In Memory Day

Just a thing or two I thought I would share:

"Flags-in"

Each year for the past 40 years, the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) has honored America's fallen heroes by placing American flags before the gravestones and niches of service members buried at both Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldier's and Airmen's Home National Cemetery just prior to Memorial Day weekend.

This tradition, known as "flags in," has been conducted annually since The Old Guard was designated as the Army's official ceremonial unit in 1948. Every available soldier in the 3rd U.S. Infantry participates, placing small American flags one foot in front and centered before each grave marker.

During an approximately three-hour period, the soldiers place flags in front of more than 260,000 gravestones and about 7,300 niches at the cemetery's columbarium. Another 13,500 flags are placed at the Soldier's and Airmen's Cemetery. As part of this yearly memorial activity, Old Guard soldiers remain in the cemetery throughout the weekend, ensuring that a flag remains at each gravestone.
American flags are also placed at the graves of each of the four unknown service men interred at the Tomb of the Unknowns, by the Tomb Sentinels. All flags are removed after Memorial Day before each cemetery is opened to the public.

Bless our brave heroes who have served.

In Memory Day:

Francis Gary Powers

At the height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union shot down a U-2 reconnaissance plane deep inside Russia on May 1, 1960. The plane was being operated by the Central Intelligence Agency and was piloted by Francis Gary Powers. Powers was held and tried for espionage by the Russians. He was convicted and was sentenced to ten years in a Soviet Prison. He served less than two years, and was exchanged for a convicted Soviet Spy being held in the United States. On February 10, 1962, he was released from captivity at the Glienicker-Brucke Bridge between East and West Germany. Powers returned to the United States and was exonerated by the US Congress after he returned home in 1962 and his reputation cleared on May 1, 2000 when he was posthumously awarded the POW Medal and CIA's Director's Medal on the 40th anniversary of the shoot down. He found employment as a reporter with KNBC in Los Angeles and on August 1, 1977, he died in a helicopter crash while covering a story on a brush fire near Los Angeles. He is interred in Section 11, Grave 685-2.

I didn't know this man, but his hand is one of the many I would like to have the privilege to shake.

Lucky Me!

Thanks for all the sympathy

and encouragement...

and stories you shared!

I believe there is hope and that my little wrench in my plans will still get ironed out.

Yesterday, I was still a bit disappointed and I decided to skip lunch and just drive thru Starbucks for a little

 pick-me-up...

and when I did I drove off with my drink but not my credit card.

The Starbucks manager kindly called the bank and asked if they would call me to let me know...

but quick as a wink, when I saw my wallet still on my lap, I turned around and drove back to get my card.

All good right?

Yes, until today when I found out, by trying to use my card, that the bank had kindly cancelled it.

*G*

So, when I saw that I was a winner on Julie's blog...

Jaybird Quilts had a blogiversary which prompted a giveaway...

and Miss you know who, aka #243 won this fantastic prize!

For those of you who aren't quite as excited as I am, I have to explain...

this is Julie's design, her pattern... the one that is on the front cover of the current
Quilts and More magazine!

How exciting is that!

This is made with Momo's fabric group, which I love! The kit includes a special ruler thingy for making circles that look, um... circular! And the magazine! I didn't ask Miss Jaybird yet... but maybe she will even sign it for me!

See... that pick-me-up from Starbucks wasn't what I needed at all!

This is what I needed and has now turned my week around!

...Plus all your sweet comments.

I feel much much better now.

On a side note:

 has anybody noticed how beautiful the full moon is?

Caution: Venting Ahead

Nothing quiltie going on here...

Yesterday I went to the Hair stylist to do a "practice" wedding hairstyle.

I was thinking something with the flavor of the retro look.

So, the color went on, the curlers went in, and under the dryer I sat.

The stylist was excited about the "look" and her partner just went to a class on wedding  make-up.

