Golden Threads and Silver Needles

Really Annoying TV Commercial

2011-03-09T18:19:00.000-08:00

I really cannot believe I heard this on TV. An advertisement for toilet paper, extolling its new and improved ability to get you really clean. (That is just too gross!!!)

But, that wasn't the end of it. They also claimed that if you weren't satisfied, you could get a full refund. Amazing right! Think again.

You walk into a store and with a straight face, tell the clerk that the toilet paper didn't get you clean and the clerk picks up the phone and announces to the entire store, "I need a manager on aisle 3 for a tp refund because it didn't get the customer clean." And then you still have to slink out of the store.

Do you know why I know this would happen? Because I would do it to you if you came to my register and asked for a toilet paper refund.

February This ‘n That

2011-02-21T09:18:00.001-08:00

Did you see this sky Saturday morning! Unbelievably gorgeous!

So, here it is the last week in February and I am finally getting back to update my blog. Why do I put this off so much? Could it be that my life is pretty boring? I am busy most of the time but it usually involves long drives to & from, working every day (for the rest of my life) and spending most of my free time either on Facebook or at my sewing machine. Actually, I have been busy and I can prove it.

First, I get a pat on the back. At Christmas, Marla gave me some beautiful pink and brown fabric and I instantly knew what I was going to do with it. And the good news (thanks to my wonderful friend Sue Williams) I completed my Valentine quilt. I want you to check out the fantastic quilting that Sue did on this quilt. When I dropped it off, I said, "basic quilting. This is just a little seasonal quilt and it doesn't need a lot of quilting." Well, when I picked it up 5 days later, she said "Now don't be upset…." She had decided to play with it and it was absolutely gorgeous. She also said that I could not give this quilt to anyone. The fabric was a gift to me, so the quilting is also a gift. Morgann said I could give it to my first great-granddaughter, hopefully this means I get to keep it for a couple of years. Anyway, this is mine. All mine! Isn't it wonderful! (And yes, I even had the binding done the day before Valentine's Day.)

Last Friday, Shirley and I hit the road to do a little shop-hopping. We drove all the way up to Lone Mountain Road (Carefree) to The Olde Quilt Shoppe.

It is a beautiful quilt shop, with a great selection of reproduction and homespun (woven plaids) fabrics. We did find some wonderful fabric and books but the front part of the store is very dark and it was a little hard to really see colors. The store has a wonderful ambiance with lots of old world and antique tables and shelving. If you have a chance, visit the shop sometime. We went to a couple of other shops as we worked our way south, including a stop for lunch at The Cheesecake Factory which is next door to a Borders Bookstore. Borders did not have the book or the cd we were looking for and hadn't started their closing sale, so we saved a couple of dollars there. All in all, it was a great way to spend a day and makes me want even more to cut back my work hours. The 2 top pieces are wovens, with some great texture. Can't wait to find someplace to use them. The stripe/paisely is a gorgeous reproduction piece from Jo Morton and the flag panel has some wonderful possibilities.

Can't wait to use thes linen threads on some wool work!

Busy LOONNNNNNGGGg Weekend

2011-01-17T19:24:00.001-08:00

It has been a productive and busy weekend. Since I have had all year to do this project, are you surprised that I had to buckle down and get them done now. At the beginning of 2010, each member of our Quilt History study group was given 4 pieces of fabric to make quilt blocks for a block exchange at the end of the year. One piece (blue print) was the focus fabric and had to be used in the blocks and the other fabric could be used or something from our own collections. This past year we studied quilts, fabrics and the women of the World War ll era. The blocks were to be representative of that time period. Most of the quilts we see today that were made during the war years were either "make-do" made from scraps and flour sacks or patriotic quilts. Since a lot of women "went to work" to support their families and the war effort, leisure time became precious so we saw fewer quilts being made until the mid to late 70's (the Bicentennial Celebration) when quilting became popular again (and polyester went away!)

Anyway, I have finished my 14 blocks and they are ready to go. This is my block, red, white and blue! The pinwheel part of the block represents the women that stayed home, keeping homes together and working to support the war effort. The star is the symbol of freedom and hope.

I have also been working on this Valentine quilt this weekend and hope to have it finished in the next week.

I hope you can see the pieced hearts.

Another piece of good news for the weekend, Logann came out and helped me catalogue some of my books. I have collected (ahem) a lot of books and have found some duplicates as well as some books I need to get rid of. I am using my own Excel spreadsheet and hope to be able to download the title part of the catalogue into my cell phone so that I can have the list with me when I am looking at books to buy. Anyway, she got a lot of books entered and I super appreciate her help.

This gorgeous quilt is a BOM that is my next major tackle. It was supposed to have been completed this month but sadly, I am only on the 4^th month. Why do I need to get it finished, you ask… Because I have 2 more BOM projects that start soon!

I leave you with this ponder on:

A New Year and A Happy One

2011-01-01T10:56:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year to friends and family. After a night of family, food and fireworks, it is time to start the new year.

I have lots of goals and plans. Some are very personal and I hope to fulfill a promise I made to Dad before he passed away. Other goals include the fact that 2011 is a milestone year for me-I turn the big 65 in July. The good news is that I can start drawing my Social Security and keep my job. Yahoo! I do plan to cut back one day at the office though. Cutting one day of that 50+ mile trip will help save on the $3.00+ gas prices.

There is so much I want to do this year and having an extra day will be wonderful. Now the goal is to keep it productive.

This past couple of months has been busy trying to get quilts ready for Christmas. Here are a couple that were under the tree.

This was a Turning 20 pattern that my bff, Irene was making for a member of her family. We spent Labor Day weekend putting the top together and I brought it home to put the border on, make the backing and getting it quilted. It is a king size and I found this great batik (so bright & cheerful) for the back. It was quilted by Kit Struc-she is an amazing quilter.

This happy quilt top is a 100% scrap quilt. It is lap size and quilted by another amazing quilter friend, Sue Williams.

This was a quilt that my friend, Frank handed me at work about a year or more ago. It was a top that his wife's grandmother had pieced. I had to replace the muslin in the blocks and square them up. It took a long time to decide how to finish it but when it was done, I was very pleased and Frank & his family were very happy. Kit Strunc quilted this for me. She did the custom quilted feathers in the border.

But there is no rest for a quilter. Marla gave me some cute valentine pink and brown fabric for Christmas and I am buried in a gorgeous BOM Civil War quilt as well as 15 blocks that have to be ready by the end of January for a block exchange in my Women and Quilt History group.

I'm off to make quilts.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-28T10:11:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2010

Lisa had 3 tables set up for Thanksgiving dinner. It was an absolutely beautiful day in the valley and we ate outside. Before dinner, the younger ones (and the young at heart) played some volley ball while the football game held the attention on some of the others. After the all the food was layed out-with one full table of desserts, the brave ones worked off the calories with a little Wii dance competition while the rest of us watched.

Well, Thanksgiving is over and the carcass (turkey) is out of the house and I didn't do any shopping! I did get 9 pints of cranberry relish put up, finished my Thanksgiving embroidery (but not framed or displayed) and completed the backs for 2 Christmas gift quilts and they are now headed for the quilter. How's that for summarizing a 4-day weekend!

Thanks to my wonderful sister, Marla, the binding is on and this years Christmas quilt is on the sofa. I just walked through the front room and saw Shawn bundled under a quilt on one end of the sofa and Nikki bundled in a quilt on the other end, watching a Harry Potter movie. I should have taken a picture! I love to see my quilts being used.

I hate the hand stitching part of applying the binding. It absolutely puts me to sleep and takes me forever. I'm very grateful that Marla is willing to take that on for me. I have 5 quilts waiting for the binding now so get ready, Marla.

I am still working on a Christmas tree skirt and hope to finish that before the tree comes down the day after Christmas.

Veteran's Day 2010

2010-11-11T07:44:00.001-08:00

For fathers, husbands, brothers, wives, aunts, sisters, cousins and friends.

For all who have come before, all who serve now and to future generations of proud Americans that will serve our country's defense.

Thank you for my freedom.

President Thomas S. Monson Speaks October 2010

2010-10-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

I think I needed this talk by President Monson today (yesterday and tomorrow, too.)

Here are some of the things he said that really touched my heart:

"Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily."

"It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time."

"I consider charity-or "the pure love of Christ"-to be the opposite of criticism and judging. In speaking of charity, I do not at this moment have in mind the relief of the suffering through the giving of our substance. That, of course, is necessary and proper. Tonight, however, I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity thalso in times of weakness or error on the paat forgives, the kind of charity that is patient."

"I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others."

Note to self:

I want to remember these quotes to help me redirect my own sense of charity and to remind myself that every person I come in contact with is a "soul of worth" and a child of the same eternal parents and my brother or sister. I hope that by putting these teachingsof President Monson's on "paper" and contemplating the effect they have on me, I can more closely emulate them.

My Trip to the Grand Canyon by Jan Hackett

2010-09-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took Wyatt and Eli to see the Grand Canyon. This was their first visit and I hope it won't be their last.

I am impressed with the shuttles they now run, it really helps cut down on traffic, fumes, traffic and no worries about finding a parking place. Of course, it helps to remember where you parked your car so you can get off at the right place when you return.

I have been to the canyon (South Rim only) many times and every time it takes my
breath away.

For what it is worth, I'd rather visit the Canyon or Yellowstone or the Redwood Forests of California than go to Disneyland. Not only do you get to be in the most beautiful places created by God, but you meet wonderful and interesting people. You hear people oohing and awing in so many different languages. You see small children watch very large squirrels begging for food and watch them dart around your feet and on the ledge you were just just going to sit down on.

You watch people coming and going. Sometimes you can even take a picture of your family.

You can let your 2 youngest grandsons explore new places and find hidden paths.

Then you can sit on a cool, shady porch and listen to your daughter try to explain to a frustrated 19 year old that it isn't the end of the world that she lost the car. (How did we visit the Grand Canyon 5 yrs ago without the convience of cell phones?)

You can sit in a wonderful restaurant and enjoy a relaxing lunch while you wait for the 19 yr old gd to find the car and bring it to the parking lot you are now at, so that you could have had the picnic lunch you had planned on.

You can ask Eli to smile and get this:

And then you can all be happy when the 19 yr old gd finally brings the car and the picnic lunch to the restaurant parking lot and joins you in the restaurant.

And that's why I'd rather visit the Grand Canyon than go to some other places.

The End.

Look What the Mailman Brung Me

2010-09-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

I am so excited. Today I received 2 very cute patterns I ordered from this website. She has lots of great stuff and I will be back for more.

I cannot believe how fast they arrived. I ordered this on Thursday and got it on Monday. That is S*E*R*V*I*C*E!

Autumn Harvest Pumpkin by Crabapple Hill.

This is one of the patterns and I can't show you the other one yet. I'll post it when I finish it.

If you love to embroider but are intimidated about tracing patterns, try this wonderful new product called TRANSFER-EZE. I have been using it for a couple of months and love it. You print your pattern onto the TRANSFER-EZE using your printer, peel off the backing and place it on the front of your fabric (no iron-on, taping or pinning-it just adheres.) The next step is even easier...start embroidering.

This is the Two Blonde Mice pattern I am working now using this. You can see the edge of the pattern web and how easy it is to work the pattern.

When you have completed all the handwork, cut off most of the transfer product. Soak the project in cold water to melt the remainder of TRANSFER-EZE, dry and press to block.

Sorry, didn't mean to do a "Billy Mays" on you, but you probably can tell I am sold on this product. Now I am going to find a piece of fabric to transfer this pattern to and start stitching.

Flagstaff to Grand Canyon

2010-09-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

Since this is probably the trip of the year for us, I'll break it down a little so we won't overwhelm you with all the photos at one time.

