Hitting the Wall

John & I spent the weekend in Duluth and it was good to see that my typical interests there fared well through the winter. Walking along the Superior shores I enjoyed the water still splashing on the rocks...

seagulls still fly friendly missions over the heads of visitors...

mass numbers of people still enjoy walking the pier to the lighthouse...

George Washington still keeps a close watch on the liftbridge...

and, way off on the horizon a large ship could be seen hauling unknown cargo...

It was a beautiful day to enjoy a return to Duluth!

Progressing on Projects

Another month has flown by and I was able to make some more progress on my sewing projects. Last Friday Barb, Sandy, and I spent the day sewing at Millie P's - what a fun time! They pamper us with chocolate and lunch. We provide the chatter and laughter.

So, what did I get done? Well, I put all the borders around all 30 blocks in my Simply Sweet quilt.... now I just have to sew them all together.

Then, I started and almost completed a St. Patrick's Day tablerunner. Only needs the borders added on each end. Will be ready to use next year!

Over the last month I also completed all 24 blocks of stars for my Christmas quilt borders. My mom is embroidering the center panels and almost has them done. Hopefully next month I can show you the finished project!

Awe, such a great feeling to see progress being made!!

Freshly Painted

I'm giddy with joy - my office and half-bath have a new paint job! It wasn't without sacrifice, but then what good things in life are?! I purchased a gallon of paint a year ago with the lovely name of Koala - was suppose to be a creamy brown color. When I removed the lid to paint, to my surprise it was the same peachy color as the scrapbook room. What happened I will never know:( Anyhow, I went to the hardware store and brought home all of their paint samples for brown paint.

After deciding on a color, I went back for the paint. Come to find out, the one I chose was displayed on one of their walls. I didn't like the looks of it, so chose a lighter color named Macadamia. Then I came home and started painting, and painting, and painting.

A couple days later, with sore back and muscles, I was very happy with the results. Gone was the Pistachio green color, replaced by the new Macadamia brown color. NOTE: I must love colors that have food names.

And now, to make Tawnya (Miss Osha) happy - here is a picture of the kid-friendly, no sharp corners, soft top foot stool/coffee table for our living room. If kids run into it, they should just bounce right off - no bleeding or stitches required!

Doesn't it look comfy with the conversational couches around it?! I enjoy resting my weary bones in this spot. Come sit a spell with me when you can!

Twofer

Several years ago I purchased a fabric kit and pattern to make a Springtime wreath. The fabric is very playful with bunnies, carrots, and tulips.

Since I'm working on completing projects left undone years ago.... this one certainly qualified. After sewing the first wreath...

I realized there was enough fabric left to make a second wreath. What a delight! Two for the price of one.

I still have to add an orange bow, but then they will be ready for quilting. Won't that be cute hanging on my wall? Plus there will be an extra one to give away!

Lucky Me!

Let it roll! When it comes to winning, I'm not usually successful. A sister of mine seems to have all the luck - she wins at bingo, drawings, etc. Well the tides have turned.  This last month I won twice - yes, that's two times in one month!

First, I won a $25 gift card at the restaurant where my quilting friends have breakfast once a month. Second, my name was drawn last night for the door prize at a health fair my friend and I attended. The fabulous prize was a one hour body massage. I'm not too fond of massages, but John loves them.

I am really excited about this winning streak. And I'm wondering if I should quick head to Vegas, or Hinckley (and not just for the buffet). Perhaps we could retire early, or travel around the world, or buy some diamonds or a new house... sounds like I'm addicted already to the possabilities of winning. I better just stay home and enjoy the breakfasts and massage!

Sew Therapy

I'm having trouble with my sinus, soooo that means sewwwwwing! It's Monday, which means time to clean bathrooms and do laundry. In between all that, I spent a lot of time at my sewing machine.

Last Friday at Princeton's BOM (Block of the month) we found out the quilt shop is changing hands and may close. We have one more month of BOM to complete our blocks. Then comes the task of assembling the quilt. I decided to change the pattern a little and replace some blank blocks with quilted blocks. So today I made the extra 6 blocks.

Next I will need to buy fabric for sashings, borders, etc. and figure out how all that should look. I'm looking forward to seeing the end result!

Alexis' First Birthday

Last Saturday was party time to honor Alexis. She is 1 year old already- where did the time fly? I made her a card with the new stamp set I got from Jen.

A slightly dirt face after eating her first birthday cake - marble cake with chocolate frosting. Yum, Yum!

Grandpa Bator played piggys with Alexis, while she brought a new meaning to stocking cap!

Do you need any help opening those presents? Don't be shy, we are all here to help you!

Grandma Bator balancing her youngest two girls on her knees!

Jenna & Alexis

It doesn't get any better than this!!