And I don't know how it happened but when I left there

I looked like a hooker... I kid you not! And an old one at that.

It was more of a look for a Halloween fest than a sweet mother of the groom look.

I got into my car... and not a minute to soon... before I left the parking lot and before I started to cry, I took photos.  They were to awful to share. I am not exaggerating here either! The hair was a mess. The lipstick was smudged and the eye color was aqua. I could have thrown up!

Is it not possible to leave a Beauty Shop... looking better, at least a little bit better... than when you entered?

I am severely traumatized. I know I'm not going back.

 I am going to have to rethink the whole wedding look idea.

It wasn't until I got an email from my friend Patty that my spirits were lifted a bit.

She had me go check out this blog she found.

It's not new but it is so very sweet.

It is the DottieAngel blog. I also saw this wonderful tutorial on her site that I thought I would share with you.

I swear I am going to learn how to crochet! Between this tutorial and the one by You Go Girl, On the Edge pillowcase tutorial, they have me hooked, so to speak!

But I won't attempt this prior to the wedding... just so you won't hear about some crazed woman chasing down a hair stylist with a crochet hook in her hand!

A Bar-B-Que or Two

Last Friday was family day for the fire crew. Every year, at the beginning of the season, the guys put on a huge bar-b-que and invite their families to join them for the afternoon. The hubs and I went and our other son (#4), was working nearby and joined in also.

It's always fun to take a tour of the vehicle they ride in and get a lesson on the equipment

they use for fighting the wildfires. Sorry for the backside shot of Tauren... but you can see how their gear is stored in here.

Saturday I made a little picnic and took it over to where the kids (Todd & Jill) were working on the new home with Jill's parents. They are working on replacing the deck... but you know how those projects go. But the end of the day they decided that they would just replace the whole thing.

Over the weekend, I can't say I was very productive at all!

In fact I felt quite lazy!

I think that these potholders for the Potholder Pass Around #3, were the only things that really got accomplished. Ok, I did work on finishing up my Schnibbles...

but it's not like I can take a picture of that and show you...

but I can tell you that I really like the block on this one a whole lot and it goes together lickity split!

As for where I left off with the wedding veil... the bride to be gave it a try and we could see that some changes needed to be made. So I took it a part... did some revamping and put it together again. Now it's time to add the pearls. Other than that, I'm still in the middle of the wedding quilt and the quilting of the Triple Crown quilt. I am going at a snails pace...

but one thing I did do over the weekend was to keep close tabs on any Market updates and what was going on with Spring Market! Glimpses of new fabrics, new patterns... looking at the wonderful quilts that were made by some of our blogging buddies out there!

Yes, there I was, on the bleachers again and another Market viewed from the sidelines! 

Vintage from Vennerland

Over the weekend I became the recipient of these two quilts. These were just quilt tops made by Jill's late grandmother. Grandma Venner. I think they are so fun! I love the colors of the first one. The Fan quilt has the sweetest pieces of fabrics in the fans. Jill had them quilted so that we could have them on display at the wedding. (The family calls their grandma's ranch Vennerland).

I have the honor of finishing them. I added the bindings on both now (since I took the picture last evening)

 I was able to finish the binding on the first one... and now I'm half way finish the binding now on the fan quilt. I  am having a good time looking at each of those blocks and seeing all the different fabrics she used!

 

This is the sign at the main intersection of our town. (There is only one intersection).

But I was taking a picture of the birds... not the sign. Can you see the Ravens? The dad is on top... being the lookout and the mom is in the nest with the babies.

Of all the places around... I was wondering why they chose the busiest place?

B Is For Bridal & B Is For Bingo

I wanted to show you photos of the Bridal Shower for Jillian.

I know I have every one's backsides here in the first picture but

what I wanted to really take a picture of was the table!

It was set for 22 people and there was a variety of different

china place settings.

The women were really nice. Mostly friends of Jill's mom and

people she has worked with/teaching.

The sunglasses game was a lot of fun. It was a fund raiser for the honeymoon. Everyone put glasses on the table that they brought, put them on the table, put money in a jar and drew a number. In between the bride opened her gifts, numbers would be called to go pick a pair of glasses! The flamingos were popular!

Obviously, by the picture above... everyone was having a good time!

It dawned on me yesterday

that it was the 30 year anniversary of Mount St. Helen's in Washington erupted.

Coincidentally, it was the same day that I came to visit Yosemite.

Although I only came for a day visit, I never left.

I made this my home for 30 years now! *#) 30 YEARS!

(photos from the Internet)

The Quilt Shoppe is having another Bingo Game!

I missed it last time... and I was sorry that I did. So this year, I'm on it!

It looks like it's going to be just as much fun... and don't we need some fun?

I love to play games anyway... so that will be fun in itself  but

the Quilt Shoppe has prizes too! So that makes it even better! It's not to late to join in...

go over to the Quilt Shoppe and pick out your words and play along!

Rose Colored Glasses & A Little Time

Sunglasses are in my future...

Tomorrow is another Bridal Shower for Jillian. The theme is tropical... for their honeymoon.

We are all suppose to bring sunglasses that we have decorated so that they can be auctioned off.

The money goes towards the honeymoon fund.

I was thinking pretty elaborate thoughts when faced with this challenge, but after being further informed...

it looks like I can just get by with sunglasses and a Lei that I can attach to the arms so that the glasses can hang down when you aren't wearing them. I am relieved to know that they don't have to be REALLY decorated... because who would want to bid for them?

I am new to these events... so I will let you know how it goes!

I know that this just looks like a pile of netting... but soon it will be transformed into a beautiful veil.

(I could be wearing those "rose-colored" sunglasses right now)LOL

I hope to finish it up so that the bride to be can take it home with her. I just need to gather it up, put it on a comb and add 50 little hand sewn pearls... no problem... ?

 

Guess what pattern I got my hot little hands on? I had emailed Kay and she graciously let me purchase a copy as soon as it came in from the printer... you will be able to see them in her booth at Market.

The one on the right will replace idea #1 on the left.

Fabrics? Soon to be determined.

I do know that it will be something green. Then I will need a little shrug... and a cute little pair of gloves.

This will not be attempted this weekend!

This is pinned and waiting for some attention.

We'll see what 48 hours can bring!

Have a great weekend!

A La De Da Kind of Day

I was wondering why my mind has been wandering today.

It seems to be a La De Da kind of day... Wednesday.

This little building is a "stones throw" away from my office.

I think it's so cute.

I just put the binding on this Merry Go Round quilt, so this can go into the stack that will be used at the wedding next month. I have another one out of American Jane fabrics (Triple Crown)

that is ready to be quilted next.

I have been blog surfing... which explains my mind wondering...

and doing a little preview shopping... trying to see what is going to be coming available!

It's my Market sneak preview!LOL

Kind of pitiful, I know...

but have you seen these Holiday Fabrics from Quilt Soup?

Yesterday, over at Kim's Quilting Adventures, she was discussing how our fabric taste and styles change over the years. I have to say that I have evolved into a new style... I started out with batiks, then to shabby chic and here I am

really drawn to these fun light & bright fabrics that are kind of a retro I guess.

Then you see a pattern designer...

and you think you know her style,  then she comes out with a line of fabric...

I would have to say I was very pleasantly surprised to see what her first line of fabrics looked like!

I would have bet money that Carrie  (yes that's right, Carrie) was going to come out with a fabric group... but if I would have bet on what it looked like...

 I would have lost all my money on that one!

(photo "borrowed" from Simplify)

And here is another one that has a fabric group coming out, Bliss, that I can't wait to get my hands on! Sherri has just been taunting us with sneak peaks of the "stunt" projects she has been working on with this!

But better yet... Camille has a book about to be launched also! How cool is that?

You know it's going to be  one that you are going to have to have...

this goes on my wish list! How long until my birthday??? Hmmm, there's got to be

something coming up that would make this a perfect gift for me. LOL

These little spools are just to darn cute! They are going on the list too!

But what I really need now is help!

The cake I made Sunday, practicing for the wedding, was a disaster.

(It was the hubs b-day along with Mother's Day this year)

The frosting was soup-like. 

I obviously didn't just have a problem but I had several problems.

 Ok, yes, I confess that I didn't have unsalted butter, and that my measurements were kind of off since the recipe was in ounces and I was converting to cups.

Oh, and maybe the eggs weren't quite at room temperature... I yieyie! What was I thinking? 

The good news it that there is still time to get it right!

Thanks to Laurie Simpson for recommending this book...

seems that there is a wedding in her household coming up!

Next weekend... I will try again, stay tuned.

Important Announcements

I had wanted to share this little "public announcement" with you from Kim

At Kim's Big Quilting Adventures

It's regarding Textile Dysfunction:

The foregoing post is intended as a public service announcement for those quilters among us who are under-tempted by new fabrics. Decreased fabric libido CAN be treated and should not be suffered alone or in silence. One of the goals of this blog is to provide healthy creative stimulation to ALL quilters. If you or someone you know suffers from textile dysfunction and you are unable to provide the help and treatment they need, refer them to this blog.

Isn't she one clever girl?

I have another public service announcement:

A Giveaway at Honey Run

Have you ever been to Honey Run Quilt Shop?

They have a great shop in Chico, where my son Teague lives.

I saw them at Road to California in January... they always have an amazing vendor booth set up there and I have also seen them at PIQF in the fall!

And they were in Quilt Sampler magazine... I think it was last year.

Anyway they have a great blog and happen to be having a giveaway right now-

You don't want to miss out!

I also stumbled upon a wonderful blog that I love... I had to go back and read it from the beginning! It's kind of like a Moda Bakeshop style.

Its called Sew4Home.

Great projects and information!

(photo from their blog)

Isn't this soft cat out of Heather Bailey fabric adorable?

Have a wonderful weekend.  I hope you all get pampered & spoiled to death for Mother's Day!

There's Fun, and Then There's FUN

One of the fun things about living in a small town... you get quaint little  Carnivals that come in once a year. You just don't see them this small anymore!

But how cute is that? It reminds me of when our boys were pre-teen age and we took them to the big Fresno Fair (nearest large town to us).  We dipped into the large container of "spare change" & they filled up their pockets and off we went. It of course made me a wreck... so easy to loose someone in large crowds... I kept counting heads... 1, 2, 3... 4, 5. Ok, breathe. 1, 2, 3,4... where is 5? ... ok, 5, breathe.

Anyway, they were on one of those large basket rides that spin. It stops to let more kids on, starts, stops... the boys are at the top... and then all of a sudden all you can hear is tink, tink, clang, tink.  They are up there, upside down and their pockets of change are emptying out... it was remaining money... everywhere!

Speaking of spinning things... here are my Hex-a-gon Along blocks. They are all sewn, 

 now.. on to the next step!

But I could get diverted... I got my copy of Quilt Sampler!!!

Now that is my idea of fun... perusing the pages, seeing the projects and then

going back over them to read how large each shop is and how many bolts of fabric they have, then I do in depth looks at each of the store samples! Ymmm! Fun!

I never miss an issue and this one has got to be my favorite. Lots of goodness inside!

In Between Stitches in Livermore CA.

And this wonderful little shop, ok, not so little, but has lots of Quilt Soup samples...

including a project by Barbara Jones herself!

Lots of FUN!

May: Full Steam Ahead!

I have some catching up to do! I wanted to show you the bag I won from Quiltin' Like Crazy! I got it in the mail on Friday... isn't it so cute? Thank you Heather! I am lovin' those polka dots!

