Enjoying retirement traveling

I know it's been forever since I've posted on my blog. 2016 has been a very busy year around our house. I haven't sewn much, I haven't even made any NEW stuff, or, torn down any walls this year. So, what have I been doing? Living every day to it's fullest. Hubby retired in May, so, getting used to having around as been a bit of an adjustment. Every day is getting better, and, I have to admit, I like him around. Don't tell him I said that.
We purchased an RV in May, and, headed out on the open road. First trip was to Door County in Wis. It was beautiful. If you haven't had the chance to travel through Door County you are missing some beautiful country.
Anyway, I will get back on here and do some postings of our travels, and, adventure in our RV. So far, we have taken two trips, a two week trip to Wis, and, then a 6 week trip traveling through 22 states. It was the best. I'm loving this retirement gig.
Take care,
Pictures and stories to follow.

This is our first one. We only had it for 4 months before we traded it in on our next one. I know, that sounds pretty crazy, but, it happens.

This is our new one. The one above was great, don't get me wrong, we loved it. But after our 6 week outing, we needed some just a tad bit bigger.

Home Remodel Almost Finished

It's been a long year and a half remodeling our house. What started as a minor redo turned out to be a long drawn out process. So far we have completed our kitchen which I absolutely love. The bowling allies we used for the center island is amazing. I repainted all the cabinets, uppers are dark brown with a black stain on top. The center island I painted white and added bead board all around the edges.


 

 

Then it was on to the front room and dinning room. We knocked down the half wall between the two rooms to open up the space. Added engineered wood floors from Lowe's which turned into a nightmare. The flooring warped and gaps between the boards was not going to work. Long story short, it took me 5 months to get that flooring removed and to get my money back. Needless to say, no more Lowe's for me.
The best part of that mess, we got a REAL wood floors installed. They are beautiful.
This is the mess we lived in for a couple of months.
One half way gone, one more to go. Note the floors, or, lack of floors after we got Lowe's to remove the damaged flooring.

 

 

Wall's gone. Note the fireplace and fabric on the chairs. They don't look like now.

  

 

 

Finished project. New floors, paint, reupholstered chair and that FIREPLACE. WOW. I love it when a plan comes together.   

 

 

 

I have to say, after all the mess we lived through, it was SO worth it. I'm one lucky gal to have a husband that let's me do what ever I want with our house. He might not like the work it took to get here, but, he loves the end product.
I also took on my red bedroom. I'll show that room later.
As you can see, I've been one busy lady. The bad part about home remodeling, you don't have time for sewing. I haven't had my sewing machine out this whole time. Yep, over a year and half of not sewing. I did get both of my machines cleaned and serviced, so, they are ready to get with the program. All I have to do is get my groove back (lost my drive for some reason), and get my creative juices flowing. I have two more quilts to finish for my Grand Nieces (I started over a year ago), two down, two to go. I also have a quilt to make for my soon to be here Grand Nephew. I also have some accent pieces, pillows, and, such for the living room and bedroom.
Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog. I would love to hear from you.   

 

 

 

Room and Hip

 A little update on the house,yes I know, seems like it's a never ending topic. We moved into the house 13 years ago, and, it was pretty much original 1980's décor. The owner had remodeled the kitchen, sort of, but it was not what I liked. duh. So far we have taken on all the rooms with the exception of two bathrooms. Still something for me to do later. Here are a couple of pictures of the NEW beautiful wood floors. (So happy the fake wood floors from Lowe's are GONE)
This first picture is the floor before they stained them. Living room looking into the dining room. Second pic is the finished floor looking from the dining room into the living room.

 

As you can see, these floors are amazing, and, really make the floors from Lowe's look BAD. This time we had the floors put down the hallway also. Still have the fireplace to redo, but, that's going to have to wait till I heal from my Hip Replacement. If you look at the fireplace now, you can see where the black floating shelves will go. I put some templates I painted black up so I could see if my vision will work. So far, so good. Here's a peek at the stone I will be using.

 

I also got my new furniture, or, at least part of the furniture delivered. I love it. Still waiting for the other recliner to be made and delivered, but, so far it's looking good. The colors are so different than anything I've ever had, but, couldn't be happier. I'll post pictures when I get the rooms put together. You know me, I can't leave well enough alone, so, my wild and crazy chair had to get a facelift again. This will the third time I've redone this chair, but, hubby won't let me get rid of it, so, facelift it is.

 

When I saw the fabric, I knew I had to have it. I also redid the parson chairs in the background with the bottles fabric. I'm going to use the rest of the zig zag fabric for an ottoman I'll make from an old coffee table I have. But the fireplace, and, the ottoman will have to wait till I heal from my Hip Replacement.

Yep, this ole gal got a new Hip a week and a half ago. Everything is going great, and, I can't wait to get back on my feet again. Using a walker is not my idea of fun. Not being able to drive is the pits. Doctor's say 6 weeks, I say 4. Hope I'm right and they are wrong.

 



 

 





Yeah I know, I'm back.......once AGAIN.

Just checked my blog, and noticed it's been since November since I've updated it. So, here goes. In the last posting I was so proud of my new wood floors. They looked great, ok, not so GREAT.  In December I noticed gaps forming in between the boards. NOT GOOD. That was just the beginning of my floor nightmare. When I contacted Lowe's, they installed them, and, informed them of my problems, which also included the floor lifting up in several places, the fun began. Needless to say, I still have the floors, still have the gaps, and, still of the lifting. First they sent the installers back out to redo the floors, close the gaps, and, find out why the floor is lifting up. They uninstalled the floor 2/3rds of the way, when they started to notice most of the boards were warped. Yes warped. They bow up like a summer rainbow. Contacted Lowe's, informed them, and, they told the installers to bundle the wood up, and, return it to the store. Which they started to do. Ten minutes later, Lowe's told them to reinstall the floor. REALLY. Really. Per Lowe's, they had to get an inspector from Bruce Flooring to check out the floor for possible defects. Yep, you know where this is going. Inspector came, inspected, checked, took pictures, and, left. I asked him a couple of times what he was doing, and, what he was finding, you are going to love this, he told me he couldn't tell me, or, show me what he was doing, or, what his findings were. TOP SECRECT I suppose. STUPID if you ask me.
Anyhow, per his report, which Lowe's showed me, my floors are WET. What the heck is that????? My floors are not WET. But, he does work for Bruce, and, there was NO way he was going to say the floors were defected. No brainer there. So, now this problem is with Lowe's Legal/Insurance Dept. in N.C. I had the pleasure (not really) of speaking with David Carpenter from that Dept. two weeks ago. The first time was OK, he seemed like he wanted to get this taken care of FAST. All I want is to get my money back, and, this floor out of my house. He said he should be able to have it taken care of pretty quickly. That was on Friday. Monday afternoon I called the store in Tulsa to check on the progress. The manager told me he had not heard from David Carpenter, and, they gave me David's phone number. When I called he was away from his office, so, I left a message. I told him I was confused, Tulsa was giving me a complete different story than what he told me Friday. I said I felt like I was getting the run around from the Tulsa store, and, would appreciate it if he would call me back. OH, HE CALLED ME BACK ALRIGHT. When I answered the phone, he jumped me right off the bat. Yelling, and, telling me HE WAS NOT GIVING ME THE RUNNING AROUND AND I WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE TALKING TO ANYONE IN THE TULSA STORE.  He was the rudest person I have ever had the pleasure of talking with. He even had the nerve to say good bye, and, hang up on me.
Since I always follow directions, and, listened to everything David Carpenter said, I got in touch with the district manager over the Tulsa store. Yep, I listened to David Carpenter about not contacting Lowe's, but, the heck does he think he is??????
Long story (this is only part of it) short. I still have the floors down, Lowe's district manager came out to check out the floors for himself Friday, he was shocked at the shape of the floors. He is going to call Mr. David Carpenter Monday (tomorrow), to discuss it, and, TRY to get this thing taken care of next week. So, I'm giving them till the end of this week to resolve this matter, or, I will be getting in touch with a lawyer. I'm sure Mr. Carpenter will NOT be happy I talked with the Tulsa store, he won't be happy when the District manager calls him, and, I'm sure I will get another pleasant call from him. BRING IT ON BIG BOY, I'M READY, AND, I'M WAITING FOR YOU.

Enough of that crap for now. Other than that, I've gotten the hall, front room, dinning room, painted. They delivered my new L sectional and coffee table, hated them, they came and got them the next day. I ordered a replacement sofa, and, two recliners that should be here in about 6 weeks.

What else can go wrong??? Don't ask.

