April Book List

 Today is the day for the listing of the books I read in April.  14 books seems like a lot - must have been a boring, dismal time.

All the Colors of the Night by Jayne Ann Krantz  - the second book in her Fogg Lake series - fun read.

 Fellowship of Fear by Aaron Ellkins This is the first adventure of Gideon Oliver - the Skeleton Detective.  Great stories 

In the Balance by Patricia Wentworth.  This is the 4th book in the Miss Silvers series.  Written in the 30's through the 50's they are wonderful mysteries with a touch of romance.

Trouble in the Town Hall  by Jeanne M. Dame  Continuation of the story of an American resettled in England and she's found another body.  Just a fun read.

Something the Cat Dragged In Charlotte McCloud - the fourth book in the Peter Shanty series.  A fun, funny read.

The Dark Place by Aaron Elkins  The 2nd book in the Dr Oliver series.

Saltwater Cove by Amelia Addler  This book made no lasting impression on me so I will probably not be reading anymore in the series.

Eye of the beholder by Jayne Ann Krantz  Another of her mystery, fantasy, romance adventures.  Always a fun read.

Divine Wedding by Hope Callaghan  Book 7 in the Divine Cozy Mystery series.  Great Stories about people at a half-way farm getting their lives back together.

Murder at High Tide by Lee Strauss  First book in the Rosa Ross Series.  Set in 1956 Southern California.  Not highly impressed and probably will not continue to read the series.

A Bias for Murder by Sally Goldblum  I've read several in this series and have decided there are more fun and/or interesting books out there for me.

Deep Blue Surrender by Robin Mahle   A story about a middle aged woman starting over again in life as a private detective.  

The Tombs by Clive Cussler - #4 in the Fargo series.  High adventure, exotic places and an  ALMOST believable story line are all the hallmarks of a Cussler adventure - I love them.

Chocolate Hearts & Murder by Patti Larson  #2 in her B & B Series.  Not as good as the first entry, but enough that I may try the third.  

March Book List

 For some reason I spent a lot of time reading in March.  Of course I didn't get a whole lot else done - couldn't seem to get really into my quilting or any of the other projects I have on the back burner, just wanted to read.  So here goes with the list;

The Promise Girls by Marie Boswick  I always enjoy her books, they are always uplifting and inspiring.

Silversword by Phyllis Whitney  A favorite author from the past that I have rediscovered.

Michigan Mayhem by Hope Callaghan.  The next installment of the Garden Girls.

Tattered and Torn by Carol Dean Jones.  I really enjoy this series of Cozy Quilt Mysteries.

Body in the Transom by Jeanne Damn  A new to me series, set in a small English Village with a retired  American Heroine. 

Mayan Secrets by Clive Cussler  More of Cussler - some day I may run out of new reads by him, but probably not any time soon.

Bed & Breakfast & Murder by Patti Larson.  Another New to me series - a cozy mystery set in a B&B  a fun read.

Light & Shadow by Jayne Ann Krantz - a fun romantic suspense novel.

Left Holding the Bag by Carol Dean Jones - The next episode of the Cozy Quilt Mysteries.

Rainbows in the Mist by Phyllis Whitney

Daylight by David Baldecci  Book 3 in the Atlee Pine Series - One of my favorite authors.

Curses by Aaron Elkins - One of the Series about Anthropologist Gideon Oliver.

Truth or Dare Jayne Ann Krantz  The Sequel to Light & Shadow.

Aunt Dimity Digs In by Nancy Atherton  I love this series of fun, light mysteries with a fantasy sidelight.  

Besides reading over a dozen books in March I also put together a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle - pieces were weird shaped and it was definitely a challenge - but I did get it done.

 

February Book List & Eagle

 Well, it was February - really cold, lots of snow and I proceeded to injure my back so I was down for a few days - a great time to read!!  So I did!

My reading list for the month basically included a lot of my old favorite authors:

Riviera Gold by Laurie R King (I love her Sherlock Homes and Mary Russell books - although several of her stand alone books are great) 

Lost and Found by Jayne Ann Krantz (another favorite author. This book is from her Fogg Lake Trilogy)

Aunt Dimity Vampire Hunter by Nancy Atherton (Part of my all time favorite Fantasy series.)

Journey of the Pharaohs by Clive Cussler (I have yet to go wrong with a Clive Cussler Story)

Mystery of the Minster by Susannah Gregory (Medieval mystery at it's best)

The Crown Jewel by Charles Veley (book 4 in the Lucy and Sherlock Series)

The Palace Guard by Charlotte MacLeod (book 3 in the Bittershorn & Kittering series - so much fun to read)

Nighthawk by Clive Cussler (More Cussler - I just can't stay away from him.)

I have searched all winter long for an Eagle.  They normally roost here in December and early to Mid January, but this year I saw nothing.  I realize I probable wasn't out and about as much because of the Pandemic, but I've always seen them around the church and on the road to town, but not this year.  Finally, my friend and I were driving to Kewanee a couple of weeks ago and one flew across the road ahead of us.  Of course no Camera!!  Then last Wednesday Hubby and I were pulling out of the driveway and one flew over our house!!  Of course no Camera!!  Later that same day we saw one flying over the road as we drove downtown.  Then yesterday driving home from Bible Class I saw 3 in the field at the end of the road.  Of Course no Camera!!  So I drove home, grabbed my camera and the big telephoto lens and hurried back - and guess what!! They were still there.  Got some good, some so so shots and some real duds, but at least I saw them - now if only I'd see a robin!!

Anyway here is a sampling of what I captured!!

January Reading List

 I am a voracious reader but lately I have not been very good at getting my reading list onto my blog - so I'm going to try to do better - once a month posting what I have been reading that month.  Because it has been such a dark, cold icky month, the list is pretty long.

So here goes for January:

Paradox by Catherine Coulter - This is one of her FBI series with Savage and Sherlock.  I really like this series of books and this one was as engrossing and addicting as all the others.

The Plot is Murder by V.M. Burns - This was a new author for me and it was an OK book - don't know if I'll read anymore or not.

Darling Dahlias & the Voodoo Lily by Susan Wittig Albert - She is one of my favorite authors and I have read all the Darling Dahlias and China Bayles books and also the ones she wrote with her husband as Robin Paige - great stories and excellent research.

Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen - Another dark humor, irreverent look at our society.  I enjoy his books - but only about 1 or 2 a year.

Game of Bones by Carolyn Haines - Another in the series with heroines Sarah Booth Delaney and her partner Tinkie.  Great read as always from this author.

Missing Memories - Carol Dean Jones - Another in the Quilting Cozy series with Heroine Sarah.  It is a fun easy read - I've enjoyed all of them so far.

A Visitation of Angels by Carolyn Haines - Another of Carolyn Haines series - this one called Pluto's Snitch.  This is the 4th in the series and they are always a gripping rather scary read but enjoyable.

Firelines by Susan Wittig Albert - This is the Third in a trilogy called Pecan Springs Enterprise.  Enjoyed all three as they are a continuous story with a satisfying conclusion.

Christmas Crisis by Hope Callahan - This is an installment in her Garden Girls Series and these are so much fun.  Always a mystery to solve - not always a murder.  Basically good clean fun.

Eternity Ring by Patricia Wentworth  - Patricia always delivers a rousing mystery and one I usually don't actually figure out before the end.  These are old books, but well worth the read.

The Withdrawing Room by Charlotte McCloud - This is the second in the Max Bittershorn and Sara Kelling Series.  Always fun to read and worth the time for a second, third or fourth look.

Happy New Year 2021!

 We are all praying for a New Year that is so much better than the last. A Year full of Accomplishments, fun, friends, family, love and health.  I'm tired of not being able to go do ALL the things I've always done and I'm not naive enough to think because the calendar changed over to a new year that all will heal overnight.  But I'm learning to go with the flow and do what I can.  

I haven't been in a quilt shop in almost 2 months - a real record for me.  No Block of the Month Clubs, no quilt shop hops, no running out just for something to do.  I haven't been grocery shopping in nearly 10 months.  Was to the Dollar story I think 4 times, the Pharmacy (small and local) to get my prescriptions, and went with my husband to pick out the flooring for the bedroom.  I think when I finally can safely go out I'll be like a kid on his first trip to Disney Land - everything new and exciting.  

We went all through December with very little in the way of Winter weather - now in the last 10 days we've had 3 winter storms.  The last two including the one happening today are more ice storms than snow storms.  I would prefer snow - I can drive in snow if a have to, or walk out to the mailbox, but ice - there is nothing you can do.  I pray that it is cleared by Monday so I can get out for my appointments on Monday and Tuesday.  Otherwise I will stay home for the rest of January.

I have done a lot of Quilting and Reading in 2020.  Finished a lot of UFO's but to my discredit I started as many projects as I finished so I didn't really gain much in the clearing out the stack war.  Oh Well!

As for Reading, the list is long and varied.

I found some new authors I've enjoyed:

Carol Dean Jones

Charles Velley

Julie Klausen

Kaitlyn Dunner

Reconnected with some old Favorites from years ago:

Mary Stewart

Aaron Elkins

Charlotte McCloud

Carl Haasen

Phyllis Whitney

Emily Brightwell

And Continued with current Favorites:

Clive Cussler

Janet Evanovich

Marie Boswick

Ellery Adams

Hope Callaghan

Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krantz

David Baldecci

 Susan Wittig Albert

Jennifer Chiaverini

Laura Childs

Nancy Atherton

Donna Andrews

That is probably not a complete list - but it gives you an idea.  I would be hard pressed to give you my favorite book of this year.  I think that always depends on the time of the year and the mood I'm in at the time.  

I'm off today to try to design a snowflake block to hang by the door for the next couple of months.

Snow!!

 Yesterday was such a lovely day.  Warm enough for me to go out a walk for 20 minutes and it truly raised my spirits.  I have a difficult time in December - I guess I'm one of those Seasonal Affected Disorder people.  I take Vitamin D and it helps but I'm also not a real fan of the Holidays.  Especially the way we celebrate it with all the crazy rushing around wearing ourselves out wasting money buying presents that no one wants and would use for every Tom, Dick, Harry, Susan and Fido that we  ever knew.  I want things to be quieter, I don't care if I get any gifts, I just want my family to be healthy and happy, and I would love it if we could all be together this year - which will not happen for obvious reasons.  I would love to be able to attend the Christmas services at my church, but there will not be any this year for obvious reasons and I would like to have someone else do all the prep and clean-up work.  But since there will be no family celebration this year there won't be any.  I'm hanging in there but there are days when it is difficult for me especially at this time of the year.

Like I said it was a lovely day yesterday, I woke up to snow this morning - not a lot of snow, but snow none the less that was not predicted until about 15 minutes before it started.  It should melt off shortly as it is supposed to get into the 40's and I can take my walk later.  