I never posted about my finished projects for the Charming Guys and Girls Club: April Edition!

See Kelly... I did make some progress...

• I sewed this 4-patch- coin together
• I made my Schnibbles
• I made my Fig Tree purse (a store sample)

 

I made some progress on my Dresden Plate quilt...I know, it's not a finish... but I am lovin' the progress!

Note: purse is made with Bar Harbor vinyl and cotton. If I did it again, and I think I will, I would just use cotton for this pattern.

I used the Kona Cotton grey for the background... and the polka dots are inspired by

Material Obsession.

I had to run back to Bear Paw to get a photo of the purse/sample.

While I was there I thought I would take a photo of their quilt

for the Heart of the Valley Shop Hop.

I love the setting and the border! There are 13 quilt shops participating in this shop hop.

 All from the Central Valley, CA. From Bakersfield up to Ceres and Turlock. 

3 of our Schnibbles featured quilt shops are in it!

Quilter's Paradise, Cottage Quilts and Bear Paw Quilts.

If you are interested in going on this hop... it's from May 14-16.  You should have lots of fun!

Also while I was at Bear Paw, Donna had her McKenna Ryan BOM to show! 

This is my favorite McKenna BOM yet! 

Now, I think I have caught up... well, with what I wanted to say. I am glad that we have a breather with the Charming Guys and Girls Club for the next two months... maybe I can get caught up with the rest of those things that didn't get done on my list by July!

Did I hear you laugh???

Tagalong Parade of Winners!

As I write this I am anxiously awaiting news on how my son Teague did at the Orange County Marathon that he is racing in this morning!

I heard that there are 1400 people in the race... could be more. It's a beautiful day down there... I wish I was there to enjoy it all! It's in Newport Beach. Not a bad place to go run or even watch! But I'm thinking that anyone who even enters the 26 mile race is a winner! Seriously!

I  hope everyone got to see all the Tagalongs over at Sherri's blog!

That was a wonderful parade!

You guys are great!

Now lets pick some winners and see what they get!!!

To start off with... Carrie has picked two winners:

And they will receive a copy... did I say copy? I mean SIGNED COPY of Schnibbles Times Two!

*still to be announced*

edited: Carrie has chosen!

The winner from Sherri's parade of Schnibbles is... Mary,  at Needled Mom blog

and Carrie's pick from my Tagalong parade is... Andee of A Modern Diary blog!

Congratulations!

Carolyn over at Cottage Quilts is giving a $25 gift certificate to a winner:

and now... the winner is Pam W.! Congratulations!

Corrie at Quilt Taffy is giving at $10 gift certificate to a lucky winner!

and the Quilt Taffy winner is... Sandi at Crazy 'Bout Quilts!

Fat Quarter Shop is giving a $50 mini shopping spree to one of our winners:

and the winner is... Carol from Brown Quilts!

The girls from Quilters Paradise is giving a $25 gift certificate to a Schnibbles winner:

and the winner is... Lisa at Candle Lite Quilter!

Donna at Bear Paw Quilts is giving a Moda Scrap Bag to one of our winners:

and the winner is Edith! From Red Door Quilting blog!!!

Kim at Lake Havasu Quilts is offering a Schnibbles Times Two book.

The winner is... Sandy (no blog)!

Thank you all for being a part of A Year of Schnibbles!
We have great participation from all of our Schibblers as well as wonderful suppport from our featured quilt shops! Thank you for making this month, once again, so much fun!

I hope you have fun picking a project for next month...

I can't wait to see what you decide on...

so many fun choices!

Don't forget to go over to Carrie's blog and check out the Schnibbles Contest rules!

Ya know what they say: You can't win if you don't play!

FOOTNOTE:

MY SON GOT 10TH PLACE IN HIS AGE GROUP AND 69TH PLACE

 OVERALL IN THE MARATHON! CONGRATULATIONS TEAGUE!!!