What do you do to prevent massive revolt by

very bored travelers (ages 7 to 19)? You give them the camera and tell them to take pictures of the sights. Now you realize that between Flag and the Canyon there is nothing. Zip. Zero. Nada. So you take pictures of the driver.

And the road signs.

Oh, yes and pictures of this....

And this>>>

And sometimes you can get a picture of a truck load of baled hay (a la Pioneer Woman.)

And then you get back into the pines and follow a white Mustang convertable with California plates going much slower than the speed limit.

Good Morning Arizona

2010-09-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

The sun rise was casting this beautiful gold on everything in its wake. The flag we fly on the house and the the east side of the Palo Verde tree in the front yard. I wish these pictures could do it justice. Besides, I wanted to show off my new 55mm lens for my camera. I love it. (the new lens)

This was the view from the back of the house on another gorgeous morning and the next picture is the east view from the front of the house that same morning.

What can I say except I love Arizona mornings and Arizona skies.

And that is just a few of my favorite things.

Long Time Gone

2010-09-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

Well, needless to say, it has been a while since I posted. I have often thought of posting but there always seems to be something else to distract me. (Notice I used the word "distract" as opposed to something more important...)

So what have I been up to lately? I was going to spend a day and night with one of my oldest, best friend, Irene in Pima and then head up to the ranch and spend a long weekend enjoying the last of summer. That plan went under the train when I went looking for some technical help with my software program for the website I work with. I had to be back here on Sunday so that I could be available Monday-Tuesday to meet with one of the tech people I was seeking help from.

When I got to Irene's, she had 2 quilts she wanted me to help her with so-we sewed and sewed. This is one of the quilt tops we put together. This is a Turning 20 pattern, using 20 fat quarters and 3 or four cuts to make the blocks. Cute pattern and works up very fast if you don't use directional prints.

I was looking at some of my favorite blogs this morning (I am slowly recovering most of them from my August computer crash) and found this. I love it. She has a basic picture tutorial of how to make these precious pin cushions as well a super cute hot pad. You can find it here.

As for me-I have been doing a lot of red work-finished my St. Nicholas and am also doing a nativity from Two Blonde Mice. The project that is the biggest challenge is a Block of the Month to make a gorgeous Civil War Tribute Quilt. Each month we make 4 to 8 blocks of each of these designs. The good news is I am 80% caught up. That means I still have lots of work to do. I will finish this by December though.

Red work Nativity-"It Started With a Family"

Civil War Tribute

May 2010

2010-06-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

Well the last 3 months have been nothing short of hectic. I have put many, many miles on my car going to Vernon and back to help Judy with Dad. I want to really thank the people I work with-Heather, Mary, Dennis and Frank especially for their kindness and generosity. Without their support I could not have done anything.

As most of you know, Dad had spent the last 2 months pretty much bedridden and after his last hospital stay, we decided to call in Hospice. They really helped us and we very much appreciate all they did.

Friends and associates often ask how I am or am I okay. The answer is yes! I miss both of my parents all the time, but I have a such a wonderful picture that I carry in my heart and my mind of the joyful reunion my parents shared a couple of weeks ago, that it supercedes all my wishes and desires. I know that my parents had both fulfilled their earthly missions and it was time for them to join our family and friends on the other side of the veil.

Although we were all grateful that Dad held on until Spring, we did have to deal with fierce winds up on the mountain on the day we said our goodbyes. Because of the winds, we didn’t get a lot of good pictures of friends and family that shared this special time with us bit I would like to share a few with you now.

The flower arrangement had some of Dad’s tools-schrewdriver, level, some nuts and bolts and a few other items.

The shadow box in the center contained his collected military medals, his US Army issued drivers license for special wartime equipment and the open book at the bottom of the photo is his Senior Yearbook from Gilbert High School. The school, parents and Seniors did not have the money to pay for the binding of the Yearbook so Dad made his own from a couple of pieces of wood and a piece of leather to tie it together. That was Dad…”use whatever you have available to make it work”.

The last time we will follow Dad into a Chapel.

Friends and Family gather at the cemetary for the last good-by and the dedication of the grave.

Until later,

Love Jan

Fathers Day 2010

2010-05-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

I am going to celebrate Father's Day a little early this year. Every time I say goodbye to Dad, I think it might be the last time and this may be that time.

I have been thinking a lot about him, what he was like when I was a child, what he was like when a teenager and what he was as I became a mother and grandmother.

I have good memories of living in the the first house he built in Gilbert. Of the time we spent with friends and family there. I remember going to the family outings sponsored by the American Legion, which dad belonged to and all the Hunter family holidays and get-togethers. I remember one time I asked him where he was going and he told me he was "going to see a man about a horse" and he was going to trade me for the horse. I think I cried and mom told him to quit teasing me.

I remember how hard he worked when we lived in Wellton. Dad worked 7 days a week when we first moved there because the farming community worked 7 days a week. Then dad joined the church and found out he didn't have to work that 7th day. And he rested-until he was called to church positions that kept him almost as busy but in a good way.

We always had to have family prayer in the mornings and at night. The problem was-he went to work at 5 and 6 am and came home at 7 and 8 pm. But we had family prayer every morning and every night. Family home evenings didn't happen in our house (that's another story) but since going anywhere from Wellton meant lots of "riding in a car time" we had lot's of quality time as a family.

Dad, who couldn't carry a tune, loved to sing and he loved to listen to us sing. He had an amazing memory and could tell us about the geography of the area we were driving through or when we came to Gilbert/Mesa, he would tell us about his humongous paper route when he was a kid and delivered papers to almost every house north and west of Gilbert.

He has been a life-long Republican, very conservative and he is probably the the biggest influence on his very strong minded daughters. Except for being on the City Counsel in Gilbert in the late 40's, he has never run or held a political office, but he has served on an advisory committee to Governor Jack Williams.

Dad belonged to the Kiwanis Organization in Wellton and Blythe. He enjoyed working with this group to improve the communities they served. While in Wellton (before we had a community pool or people had private pools) he arranged for a weekly kids swim day at the hotel pool in Dateland. We would travel by school bus to Dateland every Tuesday or Wednesday to spend a couple of hours swimming.

More than anything, Dad loved the Gospel. He drank from the scriptures and he loved and honored his Priesthood. He loved every calling he held in the Church from teacher to Stake High Counsel, he even loved being the building custodian in Vernon. He was a faithful home teacher and the families he served love him for his faithfulness and commitment.

Dad and Mom were called a Stake Missionaries when we lived in Wellton and dad probably loved that calling more than any other. It was his chance to share the Gospel with his friends. He says he only had one conversion, a couple that are good friends to this day, but I think dad probably had a hand in more conversions than he knows. His love and knowledge of the Gospel has influenced a lot of people in Arizona and California.

Dad planted his roots everywhere he lived. He served his communities with a dedicated heart. He took great pride in making each house he and mom lived in something they could be proud of. He was a very frugal man but he never denied mom or any of us anything we needed. He was always there for us, never failed us and always loved each of us no matter what we did. He didn't hold grudges but he could set someone straight if they needed it.

Dad loves his family, loves his Father in Heaven and loves his country. He has set a supreme example for all of his descendants to follow.

Thanks for letting me ramble a little.
Jan

Surprise Visit

2010-04-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends.

This year has been a wonderful whirl of visits from their Montana cousins that have never been here before. In January, Marcus spent several days with the family and we were thrilled to get to spend time with him.

In March, Hilja (sister to Marcus) came to town with friends and arranged to spend the day with Lisa and Nikki and the group that comes attached. They had fun riding the light rail to Phoenix and getting to know each other again.

Then last weekend we got a call from another cousin who was visiting in town and we got to spend Sunday afternoon with Bridget and her young son, Alex. Shawn did his magic with the smokers and pork and we had a wonderful time.

What a great smile. I think he looks like his Uncle Dan.

The kids had a great time hanging out in the back yard and entertaining Alex. Eli and Wyatt were teaching him to play basketball.

I'm not going to say what Eli is doing while he was sitting there but I think it is what it is, because here is another shot of the same contemplative look.

When I said show me your "snagletooth"- I got this
and this

and this

and finally this

Do you think the rest of his teeth will ever match this one.

It was one of those beautiful spring days to just be outside and enjoy yourself and it was made better by a visit with Bridget. We hope you come back to see us again.

Thanks for listening, Jan

Touring Miami Arizona

2010-04-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Last Friday I ended up in Miami (AZ) with lots of time to kill. I went to the quilt store and had a good time. I picked these pieces to make Morgann a new quilt. I hope she likes it.

After I did a couple of times around the shop and made my purchase I still had time-I was waiting for Judy to meet me for lunch at Guayo's and getting really hungry just thinking about it.

Since she was not even into Globe yet, I decided to check out some of the back streets of Miami. I drove through area north of Sullivan St. (the street with all the antique stores) and this is what I found:
a solid wall of this beautiful ice plant.

Cement stairs up steep hillsides to front doors, an old police car-straight out of Dragnet,

some really interesting buildings-most of them abandoned and some in very high places

and some very colorful ones.
This was interesting-the shell of a block 2-story behind this very well kept manufactured home
I loved this tree!
And then I saw this house-a little smaller, but it reminded me so much of Gin and Irwin's house in Butte. It brought back a wave of memories. Mat couldn't see it, but I did.
And then Judy arrived and we had a wonderful lunch. She got a much needed break and I, well let's just say I saw my future and it wasn't pretty.

That's all for now. Later, love Jan

Easter Saturday

2010-04-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

We had a wonderful morning. Our families (Marla's and mine) got together at Lisa & Kelly's for a wonderful brunch. We had sour cream pancakes, egg casseroles, lots of wonderful fruit and Marla's orange crescent rolls. You should have joined us.

Carly made this cute centerpiece using Reeses Candies and Shana and Christie put together the fruit decorations.

The kids got to hunt Easter eggs (we learned a very long time ago to hide only the plastic ones!) And then we dyed several dozen real ones. The kids had fun and it was a wonderful day to be outside. We couldn't have asked for better weather.

Miss Abbie, Wyatt and Eli-Happy Easter!
More to come... love, Jan

2010-03-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

I only like to open the mail when it is something nice-like this-

I can't wait to explore this book and the CD that came with it. There are some great projects suggested and I have a project of my own in mind.

I have found a new hand embroidery thread that I can't wait to try. It is single ply, on a spool called Needle Works by Cosmo. It comes in lots of Delicious colors and my LFQS (local favorite quilt store) has already got in about 80% of the colors.

It is one of my terrible habits to have multiple projects going on at one time-including hand work so I guess it's also time to create another tote bag for my planned project. I think I will try to get one made this week. But then I need to make about 5 more for all the other projects I need to take with me.

In the meantime, how about another pic from the AQG quilt show-this one was a great Art Deco design in red, white and black. She even added just a little glitzy red to this.

I think this was called Tiffany Window by Connie Marco. I really liked this one.

Later, Jan

2010-03-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

Here is another quilt from the AQG Show that I was drawn to.

When I first looked at this quilt I thought it was interesting-I liked the design, the contrast and the colors.
And then I took a closer look and thought "Wow, someone did a great job of cutting the fabric pieces so that the light and dark of each piece was evenly distributed."

Then I took another look an saw that this quilter (sorry, I can't give the credit to the maker) had paper pieced each strip to make the blocks. She very carefully placed her light and dark pieces to create another dimension.

And it looks like each strip is 1/4 inch wide finished. That is a lot of piecing!

I have made one paper pieced pineapple quilt. It was rewarding to watch the blocks take shape but I will probably never tackle another one again. My hat is off to this very patient and talented quiltmaker.

More later.
Love , Jan

Time Flies: why lds women stress

2010-03-16T19:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend.

I just saw this on one of my favorite blogs and had to share it with you.

