I'm no longer dreaming . . .

of a White Christmas, just like the one's I used to know

the news radio said 10" of the fluffy white stuff has fallen so far . . . and it's still coming down.

Despite losing power for 13 hours starting at 2 pm on Saturday . . .

We had a lovely morning opening gifts and watching the snow. (Somebody likes her new rope toy.)

There's ice under the snow, so I'm glad I had my rock salt handy.

Some folks get bored when there's no electricity. Me, I put on my headband flashlight and proceeded to trim, fold, and put away fabric. I won't be getting a treadle, but if this weather keeps up, I am considering a generator, LOL.

Happy Holidays To All.

Merry Christmas to you and yours

and wishing you all the joys of the Holiday Season!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Holiday hints

In order to enjoy the scents of the season, I burn my less expensive candles every day and add a few drops of potpourri oil after the wax has melted a bit. It makes the whole house smell warm and inviting.

Of course, I would also like to be baking cookies to add to the aroma, but duty calls.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Please take a minute to vote.

I just received the following e-mail from Alycia. This is for our veterans, so please stop in and vote.

*****

Combat Veterans Cowboy Up has a chance to get a free website and marketing plan by a local marketing company that works all over the world.

Go to this link http://cohnmarketing.com/ . Click on "LEARN MORE. Then click "WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? VOTE" button.

Click on Combat Veterans Cowboy Up on the left hand side of the list.

You can vote as many times as you wish.

We only have till Dec. 24th. Please pass this on - Thanks!! Merry Christmas!

Over 3 inches of snow fell

On Monday and the temperature never got out of the teens.

Here is Dolly's, "I'm too cool" pose.

I put peanut butter on a chunk of stale cinnamon bread and covered it in birdseed. Within minutes the birds were visiting. Can you tell that somebody else loves peanut butter.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Dolly's first snow

I'm sending a thank you out to everyone . . .

who stopped in to inquire how Dolly was doing. We had a very rough night post surgery, but since then she's been feeling better, resting a lot, and staying tucked inside most of the time.

And, as you can see, she enjoyed the snow for a few minutes late this afternoon. Less than an inch fell, but it is supposed to be down around 12 degrees tonight.

If you're also getting inclement weather, please remember to sweep and salt the steps of your elderly relative or neighbor. This is the time of year when so many folks fall on the tiniest patch of ice and break a bone. Just a few minutes of your time could save someone a lot of pain.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Just so you know . . .

Dolly is going in for her spay surgery tomorrow. This is a good thing. I'm looking forward to zen-like calm and no more chewed footwear . . . . Or mittens . . . . Or porch railings. Although, I must say it has been an interesting 6 months.

We're hitting 18 degrees here tonight. Please be sure to bring your pets inside if it's as cold at your house.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Of course there are more photos . .

Good buddy Louise with her framed mini quilts. Aren't they fantastic!

Katrina Miller's copper sculptured pins and ornaments. Tricky to photograph, so it's best to own one and enjoy it even more. Trust me on this, they're so much fun.

Suzy DesLauriers awesome prints. I think this is done in pastels, but don't quote me. You'll have to ask Suzy.

Ah yes, and Marcia Buggs softly muted porcelain pottery. Inspiring!


I do believe this was made by Sammie Simpson. I should have asked her as she was sitting right there. But we got to talking about pin cushions and, well, there you go.

So much wonderful variety and colors was rather distracting. And yes, I did happen to buy 2 new ornaments. Which I may get to show you soon . . . maybe . . . perhaps . . . well let's hope soooo.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

It's time once again . . .

for the annual John C. Campbell Fireside Sale photos.
Helen Gibson's elegant hand-carved ornaments.


This gentleman had the loveliest hand-turned bowls. Of course, one made of cherry wood came home with me.

Lee and Doug's pottery, Weaverville, NC.

Ohhh, if I had a spare corner in my house this chair would have come home with me. Not to sit in mind you, just to admire. A true work of art!

Ah yes, you knew I'd find a quilter! This string quilt is for her grandson. Wonderful.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . .

Cold and windy here

today with occasional snow flurries.

If you happen to live in or around Franklin, NC and you own a pellet stove, head on over to Carolina Wood Pellet company. They are having a great sale on 40 lb bags of pellets for $4.30 each if you buy 50 bags. Their number is: 828-524-0625.

If you can't make it to Franklin, see if Lowe's or Home Depot will match their price. If this winter is as cold as last, order 100 bags like I did. Better safe than sorry and when the snow flies you won't have far to go for reliable heat.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Happy Thanksgiving one and all.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Christmas Quilt Show

This sawtooth (made in 2003) is my Christmas submission for the quilt show going on over at Sew Cal Gal. (Say that 3 times fast!)

I've yet to hang up my fall quilt display and am considering jumping right into Christmas instead. For the first time in 25 years, all of my xmas decorations are in one place.

Also this year will be the first time I'll be able to have my own live tree. I'm going to buy a plantable one and enjoy seeing it grow.

Can we get an Amen / Hallelujah from the choir on that one please?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

In the spirit of giving

Christmas will soon be upon us. For those who wish to donate to a worthy cause, stop by Noah's Ark.

They help rescued animals and foster children alike and nothing can be better than that!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

With grateful appreciation . . .

to all of our veterans who have made it home,

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and most especially to the families of those who have not.

Thank you.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

It's cookie time!

Out of all the cookbooks I own, I treasure the recipes given to me by friends overall and often find them to be the best. This chocolate chip cookie recipe was given to me 10 years ago. They come out delicious every time. If there are grand darlin's around, you'll want to double the batch.

As you can see, Dolly got a new pair of sneakers from the thrift shop. The soles are extra thick and evidently extra chewy!

Happy November everyone. Here's the recipe:

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cream together 1 cup Crisco, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar. Add 1/2 to 2 cups of oatmeal. (The more oatmeal, the drier the cookie.)

Add in 2 eggs beaten well and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Mix in 1-1/2 cup flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking soda.

Pour in chocolate chips and nuts at your discretion.

Mix, chill in fridge until firm, bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, and enjoy.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Dolly carves her own pumpkin!!!

On sale for just 50 cents each, I brought home 3 lovely pumpkins last night. Another bushel of leaves was swept from the porch and I proudly placed each golden orb; a lovely compliment to the newly painted front steps.

Pride goeth before a fall. . . . and a rambuctious pup.

She looks remorseful doesn't she!

Call out the local possum club, they're going to have a feast tonight.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Fun Halloween treats

Last October, Krista posted the recipe for these witchy finger cookies on her blog. This year I'm making them and sharing with friends. They always bring a smile. Thanks Krista!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

It's time for a quilt picture

especially since the subject of house painting is so very boring.


Once again, the International Quilt Study Center comes through with a winner.

Can you believe this is circa 1890-1910? A Mennonite quilt done by Amy Bucher.

Aren't you glad she signed it! Don't you wish you could sit down and have a cup of tea with this gal and discover her thoughts on this lil' lovely?

It is, quite simply, mahhhhvelous!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Can I make it into the Guinness Record Book

By being the world's slowest painter?


Or should I just be grateful that the weather is holding


and thus was able to enjoy this view from my ladder!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Occasionally . . .

I get a chance to visit the fiber studio over at John Campbell Folk School.


This class in mixed media, quilting, beadwork, and embellishment . .

was taught by Rosemary Eichorn. These were 2 of her class samples.

This was the work of a student whose name I forgot to jot down. Of course, I always ask permission before taking any photos in a classroom. It's the polite thing to do.

Basin lake was even more colorful this week. Fall is coming in fast.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

From 1936 to 4087

Finished in 2000, this Boston Commons variation is made up entirely of 2" squares. (44 x 44 squares)

Since then, I've been collecting colors for my next one, which of course will be bigger by over 2000 pieces. (61 x 67 squares)

House painting has been delayed by my bronchitis and thus I've had time to sew. Here are some of the sections for my queen-size version. When the design wall finally goes up, I'll be able to start laying it out.

If you have ever wanted to play with every single color you own, I recommend this pattern, in either size.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Fall at Basin Lake

Dolly says, "Something smells fishy to me."

Trail view.

Exploring the boardwalk.

Out on the damn.

A quiet resting place. Can anyone suggest a good book?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

A few more colorful pics from the festival.

Reed basket display.
Patchwork duck gourd.
Lee and Doug's beautiful pottery, along with Katrina Miller's wonderful copper sculptures.

Chair caning.
The gal who did these weavings dyed the yarn first in a colorful rainbow. I was most impressed.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .