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Date: 7/14/99 Time: 11:39 PM
Subject: Water shortage
E-mail Address: catdr@doitnow.com

Good Evening All,
I'm worried that the BB's are going to create a
world wide water shortage. Especially now that Betty
says I have to drink an extra glass for every cup of
coffee I drink! I suppose next she'll tell me I
have to drink two for every beer I have!Man, I don't
think I have enough time for all this gulping!
I have moved my lap top to my lap, & I think I feel
it burning calories, it's getting pretty hot anyway.
I remember Mike Oldfield too. I bet that music is
really good on CD's.
Hdew: I love that card, I'll have to keep an eye
out for it LOL.
Kathy, Your Dad is pretty sharp, we all have a
"Get a life" quilt up our sleeve.
Geez, I just heard my water alarm go off...Love
to all, Jill
Bill & Faith, think of you often during the day.

Sorry I forgot this. Chris in C. KY would you email me? It's about the 1828 dictionary.
Thanks, Sandi in MN

Hiya, you slim things!
I had great, FREE, SEX yesterday. My small quilt guild gave me a basket of many different FQ's for being the guild president last year. It was so nice. It includes several batiks and one of those really exspensive hand marbled pieces that I will probably never cut into! What fun. Free SEX is the best! NO guilt! Not that this is ever a problem for me.
I loved the cat diary and was going to post it myself, thanks for saving me the time!
I am drinking more water these days myself, too bad coffee doesn't count. It's my next (or, almost) favorite thing after quilting.
Diet tip for the day: NEVER eat anything bigger than your head. I will be praying for all of us to have the strength to endure untill we finish the race! Best wishes to all, I'm glad we can support each other. Sandi in MN

Does anyone out there coming to Ohio have a book on redwork patterns I could borrow for a couple of days? At quilt Ameri, the Bernina people had set up a machine embroidery program to do redwork wembroidery and I want to see if I can get my Pfaff to do the same. If I haven't worked with the software much and hate to buy the book if I'm not successful. I promise I'll buy it if it works.
Martha and Susan I need your e-mail addies so we can talk about what happens to Kellie's quilt next. It's all put together on the front and was much admired bythe local guild and I should have the back done soon.
Glenda in Korea sent the most wonderful fat quarters and silk thread for the Ohio group to enjoy. We might want to think of a good thank you project for her.
Holice's stencils for quilt lables were demonstrated at the guild meeting tonight which was on putting a signature on your quilt. I could have sold a dozen right there and then.
I need to mend an antique quilt . Should I use contrasting thread to document the mend or try to blend it in?
The Japanese beetles are at my roses again. They seem to like roses, pussy-toes and grape vines for some reason (Pussy toes are pink spikey looking flowers ) I have trapped, Soaped, sprayed and occasionally squished to get rid of them and still they come!!!!! Most of this is probably in the wrong spot--- but it kept getting all mixed up. Peg in Chicago

MARILYN: About a week ago I sent Sue (the owner of this website) pictures of Marilyn's Friendship Quilt from you ladies and a pic of the label that Sue in Germany made for it. Have you noticed that Sue T. has posted them to the Designer Page? At the top of this page, just above the July BOM II, she has a link to the site. Now I won't be sending any more personal pictures of it through E-Mail. Thank you very much Sue!!!
I had also sent the pictures to Kellie for the Snoopy Dancers page but that has not been updated for nearly a month now.

I just learned this morning that the medications Marilyn has been taking for her heart since the surgery is damaging her kidneys. No wonder she doesn't seem to be getting better. I don't know if Marilyn knows about this or not...she hasn't mentioned it to me, but her daughter told me that this morning. Since she is a nurse she understands what is going on more than Marilyn does I think.

DH went back for check-up on his surgery for the detached retina and everything is good. Has to go back for another check-up on it after we get back from OHIO 99.

Well, I have ALL of the CHAT and BBQuiltRelated pages since 9:30 last night. You gals have been BUSY!!!

Marty in Vermont

LYNN/SPRING I am in Victoria and hope to go to the IQF. I can't stay the whole time, but maybe for a couple of days. I have never been to a show of this size and would love to meet some BB's that "know the ropes". I hope we can get several BB's to go.
Happy birthday to Susan/NJ, Joyce/Wa, and Laura/NC...hope you all have had a great birthday week.
Welcome to Judy/Ma and Pat in Waterloo this is a fun place to chat and visit. Michelle in Va. I read your post on the QB..I hope you make it over to this page...Welcome you will like it here.
Water....I feel lke I am about to drown..Someone posted today about drinking 1/2 glass every 30 minutes. That works pretty well, or it did today. I don't need to lose too much 10-15 pounds but I would like to take them off.
I have really recieved some great response about my HOOP question....Most are recommending the Jasmine Spinner Hoop if I have the dollars to spend and don't mind ordering it. Thanks All.
BERTIE..I love your idea of a map I am trying to figure out how I could do the same thing.
KITTYKATE/Wa I might be interested in the birthday squishie club. I will e-mail you later.
What is the measurement of a FQ anyway? I buy them, but don't know that I have ever measured them.
I am starting to wonder how to keep up with this BB, It seems it takes every spare minuted to read and post....LOL
Well I am off to work on my crazy quilt tote. Have a good evening.......Vicki/Texas

Evening All:

TO Doris W.
I love sugar!!! I am also hypoglycemic and my doctor says that falling off the wagon is okay. A suggestion that he had that has worked for me, is do it after a large meal or a protein snack.

If you do it at this time while your body has other things to break down, you don't get such a fluctuation in the sugar level which tires you out and sadly only makes you crave more sugar, which tires you out and then you crave, and so on and so on.

Oh to be a simple amoeba!

Have a great night every one,
Donna at the Jersey Shore

Here is another reason to drink drink drink water. KIDNEY STONES. I started having them about 10 years ago and usually have one episode a year, sometimes I skip a year, but nonetheless, after I started having them, my doctor and common sense said DRINK WATER, as much as you can stand every day, especially in the hot weather. Stones seem to prefer hot weather to hit you. I always drink enough water in the evening to make sure I have to get up and go in the night, so the stones don't have that down time to form. Can't say I notice I lose any weight as a result, but can say I normally lose a little in the summertime just cause I work outside so much and sweat, I think. And I'm just not as hungry in the summer. Sweets are the killer for me too, can't resist anything with sugar. Good luck to all trying to lose, including me. Only two weeks and two days till OHIO 99 Can't wait. Nancy in Ky

Hi Its Me Again !

Had to retrack something I said to Jeanne in N Idaho awhile ago ! Ater looking back at the blocks I made, the Roman Stripe is what I made, not the Roman Square ! Of Course, could be the same one, anyway, the Roman Stripe and Rail Fence
look the same to me !! Now, I can rest tonight, mentioned my mistake !!! LOL

Elaine, NC

Hi gals, tried to do some catching up because I've been away (not by choice) over night. My car went "kaputz" when I went to visit DM & DF and had to stay over night to wait for parts so DF could fix it.
Sounds like almost the whole BB is trying this water thing so I have a question.....How much weight/week is normaly lost from drinking water? I've been drinking almost a gallon a day and doing 1 aerobic tape a day and I couldn't resist getting on the scale this morning...OK so I cheated and didn't wait the full week.....I know, I stink! :o(
Anyway, I lost quite a big amount and was wondering if this is the normal thing when you drink alot of water? I started Saturday 7/10 and as of this morning I lost 9 pounds!!! I even went and got my glasses and got on the scale again to make sure I was seeing it right!...LOL!! If this is what happens when you drink water and do aerobic tapes I'm going to drink 2 gallons a day and do 2 tapes a day!!! LOL!!
Happy Birthday to all I've missed. I'm going to do some sewing now!!
Have a great evening!

Ursula in S. Jersey :o)

Sorry, the other day when I posted about quilt names I forgot to sign my name.My name is Kathy and I've only posted a couple of times (I'm new to this online thing). Ronna: My Tree of "Get a Life" is actualy a vine quilt. It is a copy of the Susan McCord quilt. I made mine King size, All hand applique and hand quilted. When my pop saw it he said "look the tree of Get a Life". Now all I need is a king size bed! I made this LARGE quilt and I only have a full size bed. (I guess this one way to talk DH into a king size) This is not the first, or last large quilt for me I'm the Kathy in SC that is going to try to meet Elaine at the Ashville, NC show in Aug. Not forgetting to sign tonight Kathy in SC

CHERYL IN EDMONDTON---I'm hypoglycemic, too, and agree with you. . . . just can't make it without some good protein in a meal. I pretty much need meat, too. It sticks to the ribs a little better than eggs & cheese for me, but I'm working on that.

Yes, sweets are a problem for me, too, but I find out that when I do reeaallllyyyy get off them 100%, that after a week or two my arthritis and my chronic "tiredness" all disappear. I fall off the wagon regularly with this, but figure sugar is a "safe" addiction (after fabric!) considering the other choices out there. I don't drink anymore or smoke, so a girl's gotta have some vices, right?

Doris W. in Tennessee

Evening All !

Boy ! I agree, we have alot of post today, hard to have the time to read them all, but managed somehow ! Enjoy them so much, as we all do !

Dog Comments !!

jdb. in AZ, now I don't know about "Old Scratch", may have to pass on that one !

Nelly in Thunder Bay, so you have been in my place, but at the other end !

Now to Jeanne in N. Idaho, I personally think the Rail Fence and Roman Square look the same !!!!!!
Could be wrong, but I have made them both and can't tell them apart ! Any comments, anyone ?

Kitty Kate, think the B days fat yards are interesting, will have to check with you for more details later by email !

Now the water thing, hate the stuff, but if I can be assured a 20 lb. drop, I will force the stuff! Any takers ? Just kidding ! Hope it works!

Elaine, NC Mountains

You folks are saving not only my life, but my DD's. She asks each day if I opened the mail yet, and each day I ohh and ahh to her by e-mail.
Unfortunately, Bill hasn't felt much like having me share the actual blocks with him as I was able to with the squishies, but he listens to me and is delighted for me.
Fran, what a beautiful pansy card. My friend suggested I have it printed on fabric and I'm thinking seriously of it.
Grace K, Bill had been willing to eat only cherries for several days, so your fabric card is so appropriate. Luckily, he is eating now.
Susan of the NorthPole, oh, what a gorgeous piece of fabric. The fish are so perfect for Alaska, the colors so perfect for my work and I wished I could remember the name of the type of fabric to let everyone know. Batik? Age.@#@!
Nancy N. All I can describe it as is ribbon print of beautiful blues and greens. Just perfect.

Kathi in Idaho, my journal is proving the perfect place to anecdote my blocks. Thanks so much

And I have received the most beautiful blocks from the following life savers.

Susan in Fresno, a brown print anvil, for strength
Judy B if AZ, my first 3 dimensional,and in blue
Linda W.of CA, perfectly paper pieced pineapple
Havonda B in WV, handsewn elaborate star in a star, I was impressed
Nelly R in ON, maple leaf, my home state favorite
Kathy B of OH, her heart, red paper pieced
Peggy M of IA, Green scissor print in a star
Kathi D of NY, green bali star
Susan G of NJ 8 - 9 patches no less,
Jill F of NY a star of hope in greens and blues

Listing them like that seems so ineffectual for describing the pleasure I'm receiving or the beauty of each. I will try and get to each of you personally. Thanks so much, Faith

I know, it's a strange combination, but you'll see. I was diagnosed as diabetic 9 years ago, family adjusted and we all have better eating habits, still working
on portion sizes and losing weight. As my kids got older (son is 16 and daughter is 13) I sewed less for them and started quilting. Well, the more I quilt the
less I am in the kitchen, my blood sugar is more normal and it helps me some with weight loss as my sewing room is upstairs, like I need another reason to sew,
but every little bit helps. Janet

Just wanted to put in another appetite control tip. I am hypoglycemic and my nutritionist, after evaluating my diet said I was actually doing really well for healthy eating (but needed to cut back more on the sweets - oh so hard!!!). But she also told me one very interesting thing. Eat protein! I know bodybuilders swear by it for losing weight, but they use protein powders. Most of us don't need that. However, if you eat a little bit of protein at every meal it can slow digestion. It doesn't change your metabolism, but it changes the way your food is digested so you feel full longer. I tried it and in a day I noticed a difference! I could never make it to dinner without losing it around 4:30 and eating whatever I could get my hands on. But if I had a bit of yoghurt, cheese, a few nuts, or some hummous or something I could make it to dinner no problem. No pigging out on fatty snacks when I got home from work. The water thing works too, but I also suffer from retention problems. And for amount of water I drink you would think I live in the bathroom, not the case. Anyone else have this problem?

Not much else going on. Home to quilt tonight. It's rainign out and a perfect night to sit with the machine and read a good book!

Happy day everyone!
Cheryl in Edmonton

Hi everyone..
I ran to town with my fists full of coupons for S.E.X...didn't find the fabric I wanted at the coupon store.. I was determined to have my fix...so on I went to another store where..my wishes were fullfilled..Ha ha..I got the cuttest fabric for a baby quilt. It is being washed as I type in preparation for it's creation. Nothing fancy, just cute and durable to handle all the love and frequent washings it will get.
It has finally cooled down here in northern California, it may only get to 102 today. It had been 114...like an oven.
Hi all you diet buddies of mine, how you doing.
I feel off the wagon today and had a Happy Meal at McDonalds... Okay..It's like this, I was really wanting some meat and decided that the little hamburger would fill the need. Okay, it had some cheese on it too. I don't feel better for telling you, just had to fess up.. I am happy to say I did drink alot of water today...
Ronna...I'm still working at the drawing board.
Please don't hold your breath waiting for the darn picture. I manage to send it to another AOL person but my attempts to send it to other providers, well lets say, I can't yet !!! I don't give up easily....!!
The BB sure has been a busy place. I never did get it all read. I tried. Hope you are all having a great day. Happy quilting to you......
Hi Faith.........
Linda in Northern California..

Although I have not been home much lately - Calgary Stampede is on - I have been visiting this site each evening and thoroughly enjoying all of your comments. Have been trying to loose weight, perhaps by hearing your comments and suggestions I will be able to get back at it. Thanks!!! Hope you all have a great day. Stampede is over on Sunday and I will be back. Cathie

I didn't mean for my earlier posting to come across as a whine, poor me, wah, wah session. My original intent was to tell you about this thank you card I saw at Wal-Mart last night: it said, "Thank you from the bottom of my butt.." Inside the card it read, "It's bigger than my heart!" Thought it fit my current body status just to a 't'. Thanks from the bottom of my butt (made wider by quilting all winter..lol) for listening to my tale (oh, my! Honest, no pun intended, that just happened!). Hdew

Kathi: I took a 1/2 day course from Katie in St Paul and it wasn't long enough. Of course it would have helped if my sewing machine hadn't decided to quit working that morning and I had to quickly run out and rent one that I was unfamilar with. (LOL)
I loved tha toddler's diet. No wonder they're so slim, but I would have a little trouble following that one. I guess I'll just have to drink more water.
Elaine: love your ivy story. I only have one dog and I try to get around and scoop before mowing. However when the grass is long its hard to collect it all. SURPRISE on my shoe...Yuck
Nelly in Thunder bay where the mornings and evenings are always cool and we hibernate in the afternoon out of the heat

OK Ladies! I've been reading all your comments about the "D" word but I have another question:
what about those of us who suffer from water retention problems? I have been drinking mass amts of iced tea with all this heat, and water at work, then, it"s "oh noooo Mr. Bill" when I look at myself. I'm all puffed up, not to mention to the "loo"(is that how you spell it?) all the time. What's a gal to do? LOL!

BTW, I ordered my copy of the Irish Eyes pattern...It's $8.34 w/chg card. For those
that missed the info: call American School of Needlework @ 1 (800) 379-9627 PST to order. It's in San Marcos which isn't too far from where I am.

TTFN!
Sharon down San Diego way!

My eighteen year old DD found a pome by Shel Silverstein and
printed and framed it and gave it to me . She said It macthed
the look I give her when I'm upset at her. She say I have a way
of raising my eyebrows without wrinkleing my forehead, gets her
everytime!

THE DEADLY EYE
It's the deadly eye
Of Poogly-Pie.
Look away, look away,
As you walk by,
'Cause whoever looks right at it
Surely will die.
It's a good thing you didn't...
You did?...
Good-bye

Glad I could leave an impression in her life!!
Bye for now
Jeanene

HDEW: Don't be too hard on yourself. Many people eat because it meets some need other than hunger. I have heard of people keeping a journal and when they want to eat something, then they write down what was going through their mind at the time, or what they were feeling. Just writing that stuff down helped some to feel more like they were in control. You may find that you always want something to munch on when you feel angry but don't let it show, or you may want to eat something when you feel lonely. If you keep a record,then at the very least you will have discovered something new about yourself and what makes you tick. Some snack when they are bored. Some snack when they watch tv, some snack when they would have had a ciggy.
Your lungs will thank you for not smoking anymore. I wish you the best of luck in that regard. Your idea about having a "buddy" seems like a good one, maybe that will help. For myself, I have found that just not eating unless I was hungry was a really big help. (and drinking a lot of water!) Also eating my meals with lots of vegetables (and other sources of fiber), very slowly helped too. It lets your body have time to tell you it has had enough and is not hungry anymore. If I go out to eat, I always plan to save half my meal for lunch the next day. Each person finds the way that makes the most sense to them. Try to change just a little at a time. I used to eat tons of Ice Cream, sour cream, butter, etc. But my system did not really like it. I thought that life was not worth living unless I had that dairy stuff. So I just had a bit less....then a bit less....then it would spoil before I finished it, so I stopped buying it as frequently, then I found that I went without it at all. But since it
happened so gradually, I never noticed that I was "depriving" myself. By fixing that part of my diet slowly, it became part of daily life and permanent. Now, I have an ice cream in the summer every once in a while....but a small, otherwise my system goes "tilt" because of the large amount of sugar and fat. Small changes add up over time.

Oh Bertie, you good girl you!!! At least that is what they said to Lassie all of the time!

Picture me as: A very happy green Iguana basking on a branch of fragrant flowers.

Ronna in Happy Valley

PS Judy in MA: Yep! you are just a 10 minute walk away from my office in the Tower. We will have to have a show and tell over lunch, won't we???? We could wear our yellow yo-yo's and meet by the Pond....

Good afternoon all! The sun is out here in Southern Indiana, the humidity is creeping up, but it's not bad enough to turn on the AC and give more money to REMC, ha!

Regarding water - I love the stuff, but have a sister-in-law who used hated it. She needed to lose a few pounds after having a baby. Someone, and don't know if it was a friend or a fellow RN at the hospital, suggested that if she liked lemonade or iced tea, that she begin watering the stuff down a little at a time over a few weeks. My SIL gave it a whirl with lemonade, and after awhile was swilling lemon flavoured water and could finally make the leap to plain old water. Reading Betty's post about drinking hot water with lemon jogged my memory. Hope this helps some of you to learn to like (or at least tolerate) drinking water.

Well, better hoof it downstairs and see if the washer is done doing its thing so I can hang out the last load of clothes and continue goofing off for the rest of the afternoon. Later kids, Brenda in Indiana >^..^<

I enjoy so much checking in on the wonderful world of quilting!
I posted a month or two ago on batting. And I did take some advice
on checking out the different types.
My machine pieceing the top is done . Enjoyed it very much, I thought
I was makeing rail fence and then saw pictures in my new quilting bible
book and it looks like roman square. So now I am saving up for the backing
and batting!

Cyndi- If you found out how to set the print let me know ok.
I had a roll developed from Seattle Flim Works onto a disk
works out real good.

KittyKat- Such a cute name! I would like to be in one of the
Birthday Squishie Clubs so I will e-mail you:)

It's been hot the last couple days and I wither in heat
so I'm enjoying the wind today the weather man said last
night a cold front might be coming yea!

Hope everyones day went well
Jeanene in North Idaho

Ellen in Tx: Just read your posting about putting up a map and pinning a picture of everyone on it.

Picture me as "Lassie" as everyone loves a good doggie!

Bertie in Illinois

Stopped smoking in Nov. Since then have gained 25#. So disgusted with myself, can't fit into any of my clothes, short of breath, stamina? what's that? Before quitting the ciggys, I wasn't thin, nor was I too over-weight, about 10-15#. This just threw me over the line--way over!! I hate it. So, I decided yesterday a.m., enough of this (insert profanity), went and bought a pack of cigarettes, smoked two and have been sick for the last two days--not sick enough though, to interfere with my appetite. Seems like my appetite is kicked in double time. Yes, those cigarettes did substitue for food, alot. Buying and smoking those cigarettes was sure stupid, but it did help me realize that I don't want to smoke. One of the things that helped get me through the worst of the cigarette withdrawal was telling my self how much I enjoyed smoking (I truly did!!), but I also really enjoy being a non-smoker too. So now the big thing is getting this weight off. I don't mind drinking water, substituted it for coffee, 2-3 pots worth every day, when I gave up the ciggys, now, only good 'ol H20 will satisfy. Keep it up friends, for the first 2 wks. you have to force yourself to drink water. I started by drinking 1/2 cup every half hour. It really does work. I think what will help me with the weight loss is to have a good friend, who is thin, move in with me and let me emulate their eating and exercise habits (UGH, ICK, BLAH...I HATE exercise). Too bad I don't want to take responsibility for my own destiny and control over my eating, food has control over me--so much for the psycho-babble and the dynamics of weight control. Just some kind of SAFE appetite suppresant is all I need. Enough for now, think I'll go suck my thumb. Hdew

Ronna in Happy Valley: You're not only close,you're just across campus! Just studied your email address and voila, UMass! I'm in Hampshire House (floor below WFCR)!!! WOW!!

Visited the "hands" quilt show this year also. It was terrific. Loved the expanded space for the vendors. Almost spent more time there than admiring the quilts! Bought a couple small pieces of fabric. Yummy! Thanks for info on other quilt shops. Judy in MA

LOIS in NC: You are my kind of shopper. . .taking a trip like that and not telling DH. Love to do that, antiquing the same way. Sometimes that fabric stays in the trunk a few days LOL. Usually sneak it in with the groceries.

Sounds like a lot of you have neat q shops in which to enjoy SEX. Around here stores don't stay open too long, proprietors not very friendly. Irregular hours. Never know if they're going to be open when customers are in the mood.

Judy in ARk

JUDY in MA: Quilt stores in Happy Valley....I too was heartbroken when My Favorite Quilt Shop closed. It was at that store that I had my first SEX. I had just been to the Hands Across the Valley Quilt Guild Show (isn't that a mouthfull) and was inspired to start quilting by the quilts that I saw there and the fabrics that I found. The store closed about three weeks later, the owner has moved to the Cape for retirement. Now I do go up to Greenfield to the Textile Co. because they have more of the fabrics that I like than JoAnns in the Hampshire Mall. Those luscious Japanese prints and metallics and batiks by Hoffman, etc. Guess I have expensive taste! Sure am lucky that I am too busy to go shopping very often!!!LOL!
I have never been to a Walmart, so I will be interested in peeking into the one being built at the "Dead Mall" right next to Hampshire Mall. I know that there is a really good fabric store in West Springfield, Osgoods, but I have not been there for nearly 17 years. At that time, they carried EVERYTHING. There are a few quilt stores...I think that there is one in E.Hampton...but I only know from the fact that they were one of the vendors at the Amherst Show. There is one in Florence, and she has gorgeous marbled fabrics, but really only opens by appointment and deals with mainly mail order. I can get more info for others interested in Western Mass fabric stores. I would be happy to start a list for people....so if you have info, send it along!
Hope to see you at Walmart's grand opening!! Tee hee!

Ronna in Happy Valley

Hello quilters. Went to our quild meeting Monday evening and a lady was there with feedsacks. Now I had done made up my mind not to purchase any more cloth that started a new stash line. I alrealy have 5 or 6 started. But no I get there and she ask if I would help lay out the squares, and of course you know the rest of the story. Layed l block on the table and 2 blocks on my pile. This same lady also mentioned a quilt shop up in Va. about l00 miles from where I live. Well I could hardly sleep thinking about that shop and you guessed it, went there on tuesday. Haven't even told my husband about that little trip. I just prayed I would not get stranded and have to call him. Now the first 80 miles to this shop was 4 lane and the last 25 were by covered wagon or should have been. I felt like I was on a ride at the fair. I thought I was going to throw up from being thrown from side of the car to the other. I did't know they could make roads with so many curves. But the trip was worth it all when I saw the fabric, of course touched it all and bought some of most. No will power at all. Love reading all your post. Happy quilting.
Lois in North Carolina

Elaine, what a crappy way to get poison ivy. Should we call you "Old Scratch?" The devil, you say.

Ronna just asked if doing a web search on S.E.X. is what brought Dr. Ruth to the WWQP. But of course, dahling! And as soon as she realized the extent of S.E.X.-aholism around here, she dedicated her life to the cause. (Be still, my heart!) Don't be surprised to find your case studies in her latest book: Quilters Do It Undercover, a S.E.X.-travaganza.

Beauty tip for the day: Did you know that going braless will pull the wrinkles out of your face?

Deep thought: Do you think Pinocchio's wooden girl friend stores her quilts in her cedar chest?

Been drinking too much water; gotta run to the tinkletorium.

TTFN, jdb
P.S. Cat Woman, I'm not confused; I know I'm Dr. Ruth's imaginary friend!

Hello everyone, welcome to all the new ones.
JACKIE, I couldn't believe it, how on earth can a quilt group be so stupid?? Of course, they are not the average type of quilter, most quilters I have met are not like that. You might find a different group.
CATS AND TODDLERS, well, I LOL when I read those postings. It's amazing that children grow at all!
SHOWS, glad you all enjoyed the Sister's show, and all the others.
Will go now, the DH and I are off to a concert, Mike Oldfield. His Tubular Bells was in the charts when I was about 9yrs old.
Best wishes from Stripey Bear in Worcestershire, Britain.

Hello Ronna from Happy Valley! So close! Yes been going to Eastern Textile all my life. My Mom sewed some and when I took sewing thru 4H back in the 60's. My DMIL even worked there for a time. Don't shop there often tho--big $'s. I do frequent Walmart's wonderful fabric dept. in Keene? NH (across the river from Bratt VT), tho was a bit disappointed last visit. I shop the sales racks and remnants wherever I go (I luv my stash!) and found too much of the blends. Looking forward to their store opening in the "old mall" tho. Joanne's just moved into Hampshire Mall; what an improvement over last fabric store!
Was so disappointed when quilting store in Amherst closed. Any other quilting stores in the Valley?

Judy in MA

I see that Katie Mac has posted info about the IQF again. It is getting closer and closer!!!

She and I have talked about getting all of you together, no matter where you are staying, and I think we better start thinking about it.
Dinner at one of our great restaurants??? A yyy room, just for us? What do you think ladies??

On another note - how many of you are interested in staying a bit (~20 miles) north of downtown, which here is nothing, at one of the "econo" type plaaces? I know Katie had scoped one out that had access to the bus line that would take you directly downtown to the convention center, and if you are driving in, renting a car, or getting together with someone who is, the possibilities for lodging at an inexpensive rate, increase dramatically. I think it is time for the two of us to start doing some serious "data base" stuff! LOL

BTW, Southwest Airline is offering a 198.00 round trip package to most of their destination cities right now. They are based in Houston, but usually fly to the "Other" airport (the one that is south of the city), as opposed to the one that is 30 minutes from where I live! But a cheap ticket, is a cheap ticket!!

I'll get with Katie Mac, and we'll get this yyy/iqf thing rolling!!!

Lynn in TX

ps. Katie and I live just a few miles from each other, anyone else in the greater Houston Area is welcome to help us plan for the yyy invasion, just let us know!

The discussion about eating less and drinking more water reminded me
that some "diet guru" recommended drinking an extra 8 oz glass of water for
each cup of coffee consumed. I decided it was easier to give up coffee so
went for Aunt Kate's (at 93 she took a jeep safari to Tangynika(?) recommendation
which was have a cup of hot water after each meal with optional slice of lemon.
Now, to learn portion control.
Does the soft in Microsoft refer to flabby computer users????
Got the weedeating done this am--just before the soft rain started. Betty in Or

SUE in PA and SUSAN in NJ: Happy belated Birthday!!! Hope you both had a quilty one….and that you found suitable birthday fabric!
BELLSLADY: welcome to the BB! You are just in my neck of the woods in S.Deerfield! I am sure that you have found The Textile Co up in Greenfield, haven't you? Next time I go (probably not until the fall or some rainy Saturday in summer) I will be sure to wear my Yellow Yo-Yo! If you see someone sporting one of those….I hope you will walk up and tap me on the shoulder! They have the nicest collection of fabrics there.
DERIVENBARK: I really love reading the quilt names….haven't yet finished one to name myself. I really like the Tree of Get A Life!! What did the quilt look like? PS: do you have a shorter name we could use for you?
JACKIE in PITTSBURG: I loved the Toddler's Miracle diet!!!! I laughed so hard I had TIME. I had to send it to my Sis, who has two toddlers, one who does not eat. She would be happy if he ate what the sample toddler ate.
SARAH in AL: Thanks for sending me Cassi's posts from Quilt America….I LOVED the elevator story!!!

More from the Quilt America Trip:
Cassi mentioned that I had samples of all of my froggy fabrics with me, which I couldn't help but show to the Serial Quilters. The block design can be found at: http://www.winnowing.com/frog.html
I have had a lot of fun with it, and I am having more success with hand piecing. My DSIL gave me some more tips on Friday when we crossed paths before my flight back to Happy Valley. She suggested that I try to cut the little triangle type pieces so that the outside edge would be along the grain of the fabric. Most of them were cut rather randomly with respect to the grain.
I looked at all of the froggy fabrics that I have now....do you realize that of my two
rubbermaid tubs (the kind that fit the hanging files) of stash, half of one of them is filled
with frogs?????! This is probably unhealthy! I will have to come up with a frog quilt
design real soon!!! I also started to collect lizard fabric. With DMIL in Terre Haute, we
hit the JoAnn's for some quick SEX (groceries in the car).....and I found TWO prints
with lizards, and one with frogs. Well, I just couldn't pass them up....so you can guess
what happened. Just so happened that one of the lizard prints was very realistic and
had a very large repeat, so I had to get at least a yard and a half. It would make a
great I spy for the kid of a naturalist. You can imagine....."I spy a Jackson's
Chameleon"..... or "I spy a Blue-lined Skink".....or "I spy an Iguana". It is a really great print
for the budding herpetologist.

Gotta go….

Ronna in Happy Valley

Good Morning All !

Want to thank everyone who responded to my poison ivy !! I have printed out all info. for future use, if needed !!!!!

Vicki in Texas, trying to not scratch, but very hard ! itch, itch, you know !

Linda, the serial quilter, thanks for your info. and I'm on my way for a refill on the Benadryl,
seems to help, along with what Doc. gave me !

Dorrie in Minnesota, now thats a first ! A lotion called Sarna, Polish name for Deer, got to have some of that !!

Sarah in Alabama, now you have something there !
I have pets, could be picking up from them !! Now, this brings me to a story to share !

Went out this morning, looking all around ! Trying to see were I may have picked up the ivy !
Not in the veg. garden, not in the flower beds, one place left to look ! Now, I couldn't have shared this the other day, wasn't funny, but today is a different story !!!!! To begin ! We all have pets, right ? Well, you know how they are always leaving you little gifts around the yard ! Well, I'm the grass cutter around here, DH doesn't do yards ! Anyway, always careful when cutting to miss all of these gifts, Great Danes here, not small pups, we are talking about four running around leaving those gifts !! I undoubtly didn't notice one area while cutting, hit it, fell straight back and slid into first base, you know what I mean ? All over! Went to house and knock on window for DH to hose me off, he laugh so hard as he hosed !! Wanted to know if I would do again, so he could take pictures for world's greatest videos ! I told him, this is one time, there would be no recaps !!!!!!!LOL Now !!!!
Anyway, there was a patch of ivy !! So I guess I could have picked up then ! Who knows, but beware of those animal gifts around !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elaine, NC Mountains

Mailed my registration form in today - can't wait to see which classes I get. Plane reservations made yesterday. Booked into the Marriott Residence Inn (lowest price in IQF book is already sold out, so if you're going, get those hotel res. made!)

Looking forward to hearing about other YYY's making the trip - I think we will have to make careful meeting plans - certainly sounds like the place is HUGE, and probably plenty confusing for first-timers.

Especially loved the wish for an 'adipose tissue-removal' attachment for the computer - would be good if there were also one for the sewing machine. Leaving this machine for now to go back to that one for the rest of the day.
Susan in NW New Jersey

Craftsman Farms, the New Jersey home of Gustav Stickley, is hosting a lecture on textile care and conservation July 22 at 7:30 pm. in Parsippany, New Jersey. It should be an excellent program. For more information call (973) 540-1165.

We spent four days at Sisters, and when I got back I couldn't access the archives (or anything past about 7/12), so I don't know what others have posted about the show.

The Fractured Landscape class was wonderful. If any of you ever have a chance to take a class from Katie, jump on it. She's such a fun teacher. We learned a LOT. I finished up the MQ on my class project when I got home. Now it just needs a binding. Can't wait to start on my "masterpiece". This technique puts a whole new light on fabric buying, though. Guess it will have to be SEX, SEX, SEX from now on!!!

The show was great, as usual. You can't imagine how surprised I was to find my quilt displayed on Main Street. We had toured all the back streets looking for it, and there it was, right in front of the western store.

I met Regina from Vancouver WA at lunch on Friday. We just happened to be sitting in the same area and she recognized my town from the name tag and then we realized that we had swapped on the Y2K.

Next year is the 25th anniversary show. Maybe we should make a pact to get as many yellow yo-yos there as possible, and for us to display our quilts there, too.

Kathi in Idaho

Morning everyone,

Just wanted to say got a real good chuckle out of the toddler's diet and cat diary posting.

My boyfriend decided that we should have a party/picnic on Sat. So have been getting ready for that or I should say I have. Seems I keep getting stuck with the work - hmmm. After decided we would provide the meat, beer and pop - Couldn't I make some of the blackberry pies from berries I've been picking? I looked at him and said "And just when do I bake these pies? Hmm - Let's see maybe after I get home from work at 3am on Friday or in between getting all the other stuff ready or I know maybe you could do it." Well needless to say the pie issue ended there - he can't bake a pie anymore than he can load the dishwasher - LOL.

My DD is taking her first quilting class today at the library. She is nine and very excited - loves to pick through my fabrics.

The sun is shining and it is beautiful here today. Hope everyone has a good day in their corner of the world.

Lori in PA

We spent four days at Sisters, and when I got back I couldn't access the archives (or anything past about 7/12), so I don't know what others have posted about the show.

The Fractured Landscape class was wonderful. If any of you ever have a chance to take a class from Katie, jump on it. She's such a fun teacher. We learned a LOT. I finished up the MQ on my class project when I got home. Now it just needs a binding. Can't wait to start on my "masterpiece". This technique puts a whole new light on fabric buying, though. Guess it will have to be SEX, SEX, SEX from now on!!!

The show was great, as usual. You can't imagine how surprised I was to find my quilt displayed on Main Street. We had toured all the back streets looking for it, and there it was, right in front of the western store.

Next year is the 25th anniversary show. Maybe we should make a pact to get as many yellow yo-yos there as possible, and for us to display our quilts there, too.

Kathi in Idaho

Marty in VT,

Thank you for sending me the information about Marilyn's quilt. Sorry it took so long to say this.

BTW, anyone else who is new and wants the information about Marilyn's quilt, please e-mail me and I'll be ahppy to forward it to you this evening.

Julie in GA

Hi again! Thanks to those who answered about the flannel board. I made a quick trip to KMart after work yesterday and voila, a $3 flannel board. What could be better?

Fran in Central PA, I found Bellingham on the map web site and found that we'd driven right by Bellingham on our way to and from the coast last week. We zoomed by on Rte 495. Hope your sister is enjoying Mass.!

Sue in Waterloo from St. Louis. Did you know the Killoughs, Jean and Richard? They are our current pastor and wife! Super people. Jean is actually from this area originally.

I recently lost my quilt-building space when my son's girlfriend moved in with us in May. They met on line in a Green Day (the rock group) chat room and after a few months decided to give their relationship a closer scrutiny. DS traveled to Columbus OH to meet her and returned full of plans. She moved here in May. DS is still in college, so they'll be with us at least another 6 months, then are thinking of moving back to Ohio (sigh!). It'll be hard to let go. Since this all happened, I've heard of other "on-line romances." It truly is a "new age." When it became clear that Jamie would be staying with us for awhile, I moved my sewing machine out of the bedroom she's taken over and it now sits in the living room along with the pieces of the quilt I've begun awaiting my attention.

Time to get back to work! Have a great day everyone and thanks again for the advice on the "flannel board."

Judy in MA

Welcome Jackie, I don't hand quilt either, so you are in good company with me. I started off sewing when I was 8, taught by my grandmom who had come to live with us. She told me that using a machine saved her lots of time, its all I use, except for the binding on the quilts.
Calcium- some brands of OJ now have calcium added for us oldies but goodies people. It costs a little more, but worth it IMHO.
Doggies in car- my Princess loves to ride in the car, but hates the Vet now since she was hit by a car 2 yrs. ago. She spent lots of time at the vets' .
Everyone have a beautiful Wednesday!
Sara in hot Fla.

have not been able to read the whole board (working interferes with my life!!) - i'm at work now and can't take the time to read everything!

Has anyone heard how Monica in Maine is doing? If anyone has her snail mail, please email me privately.

Thanks!

Jeanne in CT at work in the NICU

SORRY SUSAN D. I was in Sisters, OR on your birthday. Everyone, please wish Susan D. in NJ a happy birthday. It was on the 10th. I hope your squishies are pouring in. I will be a little late with yours. Sorry!
Happy Birthday LAURA W. in NC. Wednesday, the 14th. I hope your squishies are pouring in. Mine will be a little late. Sorry!
Happy Birthday JOYCE B. in WA. Thursday the 15th. I hope your squishies are pouring in. Mine will be a little late. Sorry
Birthday Squishie Clubs. I will start collecting names for start on Jan. 1, 2000. If you want to be in one of the clubs, please email me your name, email address, snail mail address, birthdate, fabric preferences. We send 100% cotton FQs to everyone on our list on their birthdays. We all send the same amount as we receive. It's just fun to get all of our squishies and to send them and make someone's birthday special. I will collect all the names and divide them into groups. I want to start the clubs on the 1st of Jan. I hope to have it all organized by Dec. and emailed out. The sooner I get the information, the sooner I can get this started. Those who are in clubs this year, may join again. BSC II must honor their Jan. & Feb. people. Hope to hear from many.
JDB I think you are in the state of confusion! Ha! Ha! I dare you to meet up with Cat Woman.
Take care and may God bless you and yours!
Love, >^..^< Kitty Kate in WA >^..^<

Good evening everyone! Hope you all had a reasonable Tuesday. Mine was uneventful other than hoeing a few weeds, watering the garden, did a little mending on a pair of the DH's soccer shorts, and dragging a dog to the vet, ha! The dog dragging was fairly literal, ha!

I've titled this "Shoving Muffins in Small Cars", only because of a little comment Celia made when I told her I had to shove a fat puppy into my MR2 since I stupidly let the DH take the truck this morning. Her reply was, "Hope you got the "muffin" in and out of the car okay- Ha Ha !" Yeah...right! I'll get even - just you wait! LOL!

I have two dogs. One loves to ride in a car, and the other one hates it. You have to watch one of the dogs when you open a car door and leave it unattended or else she'll be sitting proudly in the front seat...the other one runs like her tail is on fire if it even looks like you're gonna put her in a car, ha! You get the red leash out and one dog goes loopy with glee, "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy...we getta go for a ride!", the other one hides at the sight of the leash. One dog loves the vet and makes friends with ALL the critters in the waiting room, the other dog is anti-social (not that she's mean or anything - she just prefers the company of Ruby and no other doggie will do...thank you very much). CAN YOU GUESS WHICH MUTT HAD TO GO TO THE VET????? If you picked the latter of each comment you'd be correct, ha! Betty Boopers was not a happy camper when I carried her (all 50 pounds of wiggling dog...ugh!), across the yard and dumped her in the passenger's seat. (I might add that Ruby was not happy either cuz she wasn't the one getting to ride in the car). Betty promptly jumped in the drivers seat in hopes that she could make a quick escape when I opened the door. Well, we made it to the vet without incident, but she kept trying to leave with whomever was walking out the door..."No Betty, not yet", or "Where do you think you're going? You don't know those people", ha! She must have been hoping to get out the door and have it slam on the lease and cut her free. WRONG! She lived through it and just sulked a bit on the ride home - poor little fat black and white muffin!

Later kids, I need to go to bed! Brenda in Indiana >^..^<

Hi everyone! This is my first time and I'm looking to hear from other frustrated quilters. You know the ones - employed full-time outside the home and too many pots in the fire! Sometimes it helps just to dream about going into my sewing room and quilting! Anyone else have this problem? I have a quilt project I've been working on for about a year now. A simple project really, but between watching my 3 year old granddaughter and helping my other half (and yes I would be incomplete without him) build a horse barn, I just don't have the energy to sew.
I didn't get to read all the messages this time, is there anyone out there from Michigan or the greater St. Louis area? I grew up in Michigan and still call it home although I've lived longer in the St. Louis area. We're headed up there again the end of the month for a family reunion - the first one in about 30 years! I'm really looking forward to and I'm a little apprehensive as well. I haven't seen some of my cousins in a long, long while. Have to go now and get ready for bed. Looking forward to hearing from you all!

Pat in Waterloo, IL (across the river from St. Louis, MO)

Hi everyone! This is my first time and I'm looking to hear from other frustrated quilters. You know the ones - employed full-time outside the home and too many pots in the fire! Sometimes it helps just to dream about going into my sewing room and quilting! Anyone else have this problem? I have a quilt project I've been working on for about a year now. A simple project really, but between watching my 3 year old granddaughter and helping my other half (and yes I would be incomplete without him) build a horse barn, I just don't have the energy to sew.
I didn't get to read all the messages this time, is there anyone out there from Michigan or the greater St. Louis area? I grew up in Michigan and still call it home although I've lived longer in the St. Louis area. We're headed up there again the end of the month for a family reunion - the first one in about 30 years! I'm really looking forward to and I'm a little apprehensive as well. I haven't seen some of my cousins in a long, long while. Have to go now and get ready for bed. Looking forward to hearing from you all!

Pat in Waterloo, IL (across the river from St. Louis, MO)

You ask me what do these two things have in common....Welllll Poison Ivy has some calcium in it. Just can't use it (I wonder why). Elaine in NC, you have all my sympathy. I had a severe case of it several years ago for a couple of weeks before I found out what was causing the horrible rash on my poor fluffy body. Turns out that Buster had walked through some before he came in the house (he was an outdoor cat at the time...not even my cat, yet) and the sap was on his fur. I didn't get any on my hands but wherever I held him I got the rash. Up one arm, across my chest, and down the other arm. One day I was itching so bad during an algebra exam that the teacher told me to leave and that I could retake my exam later. I took the chance and went to the doctor. The meds he gave me helped so much that I wasn't even itching the next day.

For those of you trying to get enough calcium a few hints: use baby fruit to flavor plain yogurt. It is also good with a spoon of honey or molasses. Eat sardines with bones and lots of dark green leafy vegetables. Peanut butter is also a good source. Also pay attention to the amount of caffiene you consume. Caffiene reduces the body's ability to absorb calcium.

Good luck to those on the diet. I watch what I eat but it is all the way from my plate to my mouth. I also need to get a lot more exercise than I do. Just wait, I'll be skinny someday. That is if I can give up my chocolate and bakalava. (I really don't eat them much but my guild wants me to make bakalava whenever we have a potluck or luncheon.) Just Me Sue has the recipe for the Ohio 99 cookbook. (How's it coming along by the way? If there is anything I can do here in Alabama to help, just holler. I have really good hearing.)

Well it's bedtime now.
Later,
Sarah in cool, comfortable (read that "not humid") Auburn, Alabama

HELP! Please. I want to make a "family photo album quilt" for my mom's 70th. I have heard that you can use your printer (ink jet) to print pictures that were scanned or taken with a digital cam. on to fabric. I know that I need light colored cotton fabric, and freezer paper. I know that you need to iron the paper to the fabric, and just feed this in to the printer as it is. But after you printer this picture.... do you need to do anything to set the picture? To keep it from fading, scratching off or from washing out? I am hoping that her quilt gets lots of use (to me that is a sure sign that she loves it). But I would hate to see all the family pictures that I put on it fad a way. So if anyone has any ideas or hints... I would be ever grateful!
Cyndi, Northern Minnesota

Since we are all discussing diets, I had to share a diet I got by e-mail a couple of weeks ago.

Over the years you may have noticed that most two year olds are trim. Now the formula to their success is available to all in this new diet. You may want to consult your doctor before embarking on this diet, otherwise, you may be seeing him afterwards. Good Luck!!! P.S. I'll stick with WW!

DAY One:
Breakfast: One scrambled egg, one piece of toast with grape jelly. East 2bites of egg, using you fingers; dump the rest on the floor. Take 1 bite of toast, then smear the jelly over your face and clothes.
Lunch: Four crayons (any color), a handful of potato chips, and a glass of milk (3 sips only, then spill the rest)
Dinner: A dry stick, two pennies and a nickel, 4 sips od flat Sprite.
Bedtime Snack: Throw a piece of toast on the kitchen floor.

DAY TWO:
Breakfast: Pick up stale toast from kitchen floor and eat it. Drink half bottle of vanilla extract or one vial of vegetable dye.
Lunch: Half tube of "Pulating Pink" lipstick and a handful of Purina Dog Chow (any flavor). One ice cube, if desired.
Afternoon snack: Lick an all-day sucker until sticky, take outside, drop in dirt. Retrieve and continue slurping unitl it is clean again. Then bring inside and drop on rug.
Dinner: A rock or an uncooked bean, which should be thrust up your left nostril. Pour Grape Kool-Aid over mashed potatoes: eat with spoon.

DAY THREE:
Breakfast: Two pancakes with plenty of syrup, eat one with fingers, rub in hair. Glass of milk; drink hald, stuff other pancake in glass. After breakfast, pick up yesterday's sucker from rug, lick off fuzz, put it on the cushion of best chair.
Lunch: Three matches, peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Spit several bites onto the floor. Pour glass of milk on table and slurp up.
Dinner: Dish of ice cream, handful of potato chips, some red punch. Try to laugh some puch through your nose, if possible.

FINAL DAY:
Breakfast: A quarter tube of toothpaste (any flavor), bit of soap, and an olive. Pour glass of milk over bowl of cornflakes, add half a cup of sugar. Once cereal is soggy, drink milk and feed cereal to dog.
Lunch: Eat bread crumbs off kitchen floor and dining room carpet. Find that sucker and finish eating it.
Dinner: A glass of spaghetti and chocolate milk. Leave meatball on plate. Stick of Mascara for desert.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Can someone give me the web address for Kellie's page. Thanks.