I still haven't been able to get to my sewing machine, but, I am SO looking forward to sitting down, sewing the heck out of some of my fabric, and, relaxing at the cutting table.

Thanks for listening to me rant, and, rave. Keep your fingers crossed that everything falls into place in the next couple of weeks. If you happen to feel the earth shake next week, don't worry, it's not an earthquake, it will be me screaming, and, jumping up and down in total frustration with David Carpenter when he hangs up on me again.

Have a good week, and, I hope you leave me a comment, I really love to hear from you.

Trying to get back to living life.

Don't know who, or, how many read my postings, but, I'm trying to get back in the groove. Would love to hear from you if you're reading my blog. It's always nice to know someone out there enjoys what I post.

I know I have said this too many times on this blog, I'm back. For some strange reason, I just can't seem to post on a consistent basis.  I post, then, it's months before I post again. Life just seemed to get in the way the past couple of years.  I get side tracked, something I'm really, really good at. Family, home, friends, and, life gets in my way of posting on my blog. I can come up with all kinds of excuses not to post. I sure I'm not the only one that does that.
When I first started my blog, a couple of years ago, I was in the midst's of marathon quilting phase. All I thought about, quilting, fabric, and, how to get my hands on more fabric, and, finding more time for sewing more quilts. I have managed to stock pile yards, upon yards, upon yards, of fabric. Every nook and cranny in the house is fabric. Trust me, that is an understatement. There is enough fabric stockpiled, I could open up a fabric store, (ok, that might be a little exaggerated, but, it comes close to the truth).  Here's a small amount of my fabric.

Yes, they are on small little bolts, in fabric manufacture order in the hall closet (top photo). Some of the over flow, and, some of my solids in the office. This is enough fabric to show right now, not, showing a couple (several) tots hidden around the house, and, garage.

 I'm admitting:

I'm a Fabric Addict.

I have OCD
It's been about a year since I've sewn, or, quilted. Life seemed to get in the way. Redoing my house, got in the way. I'm here to tell you, the house is almost where I want it, (ok, that will never happen).  Working non stop for the past year getting Dad's Estate in order, and, ready to finish up within the month. Talk about a LONG year, longest one of my life. Still coping with losing Dad last October, but, I know he would be proud of the way my Brother, and, I got in there, and, took care of business. It's been a long, and, hard journey. One that is a double edged sword, happy to know our hard work is coming to a close, sad to think it's almost over. Like the ole saying, life goes on.

Update on how the house redoing is going. I now have my LONG awaited hardwood floors. YEAH. Tore down the rest of the wall between the dining room, and, living room. Put the hardwoods down, added new molding to finis out the wall. IT'S BEAUTIFUL. I LOVE THEM.

In midst's of removing the carpet. Too fun!! (1st pic) Dinning room, floors down (2nd pic),  Living room almost back to normal, (3rd pic)

Yep, I'm one happy camper. You know how one thing leads to another?  I live that saying!! Just
ordered a new L shaped couch,  an old cart style (industrial with wheels) coffee table. Well, wouldn't you know it, need a new rug to go with the new stuff. This rug in the living room is going back to the kitchen to show off my newly upholstered chairs. They are still a work in progress. Here's a pic of the new fabric I'm putting on the chairs. Then it's on to the fireplace. Yep, it's getting a facelift too. LOVE IT.

The new fabric is on the left, old is on the right. Needless to say, the new fabric it a bit wilder than the old fabric. One chair down, 4 more to go.

 Well, that's what I've been doing. I have kept busy, and, still have a couple little things to complete this makeover, then, on to getting back to quilting. Sadly, with the Holidays coming up, looks like the first of the year before my quilting gets back on track.

TIME OUT FOR A LITTLE VACATION

Took some time out for a MUCH needed vacation. Headed out a week ago for the Black Hills and Badlands in South Dakota with a couple of friends and our Corvette's. The weather was AMAZING, it never got above 80 the whole time. Mornings were cool, the lowest, 42. Needless to say the top was down on the car, and, light jackets on. There is nothing better than driving through the mountains in a convertible. It's been 50 years, yes, 50 years, since I was in the Black Hills and Badlands. It's still just as magnificent as it was back then. My hubby had never been in that part of the country, so, it was fun watching him take in all the sites. Seeing Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and, soaking in all our surroundings', priceless. The wildest part, all my family, brother, sister-in-law, his daughters, their husbands, and, their kids, were in the Black Hills within the past 4 weeks. It would have been fun if we could have scheduled our time to meet up and all explore together.
Even though the past week was fun and brought back memories, it's GREAT to be back home. Our little dogs are really, really happy to have us back. They missed out laps, and, we missed them too. We are extremely lucky we have a house/dog sitter that stays with our 4 little darlings, and, we don't have to board them. Since we returned, all 4 of them have been in our laps anytime we sit down.
Guess it's time to get back to reality and every day living. I'll post some pics later.

