Oh happy day,

It's raining!

After watching the news feeds on the terrible fire over in Gatlinburg, Tennessee last night, I can only hope that it's raining even more over there.  

If you're not familiar with one-lane roads off of mountainous areas, then it's hard to imagine what those folks were going through.  Around here, twisty, single lane, gravel roads are the norm.  The trees are very close together and most all the leaves have fallen.  We're all concerned, so any and all rain is a true blessing.

On a lighter note, last night I trimmed up more pieces for QOV tops.  I'm bound and determined to meet my goal by Christmas.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

It's time to be amazed.

Some sewing, yes actual sewing, got done for Quilts of Valor.

The 2-piece orchard ladder is now done!  Can we get an Amen from the balcony choir on this one please.  It was a chore to get that sealant on correctly.

Now that the holiday hoopla is upon us, Dolly asked me to remind everyone if you're driving long distances to please keep an emergency kit in the car.  You know the drill, anything you need to stay warm, hydrated, etc. etc., in case you're stuck on the side of the road for any reason.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

I walked into Lowe's last night . ..

to return a few items and the customer service reps were talking politics.  There's a phrase used in the South, "hepped up."  Not sure where the slang originated, but it perfectly describes the mood around here lately.  Loosely, it interprets as being extra excited or incensed about.

What would happen if instead of turning on the TV, parents took their kids to a ball game or the park.

What would happen if everyone in the nation turned off their phones and facebook and took the dog for a walk.  (If you don't have a dog you can borrow Dolly.)

What would happen if we as a nation simply shut down all of this instant, and I must say often negative information, and let it go for a bit.

Thanks / giving is coming.  So I vote for giving and thanking.

How about you?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Amen sister.

May I suggest you hop on over to read Susan Branch's blog today.  She's one very wise, insightful lady.  

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Information on fires in Western NC

Several friends have been asking about the nearby fires.  Here is one site which updates their information regularly.

http://ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/sit_report.htm

The smoke was so bad yesterday, we could not go outside until late afternoon.

Please pray for rain.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

The Land of the Free Because of the Brave

Thank you Veterans for the freedom to make choices every single day.

Where we worship, where we travel to, what we wear, and what we say . .  are just a few of the things we enjoy doing, all because of you.

So from the bottom of our hearts, Thank You.

Wordless Wednesday

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Blueeee, I'm so bluueeee . . .

What newly painted porch rockers sing about on quiet afternoons.

Two coats of primer, 3 coats of paint, and 1 coat of clear sprayed on.

Another check on the list, yeah!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Finally Finished!

Has this happened to you, a quilt sits around just waiting to be bound?

First seen on Finn's blog about 7 or 8 years ago, I really loved the color combination and had to have one.  

Using a wide variety of red and background prints always makes things interesting.

It took 2 years to get the binding on.  I think that's a new record for me.

However, other, more important things take precedence.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Candied Apple Jelly

Does that sound scrumptious or what?

It's easy, truly.  Even Dolly could do it.  However I won't allow it, as there could be fur in the jar.

If you have a lot of small gift giving to do at Xmas, then jelly is the answer.  It can be made ahead and stored until December.  And in case there are jelly snatchers in the house, may I suggest you re-label the box you're hiding it in.

Candied Apple Jelly Recipe
(borrowed from Taste of Home.com)

4 cups apple juice
1/2 cup Red Hots Candy
1 package (1-3/4 ounces) powdered fruit pectin
4-1/2 cups sugar

Using a 4-cup glass measuring cup, pour in just 2 cups of apple juice and Red Hot candies.  Heat in microwave in 1-minute intervals, and stir after each minute until candies are dissolved.

In a large saucepan, combine the juice with dissolved candies, remaining apple juice, and pectin. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar; return to a full rolling boil. Boil and stir 1 minute.

Remove from heat; skim off foam. Ladle hot mixture into six hot sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight.

Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 5 minutes. Remove jars and cool. Yield: about 6 half-pints. 

(Note:  In order to cut down on the foam, I added 1 tablespoon of butter.)

That's all there is to it.  If you need to hunt down jelly jars, Dollar General may still have some in stock . . . in the very back, on the top shelf.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . 

Thanks / giving

As quilters, we give abundantly and joyously the whole year through.

After reading Marie Kondo's book, The Magic of Tidying Up, I began following some of her simple guidelines.

By gathering all the towels and sheets in the house, washing and air drying every single item, I sorted by what I needed, what I wanted, and what could go.

Of course I need towels for me, towels for Dolly, towels to wash the truck, and most important, new towels for guests. (Have you ever visited a well-off friend and been handed "towels to wash the truck?")  Of course you have, so I for one believe it's important to welcome guests with fluffy new towels.

After 3 weeks of doing, I'm finally done.  But, what happened to all the rest?

Four, yes 4, tall kitchen waste bags were filled with towels, abundant sheets, new T-shirts, and hangers, which were then carted off to the women's shelter main office.

Sadly, most every town has one, a place where women must go to escape.  Can you imagine how difficult that must be?

Beforehand, I called the director of the shelter and asked specifically what they needed.  Imagine my surprise when discovering that the most urgent item was towels.

Yes, I could have donated to our local thrift store which supports spay and neuter programs for pets. That thrift store has helped over 2,000 cats and dogs have surgery in both 2015 and 2016.  However, I support that shop with other things.

Towels and sheets found a better home.

So as you prepare for holiday guests this year, may I  suggest you take inventory and think about what you're thankful for and if there is abundance, perhaps there's something else you can be giving.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

One more "step" closer to the finish line.

Some of you may remember when I found this orchard ladder at the thrift shop.  It's been what, 5 years?

Well every time I moved the darn thing I got a splinter.  It was sanded in May.

With a sealant applied last night.  One more day to sand and seal and we'll check this one off the list.

It's that time of year . . . applesauce made from local apples.  Yummm.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .