Just wanted to say, 

"Happy Birthday, Mom!"

Happy Quilting, Sharon "Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Happy December!

Today is the first day of December 2011. The only one we'll have for the year LOL! Is everybody ready for next event of the year? I know I'm not, at least not completely.....

Yesterday was spent in the new house cleaning. The kitchen and bathrooms are clean as well as the pantry and bedroom closets. The floors were cleaned and steamed so now I just get to pack, tote and put away everything from one house to the other. The main part of the house has ceramic tile and the bedrooms have new laminate floors. I'm so glad that I have a large dust mop that I bought when we had the 'big' house a couple years ago. It will make cleaning the floors much easier than the vacuum. I just have to find the handle for the silly thing.....

Have a great day everyone!

Happy Quilting, 

Sharon 

"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" 

Certified Instructor since 2009

Happy Sunday!

Today we were challenged at church to write in a journal for future generations. I don't keep a journal, but that is why I started this blog. When I think of those that came before me in my family my first question is usually, "What did they do for a living?" I have a lot of family stories from my mother's side of the family, but little from my father's. We were always getting together with mom's family, but my dad only had 1 sister and we didn't have 'family dinners' with her and her family. The only time we really got together with them was when there was a funeral, wedding or graduation in the family. Not many stories were told about past members of the family during those times.

Sundays use to be one of the busiest days for mom and I when I was a teen. Sundays usually meant that family was coming over for "Sunday Dinner". From my memory banks "Sunday Dinner" meant either spagetti or roast beef on the table. I can't remember what else was a 'usual' meal. It was always chaos when the families would arrive. We had between 5-20 extra people in the house for that meal almost every Sunday. Sister, brothers, spouses and of course who could forget the 'kids', which were my nephews and nieces. I was the official babysitter after everybody arrived. Not every Sunday went smooth, but nobody killed anybody and I was always very thankful when the noise level returned to normal. I don't know how my mother managed to sleep in on those days with all the work she had to do to get ready for everybody. I guess it helped a lot when 'dinner' wasn't until 2 PM and she always had part of the dinner done the day before. She had making a huge meal down to a fine art I think. I remember one Sunday morning before everybody showed up asking her to teach me how she made spaghetti sauce. She said she was to busy, so after I was married the first time I learned how to do it by using the recipe on the back of the Muller's lasagna box. I still don't know how she managed to get her spaghetti sauce to taste so good. I do know that she used Ragu sauce as her base then added 'stuff' to it.... We never had garlic bread, but plain bread and butter with the bread being sliced Italian. The 'kids' sat at the kitchen table and the 'adults' sat at the dining room table. I guess I was 'adult' enough because I don't ever remember sitting in the kitchen. I can hear my sisters saying, 'That was because you were spoiled!'. Yep, they'd be right LOL! Then they'd have to admit that they helped! Of course there was all kinds of yelling back and forth between the kitchen and the dining room before everybody was quiet from stuffing their faces. Mom was always the last to sit down, but always managed to be the first one done. She would get the meal together and then all of us 'girls' had clean up duty. I remember one time we managed to talk the 'boys' into doing clean up. That didn't happen very often. Mostly the 'boys' sat in the living room watching the current ball game yelling at the TV, head shaking and feet stomping at the 'idiot' thing that was done.... I think it is an universal thing for 'boys' to yell at the TV during sports :).... Sometimes the 'adults' would sit around and play cards. If there weren't any 'kids' around for me to watch I usually sat around the table and listened to the stories. That was one of the best times for me. The 'bestest' time for me was when everybody left and there was peace and quiet in the house again.

By the time I graduated from high school all of the 'kids' were doing other things and there were fewer "Sunday Dinners" at grandma's. I don't know how many "Sunday Dinners" the rest of my brother and sisters have with their families now, but I know I have few. With my kids scattered all over the United States it's hard to have a family get together on a regular basis. That is why I started this blog, to pass down the stories and happening that my family doesn't hear at the 'Sunday Dinner' table.....


Happy Quilting, Sharon
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way"
Certified Instructor since 2009

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

My wish to all of you is to have a peaceful Thanksgiving this year. 

The memories that your friends and family will take with them though the years will not be your clean house or perfect meal, but the conversation and the love that is shared this day. In that way the day will always be perfect even if the rolls aren't cooked, or forgotten in the oven, or that the kids spilled milk all over the table. 

Take the time to enjoy each other and to make memories to share with future generations. 

For those that get my posts in the e-mail you can get to my "My Spiritual Side" and "Quilting World" through the links embedded in the words.

Happy Quilting, Sharon
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way"
Certified Instructor since 2009

Happy Turkey Week!

Boy, I can't believe I haven't been here since the beginning of the month! I sure have been busy otherwise! 

First off we have rented a new place! It is twice the size of the place we are in and I shall have a single room just for my machines and 'stuff'! Yippee! This new place also has a pantry! Not very big, but much bigger than the one we don't have now :).... 4 bedrooms, an eat in kitchen, family room and living room with a 2 car garage.... We shall be in room heaven! 

The next thing I noticed was my visitor counter has gone haywire! I don't think that I have had 447587 visitors~~~~ I just had a giveaway for the 10,000 visitor... I think I just may need to correct that number. I wish I had that many visitors, but lets get real here..

I finally managed to get to the Temple site this weekend. Oh my! We have great progress so you must go on over to 'My Spiritual Side' and check it out.

I also set up at a craft fair this past Saturday. It was a nice day--a little cool, but not to much. I did a decent job of selling little things, towels and wine vests were the main sellers. I guess I need to get more of them up on Artfire and have on hand for other craft fairs. I won't be doing any more this year because of the move. I am going to have a hard enough time getting any extra gifts done as it is. As usual I am procrastinating....

Well, I am off to 'My Spiritual Side' for awhile. Thanks for visiting and come back often.

Happy Quilting, Sharon 
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" 
Certified Instructor since 2009

Fun the past week or so~~~~

Lots has been going on since the last post. 

First I have to say congratulations to Lee and Tango for winning the 10,000 posts! I'm sorry I didn't get back on sooner to let you both know! I will notify you with through your links in case you don't come visit in the next couple of days!

Next, is a picture of my view when I am driving to our Goodyear office. I try to look at the mountains each morning because they tell me what type of complaints I will be getting from my patients during the day. As you can see it is pretty clear on this trip and the symptom complaints were minimal.

Now this picture tells a different story! We went out to supper tonight and this is what we walk out into when we left the restaurant. Not a pretty site that is for sure!

Only 2 of us in the Glendale office dressed up for Halloween. It wasn't planned that we both were cowgirls either!




On Saturday we went to see the Arizona Symphony with Kenny Rogers. Carl wins neat stuff from work every once in awhile and these tickets were the BEST! I have never heard a symphony live before and they were great! It amazed me watching the conductor the way he used his whole body to let the orchestra know just want he wanted from them. So cool!

Then Kenny Rogers came on stage....... He may be up there in years, but boy can he still sing the songs. Great performer and a great show.

While I am here posting I will go on over to the 'Spiritual Side' and post the last pics of the Temple that I took 2 weeks ago. I have to confess that I have not been up there since and I'm not sure if we will make it up there this weekend or not. Both Carl & I have felt the effects of the dust storm tonight. Grit in the mouth, sinus pressure, ear pressure, sneezing and of course the usual cough. The worst part of these storms is that it kicks up the fungi that causes Valley Fever. I don't want to get that, but you can't avoid it when this wind is carrying all of this dust. We'll just have to watch each other for the next few weeks for the usual flu symptoms and get to the doc. This stuff hangs on and you have to have a long course of antibiotics to take care of it. I think this is one of the down sides of living in the 'Valley of the Sun'.... 

I guess I could have been in NY snowed in this past weekend.... at least here I'm not cold.... LOL!

Until next time

Happy Quilting, Sharon
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way"
Certified Instructor since 2009

10,000 visitors and pageviews GIVEAWAY!

I see that my visitor and pageviews numbers are almost to 10,000. 

I am offering a Mug Wrap and Mat to the two people that hit the 10,000 number on each of these spots. 

The only thing you have to do is to leave a comment under the latest post with what you like about my blog and why you keep returning to visit. Include the number of the 'hit'  in your comment with some way to contact you (either e-mail or sign in with your blog) and your color preference (fabric my choice). 

The pageviews will hit first as that only has 19 more hits to reach 10,000.

The visitor number has 180 hits to reach 10,000.

Only 2 Mug Wraps and Mats will be given away. Same person not able to win both :).....

Good luck!

Happy Quilting, Sharon 
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" 
Certified Instructor since 2009

I have to work tomorrow!

I sure have enjoyed this past week! I can't believe it is time to go back to work already! 10 days is just not long enough to get everything done I wanted to do. I have managed to get some quilting done as well as seeing some sites around the state. I even managed to do a little housework around here! I also managed to get some new items on my ArtFire site too! Now, that was an accomplishment! Taking pictures and then editing and doing all of the loading of information is very time consuming.... I really do need to get more stuff loaded on there. 

The next step is to get some  more of my stash listed. I have books, patterns, rulers and other sewing and quilting supplies I want to get rid of. If anybody has something besides fabric they are interested in drop me a comment and I'll let you know if it is in my 'stash sale' box.

I suppose I need to get to bed. Even though we have been up every day this past week before 7 I'm sure that tomorrow I will want to sleep in. Isn't that the way it always works?

Happy Quilting, Sharon 
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" 
Certified Instructor since 2009

Happy Birthday to ME!

Today is the start of a new year for me! 

This past year has been busy. We have gone on several vacations around our great state and had fun! Of course we went to Kanab, UT for the Western Film Festival in August and met more great actors. We started going on Sunday picnics and have been surprised with the wildlife at times and just enjoyed life a little bit slower, at least 1 day a week.

I am still working in an allergist's office and that keeps me busy 3 days a week. The remainder of the time I manage to get some sewing and quilting done as well as doing the uglies around the house once in awhile. Of course Carl does the cooking so I can stay out of the kitchen! I have more blocks on my design wall to put together for donations. These small quilts go over real well at the hospice that Carl works for. I have also managed to get several other projects done. 

I have increased my inventory of sewing machines by 4 with 2 crank machines, 1 treadle and 1 mid-arm quilter. I am going to start working on cleaning up the treadle this week now that the weather has cooled down. Around here we have 100+ temperatures then we jump right to 70's in the fall. It is quite nice. I can't wait to get the treadle so that I can use it. I'm sure that it will take me awhile as it has been a lot of years since I have even played with a treadle machine. I have managed to get the mid-arm set up with this cooler weather so that I can use it. Right now I have a practice sandwich loaded so that I can get a new pressure foot adjusted. I'm not sure if I will leave this foot on, but I need to give it a fair try. I picked up a new home for Ms. Gem and collected all the extra rulers, mats and other notions I need for classes and teaching. I did this so that I can just grab and run without collecting everything for an outing. I took this 'gem' to Kanab with me just in case I needed to do a little sewing....

I have managed to get several quilt projects done and started a site on ArtFire. It takes a lot of time to load any items on the site. Taking the pictures and getting them loaded on the computer takes the most time.

I have yet to decide on what projects I want to get done for the grand-kids this year for Christmas. I have several possible items. Of course I can think of several cute things for my grand-daughters, but few for the grand-sons. I will have to get my thinking cap on soon so I will have time to get them done and in the mail. Last year I made them all pillowcases.

I took another class with Kaye Wood this past spring. Now I am certified to teach all of her rulers! I have gotten so that I use the 'Starmaker' rulers for all of the angles I need for quilting.

Of course 'I' did the Maricopa Shop Hop in September. Carl was my driver for one day and I think he enjoyed it as much as I did. I stayed within the budget, got some great ideas and picked up some nifty items that I forgot to post about..... (but will fix that in a bit)

I have been selling some of the sewing/quilting things that I don't and won't use. I just wish I could get rid of them faster.....

I also have talked with an aunt this year that I have lost contact with. I remember many visits to her house over the years and the fun I had. My other aunt was a seamstress and quilter and made a Cathedral Window quilt in the 80's. She gave it to one of my sisters and this year my sister sent it to me! . 

I have also been teaching in Relief Society at church for several months. Like most of my callings at church I learn more than the people I teach. I have also started recording the building of our new Temple in Phoenix, AZ. It is so interesting watching the changes going on. We watched the Nauvoo Temple being built online many years ago and it was so interesting that I had to record this one. 

I have so many things I want to accomplish in my new year. More quilts and quilty type projects are in the forecast as well as new adventures. For the quilt projects I already have signed up for a couple swaps on one of my quilt forums and of course presents for the grand-kids. Also, I need to put my sisters quilt on the frame and get that done for her as well as the tops that I have done that are waiting and the donation quilts. As far as adventures go we have Tombstone, AZ and Bisbee, AZ planned for this week and where else we may go who knows...

Happy Quilting, Sharon 
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" 
Certified Instructor since 2009

Good evening!

Good evening one and all!

What a great weekend it has been. I also have been productive in the sewing room. I'll post about that another time! I posted new pictures of the Temple site.

Happy Quilting, Sharon 
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" 
Certified Instructor since 2009

Overall Update!

