Our Christmas Baby

Back in October I posted about a cute little stray that started coming around. He (or she?) was quite skittish and not a regular. Well, after some vary cold, harsh, wet weather, "Snow" is here to stay! Two kinds of cat food are in the cupboard and a jar of treats on the kitchen counter. He has full access to our screened in porch and a little "house" to protect him from the harsh weather. And yes, I broke down this weekend and let him into the house a bit. Now it will be off to the vet for shots and spaying or neutering. I'm glad to say that he's not so skinny anymore and has gotten so friendly now that he knows he can trust us and count on us for food and shelter. We really didn't want another pet, but he is just so sweet and we are such big saps! Merry Christmas Snow, you have a home.

Cubicle Christmas!

Oh how I have wanted to post this pic, but it was a gift and had to wait to present it! I have done 4 cubicle quilts now. I'd like to make one for every month, but I'm not sure the recipient would be too excited about that. They are so much fun - a nice small size. This one did turn into the project that didn't end - I kept adding something more to it. The tree and Santa are appliqued. Some accents are done with paint and glitter. Those are jingle bells attached to the bows and I embroidered the "Ho, Ho, Ho." If you know anyone who works in a cubicle, these are a great gift idea - they can change their "scenery" one cubicle quilt at a time!

What a Great Show!!

The Lake Norman Quilters Guild had its second quilt show this weekend in Mooresville, NC. One word sums it up: WOW!! There were approximately 230 pieces entered in the show!I continue to be amazed at the level of talent and the diversity of styles of this group. There was a great show of traditional, contemporary, art quilts, wearables and accessories.

I so enjoy this group. They are inspiring, helpful and just so much fun to play and work with. Putting on a quilt show this size takes a great deal of team work and commitment. There were those who led the way and everyone else supported them.

Drum roll please....I won 4 ribbons!! This was my second quilt show and my first ribbons. What a thrill! I've posted a pic of me with my second place quilt, "Drink 'Til He's Cute" (joke between mother and daughter when she was in college), and third place for "Selvaggio e Caldo" (Wild and Crazy). They are both my design and are two of my favorite quilts. To see pics of the show and some of the winners, go to our guild's site, bluemoonriver.com/LNQ.html to to barnyardchatter.wordpress.com for some really great coverage.

Now look at our ribbons - they were all pieced by members! Someone even did all those cute yo-yo ribbons to wear on our nametags so we could strut our stuff if we won! Thank you ladies for all your effort. And not to just those who made ribbons - this show could not have happened without the great leadership and dedication of so many.

So, mark your calendars for October, 2011 for the 3rd Lake Norman Quilters Quilt Show!

Just Too Cute!

A while back a skinny little white kitty showed up in our yard. We fed him a can of tuna, but he was still a bit skiddish. He came back a week later, but all we had was a can of anchovies. Well, he wasn't all too enthused about it, but did eat a bit and let us pet him a bit. Next day I bought some cat food and we had a bowl ready to fill for when he showed up again. Today the weather was great and "Snow" finally showed up again. Bob immediately fed him the cat food which Snow chowed down. Bob petted him and played with him a bit and got some great pics of the cat up in a shrub. I sure hope he comes back this weekend while I'm home. He's definitely not well fed and we'll gladly adopt him as an outside cat. Now really, isn't he just too cute?!

Remembering...20 Years Later

For the past week the newspaper has been filled with remembrances of Hurricane Hugo. It happened in September, 1989 - 20 years ago. The memories have not faded too much - it was such a major event in our lives here. Our yard was quite messed up, and we were without power for 9 days, but we were lucky. These were just inconveniences. Many had their homes devastated and some lost their lives.

I remember our waking to the noise of the storm Last we had heard, the storm was headed up the east coast, and not having watched any television or listened to the radio for hours before we went to bed, we had no idea that the course had changed. I turned on the TV, and just as the reporter said "the eye of the storm is about to pass through Charlotte, NC," the power went out. A might oak in our front yard went down, away from the house, and took out the power for our whole neighborhood. We woke the kids and scooted them downstairs - we have a finished basement and this would be the safest place for us all to stay.

It seemed like forever until daylight came. It was hard to believe what we saw when we went outside. There was a sea of leaves everywhere and many trees were down. The large oak that went down out front had been completely uprooted.

The week turned into an adventure. Some family came to help with some of the yard clean-up. We once again had use for our camping equipment. We even learned that a frozen pizza could be cooked on the gas grill. Friends who had gotten their power back much sooner than we did blessed us with meals.

When the power went on, it was bittersweet. The four of us really pulled together that week and made the most of the situation. The kids were real troopers - helping as much as they could with cleanup and amusing themselves. I really enjoyed having dinner delivered every night. When the lights went on, so did the television. It had been so nice to be without it. Although, I do have to admit, one more game of Monopoly might have done me in!

Pop o' Color

I recently painted a bedroom all white. I know, it looks yellow in the pic, but it really is white. I added white bedding and white curtains. What was I thinking?! Peaceful - sanctuary like, that's what. It did need something, though. I went through some scraps and chose 9 warm colors (oranges, yellows, pinks) and 9 cool colors (purples, greens, black & whites). I did a quick machine quilting in a radiating pattern and added a button to the center. It just wouldn't be complete without a few beads added on top of the button. Yup - I got my Pop O' Color!

Heartfelt Group Effort

At the first retreat at Waterfall Mountain this past March, the group decided to do a wall quilt for the center's owner. Our theme had been heart's desire - and yes! The hanging is of mostly hearts. Each person did a square and signed their name to it. Grace generously and masterfully put them together using sashes and borders. Jean quilted it. Joan, not even part of this group, graciously sewed on the binding. I then hand sewed the binding down and sent it off to Amy. It was so much fun to hear her squeal with deslight! (I do have a better pic, just saw it the other day, but just can't seem to locate it on the 'ol compputer.) The quilt now hangs at the center and I cannot wait to go see it in its new home. Unfortunately, that won't be until 2010, but it is sure to be a treat. Thank you ladies for so generously giving of yourselves. Quilters' generous hearts never cease to amaze me!