Time Flies: why lds women stress

Enjoy-
Later, Jan

Ready for More Quilts?

2010-03-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend.

I picked up my copy of the Quilt Show program and now I will try to match names to some more of the photos I want to share with you.

This is another quilt done by Geri Hruzek (Crazy Quilt-Birds of a Feather). I loved this quilt for the technique. It is appliqued, a technique called broderie perse. The technique was popular in the 18th and 19th century. The quilter would cut a large (usually) floral relief from a chintz fabric and applique it to a solid background. The term means Persian embroidery. Sometimes the quilter would add embroidery to enhance the applique-notice the tendrils. The other amazing thing about this quilt-hand quilted and very well done.

I have come to the realization that this very talented lady has a lot of time-she might not even own a computer. I would love to have the time to do some of this kind of handwork. In both examples of her work she exemplifies some of the greatest traditions of quilting.

Do you have time for one more?
Isn't this fun! Actually, I was thinking of my sil, Shawn, who will go to all kinds of extremes to decorate for Halloween. I mean-he spends hours creating fun outside decorations but when Christmas comes, well let's just say he's not to much into it. Anyway, This just made me smile and I couldn't back far enough to get another shot but there is a huge tarantula hanging from the top of the quilt. (I know-tarantulas are not spiders but it's not my quilt!)

That's it for today. More to come and I hope you enjoy the show.
Jan

The Quilt Show Was in Town

2010-03-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend

Okay, if talking about quilts bores you-then don't read my next couple of blog posts. But I am going to talk about this one anyway. The Arizona Quilters Guild annual quilt show was held this weekend and it was amazing, mind-blowing and a re-energizer.

The problem with taking pictures at a quilt show is that there are way to many people trying to get a. around you or b. very, up-close, interested in the quilt you want to take a picture of. Right now, I can't find my cataloge for the show so I can't give the proper credit for the quilt-maker or the quilter if it was machine-quilted. As soon as I find it, I'll list all the names.

Marla and I got lucky as we stepped out into the parking lot. This very nice man offered us a ride in his fancy golf cart. Of course, you know what happens when two of us set on the back of a golf cart and the only weight in front is next to nothing. So we were off to a good start.

Most of the pictures I am going to show you are more about the detail. Either-"how did they do that" or quilting ideas for the future. Some of the photos are about color and design, too.

Crazy or Krazy Quilting has been around since the late 1800s. There are crazy quilts (made of wool and very utilitarian) dating much further back, but the colorful, heavily embellished quilts we recognize today are a result of the Oriental influence at the World Exposition held in the 1890s. These entries offered so much color and fancy work, I had to get some photos for my to-do list. Almost every design on these were embellishments-appliqued, embroidered, crocheted, everything added. The photos are of a quilt labeled Birds of a Feather, pieced and quilted by Geri Hruzek.

From one end to the other, I loved the simplicity of this quilt, but I think the quilting made this quilt great. The outline quilting of the appliqued posies gave them depth and really made them pop.

This little piece by Margot McDonnell really caught my eye. The story on this is this-it began as a vintage black and white photo. Margo hand appliqued and embroidered the scene and then to achieve the misty morning look, covered the piece with 2 layers of bridal veil netting and the hand-quilted it. It is small-11 x 18 but so appealing. Great job Margot. (No, I don't know her.)

One more today-I'll save the rest for this week.
This was called "Apostrophes Pops" pieced and quilted by Keith Dommer. What I loved was the color. Using the neutral tones for the blocks, and sashings as well as the "apostrophes" with the brilliant turquoise to "twirl" the motifs. Isn't this great.

Going to quilt shows is like attending or listening to General Conference or reading the greatest book that made you sad it ended. It invigorates, motivates and makes me forget my aches and pains.

Lots more later,
Jan

Long Time Gone

2010-03-06T17:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Yes-it has been a few days since my last post (and that is said tongue-in-cheek. ) I have been busy, busy, busy. But I'MMMM BAAAAAAAAAACK.

These are Judy's chickens, well some of them. See that big old nasty rooster-Judy calls him Rooster Cogburn. I call him mean and evil. He didn't think I needed to go inside the coop and he scares the c*** out of me. Well, I got in and found this-
They told me they were just doing their job and I said "Good, go to it ladies." And they did.

Then I took a slow ride up the road to see the sights. Yes, there are a few sights around Vernon.
I stopped here

and said "hey" to mom and then drove on up to see how far I could go and how much snow was left. I got just past the first cattleguard before I had to turn around and the snow was beautiful and so pristine looking.

It was so quiet, so peaceful, so serene. I cannot wait to see what all this moisture brings this spring and summer. As we were coming home, I spotted the first of the wild poppies along the side of the road in Gonzalez Pass.

And then, as we came out of the Pass, we witnessed this (and you know how I love this!)

And that was yesterday.

More about today tomorrow, which will make today another yesterday. I have had a lot of great yesterdays and tomorrow, today will be another one.

Love, Jan

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-14T06:13:00.000-08:00

What I Did On My Friday-Off

2010-01-17T06:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

There are 2 things on my mind today that I want to record here. The first is how very sad I feel for the people of Haiti. I was watching the Fox news reports this morning - 5 days after the earthquake and the situation is still horrible and frightening. The work to rescue and recover is going on and today they reported a rescue which is wonderful, but the real problem is trying to reach and serve the wounded and sick. Here is the link for LDS Humanitarian donations
http://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse

The second thing is that Scott Brown is doing so well in MA. This would be the biggest message to Washington in many years-to stop the insidious notion that the politician owns the seat and rules this nation. Republican or Democrat, I truly wish to see every incumbent defeated.

Last Friday I drove to Miami, AZ and met up with my oldest and dearest friend, Irene. We have been friends since second grade (many years ago) and have shared many miles together. She is one of my heroes and is married to another one of my heroes. Irene retired from teaching a couple of years ago and was looking forward to the time she earned for her personal interests, her husband and the rest of her family. Now, she and Tom are raising 2 beautiful granddaughters and giving these girls a wonderful home filled with love and security.

I enjoy every chance we have to get together and just visit. We did a little shopping in one or two antique stores in Miami-most were closed on Friday which is strange, but I guess their shop days are Saturday and Sunday, and found some items of interest. But then we found a quilt store!

I know you are shocked. And of course you will know where my $ went. The quilt store is on Sullivan Street, just a block from El Rey (how convenient). Julie's Quilt Shop is small but packed with some wonderful fabrics. She carries a lot of southwest themed fabrics as well as a wonderful assortment of sun-dyed fabrics. It is nice to know the shop is there and hopefully this summer I can plan some stops there on my trips to Vernon. This sweet lady even offered to open early for me if I called to make arrangements while passing through before her regular hours. This lady knows how to win a customer!

Now-what did I buy. Well, as a quilter that loves quilt history, I have been aware of the Gee's Bend quilts for some time. Recently, Zoe's got in the bolts of Gee's Bend Fabric that have been hand-dyed and are wonderful solids with a soft, subtle shaded look and rich colors. There are samples on the Zoe's web site to view them. If you are not familiar with Gee's Bend quilts or they story behind them, check out the story here.

I have always been impressed with the story behind the Gee's Bend quilts but they are not the kind of quilts I am drawn too. The early quilts were made from worn clothing or cloth the women had in their possession and were representational patterns of what they had in their memories and surroundings. One of the most popular patterns that they did was called "Housetops".

I bought one of the reproduction kits called Lazy Girl that Julie had just got in and will try to get this one made soon.

So I guess I need to get busy. The blocks are almost done on my after Christmas-Christmas quilt and only need to make a few more blocks for a promised quilt to Seth. And btw, I got the book I talked about in my last post-thank you Mary, plus adding 2 more books on scrap quilting to my collection. One Saturday a month, Zoe's Trunk has a group meeting just to work on scrap quilts. I am really looking forward to the that one.

Well, I've spoke my mind, shared a little and recorded some daily history. Talk to you again soon, love, Jan

This 'n That

2010-01-11T18:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

Well January is moving on to fast for me and the weekends are busy. Marla and I made a day trip to Vernon and Springerville on Sunday to spend some time with Dad who was in the hospital. He looked better than I thought he would and is finally able to walk a little bit. Not sure how long he will have to be there and knowing how much he hates hospitals, I hope not too much longer.

We left here around 6 AM and watched a glorious sunrise. Then we were doubly blessed to catch the sunset on the way home. A 2 for one, can't beat it!

I have been busy sewing and hope soon to share another project with you.

In the meantime, I just saw that this book that has just be released and can't wait to get my hands on it, Tile Quilt Revival.

The quilt design is based on art tiles like this

to make quilts that look like this

This is really a quilt revival-this antique quilt recently sold at auction of over $15,000

Now I know that I will never make a quilt that would bring any amount of money at an auction and I know that I may never even make a full size quilt using this technique, but to me the thrill of piecing quilts is learning new techniques and making quilts with variety. They may take longer to make but I will finish most of my projects someday.

So, if I am going to get the three projects completed that are setting next to my machine in the next couple of weeks, I had better get busy. Oh, yes, I have ordered the new book. My legacy to my children will be quilt books. I hope they learn how to sew soon.

I was pointed to this wonderful quote from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland for a reason. I need to let go of some of the things in my life that are holding me in one place and this really touched me.
"We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learn what we need to learn and brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future."

Thanks for listening.
Love, Jan

2010, A New Year, A New Decade

2010-01-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

Happy New Year!

For 2010-
I hope this year brings each of you joy and happiness.
I wish you good health and the ability to accomplish your goals, large and small.

I continue to hope for peace in our nation and the world.
I pray that our elected leadership will return to the business of doing the will of the people and honor the Constitution of the United States.

I wanted to share one of my favorite hymns-so fitting for the new year or any time-

Come, Let Us Anew our journey pursue,
Roll round with the year,
And never stand still till the Master appear.

His adorable will let us gladly fulfill,
And our talents improve
By the patience of hope and the labor of love,
By the patience of hope and the labor of love.

Our life is a dream, our time as a stream
Glide swiftly away,
And the fugitive moment refuses to stay;

For the arrow is flown and the moments are gone.
The millennial year
Presses on to our view, and eternity's here.
Presses on to our view, and eternity's here.

Oh, that each in the day of His coming may say,
"I have fought my way thru;
I have finished the work thou didst give me to do."

Oh, that each from his Lord may receive the glad word:
"Well and faithfully done;
Enter into my joy and set down on my throne;
Enter into my joy and set down on my throne."

Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

Merry Christmas to All

2009-12-25T13:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

It has been a wonderful Christmas this year. Even with the wallets a little thinner, and never enough time-we have had some wonderful times with friends and family.

The Christmas spirit began early this month with two great parties, the first was a gathering of friends from my work place. Our managers did a wonderful job of putting this party together with lots of food and fun. Thank you for the wonderful party.

The next day I attended another gathering of friends from my favorite Quilt Store. Lots of good food and laughs and Ken and his partner, Ron provided a wonderful setting-Christmas in every room in the house. When you enjoy a Christmas party with talented friends, it is a special treat to receive wonderful gifts - home-made candies, jellies, breads and special gifts for the sewing room.

In the meantime, I managed to complete 3 Christmas quilt projects and I must say that with the completion of each, my machine quilting improves. I still have one or two Christmas projects and my new goal is to make a Christmas theme quilt every year. Wish me luck!

The Sunday before Christmas is reserved for the Hunter Family Christmas Party. By tradition, homemade Mexican food and let me share a secret with you...we have the best cooks in our little group. This is where we continue a wonderful tradition that Mom start 20+ years ago of a home-made Christmas ornament for every member of the family. This year, Shana and Kristie had made these cute ornaments- decorated mittens.

We had this chance to take some great family pictures with Dad, too.

Grandpa and his grandchildren.