Good evening bloggers! 
    So glad to have you here visiting again! I just updated, "My Spiritual Side" and wanted to give you a heads up!
     On another note, I will be drawing a winner on the 'Mug Wrap and Mat' giveaway tomorrow! Then I will have to get busy and make one...... so I shall see you all tomorrow!

Happy Quilting, Sharon 
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Giveaway Time!

We have a winner!
ruthianna


Please e-mail me your color preference, correct name spelling and of course your snail mail addy!


Thank you all who left a comment. We shall do this again!


Pigtales and Quilts is doing Follower In The Spotlight for those that are followers on their blog and this week I am the lucky follower being spotlighted. 

To go along with the spotlight I am having a giveaway! 

My giveaway is a personalized Mug Wrap with a Mug Mat to match. The winner will choose their color and I will embroider your name on the Mug Wrap, too.

The wrap will keep your hands cool with hot liquid and warm with cold liquid in the cup. The mat is my own design made the 'Kaye Wood Way'.

So leave a comment here then go on over to Pigtales and Quilts, check out my bio and see what else is going on over there! 

Happy Quilting, Sharon 
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JULIE!

I bet everyone can guess what I was doing 36 years ago today! I remember the day well. I was woken up about 5 AM and at 8 AM 'we' made a phone call to my mother in law. She said, "Go. To. The. Hospital!" I sure didn't want to go and be told to go back home that I didn't know what I was talking about! It was already 11 days past my 'due' date and I just KNEW I was going to be pregnant for the rest of my life! But, I did go and a little after noon on this day in 1975 I was holding this cute faced little girl. At times it still amazes me that this beautiful person is actually my daughter!

Happy Birthday, Julie! Love you lots, Mom

Happy Quilting, Sharon
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Happy 3rd of September!

Good evening everyone! I hope that you are all having a great weekend. Mine is very quiet and hot! I am going to get behind my sewing machine again in a few minutes, so this will be quick. I need to take a couple pictures of what I am working on, but not right now :)

I am going to be spotlighted on Pigtales and Quilts blog the week of the 18th.  Along with the spotlight I am going to have another 'giveaway'. I have my thinking cap on for the giveaway and if any of you have a suggestion, please post a comment for me to consider. Of course I am again thinking of something to do with Kaye Wood. Check out Kaye Wood, INC to see what she has to offer. 

Check out the new photos in the Spiritual section. Some great progress going on over there. 

Happy Quilting, Sharon
 "Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Happy August!

Here it is almost the end of August 2011. I have been sitting here the past hour or so trying to get my photos downloaded. If it isn't one thing it is another. I am trying to keep things sorted on my SD card for the Temple pictures and also trying to sort and label the pictures that are in my computer already. What a task I have started for myself! On to the fun stuff!

Last weekend we went to Kanab, UT for the Western Legends Round-UP. We met a few new stars and got their autographs. That also reminds me that I need to find the October western Festival information that goes on down here in the valley for one of the actors we met.

Well, Carl got signatures from Ruta Lee, James Stacy, James Hampton, Paul Peterson and Cathy Garver this year. I took pictures of all of them at the booths they were in, but didn't realize until later that I had my camera on video instead of pictures. So I will need to get them downloaded and try and capture a couple stills. What a cool bunch of  actors! Ruta Lee knows how to smooze! We went to 'Breakfast with the Stars' (as usual) and she was out talking with everybody and just having a grand old time! All were friendly and talkative.

Here is Carl with his outfit. Ruta told him that he looked 'comfortable' as a cowboy......

This was after breakfast. We were standing outside just 'chatting' with the stars. James Stacy, Ruta Lee and Paul Peterson

James Stacy played in, 'Something Wicked This Way Comes', Carl's favorite movie with James. James had an acting career then had a motorcycle accident. He lost his lower left arm and leg because of the accident and still went on to play in the above movie. 

Then we went to a Pow-Wow at the reservation near Fredonia. What beautiful Regalia! The feather and bead work was amazing! We had to get permission or as they requested a 'blessing' to take and post pictures of the individuals. I took several, but will only post a few with the participants 'blessings'.

These two warriors had fantastic Regalia and you could tell they spent a lot of time and thought making them. This was a music and dance competition. I couldn't tell much difference with the music as it had the same beat and was mostly drums, but each dance was unique.

This outfit caught my eye right off. For 2 reasons. First because of the color and second because of the dance itself. How this man was able to keep dancing around and around and not loose track of his feet was amazing!

Here is great picture of the back. They stopped and were waiting for the next drummers to start.

Here is the same man with his niece. They were both out dancing together. 

