Lovin' Life At The End Of The Dirt Road

Asking Advice from the Experts...That Means You.

2012-02-06T04:26:00.000-08:00

Ok. The pieces are cut. I think I'm going to go with this barn wood fabric that arrived while we were away delivering mares to Texas. It was a fast, but good, trip as we were able to spend some time with the cutest niece and nephews and a very cool BIL.

Can you believe that I was surrounded by quilt shops and didn't even peek inside one of them? I know. I'm a sad excuse for a quilter. How many demerits does that earn me? I knew if I even got a wiff of fabric, I would end up bringing some home and honestly, I already have a problem. Its called a stash and it is really beginning to take over. Besides, I had a box waiting for me when I came home. ;)

DH was quite interested in something he spotted on the side of the road and he made me scale the fence and take a photo. Generally scaling a fence line is breaking one of the cardinal rules of being a Texan, but in this case the owners are fine with it. So he made me pose on the side of the road in the biting, cold , windy morning with the sun in my eyes in traveling-in-the-ranch-truck clothes.

I tried to tell him that he needs to take 10 or 12 pictures in order to get anything decent, but he was having none of that. One click and I had better hop that barbwire pronto or I may lose my ride. :)
Makes for an awful picture, but the deer skull is cool. Its made out of metal and a lot of work went into it. DH welds and really appreciates the skill it took to make something like this accurately. Yes, we are rednecks. Jeff Foxworthy would be proud.

We stopped to grab a bite to eat at the last little town before hitting the ranch. This murial is right next to the little place we ate and I thought of y'all when I saw it. I can't paint my way out of a bucket so I am pretty impressed with people who can wield a paintbrush and make it look like this. Yes, the sky really is that blue out here.

Now, I am ready to sew this top together. I like the gray tone in this fabric and wish I had an entire bolt. I don't have any gray in the squares so I think it stands out enough. I really like the richness of it, but I wondered if it was too dark so on a whim, I flipped it over and I like the backside too. It looks more washed out. So tell me, which one should I choose?

The difference is more subtle in the photos for some reason. Light?

Or dark? The right side is actually darker than this.

Here's half and half. LOL.

I'm leaning towards the dark...or not. Sigh. I am so indecisive and its ridiculous. This is not rocket science however, your input would be greatly appreciated. Looking at the photos, there doesn't seem to be that big of a difference. I'm playing with the thought of adding black piping to the star to define it more. I hope it works or I'll have an awful lot of black piping lying around! I'm actually kind of excited about adding the piping. Alas, it'll have to wait until another trip to town. I plan to hitch a ride if DH has to run in for anything.

My First Stitch

2012-02-02T05:09:00.000-08:00

I did not grow up in a sewing family. My Mom did not sew. My grandmothers did not sew. The sewing gene does not flow through my veins. In fact I had a strong dislike for all things related to a needle and thread... or anything else related to being indoors for that matter. I loved to read, but I prefered to lose myself in the pages under a tree. In high school, all the girls took home-ec. I shuddered at the thought. I crumbled at the feet of the principal and begged him to let me take shop. He took pity on me and I was thrilled. My apologies to my husband who married me even thought I could not cook back then.

Looking back, I get the feeling that the good Lord was quite amused by that feisty teenager. He knew. He knew that one day I would be sucked into becoming domestic. He just quietly sat back and let me gallavant through those carefree years.

So how did I, the welding torch yielding teen, get to this point?

It started after college...in a feedlot...in Idaho. DH and I both worked at Simplot Feedlot. I worked in the office and sat in a little room dispensing various feed mixtures into the trucks that pulled up below me. There was a lot of free time and a sweet girl that trained me told me that she would cross-stitch in between trucks. I imagine I looked at her in horror at the thought. She probably patted me on the shoulder and said, "There...there...it'll be alright." Then she lent me a book of patterns and I was hooked. This was in the 80's. This was my first project:

It looks very 80's. The little wooden hoop with lace and bow make me laugh today. It brings back good memories...and not so good memories of the smell that accompanies a feedlot. We weren't there very long before we were wisked away to run a ranch in New Mexico, but the friendships that we formed from back then continue and here I am, 25 years later, still stitching. When I asked for a sewing machine after our first child was born, I'm pretty sure my Mom thought I had taken leave of my senses. I still cross-stitched some, but I loved making clothes for the kids and somewhere down the line, cross-stitch was put aside.

I've been running across various blogs and feeling nostalgic when they share their beautiful cross-stitch projects. I haven't sross-stitched in over 10 years. I've given lots and lots of them away, but today I pulled out some that I still had. I even took a piece in for framing when I had to take DH in to pick up his truck yesterday.

And...last year, I saw a piece that I had to make for my in-laws. I worked on it for a few months and then put it aside when the days became longer because by the time we came in in the evening, it was all we could do to eat, shower, and fall into bed. However, I am determined to give this to my in-laws for Christmas this year so I try to sit and stitch a bit in the evenings.

Here's my current project and this is where I left off last April:

My father-in-law is crazy about bears and this little fella's kinda cute! It's 16"x16" so I'll be stitching on it for a while.

And here are a few oldies. This one hangs in my kitchen:

And this one was in the cedar chest, but I dug it out and am looking for a spot to hang it. I thought the laundry room, but the laundry room is our front room, our mud room, our collection spot for every glove and spur and coat and hat and pair of chaps and it just doesn't fit. Besides the only wall in there is cinder block and it's a bear to get nail in it.

See, I was drawn to quilts long before I ever even thought about making one.

Thanks for letting me meander down memory lane. I still have some pieces that I never framed and I think I'll take a piece in every month and get that done.

Here's my progress on this little guy for the month of January:

There's so much subtle shading in this piece. The white part has about 8 different shades and I bout went cross-eyed trying to work on his little body. My eyes simply are not what they used to be.
I'm hoping that this'll keep me accountable! :)

A Stitch or Two

2012-01-31T06:31:00.000-08:00

Honestly, that's about all I accomplished this month. I did piece the star from the Made in Cherry Quilt Along, but I'm still waffling on background fabric. Just cannot find the piece that looks like it does in my head. I REALLY wanted to use something from my stash, but I'm afraid I'll have to resort to making a purchase. Sigh. I want something rustic and barn wood looking. I have this piece, but I'm not sold on it:

I'm thinking a piece of the sketch in Latte:

or this, which may be too dark...unless I add a black thin border to the star and then I could use the piece I have. The black border is a really good possibility right now. What do you think?

I also pieced the last block for my Western Many Scrappy Trips quilt!

All 110 are now stitched

and ready to be squared and pieced into the top! I was cutting it close too. This is what the spool looked like when I finished:

I'm trying to sneak in one more small project this afternoon for the Christmas Through the Year project.

Have y'all heard of Darlene's project? She's challenging us to make one Christmas gift every month. Find a box or a spot to stash it all and in December you'll have 12...or more... handmade gifts ready to give and hopefully you won't be up stitching into the wee hours of Christmas morning. One can only hope. :)

She's also postinglots of ideas and tutorials and at the end of the month you can link up and see what everyone else has made. Thanks so much Darlene!

So I stitched up this kitchen towel this morning. I know some ranch wives that'll put this to good use!

Think I need to stitch up another one...for me! :)

Back in the Saddle

2012-01-30T12:31:00.000-08:00

At least I hope I am! Goodness! I thought January was supposed to be the slow month! If that's the case, then I'm in a heap of trouble! Good gravy!

My last post was titled : What I am Stitching in 2012. More like, what I am NOT stitching! LOL. I have managed to sneak in a couple of hours, but honestly, it is a sad list. I'll be back tomorrow...I hope, with an update on what I HAVE done.

This post is long overdue. In December I received some precious mail and I have been itching to share it with you since it arrived. My first piece came from clear across the pond...Australia. Dear, sweet, Rosie sent me this amazing package and I am over the moon! Honestly, I made a complete fool out of myself when the postman rang me up and told me I had a package waiting from Australia.

I may or may not have danced a jig. Out popped this darling bag which tickled me plumb to pieces because I am really into these cute fabric bags lately. Such pretty, soothing colors to brighten up a cold, wintry day in the desert.

And Rosie also included this perfect fat quarter which made its way into my Western Many Scrappy Trips quilt:

And then I pulled out this sweet stocking with the cutest snowman ever. Rosie, you have no idea how much this little stocking means to me. One Christmas, years...and years ago, I made our little girl a Christmas outfit from this very fabric so it brought back precious memories and could not be more perfect!

And then, the icing on the cake! Rosie stitched up this gorgeous little fabric postcard! I love, love, love it! It depicts the canola in full bloom across the road from her. I framed it and it sits on the buffet in our dining room and I smile and think of Rosie every time I walk through the dining room...which is a lot because its in the center of our home.

I am truly touched by your generosity and thoughtful gift my friend.

I also won this amazing stack of fabric from darling Kelly over at Charming Chatter:

This must be the entire line of Wuthering Heights by Moda! I'm reading the book too...hoe fun is that? Goodness, that is a lot of pretty fabric you sweet, darling Girl! I have a pattern simmering in my head, but I had to cut just a bit from it for my Granny Squares quilt right away...its perfect for that! Thank you so much!

I did not even realize that DD's microbiology books were there until I loaded the photo. Kelly did not send those. grin.

I love adding fabric from bloggy friends into my quilts. Makes them feel like a warm hug from across the miles. Y'all are just the neatest bunch! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to pop in here!

What I'm Stitching in 2012

2012-01-04T06:10:00.000-08:00

The piles have been poked through. The boxes have been dumped. New piles have been created. It's a vicious cycle. However, in the spirit of new beginnings...and completions, I have compiled a list of sewing goals. A list of 12...oops, 18... projects I hope to complete. 18 in 12. ;). Some are UFOs, some are new projects and it is a sure thing that this list will continue to grow.

1. Quilt of Valor - fabric has been collected and I am ready to begin cutting and piecing for our troops. This is an organization close to my heart, even before our son became a Marine. I started out making blocks for Moda's Just One Star program and pillowcases for the VA .Then I made Stockings for Soldiers. Time to start working on quilts.

2. Marine Quilt - Fabric has been bought, but I can not settle on a pattern. I am going to make a quilt for our boy. He has a cammo quilt I made to take with him, but I want to make him one for when he returns home from deployment. He also brought home old cammies that I plan to cut up and make into a quilt.

3. Jungle Baby Quilt - Started last year and only lacks the binding. Hope to make this my first finish of the new year.
4. Road to Spring - This was a Road to Spring Quilt Along a few years back, but I just made it last year. It's at the quilter's, who is the dearest lady and has become a sweet friend.

5. Scrappy Log Cabin - Jackie has this one as well. Once they are both back, I will be a binding fool.

6. Meadow Friends Strip Quilt with Applique - Fell in love with this line and bought a boatload of it when it was half off. I have a plan so it gets a spot on the list. It's even cuter in person!

7.Flannel Snowman - Just got this to Jackie the other day. Just a 60x60 lap quilt, but I bought the fabric a few years ago and it was an older line then and I never found any coordinating yardage. It took a while for me to find something for the backing and I finally settled on some Minky.

8. Western Skies - Pieced, but I think I want this one custom quilted. I'm joining up with SewCalGal's FMQ project this year and hope to gain enough confidence to tackle this. I may have to find a quilter because it's a king-sized quilt and I'm unsure of whether my home machine will be able to tackle it.

9. 30's Raw Edge Circles Quilt - pieced and ready to be quilted. Another big quilt (queen-size) and hoping to tackle this myself. I really oughtta start with small projects, but I'm hard headed that way.

10.Western Many Scrappy Trips - Another monster quilt that I am working on. It's a Bonnie Hunter Pattern, but I first saw it on a sweet friend's blog here. I need 110 blocks. 48 are pieced.

11. Made in Cherry Quilt-Along - Joining in on the fun here. Still working on cutting the squares. I'll be using my vast collection of western fabrics.

12. Scrappy Granny Squares - This poor thing has been deserted, but the blocks I have made still make me happy so I vow to finish this in 2012. I've only made 10 blocks and yes, I will probably end up making it huge. What is it with me and big quilts?

13. 30's Irish Flower Garden - This one has been at Jackie's for a long time. She is learning how to custom quilt, but her customers (me included) aren't giving her any time to do that. This one has hexagon flowers appliqued in the spaces between the triple Irish Chains.

14. Everything from Carrie Nelson. :)

15. Patchwork Wool Quilt - hand quilting needed. Planned on working on this
before Christmas, but Christmas sewing took over.

16. Christmas Quilt - Bought a fat quarter pack of Countdown to Christmas on sale because I was fairly certain I would regret it if I didn't. Still need to settle on a pattern, but I'm so glad I grabbed this up.

17. Charlie Brown Christmas Quilt - should I even add this to the list? The fabric's not even out yet. I've already exceeded 12, but I saw a glimpse of it somewhere when people were posting about Quilt Market and it is a 'must have' in this house. See?

18. Ordered this book to make this quilt.

I am sure that baby quilts and various new projects will be thrown into the mix, but these are the projects that are currently in the hopper and vying for my attention. I am hoping that these will be completed by the end of the year which seems so very far away, but we all know better than that, don't we? If I don't get it all done, I can blame it on Carrie, right?

Gingerbread Cowboys

2011-12-31T06:09:00.000-08:00

Two posts in one day - After the Cranberry Sour Cream Pound Cake, this is our favorite Christmas baked good. I've been making these forever too. By the time I got around to taking a photo, all the good ones were gone, but these will have to do. I recruited a few elves who were new to the process of decorating. I'm fairly certain y'all have already packed away all things Christmas, but I wanted to sneak these in under the wire before we move into the new year. These are great with a good cup of coffee and the men seem to always get a kick out of them. I should probably make them for the crew sometime, even if it's not Christmas.

Here's the recipe I use, but you can just use whatever recipe your family likes. I double this:

1 C margarine, softened (I rarely have margarine, so I generally use unsalted butter which may explain why the dough is a little dry. Just sprinkle a few tsp of water over it - were all about making things work around here)
1 C packed brown sugar (you can use dark brown if you like)
1/2 C dark molasses
4 C flour
2 1/2 tsp ginger
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda

*Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses. Combine remaining ingredients. Gradually mix into butter-sugar-molasses. Roll out dough in portions between wax paper and freeze for about 30 minutes. This allows the dough to firm up before cutting out the shapes and it helps to keep the shape while baking. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes. Cool and frost. I mix up Wilton's Royal Frosting:

3 Tbsp Meringue Powder
4 C powdered sugar
6 Tbsp warm water

Wishing you and yours a New Year filled with blessings!

A White Christmas in the Desert

2011-12-31T05:10:00.000-08:00

It began to snow on the evening of the 22nd. Here it is December 31st and we still have some snow. We ended up with 10" in the middle of the pastures and 15" in the yard. DH says measuring in the yard does not give an accurate measurement. :) I am a white Christmas kinda gal and it was great

, but I now realize that my day dream of living in a little log cabin in Montana or Alaska, while still living in Texas because I LOVE Texas, probably wouldn't be very realistic and an entire winter covered in snow does not make for fun ranching.

This kind of weather is hard on livestock. We've had a rough year as it is with no rain and extreme temperatures that fluctuated from -17° to 117°, we are hoping 2012 will be a bit kinder. With 10" of snow, the cattle can't get to feed and with 200 sections, we can't get to all the cattle. DH hauled hay to what he could.

When it started to thaw a few days ago, he would drive around to feed in the mornings and ride horseback, checking things in the afternoon. Thankfully it did not get crazy cold and we didn't have ice everywhere. I did my part by keeping the feathered critters fed:

And our canines are thankful for a fresh bed of hay:

And broken ice:

We really wanted to take the kids skiing, but there was no way DH could get away.

On Christmas Eve, he and DD went to feed and he called. His transmission line broke so DS and I loaded up transmission fluid and the funnel and plowed his way.

Poor guy threw down a tarp and lay in the snow fixing his line:

The road between towns (72 miles) was closed.

The kids turned the situation into a bit of fun until Dad finished mechanic-ing:

I think these 2 have missed each other:

When DS is sweltering in Afghanistan, I will send him these pictures and hopefully they will make him smile:

Back to work:

Since we didn't get to go skiing, we improvised:

This was on the 23rd. It snowed for 2 days after this:

The phone rang again on Christmas day. Christmas day or not, ranchers are on call and DH got stuck while feeding:

So we plowed through the snow once more and pulled him out.

The White Christmas was nice, but we're kind of ready for it to disappear now and praying that it'll be a sign of a wet spring and green grass. We'll be mudding around for a while though.

Cranberry Sour Cream Pound Cake and a Thank You

2011-12-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

better known at Jesus' Birthday Cake around here!

This is our most treasured recipe. I have been making it since 1995 when I found it in an old issue of Ladies Home Journal. Years ago, my MIL and I had a few subscriptions to different magazines and we would save back issues and share them with each other when we saw each other. The first time I made this, our son was 5 and our daughter was 2 and I thought it sounded like a good cake to make to celebrate Jesus' birthday. I don't rightly recall where the idea came from, but it stands to reason that if we are celebrating His birthday He should have a cake. And as much as we celebrate Santa and all the holiday trappings, I really wanted to have a separate, special tradition for the REAL reason we celebrate Christmas here at the end of the dirt road. I remember how absolutely-crazy-excited the kids were about it that first year...and every year. Birthday's were super special and this one was the most special of all!

I only make this cake once a year and it is always, always the one thing we most look forward to making.

Cranberry Sour Cream Pound Cake

3 c flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 c butter, softened (no substitutes)
2 c sugar, divided
1 Tbsp grated orange peel
6 large eggs separated
1 c sour cream
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 c fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped (I just chop mine in half)

Preheat oven to 350. Grease large bundt pan. (I was thinking of replacing mine because it is looking a tad disheveled, but the ones I have seen are smaller and I don't think they would hold this batter. The kids also told me that a new pan was not allowed. It MUST be made in THIS pan). Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in medium-sized bowl. Beat butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in 1 3/4 c sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in orange peel. Add egg yolks one at a time. Beat in sour cream and vanilla. At low speed, gradually beat in flour mixture until just combined. Beat egg whites at medium speed in a clean bowl with clean beaters until foamy. Slowly add remaining 1/4 c sugar, and continue beating until soft peaks form. Fold 1/2 of the egg whites into batter, then fold in remaining egg whites. Gently, fold in cranberries. Spoon into prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on baking rack for 15 minutes.

Our Marine son and college daughter are home for Christmas and we are over the moon excited about it so I won't be spending much time around the computer until after the New Year, but I wanted to take this time to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to read here and visit with me. It truly warms my heart to get to know you via this medium and I greatly appreciate your kind comments as well as the warm conversations and friendships that follow. You make me wish that the miles were not so far between us, but this is the next best thing to chatting over a mug of coffee and warm fresh cookies from the oven. Thank you so much for your wonderful surprise packages that have brought treasured pieces of you into our home. Your kindness and generosity have brought, and continue to bring smiles to my heart.

Wishing you and yours a very Blessed Christmas and May His presence bring you great peace and joy and comfort in the coming New Year!

Much love,
A very thankful and blessed Dirt Road Girl

And the Reindeer Goes To...

2011-12-18T05:44:00.000-08:00

Early this morning I woke up Mr. Random Number Generator and asked him to choose a winner because if I had my way, I would be making 90+ more reindeer and I'm afraid that the Whopper shelves are bare. He chose:

#32! -One of these days I will figure out how to get that little box on my blog!
Congratulations Kerrylynn!

Your little package is all boxed up and ready to head your way as soon as you drop me an email and send me your address!

I have to thank each and every one of you for chiming in. It was so much fun reading everone's comments and I've now got quite few fabulous new things added to my baking list!

Blogland was a virtual giveaway mecca this past week! I hope y'all enjoyed the hopping. I have a few things to share from giveways, but I haven't taken photos yet so I'll get back to you on that. I can however, say that I have been doing the Snoopy Dance. It entertains DH. Y'all are incredibly generous!

One kiddo arrived yesterday and the other one showed up this evening...can you say excited?! Praising God that we are all under the same roof tonight! Now that my baking buddies are home, the baking can commence so if you happen to be in the area and you see a hazy cloud of flour and powdered sugar on the horizen, you are getting close.

I also want to welcome all of my new followers! Y'all just tickled me plumb to pieces! I know how busy everyone's lives are and I am honored that y'all would want to spend a few of those minutes with me. I probably will be quite scarce until after the New Year. We'll have a housefull with people coming and going. Lots of washing of sheets will be taking place and I want to spend every possible minute with the kids while they are here. Our son will only be here for 2 weeks before he heads back to Camp Pendelton.

So I want to wish each of you a very Merry Blessed Christmas:

May you make time to savor the precious moments in each and every day and celebrate the gift of Christ's birth amidst the busy-ness. Love and hugs to all of you!

Caution: Reindeer Ahead (Blog Hop Giveaway!)

2011-12-09T06:24:00.000-08:00

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks so much!

Yay! It's time! It's time! I'm so excited! There are an awful lot of fun bloggers showing up at this party on the 10th and every one of them is giving something away. There will be over 250 blogs to hop to so get your hoppin' boots on! The first day this Blog Hop Giveaway was announced, I jumped in and signed up. Then I began to contemplate. Hmmm...
What should I give away? So I sorted...and stitched...and strung...and pulled...and dug...and glued. I wanted to give away all sorts of things. Then I needed a bigger box. LOL.

So, I settled on this:

I hope you'll like him. I've been making these for 14 years now. At least a dozen grace my buffet for giving every year.

I keep thinking I've given these to everyone I know and then each year, new people pop up. :)
Yikes! That's a lot of reindeer... and a lot of reindeer droppings.

Yep. This little guy is not house trained, but I hope you'll welcome him anyway. LOL. He will arrive in this little gift bag which is the brainchild of Jeni .

accompanied by this little snowman who is covering up a giant Hershey Bar:

I'm thinking the fact that a candy bar will be hanging around here for an entire week without being devoured is some kind of record. He's the creation of Laurie Furnell and I am smitten with them.

Do I have any takers?
No rules. You don't even have to be a follower although I would love it if you were. Just leave me a comment and tell me what is your favorite Christmas baked good? If you haven't blogged about it, maybe you will and then I could hop over and add a scrumptious new recipe to my cookbook. :)

My list is long and I would be hard pressed to choose just one, but the Birthday Cake for Jesus and the gingerbread cowboys probably get top billing.

One year we moved between Christmas and New Years. We never have movers although one time we splurged and rented a Uhaul. Horse trailers are generally our mode of transporation. (Insert Beverly Hillbillies here.) It was 5 hours one way and we made the trip 4 times that week with 20" of snow on the ground. We moved into a house where the heat didn't work and the water heater left us 3 minutes of hot water, but that's a rabbit trail for another day.

Needless to say, it didn't leave much time for baking and we were sad. My inlaws met us when we drove through town and my dear MIL loaded us up with Christmas candy and cookies. It was 3 pm, we hadn't eaten, and we proceeded to make ourselves sick in the parking lot of Paul's Vet Supply while the men visited and we raided the Cool Whip containers. LOL.

This giveaway will remain open until Saturday, December 17th and I'll announce the winner on the 18th.

Thanks so much for dropping by and y'all come back now, ya' hear?

Kicking off December or "I Can't Share That Yet"

2011-12-01T19:18:00.000-08:00

December 1st brought us our first storm of the season and snow is forecasted for tomorrow. That's good news after the scorching, dry year we had. Moisture of any kind will be welcomed with open arms and the cold air will be greeted with a cup of hot cider and a cozy quilt. Hoping the wind that they are forecasting does not materialize though. 60-70 mph means the dirt will be flying. Oops! Too late!

More good news. The 1st round of the National Finals Rodeo is on tonight. 10 days of good horses and great competition. I'm ready. This year's NFR will find me stitching the binding on Christmas presents that you won't get to see until after they are delivered, but I spent part of the morning pulling fabrics for one of them:

I'm stitching up something extra to send to my seam-ripper-giveaway-winner, but I can't show you that yet either.

I made some 4-patches and got them in the mail for Regina's 4Patches4Hope project:

I'm working on another giveaway too. They are so much fun! Can't share that yet either, but I'll announce it on the 10th and I'm joining in on the fun over here:

I want to share something , but everything's under lock and key this time of year.

My Scrappy Western Many Trips blocks are on the back burner until after the first of the year. Half of them are complete. I'm hoping it'll be my first finish of the new year.

I'm eager to get back to my abandoned Granny Squares quilt too so today I did dust that off and sew up a few blocks just so it wouldn't think I had forgotten it. I can share that!

My ongoing-longterm-hexagon project is...ongoing:

I opened the box the other day to add a few more stitched pieces and was surprised to see how many there were:

I'm planning on making Bonnie Hunter's Hexagon Medallion Quilt in blues and browns and I laid some out a while ago just to get a feel for it:

I hope I still like blue and brown when I finish. Right now it makes me grin.

I hope that y'all are enjoying the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and finding peace amidst the hustle and bustle. I know that your lists are long and that time is short, but I hope that you will make time to "Be still and know." It's so easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of this world and then we miss the most amazing everyday moments that God truly wants to bless us with. I'll be repeating that daily as a reminder to myself.

Gotta run. The NFR is calling!

And the Seam Ripper Goes to...

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness! Y'all are so much fun! I loved all of your comments. Thank you so much for sharing them with me! Makes me wish our children were still young because there are so many traditions I want to add! It's hard to choose just one favorite tradition because like, y'all I am sure there are many.

One of the other things we did was let the kids sleep under the Christmas tree the first night we put it up. It's a tradition my friend, Amy, shared with me years ago and we adopted it. It was always so fun to pull out the sleeping bags and string popcorn and cranberries in our pj's.

Another favorite tradition is baking Jesus' Birthday Cake. It's always the same cake and it's the only time we ever bake it. We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and blew out candles. If we spent Christmas at Grandparents' homes, I took the cake with us.

I also want to welcome my new followers. I'm so excited that y'all actually read my little blog. I guess this is the modern day equivilant of gathering together for coffee and cake. Makes me want to bake something, but then I would be sad because no one actually shows up. So thank y'all for taking the time to stop in and listen to me chatter.

Time to reveal the winner of the seam ripper! I'm so excited. Honestly, I am writing this Tuesday night and waiting for midnight so I can close the giveaway and find out who wins. It's actually after midnight, but I'll give you west-coasters your extra hour. LOL. I'm not a night owl and it'll be a short night, but I told you I was excited. :) But, it's 12:20 and I'm fading fast and sleeping in is not an option.

Yep. Sure enough, I fell asleep so I am dragging my feet this morning and viewing the world through bleary eyes. However, the magic random number generator is bright eyed and bushy tailed and it cheerfully popped out the winning number:

25!

I have got to figure out how to post that little box.

Barbara said:

Hm. My favorite Christmas tradition is seeing all the old ornaments on the tree that have been in the family for years. Each one takes me back to a special memory. Also setting out the ceramic nativity my grandmother made for me. The date on the first piece (baby Jesus) is 1965. I still have all the pieces and none are chipped or broken. I hope this stays in my family long after I'm gone. It's very special to me.

Congratulations Barbara! What a treasure you have in the nativity your Grandmother made for you. I've sent you an e-mail to let you know that the seam ripper will be headed your way!

Thanks to all of you!

Avoiding Black Friday with a Giveaway

2011-11-25T03:22:00.000-08:00

This Giveaway is Now Closed. Thanks so much for your comments!

So, how many of y'all are out fighting the crowds?! Better you than me. Ugh. I may be missing out on all the deals, but I have a hard enough time going to town on a normal day. The day after Thanksgiving? I'm digging a deeper hole and taking my Thanksgiving leftovers with me. No thank you. I'm not a shopper and no amount of 'don't miss this hot buy' can convince me otherwise. (Insert shiver here.) However, I hope that y'all find everything you are looking for and that everyone arrives back home unscathed.

I'm hoping that y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving that included all the things, and people, that bring you joy. Ours was almost perfect. Our daughter is home and it is such a joy to hear her infectious laughter and see her sweet smile. The only thing missing is our son who is in Camp Pendleton. We did get to visit with him on the phone and he drove north to a friend's house where they cooked a turkey. So at least he's not eating in the mess hall on base. He'll be home for Christmas though and we're counting the days! This is the first holiday we haven't all be together so it was odd, but we're so proud of our Marine and we are abundantly blessed.

So, in honor of my avoidance of Black Friday, I am having a giveaway. I have been hearing and reading about these new seam rippers from Mighty Bright.
I have had my one and only seam ripper for 20 years that came with my $75 Kenmore sewing machine. I am so proud of the fact that I haven't lost it. These days it seems I spend much of my time hunting down my glasses, but by golly I know where my seam ripper is.

I ordered a couple of these seam rippers and one of them is for one of you! At first it felt a bit awkward in my hand because I'm just so used to my old standby and I'm a creature of habit, but it's really very comfortable and I am amazed at how much the magnification helps. Apparently I've been using the 'stab and hope I catch the thread' method. This seam ripper has a very handy LED light that also makes me think I've been ripping with less than adequate light.

The years are beginning to catch up with me.

So, who wants a fun, helpful, new notion to help you get all of those sewing projects completed?

I hope you'll be doing more sewing than ripping, but we all know that it's inevitable and somewhere down the line, unsewing will be required. I would love to send it to you so just leave me a comment and tell me your favorite Christmas Tradition.

I know, it's hard to pick just one. One of the things we did when the kids were young was wrap 12 Christmas books and 12 days before Christmas, we would unwrap one each night and cuddle up to read. I kept them in a wooden chest in the living room and being the bookworms that we are, it wasn't long before we had 24 and we were reading 2 each night, always saving the story of Christ's birth for Christmas Eve.

I know y'all are all busy with family and friends so I'm going to keep this open until midnight Tuesday night. Mr. random number generator will choose a winner on Wednesday morning. It should be safe to come out of my burrow by then. Please make sure you leave me an email address if you are a non-reply blogger or I will be unable to contact you. Thanks so much and while y'all are out braving the crowds, I will be spinning Christmas music and dragging out the decorations.

Sew Not Ready for Christmas

2011-11-20T07:38:00.000-08:00

I like Christmas as much as the next person, in fact, I love it, but I'm in the 'no Christmas until the day after Thanksgiving' camp. It just makes me shake my head to see Christmas trees and ornaments hanging in store aisles in August. The first week in November I do not want to be inundated with Christmas Carols when I walk into the grocery store. Makes me sound like a grinch, but really, I'm not. The day after Thanksgiving I am decking the halls and belting out Amy Grant's "Christmas Can't be Very Far Away" while I'm slinging omelettes. But don't jingle those sleigh bells in my face until I have put away the leftover turkey.

However, I'm a crafter. I sew and quilt and like to make things as gifts and waiting until after Thanksgiving to start making said gifts just doesn't cut it. I thought I had it handled, but y'all keep posting cute projects and tutorials and making me add things to my list. I've already repeated the 'Next year I'm going to start on Christmas gifts in January'...multiple times. You know y'all have said that too. I'm trying to avoid the stress of getting it all done. I suppose its unavoidable. Some people thrive on it. I am not one of those people. I'm a list maker and it works pretty well for me...until I start adding things to the list...in November.

So I've been furiously making pot holders...and table runners...and gift bags...and gathering supplies for a herd of reindeer. And the only thing I can share with you are these 2 drawstring bags I made for the 2 darling children I made the pillowcases for in my last post because they are not for Christmas:

Aren't they the cutest things?! The little boy likes Curious George and his sister loves dance class. I couldn't resist these monkeys:

The dancer fabric has glitter on it and it just made me smile and think of sweet Katy. It wouldn't make a very good pillowcase, but it makes the perfect gift bag! The first photo is a better representation of the color. Don't know why this one is so wonky:

Jeni posted this wonderful tutorial on her blog, Color Order, and I had to make a couple. Then I REALLY fell in love with them after making them and went a little wild. I cut out 8 more and started sewing them. Thank you for sharing this Jeni! I'm hooking up with the Sew Darn Crafty Party over at Sew Many Ways. So hop on over there this week and see what everyone else is up to, but don't blame me if you end up adding something else to your list! ;)

So for the time being, my Western Many Trips quilt and my wool quilt are sitting on the back burner while I'm sewing up a storm in an attempt to get ready for Christmas...before Thanksgiving.

Proof That I Still Sew

2011-11-14T18:36:00.000-08:00

Sewing around here comes in spurts. Some days (or weeks) the closest I come to my sewing machine is when I dust it, but on others, I may actually get through an entire bobbin. Today was a good sewing day. I sewed through 4 bobbins! I don't remember that ever happening. I don't know when I last had to empty my scrap bucket, but today I did:

And this afternoon I took a peek under my bobbin case:

Yikes! It's been a while since I cleaned this out. Please don't report me to the sewing police.

I made 4 Stockings for Soldiers after seeing them here:

and just about have them filled. It was fun gathering stocking stuffers for them. These are quick to make and I'm already looking forward to making more for next year. It's a small way to let our military know how thankful we are for their service and sacrifice. I just need to write cards and a note and they will be ready to mail.

I stitched up 2 pillowcases for a dear family whose little girl is waiting for a heart. One for darling Katy and one for her sweet little brother:

Wedding Dress Blues posted these cute pot holders a few weeks ago and I had to make some. What a great way to use up scraps! This past weekend we went to the World Championship Ranch Rodeo and I stitched the binding on one pair on the drive to Amarillo:

I love this Texas print on the back:

And I used the same black print I'm using on the western quilt. I love it and am thinking I need an entire bolt. More pot holders are waiting to be bound.

The strips are stitched to muslin and there is a layer of warm and natural batting as well as a layer of insulbrite so they are thick and already hard at work in my kitchen.

I have a side story from our trip this weekend. There is a horse sale that takes place during the weekend and there was a memorial fundraiser for the young family of a man who died in a horse accident. Lots of great items were donated and auctioned off as well as a couple of horses. One of the horses was purchased for $5200 and donated back. He sold again for $4200 and was once again donated back. He sold a third time for $3800. Very cool.

I've also been working on my Western Many Scrappy Trips Quilt. I've got 26 of 110 blocks made:

With 20 more 'in progress'. I tossed a few on the bed and snapped a photo:

I'm a scrappy kind of gal so this makes my heart sing and I'm anxious to get this quilt top together.

These long winter evenings are perfect for hand stitching and I'm ready to start hand quilting on my wool quilt that I pieced last year:

I'm thinking black perle cotton and am searching for a place that carries Presencia #8 unless anyone has any other ideas. I have no experience with wool, but just HAD to make this quilt.

The Old Grey Mare Just Ain't What She Used to Be...

2011-11-07T03:45:00.000-08:00

Whew! What a week! For those of you who have asked, my inlaws are doing well and on the mend. Thank you for your kind concern. I spent a few days with them just helping out and nagging my MIL to eat and drink water. I felt a bit out of my element and didn't want to overstep my boundaries as an inlaw. Didn't want to be fired and become an outlaw! I'm not very good at bossing people around, but she was a good sport and I think I'm still hanging on the family tree.

Fair warning. This is a long post with lots of photos.

I've been helping DH and last week, in a span of three days, we weaned the colts, solved a mystery of finding 3 yearlings dead in the pasture (diagnosis -after scouring the pasture on foot, bringing in some unfamiliar weeds and identifying them through the use of our extensive library on plants, researching some medical journals, and playing a bit of medical examiner-, Polio, which is a sulfate toxicity), started drenching a yearling who was sick in hopes of saving her, moved bulls:

, and fed cattle for hours on end. I won't go into detail on finding the yearlings, because it's not very pretty and although I'm all about keeping things real around here, I really like all of y'all who read here and I'd like to keep y'all coming back. Ranching has afforded us an amazing life, but it's not for the weak of heart...or stomach. I've shed many a tear with a baby calf in my arms.

No pictures of us drenching the yearling because my hands were full and we were actually thrilled to see that she was feeling well enough to fight us, but let's just say that the brand new pair of Wranglers I had pulled on that morning were broken in very well by the time we finished. :). As far as the wrestling match goes, well it was me against a 600# heifer. Enough said.

As we were cleaning up the equipment, I was ready for a nap (never mind that it was only 8:30 in the morning) and really not paying attention. See the nozzle at the end of this drencher?

I suppose I should explain. Drenching means we run a tube down into the critter's stomach and pump water into them (similar to intubation in humans). And they can hold a lot of water, thus you pump until your arm falls off and then you switch arms and pump some more. Then you fill another 5 gallon bucket and pump some more.All the while DH is holding her head and making sure she doesn't swallow the short tube we put in to keep her mouth open and keep her from running over me. I was fired from that job the first time so I am now the official pumper.

As I was rinsing it out, I had it pointed in my direction and the next thing I knew, I was sputtering and catching my breath when the ice cold water hit my face. DH looked at me and I could tell he was trying hard not to laugh and kind of looking at me in disbelief. Yes honey, I really am that stupid. I just burst out laughing and DH followed suite. It really was funny.

Needless to say, subsequent drenching parties have been much less exciting and my arms are on their way to becoming buff. I can dream, can't I?

Update: The patient started drinking on her own after a week! Yay!

It's hard to take pictures when you're swinging gates and trotting across traps in order to fill a hole so that the cattle, or horses don't retreat, so you don't get any action shots, but here are a few I managed to snap:

This sweet thing :

threw a little fit when we put a fence between he and his Mama.

We load them up right away and head to the house which is about 6 miles away, but it takes 20 minutes to get there:

We went back and loaded up the remaining yearlings in a couple of trailers and moved them to the pens at the house to keep an eye on them and make sure they weren't showing any signs of illness. Then we ran them through the chute and gave them 3 shots apiece as a preventative.

Then we hauled them to another pasture on the other side of the ranch and I came back to wash syringes. I wash a lot of these:

DH likes to work horseback, but this place is really big and it's just not always feasible. It takes 45 minutes to just drive to some of these pastures from headquarters.

The colts are growing fast. They are about 6 months old now. They're not show horses. Just working ranch horses and not very good looking ones at that if you know horses, but I think they're all gorgeous. This winter, we'll work with them daily. Just getting them halter broke and used to people messing with their feet and heads and generally getting them used to our touch. From the time they are born we go out into the pasture and spend time around them. When they are that little, they are curious and accept our presence and enjoy having their bottoms scratched.

We weaned them and brought them to the house pens too.

I love spending time with them:

Lovin' on Mama:

But first we walked through the pens and picked up all the rope from the hay we fed to the calves earlier in the week. There are miles of this stuff::

Suppertime:

One of the Mares, Tippy, looked like she was trying to prolapse and push her backside out so we brought her in with the colts. Turns out she was probably just constipated and full of mesquite beans. All is well.

Loaded up some cull cattle:

to take to the sale barn on Monday morning:

DH is unloading his trailer and I'm waiting to unload behind him:

I don't usually spend time in the sale barn. It might or might not have anything to do with the fact that the auctioneer misinterpreted my waving hands as a bid one day. I was just retelling a story to RanchWife about the day the roof blew off of our house when we lived in Texas. Sheesh. You would think he could tell the difference. Suffice it to say, I've not graced the halls of the sale barn since then. Until this day, and I broke out into a cold sweat when I did. However, I behaved and sat on my hands the entire time. Still, I'm fairly certain I heard the auctioneer snicker.