It's been a long time

Thanks so much for the comment about me getting back to blogging AGAIN. I promise I will get back in the swing of things SOON. I do have a lot to get you caught up on, some not so happy, some new quilts, some new remodel projects, and, just plain ole living.
My life has been turned upside down over the past year, or so, and, it is getting closer to getting back to normal. NO, I am not sick, cancer is still gone, and, YES, I am still here. Just haven't thought about posting, plain and simple.
Again, thanks for your posting asking me to start blogging again. Your comment just might be the push I need.
It's nice to know you are still checking out my blog.
Sandy

Here's a sneak peek:

Here I go again.

Here I am again. Once again, it's been a while. Anyway, here's a couple of things I have been up to. 

Here's the latest design I have chosen to go with.  

I really like the on-point look with the little geese inserted to break up all the blocks.  My other favorite, lining the blocks at the middle of each, instead of point to point. 

I still have a lot of work before this one is finished, but, I'm getting there.  Now, all I have to do is catch a few more geese, line 'em up, and, stitch 'em up. 

 Are you ready for something REALLY, REALLY COOL?

Let me set the stage, so to speak. My Niece, who can take trash and make it into an amazing treasure, is building a studio attached to her garage. That's pretty cool in it's self, but, that's not it. She comes up with some really cool ideas, you need to go and check out her blog, http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/ 

OK, since she likes to use usual items, and re-do/make them to fit her purpose, she needed something to use as counter-tops for the studio. It needed to tough, needed to be useful, and, most of all, looked good. 

While looking through Craig's List she came across 

the perfect things to use.....

BOWLING ALLEYS!!!!!

Yep, Bowling alleys. Needless so say, when I heard about it, I just had to have a couple (three) of my own. This is what my new kitchen island, and, a 10 foot table looks like. 

This is what they looked like when we got them. 

 Each piece is 10'2" long and 42" wide, and, I have Three.....

 We had to rent a lift to get them out of the trailer, these thing weigh a ton, and, a floor sander. 

I'm pretty lucky I have a hubby that puts up with my craziness. 

 All lined up and ready to get sanded. 

 On down and two to go. 

 Talk about a MESS, we made a huge MESS. I don't know how anyone could re-sand their floors inside and clean up this kind of mess. This is what the bag on the sander DIDN'T pick up. 

 All I can say, this was all worth it.

Here they are, all sanded and back in the garage waiting to be installed.  

Are they not cool or what!!!!

Now, all I have to do is, wait!!!

I'm waiting to get them cut down and installed. 

Waiting for my new cook top. 

Waiting for the new built in's. 

Waiting to paint the cabinets. 

Waiting, I hate waiting. 

Should be somewhere towards the end of July, I hope. 

That's all I got for now. I will add pics of all the progress, with both the kitchen and my quilt. 

What's UP????

What's been going on????

Well, a little of this and a lot of that. 

A couple of days ago I woke up to a few friends coming to visit. 

Aren't they amazing? I love sitting on the back porch in the morning drinking my coffee and enjoying the view. 

 Here's what I found above the door on our storage building. I think there are 4, but, didn't want to make Mommy bird mad, so, this is the best picture I could get. They are so tiny, and, so cute.  

We now have a level foundation. 

This is one of seven piers we had to get installed on the east side of our house. Don't ask me why I had to take a picture of the hole with all the trash in it. Just lucky, I suppose.

The house had a few little cracks, but, nothing major, till one of our little Oklahoma earthquakes. Really, Oklahoma has earthquakes. For some reason, it only effected the east side of the foundation. But, hey, what's to be expected, the house was built back in 1982 and at thirty I was beginning to show my age too.

 Now on to the good stuff. 

This is what's on the design wall. My WIP. 