Here is another that caught my eye. When I first noticed this man he was sitting right in front of me and I could not miss it. Look at all the feathers and ribbons!

Here he is dancing. 

Here is a little girl. Very simple outfit with bells and beads. Her hair was french braided and she was so cute. 

All ages were out there dancing. There were 3 young men that must have either been close brothers or friends. They were dancing together and having a great time. There was every color of the rainbow from feathers to ribbons. Most everybody had bells on, some only a few but others to numerous to count. Some of the outfits were elaborate and others very simple. One little guy just had a bead breast plate, brown pants and a yellow loin cloth on. He was working so hard to keep his feet straight and doing what he wanted them to do. You could tell that his dance was a work in progress.

Of course this is what our boys liked the best at Western Legends...... The bounce house, the slide and the rock climbing wall. 

At least we got some 'get up and go' to 'get up and go'.....

As usual we had a grand time up north. We just wish it could have been longer. Carl got vacation all week and I couldn't. So, we only went up for the weekend. As usual it was jam packed with things to see and places to be.

Now I'm off to update my quilting and Temple areas, so if you feel the need to see the quilts that were on display and also to see how the Temple is progressing hop on over!

Until next time, 

Happy Quilting, Sharon

 "Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Picnics!

Several weeks ago Carl & I started going on Sunday picnics. On our way back from Wickenburg on our first time out and about we returned the 'back' way. It is interesting to see this silver 'dome' so far away. Where I took this picture we were about 1 to 1 1/2 hours drive from this 'dome'. The 'dome' is the home of the Cardinals, our football team. The 'dome' is the stadium. You can see that silly thing for miles and miles. Check out more pictures of the stadium here.

Then this past weekend we wanted to go to Lake Pleasant, but they charge just to go in and we decided we didn't want to spend the money just for an hour or two. On our journey finding all of the entrances to the lake we ran across a pull off and that is where we ended up having our picnic. We were glad that we did. This is the second time that we have seen a wild burro on our travels. If you remember our anniversary trip to the Hoover Dam last year we came upon a burro. This young man sure did look nice. We didn't notice until I downloaded the pictures that he has a sore on his left front leg. He sure didn't walk like he had any problems.

He just walked across the road watching us to make sure we didn't want him for anything. After he disappeared into the cacti and brush I figured we wouldn't see him again. We were sitting in the back seat of the car eating when I happened to look into the rear view mirror and caught a glimpse of him again. He just did a detour around us to get where he was going. If you look real close in the center of this picture you can just about see him. He kept right on walking and we never did see him again after this. I really like to see the wild life when we are out and about. You can't imagine the number of things that you miss when you are just zipping down the road. Several vehicles sped past on their way to the lake while we were there. All I could think of was that they didn't know what they had missed. Of course not many would have cared either.

It is so nice to be able to enjoy the small things in life. Our picnics only cost us time and a little bit of gas, but we are seeing some interesting things. Sometimes we manage to see nothing but desert and other times we see one of God's creatures. Both are beautiful in their own way.

While you are here check out the new Temple pictures. Slow, but steady progress going on each week.

Happy Quilting, Sharon
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Happy Sunday!

How is everybody today? I am doing fine. Still hot, but know that it's on the way out! I have pictures to download for the Temple and a link or two to find and share. When I get them done I'll be back and post for all to see.

Until then, see ya'!

Happy Quilting, Sharon "Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Hot, lazy Wednesday afternoon!

Good evening everybody!

How is everybody tonight? Probably as hot as I am. I know that Arizona is suppose to be hot during the summer, but this year seems to be hotter than normal. Our spring was great, but now that monsoon season is here we are getting paid back..... Have you seen the Youtube videos on our Haboob? Yeah, it's a weird name.... It is a rolling wall of dust marching across the land. I didn't actually watch it as it happened, just on the internet afterwards. The dust stayed in the air for a long time afterwards and makes some people have a very hard time breathing. For me at work it is suppose to be a quiet time, but we are so busy none of us have a minute to get the little extra things done. 

I have not had much ambition to do anything in the quilting room, but did manage to find a treadle sewing machine a couple weeks ago. After seeing all of the neat treadles on one of my quilt forums I decided I really like the Singer Redeye machines. I didn't find it first, Carl pointed it out to me. Both the machine and cabinet need some work, but that will happen when the heat index goes down.....

Here is my new baby, meet 'Miss Elizabeth'.

I should have taken picture of the cabinet open, but forgot. On the left side the door opens and it has 4 drawers, on the right the doors are hiding the treadle wheel. Everything moves smooth, so I shouldn't have any problem getting this up and running. I know I am crazy, but these machines are so neat. Yes, I am going to use them when I get them up and running. I already use my Featherweight! I have even taken my little Ms. Gem on it's first outing to a friends house to help with one of her sewing projects. Ms. Gem puts a mean zipper in!

Have a great night and I'll talk with you all later. Also, don't forget to check out the update on the Temple!

Happy Quilting, Sharon 

"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

July 2011

Good morning everyone!

How are all of you doing? I have to tell you that on one of my quilting groups I have been told that we have less than 6 months to get our Christmas projects done....... :) No, I do not have any started or even planned at this point. BUT, I must get busy.....

Today I stopped procrastinating and got my pictures of the Temple site downloaded and added on into the Temple page. I hope you enjoy watching the progress of this building as much as I am.

Another thing that I finally stopped procrastinating about was a phone call. For the past several months I have been thinking of my last living Aunt and I just bit the bullet and called her. It is amazing the memories that flood the brain when you hear a voice over the telephone line. As a kid we use to have get togethers with all of the family from time to time on holidays. There was never a formal 'reunion' each year after I was older, but just 4th of July picnics, weddings and of course funerals. Now, Aunt Lillian was my favorite Aunt. Why?, you may ask. Well, the most important reason was I was never just a kid around her. When she would ask a question she really wanted to know the answer. Of course I also had lots of fun when I stayed at her house. I loved her house on Balmore Way the best. It had great wood floors and a long hall to slide down, LOL. I'm not sure if she ever knew how much fun i has when I was there. Also, the cellar was full of neat 'stuff'. She was a Stanley dealer for many years and that is where she stored all her supplies. I also can't forget Sylvester..... Who is Sylvester you ask? Well, he was probably the meanest Siamese cat you ever laid eyes on! I have a feeling he was that way because he was picked on quite a bit...... He use to hide under the tea cart just next to the kitchen door and grab your ankles as you walked through. Boy, did he have sharp claws! I don't ever remember that cat ever sitting on anybody's lap and being petted. I know any time I tried being nice to him he either clawed or bit me. Ah, the memories!

Until next time.

Happy Quilting, Sharon 

"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Happy June!

This is the last weekend of June 2011. Can you believe that the first half of the year is GONE? Where did it go?

What did I accomplish in the 55th year of my time on this earth?

One thing I have accomplished is to post more here. Is everybody tired of hearing from me yet? That's to bad, LOL!

Last week we bit the bullet and bought a new (to us) car and traded in the van. So far it gets about 24 miles per gallon around town and gets us where we need to go. The fella that sold it to us said, "Well, what do you think?" I guess he thought we should be really excited about a 2007 Saturn Ion and was a little disappointed when I said, "It's a car with 4 wheels and runs." Now, if we had been buying a Sebring convertible that would have been a different story.

Carl and I went 'bowling' tonight. We have so much fun playing Wii. I have gotten into riding my bicycle around the country side. It's a good thing on some of the ride there is fences because I can't seem to drive in a straight line most of the time. I also have fun pretending to be a duck and fly from post to post out to the ship.... Now, the balance games are something else. I can't keep my balance for anything! I always feel like I am gonna' fall over. I'll keep trying, but hold out little hope that I'll get those games right!

I posted new pics of the Temple site. So glad to see progress!

And of course I have been working on quilting 'stuff' too!

I guess that is all I have for tonight. I'll be back in a few day so don't say you haven't been forewarned!

Happy Quilting, Sharon 

"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Lazy Night!

How is everybody doing tonight? It is a lazy Monday night here. I have been surfing the net reading all of my quilt forums and seeing what trouble I can get into next :)

I have a grand-daughter that needs to have a quail stuffed animal for school next year (the school year starts in mid August around here). I did a little search tonight, but what I found was UGLY... really, really ugly! So if anybody has any ideas where we can find either a inexpensive ready made quail or a pattern please leave me a comment. I sure would appreciate it!

Other than playing on our Wii tonight I have been a computer potato, you know instead of a couch potato in front of the TV I have been a potato in front of the computer.

You remember the pictures of my tomato plants? Well, tonight we had BLT sandwiches with our own tomatoes! Boy, did they taste good! Next year we will have to start our plant earlier so maybe they will ripen sooner. There are a few more that need to ripen just a little bit more and we just may get to have another supper of BLT's. When I was a kid I would not touch a tomato. The only way I would eat them was in spaghetti, goulash, or sloppy joes. I still won't eat them just plain with salt, pepper and mayo on them like my Mom did. So, I guess I have 'grown up' a little by eating them in a sandwich of some sort. I remember my Mom frying green tomatoes every spring. All I can say about that is, "Yuck"!