You all know how much I love to read, and I have been reading a lot over the last few months..  I found several new authors that I really like and 1 or 2 that I will never read again.  One of the keepers is a series by Charles Veley - Sherlock and Lucy - The first one was the Last Moriarty.  The one I'll never read again was by Peggy Ehrhart.  The book was Silent Knit, Deadly Knit (Knit and Nibble Series)  It was just a boring book.  Almost no mystery progression, too much about what they were eating (toast and coffee for breakfast) the process of making coffee ad nauseum, what they were going to wear and the tag sales they went to, but nothing that worked you to solving the murder that they discovered in the first chapter.  I finally gave up and read they last chapter - the murderer was someone that I didn't remember even being in the story.  Come on!

At any rate I am working on about a dozen quilts but having hurt my shoulder by a partial dislocation and then continuing to use it without knowing why it was hurting - I ended up unable to use my right arm for over a month.  so needless to say things didn't get worked on.  I still can't use a rotary cutter but I can use the scissors so while it's slower I am making progress.  Paper Piecing is really conducive to using scissors so that it what I've been working with lately.    

The Derecho

 For those of you who don't know what a Derecho is - it is basically a wind storm usually coming out of a thunderstorm but it is not a tornado.  These are straight line winds that can top 100 miles an hour - basically hurricane force winds but there is little or no changing direction with them.  We had one back in 2008 - Check Here for Pictures - we thankfully didn't take any damage but our power was out for 4 days.  This time the power was out about 12 hours but our cell service was out - apparently a tower out in Iowa went down and it was a domino effect that took out the towers for that provider.  We don't seem to realize how dependent we've become on Electricity and communications and when things don't work we are totally lost.  

The parts of the tree the wind took down

This branch of the tree embedded itself in the ground,  narrowly missing the siding and the basement window.  

 

It was quiet and cooler today - but the heat will be back tomorrow.  Will be working of a couple of quilts that I want to get completed.  Was working on the last borders of one when the storm hit yesterday.  

One more set of National Day Quilt blocks
National Kitten Day July 10
National Paper Bag Day July 12
National Lollipop Day July 20
National Pennsylvania Day - July 20

I was born and spent my first 17 years in Pennsylvania so I just had to include that day in my quilt.  I also added the little tiny town where I lived then.  

I have been doing a lot of reading this past 6 months.  Some of my reads include 

Skeleton Coast & Dark Watch by Clive Cussler

Patchwork Connections by Carol Dean Jones

Walk the Wire by David Baldacci

Dangerous Minds by Janet Evanovich

Ties that Bind by Marie Bostwich

Close Up by Amanda Quick

The Spy Mistress by Jennifer Chiaverini

The Corpse Wore Tartan by Kaitlyn Dunnett

Plus several more by Clive Cussler, Carol Dean Jones, Janet Evanovich and Marie Bostwich.  There are some more but my mind has gone blank on them.  My complete listing of books I have read starts Here I am addicted to reading and Quilting so the list is long.

I'm excited

I am so excited!!  I actually finished the piecing on my Circles of Life quilt top.  I bought the pattern about 10 years ago and started working on it.  It is paper pieced and rather tedious with rainbow colors and small pieces and eventually it ended up on the UFO pile as other things came up that seemed more important.  During this Quarantine I decided to pull it out and work on it.  I was determined to get the top completed.  After the first day of working on it I was fully aware of why it had gone in the UFO pile in the first place - but I was determined, and I finished it!!

Circles of Life

While I love the quilt and look forward to getting at the quilting - I will NEVER attempt another one.  It was an interesting challenge but I think now I will move on the another challenge - like the Mariner's Star UFO that is sitting in it's own tub - then again maybe something simpler. 

I have in the mean time been working on other projects like my National Days quilt blocks:

These are Memorial Day May 30
National Maritime Day May 22
Mother's Day 2nd Sunday of May
National Prayer Day 1st Friday of May

These are Nation Nap Day March 9
National Let's Laugh Day March 19
National Little Red Wagon Day March 25
National Pencil Day March 30

 This has been such a fun project, I'm looking forward to more of them.

I continue to make the cards - July has many family birthdays so I may be really busy with just cards. 

This is one I made for a family birthday this month.

It also helps with the getting a lot of sewing done that it has been rainy and cold.  The other morning I woke up to This:

It was dark, gloomy and pouring rain.  The water was flooded over the road and running down between the houses - it had overwhelmed the underground drainage tiles.  We've had a few really nice days, but now it is pouring rain again.  I know that in a couple of weeks we will be complaining that it is dry and the farmers will be whining that we need rain.  It is either feast or famine in the Mid-West.

I'm planning on going out to lunch for the first time since early March.  Of course we can't eat indoors - we have to do phone ordering and curbside pick-up but we can eat on the dining patio.  But at least we can get out and do something fun.

I continue to read - a lot:

Tie Died by Carol Dean Jones

A Wee Christmas Homicide by Kaitlyn Dunnett

Prologue to Murder by Lauren Ellis

The Corpse wore Tartan by Kaitlyn Dunnett 

Corsair by Clive Cussler

As you can see I've been enjoying Kaitlyn Dunnett's Series and I love Clive Cussler.  Carol Dean Jones in a new one - she is writing a Quilting series and I enjoyed the first one so I will try another one.  

Hope all are well and happy.  Remember to treat others and you want to be treated, think before you speak and consider the consequences before you act.

Living under Stay at Home Order Part 6

It has now been 9 weeks since I have been out to do more than go to the Doctor's, the Pharmacy and do a curbside pick up at the fabric store.  I would love to get back to my life, but I don't really see that happening any time soon.  I'm learning to be content in where I am and what I have.  I want to go to Church and quilt guild and out to lunch with my granddaughters and my daughter and daughter-in-law, but that is not going to happen.  Even with the restaurants opening in Iowa I don't want to go out like that.  With my immune system and my other underlying issues, I just can't risk it just yet.  I know I live in an area that isn't too hard hit, but it is still out there for now.  So I will stay home, work on my projects and do some new recipes and help my husband when I can.

