still hasn't died down. Between vacation, family visiting, canning, freezing, and work, I haven't been able to sew hardly a lick.

The Floating Star above is a quilt I started 3 years ago for my daughter. I tried to get her to pick another quilt that was finished but she saw this accidently and it was the one she wanted. Now all I have to do is get it done. I'm tired of it. I just want it finished and it's not even half way close. I don't want to make any more stars. I want to alternate blocks with just a block of batik. She wants king size, of course. So this is going on my design wall and it's not coming down until it's finished. I'm going to Montana in October to visit her family and my newest granddaughter. I am also going to spend time with my parents. I hope you don't get tired of this quilt because I've resolved myself to finishing it by October and take it with me.

Do you have any ideas for this quilt, sashing, alternate blocks? I'd love to hear your opinions.

Granddaughters Quilting

2009-07-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

Here are my granddaughters quilting their first project. I've been wanting to help them get started for a couple of years. Since they live in Montana and I in Oregon, I don't have the opportunity to do this. So I packed up my Gem, supplies, fabric and took them with me on my vacation.

The top picture is my oldest granddaughter on her mom's Janome.

The second picture is my youngest granddaughter sewing on my Gem.

Here are their finished projects:

Jana Rachel

While I was at it they persuaded me to make their bedroom curtains. Now all they nee are floor rugs. Maybe for Christmas.

My daughter was in need of a curtain on her kitchen door to block the hot morning east sun. Here's her curtain. I went back to the fabric store to buy the rest of this bolt and it was gone. I love this material.

I'm Home

2009-07-07T08:43:00.001-07:00

I had a great vacation visiting my grandkids. They made me feel so good.

They wrote on the driveway my Welcome and I love yous. My grandson even drew a picture of me.

I stayed seven days and left on the 5th. I love visiting my family but I love being home.

I brought my sewing machine, fatquarters, ruler, mat and my granddaughters learned to make a pillow. I'll show those pictures in my next post. I don't have any pictures of the completed pillows so I have to wait for my daughter to send them to me.

Another Birthday Giveaway!

2009-06-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

Jackie is celebrating her birthday with a giveaway. Spread the word.

Monday's Design Wall

2009-06-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

The main blocks are from my BOM club. It's a "quilt as you go" tecnique. I wanted to try it because I wanted to learn a new technique. The bottom row is ready to be sewed front sides together, then the back of one trimmed and then handsewn together. I am taking it with me on my trip to Montana to visit my parents, sister from Singapore, brother, daughter and my precious (3) grandchildren. My GDs want to learn to sew. I'm taking my Janome Jem and they have two there. I'm bringing a couple of pillow forms and some of their favorite color fat quarters. This will be fun.

I Won!

2009-06-21T11:32:00.001-07:00

I entered a Giveaway in May for fat quarters from Yellow Bird Art. I can not believe I won. Look at the wonderful FQs I received. The tag on the FQs said "Bits of Bliss" Thank you Angela!

Happy Father's Day Dad!

2009-06-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

I called my father this morning and he informed me that when I come to visit next week, "I'd better not bring any rain with me!" My family lives in Montana and it's been raining, lightening, and thunderstorms continuously for weeks. They want some "Big Sky".

My Dad. This wasn't his best picture. It was late on the Fourth of July and he was tired and not used to all the grands and great-grands not to mention all the fireworks. My SIL and Nephew in law seem to try to outdo each other every year with Who can get the most and the best and the loudest. Since fireworks are outlawed in town, everyone gathers at Mom and Dad's. We eat, play, the little ones wade in the pool and then the show begins. It's a great time.

Have a GREAT DAY DAD, I'll see you soon!

Customer's First Quilt

2009-06-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

This is Kathleen's first quilt. I think she did good. I like the yellow and black.

She wanted hearts.

I thought feathers would look nice.

It's Sunday, Where Did the Weekend Go?

2009-06-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

I've been busy this weekend trying to finish a quilt. I have till 5pm today to get it done. Then K is coming to get it. Pictures later. But what would a post be without pictures. I've also been reading a weekly tutorial by Sue (http://www.suehecker.com/category/photography/). So early Saturday and Sunday I've been taking some pictures. Take a look:

The first on is an Bullocks Oriole. He's so quick, it was hard to get any pictures. He does like our Red Hot Pokers. He goes from one to another. When this poker is mature, it'll be yellow on the bottom and red on the top of the cone. The hummingbirds like them also. My DB wanted a picture because he thinks it's a tanager and he wants to debate the issue. It couldn't match the Stokes Bird Book any better, but it'll be fun to hear his argument. The second is a female Grosbeak. I wonder why the males are always prettier that the females. I think it's because they need all the help they can get.