Have a great week everybody! I am off to bed so I can be 'bright eyed and bushy tailed' for work tomorrow.

Happy Quilting, Sharon 

 "Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Evening!

Just sitting here surfing the net looking for good bargains on fabric. Can't find anything that really 'floats my boat' as my Mom use to say.... I really don't NEED any more fabric, but it sure is nice to browse :). 

Tomorrow will be a good day to do a little 'spring' cleaning especially in my living room or front room depending on what part of the country you are from. If I get it done early enough I just may get some sewing in too! Of course the washing machine needs to get a work out while I at it too.

Until next time,

Happy Quilting, Sharon 

"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Update on the Temple........

I just finished posting more pictures on the Temple site. Not much going on yet, but will continue to check things out every week or so.....

Yesterday I finished some embroidery and today I need to get some blocks done for a swap. Other than that not much going on. I am enjoying our Wii that we bought for our anniversary. At least it gets us up off the couch and gives us some exercise. Since summer hit and the temperatures have hit 90 and above we don't go out for walks any more. Some of the games are a hoot and remind me that I am not a kid any more...... 

Happy Quilting, Sharon 

"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Good Evening!

I just added another page to my blog. I created the different pages so that those that don't want to know about my life, but want to know about quilting can go to that section. Also, in turn the people that don't want to know about quilting can go to their favorite area to check up on me. 

Tonight I started 'My Spiritual Side' page. I invite all that want to follow me in this journey to hop on over and see what I am about to embark on. 

Enjoy, Sharon

Happy June Everyone!

Here it is the first day of June, 2011 and I am being lazy. I have not even done any laundry! Shoulder hurts, knees hurt and I just feel crappy..... Even took a nap and that didn't help much! I just might as well get things done instead of loafing all day. 

I don't even have a quilt project that excites me :(

Nor, is there a book that I feel like reading :(

I know I am whining!  Let me get it right~~~ "My Mommy doesn't make me go to school when I don't feel good!" "My tummy hurts, my head hurts and I don't feel good!" At least that is what I remember telling my BIL many, many years ago when he was getting me up for school. I hated mornings and never wanted to get up. The other thing I use to say was something along this line, "My, Mommy said I could wear this!" and "I don't HAVE to wear a slip!" My favorite thing to wear was plaids and stripped clothes together. As long as the colors matched what was the problem? That question can be answered by my sister :)

For now I am off to get something done even though I don't feel like it. Maybe tomorrow I will and then I can play instead of work.....

Happy Quilting, Sharon
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!

What Memorial Day meant to me when I was a kid: The week or two before the 'day' my mother would get her flowers, potting soil and pots together and get the planters ready to take to the cemeteries. We would take fresh flowers (geraniums are the only plants I remember) to Grandma & Grandpa Clark in Venice Center, Auntie Corena and Uncle Roy in Genoa, and Bobbie Wager in Auburn. A few years we went to Cortland to visit a niece, Mary Garrett. I never asked Mom what she thought about when she visited our family, but the visits helped me know where my roots were. Most of the family 'history' or stories I have are from when my Aunts and Uncle would get together and I'd start asking questions. I have one Aunt that was very open about different 'happenings' in the family. Just everyday happenings can be interesting to the next generation. I sure hope that everybody can share a story or two with their family during their get together this weekend if you are having one.

Happy Quilting, Sharon
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Happy May!

Wow! It's May 2011 already! I know I have accomplished a lot this year, but sitting here tonight I sure can't remember all of it. I just know I have been busy! Today I finally managed to get a purse/pocketbook done for myself. I have had 2 cut out waiting for me for some time. They have been waiting so long I can't even remember when I cut the silly things out. I love these bags from Quilts Illustrated Inc but find I need to be in the right mood as it takes some time to put together. It does get easier the more I make. The second one I made some time ago, like 4 years ago and it needs to be retired. It is full of holes and very dirty even though I have washed it several times. 

I am replacing it with this one.

The color may not be exact on your monitor, but it is an orange, yellow, black and brown fabric. I guess one of my favorite colors is still orange :)....... Carl helped me pick out the fabric, so it must be okay!

This past Sunday the 'kids' came over for breakfast. We had 2 'kids', their better halves and 3 grandkids here. I am usually the one behind the camera, but wanted to get some picks of me with the grandkids. Well, of course the camera was acting up. I have several settings and I can never remember which one takes the best pictures. You can't tell when you review them in the camera only when they get put on the computer. The ones that I really wanted to come out nice were the ones that were the worst! Grrrrrr......  BUT I did get a couple good shots of the gang.

The last time I tried to get a picture of this young lady she kept hiding on me. That was back in 2009 at a wedding! 

Just making sure the kids are behaving! 

Here is just about everybody saying 'hi' and chatting. The youngest one is behind his Dad. 

What a great smile! 

This young man is not a happy camper in the morning! His Mom told us he just wanted everybody to get their PJ's back on and go back to bed just before they came over. He reminds me of me when I was a kid. I sure didn't like to get up in the morning either and probably had the same expression on my face!

Two peas in a pod. Both of these recite movies and are smart alecks! 

The rest of the pictures are blurry otherwise I would bore you with more.  We all had great chat and made more family memories. Thanks guys for coming over and spending time with us! We love you!

 Until the next time,

Happy Quilting, Sharon

"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

New Page!

I have added a new page for your viewing pleasure. I am starting to do some tutorials commonly called 'tutes' in the quilting world. I wanted those that only want to have a 'how-to' area to visit to be able to find them easier. I will post a notification on my 'Life' page when I add these and for a place for comments and suggestions. Please let me know if these helped in any way and of course let me know if I confused you also! 

Until the next time,
Happy Quilting, Sharon
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Last week of April 2011

It is the last week of April. How fast the days go by! Today was the first day that I really did a lot of sewing/quilting. We have a Schlep Bag swap on MQB and I completed the one I started the beginning of the week and managed to get a second one done. I want to do a tutorial on this bag, but am waiting for permission before I post it. 

My heart goes out to everybody that is in the path of the tornadoes. I can't imagine the terror of having one of these storms coming my way. For us out here the weather has been great. A little windy, but cooler than normal. We have the doors and windows open during the evening and it is quite pleasant. 

I am trying to get a few tomatoes to grow. I do not have a very good green thumb, but these upside down 'pots' work great for me. We have 3 of them hanging out front with 2 different types of tomatoes planted. These pictures were taken at the same time that Wayne and Florence were here just 10 days ago and they have doubled in size. They all have lots of buds, so I am hopeful that we will get a few tomatoes. 

Second 'pot' of tomatoes. 

Another trip to an estate sale this AM. The ad said they had a Brother sewing machine and I hoped that there would be other sewing stuff--you know the fabric kind :) No such luck though, but I did get a few little sewing things. I am collecting things to put in my pink sewing case so I can be ready to go to any class without forgetting things. I picked up a cutting mat a month or so ago and cut that down to fit in the case. I just need to get another rotary cutter and I will have all my basic items all packed up with my Featherweight, Ms. Gem.

Have a great week everybody. As for me I am off to bed, work comes way to early!

Happy Quilting, Sharon 
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Happy Easter!

Just wanted to wish everybody a Happy Easter! 

Happy Quilting, Sharon
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009

Good Evening everyone!

I sure can't believe it is almost Easter! It is amazing that the folks in the north are getting snow still and we have had really mild weather. Yeah, we hit the 100 mark on April 1st, but it hasn't stuck around. Usually by this time we have the air conditioner cranked up, but we have had windows and doors open at night and only have had the air on a couple times in the late afternoon-early evening. For some time I have wanted to buy a Singer Featherweight sewing machine. For those that know what these little gems are you know the sewers passion for them.  Here is a picture of my newest baby in it's new carry case. This little gem came without cord, bobbins, manual or attachments. It did have the bobbin case. Since I have collected all sorts of sewing 'things' for years I had all of the original attachments and manual. I had to buy a foot control, bobbins and carry case. I was going to buy a remake of the original black case until I came across this rolling craft tote . Well, Carl cleaned this new baby up a couple weeks ago, checked to make sure the electric was okay, oiled everything and found that we needed a new bulb. We picked up a new bulb at the local Ace Hardware yesterday and I sat down to play. Boy, does this baby purr!  The stitches are just beautiful! Now, I have a pretty baby to take to classes with me and it doesn't weigh a ton either!.

Here is the great rolling craft tote I found in Tuesday Morning for 1/2 of what I would have spent for the black carry case!

Yahoo! Now I am in business!

This is what I was looking for when I went to that estate sale last month. Nope, that wasn't a Featherweight, but a plastic kids toy machine. That's okay someone went home with it happy anyways. 

I'll see you all later! Have a Happy Easter.

Happy Quilting, Sharon 
"Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2009