We had plans to go on a trip to two National Parks for our 50th Anniversary on the 9th, but that of course did not happen.  Now we are making plans for when things are safer.  He wants to go to Bryce and Zion - which I do want to see, but I want to go to Olympic and visit my Niece in Oregon.  We will probably go to Bryce and Zion as we went to my choices last year - Glacier and the Badlands.  I'm just looking forward to the trip - it might not happen until our next Anniversary, but it will happen!!

My birthday was just last Saturday - we didn't do anything.  my daughter and granddaughter came out on Sunday to bring me gifts and we sat out on the front deck and talked.  It was wonderful just to see them.  I haven't seen either for them in over 3 months and they only live about 15 miles away. 

My little great-granddaughter had her first birthday on Friday and it was a Quarantine party that no one was invited too.  It was so funny and adorable.  We got pictures and a video to watch.  Not as good as being able to be there, but much better than nothing.

I have been making greeting cards for friends and family.  Paper-pieced fronts and just greetings on the inside - some are note cards, some are birthday cards, some are thank you cards and one was a sympathy card.  Some I designed myself and some are from patterns - it all keeps me busy.

 

There is also the Mug Rugs I made - some of my own design - for my daughter as she and her family loved the ones I make for Christmas a year and a half ago.  I love making them and they are fun and easy to do.

I'm still working on my National day quilt - These are mostly my own designs for the days - National Earth Day, National Tax day, National Audubon Day and Nation Arbor Day.  I have 6 more that need to be quilted which will bring me to the end of May.  Then I need to think about June's National Days.


The last project I have completed is my Quarantine Door hanging.  Most of the people in my neighborhood have been putting colored paper hearts on their windows as a sign of hope and to thank and support those on the front lines. I didn't have any colored paper - I gave it all to the church so I had to think outside the box - or inside my fabric stash. This is my Hope Quarantine Door Hanging.

I also completed a challenge project from my favorite Quilt shop - The Quilt box - in Kewanee.  Hence the drive by to the quilt shop - of course I had to place an order to pick up while I was there.  I forgot to take a picture so I will do that and post it later.

I dragged out a quilt top I started 10 years ago called Circles of Life.  It is a Paper-pieced rainbow quilt.  I quickly figured out why I had pack it away to years ago - but I am determined to finish it now.  I'm on the home stretch with it and "should" have the top finished by at least the middle of June - I'm not saying which year - just by the middle of June!!

 it has done nothing but rain here in May.  We have had nearly 4 inches of rain in the last 5 days.  The Rock River is in flood, the farm fields have huge puddles of water where they aren't flooded and our sumps are running a lot.  There really is no end in sight - it wasn't supposed to rain today - but guess what - it did.  We had some sunshine on Sunday while the girls and I sat on the deck (thankfully it didn't rain while they were here) and it felt so good to see it break through the clouds.  I know in another month we will be dying of the heat and wishing for some rain - but that is a month or more away!!

Today I'm catching up on my sleep, and some computer time and I will get back to my quilting studio tomorrow.  Not cooking tonight - eggs and toast for dinner sounds good enough.  

Latest Reading list:
Twisted Twenty-Six by Janet Evonavich
Kilt Dead by Kaitlyn Dunnett
Posidon's Arrow by Clive Cussler
Scone Cold Dead by Kaitlyn Dunnett
Back Fire by Catherine Coulter
A Thread of Truth by Marie Boswick

Living Under Stay At Home Order Part 4

It has been a crazy, informative time - There are many good things about the Quarantine and there are many less than good things.  There are things I thought I would miss and don't and things I didn't realize I would miss and do, and things I knew I would miss and I really miss them.  I miss seeing my grand kids and my great grand kids so very much, but then I knew that.  I miss the big family get togethers - you know the ones - they are exhausting and exasperating and so much fun!!  I miss lunch with my girls - daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters - lunch with my friends, & Coffee with my BFF. I miss Church and Bible Study and that Fellowship - but am grateful to my pastor for posting everything on the internet so we can all keep up and keep in touch.  And I miss my quilt gatherings and friends, and I miss the road trips with my quilt buddy.

I've found I have more time to help Hubby with the Spring Yard work - not something I'm thrilled about - I hate yard work - he usually calls me in when he wants something to die - if I tough a growing plant - it dies.  I have two black thumbs - I can only grow Dandelions!  I have more time for cleaning - UGH - not my favorite thing either!!

I've actually been doing laps in my driveway now that the rain has eased off and the temps are back up to something resembling Jacket weather.  I mean would you believe it - we had a couple of 70 degree days and then in one week we had TWO - not one but TWO - snow storms.  Not little flurry things but 4 - 6 inches of wet sticky stuff.

Snow on the Maple bud trying to come out.

The poor Robin in the back tree trying to avoid the snow.

I have also had plenty of time to work on my sewing.  I've been working on a Block of the month called Sophie's Garden - it is part cotton fabric with applique in wool.  I haven't done a lot of work with wool so this is a new challenge.  I also have my second Quilt of Valor  Ready to be quilted, that is going to happen as soon as I get the center of my Hue quilt Quilted.

I've also been working on my National Day Quilt  These ones are all my own design as Angie decided to take a break.  That's okay as I have been having a lot of fun with it.

April Fool's Day
Find a Rainbow Day
National Unicorn Day
Easter Sunday

I have the rest of April's days planned and/or completed but not finished and photographed.

Today I plan to try my had at making a face mask, finishing the center of the Hue Quilt and working on a Challenge put out by my favorite Quilt Shop  The Quilt Box.  Might have to help Hubby clean the front deck if it warms up a bit.

Been doing a lot of reading too mostly by comfortable, familiar authors:

Alien Allure by Hope Callaghan
Broken Bone China by Laura Childs
The Killer of Pilgrims by Susanna Gregory
Emerald by Phyllis Whitney
A Minute to Midnight by David Baldecci
Plaid and Plagiarism by Molly Mcrae

I'm looking forward to many things - a big family birthday party, a road trip to see my great-granddaughter in Chicago - a road trip with my Quilt Buddy/BFF, a Road trip with my Hubby, and a Church with all my church family.

Stay safe and Healthy.

Living under Stay At Home Order 2

It has been over a week for us now and we are still at home.  Not complaining  - been getting a lot of sewing done.  Trying to finish a Comfort Quilt but I seem to be missing some of the Half Square Triangles that I need - guess I need to "clean" the sewing room and see if I can find them.

We went for a walk today - it was sunny for the first time in literally weeks and the temperature was in the low 60's so it was perfect.  There was not a car on our road the entire time we were out - so very unusual, almost like when we first moved here and we were the last house on the road.  Believe me we are not the last house on the road anymore.

Been listening to Marie Bostwick in the mornings for the last few days reading a couple of chapters a day from one of her books.  It is so much fun, it is a book I hadn't read yet although I have read one of the others in the series so that makes it even more fun.

Had more appointments cancelled.  My Massage Therapy office has been closed by the state and hubby's cardiologist called today and postponed his appointment.  He is fine but the Doctor has to keep an eye on his heart.  We don't want to go through that again anytime soon.

Still working on my National Days Quilt. These are the ones I finished Quilting and labeling today.

National Sock Day
National Hard Candy Day
National Marching Music Day
National Dress Day

Looking for some good basic recipes for dinners.  I really don't want to have to go to the grocery store, I still have some meat and staples so I'm not planning on going for a few more days.

My New Normal!

I've been staying home and avoiding people since Tuesday afternoon.  Had a Doctor's appoint that I couldn't miss.  My Quilt clubs have been postponed, Church and all it's activities have been cancelled, the schools and library are closed, the bank lobby is closed and I can't take my granddaughter out for lunch on her birthday today as all the restaurants are closed.

But on the bright side, I've been catching up on my sewing and quilting.  My plan is to clear the chair and table of half-done quilts and get them off to the groups they are slated for when this is all over.  We've actually started really cleaning the house - it is amazing how much better a room looks when you clear out what doesn't belong there and dust and sweep - wow we found the top of the dresser!!

When the weather clears and it quits raining - I plan on a morning walk for some fresh air and sunshine, since I live in the country the chances of running into a crowd of people is vanishing small. 

I did complete a quilt the other day - it is from a panel that someone gave me years ago.  Then we had a pipe freeze and burst flooding part of my sewing room.  Almost everything was in plastic tubs, but there was one crate that was an open weave - so about 2/3 of that got wet.  After a run through the dryer, and the nightmare of having to iron all that fabric - most of it was less that 1/4 yard.  I found 3 pieces that would make perfect borders and binding for this panel.  This accomplished 2 things - it got that fabric out of my stash and it will bring comfort to someone in need. 

I'm also still working on my National Day Quilt. 

National Dog Biscuit Day
National Pig Day
National Strawberry Day
National Periodic Table Day

I've actually texted with 3 of my grandchildren yesterday - They must be bored too - I'm usually lucky to hear from one of them in a week, but I'm not complaining - it was great to talk to them. 

I've been getting more reading done 
Alibi by Ellen Enright Hodgett
A Puzzling Murder by Steve Demaree
and I'm reading A Minute to Midnight by David Baldecci  He is one of my most favorite authors.
on my list is a Susanna Gregory medieval mystery, a Charlotte MacLeod mystery, A Phyllis Whitney Mystery and a Patricia Wentworth mystery.  Looking forward to them.  I am so grateful for my library where I can download books onto my tablet to read and I don't have to go to the store.  I also don't have to worry about having to take them back.

I'm working on a paper-piecing lesson for my group of quilters at church.  Hopefully we will be able to have our meeting in April, but it can wait until May or even June.

Praying for a lovely day for all. 

Spring has come!?

Spring has come - or is it our False Spring or our Teasing Spring or is it really Spring.  At any rate the Robins are back, the birds are singing their hearts out from the trees in the neighborhood and the sun is shining - well sometimes.  Yesterday it was foggy damp and cold, and on Tuesday it poured rain all day and was pretty chilly - but at least it wasn't ice and snow and the robins and other birds were still around and making merry music! 

Yesterday I went to my Thursday Quilting club and we had a little quilt show of the quilts we made a year or so ago.  We all used the same basic pattern but each chose a different colorway and each one had something that the maker changed - a border - a different block or something.  Each one was unique and it was amazing how different each one looked. 

This was my entry - called Autumn Stars - It was very well received - I think because of the sharp contrast with the background - it made everything pop out.  I'm pleased with the results.  

I'm still working on my National Days/Months blocks.  this is really fun project  If you would like to join in - the National Days Tutorials are at I think it needs stitches Blog.

National Gingerbread House Day
National Tea Month (January)
National Heart Healthy Month (February)
National Umbrella Day

National Groundhog Day
Mickey Mouse Birthday
National Cake Day
Valentine's Day

National Handwriting Day
National Flashlight Day
National Cupcake Day
National Necktie Month (December)

I will be teaching a class on paper piecing in a few weeks and I really need to get busy on my lesson plan and my sample - I have it started but the most difficult part is actually sitting down and doing it.  I want to get on that today.  I also have a couple of quilts to finish for the Quilts of Compassion drive for those affected my the Tornado in Tennessee.  Check out their Facebook Page HERE.

I am an avid reader, from Dr Seuss to David Baldecci to Jane Austen  Occasionally I find one I don't like and there are certain types of books I won't read - but I love books - too many books and not enough hours to read them.

I rediscovered Charlotte McLeod  I loved her in the past and have started reading her again - it is as much fun as it was the first time around.  So far I've read

The Family Vault - A Sarah Kelling & Max Bittershon Mystery

God Rest Ye Merry  - A Peter Shandy Mystery

Others include:

One Good Deed by David Baldecci

Tucan Keep a Secret - Donna Andrews

Pirates in Peril and Matrimony & Murder by Hope Callaghan

Almost Valentine's Day

Thankfully the Winter is passing by - but wouldn't you know, the night before I had a Quilt Club Meeting and a Quilt show - it snowed and the temperature is approaching 0-F and the road is totally snow and ice covered.  I'm not going anywhere today - no Bible Study, to lunch at Bishop Hill and no Quilt Club or Show.  The temperatures are supposed to be in the 40's again by the weekend.  Winter can be so strange.

Took this picture at 1 in the morning during the storm.  Thought the snow on the branches was so pretty and knew it wouldn't be there in the morning when the wind came up.  It was light and fluffy and sparkled when you shown a light on it.

I have been busy with quilt projects.  I found the cutest quilt tutorial at Seriously, I think it needs stitches a blog by Kelli Fanning.  It is a National Day Quilt - the National Rubber Ducky Day, the National Ugly Sweater Day, the National Bird Day - etc.  

These ones are National Candy Cane Day
National Ugly Sweater Day
National Wreath Day
National Button Day

National Red Mitten Day
National Rubber Ducky Day
National Law Enforcement Day
National Bird Day 

 These are all made from my overflowing scrap bucket which makes it even more fun.  I get to make cute blocks and get rid of some of the clutter in my sewing room.

I have actually completed 4 quilts - most of them have been UFO's for a while - but they are now completed and ready to go to whoever God lays on my heart to give them to.  I'm working on two more long time projects - one is over 10 years on the pile - time to get it completed.  Ones that are completed are Here at completed projects for 2020.  I will add the photos as I get them ready.  For previous years projects you can go To the Completed Projects list.

Still doing a lot of reading.

Under Currents by Nora Roberts

Transatlantic Tragedy by Hope Callaghan

The Christmas Boutique by Jennifer Chiaverini

Terns of Endearment by Donna Andrews

Murder on Board by Ivy Dawson

The Tale Teller by Anne Hillerman

A Body on April Fool's Day by Steve DeMere

Sea of Greed by Clive Cussler

Vein of Deceit by Susanna Gregory

Only one new author this time - Ivy Dawson - Don't know if I'll read any more.  It was OK but not really great to me.  For a complete listing of all the authors and books I've read you can check them out HERE.

Happy Valentine's Day to all!!

It can't possibly have been a year

It Can't possibly have been a Year

I can't believe that it has been nearly a year since I last wrote in this blog.  Life does tend to get away from us.  It has been a very busy year.  To begin with we have a new Great Granddaughter  and she is now 8 months old - wasn't that just last week we drove over to Chicago when her mommy went in the hospital to have her.  Well I guess it has been.

Then in July my quilting buddy and I took off for a Quilt Shop Hop into Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Canada and Iowa.  It was my first trip into North Dakota and my first trip out of the USA.  It was a lot of fun.  I had no idea there was so much open space in North Dakota - next time I will be better prepared - and I am a country girl - just not that much country!!

In August my husband and I took off and headed west.  We went to Yellowstone National Park where we had a close encounter on the Buffalo kind.  

He had it in his head to charge the road, but she had other ideas.  It was interesting they way she headed him off and turned him.  It also seemed like she was talking to him the entire time.  There was a herd of them in the area, but these two really interested me.

From Yellowstone we headed further north and went to Glacier National Park.  The scenery in this park is spectacular.  If I was a decade or two younger it would be a wonderful place to hike - but I was content with the car and my camera and some wonderful places to pull over and take pictures.

Our last stop of the trip was the Badlands in South Dakota.  It was an interesting place to visit, but after a while, one rock starts to look just like the last rock, but this place was rather interesting.

In between all the trips and the holidays, our granddaughter graduated from High School, our grandson joined the Marines, and we had several family parties and picnics.  It was an eventful year.

But it is now January and while we've had a very mild winter so far - especially compared to last Winter at about this time - we did have a bad ice/snow storm last weekend and the weekend before.  This past weekend included the coldest temperatures of the season but didn't come close to last year thank goodness.  But then again it is still January.

I've spent a lot of time reading  - I definitely won't go into all of them  - but I read some of my favorites:

David Baldecci

Clive Cussler

Donna Andrews

Amanda Quick

Susan Wittig Albert

Laurie R. King

Jacqueline Winspear

Hope Callaghan

Susanna Gregory

Thomas Perry

Ellery Adams

Jennifer Chiaverini

Nevada Barr

 And also a few new ones

Dale Mayer

Susan Ella MacNeal

Lynne Hint

Kennedy Chase

Sally Goldbloom

So many books - so little time!!