Then we've started feeding. This is my winter chariot:

We have these overhead feed bins

that we fill with cake. Not the frosted kind. :)

Then we fill the feeders and go out to feed the masses. The truck is outfitted with a very, very, loud siren that we turn on periodically. Think of it as a dinner bell! The young cattle don't know what to make of it the first time they hear it and they stand there and look at you as if you had taken leave of your senses. But the older cattle, seem to remember from last year that it means good stuff is waiting for them. They actually come running in and you can see the dust rising from over a mile away. It's funny to see them run up drooling and licking their lips.

We set the feeder to dole out a certain weight of cake depending on what we're feeding. Bulls get more, as do cattle who are pregnant or nursing a calf.

It's not strenuous work, but when the wind's blowing this desert country isn't very fun to be out in.(The homeschool mom in me is fussing at ending that sentence with a preposition).

So, this is what I do for fun y'all! The days are never really the same except you sure are sick of feeding cattle come spring. It's a really good life and I still pinch myself that I get to live it, but good golly I am tired! I guess it's time to admit that the old grey mare just ain't what she used to be...ain't what she used to be...

Y'all can sing along so I don't feel so alone...and old. Humor me.

Amy's Blogger Quilt Festival

2011-10-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is a big week for quilters. The annual International Quilt Show is going on in Houston. Don't despair if you're not there. The blogging community is all abuzz and posts are popping up all over cluing us less fortunate souls who are not attending, into the excitement.Then there is Amy of Amy's Creative Side. She coordinates a virtual quilt show twice a year (during spring and fall market) for those of us left behind. Last May there were 631 entries! That's enough to keep you inspired for a long time...at least until the next one rolls around...which happens to be right now.

I haven't been quilting for very long and I was too intimidated to enter a quilt in May. Now I figured, why not? Alas, I don't have a new quilt to enter so those of you that read here, will recognize this one. For those of you that are new, welcome to the end of the dirt road!

I'm entering my most recent finish:

This is the quilt I made for our daughter to take to college in August:

My original post and the story behind it is here. In case you don't want to pop over there, here are a few stats about it. It measures 78x94 and is a pattern from the Rock Star Carrie Nelson, who is coming out with fabulous new patterns faster than I can get them made! She's the inventor of the Schnibbles craze. It's also the second one I've made. The first one is our family favorite and she wanted to take it to college so I made another, but added an extra row in order for it to fit her bed. We call it the Hobo Quilt. I seem to recall our son asking it I was working on the Hobo quilt one day. It just seemed to fit for this scrappy quilt and it stuck.

It is bound with a scrappy binding and backed with (wait, let me go check) a teal dotted print by Benartex called Tried and True by Nancy Halverson that DD chose albeit she was napping in the truck when I walked out of the quilt shop with it and asked her if she liked it.

My friend Jackie quilted it beautifully with an all over wandering feather design that gives it the perfect crinkly goodness that makes you want to snuggle with it.

I love this quilt and most importantly, so does she. I hope it reminds her of home, of how much her Mama and Daddy love her, and of how proud we are of her. I stitched prayers into every seam and some prayers are repeated because there are an awful lot of seams in this quilt. I hear tell she even makes her bed at college! Who knew!

Thank you so much for stopping by! DH gave me the morning off from ranch duties and we had a good, hard freeze last night so I think I'll put the tea kettle on, curl up under the original Hobo Quilt and browse the quilt entries over at Amy's!

On the Back Burner

2011-10-24T04:26:00.000-07:00

Busy weekend. I made a trip to see my in-laws and help my MIL who was struggling with a nasty round of kidney stones. Poor thing. Thankfully, she's on the mend. Tomorrow my FIL is having hernia surgery and DH will drive up and take him in. So glad we're just 2 hours away. I'm kicking myself for not grabbing my camera . It's such a pretty drive and I missed some gorgeous shots.

This morning I'm heading out to help DH wean the colts! can't think of a better way to spend a Monday morning!

Sewing time has been negligible these past 3 or 4 weeks, but here's what's on the back burner.

For being a fairly new quilter, it certainly didn't take me long to amass a stash. I started sewing when our first child was born, but I was quite intimidated by the thought of making a quilt. Besides, my MIL was a master hand quilter and she kept us supplied with wonderful quilts. She still quilts, but for the most part she concentrates on small projects and beautiful wall hangings. I treasure everything she's given us through the years.

No one in my family sewed or quilted. In fact, I avoided it for a very long time. But for some reason I picked up the quilting bug and never looked back. However, my stash is outgrowing it's space. I have a horrible propensity for collecting western fabrics. It must be bad when you call the quilt store to ask a question and they let you know that they just unpacked boxes and boxes of western fabric. They know that even though I don't get there but about 4 times a year, once I do, it's a sure bet that I won't leave empty handed. Well a few months back I saw this quilt:

I fell in love with this quilt when I saw it on my bloggy friends blog. Then I saw that it was made with western fabrics. Sigh. Be still my heart. I have western fabric.

I have lots...

and lots...

and lots of western fabric! I hoard western fabric. And then she was so very generous and sent me her scraps! When she sees this, she'll probably think, "Well she certainly didn't need my scraps!", but I object. I did need your scraps S. It will make my quilt even more special and I'll think of you when I look at this quilt. I didn't have any of the fabrics you sent and when you make another one, I'll send you some.

This is a Bonnie Hunter pattern and the tutorial for Many Scrappy Trips can be found here. Not making any promises about how long this will take to piece. There's a pretty good chance that I'll want to make it bigger and then I'll be back to cutting strips.

So, while I had a crew of cowboys to cook for, I cut...and I cut...and I cut strips from every western fabric I had whenever I had an extra minute or two:

Then I cut some more:

And still, the stash looks as if I never touched it. How does that happen? I wonder how many quilts I have to make before I see a change. It would probably help if I didn't keep bringing fabric home.

I even have the backing picked out:

This fabric is from 1997! Yay me for using something that has been on my shelves for far too long. I can't remember what I planned to make with it, but I sure did buy a lot of it! LOL! I think it'll be the perfect backing for this quilt and I'm fairly certain I'll still have some left. :)

More 90's fabric :

I made valances for our mudroom a very long time ago:

and I still have some left so I cut some for this quilt:

And this is what I bought for the binding:

I'm excited because rarely do I have backing and binding picked out before even cutting fabric for the top.

This past weekend weekend DH participated in a ranch rodeo and Friday was the first really cold night we've had. We sat on even colder, metal bleachers and shivered while cheering on the contestants and I wished I had brought a quilt to wrap up in as an added layer to the already heavy coat. So this quilt may be my Ranch Rodeo quilt. I've never used wool batting, but I may give that a shot as long as it washes well because ranch rodeos come with lots of dirt.

Well my chariot awaits!

The Quilt Ladder Dilema

2011-10-18T04:45:00.000-07:00

I'm not a collector of things, well, unless you count my fabric stash and we do have bookshelves stuffed with books. However, I have become obsessed with these:

Quilt ladders. Everytime I see one, it just warms my heart. I don't know what it is. There is just something inviting and cozy about a ladder drapped with quilts standing against a wall. So, I have been stalking pictures:

looking for the ladder that I wanted. I found these when I googled images for quilt ladders.

My FIL has some free time on his hands and at 74, he is still vibrant and active and likes to stay busy. He is not an armchair grandpa. He can, and does, work circles around the men who help us who are half his age...and younger. So when I mentioned that I wanted a quilt ladder, he told me to choose what I wanted and he would make it. Easy enough, right? Wrong! Do I want this one:

Or this one:

Or this one:

I can't decide!

I love them all!

Sure hope you like making quilt ladders Grandpa. because I could keep you busy for a very long time!

Sneaking off to Sew When I Should Be in the Kitchen

2011-10-14T04:31:00.000-07:00

I've been cooking for a crew these past few weeks. That means that the majority of my time is spent elbow deep in bread dough, slinging hash, scrubbing dishes in a sinkful of bleachy bubbles,and baking umpteen desserts. Not to mention filling the sugar bowl before every meal because I don't care how sweet I make the tea for the sweet tea drinkers on the crew, they will empty my sugar bowl at every meal. I spent a boatload of money on groceries:

And this is only a portion of it. I have 25# of flour and all the meat in the deep freeze and the most of the produce is already put up.

I also put up a bushel of green chile:

I have to run back and get another bushel to last us through the year. 6 of these are already gone.

However, in order to keep my sanity during my kitchen incarceration, I sneak away once in a while and indulge in something sewing related. A minute here while the bread rises and 5 minutes there before I have to fill the tea glasses. I feel a tad guilty, but all is well as long as I don't let the rolls burn.

Last week I made this pillowcase for our son.

I just found out that he may get in trouble for it. Apparently they are only allowed to have issued white pillowcases. Oops. I told him that when he opened the box to say, "Sir, yes, Sir. My Mama made this for you, Sir. " LOL.

I also made this monkey one for our daughter. I KNOW she won't get in trouble. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she phoned and asked me to make pillowcases for the dorm. LOL.

I have been cutting strips for my newest project. Lots of strips.

What's that? Don't I have unfinished projects languishing in various forms of completion that are desperately waiting to be finished? Hush now. I know not of what you speak and I'll just pretend you didn't say that.

And the Winner Is...

2011-10-13T04:05:00.001-07:00

Good early morning y'all! Our fall cow works are officially over, but DH is helping the neighbors today and he headed out to saddle up before 4 this morning so I've been up for a bit. I like to get up and fix his coffee, see what I can help him with while he's away for the day, and see him off. He always tells me to stay in bed, but I just can't do it. So sometime during the day, I will be dragging. That means I had better finish cleaning before I peeter out. Washed the floors and scrubbed the stove yesterday so I get to cross off two things on today's list before I even make it! Grin!

I had so much fun reading y'alls comment and meeting new people! Y'all are so cool! Can't believe it's taken me this long to do a giveaway, but there's one thing I don't like. I want to send a book to everyone and if I were able, I would! However, Random.org chose the winning number:

OK...I need to figure out how to get that little box to paste. This is all that pasted.

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 20
Result: 4
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Staci said...

Hi Karin! What a fun giveaway!
Well, I'm a quilter and a reader and a really good cook! That pretty much sums me up!

Yay for Staci! Wish I had little horns to blow in celebration. LOL. Send me your address and I'll get the package out to you as soon as I get into town. Haven't been since Saturday so I really ought to get in there.

Thank you to everyone who chimed in!

My First Giveaway!

2011-10-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

We are a family of avid readers. Always have been. I started reading aloud to the kids from the day they were born. In fact, the day we found out we were expecting our first child, we happened to be making a trip into town and I had a ball browsing the children's section of Barnes and Noble and picking up a number of books. Next stop, bookcase, yes, even before the crib.

We homeschooled and spent hours upon hours curled up under the flannel quilt reading aloud. I read until I was hoarse and mastered all the voices in the Winnie the Pooh books. You name it. We've probably read it. I have boxes upon boxes of children's books stored. When we moved, we went through them and asked the kids about each one. No, we have to keep that one. Remember when we read that one when the electricity went out. Oh, we read that one when we were sick. 400 books. 20 were weeded out.

Our house was the house where when we tucked the kids into bed, we had to unearth multiple books that were hidden beneath the pillows and blankets. Yes, the kids made their beds with books in them.

I give books as gifts and every new baby we know, gets a book. I have been known as the Book Aunt.

And how can I talk about our love of books without mentioning the library? Ft. Davis, TX has the most amazing library (and librarian) and I spent so much time there that they offered me a job and I ended up automating the library. It was like Christmas all the time. I worked whenever we were in town for various activities. That place was the hub of the communtiy. You could always tell the homeschoolers. They were the ones who would walk into the library with laundry baskets to fill with books. :)

DH and I read in bed every night before we fall asleep and more often than not, DH falls asleep with his book in his hands. Still, I don't get to read as often as I would like. My 'to read' list is long and I love finding new authors and titles.

Oh my goodness, I could talk about books forever, but I'll spare you and get to the book I'm giving away. If you love to read... and you like a good mystery...and you like to get lost in the pages...and you are a quilter...or just love quilts...this is the book for you.

Last year I discovered Clare O'Donohue and picked up her first book The Lover's Cross and I eagerly awaited her next installment A Drunkard's Path. The Double Cross was the third adventure of Nell Fitzgerald.

The dear people of Plume Publishing were kind enough to send me an extra copy of her newest release, The Devil's Puzzle:

to share with one lucky reader. I don't have many followers so your chances are awfully good! :) This is the fourth book in the Someday Quilts Mystery series and I was excited to see what sort of mischief Nell would find herself mixed up in this time. Here is the synopsis from the publisher:

After their quilting retreat upstate, the Someday Quilts ladies return to Archers Rest to prepare for the town's big anniversary celebration. But their plans are unexpectedly derailed by the discovery of a human skeleton in Nell's grandmother's backyard-making Eleanor the prime suspect in a murder. But a skeleton isn't the only thing that's long been buried. When a wave of vandalism raises fears that the town's bygone history of witchcraft has been reawakened, secrets are unearthed that could change life in Archers Rest forever. In addition to a thrilling mystery and the warm camaraderie of the ladies, The Devil's Puzzle is full of the quilting lore and techniques that Clare O'Donohue's readers adore.

We've been working cattle these past few weeks and we still have a few days left so I haven't had the chance to read this one yet although it's been beckoning me to abandon my ranch wife duties. We'll finish up working on Wednesday so in honor of the end of our Fall Works and my escape from the confines of the kitchen, I'll choose a winner on Thursday morning.

Ok. So what do you have to do? Hmmm...just leave a comment and tell me if you're a quilter or not, and if not, what are your hobbies. I may just add a little something extra in your package and I'll mail anywhere because I think everyone enjoys getting fun packages in the mail. :) Just be sure that you're not a non-reply blogger and if you are, leave me an e-mail where you can be reached!

Texas Fires Donation Quilt

2011-10-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

This year Texas has been hit hard with drought and relentless fires. In one town alone, 1500 homes were destroyed and the area that we still call home, lost over 100,000 acres. Last month The Fat Quarter Shop posted about it and shared how we could help so I pulled out some fabric I have had in my stash for a long time. I do not recall why I bought the fish fabric. I'm sure I had some project in mind. Something for the kids, or something to do with what we were studying when we were homeschooling, or someone went through a phase where they thought they needed to be the Fish King. Well, the kids are grown and we've completed our homeschooling journey :( yet the fabric still sat on a shelf forgotten.

I didn't use a pattern. Just played, pulled some coordinating fabrics from my stash and settled on pinwheels and rows. Little by little, it came to life and a quilt was born. I found some fun, bright, striped fabric for the back.

I'm sending it off today and I hope it brings a bit of happiness to a child touched by this disaster. It measures 47"x56" now that it is out of the dryer. I took a machine quilting class a couple of weeks ago and this is the first quilt I quilted since then. I just quilted around each triangle in the pinwheel and then I quilted 5 wavy lines through the fishy rows that I thought added some movement to the water.

I added straight line quilting in the border and love the way the whole thing turned out, but see that this machine quilting is going to take lots of practice. I stitched on the binding (my favorite part) in between cooking for a crew of cowboys. Praying that it will soon be cuddled and well loved.

I'm linking up with 100 Quilts for Kids. Amazing what can be accomplished when everyone does just a litte bit so thank you Kate for pulling this together.

I'm also hooking up with theSew Darn Crafty Party over at Sew Many Ways this week so go check out all the creative projects that people are sharing. You can link up all week and by the end of the week, there's a ton of inspiration to enjoy.

Empty Fridge, Full Life

2011-09-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

This is the inside of our refrigerator:

Sad, isn't it? Yes, we are still eating, but it's surprising how much time I am NOT spending in the kitchen anymore. I am feeding only 2 instead of 5. We had antelope hunters out a few weeks ago and I took them a batch of cinnamon rolls because I felt like I had to feed someone something. I took the extra pan in to a friend on my way into church. I sent cookies to DS in a care package and another batch with DD when she came home. I think the new man we just hired needs some too.

DH and I have simplified and the two of us just can't, and shouldn't, devour an entire batch of rolls or consume a whole pan of brownies. I'll have a crew to cook for about 12 days and then I'll probably feel like things are back on track.

Even though I've been helping DH, I have managed to spend some time indulging in the sewing zone. I finished piecing a top that ended up being huge at 110"x 110". I'm hoping to make it to a machine quilting class next week and maybe they can convince me that I am not insane to attempt the quilting on this monster on my home sewing machine. I'm thinking of quilting barbed wire in the sashing, but I'm still debating:

Then I pieced a simple quilt to donate to someone in need due to the fierce fires in Texas. I am working on the binding.

The Fat Quarter Shop posted about donations here. I really enjoy stitching things for various causes. I am very blessed and I know it and I figure I can give a little back.

I've been working on a 30's Raw Edge Circle Quilt from here for some time now.

I thought I had it finished, but then I decided it needed to be bigger... and bigger ended up being twice as big so needless to say, I'm still piecing.

Some days I don't even sew a stitch, but on others I can sneak in a couple of hours, and then there are the 'catch as you can' days where a minute here and there will give me the chance to sew a seam or two. However, I am not going to fret over any of it because I love my life and truth be told, I think I'm pretty spoiled and I don't want to miss a minute. Yes, even though we miss the kids and this empty nest is taking some getting used to...I've got it pretty good.

So, you would think this empty nest would allow me loads of extra time on my hands to devote to my quilts. You would think. However, I have been spending lots of time going with DH and enjoying every minute. He's keeping me hopping and the days are full. Kind of nice to realize that after 24 years of marriage, we still really like each other. After all, can't have too much free time on my hands...might get into trouble...

A Surprise in My Mailbox

2011-09-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

When I get time to browse on the computer, I enjoy reading blogs. I love quilt blogs and ranch blogs and cooking blogs and inadvertantly, one blog will mention another and I'm off on a rabbit trail. One blog I've been reading is: http://www.notquitejunecleaver.com/ . I've been reading Susan's blog for a while and honestly, I can't recall how I stumbled upon her, but the name of her blog takes me right back to watching Leave it to Beaver with the kids. We are big Leave it to Beaver Fans. Honestly, the choices on television today leave a lot to be desired. Beaver and Opie will pretty much get my vote everytime. Now, I'm no June Cleaver either. I don't even own pair of heels or a string of pearls. Oh wait. I do own a set of heels, but they are on a pair of boots. Not quite the same thing. Don't recall June sitting on a steer's head in any episodes either.

A few weeks ago Susan had a giveaway for a Gooseberry Patch cookbook. I have a couple of their cookbooks and I have quite a few recipes in my 'favorites' cookbook that hail from their pages. Just good, down home cooking. My kind of cooking. Well lo and behold, I WON!

And see, I've already marked a bunch of new things to try. I never win anything, but them again, I don't enter a lot of things either, but I was SO excited! This is a big cookbook, done in typical 'come set a spell and visit a bit' Gooseberry Patch style. I KNEW this was going to be a cookbook that I would use...a lot!

I made this the very day I received the cookbook:

Yum, but oh, that's a terrible photo I took! It's Festive Cajun Pepper Steak. I love that their recipes use ingredients that are readily available from my pantry. Since I don't live close to town, I try to keep my pantry stocked.

So thank you Susan! You made my day and I'm certain that all the cowboys I'm cooking for right now will thank you too!

Chirping in From an Empty Nest at the End of the Dirt Road

2011-09-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

All is quiet on the homefront. Too quiet. We're 3 weeks and 2 days into this 'new normal' and adjusting fairly well. No one is cowering in the corner...nor hiding under the covers...nor devouring copious amounts of chocolate...nor drowning in a sea of tears. However, we are not exactly swinging from the rafters either. Now that I am no longer spending countless hours in the kitchen, I have been reassigned. I have traded in my dishwater hands for these:

And some days my two worlds collide:

DD came home the other weekend and we put her to work.

The three of us branded about 20 calves in a corner of a pasture. Gathering and settling the cattle:

The fact that we could have used 2 or 3 extra men did not deter DH from getting the job done.
DD held the herd

And corraled the escapees:

while DH roped the calves

(because we're pretty useless in that department) and tied them down when he headed one:

And branded them:

He is a master multi-tasker!

I was the offcial head-sitter-uponer and vaccinator and the keeper-of-the-irons...and photographer :)

Easy there Mama...

It was entertaining to say the least with a bit of frustration added in for good measure, but we did get it done and finally were able to move them to the neighboring pasture.

I would say 'to greener' pastures, but there aren't any of those in this part of the country this year. The green you see is only mesquite, but it looks pretty good when there's a cute rancher settin a horseback in the middle of it:

DH teased DD and told her that this was 'college appreciation' weekend. No sleeping in for this college kid when she comes home! Hoping I can entice her back with some homecooking and more cookies to take back to the kids in her dorm. LOL!

It was a good day though and laughter eventually finds it's way into our days around here.

So shhh...that quiet I was complaining about earlier is perfect for sleeping and I've been sleeping like a baby on days like this.

The Day Has Arrived

2011-08-31T18:58:00.000-07:00

As much as we have all looked forward to this day...and as much as we have dreaded this day...it has arrived. We packed up DD Tuesday night and headed to her chosen place of higher education. Neither she nor I are shoppers, but somehow we managed to compile quite a collection of dorm necessities. Her room at home looks bare after looking at the growing pile of odds and ends these past few months. But we set out to make a barren dorm room into a little piece of home away from home.

She wanted to fill a frame with pictures of her and her brother through the years and it was really fun to flip through the years of photos. I love that she wanted to do that! She thinks they were really cute little kids and who am I to disagree? :)

Some of her friends who were also headed off to college asked her what colors she chose to coordinate her room. Her quilt kind of set the tone so I guess you could call her style 'scrappy'. It fits. You can't put this kid into a box. She's a little of this and a little of that with a bit of sass (the good kind) and a lot of faith thrown in for good measure. It's the perfect combination.

Just last week we had to send our son back off to Camp Pendleton and as proud as we are of him, it was really hard on his old Mama. He arrived in San Diego before I arrived back home. Pulling over on the side of road to cry my eyes out might have had something to do with that. I was pretty sure I didn't have any tears left, but I was wrong. It's been a rough week for this Mama.

The Hobo Quilt: 2nd Generation

2011-08-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

Lots of activity at the end of the dirt road this summer, but from the sounds of all of y'alls blogs I'm reading, that seems to be a reoccurring theme. Has life always been this busy? I thought all of this technology was supposed to simplify things. I suppose some of our busy-ness is self-inflicted. In comparison to most of y'all though, life here is pretty quiet. And it's fixin to get even quieter.

Our daughter is packing up to leave for college tomorrow. I'm conflicted. Her Daddy and I are going to miss the heck out of her, but we're over the moon excited about this new adventure she's about to experience. And what Mom would let their kidlet traipse off to college without a quilt? I made one for DS and DD has been hounding me to make one for her for the past 2 years. "When are you going to start on MY college quilt?" "Relax Sprout, you've still got a couple of years."

Well guess what? I made the mistake of blinking and those 'couple of years' vanished. Poof.

There was no question as to which quilt to make her. When I made the Hobo quilt a while ago, it was flung over the back of the couch and it's been there ever since...when it's not snuggled up with one member of the family or another. And it's been snuggled alot. DD wanted it to take to college, but DH claimed it and told her that it was HIS quilt. She already had a quilt I had made her for her bed, but they continued to playfully tease each other about its ownership. DS claimed it as well. DD finally piped up, "Fine. But I want another one JUST like it."

Thus, the 2nd generation Hobo quilt was born.

This is a Carrie Nelson Pattern called "Pick and Choose' from the June 2009 issue of Better Homes and Gardens American Patchwork and Quilting. Carrie Nelson is at the top of my list when it comes to quilt designers. If you are addicted to scrap quilts like I am, you need to see what she creates becasue it is all wonderful and Miss.Rosie is her gorgeous retreiver who keeps her in line. I added another row to DD's quilt in order to make it long enough for her dorm bed.

It ended up being 78"x94". It's the biggest quilt I've made thus far, but it's a fun pattern to piece. So thank you Carrie. Your quilts are truly loved in this family!

I'm hoping it'll keep her warm during those Panhandle winters and that it'll be a little piece of home as she ventures out into the college world while her Mama and Daddy sit at home and attempt to adjust to an empty nest.

Scrappy Yo-Yo Pup

2011-08-23T05:50:00.000-07:00

Today is DD's last day at home before she flies the coop. Sad day. Happy day. Emotional day. Gosh we're gonna miss this kid, but we're so excited for her and she's looking forward to the adventures that lie ahead.

The fact that her brother just flew back to Camp Pendleton for more training last week doesn't help matters either. If you happened to be driving between Albuquerque and Roswell last Tuesday morning and passed a truck sitting on the side of the road with a sobbing Mama, that was me. Thankfully, I had my headset and had a good, long visit with my old college roommate once I stopped hyperventilating. Thanks for keeping me company N!

Letting both kids go at once has been rough, but if I focus on that for more than 2 seconds, I'm going to be a mess and I don't think my keyboard is waterproof. Breathe...breathe...breathe.

I dug out this pattern a while ago:

and DD requested a pup to take along to college so last month we began to make yo-yo's. She went through my stash and chose bright, fun fabrics. DD really has no interest in learning to sew, but I've not given up hope. I too had no interest until we had DS. Never even took home ec in school because Ag and shop were more to my liking. I can only imagine how God was grinning at the time.

One tip, if you commence to making this little fella. We used fishing line to string his little yo-yo appendages. The pattern calls for upholstery thread, but when you live at the end of a dirt road, fishing line is on hand more readily than upholstery thread.

However, DD did enjoy making the yo-yo's and I love the fact that the finished product was a group effort.

Introducing Scrappy:

His little nose is a bit off center, but I figure it adds a bit of character and I hope he'll make DD smile whenever she looks at him.

I'm linking up to Karen's

post here. Go check out the fun and inspiring projects people share each week.

He's Home!

2011-08-10T06:48:00.000-07:00

He's finally home!
And he's a Marine!

It's been a whirlwind summer and our trip to San Diego was the highlight! I haven't flown in 20 years and to be honest, I was a bit leary. But I was so crazy, excited to see our boy that my nervousness was pushed aside and God gave me peace. Our daughter had never flown so this was a new experience for her as well. She was fine, but it's not her favorite form of travel.

I worked on hexagons in order to keep my mind from wandering.

I would have walked, crawled, swam, biked, pogo-sticked...whatever it took to get to MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot) in San Diego. We arrived on Wednesday, early evening and headed to the Depot at 6 the next morning to watch them practice on the Parade Deck.

The Parade Deck is sacred ground and over 1 million Marines have graduated from this deck. No one walks on it except the recruits, and Marines during drill or graduation.
We were entertained by one of the Drill Instructors who should have been a stand up comedian. I imagine that's a side of him that the recruits never saw.

Thursday was Family Day and we explored some of the base and stocked up on hats and shirts at the PX until it was time for the MOTO (motivational) Run. They lined up in formation in front of us and ran 2.5 miles. DH was impressed at how they immediately fell into formation after their run and not one Marine was winded.

They then ran off and prepared for drill.

It was about 1 before we actually got to hug his neck. Whew! THAT was an emotional moment for all of us. I don't know who was holding who up.

The first thing DS wanted to do was eat and we actually lead the way to the Bay View Restaurant on the base. DS didn't quite know what to do with all that food. There was a huge change in our boy, but he was still our boy. Most noticeably was his posture and that fact that he didn't know how to make a choice about much of anything. For 13 weeks he had been told when to do absolutely everything. But he talked...and talked...and talked and DS is not a talker. And we listened and drank it all in. I think we ate, but I could not tell you what the food tasted like because we were so engrossed in his every word. The view was pretty, but I only know that because I snapped this photo. We were too focused on our Marine.

DS gave us a tour of part of the base, but there was places that were off limits to the recruits during training so even he hadn't seen some of it and then there were places that we weren't able to see, but the museum was wonderful.

We met his Drill Instructors who seemed very nice, but DS assured us that 'nice' was not part of their persona during the 13 weeks of training. His Senior Drill INstructor told him he had better go get a haircut before graduation and the barber shop closed at 5. It was 4:55. No matter that he had one 3 days earlier, but when a drill instructor tells you to do something, there is no question that you had better get it done. Thankfully he popped through the door just in the nick of time.

The whole base was impressive and the afternoon went by all to quickly and before we knew it, we had to leave him.

We were back at the base the next morning at 6 for the posting of the colors and graduation was at 10:30. There are no words to describe the graduation, but suffice it to say, it was quite the event.

The speaker told us that we would see changes in our boys, "They will stand up straight, They will eat everything on their plate. They will make their beds. They will wear their pants...at their waist... where they belong."

This is where he stayed during Phase I:

All I can say is that we are proud as punch of what he has accomplished! His platoon was even the Honor Platoon!

Here they are receiving their last, and most welcome order from their Senior Drill Instructor. They have waited for this for 13 weeks:

After graduation, the recruits flocked to their gear bags and rushed off the base:

They were all eager to put the Depot in their rearview mirror:

It took him a couple of days to learn to relax again. We didn't fly out until the next day so we explored part of the red lamp district. San Diego is beautiful and the weather...oh my! 60° for a low and 75° for a high. Can you say perfect?! But there are absolutely too many people!

We walked down the charming streets that reminded me of Europe and stopped at The Hard Rock Cafe to eat. Great music and food, but I must be getting old, because it was loud. All of us looked kind of shell shocked.

He had 10 days of leave and then was granted 14 days of recuiter's assistance so he goes in every day and helps his recruiter. They have kept him hopping. He's had to go to Albuquerque (4 hours away), and Las Cruces (4 hours again), and to Artesia (1 hour) numerous times. He leaves between 4:30 and 5:30 and comes home about 10. Long days and although we're not getting to see him much, it's nice having him home at night.

We went to see Grandparents on Saturday and SIL and her husband and one cousin were there as well. It was so nice and cool at their place that we didn't want to leave.
Then we went out to the Shotgun Range on Sunday. It was also DD's birthday. I took cinnamon rolls to the skeet range and they had cards and frog cupcakes for the kids at the Trap Range. One of the trap shooters is a retired Marine so they had lots to talk about and DS said it was really good to be back out there. The kid has not lost his touch either.

I've been spending lots of time in the kitchen making his favorite things although he hasn't been home much these past few days and when he is home, he's sleeping. But, as long as he's here, we're enjoying every minute.

Welcome home Son! Welcome home Marine! We're proud of you Bud!

Picture of the Day and a Quilty Gift for a Dear Friend

2011-07-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I made the trip to Texas to visit with my Mom. She was having minor surgery (all is well) and I needed to catch up on the business accounting and it was just time for a good visit. Its a long drive, but I love it. I take the back roads (because that's the only way as far as I'm concerned), avoiding the highways (because they make me hyperventilate) wherever I can. I love meandering through the small towns and stopping every now and then to explore.

While driving towards Eden, I spotted this vehicle:

And it made me smile. No, it made me grin from ear to ear, for days. Still does.They pulled into a station and I followed. Just wanted to thank them for their service and sacrifice and welcome home a soldier. They eagerly rolled down the window and I laughed to see 6 children and a very harried Mama. The children were just ecstatic and all talking at once. It was great! They were on their way to Ft. Hood to pick up their Daddy who had been in Afghanistan for a year. They had a set of 14 my old twins and they had just received a call that he would be in earlier than expected. The excitement in that vehicle was barely containable. The Mom was concerned that she hadn't had enough time to curl her hair and I just told her that she looked radiant (she did) and that as far as her husband was concerned, she would be a sight for sore eyes and the most beautiful thing he'd laid his eyes on for a long time. I did thank them and told them to thank their Daddy for me and the kids just erupted all at once. It was great and I'm still grinning. I wish I had gotten the soldier's name. I won't ever forget him or his family.

I also have a finished quilt to share with you. I started this quilt last year and finally have it finished.

I picked up this Sugar Twist pattern the minute I saw it and I love how it came together. I used a Basic Gray Blush Layer Cake although I was quite surprised that I was drawn to it because the colors are way out of my comfort zone. However, I love it so much that I may have expanded my comfort zone. Once I had it finished I knew it had to go to a dear friend for her birthday so I sent it off from Eden. We've been friends for 24 years and don't see each other often enough, but she's one of those 'friends for life' kinda gals and the time between visits doesn't reflect how much I treasure her. So Happy Birthday Jacque! Thank you for the blessing of your friendship!

Twice as Nice Quilt ( aka: the Quilt of Insanity)Complete

2011-06-27T04:08:00.000-07:00

Last year, Julie, of Jaybird Quilts designed and organized this Hexagon Quilt Along Online. I thought: How cool! And I jumped in enthusiastically. I bought a Summer's Basket of Flowers jelly roll, the 60° ruler from Creative Grids, and let the rotary cutter fly! Then I perched behind my sewing machine and stitched triangles into hexagons with glee. Before I knew it, I had completed the top...and I hated it. Now, I didn't hate the quilt a long. In fact, Julie did a marvelous job of explaining everything and I still loved the idea of a hexagon quilt, but my fabrics just didn't look like I thought they should...or could. I hemmed and hawed and even groveled for help as to what to do here .
I got lots of advice and the consenses was that I would be crazy to rip the whole top apart and reconstruct it. Well, you know what they say, if the shoe fits.... so insane I must be. But those of you that know me, probably reached that conclusion long ago, so I'm sure it came as no surprise. I ripped it all out. It was a long, long process and it was a slow, slow one as well. I had to be careful not to distort the fabrics since they were all cut on the bias.

But looking back, I am glad I did it because I LOVE it now!

So thanks Julie!

P.S. Just a heads up. If you click on the photo for a larger shot, please disregard the sad looking lawn. That is not grass. It is a yard full of weeds, but they are green and since we haven't seen a drop of rain since September, they are staying. The 115°+ temps have not been kind to anything attempting to grow this summer. If you squint from afar, it looks like grass and until the good Lord sends some rain (which I know He will) that's good enough for me.

It amazes me that just rearranging the fabrics made them come alive. It's 68x64. A more seasoned quilter would have made this quilt and it would have been square, but seeing as I am not a member of that group, we have a wonky quilt, but it's a good size to cuddle under and I really like the scrappy, piano key border. I backed it in a red print from the same line, mostly because I found it on a wide backing width on sale. I hesitated only briefly about backing it in red because of the possibility that it would run. Shout Color Catcher Sheets to the rescue! Have y'all heard of these things? I am SO sold on this product! They look like the softener sheets you use in the dryer, but you throw them in the wash. This is the end result:

Can you believe that?! Without them, I'm pretty sure the quilt would have been ruined and there would have been sad tears. So I applaud the Shout people who either concocted this fabulous product, or sat up and took notice when someone brought it to them.

When I picked the quilt up from my Longarm quilter she said that if I ever wanted to sell it, she had a number of people who wanted it, but I have become too attached to it. And although I'm working on a quilt for DD to take to college, I'll have to check her luggage when she leaves, because she seems to be forming a bond with this one too. I don't know about this kid. She steals her Papa's horses, her brother's clothes, and her Mama's quilts. Good thing we love her!

Teetering on the Edge of an Empty Nest and Learning the Ropes

2011-06-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

This is a pretty big place. DH has 200 sections (128,000 acres) to tend to and for the most part, we've had one other man working here. My FIL helped out for a few years part time, and the kids have been part of the ranching crew since they were pretty small. A few years ago we put in a new redi-built house at the other camp, about 5 miles from headquarters and the past 2 years we've had a nice family living there. However, they have moved on and we're in the process of praying for the right help to appear. In the meantime, poor DH is stuck with me. Honestly, the poor man does not deserve this. However, he's a good sport and truth be told, we're kind of enjoying this together time. Through the years, I've fixed my share of water gaps, pulled my quota of windmill sucker rod, tended to more than enough pump jacks, and broken more ice in drinking tubs than I could count. Think I'm complaining? Not a chance! Even when I was on the ground holding the backside of a cow until hubby could get her tended to after she prolapsed, or when we were painting a cattle guard in 120° heat, I was thankful (albeit a bit peaked around the edges) for this amazing life that God has blessed me with. Even after 24 years, I often find myself shaking my head that the good Lord has given me this incredible gift.

I remember an incident that took place back...way back... in the day when I was in the 7th grade. I remember it like it was yesterday and I am still in contact with this friend with whom I had this conversation. We were standing under the breezeway, waiting for 2nd period to start and wondering what our futures would hold instead of concentrating on the fact that I really had not learned how to conjugate those Spanish verbs properly and thus, may never advance to the 8th grade, much less need to worry about what my life would consist of 20 years down the road. Back then, we were all about priorities you know. I was a city girl who felt like a fish out of water and longed desperately for a dirt road away from everything. My friend, Sharon (one of these days I am coming to the NE to visit you!), said, "You are going to grow up and marry a cowboy and live on a big ranch one day just you wait and see". Now, just to set the record straight. I did not, do not, nor will I ever believe in predictions, but little did I know, that God was listening and "He knows the desires of your heart". I laughed it off and thankfully went on to pull a B in that Spanish class, but I never forgot that moment. We both laugh about it now and it makes me realize that the good Lord was molding me and my life long before I came to sit at His feet and that's an awesome feeling! So you can bet that I am praising Him every cotton pickin' day!

DH and I are on the verge of the dreaded 'empty nest'. I know that some people don't dread it, but through the years, when the subject was brought up by anyone, I would come close to hyperventilating and breaking out in hives. I now see that my reaction was only due to the fact that it wasn't time. Timing is everything and God's timing is perfect so I'm good. Now, that's not to say that you won't find me bawling my eyes out when I walk into either of their rooms, or pulled over on the side of the road wailing because I heard, "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Adkins. I already do that last one and DD has been telling me lately that I am awfully weepy. But, I'll be fine. We'll be fine.

So, now that I've gone off on that rabbit trail, I'll get back to my original thought. I'm in training. Kind of. There are miles and miles of water to check and acres and acres of pasture to traverse, and hundreds and hundreds of cattle to keep an eye one, and thousands and thousands of fence posts to keep up.

I'm starting small. I can't even begin to wrap my head around this antiquated water system. So for the time being, I'm the opener of gates as we bounce across the pasture and I take mental notes of the fact that Red Tip Pens are in Armstrong pasture and not in Red Tip Pasture and that when I turn the valve at the highway this way, it sends water north and when I turn it that way, it sends it along the highway line. I need a handy, dandy notebook because my little old, brain is used to homeschooling and keeping people feed. But this is a new season and I am going to take it by the horns and hang on. Hopefully I won't be flung too far. Who says that the children are the only ones who have to learn how to fly?

Baby Buckaroo Quilt and Dirt Road Chit Chat

2011-06-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

Just delivered this baby quilt this morning to the newest arrival of a friend as they were on their way back to Kansas. Had to hunt her down in town, but it was good to hug her neck and wish them well on their new venture. This girl is super woman. Her little one is not even a week old and here they are moving across a couple of states with him and the cutest little, 2 yr old. Thankfully her mom came to help and her husband is pulling the truck and trailer. Whew! Just wears me out thinking about it!

I made another quilt like this a couple of years ago and had a bit of the novelty fabric left over. It's a simple quilt, but I like the way it turned out. Here's the label:

The quilt measures about 40x40. I took it to my longarm quilter and she quilted a cute little western motif across it with little hats, horseshoes, stars and bucking horses.

