Wow! It has been way to long since I have been here....

I guess I have been busier than I thought over the past month or so. I guess having 2 grand-daughters near makes a big difference. In June some ears were pierced. What brave girls. Of course Maddi was the first brave one.

Then Ella had to be brave because her sister didn't flinch.....

We also hit the rollerskating rink a couple times. The first time I didn't hit the floor, but the second time my pride was hurt 3 times.... at least no broken bones, LOL!

Of course the whole family went to the local carnival on the 4th of July to watch the fireworks. I also met another crafter that sells ribbons and hair bows. We may be meeting up at the Hendersonville, TN Farmer's Market. 

Here is my new craft fair set up. We had a profitable and dry day this last week. The week before we got very wet....

One of the stores that we visit here have these in stock. It has been many years since I have see them. My mother used them all the time when I was a kid. Do you know what they are and were they part of your bug control?

One of the things that surprises me is seeing barn quilt blocks all over the area. These 2 are on the side of an building that has a LQS (local quilt shop) in Goodlettsville, TN. The Quilter's Attic is nice shop except the class room is on the second floor and it doesn't have an elevator.

 Of course we always have to find a park to watch the animals and we found this one in Hendersonville, TN. It looks really nice from the road, but it is small and there are a lot of geese and ducks that make a very big mess! We watched this Blue Heron catch and eat it's meal. That was so cool.

Of course the 'families' were hanging around. It is so much fun to watch how the parents take care of their babies.

These are the frogs that are very plentiful around here. We get serenaded every night and have to watch where we walk. Also, we have to watch out when we move things around because we never know when one is going to jump out at us.

This is one of the frogs that grew up in our pool before it was opened for swimming. The girls had fun chasing them. They were all over the pool deck for a couple days.

I found this funny looking bug resting on some firewood near the shed. I looked this one up, but can't remember what it is except that the black dots are not the eyes and they are good for gardens.

This guy was found in our driveway. There is a small creek out back and I am sure that is where he lives. I haven't ever seen one this big in the wild.

As we were heading home a new way a few weeks ago I spotted these birds in the field. I counted 14 either on the ground or in the air. It took a couple minutes, but then I realized they were buzzards. I have never seen so many in one spot before. A couple weeks later we traveled the same road and saw a few in field across the road from where I took this pic. I figure they must be roosting and raising their young close by.

At the end of May we made a trip 'home' to central New York. Most of our family still lives there and we had a great time visiting all of them. This is Carl with his sister Joyce. 

Then we headed up the 'hill'.

 A great plus with this trip was being able to visit family from Virginia too. Filip, Bonnie, Carl, Stevi, Meggin and KeeKee (the shy one). Filip and Stevi were visiting from Virginia.

One of the reasons we went to NY was Roxanne and Larry's 30th wedding anniversary.

Their kids hosted a surprise anniversary party. It sure was a great success.

Of course there is always a 'fun' picture! This is Roxanne and Larry's great grandson. I was the only one that was able to get a picture. Some day he is not going to like having this picture floating around in cyber space. Grin....

We stayed with Lissa and Bruce so then we saw Wendy's crew. Only Brandon stuck around for pics.

A pretty plant in Lissa's yard.

 

Most of you know that I love our country's flag and have taken many pics across the country. These are at 3 car dealerships that are next to each other. When you are driving south on route 31E you come around a corner and there they are.

 

 So I guess I have a good excuse for not posting on my blog.

Until next time, 
Happy Quilting, Sharon 
Permanent "Quilting the Kaye Wood Way" Certified Instructor since 2013

Sunny Sunday!

What a nice day it has been today. Of course it is that time of the year that you don't spend to much time outside because of the heat, but I sure do love the sunshine.

I just finished posting the first installment from our vacation in May. I finally got all of my pictures labeled and down loaded. I think I have over 300 pictures that turned out. I love having a digital camera, I can trash what didn't come out and it doesn't cost me anything! I was forever taking pictures, but never getting them developed..... Lots of 'pictures' in my brain. I was looking though a couple boxes and found some VHS tapes that we have taken over the years. I am going to get them put over onto DVD in the near future. It is a hoot watching them!

Now that I downloaded the pictures from our vacation I started a post about it, so go on over and see what we have been up to!

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

Today I managed to get to the temple and get pictures. I can't believe that it has been 3 months since we have visited.  Check it out here: http://coyotequilts.blogspot.com/p/my-spiritual-side.html

Today I managed to get another quilt mostly quilted. We went out to supper with friends, so I had to quit working on it. I hope to get back to it tomorrow and finish it. Then I have some binding for 3 quilts in my future.

Right now we are sitting and watching "Emergency!". Any body remember that show from the 80's? I use to watch it all the time and now I can watch it again on Netflix. We just finished watching "McMillan and Wife". Since giving up our DirecTV we have found we really like all of the old shows. So, I shall say, 'good night' for now and finish watching this great show.

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

Tired Thursday!