Christmas Eve I am sort of on my own as the girls usually spend this time with their other families so I went to Marla and Stu's. For the first time in probably 6 years, Dad was here and is handling it better than I thought he would. Another great dinner and Marla shared this CD with us. (If you get a chance, add this to your family Christmas library. It is a recording of the MTC Christmas presentation last year and is the story of my favorite Christmas Carol-"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day".)

I have to share this wonderful treasure with you now-this is what Kristie and Shana made for me- a family photo album of my favorite grandkids.

Christmas Day is a breakfast tradition of crepes and trimmings with my family, gift exchanges and fun-followed by a relaxing day and dinner later. As for now, I think it's time for a nap.

Later, with love,
Jan

I Heard the Bells

2009-12-22T09:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Enjoy the words to one of my favorite Christmas carols with me.

Christmas Bells

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1864)

I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men! And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken song Of peace on earth, good-will to men! Till ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, A chant sublime Of peace on earth, good-will to men! Then from each black, accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the South, And with the sound The carols drowned Of peace on earth, good-will to men! It was as if an earthquake rent The hearth-stones of a continent, And made forlorn The households born Of peace on earth, good-will to men! And in despair I bowed my head; “There is no peace on earth,” I said; “For hate is strong, And mocks the song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!” Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men.” Love Jan

Meet Paul Revere, aka Wyatt

2009-12-06T07:56:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends,

Well it finally opened up and rained here in QC this beautiful morning. It smells so good out here-real desert.

Last week Wyatt chose to do his American History report on Paul Revere. He prepared a wonderful story board and wore an 18th century costume. I am told he did a super job of answering questions and presenting himself as Mr. Revere.
Wyatt is almost 11 but he has a vocabulary and such a wealth of information stored in his head that we often think of him as a much older child. One of Wyatt's great gifts is his love of everybody. If he walks through the room, he will offer an "I love you Gramma" or "love you Hunter" or anyone else in the room.

It is wonderful to hear him be so open and expressive. He also has a wonderful talent of making friends. He is well known and well liked by his peers and his teachers. Wyatt also is known for befriending and helping the kids that attend the "special" classes in his school.

He loved playing this roll as can see, and I am glad he had the opportunity.
Congratulations Wyatt. I love you too.

More later,
Jan

I'm Back

2009-11-29T10:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,
I have not been too good lately...I need to stay on track and quit wasting time. So here I am, back with lots of things to say.

First-the Book Discussion selection-A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Yes I did download the audio version and enjoyed it so much, I am listening to it again. In fact, I highly recommend the audio over any movie version. It is my highly regarded opinion that very few movie scripts can ever do a good book justice, and so it is with this one.

Dickens paints such wonderful, live images with his words and makes me feel like I am right there in the room with the Scrooge and his visitors. I love seeing the knocker on the door as I he describes it, the detail descriptions of the noises, sounds and attire as he writes it.

If you are looking for something to put you in a Christmas spirit, I recommend a couple of hours with A Christmas Carol for starters.

Next on the list of catching up is a picture of the fall table runner I completed on Thanksgiving Day (just in time to put it away until next fall). It is from a Patrick Lose design-those are pumpkins on each end. I love the colors-What can I say, FALL. I have to pat myself on the back on this-my machine quilting is improving, but I have miles to go with that.

Now on to more projects.

I really wish I had time to make this. Isn't it beautiful! I think I'll order the pattern and just stare at it for a long time. If you love to applique and love this pattern too, this is where you can order it: bonbondesigns
Well, that is enough for now. Be back soon.
Love, Jan

2009-09-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend.

I want to share this article written by Bill Schuler as it appeared on the ops page of the Foxnews.com today. I thought these 10 thoughts were well put and a good reminder for me.

Incivility takes on many forms. It can be found in the gestures of a stranger amidst the morning commute, in a stolen moment at a music awards ceremony or on the lips of a Congressman on Capitol Hill. Is it possible to heal the character of America? The following are 10 thoughts on incivility in America:

1. Where there is no demand there will be a reduced supply.

2. One breaks the cycle of rudeness when one focuses on others rather than one's self.

3. It is possible to make clear one's position without seeking to destroy or defame another.

4. With public notoriety there should come responsibility and accountability.

5. Reclaim the art of listening and you will foster understanding.

6. We should seek to win over our opponent and at the very least gain his respect for the dignity with which we speak our convictions.

7. We should do what is right not because we seek self benefit but because we stand on high moral ground.

8. Respect for others begins with self respect.

9. "I’ve seen too much hate to want to hate, myself." -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

10. In denouncing the rude and vile we join our collective voices to reclaim civility in America.

Civility goes beyond public apologies after the damage is done. It must emanate, not from polls and focus groups but rather from character and honor. Good people will sincerely disagree and the issues that divide us by their very nature impassion us.

The question is: How long will America tolerate hate and rudeness in our public dialogue? Perhaps the scriptures identify the need of the hour in the simplest of terms: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” (Matthew 7:12)

Rev. Bill Shuler is pastor at Capital Life Church in Arlington, Virginia. For more go to capitallifechurch.org.

My Reading Journal for September

2009-09-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,
It has been a long time since I last posted. Shame on me. Everything I have to say is so important and I am really distressed that I haven't said it. That said, I haven't had much to say other than I'm scared to death about our government, our food supply and it's sources and that I am truly grateful for a new techy discover - My Zune MP3 player.

Instead of listening to radio (classic or talk), I have found out how to download audible books and can now listen where-ever I am. Since the drive to and from work takes a minimum of 45 mnutes and most of the time 60 to 75, I now get to "read" even more.

Yes I know, I have a CD player and have listened to book CD's, but this is better. I can even take my book into the office, put my earplugs in and tell everyone I am listening to Andrew Bocelli. They will believe anything. (As long as I answer the phones once in a while.) I can listen to a book in bed (no matter where I am sleeping) or while I sew and don't have to hassle with discs or cumbersome cd players. Yes, I'm sold of these babies!!!!

So what have I been listening to - you ask? Well here is a list and a little synopsis of each:
The Nine by Jeffrey Toobin. Shirley put me on to this one. This is about the Supreme Court, the workings of and the current Justices (the past 15 - 20 years). The book talks about the political culture of the appointments and the decisions that have been handed down by the highest court and their impact on our laws and lives. This one is definitely on my list of "read agains".

The next book I listened to was one that Nikki has been telling me to read for a couple of years and for one reason or another, I kept putting it off. The Red Tent by Anita Diament is a fictional history of Deanne, the only daughter of Jacob and Leah of the Old Testament. What a story!

The Red Tent is the tent set aside for the women of the herding tribes of the deserts to go to during their monthly cycle. The women bond and share, plot and plan and enjoy a brief respite from the daily sun-up to sun-down arduous living of the camp.

There are 2 things I came away with from this book. One is a much greater appreciation of the advances we have made and the other was a desire to read another set of books, also recommended by same person.

Orson Scott Card, a noted LDS author, was asked to write historical fiction about three women of the Old Testament- Sarah, Rebecah, and Rachel and Leah. I found an audio down load of the first book Sarah and enjoyed every minute of it. Since Card is writing about these women from a male point of view and he doesn't get as detailed or as graphic as Diament, he creates a wonderful story of Sarah and Abraham's love for each other, Sarah's conversion to Abraham's "God" and does a very good job of recreating Sarah's post menopausal pregnancy and delivery of Isaac.

Now my challenge to myself is to reread the Book of Genesis. Card's post script talks about the problems of the translations, the time lapses of the events and the liberties he took in the name of fiction, so I feel the need to re-ground myself so to speak.

Much to do, later,
Love Jan

Limericks

2009-08-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

I had a few minutes to peruse the Sunday edition of the AZ Repulsive (Republic) this morning and this was in Cal Thomas's column. He invited readers to submit original limericks and these were a few of them. I especially liked the last one.

"This is from Jane Warken from someplace around here:
My 93-year-old Aunt Lil
Likes to keep her AC on chill.
She was cool through June
At her condo in Troon
But she died when she opened the bill.

This is from Kay Butler of Tempe.
Midwest kids love their firefly games.
They catch them and give them all names.
Out here in the West
We accept second best
Watching houseflies burst into flames.

This is from some guy named Mark.
It's true there are far fewer thugs
And a refreshing hiatus from bugs.
Dr. Phil, from my knees,
For the next three months please
Do not advocate warm, sweaty hugs.

And one last one from Wendy Clay of Phoenix.
Our state legislators get no vacation
Due to a lack of legislation.
As they fight more and more
Valley temperatures soar
From excessive hot air emanation."

A Violinist in the Metro Station

2009-08-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousand of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time.

This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the
Washington Post as part of an social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people.

The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour:
Do we perceive beauty?
Do we stop to appreciate it?
Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

You have probably read this story before. It is a true story that I hold dear. Last night I got to spend some time with Logann before she leaves for college. I kept thinking about the advice I should be giving her, the admonishments and the whole spew. Instead, I listened to her, answered her questions and loved every minute of it. I hope she remembers this brief time together and treasures it as much I will.

Love,Jan

One Year Ago Today

2009-08-17T06:35:00.000-07:00

Marie Nicoll Hunter

August 28, 1922 - August 17, 2008

Mom, we will always feel you near us.

It Has Been a Few Days (A Gross Understatement)

2009-08-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

It has been too long since I have updated my blog. I have been busy and I admit, a little weary-the long days and heat will do that to a person, but mostly busy.

In late July, Judy, Marla and I got on a bus bound for the International Quilt Show in Long Beach with 90 other like-minded women (2 buses). We had a blast looking, shopping, wishing and a lot more. I will talk about that later.

The next weekend we all met again at the ranch for the Naegle Reunion and got to catch up, renew, greet new babies and some future spouses. More on that in another post.

Then it was back to work and trying in my spare time to catch up on sewing projects and all the rest of daily living. Sewing projects are good for another post too.

So that brings me to this weekend. My office, thank you Frank, Sandra, Dennis, John and Chris, sponsored a family day at Sunsplash in Mesa. Now mind you, I don't do bathing suits in public places, I don't do sun any more than what I have to (car to building, building to car) and I, as a rule don't do large crowded venues where no one knows where anyone is. But because I was kind of responsible for bringing 6 of 7 wonderful g-kids, well I was there.

I was hot, I perspired a lot, I was ready to go home at noon (we arrived at 10:45) and I drank a lot of water. A lot of water! Anyway, the kids had a great time and of course, I had to drag them home. Here are some pictures of a good time.

The long arms belong to Seth, playing pool basketball.

He shoots.....

And tries for a rebound.

By the way, Lisa took these pictures. I forgot to bring a hat and tried to stay in the shade.

Next she got some pictures of Eli and Wyatt coming down the slide..

And then this.

And that was yesterday in my world.

More later, Jan

No Handshake for Mr. O

2009-07-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

http://

Dear Friend,
This is so funny. I laugh every time I watch it.
Jan

Out With the Old, In With the New and Improved

2009-07-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

I finally have a few minutes to spare (Nikki introduced me to another mind-numbing game on Facebook) so I wanted to show you what we did last weekend-4th of July.

I begged, pleaded and bribed my wonderful sons-in-law to give me a weekend to rebuild my porch. This, by the way, is step 2 in the plan for retirement. Anyway, because of work schedules and other important things, Kelly & Lisa came up Friday night and while the adults went to town to buy (gasp) the lumber for the project on Saturday morning, Logann and Seth worked so very hard to tear down the old porch.

This was what was left of the old and that board was the only access to the trailer.

They unloaded the trailer and went to work. And they worked hard. I hope the kids realize how much help they were and we couldn't have done this without them.

Because I don't have the knack for balancing myself these days, I kept to the perimeter and tried to help or stay out of the way.

The porch is beginning to take on a life now, we added to the the deck by extending it in front of the trailer. This area will be an out-door kitchen where the grill and a big table can be set up leaving more deck space for the things we like to do-eat, play games, eat, play games and so on.New wider, safer stairs. I am ecstatic. Wait until you see the rest...

By Saturday night, we were able to get into the room and trailer and even able to set up the big table for some games. No Seth, you did not win Bananagrams!

The next morning ( I won't tell you what day of the week this was, but our ox was in the mire, as my dad would say) we went back to work. Please don't report us for child labor. He loved that he could help.

Logann, aka Rosie the Riveter, stopped for a pose or two but diligently got back to work.

Shawn, Nikki and boys arrived about 10 AM to help us finish. Shawn & Kelly got the railing up and I love, love, love it. The boys started sanding the rails because it was cheaper to buy the unfinished lengths and feed the boys.
The weather was perfect for the project-the rain held off until we completed the deck construction, put the saws and tools away and started to stain and seal. Then we got hit with a whopper-rain, hail, thunder and lightening.
I just want my family to know how much I love and appreciate them. The old porch (we figure it was about 20+ years old) was really getting bad and the front end was dangerously rotten.

When I sat on the new porch and took my shoes off, the new floor felt like silk on my bare feet.

Shawn and Nikki stayed until Tuesday to finish the staining and sealing. I can't wait to get back up to see it.

Oh, I almost forgot, while Lisa and Nikki helped with some of the construction, they also did a great job of keeping everyone fed, everything organized and the cleaning, because when we are all up there together, sometimes the feeding, organizing and cleaning is all you do!

If your in the neighborhood, stop and visit our new deck. You can even pull a chair up to the table and join us for whatever we are up to because there is lots of room now.

Oh, one more thing...

Actually, 2 more-this was the sky just before the storm and ...

this is the sunset as I was leaving Vernon.

I know this probably isn't the most important news for you, but it's my news and I am soooooooo happy.

Love to you all, Jan

I love 30's Fabrics and Patterns

2009-06-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

I just found a blog called A Bee In My Bonnet and fell in love with it.

30's fabrics and embroidery have become a favorite of mine, and Lori has some great patterns. She also has a great give-away going on too.

Hop over here to see what she has to offer.

Talk to you soon,

Jan

The Pledge of Allegiance-4th of July, 2009

2009-06-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend

I found this somewhere several years ago, I think it was in one of those e-mail that gets forwarded forever so you may have already seen it. But as the Independance Day is this week- it I thought it was appropriate.

Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance

As a schoolboy, comedian Red Skelton learned the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. Skelton later wrote down, and eventually recorded, his recollection of this lecture. This is how Red remembered the patriotic lecture:

I -- me, an individual; a committee of one.
Pledge -- dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.
Allegiance -- my love and my devotion.
To the Flag -- our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of Freedom. Wherever she waves there is respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, "Freedom is everybody's job!"
United -- that means that we have all come together.
States -- individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.
And to the Republic -- a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
For which it stands
One Nation -- meaning "so blessed by God."
Indivisible -- incapable of being divided.
With Liberty -- which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation.
And Justice -- the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.
For All -- which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance:
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Red added this personal observation to his boyhood lesson: "Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: 'Under God.' Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that [makes it] a prayer, and that it would have to be eliminated from schools too?"

Of course, "under God" was added to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill into law that changed the original Pledge. Perhaps Red Skelton wouldn't be surprised at all when in 2002 an atheist in California won a decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals that "under God" is "an endorsement of religion," and therefore, unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned that ruling in 2004.

The following is an excerpt from the book, Under God by Toby Mac and Michael Tate.

The pledge of Allegiance was formed largely from the vision of three men: Daniel Ford, James Upham and Francis Bellamy.

Daniel Ford was the publisher of a popular family magazine, The Youth's Companion. Ford's belief in Christ was a great influence on the content of his magazine, and he guided his life and business by Christian principles. With a circulation of nearly half a million, The Youth's Companion was the nations most read weekly magazine in the late 1880's and early 1890's.

James Upham, head of the magazine's premium department, was disappointed that most public schools did not have their own flags, so he launched a campaign wherein school children raised funds to purchase a flag from the magazine. As a result, about thirty thousand flags were sold and flown for the first time in front of America's schools between 1888 and 1891.

In 1892, the country prepared to celebrate the four hundredth anniversary of Columbus's arrival in America. President Benjamin Harrison declared Columbus Day, October 12, a national holiday for the first time. Upham wanted children across the country to participate, so he began planning the National Public School Celebration that would center on raising a flag.

First, a proclamation from the president would be read, followed by prayer and Scripture reading, the singing of "America," and patriotic speeches. Wanting the children to participate more fully, Upham determined that they should recite a salute to the flag. He enlisted the talents of another magazine employee, Francis Bellamy, who had been pastor at the Boston church Daniel Ford attended. Bellamy labored for weeks and finally brought his composition to Upham: I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. It was published in The Youth's Companion on September 8, 1892. Thirty-four days later, twelve million schoolchildren across the country recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time.

In 1923 and 1924 the words my Flag were changed to the Flag of the United States of America. In 1948, a man named Louis A. Bowman proposed to his fellow Sons of the American Revolution that the words under God be added after one nation- following a precedent set by Abraham Lincoln, who had extemporaneously added those same words to the end of his Gettysburg Address. Then in 1952, William Randolph Hearst caught wind of the idea and began a campaign in his newspapers that helped bring about legislation to officially add under God to the Pledge. President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved this change on Flag Day, 1954, and proclaimed, "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."

I pledge allegiance
to the Flag of the
United States of America,
and to the Republic
for which it stands,
one Nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty
and justice for all.

So Dear Friends, I wish you a wonderful 4th of July week with family and friends.

Love, Jan

Roads and Rainbows

2009-06-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

This morning, I had to go out to the car to get something and I was muttering to myself about how my opinion of a certain head of government that wants to ...anyway you know the rest. As I came around the garage I saw this.... and this....
It made my day!

I found these pictures on my camera, I think Hunter took them a couple of weeks ago. I love these roads. Of course, I liked them better when they were not so well traveled but I still love them.

This short little creature is Lucifer, the devil dog. I don't want to talk about her!

Oh, she is crossing the road. I guess she is good for something.

Driving into Vernon and up the mountain.

Coming down off the mountain.

Heading Home

The last turn.

Quick! make a u-turn and go back. There is no news shows on the mountain to push my blood pressure through the ceiling.

Summer Reading List

2009-06-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,
When I was not this old, I would find a good book and read all night and still make it through the next day. I could read a book and remember the characters and the story. I could take a book with me and read at stop lights. I read anytime, anywhere. All of this seems so long ago. I miss those days.

Now when I try to read, in bed-I have to fight my glasses (now a necessity to read anything), my aches and pains and the inability say awake more than 10 minutes. That and the fact that the computer has taken over my life and sometimes can't remember what I read 10 minutes ago, means I am reading less and it has become a challenge.

The good thing about driving almost 70 miles a day all by myself, I am enjoying audio books. I found a couple of good ones for my summer reading list and keep looking for more.

I just finished Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas. In fact, I enjoyed this story so much, I immediately started listening to it a second time. Her stories of fictional history usually connect to one of my passions, quilts and the women who made them. One of the things I like about her books is the dialogs, the way she has her characters speak in the vernacular of the place and time. In fact, I just learned that she reads a lot of womens diary's and journals as research, using these to build her own library of phrases and terms that she keeps on her computer for her writing.

Prayers for Sale is a story about a very young Civil War widow that goes to a gold mining town in Colorado to start a new life. She is the narrator of her own stories and the people in and around her life. As she tells her stories, she has to let go of her "blue devil" that haunts her for more than 70 years before she can move to the next stage of her life's journey.

I admit, I have read several of Sandra Dallas's books and have enjoyed almost everyone of them. Her last book, Tallgrass, was a story about a terrible time in America's history as we forced the American Japanese into prison camps during WWII.

Another audio book, one of my all-time favorites that I will always reread, To Kill A Mockingbird, narrated by Sissy Spacek. She does such a wonderful "Scout", I felt like I was right there with Jem and Scout Finch as they tumbled through their youth and experiences in Maycomb County during the early years of the 20th century. I will never, though, be able to hear or picture Atticus Finch as anyone other than Gregory Peck, whether I read the book or listen to the narration. There are some great actors that were born for certain roles. this was his and that might be a topic for another post.

I just picked up an audio copy of Charles Dickens, Great Expectations, because I really want to reread some of the classics that influenced me when I was younger. Since I will be working for at another 2 years or more, I will be listening to a lot of books. I will keep you updated.

I do still read and recently read a wonderful historical novel called 1000 White Women: The Journals of May Dodd, by Jim Fergus. The book begins just before the US Army rounds up all the Indians in the Rockies and Plains so the White immigration could take over their lands. The Chief of one of the Cherokee tribes supposedly proposes that the Great White Father send them 1000 white brides to help "civilize" and bear "white" children. This is a fictionalized but riveting account of one woman that volunteered as a way to escape the the insane asylum she was being held in after her wealthy family disowned her. As I understand the truth of the situation, the request was made but never really happened.

I'll keep you updated on my reading list and I would love to have you share yours with me.
Love, Jan

On the Mountain With Hunter & Logann

2009-06-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend-
Well I'm back from a great weekend with Logann and Hunter. I love spending time with my grand kids and especially when we get to do a little one on one, or in this case, two on one.

It is so rewarding to see these kids enter adulthood, to listen to them express their views and ideas, and to see them start stepping up to help and do things without being asked or prodded. (Note to families of young children: There is hope!)

The weather was windy and chilly but the time I get to spend up there and enjoy all the wonderful life on the mountains makes it worth bundling up and tying everything down.

I hope that I can have the opportunity to spend more time with each of these wonderful kids as they grow and develop before they move out and on with their lives. Being their grandmother has been the frosting on my cake!
The Salt River from the first look-out on the Globe side.

New Oaks

This red fungus is really sprouting up around the ranch, especially around the wild rose bushes. Does anyone recognize them or know anything about them?

And yes, despite the combined efforts of every Naegle generation, there are still horned (toads) lizards that have survived. Did you know that they are truely becoming an endangered species?

Well, I've got to go. I'll share more later,

Love, Jan

Busy Month of May

2009-05-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

I just wanted to let you know that I am still here and thinking about you. Things have been happening faster than I can keep up with. Here is a rundown of the past few weeks:

May 8th and May 9th we celebrated Morgann's 17th and Ian's 16th birthday's with dinner at a new family favorite Mexican Food Restaurant in Queen Creek - Rio Rico. Then there was a quick trip to Vernon for Mother's Day.

Last week we had 3 graduations (all on one day) I attended 2 of them, Eli's from Kindergarten-too cute, of course and the big one for Logann on Thursday evening. Seth had a graduation ceremony for Jr High at the same time as Eli's, so half the family went to his. I am still recovering from that one. I offered to take Logann early and save the seats, so I spent 3 1/2 hours sitting in the rain, fighting off all encroachers to wet stadium seats so we could huddle under the umbrellas and watch her do her walk.

Definitly Mr. Cool!

We are all so proud of Logann, she graduated in the top 20% of her class and earned academic honors and a full scholarship for her scores on the AIMS exams. She is going to NAU and is so excited.

That's her in the middle looking for us (the blonde).

Proud Moment.

Friday evening, we had a graduation party for her and then early Saturday, Marla and I drove up to spend the weekend at the ranch. Judy had taken dad to the Doctor in Springerville on Friday and they sent him to Show Low to the Emergency room for a proceedure.

Dad is okay but was still having some problems so she had to take him back Saturday morning. She just needed a little support from us plus the fact that we took Hunter up to spend a couple of weeks helping her and dad with some projects.

Hunter will be planting 2 gardens, getting the chicken coop set up with water and several other things on the list. He thinks it is boring up there and for a 17 year old city boy, he's right. It is boring but he will survive it, I'm sure of that. I told him that being the slave labor in Vernon beats being the slave labor in Wellton-hands down! I don't think he believes me though.

Marla, Hunter and I were the only ones up at the ranch this weekend-we don't count the non-Naegles. It was beautiful, peaceful and cold. It rained so hard on Saturday night, I honestly thought I was going to need oars to get off the mountain. Sunday brought a powerful hailstorm in Vernon and Monday we had a downpour that had snow in it.

The best breakfast in the world, ever, biscuits or pancakes, bacon, eggs, and fresh fruit on the porch of your humble home on the mountain!

Well, the long weekend is over and it is back to work. I did call in sick today-I think I can count on one hand, the number of times I have called in sick, but I can't get rid of this cold. I just need to spend one whole day at home in my jammies, don't you agree.

Enjoy some of these gorgeous pictures of Vernon and the Mountain. Hunter did a good job!

Love Jan

Flowers on the Mountain

Hail in Vernon

I love this flower. I think it is a begonia.

The wild iris is blooming all over the mountain.

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend.

This Sunday is Mother's Day and it will be a little different for my family.

I know that a lot of you have experienced the same feelings of those first holidays and celebrations with a missing family member. And now I know what you went through because that is what I am going through now.

I am the world's worst shopper. Looking for a greeting card drives me up the wall (especially the seasonal ones) and I never know what to give someone-gift cards are my gift of choice. But driving home yesterday, it dawned on me I hadn't got a Mother's Day card for mom yet-then I remembered.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Marla and I are driving to Vernon to celebrate a little Mother's Day with Judy and Dad. They have set the gravestone and we will go visit with Mom and place some flowers at her grave. I know she would appreciate that.

In the meantime, I am offering to you this wonderful piece about being a Mom because it brought so many memories and emotions back. Enjoy being a Mother. Treasure every minute of it and do not let a day go by without telling your children and your mother how much you love them.

Before I was a Mom,

I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,

I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,

I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,

I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

I never knew that I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,

I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,

I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom ...

Happy Mother's Day to all of you.
Love, Jan

Nicoll Footprints

2009-04-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I want to tell you what an amazing family I have. This past Saturday was a success due to the talents and the help of a lot of Nicolls. I know that we would not have been able to do this without each of you, even those that couldn't be here but encouraged us to go forward.

Ann (Nick) Shreeve and her daughters, Mindy and Miriam, were awesome. Ann and Mindy handled the food assignments and let me tell you, we ate like rich kings. The spread was fantastic. Miriam volunteered to do something with the younger kids to keep them busy. She really came prepared and those young ones that sat with her enjoyed her offerings. Miriam also had a winning Reunion "Momento". Thank you!

If you didn't get one of these, contact Miriam at purpleyum@gmail.com , she is making more and selling them for $2.00 each.

Another talented family member brought her great items to the Reunion for a Silent Auction. Thank you Patti. These were great.

After reimbursing several people for some of their expenses, I am opening an account at WF for the Nicoll Family Reunion so that we have funds to help with the 2010 gathering.

I hope more of us can contribute next year. If you want to be a part of this, let me know. I think the best way to do it is split the proceeds with you and the family but we can talk about it later.

Marla Olson had made arrangements to use their Ward building and then called as soon as she could get home from church last Sunday, to tell me we had to find another location (just one week prior to the Reunion). I started calling all family members in the Mesa area to see if we could useget another building and Steve Nicoll came through. Steve was able to make the arrangemenst to use his Ward building on short notice and we really appreciate both of their help.

A big thanks to Ashley (Darren) for being swept into "official photographer" for the family groups. If you are looking for a great Mother's Day gift, visit her blog http://embraceyourcreativity.blogspot.com/2009/04/mothers-day-mini-sessions.html.

A special thanks to everyone that showed up early to help set-up and those that stayed late to help clear and clean. All of you are the reason we had a successful Reunion.

And a big thank you to Rodney and Denise Standage for volunteering to put together the 2010 Don & Ethel Nicoll Reunion- Saturday, November 27th. That is the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We look forward to seeing all of you then. As soon as I can get an E-mail contact for them, I will share it with you.

To my friends who read my blog that do not have a large extended family, I don't know what to say except that I am sorry you are missing one of life's richest blessings

To my family members who live too far away to attend this year, do try to join us in 2010. I want to get to know you, we want to get to know you!

Don and Ethel Nicoll struggled everyday of their married lives to meet the needs of their large family and we are rich for it. We are growing outward and older so fast.

On Saturday we recognized these events that enforces the need of regular family gatherings:

Susan passed away 15 years ago on April 25th.
Barbara and her family were attending the wedding of one of her grandsons. Did I say we were growing fast?
We took 2 group pictures of Phyllis with 5 generations. (for those of you that don't count-that's 6 generations for Don & Ethel.)
Shirley just celebrated her 62nd birthday. (Yes, we are getting better, aren't we!)
We have so many members of the family we don't know or recognize, that we had to spend 30 to 45 minutes just going around the room introducing ourselves and updating, as quickly as we could, our families and a little about those that could not be attend.

Now I have to work on spelling every one's name correctly (Glorya, y not i; Phyllis, 2 l's; Corey, with an e; so far)!

Here are some pictures I didn't post on Facebook-my grandchildren had my camera and took pictures of their view of the reunion.

I'm not sure who "kick-a-pooed his joy-juice", but Stu (Marla) was happy to be there.

This is a picture that only a grandmother could love. Nikki assures me that he is only laying his finger at the side of his nose, trying to make the big decision: 'Which dessert do I want now?'

And the sweat and rosy cheeks on this 10 year old is from making the church hallways unsafe to walk.

By the way, I heard that Jordan (Megan's husband) and the kids were doing karaoke in the RS room. Why weren't we invited?

I've got a lot to do today so I'll close for now.

Love Jan

The Fire In the Next Subdivision

2009-04-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

I usually drive to and from work using the same route-Ocotillo to Ironwood, Ironwood to the 60, the 60 to Priest and then to my work site and then, I turn around and come home the same route. But, fear not, sometimes I detour. The detour I took last night is one that I really enjoy because I come into our neighborhood the back way-a sort of stop and smell the roses route. This is were I see families out in their corrals, working their horses, mowing their yards, beautiful homes, trashy homes, fences covered in banks roses, goats, sheep, new ponies, well you get the idea. It's just a nice break-until last night.

As I came south on Kenworthy, this man was walking his dog and waving one arm and then the other-I thought he was either demented or slapping at insects. As I got closer, he actually was waving me to stop-he wanted me to call 911 to report this:

This is the unfinished and abandoned housing project just north of ours. These houses have been left as framed projects for probably a year now. When I first saw the homes they were just beginning to blaze-it probably took less than 10 minutes for them to go completely. I could see 2 distinct fires-across the street from each other. After I called 911, I came home because everybody in Queen Creek suddenly needed to use that back road and they were just stopping in the middle of the street! I don't know how the emergency vehicles were able to weave through the parked cars.

On the other hand, I came home to this too:

Nikki was making yummy cinnamon rolls for a presentation project in her communications class. We were glad she chose to practice on us.

I'm home today to do a little sewing and some cooking in preparation for the Nicoll Reunion on Saturday. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone. I hope we have a good turn-out. I wish we could plan this so that it would work for every one's schedules and that all of you that don't live in this area could be here. Hopefully, we can put another reunion together that will work for more of us.

On another note, does anyone have a clue what this is? Well, here is your first hint-This is Shawn holding his newest and biggest favorite Fathers & Sons Outing toy.

Bingo! It's his newest potato gun. Watch out world. Shawn is hunting for a potato target. Actually, he just wants to see how far he can shoot the potato. A man with a dream!

More Later, I had to boil all the potatoes for Saturday before Shawn found them and they need my attention now.

Love Jan

2009-04-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend

See if you can guess where we were yesterday afternoon (4/15). Here is your first hint:

Okay, here is another hint-do you know were this is?

Yes, I do admit to belonging to the the Radical Rightwing Extremist.

We are such a menacing group too. After all, the median age is probably 55.

I still don't know what makes not wanting to saddle our children and grandchildren with tons of debt or ask our government to read and follow the Constitution, me an "extreme", but I will proudly wear the badge anyway.

It was a great group of people and more came as we were leaving-oh did I say we? Oh, yeah these 2 radicals were there with me-

Our Dad was so glad to hear that we we going. He reminded me that we had a GGG or GGGG grandfather that fought with Washington in the Revolutionary War and Dad was proud that we were also willing to stand up and be counted.

(thanks for the great picture, Kevin)

We even got to check up on a Wellton Friend who is doing a great job of representing the Gilbert Legislative District in the the State Legislature.

Thayer Verschoor spent a few minutes with us-updating where all his family is now before he was scheduled for the J.D. Hayworth interview.

Most of the signs were home-made, I even saw one that was taped to a child's toy shovel, but they all carried the same messages-We don't want to pay higher taxes, bail-outs don't work, Congress doesn't know how to read (the legislation they are passing or the Constitution) and there are going to be some changes in the near future.

I am so grateful I live in a country that allows me the opportunity to express my feelings openly and in public. I am grateful for all of our fathers, uncles, grandfathers and ggggggg grandfathers (mothers, too) that have fought to defend our right to live in freedom and built a nation based on Judeo-Christian principles that make democracy and independance work for us.

If they have another TEA PARTY, I'll be there.

Love, Jan

America, The Great

2009-04-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,
I have received 2 links to this first piece today and as I listened to it the second time I decided I needed to share it with you . Take a minute, sit down and listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUBIJCXz9M8

Then watch this one and see if you have a dry eye. I didn't.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0mm4u2VzDs&feature=player_embedded

I won't say anything else.
Love, Jan

Weekend Quilt Retreat

2009-04-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

I am off for a great weekend retreat with friends. It is a bed and breakfast (lunch & dinner, too) for small groups, primarily quilters but I know she has had scrapbook groups as well as others. Besides being in a beautiful setting (Christopher Creek), Pines and Needles has wonderful group accomodations with a great studio. It's like a slumber party, except most of us are in bed by 11 PM, oh well.

Pictures upon return.

In the meantime, I found this great picture on Kempe's Facebook photo album. It brought back so many wonderful memories of a Uncle Cecil, Aunt Millie and Laurie. And then I remembered, they are all still having a wonderful time!

More Later, love Jan.

PS Judy, I'll trade you places for the next one.

Borrowed Quiz

2009-03-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

I was checking out a blog I follow last night and she had this great quiz. I want to share it with you. These are all true or false answers and it won't take long. Are you ready? Here it is....

1. Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning.

2. Alfred Hitchcock didn't have a belly button.

3. A pack-a-day smoker will lose approximately 2 teeth every 10 years.

4. People do not get sick from cold weather; it's from being indoors a lot more.

5. When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop, even your heart!

6. Only 7 percent of the population are lefties.

7. Forty people are sent to the hospital for dog bites every minute.

8. Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until they are 2-6 years old.

9. The average person over 50 will have spent 5 years waiting in lines.

10. The toothbrush was invented in 1498.

11. The average housefly lives for one month.

12. 40,000 Americans are injured by toilets each year.

13 . A coat hanger is 44 inches long when straightened.

14. The average computer user blinks 7 times a minute.

15. Your feet are bigger in the afternoon than any other time of day.

16. Most of us have eaten a spider in our sleep.

17. The REAL reason ostriches stick their head in the sand is to search for water.

18. The only two animals that can see behind themselves without turning their heads are the rabbit and the parrot.

19. John Travolta turned down the starring roles in 'An Officer and a Gentleman' and 'Tootsie.'

20. Michael Jackson owns the rights to the South Carolina State Anthem.

21. In most television commercials advertising milk, a mixture of white paint and a little thinner is used in place of the milk.

22. Prince Charles and Prince William NEVER travel on the same airplane, just in case there is a crash.

23. The first Harley Davidson motorcycle built in 1903 used a tomato can for a carburetor. 24. Most hospitals make money by selling the umbilical cords cut from women who give birth. They are used in vein transplant surgery.

25. Humphrey Bogart was related to Princess Diana. They were 7th cousins.

26. If coloring weren't added to Coca-Cola, it would be green.

Now, for the answers.........................Now I know you didn't cheat.

Right?

Ready??

Now??

Ok, Ok....They are all TRUE ... Now go back and think about #16!!!EWWWWW!!!!!

Thanks Nancy for letting me use this.

Hope you enjoyed it. I even learned a few things.
Love, Jan

Beautiful Ways to Start the Day

2009-03-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend, When we moved out here a couple of months ago, we had these pretty little verbenias growing along the front sidewalk. They are pretty and easy to maintain (translation: no maintenance required.) And then about 2 weeks ago, we started noticing a visitor in this bed. We've watched it grow, put on buds and then we had this wonderful surprise!

A beautiful red tulip plant has opened up. It is absolutely gorgeous!

These colorful little plants are like a sweet goodbye when I leave the house and a wonderful welcome home when I return. It is a really good thing that they were already here and I am not responsible for them because I have the blackest thumb in the family. I can't grow silk plants!

Anyway, I wish I could bottle the wonderful smell that greets me every morning when I step outside. There is a sweet desert smell of damp mesquite, combined with the blooming flowers that is such a delight.

Last week I stopped and took these pictures of the sunrise over the eastern mountains. The sky looks like it is on fire. I should have pulled off the road last night and taken pictures of a glorious sunset

I was glad stopped. I need to do it more often! Oh and just down the road from this, I had to stop and wait for about 12 peahens to make up their little peaminds which side of the road they wanted to be on. What a great morning!

Love, Jan

Quilts, Quilts and More Quilts

2009-03-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

On Friday afternoon I ran away from work! I really did. I finished the one task that has to be be done every day, shut down my computer and ran as fast as I could to the Mesa Convention Center.

You see, it was my only chance this weekend to catch the Arizona Quilters Guild 2009 Quilt Show. I am so glad I went. This was a better venue than they have used in the past and the quilts were awesome, inspiring, and breathtaking. I want to share some of them with you but you will have to excuse some of the poor photography.

I was drawn to these quilts for a variety of reasons. Some for the use of color and some for the technique. Some of them are traditional designs and entail a lot of work like this applique Whig Rose that was hand-quilted.

I loved this one, done in scrappy, colorful squares for the background and the applique motifs on the point where they have used a "drunkards path" in white.

These are both great traditional quilt patterns (bear paw and log cabin) that will always be top on my list.

And as you can tell, I am in a black, white with any other color mode right now. I loved this black and white with the appliqued flowers in bright colors.

How did she/he do this one?

This was a gorgeous pieced quilt. The photo doesn't do it justice.

Where do these men and women get their ideas? When do they have the time it takes to create these works of art? I know I will just have to keep going to quilt shows so that I can find the ideas and inspiration to make my own quilts.

I also know that my quilts will never be "quilt show" works and I am just fine with that, but I do hope those that receive my quilts will know how much I loved making each one and treasure it.

I have more pictures but you are probably putting your pointer fingers together in an "X" and saying "ENOUGH, already!" I had to share some of these with you, though. They were some of the best at the show.

More later. Love, Jan

PS-I'm sorry, I couldn't help it but here are a couple more that I wanted to share with you.

I have a friend at work that loves anything purple and butterflies. I saw this and thought of her. The butterflies were appliqued.

This bargello looked like stairways to eternity. I was amazed at the design and the placement of the color to creat this beautiful quilt.

This was an amazingly simple strippy quilt but the machine quilting was inspired. I wish the photo could show you more of it.

2009-02-27T19:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

I just read this found this link to a beautiful and sad piece of poetry about the Austrailian fires earlier this month. It brought back a lot of memories our our Rodeo-Chedeski fires. It was such a terrible waste and loss to the people of Australia. Click here to read "Black is All I See".

I hope we can keep the these devastating fires off of our forests. Even with all the moisture we have had over the past couple of years, I still worry about the threat of fire. I know it is heavy on my dad's mind too. He wants to put a metal roof on the house in Vernon this summer. With all the growth they are seeing, all the people moving up there, and the high use of the forest, it would only take one careless mistake to lose it all.

Sorry for seeming so morbid, but reading this poem and seeing the photos, it really got to me.
I think it's time to turn the computer off for the day. I promise to write something more tomorrow. Maybe I'll tell you about the little trip Shirley and I took today.
Love, Jan

Busy, Busy Busy

2009-02-27T07:21:00.001-08:00

Dear Friend,

Well I have been busy the last couple of days. I machine stiched the binding on the brown and red quilt and now have another hand project setting at my TV chair (did I tell you that I hate this part of quilting). It puts me to sleep faster than Tylonel PM!) but I did find a marvelous website with a tutorial for put binding on the was the slickest technique since sliced bread. I knew how to do the corners but it's the beginning-end joining that made me crazy. If you want to try it go here and there is even a PDF to print with wonderful pictures to illustrate.

Last night I went to ZT for a Quilt History Group. We discuss a specific time period, the events and influences they had on quilting and the women of that era. Right now we are discussing the early 20th century,the 20's and 30's. I have grown really like the fabric of this time period and now have a chance to look at the lives of the women. One of the books I am reading is called Waiting on the Bounty, The Dust Bowl Diary of Mary Knackstedt Dyck.

(This is a 30's top I am going to machine quilt today and tomorrow. Wish me luck.)

When we first moved to Wellton, we went through some bad dust storms and I remember how bad they were. But to have them blow away your life and your living, day after day, year after year, it is makes the little bit of craft/art/necessity that these quilts were, more special. For most women in the early days, quilting with a circle of friends was the only social life and the only artform that most of them had. If you think a faded and worn feedsack quilt is ugly and useless, stop and think about the woman who lovingly stitched it together to make something useful, yet pretty for her home and then got to spend a few hours with her neighbors and friends quilting it.

Mat just sent me a couple more photos. This is a red-tailed hawk. He has watched it catch 6 rabbits while he is working out in this area.

And here is a picture of the Upper Ranch. I think this taken from on top of a mountain. Makes me wish summer was here.

I will write more later, Shirley is trying to find her way out here and I need to close now to get ready for a visit with her. I think we'll go to lunch at Cravings and maybe do a little exploring around here.
Love to all, Jan

Tell Them I'm Out of the Office

2009-02-25T08:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

I love the desert in the early spring. Especially if we have had a good wet winter. Shawn took this photo last week and hope you can see how green the mountain is. I also thought it was a great scene photo with the 3 elements of the story- a beginning, a middle and an end.

It is day 2 of several days off and I am feeling so relaxed. No traffic, no auditors, no telephones, no schedules. What more could I ask for? I have been fairly busy though, I pieced together all the blocks for my black-red & white quilt top and found I was 2 rows short, so it's back to the ZT to find some more pieces to add. It's a good thing this is a very scrappy quilt and I do have a bit of the the fabric already in it but I still need to add some. Oh, and I was trying to do 2 things at once (so much for multi-tasking) and broke my Rowenta iron. So I will have to replace that because I cannot sew without one.

I am glad he is wearing those heavy work gloves.
More photo's from Mat. This time he appears to have befriended a ---you're correct. It is a bat. I don't know if I have never seen one this close or have never seen a yellow one. Creepy!

Wyatt's class went up to the Don's Camp at the base of the Superstitions last week and these are some of the pictures from his adventure. I would love to go but they only present this program for the schools-during the week.
An attempt at roping. That will come in handy someday!

Panning for Gold-in the Superstitions, of course.
Panning for gold as a woman????

Despite my best efforts to try to avoid the stores while I am on this short vacation, I now need to get ready to go into town. Sometimes I feel like I am back in Wellton and contemplating a trip to Yuma, that's how far it is to the quilt store. I know that is also the distance from Vernon to Show Low-but the only reason to go to Show Low is groceries, there is so little else.

This is a picture of Ian's newest bed cover. Straight from Ikea-he loved it!

Things to do, places to go. I'm off to buy a new iron and look for some special fabrics to finish.
More later, love, Jan

Multiple Celebrations- Happy Birthday Hunter

2009-02-16T07:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

We are celebrating a couple of great things around here today! The first one and of course most important is the 17th birthday of this great young man. My oldest grandson carries both maiden names of his grandmothers (poor kid) but they do make a great name for this good looking guy. Hunter has so much knowledge tucked under that curly mop of red he absolutely astounds me. He is the family book of knowledge, spell checker, and go to for computer "what did I do wrong". Hunter has a great sense of humor and being the big brother to the other two, a ton of patience. Also, if I pay him enough, he does a great job of vacuuming my car.

Happy Birthday Hunter, you're a wonderful grandson-I love you!

It's also President's Day. When I was in school we celebrated George Birthington's and A. Lincoln's washdays seperately, and now look at us-the Fed & the Post Office are closed, so we get the day off! That makes me a happy camper.

Well, now that we have made it a day of recognition for all the presidents I can add another couple of my favorites. I am truly grateful that these men are a part of our nation's history. Their wisdom and sense of duty truely defined our government and our freedom. So, George, John, Thomas and Abraham, thank you so much for all you gave us.

All that being said, I want to share a first-hand account of a small encounter that really is bothering me-maybe because I have been hearing echos of this from other sources but this happened to a friend of someone very close to me. You decide...

Recently, a group meeting here (non-sectarian, non-political) was doing a little exercise of getting to know each other-the question was posed, "name a wish you have that will not be fulfilled" or something along those lines. The "friend" stated her wish was that John McCain had won the election. Several days later, the "friend" received a mailed letter-several pages long, accusing her of being rascist, non-christian and intolerant. The author of the letter included several bibical scriptures. I will not go into some details of the letter-sender but you are probably correct about the genetic connection involved here.

I know that everyone has the the constitutional right to free speech, my question is this (and an age-old one at that!) are we looking at the next 4 to 8 years of never being able to express our political views for fear of being accused of something that has nothing to do with the above mentioned labels?

Leaving you this epistle to quander the significance of with love,

Jan

Wednesday-My Middle of the Week-Weekend

2009-02-11T07:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

Another wonderful day off. I love my 4-10's! It gives me 2 Mondays a week but it also gives me 2 Fridays! Hooray for Friday!

First, CONGRATULATIONS to the new Pinal County Public Defender. Yes, our own C. N. Weagant is now the man to see in Pinal County. All we need now is 6 more 5 cent-related families to join us out here in the woolly wilds of QC and we can be voting block to recon with!

Help me figure this one out, please. Lisa came out Saturday to learn how to make one of those wonderful tote bags from Quilts Illustrated. She got off to a good start-ironing and starching the fabric, then she cut it according to the instructions. She started sewing, even made one whole panel-so where did it happen that I ended up sewing the entire bag??? Anyway it is done and she did it these great fabrics. I love 30's & 40's fabrics. After that, I got the backs to my star quilt and my Yellowstone panel quilt put together and went to Sue's (my favorite long-arm quilter and friend) to trade. I picked up this wall hanging. Isn't it gorgeous? It's a block of the month from 2007 Quilt History Study-the Civil War Years and each block is based on the myth of the Underground Railroad Quilt. Sue did some beautiful custom work on this, the feathers in the borders. I tried to do a close up but I can't do it justice.

Last week I finally finished "The Zookeeper's Wife" (don't tell anyone I skipped 2 chapters so I could read the ending). During the discussion of this book we talked about the tremoundous spirit of the people of Poland during the Nazi occupation and the work they did for the underground resistance. I am in awe of their work and accomplishments. The story is being made into a movie and should be released sometime this spring. I don't know any particulars about who or when-but it will be interesting to see if they can bring a little more life to the story.

Ms. Ackerman, the author, is well-known for her writing about nature, human nature and poetry. But most of us in the group felt the book lacked something, suggesting we kept reading looking for something exciting or dangerous (more climatic???) to happen. In fact, all of these things did happen, it just wasn't portrayed in this story. The diary exerpts were wonderful though, and both of the Zabinski's risked everything for their Jewish and Polish friends. Would any of us be willing to hide or help our friends and neighbors in our homes at such great risk and danger to our own lives? I hope we could stand the test but will never have to.

Now it's on to "American Made, The Story of the WPA". I guess now is as good as time as any to reread what a miserable failure "government work" was to the economy of the American people. Luckily, I don't have to read the whole thing-just a couple of chapters.

Love to all, Me and "Maxine"

Update on a Ho-Hum Life

2009-01-30T18:53:00.000-08:00

Dear friend,

I know you think I have forgotten you-I haven't. I have just been busy doing lots of things and accomplishing nothing. I finally finished piecing the Scrappy Star quilt, and now I need to put a back together for it and take it to Sue's to be quilted. I'm not sure where this one is going yet. I still need to decide before I make the label.

I started another quilt that's really fun but need to find more fabric so tomorrow after breakfast with Shirley, Lisa, Nikki and Nancy I am going to plow through my stash. This quilt is red, white and black. I may be forced to buy some fabrics for this one. Darn it, don't you just hate that! (Yes, that was tongue-in-cheek.)

Have you ever been to south-eastern Arizona? I have been to Nogales once and to Tombstone but I have always wanted to go to Patagonia-isn't that a great name! Mat is down there now working on a contract that finally came in. Hooray!!!! He has been sending me wonderful pictures via phone and this is one of them. I was so amazed at this beautiful sun (rise or set, I'm not sure.) I had just read a photography tutorial the other day about scene pictures needing to to tell a story-it needs a beginning, a middle and an end. Then I get this and there it is. I love getting pictures from him. It really makes my day.

Keep sending the pictures Mat. I love them.

I am trying to read a book called the Zookeepers Wife for book club. It is a true story about the underground Polish network and the amazing work they did to hide and rescue as many of the victims of the Nazi occupation of Poland during WWII. It is not easy to read as it talks about so much of the horrible things that were done to the Polish people and the Jews but I will finish this book by next week. The author, Diane Ackerman, is very knowledgable, and she did a tremondous amount of research for this book, but I sometimes think she has a need to share all of her knowledge whether it has anything to do with the story or not.

I guess I've told you about all there is for now. I promise to write soon.

Love Jan

2 Great Books and a Lost Art

2009-01-17T06:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

I have just had the marvelous opportunity to read 2 wonderful books over the past couple of weeks. It started with my Book Club assignment, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society". It was such a great book, written in letters between Islanders of Guernsey about their WWII experiences under Nazi invasion and the main character, a writer in London.

If you love the old fashioned idea of writing letters and loved waiting by the mailbox for a response then you will love this book.

First, I knew Guernsey and Jersey were Islands somewhere off the coast of England and that the inhabitants were British, but I never realized that they were actually just off the coast of France-hence, the Nazi invasion.

Second, I am really drawn to the dry British humor and their ability to laugh at themselves and their situations.
Reader Warning: This book is not easy to find-I originally ordered it from Amazon. It came during the move and of course got lost in the USPS system of forwarded addresses, so I had to go to B&N because it was the Saturday before BC and I had to get a copy in my hands. Needless to say, it took calls to 3 different B&N stores in the southeast valley to find a copy!!!!! Oh, and the Library only had a downloadable copy. So if you can find it, or want to borrow mine, read it and enjoy.

The second book I just read this morning is a result of reading the above. I had seen the movie starring Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins. "84 Charing Cross Road" is a small book full of delightful correspondences between a New York writer and a charming used book firm in London starting right after the end of WWII. I recommend both the book and the movie

Do you suppose that since we no longer write long or short letters to each other (or does anyone even have an address book - just mailing addresses) anymore, that we will lose an artform that was gone before we missed it? Will the internet become our new Master of Communication? Well, I hereby declare that in memory of the lost art of letter writing, all my future posts will be in letter form!

Love always, Jan

Dear Mr. Obama

2009-01-16T20:33:00.000-08:00

Dear President-Elect Mr. Obama,

I am unable to attend the festivities surrounding your upcomming inauguration. It seems that my local Walmart store is unable to have my designer ball gown finished in time.

I am, therefore, requesting that you refund my share of the millions of $$$ you are spending on this hoop-de-doo, $3,000 will just about do it. You see, I can really use the money to pay my mortgage, car payment and support one or two of the few remaining small, local businesses here in my part of the world.

Oh, and please don't let your nomination for the head of the tax department touch it. You see, I've used the same excuse he did and it didn't work for me. I have a hard time believing that a leopard can change his spots.

I'll send you my checking account number so you can put it directly into the bank, which by the way is not one of the several that keep coming back for more. If you decide that my request is not enough, please send more. We know you have some deep pockets. Just ask B of A or General Motors.

Sincerely living on the edge of poverty,
Jan

Sewing Again

2009-01-12T19:39:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to be able to get back to my sewing machine. I have been piecing this top for almost a year now and had all the blocks made when I decided I needed to add another row. So hopefully, this will be finised and ready for the quilt machine by the end of the month. I love the scrappy look (this was all made from stash fabric) and this Carrie Nelson pattern was really fun to work with. One more row, the border and the back and it's over and out the door to Sue's for her magic.

Speaking of Sue and her magic. I just picked this quilt up from her house tonight. Actually, she finished it in August but I kept forgetting to touch base with her to pick it up-she was ready to adopt it but it's mine now. All I need to do is put the binding on it and then it's your's-Lisa.

The pictures don't do it justice but I love it anyway. No, the lumps are not a body, it's my clean laundry waiting to be put away but I had to spread this out somewhere.

Do you think there is enough red in it?

My Best Friends Birthday

2009-01-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

"Best Friends" by William J Kallwick

Today is my oldest (as in - clear back to second grade) best friend's birthday. I won't say how old she really is, but until we turned that all important age of 16, I was always made aware that she was 7 months older than me. Now I like to remind her that she is still 7 months older than me.

Irene's family lived "next door" to us through most of grade school and we had wonderful adventures together. We survived all the surprises and antics of growing up, all the way through sharing an apartment in Yuma.

Our lives paralled a lot as we grew older and (I hope) wiser, but work and family have kept us busy and so we try to "go to Concho" once or twice a year so we can spend a few hours together catching up and sharing. ("Going to Concho" was what our mothers used to tell us when they wanted to visit without kids around.)

Happy Birthday Irene! I can't wait for our "Concho" visit later this month.

Irene & Lisa at Mom's funeral in August.

The road to Concho!

The New Year-A New Sewing Room

2009-01-04T06:26:00.000-08:00

I finally got up to Vernon on Friday. There was a lot of snow still on the ground around the house and in the forest around Show Low and up on the mountains, but it was a beautiful day, windy and wintry with lots of sunshine. Here a couple of pictures of Dad and his new friend Sam(antha) and the snow.

Hunter drove-his first driving experience through the canyon. He did great and now I have to set back and let Logann and Morgann do it. I let them drive up and back to Payson last summer but that is not the same thing. I am not a good passenger though, and I probably drive them all crazy telling them how to do things. I think I inherited that from Dad! I remember him doing the very same thing when he rode shotgun with me.

Today is the last day of a wonderful 4 day weekend and I still have so much I want to do! My sewing room is finally unpacked and put away, my sewing machine is up and ready to go, my current project containers are sitting under the sewing table and my hands are craving the feel of sewing. But-I have a ton of other things I have to do before I return to the real world tomorrow.

I do have to admit to at least one addiction. The daughters would not let this pass-I am addicted to fabric and am hereby proclaiming that, though I may be able to control it a little better now that I have full access to my stash, this is one addiction I shall never give up. So I am putting my children on notice now-this is your inheritance and it will continue to grow. Get over it!

The cabinets with the sliding basket shelves I got at Ikea are absolutely wonderful and worth every penny I paid for them. I am so lucky to have two great daughters that helped me un-box all of my stuff. The labor only cost me a breakfast and a lunch. Oh well, small price to pay for a good time.

More Christmas Week

2008-12-30T20:24:00.001-08:00

I went by Marla's house tonight. She had been up to Dad's and said to come and get the goodies that Dad and Judy sent. So I picked up this:

They had sent jams, jellies, green beans, corn and stewed tomatoes. I was really happy to get them because home canned green beans are right up there next to chocolate.

Well then Marla brought out this wonderful Christmas gift from Shana and Kristi. I almost cried and am totally blown away by their talents.

And inside this beautiful box was this:

It's hard to see just how much they put into this project from these pictures but there are 4 packages of wonderful cards for holidays, birthdays, blank and miscellanious.

And on the bottom of the pile was this wonderful book- with a page for each month with family birthdays and special days and promise of updated calendars and holders for cards for the occasion. It was beautiful and I love all of it. I guess I really do owe my nieces each a quilt.

Hmm....

The new sewing room is almost finished (pictures are coming) and my fingers are just itching to get back to the sewing machine.

Merry Christmas Everyone

2008-12-25T17:41:00.000-08:00

Well this day is almost over. We have enjoyed friends and family, as well as a peaceful afternoon. Oh, can't forget the ham...ham was served for a luncheon at work yesterday, went to the Lewis Compound for Christmas Eve dinner..ham and then Nikki and I prepared a wonderful, you guessed it!...ham dinner here at home. You will never guess what I am taking to work for lunch tomorrow!

All of the meals were wonderful, especially the ones I enjoyed with family. I even had a call from Mat today. He is in Arkansas with his other Vernon family and having a great time. Keep your fingers crossed, there may be work for them soon.

We had our traditional breakfast of crepes, egg cassarole and Shawn made the best "fatties" in his smokers earlier this week for us. If you have never had one of these treasures before, you must try them sometime. They are made from sausage and wrapped inside are all kinds of wonderful things-cheese, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, chili, and wonderful spices, all smoked together. What a treat. It's Christmas so I don't have to worry about cholesterol. Right!

The kids loved the gift cards I gave them. It makes shopping so much easier-especially for teens. Movie money and Barnes & Noble, the best of both worlds. I also got copies of "The Last Lecture" for the 3 oldest because I think it has such a strong message about working towards goals, dreams and learning.

We went to see a movie today. My darling daughters decided I needed to see this-http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/bedtimestories/ . It was very funny but now I remember why I don't go to movies much.

We have a wonderful tradition in our family started many years ago by Mom. She started making a homemade ornament for every member of the family. As Mom got older, she decided to let us take over. We have shared some wonderful ornaments and look forward to continuing the tradition for many generations. This year Lisa made ornaments similar to one of Mom's first one and put a sweet tag on each of them to remind us of Mom and what she started. This little crocheted stocking was also one of her first ornaments as well as the beaded icicle below. Thanks Mom for a wonderful tradition.

It's back to work tomorrow and then a couple of days off next week. I may try to go up to Vernon if the weather holds off for a day or two. Actually one of the best things about the holiday weeks is the lack of traffic. Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Logann's Birthday

2008-12-21T06:40:00.000-08:00

You have a Birthday, Shout Hooray! You are 18 years old today and I still think of you as that little 5 year old in the photos.

We'll celebrate tonight! I cannot believe the time has gone this fast and that soon you will be "on your own". We love you.