Tuesday, February 25, 2014

This just SCREAMS Florida!

 I have seen this little roadside hotel - I can't even tell you how many times.  
It is down the road a mile or so from my sister's house and I have always wanted to get closer.
So I did - I stopped and took a couple of photos.
It is definitely eye-catching and was I'm guessing probably nice in it's day.
It's now a place where you rent a room by the week, not quite as charming.

Monday, February 24, 2014

More of Florida...

I promised/threatened more photos of my recent trip to Florida, so...
here they are:
 These first two were taken from the plane window as we landed in Chicago. 
When I left Phoenix, the forecast was to be in the low 80's for that day, 
so this was a big change.
Thank goodness Florida would be warmer, right?
  This is my dad holding his great-granddaughter, Addy, the youngest grandchild.
My dad is 89 (and a half!) years old and I think he looks wonderful!
Meet Caleb, Addy's brother, who looks just like his dad, Jimmy.
 Dad always wants to drive through Black Point Nature Preserve. 
He loves to take photos of whatever we might see that day.
 Every time I see raccoons, I think of the movie The Great Outdoors with John Candy and Dan Aykroyd.  They just crack me up in that movie.  
 During the week, the little ones had a Little League game.
 Raleigh is the only girl on the team.
 I had to get pictures of all three (Raleigh, Caleb, and Nate) through the fence,
and I apologize that they aren't better.
 We played outside another night... 
Rachel came straight from work - she's not in her jammies.
 The big attraction was climbing on the jungle gym.
 The girls had to prove that they could keep up with the boys.
Addy was not about to be left behind.
 It was a fun week - very busy with all the things we had to do.
I told my sister, Gail, that I needed to go home to get some rest.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

I've been away - visiting family in Florida

 A few photos of what I've been doing and where I've been...
One day Dad and I took a short day trip to Cocoa Beach and I learned some things.
Dad never lived in Cocoa Beach, however, my grandfather lived there.
 I just had to stop and take a couple of photos of the beach.  
Dad is not able to walk through the sand easily, so I just took a couple of moments to view the beach.
 We went to breakfast at Louis' BBQ - they offer a WONDERFUL breakfast and I like to go there
every trip I make to Florida.  
Starting at the head (and going clockwise) of the table is 
Addy, Caleb, Raleigh, Jen, Gail, Dad, Rudy, Jon, Rachel, and Nathan. 
The four little ones always make the trip busy - and FUN! 
 I share this photo of Rachel (Addy and Caleb's mom) when she was a toddler...
because it is no doubt that Addy belongs to her.
While waiting for my plane, which was delayed due to the storms,
I treated myself to a Cinnamon Dolce Frappucino.  Mmmmm.
I have more photos of my trip to Florida which I will share later.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

2014 Calendar

Cindy and I finally got together to do a little crafting.
I found these 2014 calendars (in December) for a smoking deal of $3.95 each.  
Can't beat that - so I picked up TWO!
 They are part of Michael's Recollection line but remind me a great deal
of Crate Paper's "Recollection" line.  I know - a coincidence? Maybe not.
They were easy, very easy and we got the entire calendar done in one night.
Made us feel really good and it was good project to help us get back into the habit of crafting.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Kim got hit with some snow

As you probably know, Kimmy recently moved to the D.C. area.  And as you also probably know, they were hit with that big storm on Wednesday and and so she sent these pictures:
 She said they woke up to 18 inches of snow!
Kim decided later in the day to build a snowman.
That's a cold way to fill an afternoon.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day!

My two Valentines?
Who else, but Kate and Kim?
Since Kimmy is in D.C. now, I sent her a fun gift to let her know I was thinking of her.
I think she was pleasantly surprised.
You're probably wondering about Kate's gift?  
She hasn't seen it yet, so I am not at liberty to tell.
Hope you have a wonderful day!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

See? I told you!

Remember I told you that you could make pillow cases for any occasion?  Well, my friend, Cindy, received these in the mail today:
 Her sister made matching Valentine's Day Cat pillow cases!  So very cute!
I just love odd prints - they are so unique and fun!

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Anybody seen Saving Mr. Banks?

When I first saw the previews, I was not really excited about going to the movie.  To put it another way, it was not on the top of my list.  I did go and and really was surprised by the story line - two actually.  I really enjoyed it.  So much so that I went out and bought Mary Poppins.  I really wanted t watch it again.
If you haven't seen it, I strongly suggest it.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Pillow Cases!

I am finishing the pillow case kits I previously purchased.  
When these are done, I am creating my own.
 I first pressed the fabric, which makes it easier to line up the edges.
I decided to make character pillow cases for my great nieces and nephews.  
Spiderman...
 Angry Birds Star Wars...
 Minnie Mouse...
 and Tinker Bell.
The directions are simple.
 It only takes three pieces of fabric:
The main piece, the cuff, and the accent fabric.
 You trim all edges so they are even.
 Stitch a couple of seams...
 This is the inside of the pillow case - finished off beautifully! 
No raw seams showing.
 My little Jackie wants to be in the middle of anything I do, so I put him up on the table 
so he could literally be closer to me.
He was content to just lay there and watch me. 
Finished!
 They are super easy - I did four in an evening.  
 So easy, in fact, that I am giving you the instructions below.
One difference - the accent piece is 4" wide (not 2").
I hope you enjoy it.  
Such great ideas for gifts!
You can truly make them personal.


Thursday, February 6, 2014

Annual Quilt Show!

I was supposed to go to California with the Vance sisters to attend the quilt show the third weekend in January, BUT... my washer broke (as you know) and I had to get that fixed that day.  So I missed the show in California.  But never fear, there is one here in Phoenix, always the last weekend in January.  I took off work on Friday afternoon and headed over by myself to see what was going on.
Here's a picture of the one row of booths.  I took a picture of a quilt and got scolded, so I didn't take anymore.  There were so many beautiful quilts - I wish I could have shared them with you here.
I was able to snap a photo of this woven neck scarf.  I just love the colors.
I went to the show with the intention of NOT buying anything, just look at things.  But of course, I brought home a few things:
 I bought potholder kits...
 Batting for future potholders...
(That's Sophie in the pink striped sweater.
She thinks she has to be involved in everything.)
A pattern for a bag with great pockets...
 A kit for "chalking" a quilt pattern onto fabric...
 Additional plastic quilt patterns (which I plan to use on placements)...
Antique round paper clips...
Packages of dip mixes...
By Coyote Country Seasoning Co., Inc. out of Pinetop.
I use these for seasoning meat in the crock pot, but as designed, 
they also make great dip - and there are a multitude to choose from.

You can see there were several booths that did not deal with quilting,
so I was able to pick up a little bit of everything.  
I really enjoyed my time walking through the exhibits.