Yesterday I kept the couple's, who lives at the camp here on the ranch, 2 little boys. Their little 2-yr old was bitten by a bat. So scary, but all is well and, thankfully, she doesn't need to have any shots. The boys and I played with Duplos, made pictures for their sister, ate blueberries and apples and bananas and peanut butter and popsicles, and planted flowers in the yard once the temperature dropped below 100°. I have forgotten how busy little ones are. But they are so much fun!

I told their mom, when I called her this morning to see if she needed anything in town and check up on her little girl (and her), that all these young people are wearing us old people out. Oye! I need a nap, but alas, I am off to bounce across the pasture with DH this afternoon in this crazy heat. 108° at the moment. Sigh.

DD will be home this evening after being away at my BIL's vet clinic in Texas for 12 days. I have missed her. It's been entirely too quiet around here, but honestly, there hasn't been much time to be sad. DH and I took a roadtrip to Texas last weekend for a wonderful wedding and then we had some dear, dear friends come stay with us Thursday night. It was nice to have someone to cook for too! I am struggling with cooking for just the two of us and it's amazing how little groceries we go through.

So, in the midst of all of that I managed to put the finishing stitch on another quilt that I'll share in a couple of days and I finished piecing DD's college quilt. Other duties call for the time being, but it feels good to be wrapping up a few things.

Bunny Hill Baby Quilt

2011-06-06T03:43:00.000-07:00

A while back, my Mom asked me to make a baby quilt for my cousin's ex-girlfriend's baby. Yes, it's as strange as it sounds, but she's really nice and so we kept her. Grin! She's married now and has twin boys and they are expecting a girl so I began to stitch. I didn't know what she would want, so I made three and let her choose. This is not the one she chose. I didn't even get a picture of the finished quilt she chose which makes me sad, but I shared a photo of the top in my previous post, here:

I also made another Blooming Pinwheel quilt similar to this:

Here's the Bunny Hill one.

I have loved this fabric since I first saw it and finally added it to my stash. Then I added some more so I imagine there will be more quilts on the horizen.

I found the appliqued pattern online (after looking at so many bunnies I was going cross-eyed) and fell in love with these bunnies. Originally I had planned to have then peeking over the thin border under them, but as hard as I tried to line them up, they just did not want to cooperate. Bunnies are just as hard to get into a row as ducks.
Ok. It's 3:30 am so please forgive my feeble attempt at humor.

I backed it with this filigree fabric that I thought was very sweet. I love the soft colors in this line and the pink and brown color combination and I thought the brown binding framed it nicely.

I had to take the quilt town to get a picture of it because we haven't had a drop of rain since September and nothing is green or blooming and it just looks very sad out here. I kept waiting for rain, but it seems we may be waiting a while longer and rain or no rain, I wanted to share this quilt so a distant view of an irrigated field and some green branches is what you get. Oh, and a quilt.

I'm linking up with Quiltstory's Fabric Tuesday post this week. I love this blog. They always focus on the story behind the quilts and that's one of the things I love about quilting and there's always incredible inspiration to be found there!

A Hodge Podge of Project Updates

2011-05-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

In between writing letters, letters, and more letters to DS in USMC boot camp, I am filling up my time with sewing projects. They are beginning to pile up so I thought I would share some of what I have been working on.

First off, I don't think I ever shared the centerpeice I made for a baby shower I co-hosted last month. A very talented friend in Florida made one a while ago and I simply fell in love with it. Hers is much prettier, but I loved making this and I was pleased with it although next time I think I'll trim the stems. They look kind of leggy. Thank you T!

Then I made this little center piece for the gift table:

Here are the invitations I made:

These too were fun to make although I thought I might go mad trying to come up with an idea. Once I settled on this, it was all good. I don't think I got this idea from anywhere although I'm sure that I must have seen something similar at some point and time.

Then I made these burp cloths. Hmmm...I thought I took pictures. That's waht I get for thinking. Sigh. I made them using these fabrics. Sorry 'bout that.

DD went to a wedding shower last weekend and I made this little set for the bride:

A few weeks ago I sent off 14 blocks for the Moda "Just One Star" project:

And I am sending off these 3 pillowcases for a blogging friend who asked for some help with a veterans project:

Thinking back, I didn't feel as if I had accomplished much recently, but writing it all down makes me feel a bit better. I've still got some baby quilts to share and I'm working on DD's quilt for college, but I'll share that next time. I've got to pop another letter into the mail box for my boy!

1 Down, 89 to Go

2011-05-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning was hard. We dropped our son off at he recruiters and he is now officially headed to San Diego for Marine Boot Camp. Oye! We're so cotton pickin proud of his choice that I'm about to bust a button, but wow, is this ever hard on Mamas! Just yesterday he was only a little tike:

He's fixing to go through a huge change so I really have no right to gripe about how sad I am. We're so proud that he is making this sacrifice to serve, but the Mama side of me can't stop herself from tearing up.

On Saturday we went out into the pens to brand a couple of calves. I loved it. Work and fun has always gone hand in hand for us. I'm hoping that the work ethic he's been raised with will be beneficial to him.

I'm cooking for a crew this week so I'll be busy. But I don't want to be busy. I want to flop on our bed and cry my eyes out. I want it to be July 22nd. I want to be on a plane, headed to San Diego for his graduation. But, this isn't about me. It's about him and the journey he is on.

Since he made this decision, I have felt at peace so this must be God's will and as long as he's walking in His will, how can I be upset? God's calling is all I've ever wanted for my children to follow so as difficult as it may be, I am good with it.

Today is a good day. He just called from the airport in Amarillo. For some odd reason, they are flying to Dallas, and then San Antonio, before heading to California. ? Who knows. DS has only been on a plane once, when he was 1 so this too will be a new experience. I can't tell you how good it was to hear his voice. No tears until we hung up.

I promised him that I would walk every day he was away. Today is day 1 and the wind's howling at 50 mph. I'm still walking. It's going to be my prayer time although in actuality, I'm praying all day. And I want to thank all of you have sent cards and words of encouragement and prayers for him.

We've always been big supporteres of our troops. My Dad was a career Air Force man and we're very thankful for their service and sacrifice through the years. I've always had a really hard time keeping the tears at bay when I hear the National Anthem. I'm thinking all bets are off now. Tears will just be a given.

There will be lots of letter writing going on around here this summer.

Semper Fi Bud!

When the Phone Rings

2011-04-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

Most mornings begin rather quietly around here. Up before the sun and in the kitchen before my vision clears. Ah! The rich smell of coffee wafts through the air as I measure the proper amount for the morning jolt. Funny thing is...I can't drink the stuff. Love the aroma, but it tastes awful.

I make it for DH.

Because I love him.

Because its the little things.

This week we're working cattle. We'll have our big Spring Works in May, but once in a while we have a week or two of smaller cow works. So I don't have a big crew. Only 6, but 6 or 12, doesn't matter - cooking is still what I do. So I plan the morning and take the rolls from their hiding place. Around here, rolls must sometimes be hidden or they simply disappear into ~~thin air~~ someone's tummy and although I love making homemade bread, I don't love it everyday so I made a double batch the day before.

Brrrinnng. Brrrinnng. I reach for my cell phone. No new fangled music for my ringtone although I once had "Amarillo By Morning". I love the tinny ring of an old fashioned telephone...on my cell phone. I love my technology, but long for back in the day when times were simpler. A contradiction. Yep. that'd be me.

"Hello?"

It's DH.

"What are you doing?"

Oh. Oh. I'm familiar with that question and immediately begin to scurry about. Turn off the stove. The oven. The Iron. I don't know what's coming, but I know what's coming.

DH might be bringing in a newborn calf that lost it's Mama... or need me to run into town for parts... or need me to help him pull a well...or to come help him doctor a horse...or work the gate while he sorts cattle...or to haul a rig over to the other side of the ranch...or to...

And, no, I'm not complaining. I love helping him although I often feel badly that he's stuck with me for help. It pays to be a 'fly by the seat of your pants' kinda gal when you're a ranch wife and after 24 years, I've done a lot of flying.

"I'm cooking dinner."

"I need you to hook up to a trailer. Bring me the medicine chest

and a bottle of Banamine.

Grandpa's horse is colicking."

"Where are you?"

"Head to the shop and go east to El Tank. Take that road to the south. You'll see us down here a ways".

So I scurry around a bit more, load up, hook up,

and drive out. Takes me about 30 minutes to bounce over the roads.

Truth be told, I love it when I get called away from the kitchen, although I don't love the reasons for it and when I get back, it's crunch time in order to make up for the lost time.

Grandpa's horse was sure enough feeling puny. Poor guy's knees were buckling everytime he even attempted to take a step and he was trying his darnedest to plop down. DH gave him the magic shot and about 30 minutes later, he looked quite relieved and then disappointed when Grandpa loaded him in the trailer. He was itching to finish the job, but we weren't taking any chances. Thank goodness that's all it took. No pictures of the poor old pony. I had strict instructions to not leave my seat behind the wheel. Shoot. That limited my photo opportunity severely, but I snuck in what I could. Lots of dust and dirt. It's been a rough winter around here. After a banner year of record moisture last year, we're high and dry now. No moisture since September and good old Farmer's Almanac says not to hold our breath if we're waiting on rain. We spend lots of time praying.

Never get tired of aiming my camera in this direction:

Sure do wish that dust would settle:

DH stopped to tie up the fence in order to let some little ragga-muffin calves who had escaped, cross back:

In his element:

DS holding the herd:

They went that-a-way

Sure do wish those fluffy, white clouds would dump some rain:

Had to wait around a bit and let the crew get down the road a piece before we headed to the house.

A rouge calf broke from the herd and Bryce went after him. Grandpa told me to back the trailer down around the bend.

Um. No. Backing trailers is something I have been unable to master. Well, let me clarify that. I can back them as long as the road is straight and the gate is wide. It might not be pretty, but I can get the job done.

Grandpa got that twinkle in his eye and we both chuckled. Sure glad the rest of the crew's attention was diverted. When I initially drove up, Dave looked surprised and asked whether I had hooked up the trailer. He received a loving, yet withering look in reply.

Two hours have passed since the phone call. Doesn't leave me much time to round up dinner. Sure am glad the good Lord takes charge around here. He knew that double batch of biscuits was gonna come in handy and he's gonna send that rain any day now.

I Can't See Texas From Here

2011-03-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

Feeling nostalgic today. Missing Texas. Can you miss a State? Yes, if it's Texas. I wasn't born a Texan, but I was born to BE a Texan. LOL. Maroon Aggie blood courses through my veins. Whoop!

Don't get me wrong. We have made a wonderful life here in New Mexico although truth be told, I'm hoping our state residency is only temporary. When we moved here, I desperately wanted to redraw the state lines.

Why the sudden homesickness? While browsing through my Google Reader today I stumbled upon this quilt: Prarie Points of Interest . It's fabulous and the story behind it made me weepy for Texas. We never lived in the Texas Panhandle, but my childhood is firmly rooted in the hill country along the Blano River and our children were raised in the Davis Mountains where my heart still resides.

And it's spring. You haven't experienced spring until you've experienced it in Texas. My Mom called the other day and gushed about the Bluebonnets. And I cried.

Our daughter is headed off to college in the fall. In August she'll be "Gone to Texas" and I'm envious.

I've contemplated making a quilt to symbolize my love of Texas. I've seen a few, but none have spoken to me. A while back I bought a couple of Jelly Rolls of an older Moda line called Hill Country Spring, but I haven't had the heart to unroll it yet. I'm waiting for just the right project to come along and I'm thinking that my next Trip to Texas will require a trip to the quilt shop that still carries some of that yardage so I can snap it all up.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with a little bit of Texas gold (sniff, sniff):
I Can't See Texas From Here

Just One Star

2011-03-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

This passion for quilting has left me asking 'how can I help'? I want to become more involved in community service and I've been praying for ways to do that. I want God to use this passion for His purpose and I'm beginning to see those doors of opportunity swing open.

This morning, while I was catching up with blog buddies, I found this post from Debi and I jumped at the chance to get my feet wet. Thanks Debi! I've been thinking about joining in with this organization for some time, even before our son decided to join the Marines, and this is a way I can be involved.

Just One Star

This is a challenge from Moda called Just One Star can comfort a soldier. "The Moda challenge is to piece, quilt and bind 100 quilts in 100 days using the Flag of Valor pattern by Minick and Simpson." Moda needs 1800 star blocks to reach this goal. The deadline for star blocks is May 1, 2011 so that they can meet their quilt deadline by Flag Day, June 14, 2011. You send completed blocks to Moda at the address in the link.

There is a tutorial/pattern for stars here. I hope you'll consider joining in! If you are close to me and don't want to mail them, I will gather them and send them off. Thanks so much!

Blooming Pinwheel Quilt

2011-02-25T05:26:00.000-08:00

Another finished quilt! Wahoo! Actually, it's not about finishing them, it's about the journey. I love thinking about the recipient as I'm piecing the blocks. The recipient of this quilt is still waiting to make her entry into the world, but I visited with her Mama the other day for a bit and they are over joyed. Its refreshing to hear someone who is actually enjoying every minute of this miraculous journey. She and her DH are so excited and eagerly gathering little, pink, girly things.

I haven't had much cause to quilt with girly fabrics so I went on a hunt for something special. I didn't have a clue as to what that was, but on a hunt I went. And I searched a long time for just the right fabric to jump out at me. When I found this "Quite Contrary" fabric, I knew I had to have it. Didn't have a clue as to what I wanted to do with it though so I bought some companion pieces that never found their way into the quilt. So the hunt continued and I finally rounded up a few that had potential. Still didn't know where this little quilt was headed. Somehow I decided to try a pinwheel after I saw this great tutorial here...and I was hooked. It measured 42x32. I wanted to make it a bit bigger, but the addition of another column offset the 4 pinwheels on each corner and it bugged me. So a smaller, more balanced quilt was born.

I'm making myself add a label. I should have done that before it was quilted. Why is that so hard for me to do?

Karen, over at Sew Many Ways is having a Sew Darn Crafty Linking Party and I thought I would join in the fun. It's a fun way to discover new bloggy friends and ideas. Lots of amazingly talented people out there!

Now that the last stitch has been sewn, I am completely head over heels in love with it. I prayed for this child as I stitched. That she may have a life filled with love and laughter, good health and joy, and most importantly may the love and grace of Christ fill her heart and guide her days.

What's For Supper Dinner?

2011-02-22T15:02:00.000-08:00

This morning I was working on a list for a menu and I thought, "What's for Supper?" and then my thoughts seamlessly continued..."Grandpa?"

"Chicken Fried Steak. Mashed Spuds. Cream Gravy. Buttermilk Biscuits. Black-eyed peas. And Peach Cobbler with homemade ice cream. " Must be said like Grandpa.

"YUM! YUM!"

Remember Hee Haw? Yes, it was corny, but it was honest to goodness-fun for the family- clean entertainment. And here lately, I've been wishing for a Grandpa like that. You know, one that cooks.

Come to think of it, don't know if I've ever heard of one of those.

Yesterday I read a post from a friend who was bemoaning the fact that it's hard to come up with ideas of what to cook and even if you have a idea, you most certainly will not have the required ingredients to make said meal. I hear you J.

Cue Grandpa's 'What's for Supper' scene.

Around here, our big meal is at noon and we call it Dinner. Our 'supper' is generally light: leftovers, something thrown in a tortilla, or popcorn.

There are days I have it all together and then there are days I do not. However, I figure we can all relate to those 'not' days when you find yourself staring vacantly into the refrigerator and pantry and sighing. You may even have small (or not so small) kidlets clinging to your britches clamoring for their next meal because they are S-T-A-R-V-I-N-G. Those days are a thing of the past around here, but grown kidlets in men's clothing can be just as convincing.

One of the things I have done is make a master list of everything I cook. I have it on the inside of a cupboard door and refer to it on those days I am at a loss. Some things get made more often than others and some only get made once a year, but they are all things we deem as keepers. I'm pretty lucky. My crew isn't picky. They're wonderful guinea pigs although I've made my fair share of "what were you thinking?" recipes. Here's my list:

What’s for Dinner?

1.Catalina Salad
2.Hamburgers
3.Hotdogs
4.Sloppy Joes
5.Steak
6.Barbeque Sandwiches
7.Taco Soup
8.Meatloaf
9.Lasagna
10.Layered Mini Lasagna Casserole
11.Taco Lasagna
12.Bolognese Lasagna
13.Crock Pot Pizza
14.Beefy Beans & Cornbread
15.Beef & Cheese Enchiladas (red & green)
16.Chicken Enchiladas
17.Tacos/Tostadas
18.Burritos
19.Quesadillas
20.Steak Tampequena
21.Spaghetti
22.Chicken Fried Steak
23.Smothered Steak
24.Swiss Steak
25.Slow Cooked Pepper Steak
26.Buckaroo Bundles
27.Beef French Dip Au Jus
28.Hamburger Cornpone Pie
29.Pour-a-Pan Pizza
30.Hungarian Goulash Soup
31.Black Bean Sirloin Chili
32.Chili
33.Hobo Casserole
34.Potato Soup
35.Stew
36.Chicken Tortilla Soup
37.Chicken Strips
38.Smothered Chicken
39.Chicken Spaghetti
40.Chicken Pot Pie
41.King Ranch Chicken Casserole
42.Chicken & Dumpling Casserole
43.Fried Chicken
44.Ravioli Casserole
45.4-Cheese Chicken Fettuccine
46.Ham & Swiss Stromboli
47.BLTs
48.Pioneer Woman’s Sandwich
49.Marlboro Man’s Sandwich
50.Burgundy Steak
51.Steak Burritos
52.Salisbury Steak Deluxe
53.Roast
54.Ribs
55. Venison Backstrap or Tenderloin
56. Beef Tips
57. Chicken Parmesan
58. Homemade Pizza
59. Barbeque Chicken
60. Fajitas
61. Grilled Sausage
62. Breaded Pork Chops
63. Chef Salad w/ grilled beef or chicken
64. Tortilla Stack

Now I won't guarantee you'll know exactly what your cooking every single day, but it does seem to help.

I also try to make a menu for each week. Just jot it down on an index card and then you can refer to the recipes when you're making your grocery list.

I have lots of cookbooks, but I keep our favorite recipes here.

Friends are another great source and mine are great cooks who are more than willing to share their recipes. Something they're completely sick of making might be your family's newest favorite dish! Works both ways! Just added #27 from here. Scroll down for the recipe. Thanks Naomi!

And I'm always looking for new recipes to add to my list so y'all send 'em this way!

In closing, here's a hint: Keep the ingredients for a Cherry Pie on hand at all times. It's guaranteed to put a sparkle in their eye and stop that tummy from rumbling... at least until the next meal rolls around and if y'all ever find a Grandpa like Hee Haw, send him my way.

A Bit of Progress

2011-02-08T03:04:00.000-08:00

I finally feel as if I'm getting back into the swing of things. Sometimes life just whisks you off without your consent and you may as well enjoy the journey.

The older I get, the more of a homebody I become. So, I figured I really ought to be making some kind of progress with all of these projects in various stages of completion now that I am able to catch by breath from the wild ride that was January. I've had various requests (ie:loving nagging) asking that I share some of what I've been working on so here you go:

I pieced this baby quilt together with the Fun Flowers line I bought back in November when we were in Amarillo. Still needs a border, but I think it makes a bright, fun quilt for a little baby girl:

While I was in Texas and perusing the aisles of "Memories by the Yard", this "Quite Contrary" fabric caught my eye for a baby quilt and I pieced this top:

I think it will be perfect for DD's piano teacher's baby arriving in March.

I stitched this up yesterday. I should have made the whiskers brown too:

You have no idea how soft this little guy is! I attended an embroidery class on Friday and although, we were supposed to be working on combining digital designs, I went off on a tangent, as I am wont to do on occasion, and fell into the world of quilted applique using Minky blanket. I brought home a CD and DD immediately requested a quilt filled with the little critters. LOL. I have to admit that they are insanely soft and darling. No matter that she is 17. I do think I'll add one to a couple of the baby quilts I have in the works.

I also made 17 of these blocks:

I still have about 19 more to make, but ran out of the background fabric. Happily, it arrived today so I am back in business. I bought the entire bolt of this scenic fabric and plan to use it for the back of this quilt as well. Who knows, there is a lot of fabric. It may end up in a number of quilts and then I will be so sick of it that I will wonder why I ever bought it in the first place. However, as of now, I still really like it. I'm debating on the sashing, but I'm leaning towards a rich brown.

Here are the 5 completed blocks for the Granny Square quilt I am working on.

This was on the cover of the October issue of American Patchwork and Quilting. It was designed by Moda Lissa and I am hopelessly in love with it. It belongs on our bed and one day I hope our bed will be in a little log cabin where this quilt will finally be in its rightful place. Each block measures 9" square so I'm thinking it may be a while...a long while, before I have enough blocks for our King-sized bed. In the meantime, I have hundreds of 1 1/2" fabric strips covering every hanging surface available.

And finally, a finish or two! They are small finishes, but finishes nonetheless! I sewed on the binding for this baby quilt while I was away too. I made one like this a year ago or so and had enough leftover squares cut to stitch up another.

I finally sewed on the bindings for these little XL Hot Pads while I was at my Mom's. I am a great fan of many quilty blogs and I found this great tutorial here: Spun Sugar Quilts

These were originally made as Christmas gifts, but alas, my sewing machine ran off during the holidays and I was unable to complete them. However, I now have them tucked away for next year and am telling myself that I am ahead of the curve instead of woefully behind it. So those of you who I exchange gifts with and read my blog, note to you: Do not make these. You will get one for Christmas. Hopefully you will have a memory that is similar to mine and forget you ever saw them by next December and you will be completely surprised. If your memory is better than mine, just pretend. After all, you are my friend and friends do these sorts of things for each other.

Music to My Ears

2011-02-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

Today is day 5 of the big freeze. And we're calving heifers. Below zero temperatures are not conducive to healthy baby calves. I've been praying like mad that the little critters stay put until the mercury reaches a more pleasant level. We once brought one little guy in the house, towel dried him off and wore out a blow dryer trying to get him warm and dry before reuniting him with his Mama as quickly as possible so as not to cause him too much stress.

Aren't you impressed that I could even find these 23-yr old photos?

Ignore his cloudy blue eyes. Old photo taken with flash.

No comments about the big hair. It was the 80's. The cute, curly-headed guy next to me is what you should be looking at.

Otherwise, I'm not complaining about the cold because unlike other areas of the country, we are not dealing with 4' of snow, or horrific winds, or treacherous ice. We only had about 4" of snow, but it's been so dry this winter that we would have gladly welcomed more. Perhaps it would have insulated the ground a bit more and we would have had running water. It's the first time I've been thankful that we have to haul our drinking water from town because those 5 gallon jugs of water came in VERY handy this past week.

We have heat and everyone is healthy so we're praising God for our abundant blessings. Just makes me realize how much we take for granted. Taking a shower every day and the feel of squeaky clean hair. Being able to flush a toilet instead of traipsing outside when it is -10° at 2 am. Sorry bout that. Too much information? Just keeping it real. Going to bed each night with a scrubbed down kitchen and a shiny, clean sink. Better?

So after 4 days, this:

is music to my ears and a sight for sore eyes.

Alas, it also means that DH and DS are spending the next few days fixing leaks. DH is making a run into town to the local farm store to load up on plumbing supplies. I imagine he won't be the only one and he will run into every local rancher who will also have their arms filled with a variety of connectors, and elbows, and couplings, and valves, and pipe, and they will all be spending quality time with their shovels and the tractor digging up said leaks this weekend. Sigh. I had better go dirty up some more dishes that I can't wash and make him his favorite cookies until he calls me out to take my turn at the shovel.

Zoom Zoom

2011-01-31T15:04:00.000-08:00

Whew! Is anyone else feeling like 2011 is spinning at NASCAR speed? We have a pretty laid back lifestyle. I mean, we're always busy and ranch work is 24/7 around here, but I never feel as if we're in the rat race. We don't have a time card to punch and rush hour traffic is only prevalent when the cattle mosey across the same road you're driving on. No one is ever bored out here. If you even think about being bored, you can bet you will be handed a job.

However, the first month of the new year has been insane. We attended 2 weddings, one in Texas. I spent 8 days in San Antonio spending time with my Mom and helping her with the business and personal taxes and catching up on the business accounting. I stuck my nose in a quilt shop and the rest of me followed, but I have no idea why I came home with more fabric since it's been a coon's age since I found time to sew. Spent one long night in the ER with DH while he dealt with what we think was a kidney stone - ouch. Took time out to have lunch with 2 dear friends, but then scooted off to a town south of us to pick up DH's newly soled boots from the boot shop. Had a birthday. Circumnavigated the world of FAFSA and scholarship applications as well as completed DD's High School transcript. It looks quite official if I do say so myself. I'm beat.

Now I'm helping a friend plan a baby shower (7 babies are expected this year...so far!) and ugh...taxes are beginning to nudge me towards the filing cabinet.

So who has time to sew?!

We are expecting an honest to goodness cold front with snow tonight and lows hovering at 0° for a few days so I'm going to take that as a sign to hunker down over my sewing machine and dive into some serious piecing. After all, can't let all of those precious babies come into the world without quilts!

It's Back!

2011-01-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

31 days. I was without my sewing machine for 31 days and on the verge of going mad. It was a LONG 31 days!

In the big scheme of things, no sewing machine isn't really a big deal, but I sure did miss it! But, all is well in my little sewing world because it has now returned to it's rightful place:

Alas, I have only had a partial day to enjoy it's lint-free, sweet hum and admire it's pretty stitch. I'll be out of pocket for a bit so it'll still be a while before I can really dig in. I managed to get the binding sewn on a few projects so I'll be able to hand stitch those on in the evenings.

Hoping all of y'all are managing to get more accompished than I am, but I'm not complaining...life is good!

And We're Off!

2011-01-11T14:30:00.000-08:00

No, we're not moving, nor going off on some luxurious vacation, but 2011 has taken off like a shot. I was always under the impression that January was a slow month. Don't know where the time goes. Here we are on the cusp of a new year and I feel like it's clipping along at a faster pace than I would like.

DH celebrated his birthday on New Year's Eve and I must have blinked because here it is already the 11th of the month and I haven't been able to catch my breath.

We've been in the midst of remodeling our bathroom and having the 5' x 5' window in the living room replaced so we've been dodging carpenters since before Thanksgiving. Then, after the weeks and weeks of off and on again work (and our one and only bathroom is about the size of a peanut), we began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Then the other morning I was gazing out of my nice, clean, bright, new picture window and I spotted a crack. Yep. Now they have to come back and replace it. Generally that wouldn't be a problem, but when you're dealing with an ancient ranch house, nothing is as simple as it seems. They now have to hammer out the stucco they just replaced, in order to remove the window. Sigh.

I finally got all the Christmas decorations packed away. The house always looks so empty and forlorn, yet clean and tidy, once everything is stacked back in the shed. Then I commenced to making my Thank You notes and getting them written and in the mail.

Last weekend, the kids and I hit the road and attended a wedding in Alpine, Tx. It was a fabulous weekend and the darling girl who was getting married was a stunning bride. She has always been a beautiful girl with a heart for Christ and she was marrying a boy she had known all her life. They both have incredible voices and they sang a duet to each other during the ceremony. Willie sang in Italian and yes, I cried. It was an incredible wedding with praise and worship. Willie said he wanted the focus to be on Christ. These two kids are off to a great start!

The bride's family are precious friends of ours and it was such a blessing to get to spend some time with them again. Addie had always dreamed of riding off in a horse drawn carriage, but her Dad said they just couldn't swing it so imagine her utter delight and surprise when she stepped outside of the church and saw the white carriage with two horses. I'm sure it was a truly magical day for them and I can't think of a more deserving couple.

We lounged around the little, charming town in the mountains for a while where a handsome roadrunner caught my eye and we laughed ourselves silly over the yodeling pickle.

We also took the time to surprise a couple of good friends and walk in on them unexpectedly. We hadn't seen them in 5 years and it was so much fun to see their reactions and take the time to catch up. Funny how time just disappears when you visit with old friends. Its like you just start up where you left off and fall back into the friendship. I am so blessed and this weekend just made those blessings overflow more than they already had.

I also realized that we may no longer live in Texas, but Texas is still home. I posted on Facebook about 'drinking in the moutains' and received some funny comments - one wondering if I had been hitting the moonshine. LOL! Stacy, you crack me up and your comment made my day!

This next weekend we have another wedding to attend and at some point and time I have got to get to Texas to tend to business paperwork and spend some time with my mom.

Nothing to report on the sewing front. I've been sewing machine-less since the 10th of December. So sad. My machine was in dire need of a tune up and I just couldn't put it off any longer so I drove 70 miles to have it fixed. Thing is, it still had to be carted to Texas from there and with the holidays and all, it's still not home. Sigh. I'm on the verge of going mad.

Thus, the next time I blink, I imagine I'll be turning the calendar to February and wondering what in the heck happened to January?

Merry Christmas From the End of the Dirt Road!

2010-12-24T14:48:00.001-08:00

Christmas Greetings from the end of the dirt road where the year has been good to us all
We’ve had so much rain that the desert is covered in grass that is thick and tall.

So the cattle are fat and that makes us grin, we’re thankful for the blessings that overflow
And that includes hearing from all of you whom we are so thankful to know.

We’re hoping that this finds you all blessed, and that life is treating you well
And that during this crazy, busy time of the year, you’re able to slow down for a spell.

You’ll be glad to know that this is the last year that I plan to hound you with a poem
The kids are all grown and my rhyming is retiring as I prepare for an empty nest at home.

They grew up so quickly that it made my head spin, but I’ve loved every step, every day
Now we’re sending them out with a hug and a prayer that God will guide them safely along the way.

Tyler is 20, forging his path, he signed up for the Marines recently
We’re proud and yes, I am scared, but he’s in God’s hands and that’s the best place to be.

So please keep him, and all who serve and protect, in your prayers when you pray
He’s working on the ranch till he leaves, and we’re enjoying having him here for the holiday.

He’s eating me out of house and home, and I love it, but boy, can he make cookies disappear
He still plays the guitar, loves to shoot skeet, and this fall he brought home a nice deer.

Caitlin is crazy-busy with concurrent college classes this year
Physics, Chemistry, and Algebra were once perplexing, but through hard work she did persevere.

And it all paid off when she saw all those A’s and finals were a thing of the past
One more semester and she’s headed off to college…the years went by way too fast.

Her time in the saddle has been cut severely; guess you can blame it on the Periodic table
But she still plays the piano, shoots shotgun, and rides whenever she is able.

Gary still puts in long days; he doesn’t know how to slow down
He’s up before dawn, and home after dark, days are good when he doesn’t have to make a trip to town.

I avoid town too and we joke that we’ll be hermits one day
I’m still quilting and gardening and keeping folks fed and thankful God’s hand guides my way.

May your Christmas be blessed with everything good, family and friends gathered round
Here’s wishing you health, peace and joy; may New Year adventures abound.

Here's a video I ran across that I wanted to share with y'all:
* http://www.youtube.com/user/beckykelleySTL

Crazy-Good Cinnamon Rolls

2010-12-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

I found these in a cookbook given to me by dear friends about 19 years ago and I have just recently discovered this recipe. And to think I could have been eating these for 19 years! Probably a good thing I didn't!

I tried to get a photo of the full pan, but it was next to impossible. I pulled them out of the oven as our son was walking out the door to saddle up and when I turned around, he had his hand out with a paper towel in it. I told him they were hot, but that did not deter him and he walked out, juggling it in his hands. I'll bet he devoured it before he even made it to the pens.

I made these the other day and shared them with the dear family who lives at North Camp. They are moving away and we are sad. I was hoping these cinnamon rolls would make them stay. Sigh. I guess they're not quite THAT good.

However, don't let that dissuade you from making these delectable rolls on some cold, frosty morning.

Crazy-Good Cinnamon Rolls

2 Tbsp. yeast
2 c warm water
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c shortening
1 Tbsp salt
2 eggs
6 c flour
4 Tbsp butter, softened
1/4 c brown sugar
1/8 c sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

glaze:

1 1/2 c powdered sugar

3/4 tsp vanilla

3 1/2 Tbsp milk

*Dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside. Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs and salt. Alternately add yeast / water mixture and flour. Turn dough onto floured surface and knead very lightly. Place in greased bowl and let rise 1 hour. Punch down and roll out into large rectangle. Spread with softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Roll up and pinch seams to seal. Cut into 1 1/2" pieces. Place in a 9x13" pan and 5 rolls in a 8x8" pan.

The original recipe calls for all rolls to be placed in a 9x13" pan, but when I made them all in one pan, they rose over the top and the middle rolls didn't bake through. In two pans, they were big and fluffy and tender and perfect!

Next time I make these I might try them in my big lasagna pan.

Cover and let rise overnight. This step makes these the perfect breakfast recipe because you just pop them out of the fridge and into the oven. Bake at 325° for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Drizzle with glazed frosting (I doubled the frosting glaze because we like more gooey-ness) and be prepared to be adored by everyone who eats them.

Shipping Day...Brrrr....

2010-11-30T15:42:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday, we shipped out our calves. Its been a good year and we were thrilled with the bottom dollar. Everything worked beautifully and we truly feel blessed. That being said....it was a might chilly Saturday morning when everyone headed out to the pens to saddle their horses. Brrrrr. I think this guy is glad he's sporting his winter coat, but I'll bet ol' Jack Frost was still nipping at his nose:

DH said it was 15° when he stepped outside! Blessed as we've been, I'm thinking everyone was praying for that blessing to warm up...and fast!

Seems that every year, when shipping day rolls around, it dawns as the coldest day of the year. So I know that the morning will begin well before dawn because everyone will appreciate a good, hot, hearty breakfast and I had better keep the coffee on.

I was accused of having lost my senses when I wandered outside, but it's been much too long since I got to enjoy some time behind the camera and I felt for the brand inspector (who is a friend and I hadn't seen in far too long), and the truck drivers, and the buyer. So I hauled out some coffee and some hot chocolate (for the truck driver's little boy) too. It was down right frosty out there and my pictures are horrible because my camera decided to put up a fuss and complain about the temperature. It wouldn't focus and kept giving me an 'error' reading that I have never seen before and then it just simply refused to do anything. So I apologize for these sad little excuses for photos.

Bringing in the herd:

Hard to believe that only a few short weeks ago, all of this grass was green. We're so thankful for the good, wet year we've had and that we've got good grass for the winter so brown grass, this time of year, is a blessing. Beats no grass. We've had years like that too.

These teenagers don't get too many days to sleep in around here:

Sometimes those early mornings just roll around a bit too early so as long as you're not caught sleeping on the job, a few extra winks are snuck in every now and then:

Driving the calves down the alley towards the scales:

He's probably wishing he hadn't neglected to pull on those long johns this morning:

Just whistle while you work...

Turning back calves:

The Bovine Express has arrived:

After the calves were loaded and headed to their new homes, everyone gathered in the dining room to warm up. The coffee cake muffins were devoured, the coffee was poured, and the visit and stories were entertaining and I think everyone was just thankful to have the opportunity to thaw out for a bit, but then again, it's the end of November...in New Mexico...and shipping day, so its to be expected.

Fall Finish!

2010-11-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

Finally! Gosh, it's been a long time since I've finished anything! For all the time I spend working on projects, I certainly don't seem to be getting much accomplished. Some days I feel as if I'm working backwards!

But today is a good day! I finally finished this little fall quilt for the back of the loveseat.

It just measures 51x51", but I love it. I adore fall colors and this certainly won't be the last quilt I make with the colors of autumn. I didn't use a pattern - just pieced 4 patches with 6" squares on point. This is the first time I pieced the back. I was inspired by all the cute pieced backs I've been seeing floating around in blogland.

I was excited to get it finished in time for Thanksgiving. I know - I'm cutting it close, but it can drape over the back of the couch for a few days and curl up with a family member or two before being folded into the armoire to hibernate.

I follow a fun blog called Quiltstory, that always includes the wonderful stories behind the quilts that are shared. The stories are what make quilts so priceless and everyone has a story to tell. Over time, those stories are what make up our history.

On Tuesday's they host Fabric Tuesday and invite fellow bloggers to share what they're working on. Its always fun to see what others are creating so I thought I'd share this quilt today. Hop on over there to see what others are stitching up and be inspired!

The WRCA and a Bit of Fabric Therapy

2010-11-15T05:14:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we went to Amarillo, Tx for the WRCA World Championship Ranch Rodeo. Its the one weekend a year we actually all get away from the ranch. Grandpa stayed and kept an eye on things for us - thanks Grandpa! This is always a highly anticipated weekend for us. We're kind of like kids in a candy store. Thousands of ranching folks descend upon the metropolis of Amarillo and take part in the festivities. One of these days we'll stay for the 4 days of fun, but we generally only get to stay for 2. Which really is about our limit because by the end of the second day, we're peopled out.

This weekend is somewhat like a family reunion for us because we see friends from all over the country as well as catch up with folks just down the road whom we seldom get to see. We even ran into some of DH's relatives from Nebraska and I got to spend some time, although not enough, with a dear friend from Oklahoma.

The entire shindig takes place at the Civic Center I'm pretty sure we all walked miles and miles during our stay. There are 4 nights of Ranch Rodeo competition,a huge Expo with hundreds of booths (where your entire Christmas budget can be spent and you had better get everything looked at before Saturday because if you venture into that hall on Saturday you will feel like a salmon swimming upstream with 10,000 buddies), musical entertainment, cowboy poetry, auctions, lots of food (including fabulous spiced nuts), and a ranch horse competition. The ranch horse competition is held in the arena that is actually an ice hockey arena and it is ridiculously cold in there, but we're diehards and spend at least 2 hours first thing in the morning, watching the horses...and shivering to keep warm.

I am a horrible blogger. I didn't take very many pictures, although my intentions were good. Here's one of our friends competing in the ranch horse competition:

I didn't take any of the rodeo. I just had my little pocket camera along and it doesn't take very good action pictures in an arena.

So you get random pictures like this:

Yes, those are curtains, or swags..in our hotel room. We got a kick out of them because we felt like we were in Europe instead of West Texas. DD said she thought it looked like we were staying in Persia. I didn't even know she knew Persia existed since Geography is not her strong suit. Can you tell we don't get out often? Doesn't take much to entertain us.

We weren't even staying in a swanky hotel.

On the first morning we awoke to this:

It had been 70° the day before, but that's West Texas weather for you. We scraped off a couple inches of snow off of the truck and headed to the arena where, two hours later, I scraped another 4" off.

The trees were still showing off their fall coats. I don't think they were expecting this:

After all the hobnobbing, I try to sneak off and hit the town for a bit of fabric therapy. This year I attacked with a plan and a list and boy oh boy, did I have fun! I'm debating whether I should even fess up to all I brought home. Honestly, if only quilters read my blog, they would understand, but the rest of ya'll would think I had taken leave of my senses. I keep telling myself I only get there once a year so if I divide it all up into 12 months, it doesn't look so bad. Yeah, I didn't fall for it either. I bought a lot of fabric. I spent a lot of my cooking check from cooking for the crew this fall.

A lot of the yardage I bought was for backs of quilts so that added up quickly. I got backing for this quilt:

As well as this one:

And some snowflake flannel for the back of another one.

I bought 9 yards (yes, 9) of this lovely, rich brown from Moda's French General line for the Granny Square quilt Moda Lissa designed that is in the October issue of American Patchwork & Quilting:

I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it and have been searching for a rich brown. I will go through that brown like crazy. It was the perfect brown for the horse baby quilt I pieced and I've already used it for borders.

I couldn't pass up the Fun Flower line either. I think it'll make a darling baby quilt for a little girl...or two: Seems as if there are a lot of babies on the way around here. There are a couple of odds and ends mixed in here too:

Then I mostly picked up lots,

and lots

of half yards. I am addicted to scrap quilts and I went through my stash before I left, cutting strips for some projects waiting in the wings, so I picked up some things to fill in the blanks. Looks like I had lots of blanks to fill, huh?

I guess I really shouldn't be let loose in a quilt store alone. I really have lots of self control when it comes to other things. I have no desire to shop for clothes. I am perfectly content with our 11 year old truck. I don't buy dishes...or jewelry...or shoes. My weakness is fabric, but I'm fairly certain that those of you that quilt, have the same condition...or sickness...or obsession. We're all in the same boat and as long as we've got our needle and thread and stash, we'll just keep sailing along. I know I'm not alone...I read your blogs!

Custom Made Sewing Table

2010-11-10T08:26:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, when I went to the quilt show, something caught my eye. You've probably seen those quilt ladders. Well, I've been eyeing them for some time and sure enough, there was a booth filled with them so I sauntered in and met the builder. My eyes quickly darted from the ladders, to the pretty coffee tables with glass storage for quilts, to the nice wall cabinets for thread storage. So we began to visit... and visit...and visit some more. I was thrilled to find out that he was a local resident and just about the nicest guy you could ever meet. Come to find out, he also makes these very cool sewing tables. Well, they really set on top of a table, but they allow you to have a even surface with your sewing machine so that you can eliminate that drag when you're quilting. He custom makes these for any machine and he'll make them any size. Mine is just a standard 2' x 4' because I just don't have a lot of room, but I love it!

It just makes sewing and quilting so much nicer! It allows my space to be portable too which I sometimes need for it to be. He'll make an actual table with cabinets and drawers too (he made one for one of the lady's who works at the quilt store), but I think this a great solution for those of us who don't really have a dedicated sewing room.

On the plus side, we've got great windows in this house and the light is wonderful here.

He's made them for lots of the quilters in the area. Here's the one he made for me:

My sewing machine just slides in from the end and nests neatly in this niche. I don't have it butted up against there just right in this photo:

Its got a great storage space underneath. At he moment, I have some of my thread tucked in on the left end:

And just to the left of my machine, I have this utensil organizer that houses small items like my scissors and my walking foot and needles:

The lady that quilts some of my quilts has two of these tables and she told me that the little organizers work well.

There's another cubby behind the machine on the right side too, but I don't have anything stashed there yet.

I love the color too. I told Bobby to just use whatever he had. I'm sure glad it wasn't pink! Not that I have anything against pink, but this just fits in with our home better.

Bobby even offered to drive out to my house to take the measurements of my machine, but I just hauled it in to him. Added bonus: when I walked into he and his wife's home, I got to see all of the amazing things he has built. Wish I could show you pictures, but he probably already thinks I'm a bit strange and it just may confirm his notion if I started snapping pictures in his home. I wanted to rip his kitchen cabinets off of his wall and take them home.

I've also been looking for a microwave cart and yep, you guessed it: there it was in Bobby's home. Guess what he's building me next? I think he needs to adopt me.

But for now, I am hunkered down right here whenever time allows

...and even sometimes, when time doesn't allow. Burnt cookies, anyone?

In the meantime, I am simply over the moon about my little sewing table. I left the ladder so that Santa could bring it to me for Christmas.

While Hubby was Away Hunting...

2010-11-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

...I reverted back to my night owl days

...I still could not manage to sleep past 6 even if I went to bed at 2

...I took a sabbatical from the kitchen

...I realized that a king-sized bed is too big when he's not here

...I thought I should try staying in my pajamas all day but never made it past 7 am

...it took me 1 minute to make the bed in the morning

...the ice cream bucket stayed full

...I spent glorious time in the mornings out with the horses, spoiling them even though they are ranch horses and not pets

...I missed the jingle of his spurs

...I baked cookies and gave them to the UPS man because hubby was not here to eat them

...I realized I could live off of tortillas, cheese, and pico de gallo, substituting a potato for the tortilla one day

...I made a pot of coffee for him out of habit (I love the smell, but do not drink it)

...I spent many a hour playing with fabric

...I missed him a lot

...I sewed every day until the cows (and hubby) came home

Candy Bar Sliders

2010-10-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick little project I made for the 3 little tykes of some friends. I loved doing things like this for my kids and their friends when they were small. Then they went and grew up on me.

Just pull the little ribbon on top and the chocolate appears:

Come to think of it, I don't think kids ever outgrow chocolate!

I originally saw these somewhere on the Internet a few years ago as hot chocolate sliders and I made some last year for smaill gifts that we added to the goody plates for friends. I think they would also be cute with a packet of chicken soup for a friend who is not feeling well.

I just used scraps from my scrapbooking stash. Seems its the only time I pull that stuff out anymore. Quilting seems to have taken over every spare minute I have.

Hope everyone's enjoying their fall! We're heading to the kitchen to make caramel apples! Yum!

Corn Salad

2010-10-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

OK - I've had a few days to recuperate from all that cooking. I've cleaned and scrubbed and although there is always more to do, I am calling it quits. Today I have been elbow deep in apples, but I thought I would share an easy recipe with you before we hunker down for the winter.

This is a fairly new recipe that instantly became a favorite. My MIL, who is a wonderful cook, made it a year or two ago and initially, we weren't sure if we'd like it, but all it took was one bite and we were asking for the recipe. This is so good and a great dish to take to a pot luck. I even make it for the crew when we work and it disappears. Generally cowboys aren't known for their willingness to expand their culinary palette, but they always dig into this with gusto and I hear lots of, "Dang, this is good salad" mutterings drift into the kitchen. So if it passes the cowboy test, I guess its one I can share here. Its a pretty dish too.

I make this early in the morning so the flavors combine. It really doesn't get any easier than this.

Corn Salad

3 cans whole kernel corn, well drained
1/2 c chopped black olives
1 small chopped green pepper
1/2 c chopped onion
1cucumber, diced
2 tomatoes, diced
1 c chopped pepperoni

Dressing:
1 pkg Hidden Valley Dressing Mix
1 c real mayonnaise

*Combine corn, olives, green pepper, onion, cucumber, tomatoes, and pepperoni in a bowl. Mix together dressing and stir into salad. Chill.

The Recipe Book

2010-10-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

I cook a lot and I collect a lot of recipes. Even so, there are times when I get into a rut and feel like I cook the same thing over and over. I'm always on the lookout for new, tried and true recipes to add to my collection and through the years, my friends and family have been proven sources for the recipes that make it into the cookbook so thanks to all of you who have shared your treasured recipes with me through the years!

Monday was the first day of our Fall Works here on the ranch and I've been spending a lot of time making menus and lists. So food related posts are what you get.

I have a number of cookbooks although I have narrowed them down considerably in recent years. Then, the other day I tried a new cinnamon roll recipe from a cookbook given to me by a dear friend (miss you C!) almost 20 years and it became an instant favorite so now I am afraid to let any more go.

I also subscribe to Taste of Home and I used to subscribe to what was once called Quick Cooking. However, in recent years, I've noticed a change in their pages. I still find some keepers, but I've been disappointed lately. Seeems they have 'improved' their magazines and in doing so, they lost something along the way. We just don't have much call for bean sprout casserole out here.

Then I have this box where various recipes have been tossed to try. In years past, DD and I have had some fun just opening the box and blindly selecting one from the ever increasing pile and giving it a test run.

Then there is this:

Yes, this is my recipe book - filled with my family's favorites. However, its seen better days and I decided it was high time to give it a complete overhaul. New notebook with more space and lots of pages. I was even going to make a cover for it and call it "Recipes from the End of the Dirt Road", but I was vehemently overruled and told in no uncertain terms that the book was not to be tampered with. (Let's see if I can leave that preposition at the end of that sentence). Apparently my poor, worn, little, black book brings about strong feelings of affection and possessiveness amongst the members of my family.

DD informed me that it was perfectly alright for me to make another recipe book, but the original must stay untouched. I'm not sure if I'm ready to tackle rewriting each and every recipe though so I suppose I'll just flip to the batter stained page that lovingly cradles that Pea Pickin' Cake and mix up something tasty.

As for what to do with all the recipes I still wish to include because there isn't a smidge of room for any new additions, I haven't a clue. I've got loose pages haphazzardly stuck in the back and they are rapidly taking over:

I'm thinking this will be a work in progress and I really should find a way to duplicate that old book so that the kids don't fight over it when I'm gone. At the rate its going, its already in two pieces and the packing tape is the only thing keeping it together. Even the duct tape wore off somewhere along the line.

You know, come to think of it, this book holds a place in my heart too. What I wouldn't give to have a book like this from my Mom or Grandmother. Lots of memories in these pages.

I'm glad that the kids have such fond memories of the times we have spent in the kitchen and around the dining room table while they were growing up. Its funny how a little tattered book can elicit such strong emotions, but it makes me happy that it does. Not bad for a gal who couldn't cook when she married over 23 years ago.

The book stays.

Quilt Show Therapy

2010-10-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

O.K. Day 9 of cooking for a crew. I should be sharing recipes. I should be sharing the excitement of scrubbing the stove...again. I should be sharing profound thoughts from the kitchen. But I am tired of food. I am tired of dishes. I am tired of bleach.

I want to grab my camera and capture the excitement of Fall Works.
I want to walk outside and inhale the essence of autumn.
I want to play with fabric.
But I can't.
But I can pop into the office between batches of biscuits and piles of potatoes and talk about something other than my kitchen adventures.

A few weeks ago I took myself to town...willingly. Every 2 years the guild in town puts on a quilt show and I think a quilt show is a worthy reason to make myself leave my dirt road. Wish I could only go every 2 years, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

I didn't even go with anyone. Just me, myself, and I spent almost 3 hours lost in the wonderful world of quilts and yummy fabric. Loved it. It was good for the soul. I lingered. I pondered. I loitered.

I could look at quilts forever and find it fascinating that not one quilt is ever like another. I love the stories behind them and was disappointed when the information sheet did not include a bit about how the quilt came to be. I've been to quilt shows where they include a paragraph about why the quilter made the particular quilt and I always find it fascinating. I know the lady in charge of the next show and I think I'm going to suggest that to her. She made this quilt, which made me chuckle, as a '3' challenge in her guild. Everything had to be in 3's or multiples of 3's.

What a fun optical illusion, but wow, my eyes would be permanently crossed if I made this:

This quilt was pieced by a man and quilted by his wife:

While I was admiring it, a couple walked past and I heard the husband exclaim to his wife, "Don't get any ideas". LOL.

I don't know why, but I seem to be drawn to quilts that have some black in them. I like the stained glass effect of this one.

Looks simple enough. The quilter just used southwestern prints. I'm thinking western.

LOVED this autumn quilt:

All those pumpkins were just wonderful! Almost seemed as if each had its own character.

This was the 1st place quilt and the title made me laugh: "Finally!" I can only imagine what a labor of love this must have been.

Fell in love with this Civil War Tribute one. My longarm quilter made it and I fell in love with it when it was on her design wall. I don't know how she has time to make quilts for herself because the majority of the quilts in this show were quilted by her. I adore this lady...and her quilts!

If there is a horse / western quilt, I'll love it and this one started out with a panel fabric that I've seen, but never brought home because I didn't have a clue what to do with it. Apparently, this quilter did:

Here's a really fun, bright quilt that would be fun for a teenage girl. Just not my teenage girl...she needs horses. I love tghe colors, but I would have a hard time falling asleep under this quilt:

There were lots of miniature quilts - wall hangings - landscape pieces in the show. Lots of the area guilds seemed to have taught classes on this. Its like painting - with fabric and I loved the intricate details. I don't have the patience for something like this, but I'm really intrigued by these. DD would love this one:

This one looked like a photograph:

I fell in love with this one:

The trees had an interesting treatment that gave this piece a lot of dimension:

As did the tiny quilts on the line in the bottom left hand corner. I just wanted to pop in behind these women and join them in their quilting in that charming little cabin.

I'm always drawn to Americana quilts too.
In fact, I have quite a collection of fabrics that are patiently waiting for me to make them into a quilt...or two...or three. I love how this quilter pieced this quilt together so that crosses formed in the center of the squares.

I'm going to have to track her down and interrogate her. I probably shouldn't begin another Log Cabin while the present one still lingers in its boot box though.
I was intrigued. I was challenged. I was inspired.
An afternoon spent in the company of quilts makes for a good day and its cheaper than therapy.
Alas, I am being summoned by the pots and pans that are stacked in the kitchen and although the biscuits have no trouble rising on their own, the potatoes are refusing to be mashed without me.

What a Good Year Looks Like in the Desert

2010-09-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

We live in the desert. Lots of mesquite. Rattlesnakes. Cactus. Coyotes. Dirt. Dry. Wind. Now don't get me wrong. We love it. We still miss the mountains and desert of West Texas, but we've been blessed here and even here, there is beauty. We have stunning sunsets and the sunrises are worth getting up for. The colors of the desert, when the light plays on the landscape, are not found in any paint store. Only God's color box is capable of producing the masterpieces that suddenly appear and take your breath away with regularity.

Yep. Desert.

But, this year is different. We've had over 17" of rain so far and the desert has transformed into a grassland. The cattle are more than belly-deep in tall grass that dances on the breeze:

Everything is in a mode that requires celebration. The ranchers have big grins on their faces.

The horses enjoy their daily swim in the dirt tank where they splash and act like kids and stand tummy deep in the thick grass in the evenings, catching the first breezes of autumn:

The birds congregate in the shallow places and drown out the quiet with their chattering and busy-ness:

Gus cannot contain himself and must wriggle and wallow in the cool, damp earth after a good, soaking rain:

Only the colts look downtrodden. They are locked in the pens for a bit as they are presently in colt training and they are experiencing a dose of 'the grass is greener on the other side',which in this case, happens to be true:

When it rains we get puddles. Puddles make us happy. Puddles also make the weeds grow and now they are too high for me to mow:

I know that these years are few and far between so we're really thankful for each and every drop. Alas, even when it rains, DH can not just sit. However, yesterday he had to do just that. He took off after dinner and headed south in the tractor to work on a road with blue skies above.

20 minutes later, sprinkles appeared here at headquarters, followed by a good soaking. DH calls and laments that the tractor broke down and he is sitting in a river. Now, just to clarify - we don't have any rivers on the ranch. The water just accumulates faster than it can be absorbed and we have temporary canals...like in Venice. Just humor me, ok.

So he can't go anywhere and we decide to send DD out to bring Daddy home after the rain stops. Which is over and hour.

Poor DH. He does not wait well and although I'm sure he would have enjoyed a nap while waiting, the tractor is not exactly conducive to a good snooze.

I'm thinking they actually enjoyed mudding home:

On days like this, I can't help but want to be outdoors. Its a wonder I ever get anything done indoors because I would be content to just wander and take in the blessings of all this rain and when the sun begins to sink, I love the way the light plays across the land:

And darts across the pastures:

And settles into the horizon:

Nope. Doesn't resemble a desert much today, does it?

Feeling Neglected

2010-09-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

Not me...my sewing machine. Poor thing has been cast away into a corner to gather dust. Honestly, it sat for over 3 weeks without nary a thought. Well, I thought about it. Just couldn't muster up the time to actually put it to work. I actually went through days where I'm pretty certain I was experiencing withdrawal symptoms. I don't generally have an addictive personality, unless you count green chile and pico de gallo, but I was getting a bit shaky.

However, a few days ago, I did dust the poor thing off and begin to whisper sweet nothings into the bobbin case. When I actually sat down behind it, I felt like I was enjoying a long overdue visit with an old friend.

Presently, I need to really work on a quilt block for a dear friend's daughter's wedding quilt. I've been in a quandry as to what to do, but I think I've just about settled upon something. The square we were asked to design is "Texas Cowboy Poetry" and they wanted to incorporate the poems A. had written. A few days ago I stumbled upon this design that I love and want to include

so I'm hoping to get the quilt block done this week.

Before I left for Texas, I started piecing the blocks for another quilt. This fabric line is way out of my comfort zone, but I must have been feeling adventurous that day and I know I must be making it for someone else who will love it - hopefully.

I finished the top for this quilt:

Just need to find a backing.

I embroidered a tea towel for a friend the other day, but I gave it to her without taking a picture. I also have to get quite a few more done for Christmas, but I am in need of some good quality flour sack towels. The ones I picked up locally simply will not do and this little pink angel needs to be on a nice towel.

This baby quilt is in the midst of being pieced as well.
Posting this for Bobbie who let me know I needed to include a photo. Here you go girl, just a peek though:

Then I have this collection of wool.

And here's the backing fabric:

When DH and I were driving back from San Antone, we stopped at this little shop in Brady. I needed some yarn to send to a friend and I thought DH might like to choose some wool for me to make him a vest. Well he saw this enormous wool selection and piped up, "I'm thinking a hunting quilt!" LOL! So we commenced to picking and choosing pieces and I am waitng for the Fall weather to arrrive so that I can begin to piece him a patchwork wool quilt. I adore this man, but I'm not too keen on sewing with wool when its still 90° outside! However, the mountains...in November...in a tent...I'm thinking it'll be mighty handy to have around!

I also put together a jar for a scrapbooking swap last week. We had to alter the jar in the colors chosen (she chose red and blue) and this is what I came up with:

Here's a view from the top:

I hope she likes it. I've never altered anything before and it's been a coon's age since I scrapped anything.

Then I made a few cards for some friends whose twins are turning 2:

These were fun to make, but I don't know where that odd shadow next to Piglet came from.

I am also practicing on my machine quilting skills. At this point, I'm afraid to quilt on a big quilt in fear of making a mess of things.

So there you have it. A sewing - crafting update. It'll probably be a while before I have anything else to share as far as sewing goes because we are on the cusp of beginning our Fall Works in a couple of weeks and my sewing machine will once again be relegated to that lonely corner while I lavish all of my attention on the cast iron cookware.

Where did August Go?

2010-09-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Wow. It's been a crazy month. I'm fairly certain that August took place, but it's all been a blur to me. Contrary to popular belief, I have NOT been sitting on my laurels either. What the heck are laurels anyway? Well, either way, I haven't been sitting on them.

I spent about 10 days in San Antonio with my mom and caught up on all the business paperwork and such as well as just spending some good quality time with her. Its hard to believe that Daddy's been gone a whole year. Mom wanted to stay busy on that particular day and all I wanted to do was curl up in a corner, but stay busy we did because I wanted to make it as easy as possible for her. It was a tough day.

My dear, sweet, hubby flew down on Monday and helped tend to lots of things to help Mom. He was at Home Depot less than an hour after he landed and built some spiffy railings along the stairs that lead off the deck along with tending to a bunch of other honey-do's. We didn't ask him to do any of this, it was all his idea and at this point in my post I could very easily move into bragging nonstop about this fabulous guy, but I won't. Suffice it to say, I am blessed... and thankful.

We drove back home together on Thursday and on Friday morning we were back in the truck at 4:30. Yes, we have taken leave of our senses, but then again, that shouldn't really come as a surprise to anyone.

Our wonderful friends, who once upon a time, lived at North Camp, have moved back into the area. Yeah...Yippee...and two thumbs up! So we headed out to help them move in. Alas, I should have known. C is so much like my DH. They got to their new place late on Thursday night about 2 hours after we passed by and unloaded just about everything. DH got to help with 3 items. They are just so much alike that its scary. So we just got to enjoy a good visit and a dozen Krispy Creme Donuts that we brought back from the big city.

Since then, we've been revving up for a crazy Fall. Speaking of Fall - it can get here anytime now. Not that it needs my permission or anything, just putting in my 2 cents.

We had Antelope hunters here this past weekend. Most of them were from New York and New Jersey and I am always amused by their accents. They probably wonder why the crazy lady is always grinning at them. Alas, I couldn't scare them too badly - they keep coming back each year. They're awfully nice guys so I won't hold it against them that they're Yankees. I'm pretty sure that they don't hold it against us that we're hicks either.

Now we're heading into our shipping season and I'm in the planning stages. We'll work 10 days and just thinking about it is making me tired. 10 days of cooking for the crew will wear me out, but yet, I look forward to it every year. So here's a call for any and all recipes that will make a cowboy sing. I've collected a stash of tried and true recipes through the years, but I sure could use a few new ones to add some variety.

In August we also sent DS back to his place of Higher Learning. More change. Ugh. Miss that kid, but pray that he has a successful semester. Loved having him home this summer and with the exception of him adjusting to ranch hours versus college hours, it was a good summer.

DD is starting her senior year and taking Physics, Chemistry, her last Algebra, and American Lit. She swears that Physics is evil and I just might have to agree with her. She's also studying for her ACT test and before I left for San Antonio, we made a trip to visit the college she's hoping to attend. We made a trip across state lines to the fabulous land that is Texas.

Sorry. Once Texas gal, always a Texas gal!

We were headed to Canyon to look at the college DD is interested in attending. DH was slated to join us, but he was hit with some unknown, but horrible, icky bug that knocked him on his keester and it takes a lot to put him out of commission. So with a promise that we'd take him on a tour when we headed back that direction in November, the 2 of us set out to conquer the day. Its been a rough summer with DD away. We missed her like crazy so it was REALLY nice to spend the day together and even though we left the house at 4:30 in the morning, we had a fabulous day!

Loved the campus and had a fun tour with the student who showed us around before meeting with the Pre-Vet department head. He gave DD the "Fear of God before entering Vet School" speech. It gave her a lot to think and pray about and we'll see if God wants her to pursue that or turn her another direction. but she's motivated and excited for what lies ahead!

Even though I'll be a complete mess when she leaves next fall, I'm excited for her too. While we were discussing her leaving, I got a bit teary eyed and she teased me about it. I told her we should just change the subject and she laughed, "Mama! We're on our way to look at a college and you want to change the subject?!" What can I say?

Ok - well that kind of catches ya'll up on life at the end of the dirt road. I'll be back tomorrow with a sewing update. Off to whip something up for dinner...

2 Times in 23 Years with some Quilting Thrown in for Good Measure

2010-08-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit bleary eyed this morning. Well, a lot bleary eyed. I stayed up until 4 this morning...willingly.

Many moons ago, I used to be a night owl. Being married to an early bird rancher for over 23 years has cured me of that! However, last night I did something I haven't done in 23 years with the exception of 1 other time since we were married. It's nothing earth shattering. I didn't skydive. Or swim the English Channel. Or sail down the Nile. I stayed alone. LOL.

5 years ago I traveled for a funeral and stayed in a hotel alone, but other than that, I have ALWAYS had someone in the house. Every single night.

I know, not a big deal, but it's a strange sensation and the house suddenly gets really enormous when you're in it alone. My family isn't loud, but it sure did get quiet last night! I think I could hear the roping steers snoring out in the lot.

DD and DH were spending the weekend in the mountains, scouting in the area DH drew for his elk hunt this fall. They spent 2 days riding horses through the wilderness and hiking up peaks. I sent a camera along, but we'll see if they come back with any photos.

DS was packing to head back to college and mucking out his room that morphed into a dorm room while he was here this summer. My children (both of them) are pack rats. It's not genetic... or maybe I'm just in denial. So he pulled out on Saturday, loaded with everything a college boy will ever need. Hopefully that includes the brain cells to bring back the good grades that he is more than capable of producing! I didn't find any lingering in his room, so he should have them with him.

As for me, I dried my tears and headed for the quilt shop about 75 miles away. It really is the best therapy and after a couple of hours, I emerged with a couple of fat sacks, and a skinny wallet.

I like to have a plan when I go to the quilt store because if I don't, I end up with all kinds of purchases that add up to a whole lot of "Ooohh...I need that, but I have no idea what I'm going to do with it", not to mention a whole lot of money.

That's not to say that I won't peek into a fabric shop just to see what there is to see (my truck is programmed to automatically stop at each and every one. Heck, I didn't even know it came with that option! Nice perk!), or wander off and let fabrics just jump onto the cutting table, but a plan is always preferred.

So yesterday my plan was to find a couple of backings for both the hexagon quilt top and the 30's top, along with some fabrics for a baby quilt, and some background fabric for another quilt.

Quilters are so friendly, but I'm sure if you're a quilter, you already know that. The ladies that own this particular quilt shop are no exception. DH says that they're just friendly because they see dollar signs when I walk through the door, but what does he know?

They always ooh and awe over my quilts and are very helpful in helping me make my selections. I wonder if that's a prerequisite for working in a quilt store, even if it's an ugly quilt. Honestly, though, I don't know if there is such a thing as an ugly quilt ( well, with the exception of my hexagon quilt before I ripped it apart - ugh! That was a sad, sad, little quilt!). So anyway, a trip to the quilt shop is good for my ego. My bank account, not so much.

So I found a backing for the hexagon quilt and it's 108" so no piecing required! Nothing jumped out at me for the 30's quilt so it remains backless, but I found wonderful pinks and brown cowgirl prints for the baby quilt. I went in there thinking greens and pinks and purples, but quickly fell in love with this new selection. It was one of the reasons I was up all night because I cut and pieced most of it as soon as I got home. I dug through my stash in search of horsey colors, but still need to pick up some odds and ends for the applique part.

At the last minute, 2 jelly rolls of a Hill Country Wildflower line from a few years ago begged and pleaded to come home with me and who was I to deny them. I miss the Texas Hill Country and I've often fawned over these fabrics and they are fast becoming extinct. I have no idea what they will grow up to be, but I'll just enjoy their little jelly roll-ness (yes, that is now a word) for a while before I chop them up. Oh, sorry, that sounds violent.

How about... before they are re-configured into a warm, snuggly, comforting design of quilty goodness. Much better... or perhaps my lack of sleep is becoming apparent.

I know. I know. You're wondering where the pictures are, but I sent the camera with DH so you're out of luck today.

I found what I needed for the new quilt I want to make and cut all of that out as well. I already had the layer cake for it so I only needed something for the background and once I made the first block, I HAD to make more. Thus, my all night sewing marathon.

I have to laugh though. I was kind of wandering how I would handle an empty house and God must have thought I wasn't ready because he sent over the sweet, young Mom from North Camp and her 3 little (2-yr old twins and a 4-yr old), darling kids not long after DS pulled out of the drive. We had a really nice visit and some adventures with cat food. They are the neatest family.

This morning I remembered why the night owl life doesn't suit me anymore. I am dragging. I feel a nap coming on... after I sew some more.

So even though I was able to wallow in fabric and thread and all things quilty this weekend, I miss my family and 2 times in 23 years is enough for me. I'll save the trip down the Nile for another time.

This and That and I Don't Like Change

2010-08-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we're being blessed with yet another incredible summer rain shower! What a summer we've had! The pastures are green and filled with thick, tall grass. The cattle are belly deep in grass and that's an unusual site around here in the desert and we're thankful for every green blade.

Alas, all this rain means that I'm spending an inordinate amount of time behind the mower. I'm thinking about putting in a request for a riding mower next year. We've got a pretty big yard and then when you add in everything around the headquarters, you're looking at about 5 acres. With everyone else covered up in ranch work, this chore falls to me so I generally trudge out about 6 in an attempt to beat the heat and put in a couple of hours as the resident yard slave before turning into the kitchen fairy and heading in to whip up something for dinner. Between baking bread, or making pickles, and heaven forbid I don't pop something in for dessert, the mornings just evaporate.

However, I still fall into the very spoiled category because come the afternoon, I do have the opportunity for a short nap, or to flip a few pages in the latest book I'm reading, ~~or to clean the bathroom,~~
... or to play with fabric.

Quilting has been a slow process lately because I'm hand sewing 31 hexagon flowers onto my latest project. I did finish piecing the top for the hexagon quilt-a-long, but I'm in need of some material for the backing. Guess I have no choice but to make a trip to my favorite quilt shop. I'll tell you - the things we HAVE to do sometimes! I might need someone to twist my arm. However, I have to say that spending all that extra time ripping apart those hexagons was worth it! I actually really like the finished top! Just boggles my mind how the exact same fabric can come alive by simply placing it in a different position.

I am also finishing the top to my 30's quilt so I'm hoping to have 2 completed projects to share soon!

Then its on to something new! I'm still deciding. I'm thinking I'm ready for something quick and easy.

On the home front - Camp wrangler kid came home on Saturday. Gosh I missed that kid and she's already gone again! She was here long enough for me to get her into the dentist for a cleaning and then she left again this morning. Headed back to the camp for a 2 day retreat and then she's meeting up with her Daddy for a weekend of scouting and packing back into the mountains with horses. DH drew an elk tag this year and he's trying to become acclimated with the area.

DS is pulling out this weekend and heading back to college. Loved having him home for the summer, but it sure is different once they go away to college. Seems like everyone's coming and going and I'm just trying to keep track of where everyone is.

I've actually been kind of sad this summer. Too many transitions all at once and I'm not very good at embracing change. The changes are exciting for the kids so that makes it easier, but gosh it sure keeps a Mama on her knees.

The next day or two I'll be fixing up some goodies for DS to take back to college. He's getting a batch of spicy pickles that I make, his favorite cookies, some homemade rolls, and part of a pound cake that he loves. Then once he pulls out, I think that'll be the perfect time to drown my sorrows amidst the bolts of quilting fabric at the quilt shop.

Wonder if they'll welcome a teary-eyed Mama.

Prize-Winning Blueberry Muffins

2010-08-04T06:06:00.000-07:00

I made these yesterday morning and since they were practically devoured, I thought they deserved to be shared. Next week I'll make them up using cranberries!

Blueberry Muffins

1/2 c sugar

1/4 c butter, softened

1 c sour cream

1 egg

1 Tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp freshly grated lemon peel

1 1/2 c flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 c fresh or frozen (do not thaw) blueberries

1 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp freshly grated lemon peel

*Preheat oven to 375°. Place paper baking cups into muffin tins. Set aside,

Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup of butter in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often until creamy. Add sour cream, egg, lemon juice, and 1 tsp lemon peel. Continue beating until well mixed.

Add 1 1/2 c flour and 1 tsp baking soda to sour cream mixture until just moistened. Over mixing will cause them to loose their fluffiness and we all know that fluffy muffins are better! Gently stir in blueberries. Spoon batter into muffin cups.

Combine 1 Tbsp of sugar and 1 tsp of lemon peel in small bowl. Sprinkle over each muffin and pop into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.

We're having another round of crazy, hot weather and my baking has pretty much dwindled down to nothing, but I braved the pre-dawn hours and turned on the oven to make these. It was worth it!

North to Nebraska

2010-07-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

Looks like I've been neglecting my blogging duties lately, but in all honesty, I've been trying to get these photos loaded for a week now and blogger hasn't been very cooperative. Even now, its been slow going.

A few weeks ago DH's uncle passed away and we made a super fast trip to Nebraska. DH has a huge family and although we keep up around the holidays, none of us are very good about keeping in touch the rest of the year and its been 18 years since we've been up there, with the exception of DH flying up in 1999 when his grandfather passed away. Why is it we only get together during weddings and funerals anymore?

So, other than we wish the reason for our trip had been more enjoyable, it was wonderful to catch up with everyone. All the kids have grown up and another generation is being added to the family tree since our last visit. Heck, I think I'm just now getting all his first cousins lined out and connected with the right set of parents! Being an only child, I was quite overwhelmed when I first met his family. He only has 2 siblings, but his grandparents had 7 children on one side and 5 on the other and they all had lots of children.

Once DD was asking DH about his cousins and DH told her to get a piece of paper. She returned with a notebook sized piece and he grinned, "Get a bigger piece." LOL!

I love his family. They are all so hospitable and story telling is both near and dear to their hearts and apparently it has a very strong dominance in the gene pool. No worries about it becoming a lost art with this bunch! My how the stories did fly! I don't think there's shy one in the bunch!

Suddenly his cousin, Steve, brought up one story about how he remembers DH telling about how I looked like a turtle when I was about 8 months pregnant with DS and trying to get out of the water bed in the mornings.

You've GOT to be kidding! I looked at Steve and said, "Out of all the stories you have to tell in this family, you have to remember THAT one?! Gee thanks! Just how I like to be remembered! LOL! I guess I should be honored that I've earned a place in the storytelling, Makes me feel as if I've been grafted onto the family tree...even if it is as a turtle!

DH is really the quiet one, but I've never heard him talk so much as I did during this trip - and we've been together for 26 years! Although I still think he listened more than he talked.

With the exception of a stop at Cabela's to stretch our legs (like we need an excuse to stop there!), we pretty much went from point A to point B on this trip. I took along my hexagon flowers and worked on getting them on their blocks when I wasn't driving. My powers of persuasion must be diminishing because I was unable to convince DH to work on them when I did drive, but I managed to get about half of them stitched on. Some of my stitches are quite wobbly though. Driving along highway 76, through Colorado, was interesting. We pretty much rattled the entire way. I have a bone to pick with the Colorado Highway Department! If I had had any fillings, they would have been shaken loose! Gave dirt roads a run for their money! DH got tickled watching me and then when I got the giggles, it became even more challenging.

We stayed in Alliance, NE that night. DH was born there and we enjoyed touring his old stomping grounds although most of the stomping he did there was along the sidewalks while he waited for his Mom to finish her shopping. Alliance is a quaint little town with the original cobblestone streets still in tact:

The little pharmacy/drugstore he remembered was still in business too. I love little towns like this. They have such character.

After being cooped up in the truck for so long, we were tired, but not ready to call it a night at the motel so we stopped in at the local Subway and enjoyed our supper at dusk in the local park.

Which by the way, was very impressive! It was green and peaceful and clean and charming.

I wish we had arrived earlier in order to snap more pictures. I missed the impressive flower garden and playground area. There's a huge pool too with a water slide and extensive biking and jogging paths as well.

I was shocked to see this fabulous fountain in the midst of this peaceful place and although I was just bemoaning the fact that it was too dark for pictures, this little gem made me change my tune.

Looks very Parisian to me.

It was a nice way to wind down before hitting the sheets. I was exhausted, but DH wasn't even a bit tired. He says that he didn't do anything all day. He's not good at kicking back. Even in motel rooms, he's up before daylight and ready to go. There's not much I would change about that man, but this might be the one area that could use some work! Grin!

We then traveled east about 75 miles to a little bit of a town called Ashby and then Hyannis. That's where DH grew up. Just a few hundred people and I'll bet most of them are related to him!

The service was really nice and celebrated the life of a man I wish I had known better. It was good to spend time with his 4 children and his one daughter is fabulous! What a neat gal! She sure had to learn to hold her own with 3 rascally brothers!

We spent the next night with DH's cousin, Dave and his amazing wife, Mickie. They have a beautiful place:

The boys saddled up and rode across the sandhills the next morning while Mickie and I enjoyed a morning of fellowship, chatting, a nice walk, and a tour of their home place. The sandhills put Ireland to shame!

We come from alfalfa country and I was so impressed with all of this natural grass they bale. The mown paths look funny. They're all wobbly and wavy and it looks like someone took an extra nip of moonshine but they have to avoid the marshy areas that pepper the pastures. I've never seen so much green!

The sand just sifts through your hands like silk. Not a rock nor a pebble to be found. The amazing marshes were covered with a vast variety of waterfowl and I would have loved to throw a fishing line in the water.

You can dig down 20' and hit water in that country!

I adore Mickie! What a wonderful blessing she is! They're expecting their first grandchild and I can't wait to get started on a baby quilt!

We reluctantly pulled out at noon and headed back south. Dave lent DH a packing saddle and I told Dave that he would get it back on one condition - they have to come and get it! Grin!

On our way back, we passed by Lake McConaughy, just outside Ogallalla. I love that name. I don't know why, but it just rolls off the tongue. I'm wondering if I was ever meant to be a beach bum because I sure am drawn to shores and I really just wanted to jump on the back of this guy's jet ski as we whizzed across the bridge:

We left on Thursday and after a total of 1658 miles, we rolled back onto the ranch on Sunday morning. Whew! So good to be home! I sure do wish Nebraska wasn't so far though!

I wasn't sure things back home would look very green after being in the sandhills, but it looks awfully good! The weeds are alive and well and my mower is calling my name! Guess I'll just have to close my eyes and tell myself its a jet ski.

As Ye Shall Sew...So Shall Ye Rip

2010-07-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

Today's post title is brought to you by Jen. Jen commented on my previous post where I made a desperate cry for help and it made me laugh. Thank you Jen! I appreciate all of your wonderful comments and was excited to find some new 'faces'!

Welcome to Katie, Stef, Jen, and Deanna! I love it when new friends stumble down my dirt road and I'm eagerly looking forward to getting to know ya'll through the blog world!

As for the status of the hexagons...well...see for yourself:

This is the progress thus far.

I've sewn for years and generally made lots clothes for the kids when they were small so I am all too familiar with the seam ripper. However, I am new to quilting and only recently has this relationship between my seam ripper and me been taken to a whole new level! I've had this seam ripper for 19 years so we've been through a lot together...and it 'seams' (grin!)we're only growing closer.

I like the idea of donating the quilt, and I'll probably still do that, but I didn't want to donate a quilt I didn't like. I put way too much time and love into these little rascals to not love the finished product...not to mention the price of quilting fabric these days! Woohee and good gravy! Good thing I think quilts are priceless, because adding up the cost of the yardage is enough to give anyone the vapors! It's the reason we drive an 11 year old truck! LOL!

I tried to love the old hexagons. Honestly, I did, but it just wasn't happening. Hopefully they won't feel discarded because they are only being repurposed. DD was home for a bit this weekend and when I mentioned this, she looked concerned. Her Mama's gone loopy. See what happens when you run off and leave your Mama for an entire summer? She starts having conversations with her quilting fabric and thinking they have feelings!

So it'll be a bit before I undo this mess I've created and have anything useful to share. I may even have to take a break and...start a new project. Yes, go ahead and say it. DD spoke the truth...I'm on road to loopy-ness.

Quilting Advice Please

2010-07-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I enthusiastically joined in on this online hexagon quilt-a-long hosted by the talented jaybird quilts. I hunted for fabric. I bought the ruler. I stalked her blog waiting for posts. I stressed over block settings. And then I just took the plunge and started sewing.

Each week she posted instructions for a different orientation for the hexagons and I finally settled on one because I'm not quite ready to throw caution to the wind and I like some semblance of order. Making hexagons was as far as I was willing to venture out of my comfort zone at this point in my quilting journey. So I began to sew and piece these quirky little shapes and this is what I ended up with. I didn't love it. And so the strips sat on the wall...silently.

While piecing said hexagons, I found myself with extras. Not enough of any one to make a complete shape, but the scrappy quilter in me would not let them go so this morning I threw these on the wall and lo and behold, I think they started to sing.

So here's my dilemma. Do I find a couple of good movies and set to taking apart the organized blocks and then make my happy little scrappy hexagon quilt, or do I just finish the original one and hope it comes alive once its completed?

Which one gets your vote?