A couple of weeks ago I got to teach a PP workshop for our quilting guild. It was a blast. We have some amazing quilters in our guild, so, it was a treat for me to help expand their talents. 

Anyway, this is one of the patterns I used in class, circling geese, so, it kinda got me motivated to do a full quilt. 

OK, can you find my Boo Boo????

 Yeep, three of my geese decided to fly in the wrong direction. I didn't catch them till I took the picture and they stuck out like a sore thumb. 

So, seam ripper here I come. 

Now, doesn't that look better???

 That's what's been going on in my neck of the woods. 

What's happening in yours? 

I would love to hear what you're up to, and, what

you're working on now. 

This says it all.................Part ll of FHA

I need the help of FHA

I am in search of a local chapter of FHA

Fabric Hoarders Anonymous

Yes, I am a Fabric Hoarder!

I have desperately tried their 12 step program, 

( over and over and over)

but, I can't seem to get past the step Two: 

Don't purchase ANY new fabric. 

I don't have a problem with step one: 

Admit your addiction.

That's a no brainier, all you have to do is open any 

of our closets, tots, or, check out my secret stash. 

(shhhh, it's called a secret for a reason)

So, here is my latest FHA failure.

On a resent trip to Tulsa, I just happened to stop by 

Tuesday Morning, and, much to my surprise,

(OK it was not a surprise, it was in their ad) 

I found some great, great, bargains and I 

just couldn't resist. They had pre-cuts at a price that

 made me hyperventilate. Get this:

layer cakes - $3.99

charm packs - $2.99

two yard cuts - $3.99

jelly rolls - $3.99 to 6.99

OK, you get the picture (above). Now tell me, 

could you, or, would you, be able to control your addiction???

I didn't think so. 

Part 2, LONG TIME COMING

OK, I know, posting two days in a roll. I guess I'm on a ROLL.

This is how "Tic Tac WOW" evolved.

If you have been following me for any time at all, you know, I can't leave well enough alone. 

I have to keep adding, cutting, whacking, and, sewing till I get what I want. 

And, I always get what I want. 

I wanted something to add some punch, but, I knew I didn't want plain ole strips around every

block, so, let the playing begin.

 

 After a few trial and errors, (and there were a LOT) this is what I came up with. 

The lay out was the easy part, then, I had to figure out how to sew it together. 

Not so easy part, at least for me. 

So, I had to sew it by sections and the more I sewed, the more I loved it. 

If you can tell, by doing it this way, the rows didn't match up in any direction. 

Oh yeah, liking it even more. 

 I had to do a trail run on the bed to see what was next for the quilt. 

I tried a couple of board ideas, this is just one that didn't make it. 

Ignore my other black and white quilt and bed skirt underneath. 

 This is the finished quilt top with it's stripped boarder. 

(sorry about my pics, I'm not a pro)

 "Tic Tac WOW"

It's been a long time coming

Well, it's taken me some time to figure out how to get some of my pictures downloaded, but, I did it!

Nothing like getting a new computer, new camera, and, being a computer dummy to make your life easier. Guess I just proved, you can teach an ole dog new tricks.

So, here are a couple of the quilts I'm working on. Got to say, I'm really liking all this improv designs. But, since I'm one of those people that never liked following directions, this type of quilting is right up my alley. Just a little side note, I can remember (way back) almost every report card from 1st grade on, teachers would check the box next to: Does not follow directions. Dah, go figure. I had one teacher tell me, I was like a wild horse that couldn't be broken. Don't you love it???

Ok, on to the quilts.

They are works in progress,but, I'm loving them.
On this one I just started cutting, sewing, and, wacking. One of my favorite ways to quilt. I needed a new quilt for my black, white and red room, so, that's way the little bit of red. This is the start, I have changed it up a bit, so, further pictures to come.


I saw a quilt like this on the web and knew I have to have on like it. Great use of Drunkers Path. Again, WIP.

I had a wild hair and pulled all my solids out and started by cutting a bunch of wedges. Not sure where this one is going, but, it will get there.

Well, there it is, just a couple of things going on in my quilting world. Hope you enjoy them.

Still working on Pictures

Just thought I would do a little blogging this morning. Still working on getting pictures loaded onto my laptop. Yea, I know, I need to get this figured out, but, can't seem to find the time. (that's a joke) So, what's keeping me from learning how to download pictures. I hate all things tech. I am NOT a computer geek, and, don't ever want to be one.

It cracks me up when someone says to me, just text me. I don't do texting!!! I don't have a smart phone, not smart enough for all those apps. Could care less if my GO phone ever rings. Yes, I have a GO phone. I do the pay as you go plan. Get this, I put in $100.00, if I put money in before the $100.00 expires, it rolls over and is good for 365 days. Most people I know, pay that per month, not me. I have had this phone for several years, I do renew before my mins expire in order to get the roll over mins., and, I just checked my balance, I have $165.00. So, that means, I have $65.00 from last year and just added $100.00 for the next 365 days.  I'll be honest, when my phone rings, I just about jump out of my skin. I'm really goosey!!!

On to quilting. I've been doing a lot of cutting fabric, re-organizing fabric, (don't tell anyone, but, I've also been ordering fabric on line), and a lot of sewing. My design wall is filling up fast. In fact, I'm running out of room on it, and, will either need to make a bigger one, or, finish the one's I have started. I betting on making a larger one.

UFQ's.  Unfinished quilts. I like this better than UFO's. In the process of re-organizing my fabric, I did come across a few unfinished quilts. OK, a LOT of UFQ's. All the tops are finished, I just need to my butt in gear and quilt them. I wonder if a couple of 5 Hour Energy drinks might help???
If you have any tricks that gets you up and quilting, please, let me know. I would love to hear what you do to get in the mood to quilt. It's not that I don't like to do the quilting, because I do. I love my Flynn Frame, which is what I use to machine all my quilts, just getting them loaded and getting started is my problem. So, I can use your help and your tricks.

The other thing that's been taking some of my time, is, watching three little Eagles grow. Oklahoma Parks has a live cams setup in two locations so you can watch the Eagles and their young. I have to say, I'm hooked. If you have never watched Eagles, you should, it's amazing. I've watched them hatch, feed and grow over the past couple of weeks. Here's the link if you would like to check it out. http://www.suttoncenter.org/pages/live_eagle_camera If you can't get it to come up for you on IE, use google chrome. You will be amazed. You can also move down the page and read comments, down a little further, and read facts about this years little ones. Hope you check it out, you will love it.

Guess I better get off here and see what kind of trouble I can get into today.
You guys enjoy your day, leave me a message, and, I try to those pics loaded.

Getting back into the swing of things.

It's been a while since I blogged and sewn anything for that matter. Well, I'm here to tell you I'm back to both. I don't know got into me, but, I've been sewing, sewing, sewing. (don't tell anyone,but, I'm loving it).
I was able to demonstrate improv quilting to our guild last week, so, needless to say, I had to get some examples ready. Now have the start of 4 more quilts. It was really fun sharing one of my favorite ways to quilt. I did notice some deer in the headlights looks from the traditional quilters in the group. I could just hear them thinking to themselves, "What the heck is this stuff? What, no pattern!!! This just looks like a big mess!!! Oh my, that color is just too bright and wild for me!!! I do have to say, I did get a kick out it. Nothing like shocking a few people ever now and then. (I seem to do this on a daily basis.)
I have some pics, but, I don't know how to download them to my new laptop, so, when I figure it out, I will share.
One other thing I'm looking forward to is, I get to teach a workshop on paper piecing in April. Can't wait. Better get busy and make some demo blocks and brush up on my PP skills. (again, pics will follow).
Oh, yea, I'm also taking part in a block swap with Tulsa Modern Quilt Guild. We are making 10 blocks each month and then swap them to come up a one of a kind quilt. Just finished up 6 of them yesterday, 4 to go.
Oh, yea, one more thing. Our guild is doing a pizza box quilt for the next 8 months, and, YES, I'm going that one too!
WOW, I've gone from 0 to full throttle in 60 seconds.
Life is good. Sewing is fun. Sharing is great!!!!

(I'll try the pics later, keep finger crossed I can figure it out)

Winning..........Winning..........Winning

It's hard to believe it was 11 years ago this month I was told I had Cancer.

Seems so long ago, yet, like yesterday. Talk about turning your world upside down, inside out and back again. They (the Doctors) put me through the ringer and pushed my body and soul to the limit. Being cut from stem to stern, 3 times, radiation, once, chemo 3 times and can't tell you how many CT's, MRI's, PET scans I've had. I've been poked, prodded and scoped for a life time over the past 11 years. But, I made it, don't know how, chances were not in my favor, that's for sure. Guess the big "C" just didn't know who it was messing with. I found out just how strong and stubborned I could be. I WON!! Winning!!!! (little Charlie Sheen humor). I WON again 8 years ago when the Cancer came back. Winning!!! And, I WON, yet again, 5 years ago, when they found the bladder Cancer. Winning!!!! (got to love Charlie).
So, according to all the Medical texts and all the Cancer info out there, after 5 years, and, NO sign of the ugly little "C" (@#%$), you are considered......
CANCER FREE!!!!!!!!
Let's have a party!!!!!!!
Thanks to all the prayers, good wishes, great friends, and, an amazing family, I'm still here.

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

Another year is just about over and in the record books.

Saying farewell to an old friend, 2011. Memories burned

into my brain, some good, some not so good. But each one

amazing, and, each one makes me who I am. 

A brand new beginning just around the corner.

So, Goodbye 2011!!!

Cheers to 2012.

Here's to a new year full of surprises.

A year full of Love.

A year sharing with Family and Friends.

A year filled with Fun and Laughter.

A year of nothing but Good Health.

A year Learning, Doing, and, Sharing.

A year of New Adventures.

 New Places to Explore.

New Quilts.

Lots of New Fabric.

Posting more on my Blog.

Good Food.

You get the picture!!!!

My wish to each of you:

May God Bless you, your family and

may he keep you safe and well for 2012.

Here comes 2012, ready or not!!!

Where have I been??

Now that's a good question, and, thanks for checking on me.
It's been one whale of a rollercoaster ride these past couple of months.
Lets see if I can fill you in a bit.
No, I haven't dropped off the edge of the earth, even though a couple of
times I wish I could. All is OK, or, will be OK, here in Skiatook, OK.
Sadley, I haven't been quilting too much, but, I am sure hoping that is going
to change really quick. (It can't get much slower, or, there will be NO quilting
and I sure don't want that!!)
I've had a couple of little health scares, but, ALL IS GREAT, thank goodness. That
slowed me down a bit, and it's been hard getting back into the swing of things.
Like I said, that should change soon. Our car club wants me to do a couple of
t-shirt quilts for an auction in December, this should get me motivated!!!
Since I last blogged, I am now the Pres of our Owasso Quilting Guild, don't tell
anyone, but, I'm really have fun doing it. Our board has come up with some really
great and fun things for our members and I can't wait to get them started. It's
a good thing!!!!
The other major thing we have delt with, and, still dealing with, is the death of hubby's
Mom. It was pretty much of a shock and a pretty big blow to his family. She had been
in and out of the Hospital since April, but, never could figure out what was wrong.
When they did, it was pretty much too late. David and his brother are working on
getting the house and car ready to sale and trying to make sure all the paperwork
is in order and the bills are paid. Have to tell you, this has not be a fun time for David,
but, he's doing good and taking care of business.
So, now you know what's been going on around here, (the short and sweet version),
life is trying to get back to normal, but, since that's one thing I have never been,
(normal), it might take me longer than most. lol
Again, thanks so much for checking in on my world, it means a great deal to me
that I have such great friends, and, quilting buddies.
I promise you, I will try to post more often and get to sewing so I have something
to post about.

FINISHED (almost)

Just have a couple more blocks to go here! FINISHED QUILT TOP.........YEAH!!!!!

View from the floor.
Finished top on design wall.
Too Cool!!!!!

So, now WHAT???

I still have to add the boarder and get it quilted

before I can really celebrate.

Doing the happy dance.

You got a love Maxine

I found this and just had to pass it on.

It says it ALL.

As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world, too soon, before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read, quilt, or play on the computer until 4A.M., then sleep till noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60's, 70's, and 80's, and if at the same time, I wish to weep over lost loves, I will do so.
I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, dive into the waves with abandon, (if I choose to), despite the pitying glances from the younger jet set.
They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But, there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break, when you lose a loved on, or when you see a child suffer, or, even when your beloved pet dies? But, broken hearts are what give us strength, understanding, and compassion. A heart never broken, is pristine, sterile, and will never know the joy of being imperfect
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, to have my youthful laughs be forever itched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore.
I've earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer to your question, I like getting older. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but, while I am here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.
I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).