Polar Vortex

Today is the day of the polar vortex in my neck of the woods.  Right now the temperature is -13 F and it is noon.  This morning it was -23 F and by tonight it is supposed to be -31 F.  With the wind chills right now it feels like -36 F and we are under a wind chill warning.  I had a doctor's appointment this afternoon but it was cancelled and rescheduled.  That is the second time this season that has happened - two different doctors - once for a snow storm and now for the deadly cold.  Every thing is closed from schools to libraries, from churches to court houses.  And there is not mail delivery - and worse all the quilt shops are closed!!  of course I wasn't planning on going out to shop anyway.

This is the view from my front window.  Hubby got the snow blown out yesterday before the really brutal cold it, and the road commissioner did an amazing job plowing and rocking the road (we are a township road and get no salt) but it is still snow covered and icy and there is a hill to go up in either direction.  This in no way can possibly show the cold.

I'm spending the day on my computer, Then I'm going down to work on my Fun On The Farm quilt by Eleanor Burns ( on facebook) and maybe a couple of other projects I have in the works.

Reading is another good option for the day,

So far this month I've read:

Divine Intervention by Hope Callagahan
Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood
Elegy for Eddie by Jacqueline Winspear
The Race by Clive Cussler
Promise not to Tell by Jayne Ann Krantz

The only new author to me is Kerry Greenwood - her Pharyne Fisher Mysteries.  I watched them on Net-flicks and then my sister told me about the books - I loved it and am looking forward to the next one.

Well, I'm off to do some sewing and hopefully stay warm for the day.

August Has Been Cancelled

I really wish I could permanently cancel August!!  The last 3 Augusts have been really bad for my husband and I.  In 2016 he had to have open heart surgery and a by-pass.  In 2017 I had surgery for lung cancer and this August I had Cataract surgery in both eyes.  The good news is we both survived the surgeries and I CAN SEE!!  I didn't realize how bad my eyesight had gotten until I had the second surgery.  What a blessing eyesight is!

Even with the eyesight problem and the surgeries I did get a lot done.  We started a new quilt for Lydia Circle at the church.  I had to get the pattern done before the first surgery so my cohort could do her lesson plan.  It is a really pretty quilt - a log cabin variation that ends up with curves when you assemble it.  I haven't done the second month's pattern yet so I don't have a completed block. 

I've gone on a mug rug kick - using up some of the scraps that are laying around the quilting room.  This one is for my chair side table for the fall - or at least for September.

I'm also into making drawstring bags.  This one was made to carry all the crazy eye drops and assorted things I needed for my surgery.  They would also be great as gift bags as they could be made in any size you want - they are cheap and quick.  I'll post the pattern as soon as I get it transcribed.

My reading list for August was extensive and varied - when you realize I couldn't see well after my first surgery.

Atlantis Found by Clive Cussler
A Skeleton in God's Closet by Paul L Maier
Hardcore Twenty-Four by Janet Evanovich
Crime and Poetry by Amanda Flowers
At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen
Gone Gull by Donna Andrews
The Girl on the Train by Paula Harkins
Waves of Deception by Hope Callaghan

There are some old favorites like Clive Cussler, Donna Andrews, Hope Callaghan, and Janet Evanovich.  There there are some new ones like Sara Gruen - Wow I was impressed - very good book.  Paula Harkins was also a surprise - good mystery - even I was shocked at the ending and I usually have them figured out by chapter 2!!  Paul L Maier was a very interesting author - I had the mystery figured out - but how he got you there was great.  He has another couple of books with the same characters so I may try them also.

Looking forward to September and some cooler and hopefully dryer weather.  It's only the 9th and we have already had like 6 inches of rain.  The farmers are having fits because the crop won't dry down well if there is too much rain.  It is dry and sunny today but the ditches are still full of rainwater. 

Lovely Summer for a change.

The last two summers have been a trial for us as a family.  It started 2 1/2 years ago when my husband nearly died from Pancreatitis.  He was airlifted to Iowa City University Hospital where he spent nearly two weeks between ICU and a regular room.   While he was there they discovered a heart murmur which had to be addressed.  It turned out he had a leaky heart valve that needed to be replaced and a partially blocked Vein that needed to have a new grafting!  He was back in the hospital for open heart surgery in August and was not fully recovered until after the first of the new year.  Nearly a full year from his first attack.

My episode started a year or after his first attach, when I went to the emergence room with pain in my chest.  An EKG showed nothing wrong with my heart - thankfully.  Further tests showed a shadow behind my heart.  At that point I was sent to my regular doctor - then to a  pulmonary Doctor for evaluation and biopsy. 

It was cancer.

After months of daily radiation treatments and weekly Chemotherapy treatments, the tumor was reduced enough for surgery.  A month after surgery I started another round of Chemotherapy - much stronger stuff.  That ended right before Christmas.  I've been back once and do to return in another month for some evaluation.  Been praying that all continues to be well.

Dave and I are working on our bucket lists - so far this year we have been to Gettysburg:

Little Round Top

Scenic Tower

Cemetery Ridge

Cemetery Ridge.

   After Gettysburg we drove down to Antietam which is in Maryland. Had a great time there, learning about what happened.

It was a great trip.  Later this year we want to go to Vicksburg and Shiloh and my friend and I want to go to Paducha , Kentucky to visit the American Quilt Museum, Hancock Fabrics of Paducha and whatever other trouble we can get into!!  LOL  

In the meantime I have done some reading.  Not a lot when I was on Chemo, but later when I was in recovery.  