Evening all!

How has your week been? Mine has flown by so fast that I am wondering where it went...... Very little 'house work' has been done this week. Yesterday I planned on going to an estate sale that advertised 'LOTS of sewing supplies', but when Carl stopped in at home before I left he told me he had stopped earlier and they didn't have anything.... very disappointed! I did go have lunch with a friend and that made up for the estate sale.... Tomorrow I hope to get over to the Temple site and get some pictures. After that I want to work on the quilt that I have on the frame. It would be nice to get it done this weekend, but only time will tell.

Until next time,

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

Lazy Tuesday!

How has everybody's day gone today? Mine went by pretty fast and I actually got a lot of paperwork done at work. So, that was a plus.... Tonight has been a lazy night with watching TV and playing on the computer.

I have been working on my quilting software by going through each lesson. I wasn't sure if I would really use it or not, but I am sure when I get use to it I shall use it. They have a new version out this year and that is what pushed me to try the older versions. If I didn't like it I wouldn't be out that much money. I may end up with the newer version at some point, but for now I am having fun!

This past weekend I managed to get about 1/2 of the pictures we took on vacation labeled. I haven't gotten them down loaded yet, so I can't post any. Some of them are a hoot! Yes, I shall post a couple silly ones of me....

Tomorrow shall be a run around day. There is an estate sale that starts a little before 8 AM that I think I shall visit. They have advertised LOTS of sewing 'stuff'. The person must have been either a quilter or a seamstress because one of the things they are selling is her Viking sewing machine. If memory serves me right I think it is an embroidery machine..... I don't want the machine, but I sure am interested in the 'other' stuff LOL! Like I need anything else! I just can't pass up a great deal on thread and notions, not to mention fabric..... Speaking of fabric Carl took me to Bob's Variety store in Sun City West this weekend and I picked up some nice pieces. Their sale price was $2.00 a yard! I couldn't walk away from that :). I also picked up some more of Eleanor Burn's 'Victory Quilts' fabric. I fell in love with the fabric when it came out, but I sure didn't like the price. Now, this is the only place I can find it and the price is great. I just may go back and pick up the rest that she has as time goes by. I have the book and may make a small project with some of it.

Well, my friends, I need to get some shut eye. I haven't been sleeping well the last couple nights and I do need my beauty sleep. Especially if I am to get my licks in with the other quilters in the area at that estate sale tomorrow......

Have a great night!

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 Sunday!!!

Good morning all! Beautiful morning around here. Of course it is hot, but what do you expect for June in the desert? It has put a damper on my walking, but that just means more time to get things done in the house especially in the sewing/quilting room.

Happy Father's Day!! When I was a kid my Dad wasn't around so I never got into the Father's day thing like I did with my Mom on Mother's day. My husband has had a tradition since I have known him that he has steak and eggs for breakfast. With church starting at 9 AM I was going to fix it for him after we returned home, but I guess he's hungry now because I hear banging in the kitchen. After he had his heart surgery last year and was laying around he got hooked on the show 'NCIS'. So for Father's Day I found a good deal on the first 6 years on DVD and got that for him. It arrived on Friday and of course I couldn't keep it till today...... So we have been watching 'NCIS' the past 2 days. Not much else any good on TV right now until the summer series start up.... Yes, I love 'The Closer' and 'Leverage' so am waiting for them to start again. There is a new series that starts in July that I just may view at least once. 

Friday was a day off of work for me. Yippee!!! I was able to spend the day with my friend Lynne. It was great to be able to sit around and talk. For days after we have a visit I think about what we have talked about and I am always amazed at the different topics that we discuss. It is not the usual 'gossip' session and of course we always solve the worlds problems while we are at it!!! Thanks for a relaxing day, Lynne!! Of course I have to tell you how sneaky this friend is, there was a surprise in my purse when I got home!!! Thank you dear friend. I have a feeling an empty spot on my wall is going to get filled one day soon! You KNOW I WILL get even!!!

I have been in a funk with my quilting lately. I just have not had any inspiration to get out into the sewing room, but saw this quilt that caught my eye.

It is a quilt along that I am going to try to keep up with. I love stars and have gotten into scrappy. I have been trying to figure out the main colors 'cause I sure don't need to buy any fabric!!! I did spend Saturday in the sewing room, but not doing what I should have been doing. I have a quilt on the frame that needs to be quilted, but I just have not had the desire to get it done. I know that it will only take me a couple hours to get the blasted thing quilted, but unless I am in the right frame of mind it will not go well. So, instead I dug out a paper-piecing project and completed that. I am so glad that I have a fabric stash and a great variety of patterns so that when I do get an idea I can just go put it together instead of having to spend time getting the supplies. Well, DH is in getting ready for church so I guess I had better get my buns in gear and do the same.

Have a great day everyone and a special 'Thank you' to all the fathers around the world that are in our military. I truly appreciate your service and dedication!

