Garden Party

I took some time to have fun just for me today. It turned out to be quite a lot of fun once I found the address on how to get to the location. A month ago, I bought a $5 ticket to a garden party. Wasn't sure what that was all about, but I knew it included lunch. If food is involved, and I don't have to cook it, I'm all over it! Turns out, the lady hosting the garden party is a master gardener and lives on a small lake. Her yard is filled with gardens she has created.

We (about 20 in all) arrived at the appointed hour. Most people just sat on her deck and chatted. There were 5 of us who roamed through her yard and marveled at all the plants and beautiful gardens. I was really impressed with how she added little pots, ceramic figures and water baths for interest. She also added height to her gardens using trellis's or climbing vines.

 

The lunch was served buffet style and we sat outside - most folks stayed on the deck, but the same fabulous 5 sat on the back lawn surrounded by the gardens.

I bought a new hat to wear for the party - sorry I didn't get a picture of that;) All in all, it turned out to be a lot of fun for only $5 (plus the cost of the hat)!

Another Finished BOM

I love it when a big project gets finished. This is my BOM - Block of the Month from June 2010 to May 2011. Our group met at Fish Lake Lutheran Church in Harris and had breakfast, followed by speakers, then show and tell. It was a great time and I really enjoyed it. The ladies are terrific, especially my dear friend Barb Sauer who organizes all this!

A sample of our delicious breakfasts!

Eggbake, banana bread and a beautiful orange flower.

The name of this finishing pattern is called Butterflies in the Garden.... can you see the butterflies? The 12 blocks in the center of the quilt were completed one per month, then the sashing (butterflies) and border were all added in June & July of 2011.

I love the colors and think it really does look like butterflies surrounded by the floral fabric borders.

Well, on to my next project that needs to be finished... I have several to choose from!

Hello Again

Hello it's me and I'm still alive! I know it has been forever since my last posting but that's okay. Not much has changed, just life goes on. Our house is being shared with Shawna and family while they purchase a new home. It's fun to get lots of hugs & kisses from the grandchildren each day. And Jenna walks into the house and calls out "Grandma" - that warms my heart!

I continue to sew, but at a slower pace. Here are a few things that have been completed.

Two quilts:

An Easter table topper:

A colorful table runner:

A pillow for Jessica because her closet is full of shoes (my mom did the embroidery work):

And finally, I can share this quilt now because it was a gift and I've presented it. This quilt was made for Karrine because she loves music and performs so well on the piano. She graduated from high school last week and had her open house on Saturday. John and I have enjoyed watching her grow up and become such a super young lady with many talents and a kind heart. She will be a delight at college.

Until next time - don't hold your breath!

Cupcake Creations

I found a new cookie pan with shapes of a daisy, tulip, lady bug, watering can, lamb, chick, basket with eggs, Easter egg, and butterfly. Decided it would be fun to make some for Easter. John really got into coloring the cookies. I just did one color on each cookie, but John used many colors. He found it to be very relaxing.

The colored cookies are then put on top of a cupcake frosted green (representing grass). Here are some of the final cookies & cupcakes. YUM!!

Success!

I love my work as Director on the Connexus Board and MREA Board, but there is one big downside. These are elected positions. My stomach churns when I have to "sell" myself and beg others to vote for me. I guess it goes against my beliefs of being independent.

My three year term was coming to a close so I needed to apply, be interviewed, and then campaign over the last three months. Many sleepless nights and stress filled days later, the winners were announced at our annual meeting yesterday. I was so nervous, but had to appear calm and give my two reports in front of the attending audience. When the announcement came, I just wanted to crawl in a hole and not hear the results. I mean, most people (all politicians) have the pleasure of being alone when the results are announced. This gives them time to "compose" themselves before appearing before the media, supporters, etc.

My fear is that if I lost the election I'm not sure how I would react. Would I remain calm? Would I go into denial? Would I be gracious? Maybe my emotions would take over and I would cry or something... in front of all those people!

I'm just not sure how it would all go down, and since I'm a control freak that causes a lot of stress for me.

Thankfully, the results yesterday were quite the opposite. When all was said and done, I received the most votes and a four-year term was the reward. I'm so excited! Not only do I get to continue to do the work I enjoy, but my stress level regarding elections can remain low for four years! What a blessing!!!

Final March Creation

I finished out March completing a project that has been a year in the making.... yes, that is pathetic! I'm happy to have this done and off my "to do" list. It is cute & functional, so that is a plus. Now whenever I carry a casserole or other dish somewhere I can put it in my new carrier:

Sweet & simple!

Girls Night Out

About once a month we have a movie night for girls only. Our wonderful hostess is Margo...

She chooses a theme and we bring food/snacks to munch on. Last Friday night we had a "dip" night. Food included anything we could dip. Fruit in white chocolate, layered taco dip, spinach dip, sun dried tomato dip, bruschetta, etc. It was all so  yummy!


My daughters weren't too happy with me for snapping this picture without notice.....

so I gave them a chance to pose...

The movie on the big screen was my favorite "Pride and Prejudice" (the second half of the long version),

Margo makes the best popcorn in her fancy open kettle popper. This time we were too full to have any, but I'm sure we will pop some next time!