Rockin and Rollin

2009-06-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

We had one heck of a storm late yesterday afternoon. The winds were around 80 mph. Trees down on my route home. One of the huge cottonwoods in the back field by our house, our sunbreak in the summer, blew down taking a mass of limbs from the other trees. It looks bare back there today. Our shed, which wasn't in great shape to begin with, but we were going to paint it this summer was trashed. Power was out for about 3 hours and again for a half hour during the night. Today we are cleaning up. The garden doesn't look too bad. The plants are all leaning because of the wind. All in all we fared pretty good. Salem to the south of us had trees down and flooding. To the east I think they got hail, rain and wind.

Customer Quilt for Charity

2009-06-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

Here is another charity quilt Ann made and I quilted. I need to get some microhandles for the smaller stippling work. I didn't have a lot of control here. I do think that I should have slowed the speed down also.

My Design Wall

2009-06-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

Here's my design wall.majority of the wall is taken up with my BOM quilt. I'm about 2 blocks behind. The upper right corner is last year's BOM. It's a Lone star with these blocks as the borders. The Lone star is completed but I'm behind about 3 border blocks for it to be assembled into a top. The last is a string quilt square leftover. I want to make another of these and I guess this is just a reminder. My design wall is a king size piece of warm and natural batting against the wall with a piece of flannel on top. I can pin through it but mostly the squares just stick to it unless they are too heavy.

Spring's Come in Like Gang Busters!

2009-05-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

This Robin family has already fledged. Mama has a new batch she's working on. This nest is right outside our bedroom window. In the morning I open the shade and tell her Good Morning. I usually look in on her often when I'm home.

I was driving into town last week and counted nine crimson clover fields. I had my camera with me so I found a spot to take some pictures. They are lovely.

These pictures really don't do the colors justice.

This swallow nest appear within three days. She built her nest almost under our front door. I'm sure she doesn't like the interruptions of us coming and going.

And one of my favorites........

This is one of my Rhodies. Isn't it pretty. I love the color.

Enough for now. I've been taking lots of pictures. I'll get them all online this weekend. Until then.....

Where Did May Go?

2009-05-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

Wow. I've been sooo busy, I took a breath and it's almost June. Well all was not lost. We've had company for about 2 wks of it. So cleaning, dusting, straightening up, cooking and visiting. We had one BBQ when my DB's sis came to town from the Stockton area. We had lots of family over and combined it with my son's birthday. He turned 28. Now that's hard to fathom. My baby grew up on me.

We played horseshoes, dominos and darts. Ya, and ate. Like usual, I fixed way too much. But hay, I didn't have to cook for a week. Makes sense to me.

Nothing quilty to talk about. Nada. I've been wanting to get in my sewing room but no such luck.

Maybe next week.

Giveaway

2009-05-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

Maria at Yellow Bird Arts is having a giveaway. Take a look see.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

This is my mom. Thanks Mom for everything you've done for me. You're the greatest! I love you.

What the Stars Say

2009-05-09T07:23:00.001-07:00

May Britt from http://abyquilt.blogspot.com/2009/05/what-do-your-stars-say-about-you.html had this on her blog. What about you? What do the stars say about you?

Robins

2009-05-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

There were 4 baby robins outside our bedroom window in a Spruce tree. They've grown quite a bit. Today, mama was agitated, so we looked in her nest to find only three babies. They are so big that everytime mama came near they stretched their necks and I'll bet that they squeezed one out. We looked and looked and couldn't find the fourth. They are so cute.

Maria's Double Irish Chain

2009-05-03T14:37:00.000-07:00

I gave this quilt to my niece for high school graduation in 2001. She has loved it dearly. So much that I took it home with me last summer to put new binding on it. I surprised myself to find that I still had enough of the binding to bind it again. How cool. So she's coming out here this week to reclaim her beloved blankie. Here you go Maria. Enjoy it.

Can You Smell the Bread?

2009-04-26T14:22:00.001-07:00

I just took the bread out of the oven. My BF says he's glad he's out of town or he'd eat himself sick. I doubt that but he really likes my bread.

"Cree Dreams"

2009-04-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

I finally unsewed the last row of my quilting and got it re-quilted. Now I have to trim and bind. I'm going out of town for a couple of days so I'll finish it when I get back.

This is the first time I've used a groovy board so there was a learning curve. I think it turned out pretty good. I'm happy.