Jackie in not as hot tonight, Pittsburg, CA

Sue and anyone else who is wondering. Kellie's Page is a place where many BBers post pictures of their completed quilts. When we finish a quilt we do the Snoopy Dance -- thus the page is called the Snoopy Dancers Page. The regular BB has a link to it towards the top of their page. Lots of neat stuff to look at, but caution -- it takes awhile to load the pictures !! Enjoy!!

Karen in KS

I NEED SOME HELP AND ADVICE. I AM TRYING TO LEARN HOW TO QUILT PRETTY MUCH ON MY OWN. I'M 22 YRS. OLD AND I HAVE A 2 YR OLD AND A 2 MONTH OLD. I MADE A BABY BLANKET FOR MY 2 YR OLD BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW TO QUILT. IWOULD LIKE TO LEARN HOW TO DO THE PHOTO QUILTS. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP. THANKS!

I forgot to ask, what and where is Kellie's page? Is it a site you post pictures of your quilts? If so I'd love to see them, how do I get there?
Thanks for the help.
Sue

BELLSLADY / MA. Welcome to the BB. this a great place the more you visit the more addicting it gets. Did you see the post about the flannel board in tonight's posts. It sounds pretty easey and quick too. I already posted a long note. so I'll keep this one short. DH is home now and will want some computer time for himself.
Goodnight to all..Vicki /Texas

Many Many thanks to those who wished me a happy birthday. I received some great animated cards and really enjoyed them. I feel like I'm getting to know you all better each day. One has to check this site at least once a day to keep up.
My DD age 5 gave me a color your own tatoo kit. I'm sporting a rabbit eating a carrot on my ankle today. Just what I wanted. Of course she had such fun coloring it for me.
Thanks again for the birthday geetings - love reading all of your stories. Wish I could go to some of those quilt shows. Some day when I retire.
Sue in PA

Sorry to see that my post seems to have super-imposed onto Ellen's- sorry- I only posted once- really I did!!!

So, since I am back- as if I did not say enough the first time- LOL(my Dad always said I was vaccinated with a gramophone needle- you have to be at least 50 to understand that one) I meant to mention how proud I am of you all teaming up with Ursula for the Cyber weight loss clinic- good luck to you all!! I saw an interesting little saying somewhere recently directed at team effort- it said "SCCESS is not the same without U in it"

- thought it was pretty neat.
Celia

Moved my son from college to his new job last week. Although he went to school in a large city, I guess we are just "plain country folks". We had a caravan of two cars and a large U-Haul. Sadly we made it to our destination during rush hour traffic. DS said he was getting honked off the road for going so slow, also had assorted hand signs thrown his way. DH said he was driving like our teenage daughter (which is way over the speed limit) trying to keep up with flying DS, and I was following the towering U- Haul , just praying for angels to surround our vehicles everytime we blindly changed lanes. We FINALLY arrived at the apartment complex to be met with more bad news. SOOOO SORRY the lady said, we got mixed up on the apartment you said you wanted, and we only have one left---take it or leave it. Of course this one was on the 3rd floor and more expensive. We put forth our best negoriating skills, but alas the city slickers won the battle. Next time we are taking our country lawyer with us. I felt like the Beverly Hillbillies with the truck sitting outside the office. If I ever anticipate another battle with City Slickers I'll have on my suit and heels instead of a sweaty "Hook em Horns " t-shirt. When DD moves into an apartment we will be a little wiser. I wish everyone lived by the golden rule. Just hoping that some good will come out of this bad experience.
I know this is late in responding, but TerTer's good news is a victory to all of us who had an empy place at our picnic table over the 4th of July. I love to see someone have victory over a disease that has robbed so many of us of loved ones.
Helen: Prayers are going your way for a good report tomorrow.
I am hanging a map above my computer and putting flags on each of your locations, in an effort to keep up with everyone. I am also going to assign a picture to each of you. I always wanted curly red hair, so I thought I would be Nichole Kidman (if that movie is too "nasty", I will trade it for a picture of Lucy !) Let me know if you have a special fantasy about who you want to be.
It's cooling off--time to go sit on the back porch, wish some of you could join me.
Ellen in Texas

Hello everyone- welcome too, to all the newbies I may have missed in the last couple of days, and welcome back those of the regulars who have not posted in a while, so good to see your names again.

Last week, when washing line preference was the topic, I was going to jump in and sing the praises of my trusty 90 feet pulley washing line. Well I am glad I didn't because right now we are not friends!!

Last Saturday I had a full clothes line out, went out shopping,a thunderstorm started and I came home to my washing line broken, and all my laundry laying on a freshly mowed lawn!!(Just to add insult to injury)!! Ivon repaired it for me just before he left on his fishing trip. I can see now that my washing line was not his foremost focus!!!

Yesterday it did the same thing after I had again washed and re-washed everything. I have been all day hosing off the grass,hauling it all inside,washing,re-washing and drying.this time in the dryer. I probably should spend the rest of the week in the confessional for all the things I said, but will skip that !!

Although he doesn't know it yet, Ivon has two choices when he gets home, - either to present me with a plump fresh salmon for Loon 99, or his head goes on the chopping block!!! Last year's obscure excuse for no fish, was that a bear broke into the camp and stole it- can you really imagine I believed that one?- LOL!!!

I just want to say again, how greatly I have enjoyed and received all the many,many fabric squishies that have been sent to me. All the fabric is absolutely beautiful, but also your notes and letters have been very heartwarming. In addition, I have also received numerous E-cards, and E-mails, and I am still in the process of answering them- there have been so many, so please bear with me, I am getting there. I have sent each one of you a personal Thank you card, so some of you will already have them, some are still on the way, and for the squishies that arrived yesterday and today, those ones will be going out this week. If by the end of the month, you have not heard from me, PLEASE do drop me a line and let me know. I think I have kept good records, but I would surely not want to inadvertently miss anyone out.

You have all made me feel so special, - I really do not know what I would have done without your support,- a month ago I felt like life had thrown me a lemon, but you, my wonderful friends have helped me turn it into lemonade.
God Bless,
Celia

I had to put my quilting away today and clear my table.. made one jacket for a bridesmaid.. only 2 to go. Also fixed a tux. I did well today, but I'd rather be quilting. I hope the photo transfers will be ready tomorrow so that I can finish the double wedding ring quilt. Why is it that I have more ideas for quilts than time? (LOL)

Nelly from Thunder Bay where we had rain in the AM and hot in the PM with a forcast of severe weather tonight. That will fill up the new rainbarrel so I won't have to use chlorinated water for my plants.

Just got the class schedule for the quilt show in Houston. So many to choose from! One or two are already filled due to pre-registration at last years show. Will be sending in my registration form tomorrow. Hope I can get the classes I want.

Does anyone have a home made remedy for getting rid of Japanese beetles? There was one in the past for getting rid of aphids on roses, but don't know if that would work for those pesky Japanese beetles. They're eating one of my father's trees and I'd like to get rid of them!

Monica: Hope you'll be feeling better soon.

Hugs and prayers to everyone who could use one.

Nancy in N.Y.

Boy, Celia was right. Miss a few days and you miss a lot on this BB!!! I've been out of town for five days and feel like a stranger already.

DH and I went to a convention at Mont Tremblant(about 2 hour drive north of Montreal) in Quebec and talk about beautiful countryside & weather!!! No humidity, needed jackets & slacks at night. Wonderful after leaving the heat wave here in U.S. And how strange to hear everyone speaking French, but able to switch over to English so easily. I had to keep reminding DH that yes, we ARE in a foreign country!!! LOL!!!

CALCIUM---I've seen a few posts about you girls chewing Tums, etc. for calcium. One thing to be aware of with Tums and most Calcium supplements available in stores. The main source of this calcium is Calcium Carbonate. READ THOSE LABELS!!! Nothing wrong with that, except it does tend to constipate most people. When I tell my girlfriends this, they get the big "oh" look on their face and never realized this was causing their problems.

A good source of calcium is Calcium Citrate. My health food store people tell me it is the most easily absorbed into our bodies. It also does not constipate us.

Another thing to remember----If you're taking calcium in any form, you need to take 1/2 as many milligrams of Magnesium with it to help the body absorb the calcium. If you take 500mg calcium, then you also need to take 250mg of magnesium with it, or you're wasting your time and money.

CAT DIARY---I cutted & pasted this and hope it all shows up on the BB. A friend sent this to me and although am not owned by a cat, I like my kittie friends and got a chuckle out of this.

EXCERPTS FROM A CAT'S DIARY

DAY 752 - My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling
objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry
cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the
mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture.
Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.

DAY 761 - Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their
feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top
of the
stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I
once
again induced myself to barf on their favorite chair...must try this on
their bed.

DAY 762 - Slept all day so that I could annoy my captors with sleep
depriving, incessant pleas for food at ungodly hours of the night.

DAY 765 - Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body,in
attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike
fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a
good
little cat I was...Hmmm. This is not working according to plan.

DAY 768 - I am finally aware of how sadistic the humans are. For no good reason
I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it included a burning
foamy chemical called "shampoo." What sick minds could invent such a
liquid. My only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.

DAY 771 - There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was
placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise
and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they call "beer." More
importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power
of"allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

DAY 774 - I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe
snitches. The dog creature is routinely released and seems more than happy to
return. He is obviously a half-wit. The Bird on the other hand has
got to be an informant. He has mastered their frightful tongue(something
akin to mole speak) and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he
reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room
his
safety is assured. But I can wait, it is only a matter of time...

Happy quilting to all,
Doris W. in Tennessee

On July 22 my DH and I will leave on our dream of a life time, a 2 week tour of Norway and Sweden. He is 1/2 Swedish and we hope to met some of his relative. I would love to hear from any Quilters from Norway and Sweden to contact me. I don't want to tie up space with our route, but would love to maybe meet one YYY from N or S. TIA, Linda J in Bridgeport, TX

Does anyone have or know of a source for Irma Hatcher's book "Conway Album (I'm Not From Baltimore)" I am desperate to find a copy to make a wedding quilt. Running out of time. Help!

Does anyone have or know of a source for Irma Hatcher's book "Conway Album (I'm Not From Baltimore)" I am desperate to find a copy to make a wedding quilt. Running out of time. Help!

I just came in from taking Olivia (my mini-weinie dog) for a walk. It is really pretty nice outside for July in Texas, even a nice breeze. Very few evenings are enjoyable in the summer in Texas. HELEN, I bet it is really great up in Austin right now. Best wishes to your DD.
ELAINE..I really do feel sorry for you. I know you have been hearing this all day, but, TRY NOT TO SCRATCH...
SUE...Happy Birthday To You. I hope you had a great day.
It was great to read the post about the Quilt Festival in Houston. Maybe some of us BB's will see each other there with our YYY's on ofcourse. I don't live too far from there, about two hours drive. My DD lives in Houston so I can visit her also.........I don't think she will want to do the Show.
DAWN...haven't seen a post from you in a couple of days. Did you go shopping for some quilting/sewing supplies?
LINDA/ TORONTO nice to see your post. Did you say you DD was going to a university in Scotland in the fall? That is great!!!!!!
MARTY....I can't remember if I thanked you for the NEWBIE acronym list if so thanks again, it's great.
DH is working a bit late tonight, it is great to have the computer all to myself. He is going to get me my own e-mail addy next week. I'll post it as soon as I get it. I think he is already tired of sorting through the quilting mail every day....I would rather have it come just to me anyway.
Best run and get a few pieces ironed or I won't have anything to wear to work tomorrow....then I would have to take the day off and stay home and quilt and BB..LOL
Later...Vicki/Texas

Here is the info some of you are looking for.

International Quilt Festival is scheduled for October 21-24, 1999, with
classes beginning October 19, in Houston, Texas. Quilt Festival is held at
the George Brown Convention Center in the downtown area. This will be our
25th anniversary show!

The class catalogue for International Quilt Festival will be available in
midsummer. If you registered for classes in 1998, you will receive it
automatically. If not, send a check for $3 to:
International Quilt Festival
7660 Woodway, Suite 550
Houston, TX 77063
Or you may go to our web site at http://www.quilts.com
and then select "International Quilt Festival" from the boxed area. The
information about the Quilt Festival classes will be posted in midsummer.

The downtown area hotels are:
Hyatt Regency 713/654-1234
Doubletree Hotel, Allen Center 713/759-0202
Four Seasons 713/650-1300
Allen Park Inn (not on shuttle route) 713/521-9321
Other hotels, which are on a shuttle route, are:
Renaissance Houston (Greenway Plaza area) 713/629-1200
Holiday In Select (Greenway Plaza area) 713/523-8448
Club Hotel by Doubletree (Greenway Plaza area) 713/942-2111
Best Western Greenway Plaza 713/528-6161
Crowne Plaza Medical Center 713/797-1110
Hilton Houston Plaza (Medical Center area) 713/313-4000
Residence Inn by Marriott (Medical Center area) 713/660-7993
Please mention the International Quilt Festival when making your
reservations.

International Quilt Festival's famous Quiltmaking Academy, features more
than 250 hands-on classes and 38 lectures, plus numerous special events,
with a renowned faculty of 116 experienced teachers. Many of our long-time
faculty have been especially chosen to help celebrate this 25th
anniversary Festival. Subjects range from foundation paper piecing to wearable art,
from original cloth dollmaking to fabric dyeing, from primitive rug
hooking
to computer skills, from photo transfer to working with ribbons, from
weaving to handmade books. Pre-registration is recommended.

BEFORE FESTIVAL
Here are two good reasons to arrive at International Quilt Festival on
Monday, October 18:
Old Fashioned Quilting Bee & Soup Supper. 6:00-9:00 p.m. Want a chance to
visit with old friends or make new ones? Join us to sit and stitch on your
own project or quilt on one of the quilts in a frame. See Best of Show and
Donation Quilts on display from Texas Quilt Guilds. The camaraderie of
stitching and visiting, plus an old-fashioned soup supper will set the
stage
for this event-filled week.

Night Owl Shopping Spree. 9:30-11:45 p.m. Enjoy shopping and demonstrations
at Great Expectations Quilts. Buses will leave the convention center at
9:30 p.m. (immediately following the Old Fashioned Quilting Bee & Soup Supper)
and return at 11:45 p.m.

OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS:
Tuesday Sampler. Tuesday morning 10:00 a.m.-noon-Over 25 Festival teachers
at separate tables will offer continuous demonstrations of particular
techniques and methods. Students will circulate around the room
informally.
Registrants receive a book of one-page handouts from participating
teachers.
(A second Sampler with different topics and teachers will be held on
Sunday, October 24.)

Remember When Luncheon-Thursday, October 21, noon-2:00 p.m.-Jean Ray
Laury,
who has been a member of the Quilt Festival teaching staff since the early
years, will take us on a walk down memory lane. Ricky Tims, a new-comer to
Quilt Festival, will entertain us with his current quilts and music as we
enjoy a yummy luncheon.

Festival Flashback-Friday, October 22, 7:30-10:30 p.m.-Enjoy looking back
on highlights of quilts and quilters, and reliving moments in history from
the 70s through the 90s. Dance to music from all of those years-from disco to
new age.

Fireworks--Join us for a spectacular display of fireworks lighting up the
Houston night sky following the Silver Star Salute dinner on Saturday.
Fireworks are provided by the Power of Houston, and this is the largest
fireworks, lighting, and laser show in the world.

Preserving Our Heritage
Dating Quilts & Fabrics, Wednesday, October 20, 9:00 a.m.-noon. Join Julie
Silber for this informative class.
Care & Feeding of Your Featherweight, Friday, October 22, 5:30-8:30
p.m.-William and Nancy Behrman will help you become best friends with your
old featherweight machine.
Restoration of Old Quilts, Thursday, October 21, 2:00-5:00 p.m.-Dixie
McBride will teach you to repair your old treasures.

Continuing from last year
Friday night classes have been so successful that we are continuing to
offer them.

Doll Day
Well-known dollmaker Nancy Brenan Daniel is the coordinator for this
morning
of mini-classes from 9:00 a.m.-noon on Thursday, October 21. Five other
highly creative pattern makers for original cloth dolls-elinor peace bailey,
Ann Cardon, Patti Medaris Culea, Susanna Oroyan, and Virginia
Robertson-will take part.

The Fairfield Fashion Show
Come celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Fairfield Fashion Show! See the
amazingly beautiful quilted and embellished garments made by invited
artists
working in the fields of quilting and other textile arts at the show's
worldwide premiere at International Quilt Festival. This year's show-Heart
And Soul-has two showings. General Assembly Hall, 3rd floor, Brown
Convention Center: Sunday, October 17, 7:00-9:00 p.m. and Thursday,
October
21, 8:00-10:00 p.m. Tickets: $9 (pre-register) or $10 (at the door).

Other Special Events
We've reworked our usual Quilt Shop Tours to meet your requests. Take the
Ocean Waves Tour (south of Houston to Galveston) or the Way Out West Tour
(west of Houston). Multiple buses for each of the two full-day tours will
depart from and return to the George Brown Convention Center on Wednesday,
October 20 and Thursday, October 21.

Professional Development Seminars
A variety of classes will be offered to help take you beyond quiltmaking
as
a pastime. In them, you can learn to teach, to sell your crafts, learn
about
self-publishing, about pricing for profit, about quilt photography, and
how
to present yourself professionally.

Want to own a quilt shop? Sign up for Before You Open a Quilt Shop-Things
You Should Know, Tuesday, October 19, 9:00 a.m.-noon. Learn about
affordable
rent, store size, licenses, advertising, suppliers, credit, inventory,
sales, and employees.
Learn more about wearable art-for fun or profit-at Focus on Wearable Art
including the Wearables Walkabout Luncheon Fashion Show, noon-2:00 p.m.,
Tuesday October 19, followed by several wearable art classes the rest of
the week.

Thank you for your interest.
Kim DeCoste
Quilts, Inc.
E-mail: shows@quilts.com
http://www.quilts.com

Katie Mac in Spring, Texas

Can someone tell me when the Houston show is going to be? Know it is sometime in October. I have a DD in Houston and I plan to fly out to visit her then. Know she will "love" taking me to the quilt show....just like I "loved" all the trips to Chucky Cheese, etc. when she was small!!!! Pay back time, Miss Ginny!!!!!

Patsy in MS where IT IS HOT and HUMID but my tomatoes are WONDERFUL !!!!!

I think that one of the fun parts of quilting is naming the quilt! I really enjoy having people come up to me and say that they not only liked my Quilt but the name made them laugh. I have quilts named the following: "It All Started with a Few Chickens" "Blue Stars for Alex(And the Brat's Favorite Color is Pink" and "The Tree of GET A LIFE" Is there any one else out there that enjoys this part as much as I do?

Hello All !!!!

Haven't posted the last two days, been itching ! I got into poison ivy somewhere around the yard and couldn't get rid of it, finally spent today in the doctor's office, itch, itch ! She put me on two different kinds of medicine, hope it works,itch, itch !!

Anyway, hope all is well and happily quilting away,not been in the mood too much myself, but maybe soon ! I try to thank all, for any help I receive, but if I have missed anyone, thanks for your time and patience for all of us newbies !
You are all appreciated very much and without you this site couldn't survive, so please look over the fact that we may not make public Thank You,
but will always try to make personal ones !!!

Elaine, NC

Well, I can tell that I have been reading this page awhile - I know a lot of the abbreviations! I enjoy this page of any that I have checked on the Internet. I can see everyone's comments as I read along. And you all are so friendly. I am not shy, but I am one of those people who don't have a sense of humor - I take everything seriously. That is why I like reading all the comments - so lighthearted. One thing I like about all the quilt teachers and lecturers, they are like neighbors to me when I go to classes and see them while shopping - found that out in Paducah, KY this spring.

Just told my DH about Kitty Kate's camping - we both enjoyed the camping outing - sure feel for your husband, Kitty Kate - hahaha We camp, too.

Hi Cathiann in upper Midwest - I am from Ohio - central - almost Indiana.

I can't imagine a guild that wouldn't let someone in who machine quilts. We ladies joke with the couple of women that only machine sew. Many of us are hand quilters only, and many more quilt both machine and hand (I am in that category).

Thanks for the information about chewable Calcium pills - Viactin? Or something like that - I will check them out. I eat yogurt plain with some Nutrasweet in it once or twice a week, and chew Tums everyday.

Whoever had the Taffy Apple Salad in the Recipe section - it was good. I made 2 salads for the quilting picnic last Thursday night and one was the Taffy Apple Salad - yummy!

Sondra - Will check out the website that you mentioned - I am overweight a lot and do eat right, but eat too much.

I use a hoop in a stand - have had it for 4 or 5 years. A friend of mine has a portable hoop - not as big as mine, with a "rubber something" around the edge of it - the "rubber something" (like a bungee cord) fits in a groove on the outside of the inner hoop. I have thought of getting it, but haven't seen it yet.

Gotta go and watch the All-Stars. Love baseball and watch the Braves mostly, but the local Reds are doing swell this year - see a game at Riverfront Stadium once a year (oops, Cinergy Feild - what a dumb name!) Saw the home run contest last night - Mark McGwire was awesome! But Ken Griffey, Jr won it - anyone remember Ken Griffey Sr. when he played? I do and he was good, too. Getting old - sigh!

Ilona from comfortable Ohio

It has been 114 here for the last 2 days, and no, I don't live in Death Valley, but it sure does feel like it.
Hi, diet buddies, I'm still doing those stomach crunchies and drinking as much water as possible, with this darn heat, the body sure needs it.

Patty in Red Bluff..how did you like having the hottest temperature in the USA yesterday ?

Happy Birthday to you SUE...Hope you are having a good one !!!!

Helen, your DD will be in my prayers. I pray for everything to go smoothly and for a fast recovery.

I'm looking forward to getting out of this state for several days. I'm headed for Washington state with DH. Maybe it will rain while we are there.
I will then play in the rain, HA HA Leaving next week...

Hi there Kitty Kate...>^..^<

A big hug to you Faith....

Happy quilting to all...Linda in HOT California

Wow - everyone is posting lots today

Vickie in TX - I use round hoops, not too big. Used to have an oval hoop on a stand - am very tall, so really only used the stand to hold the quilt when I was NOT quilting. LOL Don't like too big a round hoop, as Ineed to get my arm around to the underside. Try out possibilites for yourself in the store.

Sue in PA - happy birthday to you

Helen - good thoughts to you and your DD, please let us know how things turn out.

Welcome to Bellslady and the other newbies -
KC posted good instructions for a portable 'flannel board' - I made one like that and take it to classes. Another suggestion - if you have a wall available for temporary use - get a flannel sheet, double or queen, and thread the top hem thru a lightweight curtain rod or dowel. Put two fasteners, as small as possible, high up on the wall, to handg up the sheet, take down and roll up when you need the bare wall. EVen better if there are already brackets or another rod to temp. suspend your work wall from. Some find a flannel-backed table cloth works well, but it is not so easy to pin thru.

Jackie - yes, it sounds like you need to practice saying "NO", or at least asking way more questions about the project and what the 'help' consists of before saying yes - I like to volunteer in many ways, but want to pick the projects that I find most appropriate for me.

I'm busy jumping for joy - just made my plane reservations for IQF in Houston in Oct - now I have to chose which classes to sign up for! A difficult job...
Susan in sunny but very dry NW New Jersey

Rene -- you MUST be hungry for boysenberries. If you get up early enough and can get down to meet us, we'll be looking for you. Just let me know.

Anna in CA -- I live in Hollister, which is near the Silicon Valley (Northern Calif). I work at Stanford University. Love my job, hate the commute, but the benefits make up for it. I contemplated finding something closer to home, but couldn't find anyone to help out with the kid's tuition.

I'm with you Jill. Can't figure out why ANYONE would turn away a quilter, regardless of how they do it. That's a bit much and as the poster says (I'm sorry, I can't go back and see your name, so please forgive me this once, okay), it's their loss!!!!!

DH just called with terrific news that our car isn't as sick as we thought. I was having panic attacks thinking of the hundreds of dollars it was going to cost for fixing it. They are such a necessity in life, but what would we do without them.

Well, hope everyone is having a great day. Rene, I'll bring the camera along "just in case". Can you imagine the two of us, picking berries, wearing yellow yo-yo's. I think it's great.

Sondra in Hot Calif.

9:36 on July 12.....that is as far back as I can read on this page. Do you know what that means????? I have NO IDEA what all of the Serial Quilters have posted about the Quilt America show in Indiana. Soooooo, I'll just have to tell you my side of the story.....and hope that I will be able to read the archives sometime soon.
I got to my DMIL's house on Wednesday, and we planned to go to Indy on Thursday. I had sent emails to some of the Serial Quilters, and found that they were signed up for classes all day on Thursday, so I thought that I wouldn't get to see any of them :( ..... But it didn't happen that way! :)
We managed to get to the show around 10:30 am, and after looking at some of the "redwork", we started on the more recent quilts. A hand taps me on the shoulder and says (somewhat hesitantly)...."Are you wearing a yellow yo-yo because....ummm....you...umm" YES! I scream! A BB person!!!!! We hugged like long lost buddies. It was Linda the serial quilter. She told me that the others were in class right now, but they had a few breaks. We had DMIL take a picture of us (evidence, you know....) and went off to see the show. The next yellow yo-yo was Bertie from Illinois!!!!! We hugged like long long lost sisters (Bertie has sent squishies my way...one tasty, but slightly melted!) And again, I had DMIL take our picture to record the momentous occasion. Next was Brenda >^..^< from Indiana and Melinda from Indy!!!! Again, DMIL took a picture of the four of us. I was overjoyed! My DMIL wondered about my sanity. I started gabbing away with my Yo-Yo buddies, and DMIL and friend Sally said, "We'll be over in the
next aisle...." OK, I said, I'll catch up. Such nice people...I didn't want to go on and leave them, but knew that I would have to catch up with DMIL and Sally....sadly said, "Hope I see you later." They spoke about getting together later....but I knew that DMIL would not want to stay late and party *sigh*. Well, I did catch up with DMIL and then we decided to eat lunch. Got our Indy wraps and again the tap on the shoulder from behind...It was the other serial quilters!!!! Cassi, Just me Sue, Brenda, Bev, Melinda, Linda....(gosh...did I forget someone? the pictures are at home...tomorrow I will scan them and send them to Kellie's Page). Anyway...the heck with lunch!!! I had a ball talking with them. I showed them my hexagon baby quilt and the much discussed frog blocks. Just me Sue (I think), said that she had a suggestion for my problem of aligning the pieces.... Make your blocks BIGGER!!! We were all laughing and talking and I wished I could have spent the rest of the day with them. But I finished
lunch and saw the rest of the show, and the Serial Quilters went back to their classes. I saw them one more time as we were leaving the show to return to Terre Haute....they were all on a ciggy break and Melinda says "where's your shopping bag???" I show her my large black briefcase, and say "right here, I have had real good SEX!" and encourage her to heft it. She almost drops it because of the weight and says..."you are disgusting!!!" DMIL and Sally by this time realize that they will never get me to go home unless they just start walking away and away they go....I stay a minute or two more and then reluctantly have to say good-bye....I so much wanted to go to dinner with them that night....
Someday we shall meet again.
The show was very nice. I thought that the number of vendors was very small. The show we had in Amherst, Mass had at least twice the number of vendors. I did get to meet Holice, and I did get that stencil cutting knife that he suggested. I'll let people know how it works out. I had a wonderfully quilty time, and DMIL, Sally (who doesn't quilt, but loves quilts)and I enjoyed ourselves buckets!

Well, this is long.....and someday I will get to read the accounts posted by the others...in the mean time....I HAVE the PICTURES!!!

Ronna in Happy Valley

Goodafternoon BB's
Hey, does ice tea count as water? I'm drowning....gurgle....gurgle....
I heard yesterday that tea helps prevent cancer?
I would like to join WeightWatchers, but sometimes I think that the more I think about dieting the more I eat.

I miss I had one of these gardens that some of you have . It sounds so good to have those fresh veggies, esp the beans! My yard is way to shady for a garden , I have 2 sickly tomato plants.

Why would a guild not want a member that only machine pieces, that's to bizarre! Machine quilter's have more time to volunteer!

geez, I got to do some laundry, but I'd rather chat with you all,
SYL, JIll

Hi All, I enjoyed reading all the boy kiddie stories. I only had one daughter. That was enough for me. (Her father and I divorced when she was a toddler.) One day when she was little, we were shopping at Montgomery Wards and she said she had to go potty. I was checking out and said okay just a minute. I let go her hand to pay and when I turned around to leave she had disappeared. In a panic I raced to the front door thinking she may have been snatched. I found her in the bathroon display perched on toilet in the front window. I got there too late. Lucky for me, I had tissues in my purse. What a mess!
ttfn :) Mary Ann
p.s. Dieting is tough but remember : EWES NOT FAT, EWES FLUFFY. Maybe we should have a squishie shower for the one who looses the most each month.

Ok, I'm a lurker, but I have to add my 2cents in about dieting and
let you all know I am from the wide variety like many of you.
I went to a holistic doctor for bodywork, it does help, instead of
physical therapy for my arthritis and he put me on some B6 vitamins and
boy they help take the water weight off. Be sure and do it only for 2 weeks
and then stop for a week and remember to eat Bananas and multi vitamins when
we are all so busy loosing all this water, cuz you loose vitamins and minerals too.

Loved Sondra's post about berries and now I am going
on Saturday, it will be quite a drive but have ordered two pies (boysenberry
and ollalieberry) figure with all this water weight I am loosing and if I drink
diet coke it will counter-act the effects of the pie? right?

well, if not I will just have to hand quilt flannel quilt in the heat of summer with no
air conditioning and I will sweat it off.

Gotta get back to work

Rene' in S.F, CA about 70 here, gotta love Calif.

I haven't been to the BB for a couple of weeks. Been sooo busy.

I wanted to thank those of you that referred me to the Kids can Quilt book. Remember when I asked since my niece (in law) is just beginning to teach third grade and wanted me to "help" teach the kids quilting. I purchased one book for me and one for my niece. I think it will help greatly. The book will help greatly, but I am not so sure about my niece. Get this.....she comes over to pick up the book and she looks through it and she asks me what we are going to do first. OK, no problem so far. We talked about a couple of types of blocks that the kids can do and she asks me "How do you quilt?" OK, so far, but I am becoming sceptical. I begin to explain this to her and she completely glazes over, so I backtrack a little explain how the kids should sew a half square triangle and keep the thread doubled so that it doesn't come undone. Again she glazes over.....this is when I discover, she doesn't know how to sew....SHE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO THREAD A NEEDLE!!!!!! I am in shock. I thought I was supposed to HELP this class.

Well in order to recover from my shock, I made about 30 squares of children's print fabricsnd put adhesive backing on them. I told her to have the kids draw their hands on them and cut them out. I just got them back and I will be appliquing them to contrasting squares to begin the quilts. Now my niece wants to know what WE will do next. OH, Lord, please give me the strength to make it through this school year (this is only the first week!!!) without strangling her. My husband says that I need to learn to say no. I think I need to learn to ask if the teached knows how to sew, before I say I will help. :(

Just to touch on the quilt guild subejct, I have got to share a little story with you. Since I am visually impaired (my name Blind Stitch LOL) I do all of my sewing by machine. This guild was not open to allowing a non-hand sewer into their guild. I personally found that pretty ridiculous, so I just do my sewing on my own. Their loss.

Since I joined the BB a couple of weeks ago, I have made some new friends that I communicate with regularly. This has really been quite a find. Thanks.

Well I am now going to go get a large glass of water. If it is going to stay HOT as H--- I will need it.

Jackie in 109 degree, Pittsburg, CA

Hi All,

Well now, I have not been quilting long, and have gotten alot of help from the BB. Maybe I can return the favor. I am by no means an expert, but weight-loss is something I know alittle about. In Nov. (the week before Thanks Giving) of 1994 weighing 215 lbs. I joined Weight Watchers, 17 months later and weighing 80 lbs less, I hit my goal and have maintained it for 3 years. Yes, I have admit that I gain some. But I always lose it. Now if I can help anyone in anyway, just let me know. I have tons of recipes (remember that Fat Free one step Pineapple angel food cake I posted?) though my recipe software is not working right at the moment I will do my best to help.

Yes, I still have trouble getting my water in. I HATE water!!!!

Sondra, where are you in CA? I am near Long Beach.

Anna in CA

Hi all,

Here's a easy flannel board idea that we learned at a quilt guild meeting. (Be sure to use cheap white flannel by the yard - you usually have to ask for it at the yardgoods area because they store it underneath the tables.)

items needed:
two pieces of foam board - any size
duck tape
white sheet flannel -enough to cover the front and back of foam board
yarn/string/fabric strips to make two handles

1) Place the foam boards side by side - but be sure to leave 1/2 inch space between them so that later you will be able to fold up your flanne board and carry it by the handles.
2) Use duck tape to tape the foam boards together (maintain the 1/2 space from step one)
3 place the flannel underneath the foam boards, keep the foam boards flat and wrap the flannel around the foam boards, and duck tape in place.
4) use yarn/string/fabric to make handles and duck tape them in place.

This project should take 30 minutes or less.
You can embellish the outside of the flannel board with scraps of fabric or add pockets to hold rulers and other implements.

KC

Okay, once again, you folks have inspired me. From Last Sept. to Dec. I had lost about 24 lbs. on WW, then hit a plateau and decided to save my money as of May..I've since gained back about 10 pounds, which is really irritating, since now I have about 30 more to lose instead of 20! SOOOOO...It's back to the water-drinking and fat watching, and portion control and exercise. I bought a recreational (read CHEAP) kayak a month ago and have only had it out once because my DH put more stuff in the basement and now I can't get the kayak out....looks like I need to get busy on the basement if I'm going to get exercise I enjoy instead of hitting the treadmill!
Must say, regarding weight loss, the only real way to take it off and keep it off is eating healthy foods and exercising. For calcium, try Ultra Tums or generic equivalent...it's a cheap way to get what you need, though those chocolate ones sound yummy!
For anyone who used Fen-Phen, please be checked for Primary Pulmonary Hypertension periodically...this is a rare disease,(one in a million) increased 10 to 20 fold by taking Fen-Phen, and the only cure is a transplant. My sister was the one in a million (in many more ways than her medical condition) She became too sick to qualify for a transplant and died a year ago at the young age of 49, two months shy of her 50th birthday. Please, please, please keep a close watch...the Fen-Phen effects are not always immediate and most doctors don't know much about PPH, so please ask! Chris in PA

Hi - I guess I'm a little shy and slightly in awe of the BB, so I've just been reading the board eveyday and LOL alot.

The weather up here in the north has finally cooled down some. It's about 80 and no humidity this week. After the heatwave we had last week, this is beautiful

I'm on vacation this week, just puttering around the house and working on a quilt I started for my oldest DD about 3 years ago. She is going away to university in Scotland in the fall and really hopes I can finish it before that. It is a sunburst done in a log cabin pattern. There are 49-10" blocks, each with 41 - 1/2" paper pieced strips. I was real green to quilting when I started this and didn't realize the work involved. What we won't do for our children!.

My printer is only printing in colour right now so I'm unable to print the great list of acronyms that Martha sent me.

I've decided not to go the the VQF (the car needed fixing $$)

I'm trying to write a little back to each person who e-mailed me. Maybe in time we'll get to know eachother.

Just thought I'd let you know I'm still here, listening and laughing and enjoying myself.

Happy quilting and keep chatting

Linda just north of Toronto

All of this talk about water has made me thirsty! I just went and bought a 24 oz bottle of water. This will count as three glasses, right?

I have been enjoying all of the stories about Sisters and Quilt America. Next time I go to Indy I'll bring my Bernina along to get serviced! I think DH agreed last night to take me to Ashville, NC for the quilt show there in August. Hopefully I will get to meet some of you there like Elaine in NC.

A big thank you to everyone who responded to my post about Clomid. It helps to know I am not the only one.

Julie in GA

Good morning (well afternoon for some of you lovely people) all.

Sounds like everyone is happy and enjoying life. Hope those who are having rain are not having too much difficulty like down in Las Vegas, etc. We've had a horrible heat wave. Generally it's cooler on campus than where I live, but yesterday it was the reverse. Ugh! Our little shuttle service on campus has a new route during some road repairs, so they are much slower. Got to wait for 35 minutes (supposed to run every 15 minutes) coming back from a doctor's appointment. The weather is supposed to get cooler as the week goes on, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Vicki in Texas -- You mentioned dieting and water. We had a retreat a couple of weeks ago and had a nutritionist (in private practice and very interesting to listen to) talk to us about how hungry we get, etc., before 10 am. She stressed water big time. She also mentioned something that I thought was strange, but it seems to be working. When you first start drinking massive amounts of water, naturally you'll be getting up at night. But, as your body becomes more accustomed to having a lot of water, it will adjust and you won't be making those midnight trips. I too need to lose a lot of weight, and have been trying to drink more water. It seems to be working for me, so hopefully things will settle down for you too.

Reg in KS -- I'll be thinking about you and your DH tomorrow as he undergoes his disc surgery. Hope everything goes well and his recovery is quick.

Brenda in Indiana -- Saw your posting about Olallieberries. DH and I picked 29 pounds of Olallieberries at Gizdich Farms in Watsonville, CA on Saturday. The description that was posted about them is correct. I put up 24 pints of jam and froze the rest. They're great and very tasty. We're going back this weekend to pick Boysenberries. They're my favorite. I was very surprised to find that our local, tiny County Fair actually has an entry for Olallieberry Jam and Jelly. Since I'll be in charge of the baked goods, I can try my hand at entering those categories as they are handled by someone else.

Doni -- Your analysis of dieting is really great. I went on the Atkins diet years ago and it DOES work. It's really strange too. There is a new series of books out by a Dr. Sears that refers to his diet called "The Zone". It seems to incorporate the Atkins theory, as well as offering you more veggies, etc. I saw my Dr. yesterday and she very politely suggested I needed to lose maybe 125 pounds. Before we moved back to Calif., I was on the Phen/Fen Diet and was very successful. Yes, there are complications for some, but not for all. My doctor watched me monthly. I could not have a prescription refill unless I was checked for BP and other stuff. Before going on it, she did an entire work-up (EKG, and other stuff). She was fanatical about that. I know of some doctors who handed out prescriptions for Phen Fen that didn't check anything but the fact that you were a live body and could talk, then you could have a prescription. It wasn't meant for everyone and it really hurt those of us who had no trouble or predispositions for heart problems, because it was yanked from the market. They pulled the medication the day after I arrived in Calif., and between that happening and everything else, I was doomed. I probably have every diet book imaginable. I know what I'm supposed to do, just don't do it. There is a great support web site called www.3fatchicks.com, and it is wonderful. There are chat pages for every kind of diet imaginable. Great support too. Guess I should start taking it seriously. So, count me in, okay.

I'll be going up to pick up DD on Friday. She is visiting my sister. She did volunteer work yesterday at a cat clinic that my sister and a vet-friend of hers operates at a shelter. Got an e-mail from my sister, who said DD worked her little tail off, but was a great help. She's only 12, and the vet said she could volunteer anytime she wanted to.

It has been too hot to sew, but need to get a wall hanging of an Attic Windows finished before the 23rd. So, guess I should get busy on it, right? I tend to wait until the last minute on stuff, then panic. But, it always turns out good, so guess this is no exception. I took some Polar Bear fabric and fussy cut different scenes. I have an aunt who visited Northern Canada last year on a Polar Bear trip and I guess there weren't many to be seen. So, when I saw this fabric, I thought it would be fun to do.

Try to keep cool and dry.

Sondra

Today's my birthday - 45. I guess that makes me middle age now. Bought myself a pair of earrings yesterday. Told the jeweler I wanted a special price for cash, and 40th birthday tomorrow. My DD pipes up and says you're not 40. I told her we can pretend. Remember denying you were even 40! It's not how old you are, but how old you feel, Right!!

I've got a list of things to do today, so must get started.
Sue in PA

DON'T come "home" late ---- I get to tell the leftovers I guess. Is this Serial Quilter's hour or what? Just me, Sue is at work probably or she'd be posting too.

Now for the REAL STORY of Indy/Quilt America or at least my side of it! Not much left to fill you in on after Cassi's and Just me's postings. I've been without a computer since I went to Indy with those Nuts (new hard drive necessary before the old one really crashed and burned). Many hours and $$$ later DH finally got far enough to let me ON the net and into my e-mail. I was getting paranoid!!! As some of my "friends" will confirm I don't WAIT very well. Knowing that I would be maligned by at least one or more of my traveling "children", I was anxious to deliver my view of the adventure. Do you remember how it was or is to travel with children - How much longer? He's touching me! I need a pit stop! - and on and on and on. Just the same with the Serial Quilters. Could drive a sane woman nuts and I was well on my way before this trip.

One minor detail was omitted from the bus incident as related to you earlier. The reason for pulling along the left side of the bus (yes it was close but the bus was not moving and I was going about 3 MPH at the time) was because the end of my minivan was in the intersection of a four lane downtown busy steet in Indianapolis!!! Reason enough I thought to get the van out of the way. Of course from Cassi's point of view (reclining in the captain's chair looking out of the window right next to the bus) it did look a lot closer than it really was! So that's my explanation for what it's worth. I will admit I am not a pokey driver but only exceed the speed limit by a safe 5 or so MPH (when I have passengers).

As you can see we really did have a a great time and only wish we could have had more time with every other YYY. Too much to chat about in person. It'll be non-stop jabbering at Ohio 99!!

Well, I have two more UFO's to add to the stack! Did get a couple more Wyoming Valley Star blocks done yesterday since I couldn't be on the computer. Scrappy is great but not as 'automatic'as I would like. Really testing the color value lesson with this one. The "curve-a-phobia" drunkards path is so easy that I don't think it'll take very long once I get on a move with it. Really like those templates (6") from Pepper Cory. Need a 3" companion one. Is that available too, Pepper? This dang machine is so much fun but sure eats up time- we need a weight loss machine that sucks out fat like a computer sucks away time!

Haven't even caught up on the postings but when I saw all the Serials were posting I just jumped right on the form page. I did notice someone wanting Bertie to post. She's in Las Vegas I think with her non-quilting friends that were in Indy with her. Hope she got her s.e.x. before loosing any $$$ or maybe she'll win enough to have everlasting s.e.x.

More information to come soon about the BB Cookbook that you sent recipes in to Just me, Sue. We'll post that info asap.

Have a great day, Bev in Cincy

HI - my doctor told me to get the Caltrate 600 Plus tablets and take two a day. They are a little large, but completely chewable and come in ass't fruit flavors. I get mine at Walmart usually. I really like this Chat page and if nothing else it has made me realize that I want to move to Cincinnati, Ohio. Wish I were going to Ohio 99 but since I'm not that will give me something to whine about since I'm running out of subjects. What a great bunch of quilting buddies I have found. Thoughts and prayers to Monica, Faith and Bill, Marilyn, Ridgely and everyone on the prayer page. Fran in Central PA where it's a beautiful day, I should be home sewing.

Cassie, I have a Hancock's here...going to check out the sale. I wish I could send you come our Texas rain..

Ditto on the QB postings about Thialand and Florida......????????

I will be going to Austin soon. There is a great bookstore there "Barnes and Noble" I want to look for "The Quilter's Apprentice" who is the author???

Somebody please answer my hoop question.... I have always quilted in my lap and now would like to invest in some kind of frame...no room for a big frame...what about the standing hoops?????????

I am off to work in a few minutes, with my jug of water Diet, Diet, Diet!

TTYL Vicki / Texas

Glad to see the Serial Quilters are all home safely.Sounds like a good time was had by all and the elevator story and follow-up were very funny and could only happen to our girls. Enjoyed the reports by Cassi and Sue. Cassi, thanks for the the tip on Hancock's,will be headed there later today. Linda, have been looking for that chewable calcium and haven't found it yet. I hate to swallow those big pills.
Looking forward to Friday to get Bev and Susan's side of the adventure and to seeing the loot.
Have made good progress on my alphabet quilt whih is great because there's only 12 days until the shower. Peace to all. Kathy in Ohio

So OK, she's "coming out" again, a lurking Serial Quilter!

Reading the "regular" board makes me wonder where the Quilt Police
have been - I do not need a FIFTH job in Florida, nor do I
want to purchase CHARCOAL WOOD from Thailand, what gives???

Loved the Quilt America stories from my "sisters", gees I do
really miss all the fun! The best part is I can visualize
my favorite friends and their antics, if you ever have the
opportunity to meet ANY of them, don't miss the chance!

Sue in Germany has introduced another quilter to me, Peg, who
hails from my own thriving city, Loveland, OH. Possibly can talk
her into visiting the Serial Quilters (hope she is ready for the
experience!!) It's funny tho, you have to "go" to Germany to meet
someone in your own tiny town!

Keep up the good work friends, this world is getting smaller
every day...

Nancy
Serial Quilter
Loveland OH

JANET: Can't believe we missed you! If you were in the back hall having lunch and noticed a woman dump half her veggie wrap on the table and chair, that was Bev LOL! I was the one holding up the lunch line trying to carry Brenda's and my lunch plus three drinks. Had to move along in shifts until Brenda came up to help me.

Had a major and totally unexpected S.E.X. adventure yesterday! Took DS to Toys R Us to get a birthday present for a party he's going to and decided to surprise DS with lunch at Benihana's (his favorite place). Since it was only 11 a.m., I said, "If you're willing to go to the fabric store for a little while, I'll have a surprise for you afterwards."

So off we went to Hancock's (the chain) to kill some time. As I was walking in, I noticed a sign saying they were discontinuing their frequent buyer cards at the end of the month and shoppers should be sure to redeem their cards by then.

Well, I whipped my card right out and saw that I only needed to buy $40 more and I would have $20 in free purchases. No problem!

First off, batiks were on sale for $4.99. Then I noticed all the cottons were on sale ranging from $1.66 to $2.99 a yard. So DS started hauling my selections off to the cutting table. Bought 1/2 yards of lots of stuff. Total came to $47, so they stamped my card. I said, "So I guess I have to leave and come back to get $20 off my next purchase?" And the cashier said, "No, just go ahead and pick your stuff out!"

I certainly didn't need a second invitation! Found more stuff in an area I hadn't even examined yet, started buying 1/4 yards (I was aiming for variety in my fabrics rather than quantity). Had it all totalled up....only $12. Back to searching for more. Finally finished up with $22.50 worth of fabrics, with $20 of it being free. Two big bags of fabric!

You have to understand my excitement when I tell you that I hardly EVER find a bargain! I am the person who shops the day before or the day after a major sale. Or the person who didn't know there was a coupon in the newspaper. This is such a rare SEXual event for me!!!!! LOL

Anyway, don't know if the rest of the Hancock stores are discontinuing their frequent buyer cards or even if the rest of them are having sales like this right now, but if you're near a Hancock's (the chain store, not the one in Paducah) you may want to take a look. Wouldn't want to have anyone out there SEXually deprived!

All for now....Cassi in Ohio, where the temperatures are VERY bearable, but we sure could use some rain!

I'm taking those chewable calcium things. They're called Viactiv, and they come in two different flavors: mochalatta (I think) and chocolate. I do the chocolate ones, and they taste EXACTLY like a Tootsie Roll, but easier to chew than Tootsie Rolls. Yummy. And you don't need a prescription to get them, either. Each one is supposed to have 500 mg of calcium plus some vitamin D, I think. For those dieting, each has 20 calories, and usual dose is 2-3 per day, usually with meals. Think of it as a therapeutic bit of chocolate, a couple of times a day!

Hope this helps. I get no $$$ from saying this. Darn!
Linda, the Serial Quilter from Oxford, OH

P.S. Yes, you got it right this time, Celia!

Earth calling Bertie Woman, Come in, puhleeze!

Or have you run off with the Bernina Boy? Perspiring minds want to know (LOL!!!)

jdb in AZ

By the way thanks to MARTY for the Newbie list. I have it right by my computer so I can use it when I read the BB. It will take a while to learn all of the symbols.
Welcome to CATHIANN in the Midwest. What state are you in? Do you do mostly machine or hand piecing and quilting?
I am shopping for a quilting hoop or something. I don't have room for a big frame. What do you all recommend?
LOLA and RUBY...thanks for letting me know that I am not the only one so pressed for spare time. If I could keep up with the BB in my work day, that would help.....but my boss has this thing about what we use our computers for..."no personal business on company time"....She is NOT a quilter or crafter....LOL
TRACEY......S.E.X. means Stash Enhancing Expedition. Great to here from you. Let us know what state you are in.
DIET buddies......the list is growing URSULA, SUE/PA, JILL, AND ME (VICKI/TX) Maybe that is why I have been up and down all night....all that water.
LINDA/Toronto, I haven't seen a post from you lately or did I just miss it? How is the weather up there? Being in Texas, I always envy anyone in the North this time of year..
I heard thunder a few minutes ago and just now it started pouring. We really have had the rain. It is hard to even keep the grass mowed in between the 2" to 3" gushers.
Well I'm off for now to get @(_) I will check in on my lunch hour.
Vicki/Texas

Hi all, thought I was neglecting you, did you? I'm still here, dog tired, wearing myself to a tizzy. Thanks everyone who contributed to my POP's quilt, it's looking fine, tops done, waiting to add a few more blocks. Somehow it almost has a theme. If I can get the scanner working I post it somewhere and let yall know about it. Working on too many swaps and hostessing one, keeping me outta trouble, outta the kitchen and away from the housecleaning. Whats a mother to do... Love to all, oh

Terter where are you? I'm near LA. Wendy

Can't believe I didn't see any yellow yoyo's with all of you running around there Thursday. I wore a bright yellow shirt so to be sure to be spotted but only met a lady from In who found me. We has a great visit in back of hall and was fun to get to know her. Wish I had run into more of you. I guess I am to busy looking at the quilts and shopping the vendors to watch close enough. Maybe next year. Loved Cassi's account of your adventures.
Monica - Hope you are doing fine and feeling better by now. Thinking of you.
Block for Faith and Bill in the mail today.
Not to stir anything up but I too have looked things up, copyed them, made trip to postoffice to mail and never heard if they arrived or if that was what the person wanted. Don't want anything in return just to know if they received them or if they are laying in the postoffice somewhere. Please take this as a friendly reminder to email and let the person know you received it. That way we will be more inclined to continue to send info as it is requested.
Celia - can just picture you waving that hankie - too funny.
Brenda - I have four rows of beans that need picked tomorrow if you need some more.!! Between the flower beds, garden, yard mowing, not much time for quilting but have finished all my santa's and on to the borders.
Have a great day. Janet in IN

Hi! I have been reading all the going ons of you gals and decided to find out if any of you were from the upper midle west. I am a housewife who has been disabled for almost 20 years and have found that quilting was just what I needed to keep my sanity! I have two grownup kids and a wonderful hubby who has as much fun going to shows and shops as I do. Prefer the hand piecing and quilting as it is easier on my back and tummy. My recliner is just made for hand piecing!!! Before quilting I did all the other hand crafts but when I found quilting all others went by the roadside. Have just recently got hooked up to the web and found your site. Am still looking for sites and friends on line. My passion now is stained glass patterns but I make my own bias. Hope to here from some of you out there.

Hi! I have been reading all the going ons of you gals and decided to find out if any of you were from the upper midle west. I am a housewife who has been disabled for almost 20 years and have found that quilting was just what I need

The top is almost finished. I have three more rows to sew on. I am waiting for a block from Chris, which will be arriving in the mail any day.

Then I am sewing a red,white and blue border around the quilt.

I would also like to Thank my husband Arnie who has listened to me each day as I sew together blocks and looks at the quilt everytime I sew a new row on.

He is the one I listen to when I sewed a white row on and it didn't look right. I took it out,I did his suggestion. IT Looks Great!

He has not complained that he didn't have ironed shirts or pants last week.

Dh now makes the bed and takes the pillows off and puts them in the chair. He knows I will be checking the top all day.

I want you to also know that each of you are with me as I am sewing this together. I am so proud of all of you.

Brenda in Nevada

Thought I would let you know what we do for excitement in a small town.

Tonight Dh and put on our good shoes and went down to mainstreet and sit next to the Barber shop.

We had front row seat for the event of Hawthorne! Yes, progress even comes to the small towns. Hehe

We sat for about an hour and watch the pavement profiler rip up our street and carry it away in trucks. They do it so fast.

My grandson loved to watch any big truck. He could sit for hours

During the day they work on the sidewalks making them all handicap accessible.

Dh has been working on the new sun room with an clear roof. We talked about it leaking he said only if it rain's more than a 45 degree pitch. Yep, it rained more than a 45 degree pitch tonight.

Some are easily entertained ! Dh and I are!
Brenda

Good evening, All!

I've really enjoyed reading about the escapade at Quilt America. Sounds like a wodnerful
time. The elevator story was hilarious! You really could be a writer, Cassi. Maybe another
Danielle Steele.

Sue in PA - The nursery school story was so funny. Kids really do say the darndest things!

Vicki in Texas - I know what you mean about not having enough time. With working, quilting, BB Chat
and playing with the GKDS there isn't much time left over to clean the house, eat and sleep.

I've been working on a quilt for my 4yo DGD. She loves reading a Raggedy Ann book that I have when
she comes to my house. I found some Raggedy Ann fabric that I just knew was meant for Alexa. She is
patiently waiting for me to get it done.

The weather is very muggy here today and it sounds like a good thunder storm is building. I hope we
don't get dumped on again. We've had enough rain to last the rest of the summer.

Goodnight!
Lola in MN

On July 22,1999, Pieceful Shores Quilting Guild is hosting a Quilt-in-a-day lecture by Shirley Welsh, a certified teacher/speaker for Eleanor Burns. She will speak about quilts in history, quilting superstitions and quilt making basics. There will be Quilt-in-a-day books available for sale.
I contacted Shirley through a posting on this BB and sent her information to the Pres. of the guild. A date was finally chosen and it will be here soon. Ursual and Donna O are both planning on coming, so we will have those YYY ready to spot each other. Any New Jersey Quilters, or surrounding area quilters, are invited to attend FREE ! ! ! Contact me for information. Susan in NW, NJ will you be able to make it?
I have only been reading and trying to keep up with you guys. I had some kind of bug this weekend. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose and headache and fever. I trip to the doctor and some antibiotics has helped. I rested for a few days, but staying home from work and not getting any quilting done was hard. I just had no energy. I am getting better now.
I am waiting for some fabric my brother picked up for me on his recent trip to Basingstoke, England. He had to be there for his job and I begged for a small piece of fabric from England. I used that, "But you are my only brother and your only big sister" ( He has a younger one too) "Your only big sister is having her 50th birthday and you will be away." (He is in NC and I am in NJ, not like we are near by.) Well it worked! ! ! He did get me some, but now I must get it from NC to NJ. No signs of it yet. I guess I will have to beg again. I am so anxious to see what he picked out. I want to make him a wall hanging to remember his trip. I also want to make a small token gift for the family who helped him find the way to the stores in the area. He is my special, one and only brother. I think I will keep him.
Time to get to sleep. This cold has taken a lot out of me.

Always quilting
One stitch at a time
Donna in LEH, NJ
dltquilt@juno.com

I posted a few days ago about loon babies on the lake. More babies are being shown off by their proud parents - just this weekend we saw many ducklings, baby deer (being shown our garden of course) and the highlight was the baby otters.

AND speaking of babies, our DS#3 & wife announced this weekend that they too are having a baby next spring. This will be #4 grandchild for us in 3 years. Three years ago I thought we'd be so old by the time the "kids" had kids that they would have to visit us in the funny home. Fear not those of you still wishing for some - 4 in 3 years can happen to you too!

Osteoporosis was mentioned some postings ago. Don't you HATE those huge calcium pills. I don't know about the rest of you but I choke on them. My doctor told me a lot of her patients are liking the chewable pills (not Tums)but when I asked my small town pharmacy about them, he didn't have a clue what they were. Anybody taking these? I'd love the name of them and to know if you like them.

Good night all,
Nancy "sewbird"

Cassi, SALLY SCHNEIDER is my psychiatrist's ex-wife. They divorced during my time that I was seeing him(professionally). I have a quilt she made for him. He had 3 in his office and I admired one in particular. We discussed quilting from time to time. When he retired from the Army he settled here. He called me from his new office and said he wanted to give me the quilt I had so admired. I told him I would accept it, only if I could make him one. I made bandanna kitties for him. I used black and white cow fabric for the kitties. I used secondary colors for the bandannas. I had 2 cats face each other and the other 2 facing away from each other. I explained to him that in his profession he probably meets people like them. First, they are cats but think they are cows. Second, I didn't use primary colors because they were all a little off. Third, the 2 facing were getting along and the 2 with their backs to each other were not getting along. He seemed to think it was really cute. I have Sally's quilt hanging up and I have a signed book of hers. I never did get to meet her. Her exDH is a really nice guy and has been very helpful to me and my DD. It is so sad when people divorce.

I met LIZ PORTER when I went to a special sale at the Quilt Barn in Puyallup. It was so great. They had champagne and all sorts of confections. The fabric on the porch was the biggest bargain. The food and drink was set up in the yard in front of the porch. We were all buzzing around getting bargains. I was having fabric cut when I looked at the person next to me. She looked really familiar. It was Liz Porter. We all went upstairs to the classroom and all sat around on the carpet. She spoke for a while and then we asked questions and got her to sign our books. She is a very laid back lady and very nice and very funny. It was great.

DONNA I was born in Philadelphia. We used to vacation, mostly, at Beach Haven and sometimes at Cape May. Those were the days. I never will forget the Taylor's Pork Roll sandwiches. Won't eat it now, but loved it then.

Sounds like a lot of grumpy drawers on the BB today. Heat must be frying some brains. Geez! the kids are always picking at each other. Now everyone of you better be nice or I'll take your birthdays away.

YYYs I received many compliments on my cute pin. So, now I don't feel so silly wearing it.

DH majored in Horticulture in college. We have a big garden every year. When we lived in TN he would pickle-beets, onions, peppers, cauliflower, cukes, just about everything. He makes B&B pickles, dill, etc. He is Pickle King.

CELIA could you mean menopause instead of metamorphosis? It sure changed me!

SISTERS-DH and I camped. On Sat. morn. as I was still in bed, DH is naked taking a sponge bath and brushing his teeth. He starts spitting and squawking. He had been using the Tinactin instead of toothpaste. Thought I would roll out of the bed. Next thing you know the door blows open and he is still in his Bday suit. I was laughing so hard. On the trip down the day before, he sticks his hand out the window and something hits his hand and bounces into his lap. He quickly pulls over and jumps out. It was a bumblebee between his legs. I am roaring. This trip he got to be the butt of all jokes, not me. He made it a very funny trip.

STITCHIN' POST on Fri. was a mob scene. I limp around and pick up 3 FQs and a mag. Then I yell out the door for DH to come and stand in line and pay for them. I retreat to the porch and my wheelchair. When we went for dinner he asked me what I had gotten at the SP. I (he paid for it, duh!) looked in the bag and saw that he had gotten me the Sisters Tshirt and a large postcard(that I refuse to mail to anyone). Wasn't that just so sweet? He does like quilts and likes to go to shows. We discussed some quilts he thinks I should make.

YYYs at Sisters. Had a blast meeting all the YYYs. Carol and Dot from OR. Jill, Deanna and me from WA. Candy from Alberta (she's a real looker). She will be on the road for a couple more weeks so she won't read this. Glad DH was getting me some ice cream. Sorry to have missed Betty and Kathi(ID) and Marilyn, the lurker. Next time we need to be organized and all camp in the same place. That would be too much fun! There aren't vendors at the Sisters Show. There are shops and little stands and there is the Stitchin' Post. Find I look longer at the quilts and do less damage when there aren't any vendors.

Next weekend it is the Bellevue Show with Julie in Redmond. Any BBers going to that one? Let me know.

Take care and may God bless you and yours!
Love, >^..^< Kitty Kate in WA >^..^<

Just back for a quick note to correct that I thanked Cassi for her report on the Sisters quilt show. Of course it was Quilt America - I was just testing to see who had been doing their homework- Linda you can give out the pencils tomorrow- LOL!!!!! Now I know why I was never a Geography teacher.

Also- I wrote to Brenda this morning and told her that since she was the Queen of Beans, that I would induct her with the MBE which is the Member of the British Empire, but in her case, The Master Bean Eater!!
Did I get it right this time Linda??- LOL!!!!!
If I didn't I will be too embarrassed to come back a third time, so just refer to Cassi's post- she must have it right.!
Hugs,
Celia

Cassi - couldn't believe it when I read you were from Loveland, Ohio. My sister-in-law lives there and we spent a week there last summer. A beautiful place. Had the best and biggest blueberries and raspberries I've ever eaten. Also canoed down the river.

Gained 20 lbs. after having a baby at 40. Count me in on the diet. I need support. Baby now 5 and two teenagers. She is wise beyond her years with them to help educate her. When she was 3 we were putting puzzles together with other moms and 3 yr. olds in a nursery school. We had a cow puzzle and she blurts out in a loud voice, "look mom, this cow has a penis!" The room got quiet, I received glares, and I quietly said, "yes it does look like that but it is not" and proceeded to explain what it was. I relayed that story to my teenagers who burst out laughing.

My DH likes a garden, but growing up in KS and having a large garden, I'm done gardening. May have a garden as long as it is just enough to enjoy now without having to put any up. He protects his garden so the rabbits don't eat it. Well, he found a nest of baby bunnies in the middle of the cucumber plant. So that the mother bunny can get to them, he now raised the fence 4". Go figure - how does he think the bunnies got there in the first place. I suggested he just take the fence down.

Sue in PA where the weather is cooler and we finally have some rain.

If you stay away from here for just a matter of hours now, you are lost!!! Ivon finally got away on his fishing trip early yesterday morning- like a good little "wifey" I was standing on the deck at 4.30 AM with my little starched white hanky, dabbing my eyes and waving- well okay- I WAS standing on the deck at 4.30 AM waving goodbye, but just to make sure he was really gone!!!! I think I missed my forte- should have been a drama queen!!!!

He was pacing back and forth on Saturday glued to the weather report,because the excessive lack of rain has made the water levels so low there was a chance the salmon rivers would be closed. I still don't know if he can fish all week, but I figure I am good at least until Thursday when the beer runs out- LOL!!!

I have run the roads all day, and have come to realize that I am getting too old for this stuff!!

Cassi:- You should have been a writer- fabulous rendition of the Sisters show (Thanks so much)- felt like I was there with you, and can well imagine everything you say about Bev is very true!!! To be on IM with these gals, and Penny- Oh my- Penny is an absolute riot- is nothing short of hysteria.! There have been many silences this past winter when nobody could type for laughing so hard!!!
Just Me Sue- LOVED your post too- good job these Serials have one sane member!!!

I always enjoy all the posts- have loved the "kiddy" stories- related just about all of them to a friend today, and I always enjoy hearing about the achievements of your DD's and DS's- these kids sure put a lot of training and effort into their activities and pursuits.

I always used to feel a bit sorry for Stacie(DD) growing up because Steven(DS) was a "natural" athelete and was into everything, and usually won at least one trophy a year. Stacie,even though
having made her entrance into the world as a scraggy little preemie, soon became quite husky, and even though I went to every single Sports Day at school, I always knew the results, - yet another "I participated" ribbon. Then at age 11 she discovered horse riding, and blossomed into the Horsewoman of the Year by age 18- just found her niche I guess. Her one trophy took pride of place in front of every single one Steven had won, and for ages they played "chess" with them in the cabinet- one day he would move his to the front, the next day she would see it and move hers to the front, then he would notice and back went his, and so on- kind of cute really!!

Great post Doni- like you I am shy too- very shy......and if you believe that I am also flying to London tomorrow for afternoon tea with Queenie!!! I am not shy, but am a stay at home Mom, living in the country and alone all day. At least I was alone, until I found all you wonderful and caring people- after a while, you feel such an affinity,that even though we are miles apart and even time zone separated, I find myself looking at the clock sometimes and thinking "Oh here I am cooking supper, and Susan in Fresno is just having her lunch"- crazy but true. I would not want to go back to being lonely all day, ever again.

Oh did I mention that I also USED to be an immaculate house-keeper, and a very organized person- what happened to me????- I think I underwent a metamorphosis-LOL!

Hugs to all,
Celia

DIETS AND DRINKING WATER: Grace, you might try putting a squeeze of lemon in it. I have to filter my tap water because of all the chlorine. It tastes much better. I keep a liter bottle around with me and sip whenever I think about it. My dad kept one in the car with him and when it was empty he would take it in the house and fill it up. He didn't like it ice cold (although winters in Utah can do it even in the car).

It finally cooled down here in Alabama but the humidity stuck around.

Speaking about gardens and all the canning...I like to blanche my green beans and put them in a jar of pickle juice (in the fridge) for a couple of weeks. They taste great and I don't have to go to all the trouble and work of canning (not that there isn't a reward in doing it). I live in an apartment and there is little enough space once I wash my fabric stash and put it away. From my dinky garden in pots I have gotten small salad tomatoes (not cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes), cucumbers, sweet banana peppers, dill and parsley in large enough numbers to make a salad about twice a week for the past month. So far I have had more red tomatoes than my q-buddy who has about 45 plants. LOL.

Later,
Sarah in cool but humid Alabama

I don't know beans about oliallaberries, or however you spell them suckers, but I looove strawberry jam.

Deep thought for the day: You can lead a whore to culture, but you can't make her think.

If this does not compute, you know where to send the e-mail.

Dr. Ruth

Well everyone I finally tried machine piecing today and rotary cutting. I always made my own templates and cut everything out with scissors and then hand pieced. However needed a block for my quilt group tomorrow and took the plunge. Not as bad as I thought! I think I'll have to try this more often. Any tips would be welcome.

Have a garden also - had tons of beans one year and canned some like dill pickles - were a big hit. My tomatoes this year are about 5'7" tall with lots of tomatoes. I make my own salsa to can and grow my own herbs for cooking and potpourri. Anyone else grow or dry herbs? I tried something new this year and am trying to dry the herbs in a food dehydrator - not sure if it will take out most of the flavor though. If anyone has tried this let me know.

Lori, PA

According to a fruit dictionary I happened upon - the Olallie Berry, [AHL-uh-lee], is grown mainly on the West Coast, this cross between a YOUNGBERRY and a LOGANBERRY has a distinctive, sweet flavor and resembles a large, elongated BLACKBERRY. It's delicious both fresh and cooked and makes excellent jams and jellies.

So there ya go - a definition but no photo, ha! At least we know there is such an animal. Later kids, from Brenda in Indiana >^..^<

From the words of my DH (who is a food scientist) the olallyberry is, he thinks, similar to a blackberry. It can be used for pie, jam, etc. We can't find it in the dictionary, so we're not totally positive. DH says if you really want to know, e-mail the University of California at Davis, or University of Oregon, probably the horticulture departments. They're grown in the northwest, so DH's guess is they would have the best info.

Cassi in Ohio....posting far too many times today!

Doni was right when she said all the info is confusing. Most people want to lose weight, myself included. But I do not believe in denying myself to do so. I do try to eat very healthy though. I have one trick that works pretty well. I cook dinner for my boyfriend about 4 or five nights a week. Instead of finding recipes that feed 2, I look for ones that feed four. That way I get one serving, he gets two, and I have leftovers for lunch the next day. That way if it is something lowfat or light he still gets enough to eat (at 6'1" and 147 lbs he doesn't need to lose weight). This way we are both satisfied. And I am training him to make smaller portions when he cooks for me. He makes his famous burgers, but now he makes mine smaller. Now if only I can get him off his macaroni and cheese recipe (with almost a pound of cheese in it!)

Great weekend up here. Took my friend's boys to the outdoor waterpark. Slathered them with sunscreen, but forgot about my back. I'm paying for it today, still. And yesterday I went to a big outdoor concert. It was one of those ones that most of you wouldn't want your children going to, but it was a lot of fun with some great music. And I got pulled on stage, that was certainly a highlight!

Best be going, more work to do before i head home and make some strawberry jam. I haven't read from the weekend, did we ever get an answer to what an olallieberrie is?

Happy day,
Cheryl in Edmonton

Don't believe a word Brenda says about the green beans....all the extras are supposed to end up at my house!

Cassi in Ohio....who didn't plant any beans this year at all....have mercy, Brenda

To reply to Susan in KS - I know what I'd like to do with all these d&mn beans! LOL! No, really, I plant extra just in case one of my farming friend's garden doesn't produce enough - they have 5 rugrats still at home and her goal every summer is to can 150 quarts...yikes! Sometimes she doesn't make the quota due to the kid's summer activities and helping her hubby with the farm (1000+ acres), so I'll give her 2-3 dozen quartsevery summer. I like to have 70 quarts done for us - we have a lot of family dinners, etc. Anything over my 70 quart limit gets divided between my friend and one of my nephew's family - they have 2 & 2/3's rugrats, ha! I thought I liked green beans but that little lady has me beat - I think she would eat them 3x a day if my nephew would let her, ha!

So, don't get me wrong ladies - I love to garden and can/freeze veggies and fruit. I just needed to have my head examinded last week when I picked beans on Monday/Tuesday and then didn't pick again until Saturday...stupid, stupid, stupid...and that's how you get to can 32 frigging quarts in one day! (stupid, stupid, stupid)

Later kids, from Brenda in Indiana >^..^<

You all sure have been busy, both posting here and going to fun places. Wish I could have made one of the Quilt Shows. I love to see all the latest gadgets and fabric, as well as the beautiful quilts.
I've been checking in only occasionally for the past week or two. Big family reunion (DH's)with 19 extra people at our house 2 nights/days!!! Also DM's reunion was Saturday, and I took her to that. Was afraid my house would not be standing when I returned, and it WAS in pretty bad shape. But this is over for another year!!! YEAH!! I may never catch up on my sleep--I'm a light sleeper, and every 15 minutes (I swear!) someone was getting up and slamming the bathroom door! Laundry is to the ceiling. Oh, well, it'll keep.
I think tonight I will start a new "project." QB Sandra and I have decided to make a cute kid's quilt (ask her who hers is for -- I'll let her break the news!)and all I could think of all weekend was "as soon as they leave I'm going to start cutting!" Of course when they left I was too tired to do anything except sleep.
Beans -- my DH has a garden and raises green beans and 3 kinds of peas. So far we have put up over 100 quarts for ourselves, plus DM has about half that many. They will all be used up by this time next year, and we buy very few "bought" beans. No kids at home now, but family dinners, church dinners, etc. will sure use them in a hurry.
Sorry to be so long, but I feel like I've been gone forever. I'll try to catch up on the news a little at a time.
Happy quilting,
Linda B in Really Nice (today) Tx

I haven't posted lately, but been lurking. Just have to add my boy story. Seven years ago when I got my tubes tied, my DH (their step dad) tried to explain to my boys what I was having done. He even drew a picture for them. DS2 was 4 1/2 at the time. Several weeks/months later the teachers at day care were talking with the kids and the subject of babies came up. The teachers asked if any of the kids thought they would get more brothers/sisters. DS2 piped up & said "No, Mom got her hoses cut!" Out of the mouths of babes.
Vicky in TX Our night meal is also my biggest. Breakfast is ususally a bagel & lunch is yogurt/fruit/veg. I just watch portion control in the evening and almost always have a salad. Good Luck!
DH is going in for surgery Wednesday. He has a bulging disk so they will remove the disk & fuse the vertabrae. Hoping this helps him. DS1 fractured his wrist recently. Fell off the hay wagon! I've spent entirely too much time in Drs offices lately.
Hope everyone is having a great day.
Reg in KS where the weather has been beautiful!

Good Afternoon!

Nothing too exciting going on here--I read this Chat Page for my excitement! Guess it's this or housework.....easy choice there!

I've really enjoyed hearing about Quilt America and the Sister's show. Sounds like you all had so much fun!

My opinion about diet and exercise--power to ya, ladies, if that's what you think you need to do! (Don't take that remark wrong anyone--LOL!) Personally, I have given up worrying about my weight and diet. I do try to eat in moderation, but I'm thru depriving myself. I am what I am--extra pounds and all. And I figure I get enough exercise chasing a 4 y/o and running up and down the stairs to my sewing room and the computer.

Brenda in Indiana--I just have to ask!! What exactly do you do with all those green beans you can? Do you eat them 3 times a day??!! Enquiring minds and all that....

Susan in KS (where it's very very nice for July!)

It is so hot today in CA that by 9:30 this a.m., dgd and I were in the pool, by 11:am we had been in 3 x. What a way to start the day!

DGD found a snake head in the garden, we all want to know where the body silthered off to?

Her little friend Billy is coming to swim this afternoon...So I 'll have some little boy stories, maybe..

Class should be fun looking forward to some quilting.

All have a good day and those that need it here is a prayer for you.

terter

Glad to see everyone enjoyed Bertie's Bernina Boy story.....tried to make it so it was as funny for all of you as it was for us!

DR.RUTH: You're right about the ribbing we Serial Quilters give each other. If we eliminated all the harassment, needling (pun intended) and grief we give each other, we'd hardly talk at all. Each one of us manages to heap on the abuse to another.....no one is off limits, no one is protected! We also, as I'm sure you all realize, have become great friends and we ARE able to have our serious moments. We've just bonded so well that we are like squabbling siblings all the time!

Perhaps many of you don't realize that almost all the Serial Quilters met via the internet. Except for Just Me Sue and Nancy in Loveland, none of us knew each other before last fall....hard to believe we haven't even known each other a year yet! We don't mean to be intimidating....just like to share our fun. We never knew there were quilters just around the corner, so we are all thrilled to have discovered each other and these new friendships! Out of the 9 Serial Quilters we have, 7 are connected through this Bulletin Board....so if you're searching for friends to quilt with in your area, check this board often, as well as other boards, and you may find some new quilting buddies, too!

Cassi in Ohio.....what's the countdown now ladies?

Count me in for the diet and water routine. I remarried about a year and a half ago and I have gained about 15 pounds...My DH is great but the extra weight is not. URSALA you have inspried me. I took my big jug of water with me to work and I will refill it in a minute when I go back (I'm on my lunch hour now) I had cantalope and watermelon pieces for lunch. The night meal is what gets me...My DH likes a big supper..tastes great but adds pounds!!!!!!!
DAWN....one word of advice buy good sizzors and never use them for anything except material. Nothing is more frustrating than sizzors that chew up your fabric.
I am thinking about starting a wall hanging for my DD for Christmas, something fairly simple..She is 21yrs..likes antiques.....I will check the quilt board for any suggestions.
How do you all keep up with quilting, home, the BB, and working? I seem to not have enough time. Maybe I could do with less sleep or something!!!!!!!!!
Well, I have to get back to work, I'll check in this evening .........
Have a great afternoon.....Vicki/Texas

I know this is an off topic question, but you all are the largest group of women I have access to. Have any of you ever taken Clomid? If you have and are willing to answer some of my questions, please e-mail me. TIA.

Julie in GA

Michelle~ Great post! Very informative and helpful!

Thanks,
Ursula in S. Jersey :o)

I've been reading all the postings about diet, exercise, and osteoporosis and was wondering if any of you are taking Evista. My doctor took me off the Climara Patch and prescribed Evista to prevent bone loss, but after reading the precaution sheet that comes with it, I don't want to take it. I'm hoping some of you can share your experience if you've taken Evista or know someone who does.

Linda in OK

just finished reading all of the posts I missed this weekend.
water is a wonderful thing if you are trying to lose weight but it does not and should not replace food. a fairly active person should consume 30 calories per pound. That does get adjusted depending on how active you are though. More active people need more food. Water does many good things including aiding in digestion, helping to prevent illness (most of the time when you're sick and don't have any energy it's because you're dehydrated), and when you have enough water eight 8oz. glasses it also reduces bloating (yippee!)

to all those newbies--
it's not so long ago that I was (well, I still am in some areas) a newbie. I prefer to do all my piecing by machine just because it is faster for me. I also do all of my quilting that way too. I would recommend buying a lot of white cotton thread, a seam ripper, a good pair of fabric scissors (never use them to cut paper), a pair of thread nippers, a long clear ruler with inch, half and quarter markings, cutting mat, rotary cutter, and a silver quilt marking pencil (it works on dark and light fabric), also lots of ball head pins to pin pieces together and saftey pins to baste your quilt.

Good books to have--the quilters ultimate visual guide--great explanations with pictures on how to do everything for those people who, like me, need to see it done. Any of Debbie Mumm's books (especially for the woman with the 4-year olds) try quick country quilts it has a lot of really cute patterns with large blocks and pieces that are easy to put together. The directions are really well written too. They are for sale on her site. www.debbiemumm.com That's all I can think of for now, feel free to contact me if you need any more help.
Michelle in PA

Sounds like many of you had a wonderful Quilting weekend. You gals really know how to have a good time.
We had a record breaking 114 yesterday, and hopefully it doesn't try to match it today. That means staying in and getting lots of quilting done. The air-cond. upstairs and down, going full blast, $$$$
Dot... Just join, mine and Ursulas, internet, quilters, diet, buddy group...First you have to get down on the floor and do 20 stomach crunchies,
OUCH...they get easier..do this also before you jump in the bed...and any time during day that you feel the urge to put something in your mouth..
...I spent alot of time on the floor yesterday...
..I looked real funny doing this in the middle of Costco..HA HA As for the water, with the heat I can't drink enough..
Hope you stay with us Dawn....
Love and hugs to you, Faith and Bill..........
Happy quilting to you......Linda in

Betty, good evaluation of Mr. Giordano's ideas on S&M. <G>

Personally, I think Bernina has the best “equipment.” Does the elevator boy make house calls?

Doni is shy? That’s awfully hard to believe. Have had several S.E.X.-therapy sessions with jdb
and believe it or don’t, she’s actually shy too. Maybe taking her to Alaska with me will help her
shake off her inhibitions. The Fab Four in Fairbanks doesn’t seem to be as intimidating as the Serial Quilters, but we’ll see.

E-mail equipment can be neurotic too; sometimes my e-mail will go through when others' won't; other times just some fur flying from Kitty Kate's 'puter will throw it into a tizzy.

One of the problems with a cyber quilting guild is that you can't see your quilting buddies' faces, so you can't see a twinkle or a tear in each other's eyes to know if you should be taken seriously, explain yourself further, or just laughed at. It sounds like the Serial Quilters hassle each other, but it's done in person, so they know when to tease, and when to pass the prozac.

Since we can't see each other (and I wish we could!) maybe we should be more sensitive about the comments we make, and be less sensitive about the comments we read.

Dr. Ruth. Oh dear. That was much too serious. When in doubt, dont EVER take me seriously!

I responded to Dawn's request about quilting suplies with no problem yesterday. I just highlighted the addy and used the edit feature to copy and then paste it into the address line. Its a much surer way to send e-mails.
Cassie: loved the elevator and Mrs Robinson story. It sounds like those YYY's mean fun. I had mine in St Paul pinned to my bag and no-one spotted it and I didn't see any either. Must make more effort next time.
Another beautiful warm (not hot) sunny day here so I'd better go clean up the yard. We cut the top off a huge tree and someone has to chop those branches down to size so they an go to the composer at the landfill.
Nelly in Thunder Bay

ok, I started running to lose weight and lost about 15lbs in the last 4-5 months but since I still want to lose about 5lbs more I started reading this book called low fat living for normal people. The basic rule is that you should choose foods that have less than 5% of your daily allowance for total fat and especially saturated fat. Pay attention to serving sizes though since that will influence how much fat you are actually getting. Both butter and margarine are bad for you but margarine is worse because it contains something called trans fats which are worse than saturated fats. Basic rule for meat is that lean red meat (especially top round) is good for you as long as you only consume a roughly 6 oz serving (the size of a deck of cards). chicken is very good for you as long as you trim all of the fat off and especially don't eat the skin since that is where most of the fat is stored. Fish contains no harmful fats so it is actually the best thing you can eat. Grains, beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables should be the main focus of your meal along with starches if you are really trying to lose weight. Olive and canola oils are the best cooking oils to use because they contain none of the "bad" fats. Use one Tbs per serving. Avoid creams, sauces, and butter. Ask for your dressing on the side and try for a fat free or low fat. it has also been found that if you take more than 100 units of vitamin e a day it will help to prevent some of the fats from being absorbed into your system. Desserts can be good for you depending on what they are-- Angel food cake contains no fat! fresh fruit contains no fat-- an easy mousse style pie can be made from yogurt and whipped cream if you get the fat free or light versions of these products they can be good for you. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are better for you than milk chocolate The powder is fat free and dark chocolate is low in fat because it contains no milk and less butter fat. Exercise is important because it strenghtens your heart, improves your circulation, releases good chemicals in the brain (endorphins), helps concentration and energy as well as burning calories. Hope this helps...Also, most of the low fat or fat free recipes I have used or seen concentrate more on using a lot of spices instead of fats for flavorings.
Michelle in PA

Forgot to post this for a while. If you are looking for a new sewing machine
there's a book "The Sewing Machine Guide" by John Giordano. Taunton Press, e-mail
tp@taunton.com. The chapters of the book are SMART WAYS TO: Think about Sewing,
Choose a Sewing Machine, Maintain Your Sewing Machine, Buy a Sewing Machine, and
Use a Sewing Machine. It's not a big book costs $15.95, but I really thought it was
informative. He gives you checklists for what you like about your machine and what
you want in another one.

What did it do for me--made me happier with the machine I have. I got out its
instruction book and found that I am really underusing what I have. It's still a
Viking Brute, but that's my mindset and I'm trying hard to change. Guess that
makes Mr. Giordano a SM therapist--do we dare go there?????? Betty

Sue,

Didn't mean personally, that Peg was testy ! She called herself that in her post to wrong emails !
So, I headed with the same !!!!!

My main mention of this remark, was to make everyone aware, that you can hurt peoples feelings and cause them to leave the site !!!!!!!

Sorry if I hurt anyone with this rematk, but wanted awareness of the new people coming to the site !

Elaine

Have been reading all the boards and finding myself responding to queries on the QR board most days recently.

Love to hear what everyone else is doing - Quilt America and Sisters both sound awesome. I'm thinking pretty seriously about going to IQF in Houston in Oct - just really wish the class info would arrive.
Welcome to all the newbies.
Have been working on a number of projects, getting lots done. Goodie for Faith and Bill goes out in today's mail; I found some great Thimbleberries flannel for the flannel FQ swap (a local quilt shop is closing and everything is 50% off), and am working on two original wall-hangings - much harder to do than to think about!

Holiday w/e it was TOO hot to sit out on the deck, this w/e it was almost too cool - go figure, but I managed to put in some hours weeding among the junipers down on the bank in front of my house - a hot and scratchy job that has to be done once or twice each summer.

10 years ago, I lost a LOT of weight over 8 months, with a lot of aerobic exercise and careful eating. Kept it off quite a while, but much has climbed back on in the last few years - I'll second the messge about weight-bearing exercise, like walking. I really loved running but my feet and knees decided that I should not do that anymore, and it has been really hard to commit to any low-impact aerobic activity on a regular basis. Having my pressing surface across the room from the sewing machine is not quite enough! Good suggestion about freezing water in 1-liter bottles and I love the sock suggestion.

Carol in Wantage - would second the recommendations for air travel - your DD will have those extra days with her friend, eating etc for 6 days on the road would cost $$ and likely not be very healthy. I've found some very good fares between Newark and San Fran, where my DD lives.

Off to spend a busy day in my studio, will be checking back later so I don't miss anything!
Susan in NW New Jersey

Good morning ladies!

Thank you Sue and Eric for the new BOM shortcut at the top of the page!

I about got my Churn dash blocks finished..just 10 more to go..well actually just 5 but I want a duplicate set of the ones that wanted a special color, that shouldn't take to much longer...I hope! LOL!! Then off to the single block with instructions..that should be a challenge!
Then hopefully I can find time to work on my Angels..thats the game plan anyway! LOL!!

I wonder if the guy in the elevator felt like a lamb in a den of wolves! LOL!! What a hoot! I just knew that Bertie would be a mess in real life!! She is way to good at it on the BB for it just to be a BB thing! LOL!!

Welcome all the new posters..I have to admit that finding this BB was the best thing that has happened to me in a long time...I am a very shy person..we live in the country..I am a stay at home mom..and just really got out of the real world...I find strength from the relationships I have on this BB....Thank you! And have gotten a grip on the shy thing..but it will be tested at Ohio! LOL!!

Weight lose....anyone ever figured out what exactly we are suppose to cut out to really lose weight? A few years ago they said cut the fat! Then they could never figure out exactly how much fat was a good thing..cutting to much fat out can be real harmful to hair, skin and most important..the gall bladder..now they say to cut the carbohydrates..and dont worry about fat as long as its a natural fat..dairy products, cheese eggs, milk....butter, real butter, not margerine..So what gives! What do you cut out beside desserts that makes you fat?? I gain weight every winter, and lose it every summer with out trying..I have done this since high school..and have no clue how! mind you, im not a willow..but I am happy with me, most of the time..I think God made us like flowers..all different sixes and shapes..and as long as we are active..and pay attention to our health..thats the important part...I bought a book by Dr. Rober Atkins, on Carbohydrates..and it is really an interesting book....and I know my FIL has lost about 40# in the last 6 months on his way of eating..but in 5 years are they going to decide that this is a bad thing to?? I think if there was a secret way to do weight lose, they wouldnt tell, they make to much money of products sold to help reduce weight..and what works for one won't always work for another. I think God made us all different, and our ideal weight is in his hands..Just keep active..thats the most important part..

Well better get..Hugs to all..Good luck to those of you that are dieting..Ursula..Hugs to you, and you go girl! Chase them twins around! That will give you a good work out per day!! I know I do Nickaerobics daily..helps me! Any one ever seen the Taibo tapes?? I would love to do the kick boxing..maybe learn it real good and beat up Mark the next time he hurts me when were working together!! LOL!! He always smashes his thumbs with hammers, and then get upsets when I won't hold the nail while he hammers it..Hummm whos the smart one?? I always just poke the nail thru a little piece of paper and hold it like that...keeps me from smashing my thumbs!! LOL!! Of course..once again..I'm just a women and not as smart as a man, I know..but....my thumbs are just fine! LOL!!

Hugs to all, Doni

Dot: The quilts at Hatfields were really a treat and at 3 pm Sat we
appreciated the air conditioning.

The flannels reminded DD that she had some at home and probably should
make DSIL a hunting quilt. She dragged it out when we got home and it
is a cranberry color with black printed elk, moose, beaver and bears (the
animals are not very big and the print is sort of random). Anyway she has
lots and would love to trade fat quarters for MANLY plaids, etc. in manly
colors. I know we're too late for the organized flannel swaps. Any more
interested people out there???? Betty in wonderful, warm, blud-sky Oregon.

What I learned at Quilt America (by Just me, Sue)
I learned that wearing a YYY is a wonderful way to
meet all those BBer's that I think I already know.
I learned that Peg from chicago and DD Carrie are
delightful people (not at all testy)
I learned that Brenda is a very thoughtful and kind
country gal, who is a pleasure to be with
I learned that Melinda is - well what can I say -
a real hoot and had us all in stitches!
I learned that Bertie has a incredible sense of
humor and really knows what to say (or sing) at the
right time.
I learned that Ronna is probably what puts the "Happy"
in Happy Valley - such a delightful person!
I learned that the way to find Holice's booth is to
follow the crowd - it was always crowded.
I learned that going to a quilt show is quite a humbling
experience for one like me, but there is a place in
the quilting world for me anyway.
I learned that I can learn as much from my friends,
Susan, Bev and Cassi about quilting as I can from
taking a class. But the classes are so much fun!
I learned about color values, curves and stars - maybe
more than I ever knew I wanted to know!
I learned that Bev is indeed, a "no-nonsense"
driver who is not afraid to tangle with a bus!
I learned that 4 quilters in a motel room can quilt
using what they have available. An ironing board
makes a good sewing table, as does a night stand.
You can get an incredible amount of fabric on two
double beds if you try hard enough. When using a low
dresser for a cutting table, you do indeed look like
you are praying to the "rotary god!" to borrow an
expression from Susan.
I was trying to think of my favorite part of the experience
and came up with two. The episode with Bertie in
the elevator (read Cassi's posting for details)was something
I will laught about for a long time. The second was
when Cassi rolled off the bed, for laughing so hard.
At least she did not PI(her)P rollol, since she was on
MY bed at the time!
This was my first Quilting convention experience and
will definately NOT by my last!
Now it is time to tie up all those loose ends for
Ohio 99 and prepare Ohio for it's very first (and
last) BBer's quilting weekend hosted by the Serial
Quilters! Just me, Sue

Good Monday all,
It's bee-u-ti-ful outside today. About 59 and clear blue sky. Wow what more could you ask for??
I even had to get a sweatshirt to chase away the goosebumps!
When I don't read this BB a few days I'm lost on what all of you are talking about.
I loved the elevator stories. It just reminds us that we don't know who someone is by how they look. It sounded so-o-o funny but that poor guy. LOL
Well all of our baseball seasons are finally over. DD#2 lost on Sat. She pitched 4 innings after the first pitcher walked 7 and hit one with a pitch. DD did really well but they hit the ball and we had some bad luck trying to field. ended 20-15. DS#2 lost yesterday. 12-9. So now we move on to other things.
DS#1 and I are going to college orientation TH & Fri this week. And next week we go to the shore for a week. Summer is going fast.
I joined the Sunbonnet swap from the other page so now I'm going fabric shopping this week. (Did you all hear the happiness)???
have a great day.
Dee in PA

Morning All !

Hope you have a Great Day !!!!!!!!

This message is for Testy Peg in Chicago !

Peg, I am sorry you were unable to get thru on your posts, but this happens sometimes and we must have patience ! Lots are new to quilting and also computers !!! I always tried to post correct email address and etc. Checked and noticed my posting of email was correct, sorry it came back to you ! So, from all of us that aren't perfect,
Sorry !!!!!!! Elaine

P.S. Don't mean to air feelings this way, but don't come down so hard on fellow quilters and cause them to leave this site !

Quilt America had tons of good vendors. One booth that set DD into a tailspin was the Fl-Air company that had air brushed wildlife on fabric for quilters. Right on page 7 are loons. To die for!
Actually they were a little out of my price range with small patches of 5" runnning about $6. Holice had already broken the bank by the time we go to this booth. However, for someone who is looking for unusual focus patches these would be great. If they'd have had dragons DD would have sold her quilting needle for one. the Ph# is 1888-617-3677. They also had African animals, goldfish, butterflies, orcas, cats, and hummingbirds.
I thought at once of Marie and the rest of you who are lucky enough to have birds other than crows and morning doves to watch. Peg in Chicago

Thanks for all the support.
If the post from Fat Fannie was a play on words then fine but we should all pre-read what we post and think of how it sounds to ourselves. Majority thought the same thing I did, so what's said is said and lets move on.

About the water, I was told it does flush out all the organs and keep you from getting hungry. I got an e-mail from someone saying to try a bit of crystal lite in it to make it taste better. Also to put Sweet and Low/Equal and lemon juice in it and it tastes like lemonaide. I bought a few 32 oz. bottles and fill them at night and refridgerate them til morning. they are really cold and I know I only have to drink 2 of them to get in the water I need for the day. Hope this helps the water drinkers of the BB!

DONNA at the Jersey shore, where abouts are you? I'm trying to get directions and times from Donna in LEHT and will see if I can make it to the meeting.

Ursula in S. Jersey :o)

To the lady apologizing for her errors. If I had to apologize for all my errors, that's all I would be doing. I really can spell, its just these keys that mess me up. I think faster than my little fat fingers can fly. Don't worry about it, a little scrabble spelling never hurt anyone..I know I'm the Queen of Scrabble, thanks to the IM ladies, and I wear my crown proudly...LOL
Penny

Good morning everyone ! What a weekend and it wasn't even anything to do with quilting.
My DD competed in the Miss Teen of MIchigan Scholarship & Recognition Program in Kalamazoo. She got the Special Achievemnet Award for the age group, which was 15 year olds. This is the next best to being in the top ten. She was condsidered best overall for her age. This is based on scholastics, community work, poise, talent, etc. anyway, girls, (and Holice) she "DONE" good!!! It was a feeling I can't explain when they called her name, it didn't even sound like my name..LOL There were 93 competeing, from all over MI. It was a very well organized program and done really professional. The top prize was a $2000 savings bond and $500 to your school to go towards any program you desire. Nicki got a plaque, and a lot of great memeories and experience. It was the first time she ever did anything like this and she sure didn't let us down. By the way, she was really tickled about the comment from her "IM aunties"..thanks girls.
So I've been out of action , as far as the BB for the weekend, I better go catch up. From the little bit I've read about the Serials weekend, I just know that OHIO is going to be a blast! Any elevators in Cinci, Cassi?
Later...Penny

Good Morning All. I am Loving the Stories on Sisters. My dream is to someday get there.

I have also laughed about that boy thing that apparently goes on everywhere. With four girls I can happily say that ignorance is bliss.

I just returned from vacation and it took me hours to catch up on all your lives. I haven't posted much, mostly just lurked, but I know you all so well. LOL.

To Ursula, I am looking forward to Meeting you at that Quilting Guild Meeting with the Eleanor Burns Spokeswoman. Also hear I will be meeting Susan from NW NJ. I have my directions from Donna in LEH township.

Anyone else out there from NJ? I realize that we are a small state, but we have quite a few quilt shops here and I know that they are not living on my support alone.

Even tho I am still a big newbie, I would like to say hello to all new ones. And of course a Great Big hello to those who post here daily. Brenda, KittyKate, Cassi, jdb,Celia, and all you other back bones of this page. My husband makes fun of me because I am always down in the 'puter room checking on my "friends". Thanks for keeping me entertained.

Donna at the Jersey Shore

P.S. It's my understanding that water, lots and lots of water, flushes the system of all the poisons and things that we are surrounded by daily in this very polluted world. This enables the cells and all organs to work properly and more efficiently, giving us more energy and stamina, which in turn allows us to burn more calories. Drinking water is probably a good practice to follow even if weight loss is not your goal. Now if I would only listen to myself.

Saturday morning....off to Liz Porter's Curing Curve-a-phobia class. This is a drunkard's path pattern - larger than usual which makes learning to do the curves easier. And she's right!

One thing about making this block is having a convenient sewing machine. One with a needle down position and a knee lift is particularly handy, and Liz suggested to those of us who had featherweights to try using the Berninas supplied at the back of the room. So we put in a call to the Bernina guy to come and help us set up machines and show us non-Bernina people how to use them.

I heard his voice as I was putting my featherweight away, turned and burst out in a loud voice, "It's the elevator guy!!!!" Yes, folks, our very own elevator guy is the Bernina Boy!!!! Naturally all four of us started laughing, had to tell the story to everyone else in the class. The poor kid blushes SO well!!! So Bertie, we got to have lots of extra looks because he was in our class a LONG time! Eat your heart out!

Liz is a relaxed, fun instructor, and we were able to make a lot of blocks throughout the day. Someone had Pepper Cory's 6" inch drunkard's path templates (Liz's pattern involves 7-inch freezer paper templates) so we were quickly off to a vendor's booth and bought out all the 6" and 4" templates. PEPPER: I need 3" templates too......do you make them??? The templates really do make the cutting go quickly and easily!

At lunchtime we checked out the show.....saw Judy in Ohio's Hoffman Challenge wallhanging with a lovely third place ribbon on it.....Judy, I just love your inspiration!

Overall I didn't feel quite as in awe of the quilts as I did in Paducah. Mind you, every single one is far better than I could ever make, but nothing really grabbed me. Maybe it was because I waited until the third day to do my viewing.

We continued in Liz's class for the afternoon. It was a nice and relaxing way to spend our last day. If you haven't tried Liz's technique for the drunkard's path, I recommend it. It truly does help get you over that "curve-a-phobia."

Packed up and enjoyed watching Bev back her van the wrong way into the entrance....she was sick of going around the block so decided just to back up the one-way street instead. Spending time with her can definitely be an adventure!

We stopped at an Applebee's on the way home for dinner. Actually, we tried to find the Cow Palace, just to see what it was like, but gave up after driving a few miles off the interstate and not locating it. Enjoyed our last dessert....vowing to get back on a better regimen once we got home.

Back at home I discovered DS already completely sacked out recuperating from a week at Scout Camp. DH had thoughtfully finished all the clean-up and laundry from Scout Camp, so I didn't walk into a week's worth of camping gear and dirty clothes, for which I heartily thank him!

Yesterday I started unloading my purchases and trying to remember why I thought I had to have a particular fabric...I bought a bunch of fat quarter sets at one booth and a kit packet at another. Now I have no idea why I thought I had to have those fabrics! Quilted on Ridgeley's quilt with my Roxanne thimble for a while and cut out all my churn dash blocks for Ohio 99.

DD has her last day at dance camp today....five days there and she still has to come home to two hours of ballet tonight! She'll be exhausted and cranky, I'm sure. Not to mention another round of dirty laundry. Nationals are this Friday and Saturday and I have four costumes to work on....best get that done today, I guess. Sigh....I'd much rather work on the churn dash blocks!

It was a great weekend.....I recommend wearing a yellow yo-yo to these shows for sure! Yes, I hate them and feel stupid, but it sure does help track other BBers down! I had a terrific time....hope I didn't annoy everyone else to death!

Well, off to shower and get dressed! Hope you enjoyed our adventures as much as we did!

Cassi in Ohio

Sorry about the errors. I was in a hurry. Buy not by. And I think my fingers hit a few wrong keys on a few other words.
I'll go back to school and learn to spell.

Good Morning!
I'm ROFLMAO on that elevator story and Mrs. Robinson. That makes my day.

Not much time, off to discuss my requisitons with the principal. I wouldn't have ordered it if I didn't need it. He wants me to priortize!! I need it all!!

Grace - by a couple of those bottles of bottled water. Drink them! Then refill them 2/3's full and freeze every night. In the morning top it off with fresh water and you have ice water all day. I put one of my husbands socks around the bottle to absorb the moisture and carry it with me everyday. My students make fun of me with my water bottle and sock, but I have ice cold water all day long. Now Walmart has a water bottle in an insulated case with a carrying strap that is great to take with you to quilt shows or hikes. Those bottles freeze just fine.
Gotta go - Sue in PA

Friday morning....time to head off to the vendors and show. We found Peg in Chicago and her daughter Carrie as soon as we walked into the exhibit hall, talked a bit and then made plans to meet up again for lunch.

I managed to restrain myself reasonably well at the booths. I bought a Roxanne thimble, which was my main goal for the day. I tried it out here at home yesterday and I can now say that I have finally found a thimble I can use. No more holes in my fingernails!!!!

Also bought some of those clothespin-type hangers for hanging up quilts...DH is not thrilled with the idea of having to install them. He's been given a deadline of "before Ohio 99" so I guess I'll have to start nagging pretty quickly to make sure it gets done.

Had a fun lunch at Steak and Shake with Peg and Carrie....talked about the BB of course, as well as Ohio 99. Can't wait to meet all the rest of you! Peg and DD are delightful!

Hit more vendors after lunch.....discovered a $2 a yard box at Kaye England's booth and we had lots of fun sifting through that and tossing yards back and forth to each other. Bought 8 yards worth. Then we decided to drive over to Quilts Plus and check out their store.

After surviving a close encounter with the back corner of a city bus (it was inches from my window in the back seat of Bev's car, we made it to the store. Thank heavens they had refreshments! Great store, found a batik for Martha in Alaska (I owe her one) and found a few other fabrics that wanted to move from Indianapolis to Cincinnati, so how could I refuse?

Also found (and bought) a copy of Hidden in Plain View, which I've been wanting to read. Found a thingy (can't remember what it's called) that marks diagonal lines plus quarter inch to either side and had to have that. Sally Schneider had shown us this tool in her class, so we all bought them.....one of those "I want one" purchases!

Found more fabric for Susan in Fresno's row robin....can't tell you what it is cuz it will give away the secret! Just wanted to let you all know so the secret will continue to annoy her LOL

At this point we were totally exhausted. Sue and I absolutely refused to consider any more walking, so we headed back to the hotel. Susan and I loaded up our sewing stuff and moved it over to Bev and Sue's room and we spent the evening making more Wyoming Valley Star blocks. We ordered room service, including three desserts that Bev decided must all belong to her!

By the end of the evening, I was flat out on the bed, still trying to match up sets of light, medium and dark fabrics. No one was agreeing with my choices! I was laughing so hard I rolled off the bed and got pinned between the bed and the wall. Then I couldn't stop laughing and started choking. Bev said I had too much chocolate but I couldn't agree since she had eaten half my dessert!

We decided we like the Wyoming Valley Star block....weren't too sure after the first one, but once we got rolling on a second one things were looking good!

Slept like a log that night....stay tuned for Part 3.

Cassi in Ohio

Well, we're back! I have gotten my family settled back in and now I'm ready to let you know about our wonderful weekend at Quilt America!

We left bright and early Thursday morning. Bev drove and we soon established that she has three speeds: fast, faster and stopped. She avoids that last speed whenever possible! We made it to Indianapolis with time to spare, which was a good thing since we made several trips back and forth through the convention center trying to find our classroom. Wouldn't logic tell you that Class 108 would be in Room 108? Guess again!

All four of us took Sally Schneider's Wyoming Valley Star class. Backyard Susan and Bev muttered together all day at one table. Just Me Sue and I were quiet and diligent workers at another! The class was great....did a few methods I hadn't tried before, like sewing bias strips together to cut half-square triangles (or is that half-triangle squares?) LOL.

We met up with fellow Serial Quilter Linda for lunch, as well as Melinda in Indy and Brenda in Indiana. Bev managed to knock her lunch out of Linda's hand as Linda was trying to put it on the table....just can't take her anywhere!

We found Ronna in Happy Valley after lunch and had a nice chat with her. She showed us her first quilt (I don't even want to discuss what a beautiful job she did as a first timer!). Apparently her job working with threads smaller than human hair enables her to achieve a quilting stitch smaller than most quilters can achieve in a lifetime! She's piecing frog blocks together as a hand project to take on the plane and they are so cute! Would love to have the pattern, Ronna!

Holice's booth was easy to spot--he had a nice big yellow yo-yo pinned to the wall! Had to buy some stencils, of course, plus one of those marking pencils he's told us about and a fabric eraser. He's sorry he's not able to come to Ohio 99....kept saying he'll come next year! I kept telling him there is no "next" year in Ohio unless he's organizing it!!!!

After the afternoon session was over, we met up again with Melinda and Brenda at our hotel and then Bertie arrived!!!! She is absolutely wonderful. I learned that I will never try to teach her how to play cards and that wicked sense of humor that shows on the BB is very evident in real life!

THE ELEVATOR STORY: We had dinner together in the hotel restaurant and all seven of us crowded into the elevator to go back to our room. So here we are, seven middle aged women (sorry Brenda, 39 is close enough to be middle aged) and before the door closes here comes a drop-dead gorgeous hunk of male carrying a glass of beer in each hand. Mind you, this is material for a male calendar....blond, tanned, nice bod, etc. Maybe all of 23 years old!

He looks into the elevator and sees seven lovely ladies staring out at him and says, "I'll wait for the next one." Naturally we all started giving him a hard time about being afraid of us, so he blushes a little bit and gets on. As the elevator starts to go up, I hear a small voice from the back corner singing, "And here's to you, Mrs. Robinson." All seven of us burst out laughing, the poor kid turned every warm shade on the color wheel and I'm sure thanked his lucky stars when the elevator doors opened on his floor. I'm sure he was thankful as well that his floor wasn't our floor!

I couldn't figure out who it was who sang that until we got off the elevator.....Bertie!!!! Now mind you, Bertie has this lovely, demure looking presence. If you had looked at this crowd of ladies, she probably would have been the last one you would pick to have even THOUGHT about Mrs. Robinson, let alone actually sing it! Poor kid probably doesn't even know what the song means!

We continued talking in our room for a while....were your ears burning? Naturally we covered all the highs and lows of the BB!

Finally it was lights out....exhausted but a great day!

More to come....stayed tuned for Part 2

Cassi in Ohio

Good morning all,
All this talk about losing weight. Have been trying for years and have not been that succesful. My biggest problem is
that I do not drink enough water. I know that it would definitely help me if I drank more. For a great number of reasons.
Forgot the posters name, but how do you manage to drink water from one of those 16 oz. glasses if the water gets warm
I can barely get a 8 oz glass down and that is if it is ice cold.
I know, I know, water has no taste so they tell me, but it does to me and I shiver just thinking about it.
Do any of you have a solution to that??. How do you manageto drink your water???/
and I really am trying.
Grace in Ont.

Morning all, just my 2 cents worth about exercise, for Ursula, and mostly for myself. On the days that I walk, or do the treadmill (totally boring but it works when its raining) I have so much more energy, and my moods are UP not Down. And one thing we ladies need to remember in that osteo-word for bone loss. Any weight bearing exercise is good for strengthening the bones, even if its only a one mile walk 3x a week. Those of us who are in our 40's and 50's can expect to live to be in our 90's and its better if we arn't all crippled up with osteo. After visiting my aunts in S. C. in May I have renewed my efforts to exercise, and be somewhere near my ideal weight, as my favorite aunt is so very crippled up with her osteo back. She had been 5'3" and is now not more that 4'10", and in lots of pain.
So Ursula, me, others, just do lt! We will have more energy, have better outlooks on life, if that is actually possible, and live longer, so we can make more quilts.
Enough preaching, somebody stop me. Choke, choke. My QGF is comming to town today to spend the night with me, we are going to another QGF's house on Tuesday to have Christmas in July, their idea, I'm still working on other stuff, but its a good plan.
Time for that morning walk, and drink, drink, drink.
Sara in hot, sticky Fla. where thankfully nothing is blooming now.

Hi all! Cape Cod finally cooled down, I feel as if I might live. I have been mostly lurking, that heat zaps me to the point of not even being able to type, LOL!I was laughing so hard at the stories of little boys, I had to tell this one, when my son was about 4. (He is 22 now). My cousin was obviously pregnant, and throwing up constantly. My son observed all of this very quietly. He asked some questions, I thought I had explained the birds and the bees sufficienty for a 4 yo.He said..so Trina is pregnant right? Yes, I said. He said there is a baby growing in her tummy, and when it is big enough, it will come out right? Yes, I said. He said "Theres one problem". What is that, I asked? He said: Her mouth doesnt look big enough to me!LOL! I guess I didn't make it clear WHERE it came out!! I, like Mary on Cape Cod, have been working on our guild challenge, and making my Christmas gifts in between.I would like to mention, also, that I agree , when people ask for advice, and BBers take their time to send a reply,a short e mail to say thanks, and the fact that they got the info would be greatly appreciated.I also read the post from Fat Frannie, and thought it was just a word play joke, not criticism of anyone.Hope you all are having a great quilting summer! Barb on Cape Cod

had fun trying to catch up on the postings, who know's I might even manage it one day.

I have just come back from an activity weekend. I "volunteered" to be a helper for a weekend a collegue arranged. we took 24 kid's all deaf mainly signers, and 8 adults some deaf & signers some hearing. I have now been canoeing & sailing & walking & orienteering & up all houurs trying to get them to stay in their rooms (at three in the AM) & interpreting for the on site instructors & now I am TIRED!
left the kids yesterday at 5pm then traveled home got back at 10.30pm.
Mind you it's good practice for my sign exam next week!

Weekend was in Northumbria, just on the boarder of Scotland, beautiful place to be.

so today I rest at work LOL
Linda UK

At this day and age, I would be scared to death to send anyone on the bus. Night time on buses are really scarey. At least is was for me and that was before things got really bad. I would choose the airplane.
Dot form OR

Just got back from Sisters Oregon--no I did not meet any of the BB-er's--saw only one cute yellow yoyo with a brown button on a pretty lady wearing purple shorts and a white top who has short brown hair. I tried to say something but she was making a determined move toward the ice cream (Dreyers) shop for some cool treats--it was sooooo hot there! (No--I was naughty--did not have a yoyo on....) Who are you?????

I was in Sisters area for about 3 days--we enjoy sightseeing so did quite a bit of that with DH. Thot I'd try to have S.E.X the day before the show--figured it would be fairly quiet in Jean's quilt shop--wrong.... It was swimming with ladies on their own expeditions! But had great S.E.X with DH's help! (sweet guy isn't he?) Did I just put my foot in my mouth?

Anyhow, the show was fantastic--wonderful quilts and more wonderful quilts! Tons of people --

Sorry Dot, did go thru Madras but we didn't stop--we were pretty tired by the time we got there and felt we needed to get to the hotel at Prineville before we dropped.... Would have loved to meet you!

Now to go rest my tired feet....

Marilyn the lurker

Happy Midnight Ladies (and Holice if you're lurking). Hope you all had a fun, or at least interesting, weekend. I was DH-free for 3 days and did manage to get a little quilting done in-between installing a new modem in this heap of junk that is loosely referred to as a computer, ha!, and canning 32 quarts of beans. I have crowned myself the Queen of Beans (LOL).

On to DH's are funny. My DH left out of here on Friday morning with 2 motorcycles in the back of the truck (one to ride and the other for sale - had a fellow coming from DC to buy one). He met up with his brother and off they went to Mid-Ohio with 3 bikes on the trailer. The DH called this evening at 8:30 to say they made it back to Nashville, IN, and that he'd be home in about an hour. And, would I please unlock the barn and could I be free to help him unload the bikes (hmmm....bikes as in plural, ha!) Not that I care, but I asked, "Did you buy another bike?" Reply = "Well...sorta. So and so had such and such and it was a good deal, blah, blah, blah. But, it's in pieces." AHA! that explains why he wants help unloading the truck! You gotta love a man who sells a restored bike and then turns around and buys a bike that's in pieces, ha! He just loves to restore old motorcycles - he's like a kid with a box of Lincoln Logs or a set of Lego's- give him umpteen bike parts in boxes and he's happy as an idiot. Oh well, he's got his old bikes and I have my old sewing machines.

Well, enough of this dribble! Hope you all have a good week. Don't neglect those sewing machines! Later, from Brenda in Indiana >^--^<

Carol, of Wantage, this didn't want to e-mail, so I'm posting here. If you could look into a crystal ball and determine what type of people would be on the bus with your daughter traveling across the country and back, then you'd have a better idea of how safe she would be. If she flies she'll have more time to spend with her friend in California, and personally I don't understand the fascination of spending six days (total) on a bus. Been there and done that with a well-chaperoned church group of college-age kids, and we were mightily sick of bus travel before it was all over. Each state has its "must see" highlights, but most of them are not along the freeway route a cross-country bus would take. There's so much to see and do in California, especially anywhere near the coast, so she shouldn't have any trouble filling up the time she would save by flying.

IMHO, jdb in AZ

All the stories have been so funny and made me think of our favorite one. When I was a kid, we were not allowed to talk at the table, so I made it a point to encourage conversation at the table when my own children were small. We also made it a point to try and answer any of their questions, truthfully and honestly.

One evening our small daughter said, Dad, I have a question. Whats a prostitute? Without breaking stride Dad explained about women selling their bodies for money, etc. At end of lecture she looked up and said, Oh, so thats whats been causing all the trouble in Ireland. Trying very hard not to laugh, "Dad" then explained about Protestants, etc.

Raeann in Missouri

Hello all, I just read in the paper that this was the biggest Sisters Outdoor Quilt show ever. Jean estimated between 20 and 30 thousand went through. That is alot of people. I thought it seemed more crowded this year than years past. Maybe I was right. Jean attributes the increase to the internet publicity.

Carol from the Columbia Gorge...you found yourself in Madras earlier than intended. Well, at about 6:40am, about 3 miles north of Madras on your route was a four car wreck, 5 fatalities, two in serious condition in Bend. count your blessings, huh? You missed it. The cause of the wreck was a drunk teen driver from a community 16 miles north toward Portland. (WS) All four teens were drunk. One lady was definetely in the wrong place at the wrong time. I have to wonder if she was coming to the quilt show.

Another story on kids and the facts of life. My DS came home from school in the 5th grade saying that Dr. K was in to talk to the boys about sex. I asked if he learned any thing. At first he said, "No" but then changed his mind saying "Oh yea, I learned there is a little gland under your brain that sends out morons thru your body. (pause) No wait a minute it is hormones, not morons." His dad said "Well son, sometimes it seems more like morons that hormones." Of course DS hates that story now.

Maybe we need a diet support page.
Dot from OR

Just wanted to check and see if anyone has read the Quilters Apprentice? Nice little fiction book written by a quilter. Would like to hear how others liked it.

Lori, PA

Good evening everyone,
I just wanted us to remember that this is a place where we come to enjoy friendships and support each other.
I know that some jokes are made that are not always in the best humor. But if we are trying to do something that is important to us, and we share with our friends, we expect to get support and encouragement.
When we come here for help, wheather we are new or regulars, we don't want to be reprimanded.
I am fairly new here and usually enjoy reading. But if I were in a bad mood, I would not post. It would ruin the atmosphere here of support and caring and fun for everyone else. I understand frustration in trying to reach a person with an incorrect email address. But I also am not an expert typist as you can see by my many typos in my postings. Perhaps this was what happened to Dawn.
Dawn...Peg gave pretty good recommendations on tools you will need. Welcome to the BB. Please continue to share your enthusiasm and progress in your new venture.
I need to go take the kids to a friends house so that I can get ready for my trip. I hope everyone has a wonderful week. I will be back later!
TTFN Kristine in Alaska

Ursula & Linda,
I'm up for some weight loss too! Quilting does
us a big dis-service there, no calories burned.
I have to credit my dogs with keeping up my exercise
program. They are pretty demanding about the ol'
walks.If only they could scold us when we open the
frig! Unfortunately they are more than happy to join
me in a snack or two! One of my quilting friends just
had a pretty debilitating stroke & also is diabetic &
overweight. It makes you want to try harder to take
care of yourself. What does this water drinking do besides
fill you up? Is there something mysterious to it?
I always want to drink more but it's hard to do.
Got a block done for Faith & Bill today.
Sat in the warm backyard & enjoyed the first daze of
summer for the NW. Night,Night, Jill

LOLA _ I just tried to reply from the letter you sent me and I keep getting the same message. Here is the message:
----- Transcript of session follows -----
... while talking to mail.means.net.:
>>> RCPT To:<LUM@means.net>
<<< 550 <LUM@means.net>... User unknown
550 <LUM@means.net>... User unknown

Can your server say why I get that message?

I wanted to let you know I got your info and we are up to 19 in the snowman block swap!

Katie Mac in Spring, TX

Hi everyone, I feel like I have been in hibernation for the past couple of weeks. I have not posted in so long, just lurking now and then. So many new names..welcome all. It was a beautiful day here on the Cape..all that high humidity...gone! The sky is actually blue again..still no rain, though.I am so afraid of fires in the woods when it gets this dry. Peg in Chicago..ditto how you feel about people who don't sign their names..it can be so frustrating, after you spend time to try and help them. Even a fictious name would be better than nothing. I have been working on two different challenges lately..one for my guild and the other for a local quilt shop. Not much time for anything else, but I will be making a block for Faith. It's getting late, so Nighty-nite all...Mary on Cape Cod

Well it finally happened, we had a total computer meltdown(DH's fault, not mine!) and I have lost EVERY bit of quilting info that I had collected in the last three years. The worst part is all my e-mail addresses are gone as well. Now I had written down most of them in my little black book, but now that's missing too!! If I didn't know better I'd think little gremlins are out to get me.....so, CHER... I need your to e-mail when you have time, your phone number was in the little book too!....SUE in Germany...I did get your last e-mail right before we went down, but didn't get a chance to respond. SALLY in England...I lost your address too....KITTYKAT..I know you'll be posting as soon as you get back, I'll just grab your address then. I'm sorry to use up so much time on something that should have never happened, but we won't dwell on others(DH) mistakes!!( thank god it wasn't me!)Oh well I think I'll keep him anyway. Thanks everyone...Michelle in sunny and finally hot Vancouver BC

O.K. everyone, I think you need to go back and re-read the posting from "fat fannie", although it did not come across funny, as I'm sure she meant it to be, it was all a play on words. I'm sure she would like to crawl into a hole about now.
Moving right along... Ursula, we have the program called weigh-down workshop at our church. The very basic premise to it is that you eat only when you are truly hungry and stop when your appetite is satisfied. That is how God designed us. I'm afraid that I too, don't always follow this, but I'm trying! I wish you success!
Havagoodone! Sandi in MN

Hi everyone,

Enjoyed reading the little boy stories. Working till 3am again. Not as busy as last night - had 16 yr old in cardiac arrest. Verry upsetting. Regrouped this morning by working in my sewing room and putting my fabrics in order. Sounds like everyone has had a good weekend. Hope Monday is a great day too!