Happy Quilting, Sharon 

Busy Life

Yippee!! I spent a grand afternoon with Lynne and she received her birthday surpise. Here is the picture.... I really like this pattern and am making one for myself, but it is going to be in browns instead of greens. I am putting different borders and blocks than in this one.

It's only 4 days until we climb aboard the plane for our trip to NY and it's only a week until Julie and Jim get married. I just hope it stops raining out there so we don't all get water logged.

I have been slowly getting things together that I needed for the trip. I bought my outfit a couple weeks ago and I got my nails done yesterday. I forgot how much I really like having fancy nails!!!

Now, I just need to find a job so I can afford to keep them. My job taking care of Judy ended on June 18th when she was moved to a group home. After Carl's visit to the hospital we decided that we needed to be able to do a few more things and go see family more than we were able to do with Judy here. I am going to go back into Hospice nursing, which I love. I know one outfit that has offered me a job without an interview, but am not sure if I want to go there. It is a new outfit and I'm not sure if I really want to be involved with the 'ground breaking' work that is needed to get a Hospice up and running. The other side of the coin is that I know most of the nurses that work there and that is why I have been offered a job. I'll make that decision when we get back from NY.

I have cleaned carpets and moved things around in the house this past week and then this week all I have done is go running around. Last Saturday Carl & I went to estate/garage sales, Sunday was church, Monday was shoe shopping, Post office run and lunch with Carl, Tuesday was nails and visit Judy, Wednesday was lunch with Lynne, Thursday is going to Janice's to help her figure out her embroidery machines and Friday is a 'need to stay home day'. I wonder how I managed to get my house mostly rearranged, kitchen table cleaned off, kitchen counter cleaned off so we can sit at the bar or table to eat and all of the other sorting and cleaning I have accomplished. We have also managed a walk most every night. Last night we even went out after dark and got an ice cream cone...together!!! It is almost like when we sold the house in Groton and we didn't have any kids at home anymore. I am looking for more fun times together, even the simple things.

Happy Quilting,
Sharon
www.coyotequilts.com

Good evening everyone!! I have been trying to get on over here to post happenings, but like always things get in the way..... I also have figured out how to get my pictures where I want them to be! See, even an old lady like me can learn new tricks!!

The biggest news is that Carl goes back to work on light duty starting tomorrow. He isn't able to lift anything over 25 pounds so he will be staying in the office and going to meetings to fill out his time. I finally figured out how to download a photo of him while he was in CCU which started on my phone. This is a couple days after his surgery and was really looking pretty good. He still had lots to tubes hanging around.... This was either April 24th or 25th.

Here he is the first day of our visit from Spencer & his family on the 9th of May. He doesn't look like he had major heart surgery 2 1/2 weeks before this picture, does he?

He still gets tired, but that has been getting better. He is walking all over the place again to get his stamina up. I told him the other day that I was going to have to have major surgery just to be able to keep up with him. Neither one of us realized how slow we were getting. I just thought it was age getting the best of us. He just thought it was his weight and that is why he started on a diet. As of today he has lost about 95 pounds and wants to loose a few more. I am going to have to make up some new patterns and get busy at the sewing machine just so he can have something to cover his bare butt!!!

I have finally gotten my quilting bug back. Just before Carl's surgery I didn't have any ideas or projects going and it has taken some time for me to return to the sewing/quilting room. I finished a project for a friend's birthday and started one for myself. After I am able to give Lynne her present I'll post pics. I don't want to spoil her surprise!!! I even managed to get my sewing room picked up and blocks done for my swaps.

This is the block I made for 3 Sisters Christmas Sampler Swap:


This is for Rebecca and we have swapped several times before so I have to keep coming up with different blocks. While I was looking for fabric for this one I realized I needed to restock my Christmas fabric. What a challenge that will be..... :)




Here are the blocks for the 3 Sisters Tennessee Block swap:

These were sent to Betty H. and Janet H. Eventually I am going to have a king sized quilt made with these blocks. I needed to have several different 5 inch squares of fabric to do this quilt. My dear friends at Quilt In A Day (AKA: QIAD) came through for me. We did a swap of 'nickles' (5 inch square pieces of fabric) and I now have lots and lots of different fabrics to make this a truly scrappy quilt.


This block is a 'Send Along , Sew Along Swap' on QIAD. This one we swap one block with a partner every 2 weeks. My first block went to my pal, Beth, from the Secret Santa we did at Christmas time last year. She loves Asian prints and her favorite colors are red and yellow. I couldn't find the red or yellow fabric I had in mind, but this material really jumped out at me.


The second block I made for this swap is for Jean. She is a newer member of the 'El's Angels' and I have not swapped with her before. This is going to be a treat! I just love getting quilt blocks from around the world.

I suppose I need to get to bed. I get so involved when I am on this computer that time just seems to fly right on by. I am just glad I was able to figure out how to move my pictures and do a little search here and find some interesting features. Keep tuned as I may play some more with my format!!

Happy Quilting,
Sharon