The Last Chance Olive Ranch & The Darling Dahlias and the 11 O'clock Lady by Susan Wittig Albert

The Fix,  The Fallen, and No Man's Land by David Baldecci

Aunt Dimity Slays the Dragon, Down Under & Detective by Nancy Atherton 

Lord of the Rings by Donna Andrews

The Handmaiden's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Borderline by Nevada Barr

A Large Number of books by Hope Callahan

Pirate by Clive Cussler

Murder at the Book Fair and Body on the Porch by Steve DeMarre

And Then You Dye by Monica Ferris

Partners in Crime by Gallager Gray 

Sanctuary by Celina Grace

The Tarnished Chalice, To Kill or Be Cured by Suzanna Gregory

Rock-a-bye Bones by Caroline Haines

Among the Mad, Mapping Love and Death, & Lessons in Secrest by Jacqueline Winspear

I didn't get a lot of sewing or quilting done.  Chemo just takes it all out of you,  but things are getting better and I am starting to get things accomplished.  I'm working on two Quilts of Honor for Veterans and have two more planned.  I also taught a quilting class and have another one or two in the planning stages.  

Northern Illinois Shop Hop

Spent the last three days doing the Northern Illinois Shop Hop.  There were 15 shops - spread from Rock Falls, Il to Orangeville, Il to Clare, IL and down to La Salle, IL.  It was a lot of driving but we found so many really neat things, so some towns and roads we had never been to before and generally had a great time.  My passport is ready to be sent in today so maybe I will win something and maybe I won't but it was worth the time.  I'm not so sure my husband would say that as he was left here to fend for himself for three days - oh well he should be used to that by now.

We were responsible citizens and did vote - early voting a couple of weeks ago to make sure we got it in as we had to leave at 7 AM on Tuesday to get to where we needed to be, and we didn't get home until after the polls closed.  Very grateful for the lovely weather we had - no rain or snow - there was a little wind, but not bad enough to stop anything.

I think I'm taking tomorrow off.  Going to do a little sewing, bake some dinner rolls for the Church Harvest Dinner on Sunday and just chill with a new book I'm reading - A Summer of Discontent by Susanna Gregory - so far it is good.  Set in 1354 Ely in England.  I truly love Medieval fiction.

I am working on Christmas gifts for family and some friends - so that has been on my agenda for several weeks and I'm making good progress.  I found nearly everything I needed to finish all of the projects while on the shop hop - so now I just need to settle down and do it.

November First!!

I am having a hard time believing that it is the first of November - where in the world did October go!!  It seems like just yesterday it was winter and my Husband was rushed to the hospital - everything went really fast from there - with the pancreatitis - and the working on the new diet and the discovery of the heart condition and all the tests and doctor appointments and then more tests and then the waiting for the pancreas to heal so they could do the essential Surgery that would get him back to normal - what ever normal is supposed to be.  At any rate the surgery is now nearly 10 weeks behind up - there are no more Doctor appointments before March, he has rehab three days a week but he can do whatever he wants to do - within reason.  He's not going to bench press 500 LBs.

The other reason it is hard to believe that it is November is the WEATHER!!  It was a most glorious day today.  It was close to 80 degrees - dry - calm - the birds were singing - I took some of my sewing out and sat in my front yard and enjoyed the day.  Hubby was working on a project over by the garage.  Is that what is called alone together??

At any rate - I'm working on Christmas Presents and getting ready to go to the Northern Illinois Shop hop next week.  We decided to sneak into Wisconsin as we have never ever gone to a quilt shop in Wisconsin - that ought to be fun.

I started two new blocks of the month in September - one is called 1930's Farm Wives and one is Called Freedom Bound.  They both have their challenging moments, but that is why we do them to challenge ourselves.

My friend Merrie and I are thinking of starting a quilting circle at our church - called the Lydia Circle.  We'd start off with a block of the month and then maybe morph into making quilts for local needs.  Houses that get destroyed, new houses that get built.  Va Quilts - I don't know yet, but I think we should do something like that.

I've had a very productive reading schedule the last few months.

July 2016 Book List 
Death Comes Quickly by Susan Wittig Albert
Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
Cranberry Bluff by Deborah Garner
Murder and Moonflowers by Leslie Leigh
On the Fringe by Aaron and Charlotte Elkins
The Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf
Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear
Pick of the Litter by Laurinda Wallace

August 2016 Book List 
Savannah Gone by Doug Keeler
Death of a Kitchen Diva by Lee Hollis
Daughter of Jerusalem by Joan Wolf
Booty Bones by Carolyn Haines
Hazardous Duty by Christy Barritt

September 2016 Book List 
Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear
Illusion Town by Jayne Castle
Motherhood is Murder by Diane Orgain
Spider Woman’s Daughter by Anne Hillerman
A Temporary Ghost by Michaela Thompson
Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear

October 2016 Book List  
Dinner for Two by Drea Stein
Mr. Churchill’s Secretary by Susan Elia Macneal
The Nightingale before Christmas by Donna Andrews
Obsession by Nora Roberts
Aunt Dimity’s Death by Nancy Atherton
Heron’s Cove by Carla Neggers


Many are old favorite authers, Jayne Castle, Donna Andrets, Nora Roberts, Carolyn Haines,Aaron Elkins Susan Wittig Albert, Carla Neggers, and Joan Wolf.'

New are Jacqueline Winspear - on a recommendation from a Friend I tried Maisie Dobbs - I was hooked in the first few pages and have now read 4 of the books. Anne Hillerman is another.  The daughter of Tony Hillerman and she is continuing the story line that he started - it is a very good book.

I'm really tired so I'm off to get some sleep