Lori

Evening All,
At our house we are debating which is a safer way to go cross country. My college student, who will be finishing up her summer job, wants to visit a friend in California. She says she could ride a bus which would take three days each way, we are saying a plane trip is safer, especially if she is by herself. A bus would be cheaper, but safety is our biggest concern. Would appreciate input. (Of course we told her she could always just stay home. She feels she will not get a chance to travel like this when she graduates and has responsibilities from a real job.)
Carol in Wantage

I answered two questions posted on the board today-spent time my DH was wanting for grocery shopping- and has them both returned as unknown. Ladies, if you want answers to your questions ,give us your correct addie. It is down right rude to make another person spend time and energy solving your problem if you don't really want an answer. My server was working correctly because others I sent out made it to their destinations with no problem.Here is the answer to the poster with the yarage and yo-yo problem

You need to figure out what size circle you are cutting first. a 3"
circle =a three inch strip. Figure 44 divided by 3 since your circles
are round and you get 14 circles from that strip. 12 strips X 14 gives
you the approximate number of circles you can get from a yard (12X
3=36). Of course we all know that there is many a slip between the
scissors and the pattern ,so you will get fewer circles in reality, but
this gives you an approximate yardage. BTW you don't have to be super
accurate on the circles "roundness" since the gathering will hid a
multitude of sins

The new quilter who wanted to know what she should buy---
1. a rotary cutter and board.
2. #9 betweens and regular sewing thread
3. a # 2 pencil for marking seam allowances and for writing her addie on a small piece of paper to tape to her screen
4. a 6X 24 Omnigrid ruler
5. Fons and Porter's book for beginning quilters or get a library card.
6. a membership in a local guild so you can ask questions live
7. cable TV that has at least one station with a quilting program and or a satellite dish that gets HGTV
It has been a hard day. I'm not usually this testy. Peg in Chicago

Hi there Ursula, you are doing a great thing starting a new healthy way of eating and exercising. It is a good thing for anyone who wants to keep up their energy and live long enough to make all those wonderful quilting projects....I'm an, on again, off again dieter.
More off than on !! I'm going to make a commitment to stay with the program, how about it? Lets be internet, diet, exercise buddies!
I'm going to get off this 'puter' and go do some stomach crunchies..ouch!
I did go to Costco to buy meat today..I probably sweated off a few pounds doing that..110 degrees!
I think in the shade...
Take care all...Happy quilting to you.
Linda in hot California

LOLA Underdahl - The e-mail I send you bounces even when I am just replying.
I have you confirmed for the swap. Please give me your address for my records.
I won't know how many swaps until August 1st because the cut off date is July 31st. You will only need to find one design and make all your blocks the same.

Katie Mac in Spring, TX

Just catching up from Friday afternoon--and need to add to boystories.
Went to DDs Fri nite to rest up for getting a 5 am start for Sisters
Quilt show. She took the car down to fill up and left me with DGS - 17 mos--
didn't tell me that his favorite occupation is removing his diaper. Well,
I was talking to DGD while he was being quiet in his corral. Yes, he had
removed the diaper and was carefully painting the carpet, the corral sides
and himself Ladies, I had forgotten how good a "job" a short little guy could
do with ca ca. DD just laughed and laughed when she came home to find me
changing clothes--wondered if I understood why she had jumped at the chance to
to the quilt show with me and no kids. We had fun, even stayed away long enough
to have dinner together. Fun day.

Loon marie: Our loons have had their babies, lots of babies swimming around or on Mom's back. Such a sight!
Faith: thanks for the SCRUBS # - think I'll just give it a call this next week and see if their is one somewhere between here and FL. When we start that "southern flight to FL" in the fall I always need to surprise DH with my next S.E.X. stop. I plan the routing and he never knows where he'll end up next. LOL

Have a good week everyone,
Nancy the "sewbird" snowbird in WI

LOSER? Well if being a loser means I'll be thinner, healthier and be able to do things with my kids....Hmmmmm, I'LL TAKE IT!!! Seems to me the only real loser here is some certain person with a really bad attitude.....you know who you are! I never pay attention to people like you and I won't start now. So if you're trying to make me feel bad....Sorry YOU LOSE!!!

Thanks to all who support me....you deserve an applause!!!

This is not a commercial, but an answer to some requests. If uninterested, please just scroll by fast. No affiliation yadayad. SCRUBS is a company that makes cute, very durable nurses uniforms in great prints, often Hoffman fabrics. Many have asked about their address etc. I buy their cut aways at $1 a pound in 10 lb packages. No self-selection, you get what's in the bag, but you can see what is in each bag. The pieces are all usable,with imagination. One day I received a whole stack of the v-neck pieces cut out to make v-necked tops, mostly I get 5 1'2 X 16" or so. Last time I received lots of pieces 4" by 6feet!!!Great borders, all cut for me! Anyway, I received a sales catalog so have the info at hand. Here goes: They have a store in Ontario Calif where there will be a huge parking lot sale on July 15-18 and Santee, Calif July 22-25. We all wear their shirts as everyday tops, and none of us are nurses. But so comfortable. Now, I do NOT know if the parking lot sale will be clothing only or also fabric. The catalog sale has $23 selected print tops for $9.95
Their number is: 1-800-231-5965
Fax : 1 877-472-7827
Those numbers good around the clock. They also have stores all over the country and the sale may be going on there as well. At least you could find out what ever you are interested in. My thank you for today, friends. Forgive the long posting.

Hi,

We've raised two boys and it has been an adventure. When DS#1 was 4 yo,
we heard a voice at the foot of the bed asking, "Are you done yet Daddy?".
Daddy replied, 'Not yet, go back to bed" as he is frantically trying to
cover me up! He seemed to sense something was going on between Mommy
and Daddy and this just confirmed it.

Our 9-lb. mini-hotdog is ridiculous about pregnant women. When DDIL was
about 3 months along, the last two times, Dauber always liked her but got
sickening. Dauber tries to sneak up and drape herself on DDIL's front
with her head just below DDIL's chin and cuddle. As she got bigger,
Dauber wanted on her stomach. Last night, DDIL's sister was here and
is due in September - Dauber tried the same thing with her. Swear that
dog can smell the higher estrogen levels and know they are going to give
her a baby to protect.

Good News! DH moved his computer (for the business) and stuff out of
my room. The smallest room in the house (10X10) and we had a large
desk with my sewing machine, two computer desks with complete computers,
printers etc., his filing cabinet, and an antique footstool. You barely
could turn around in it. Now I have room for the ironing board when I
need it. He took one of the bedrooms down stairs. Our cat, Lucy, is
not real happy. She liked to set in DH's chair behind me and put her
paws on my back while I was on the computer. Now she has to sit on
the floor.

Jdb in AZ-When my BIL comes home to visit from AZ, he wears his winter
coat! He's usually here Labor Day.

Got to go. Kids are coming for dinner.

Anita in Mid-Michigan where it is beautiful again.

HI, URSULA - don't be discouraged by someone else's definition of "loser." I've recently joined T.O.P.S (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) and the best thing we can be there is a "loser." Don't let the nay-sayers get you down. Recognizing and working to solve your problems doesn't make you a "dud." We ALL need to attend to what we eat, do our exercises, cultivate positive attitudes, and seek whatever support we need to preserve our health. (And if we have to "drag it behind" us, well, let's drag it at a calorie-burning pace.)
from Martha in Houston where it's GOOD to quilt in the air conditioning

YOU ASKED FOR IT:
Here is a list of the BB acronyms for you Newies:

ACRONYMS: DH means Dear Husband, DD means Dear Daughter, etc., etc. MIL
Mother-in- law; QR means Quilt related; NQR means Not quilt related; TIA means
Thanks In Advance. LOL means Laugh Out Loud. ROFLOL means Rolling on Floor
Laughing Out Loud. ROFLOLPIMP..Rolling on Floor Laughing Out Loud Peed in my
Pants, TIME means Tears in my eyes, "TDY"---for USAF personnel and their families,
this means "Temporary Duty". Or for anyone else, it means a business trip. PCS means
"Permanent Change of Station", FQ means Fat Quarter. FAQ means Frequently Asked
Questions. BB means Bulletin Board. BTW means By The Way, IMHO means In My
Humble Opinion ; FWIW means For What It's Worth; JTLYK means Just to let you
know; AFAIK means As far as I know; OTOH means On the other hand, KIT means
Keep in touch; SEX means Stash Enhancing eXpedition; TOAD means Trashed Object,
Abandoned in Disgust; PHAT means Pretty, Hot & Tempting :O means can't stop
talking. :' means crying. :') means crying with Joy. :-0 means Surprised. ;0 means
Wink. /-0 means Yawning. 8^) is a person with Glasses Smiling. @[_]~~ means Mug
of hot coffee/tea; **** means popcorn,

YYY: Yellow Yo Yo...the fabric kind, which has made its way to a pin (make your own
with bright yellow fabric and large enough to be noticed...6" circle makes a good size) to
wear whenever you go to anything quilt related and see if another BBer recognizes you.
Look on Kellie's Pages under Other Stuff for some samples.

Squishies: Envelopes sent by snail-mail containing fabric (squares, FQs, blocks being
swapped, etc.....) causing the envelope to feel squishy.

Siggies...a square (whatever size requested) that you have signed your name, city, state,
country with a permanent fabric marker. Then heat-set with your iron.

Hope this helps all you Newbies.

Marty in Vermont, USA

Good morning everyone!
I agree that taking care of the body we were given is important. Watching what we eat and exercise will keep us healthy, energetic, nad feeling great. Many of our current health problems, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc. often can be related back to the condition of our bodies. Not always true, but there is a strong correlation.
I worked hard to loose 30 lbs last yar and have kept it off pretty well. Changing your eating habits is the best way to do it. Richard Simmons'
programs focus on changing habits.
URSULA... to get all that water in, use the largest glass you have(like the kind you get in supersize meals) and find out how much water it hold. Instead of drinking eight 8 oz. glasses, you could drink just four 16 oz glasses. I keep mine with me all the time, and sip at it often...at work, while quilting, gardening, in the car, watching the news, etc. It goes a lot faster that way and you won't even realize how many you've had until you stop to think about it. You will still be running to the bathroom, but maybe not as often as when you down a whole glass at once. And keeping your kidneys and the rest of your system flushed is also good. And when you are full of water, you feel too full to eat a lot of food!
One more quick hint...find a buddy to exercise and diet with. Support and encouragement are helpful when you are trying to do it together.
Wow! I think I'll shut up now. I just realized how wordywas. Have a great day everyone. Hopefully this time tomorrow I will be on a plane to Hawaii!!
Kristine in Alaska where it has been a warm and sunny 80* recently.

Way to go Ursula. For support from others using the Richard Simmons' programs to make a lifestyle change, visit http://www.richardsimmons.com
Good luck to you!

jettabetta@aol.com

I just tried to access the archives for July 8 - 14. All I could seee was July 8 and I know that there is lots more to see on the 9th and 10th.
Another beautiful day here but it is getting hot now - not humid so its bearable. A good day to work on that double wedding ring quilt in the basement.
Nelly from Thunder Bay

Ursula, exercise and diet are NOT for losers! Exercise is good for you even if you don't get your weight down. Keep moving. Move it or lose it! Sensible eating and exercise are important. We may not have the figure of those fashion models but we will feel better for doing it!
Stay with the program!
Lillie Ann

Looks like everyone is trying to stay cool. It's been nice here the last couple of days. My sinuses are really plugged. Does anyone have any remedies? I'm ready to try the plunger! I thought maybe going to town and buying flannel today might help. If we're exchanging fabrics, is it group s.e.x. or just s.e.x.swapping? Shame on all of us.
Jana in Wash.

Good Morning everyone.
It was 109 here yesterday and is suppose to be 112 today! Yesterday I made a trip to the grocery store and when I got home I collapsed in my recliner for, who knows how long!! I really took a nap.. The heat really zapps this gal, it didn't bother me so much a few years ago, I loved the heat. I was too zapped to even quilt, yes that is right, too zapped to quilt!!! I really need to make a trip to Costco to buy up on meat today, but I would rather quilt.
I have a friend that told me about how concerned she was about their poor kitty, she was considering taking the poor thing to the Vet., it was having a real bladder problem. The kitty litter box was over flowing most of the time. The kitty litter box was on the back porch and she was standing in the kitchen and just happened to see her little boy do his job in the litter box.
" How long you been doing this?" "The kitty do's it here".. That saved her a vet bill....

Have a good day everyone, shall I go out in the heat for meat, or stay home to quilt? Decisions, Decisions........

Love and Hugs to you Faith and Bill........

Happy Quilting to all....Linda in HOT, California
Your gonna get the heat today PATTY....

Went to the quilt show in Waco, TX yesterday with a friend who I "infected" with the quilting virus last November when we went to LasVegas. I only bought one FQ but she bought and bought and bought! She is so excited about quilting. I guess I was like that too when I first got started! Anyway the show in Waco is very small but was lots of fun! When a show is small, you have more time to chat with the vendors. Looking forward to the next "small" quilt show in Lampasas TX. I love going to those small towns! If any of you TX BB'ers know of some small Quilt Shows let me know! Have wheels and money, will travel.
Helen in Austin, TX

Ursula, dieting and exercise is for losers! I used to watch my weight, but that's all behind me now.

You can't lose weight by talking about it; you have to keep your mouth shut.

Fat Fannie

it has been so nice outside i have been walking on clouds!!! actually slept with blanket and quilt last night and one more quilt for good measure,,,,just the way i love it,,,and chili on the side,,with cheese and bread!!! ,,,,get it,,chilly - chili??? ah that WAS awful wasn't it,,,,pimp!!!

faith,,,,,,oh no,,,loon is not good at 6 and 1/2 squares,,so i think i will wait for teacup and celia to help me applique a loon for you,,,i have some great friends here on the bb who sent me some loon fabric so will try to make something really ''from me'' with teacups' dainty help,,,i think celia bit off more than we can chew with that chore,,,teacup may kill us before the days are out,,,,,TIME,,,,but we can make our squares for our faith and have a ball doing it,,,will include some other stuff i am sure!!!

well,,,,,nice day for a canoe ride maybe,,,,i can't wait to see if the loons had their babies!!! and if the great herons have nested

take care all,,
loon/marie/maine,,,,,,happy sunday,,dh is off today and tomorrow,,,yahoo!!

Good morning from cool and sunny Missouri. I cannot believe how gorgeous it is outside. Finally, not hot and humid! Almost makes me anxious to get outside and start cutting the grass....(well, almost, not quite!)
Has anyone been up to Hutchinson Mn. and gone to the Thimbleberries place? Iam going to be in Mpls, Mn. in August and would like to go over to Hutchinson and "shop"....but am not sure if they have a retail shop. I would certainly think so but would like to know before I make that drive.
They don't have an email addy for me to ask them directly and also don't have an 800 # to call.
Im hoping someone reading this board would live in that area or else would just know for sure.
TIA......
Time to mow.....Bev/Mo.

Well, Hows Everyone this Morning ??????

Looks as if we have a rainy day here in NC Mountains ! That's okay, good excuse to hang inside and check out BB and Quilt !!!!!!!!

Have a few questions this AM, started the (yo yo) coverlet for a full size bed and wondering, how many yards of fabric should it take, rough ideal ?
Next question, not quilt related though, got into some poison ivey or oak while gardening the other day, driving me crazy itching, any good rememies ?

No Vicki, not new to BB, but not old either ! Moved from NC to Leakey, TX, then from Leakey back to NC. Glad to see I'm not the only one not sleeping at night ! When this happens to me, I quilt or get on the puter !!!!! From Sleepless in NC to Sleepless in Texas !

Linda in Toronto, DH and I were your way a few weeks back traveling thru Canada, stopped outside of Toronto at The Hobby Horse, great place, so much 100% fabric, have you been there ?

Dawn, sent you an email on notions needed, if you get no takers, let me know and a list will come to you by email !

Carol in Wantage, don't worry about being a fabric aholic, happens to all of us ! Right ?

To the few wondering about LOL, its Lots of Laughs
and not to worry, you will learn and also, every so often Marty will post a list for the newbies on the abbrev.

Have a Great Day ! Elaine , NC Mountains

WOW! I've got a LOT of catching up to do with all these posts!!! I've left a note to myself for tea-time this afternoon to sit down and READ!! I've been busy with a raffle quilt for our Church Food Pantry, and 'stuff'...I'll be back later !!! :) kb(from GORGEOUS Missouri, where we finally have some AIR to breath!)

Morning all! I haven't posted in a while so here goes. Hope everyone is doing good. I've been super busy trying to get ready for DH's kids to come and visit for a month. Been taking DD's out a lot, doing things with them...beach, zoo, train rides!!!
Must not be my year for air conditioners. I told you all about my one ac unit going south on us and being with no air in the downstairs of my house for a week, now my ac in my car took a leave of absence! DF is going to fix it. He says it needs a new compressor or something....I just want it fixed...lol!!
I also started Richard Simmons, Move, Groove and Lose program yesterday. Geez you have to drink a lot of water!!! I don't drink this much water in a month normally....all I did yesterday was run to the terlet!!! LOL
Anyone else out there on this program? I'd love any advice or support!

DENISE IN NEW JERSEY, where in NJ are you? I'm in South Seaville,in Cape May County right near Sea Isle.

Well, today is another beach day for me and the kids....looks a bit cloudy but we'll give it a shot!
See ya later!
Ursula in S. Jersey

Hi! I'm a new quilter and need some HELP!!I've bought some books and find long lists of supplies I need. Can you suggest the most important items I need to get started? Things that have worked for you? Things I won't need for awhile? I would appreciate your help. I'm interested in hand piecing, but also may start machine piecing at a later time.
Thank you!
Dawn

Well, another of these wake -up in the middle of the night, nights. What better way to spend these quiet hours than catching up on the BB. You all have been busy posting since I checked in last.
LINDA IN TORONTO...glad to meet you. I don't know all of the short terms yet either. I've got the DH,DS,DD, ect. down. Also know about S.E.X...I havn't figured out LOL yet, have you? Do you have a job outside the home? I do...much to my dismay most of the time. I would rather stay at home and do "home things".
ELAINE IN NC MOUNTAINS...thanks for the welcome. How did you end up moving from Leaky,Tx to NC??? Are you new to the BB or are you an old poster?
NELLY in THUNDER BAY.....I wish we could have some of your 75* days. That is a good temp for open windows and nice to stay outside weather. Right now in Texas all you want to do is stay inside......with the air conditioning!!!!!We have had lots of rain of late, so that is helping to keep the temps below 100*, but it rally builds up the humidity...
DENISE in NJ...I have a friend in Collingsworth, NJ. Anywhere close to you? I haven't seen apost from you today. Busy Saturday? Mine are always busy and too short. The week-ends just seem to fly.
LINDA J IN TEXAS...By the way I will be going to New Braunfels in a couple of weeks. Just for the day, then on to Austin..I am hoping to hit a couple of fabric shops while I am there.
I have been enjoying all the little boy stories...
Remembering how my nephew did that same. I have a DD and Step-DS. (All grown now). I was not around SDS when he was little, but I would suppose he watered the grass, sides of the house, and the fence too.
HELEN in AUSTIN...I haven't seen a post from you. I guess you are having a busy week-end, or maybe you are lucky enough to be on a mini-vacation somewhere. Thanks for the welcome...
Well, I am off to try to get some sleep...night all! Vicki--Texas

If only I knew what I was getting into. I've started my Y2K quilt and have been stuck on the computer for two days swapping. Incredibly fun but oh my house. If someone came over, they'd think we were robbed. On Friday, I spent the entire day cutting out my squares and getting my squishies ready. My poor boys (me included), never got bathed or dressed, PBJ's were thrown at them occasionally for meals. The poor things were on their own. I just prayed no one would come to the door. Seems like on days like those, that's when your best friend from high school (who still looks as fabulous as she did in high school) decides to show up. It's 1:15 A.M. here. I suppose I should go to bed....it is kindof peaceful and quiet though. Quite a nice change. Took our boys to dinner and had two of them urp up their dinner at the table. Stuffing their mouths too full and gagging. Nobody can embarrass you like your own kids.

Rachel in UT

Hello all! All this birds & bees stuff made me remember a story my best friend's mother told us when we were in high school. When my buddy and her sister were 11 and 10 years old they got the facts of life lecture. I shall add that their mother is a registered nurse. Mom explained everything in detail, tossed in the wait till your married lecture, explained how much she loved their father, etc. blah, blah, blah, ha! When Mom was done she asked the girls if they had any questions. My buddy piped up and asked, "Well, Mom...if you and Dad got so much enjoyment out of this, why don't you do it just one more time." Ha! Being teenagers when this story was relayed to us, we were NOT amused. Being 20+ years older now, I find it hilarious! (LOL).

Think I'll call my dear buddy and remind her of this - should be good for a laugh, and a maylay of "remember when you did this..." will follow I'm sure. Later, from Brenda in Indiana >^..^<

Evening All,
Have not posted in a long while. Have been so busy with the play. Well the costumes are done and the play is wonderful. When I was about to leave today the production manager asked me if I wanted to come in to iron the costumes on Monday, since she was going to wash everything this weekend. I politely said no thank you. Then she told me about a bag of scrap fabric which she'd been saving over the years from different costumes which she would let me go through. Well needless to say I will be ironing on Monday if I get to go through the bag of scraps. I usually avoid ironing at all costs. Can I be saved or is it too late? Am I a FabricAholic?

My thoughts are with Faith and Bill. I think the block shower is a wonderful idea. It seems very fitting for these special people.

Enjoy your weekend,
Carol in Wantage

Thanksgiving Day--me stuffing the Turkey and chatting with young DS about his aunt who is about to have second child---I say, I hope Aunt Carol has a boy this time (her first was a girl)---DS says "how do you get a boy"---I launch into the technical version of X and X chromosome makes a girl and X and Y makes a boy---DS is puzzled---duh---realize I must backtrack---give sex lecture backwards---cramming turkey with stuffing---get to the finale---what moms and dads do---DS has horrified look on face---me stuffing turkey---ask DS if he understands what I have said---DS nods----me stuffing turkey----ask DS if he has any questions---DS, now totally redfaced, says no and hotfoots it to his bedroom---turkey, which started out at 15 pounds, now weighs 32 pounds!!!

This is known as the Sex and Turkey Day!!!

Kay in La Luz, NM

p.s. thanks to all who sent URL's.

Joy, that is what today has been, what with your great postings and Bill having a great day. My DS came down with his two DS;s and we actually all went out for lunch. Then Bill came home for a nap and DGS#2, having just received his license in NH, said he'd be more than happy to practice driving in Calif and take me all around town, running the errands that pile up. Other than a few whipped neck muscles and pulling my feet back through the floor boards, we had a great time.
Have been enjoying the little boy postings. So true, all of them. And like so many of you, my DD pulled away for several years, but is now my very best friend in all the world.
I wished you could catch every posting, but I find my attention span away from Bill is very short. So thank you, one and all.
Anna, thanks so much for your great squishy. I loved the "care package" that contained an eraser, hershey hugs, marbles etc. with an explanation as to why each item was included. And of course, you know I loved the selection of fabric. Thanks.
Faith in delightfully warm S.Calif.

Good evening!
Would Marge in Troy MI please email me your email addy, I sent you off a note, but wrote your address wrong and it came back. I will send a copy of the Wally world list.

I got to go to another quilt shop yesterday, I think that makes it 6 different ones for the week. O.K., O.K., we were on vacation, all right already! So, I get the mail today and there is one of those thin slips from the bank. You know the ones, you usually get them when you skrew up your account. Well, I was thinking I must have done something wrong. Turns out I forgot to write a deposit in my checkbook and the bank for some unbeknownst reason didn't deposit it for 3 weeks! Hurray! $125.00 I didn't know I had. A great thing to find just coming back from out of town. I will try to do the responsible thing and not fritter it away on fabric, NOT!
These little boy stories are a hoot. I was wondering if I had my son do this around my garden, would it keep the deer out? If they're going to do it anyway, it might as well be useful!
My brother and his wife are going to Ecuador tomorrow for a month (she's from there). He has been given explicit S.E.X. instructions. I'll let you know what I have next month. Fortunately, I won't have to wait the usual 9 mos. for delivery!
Goodnight Everyone!
Sandi in MN, where we had one of those lovely days that you wish would not end.

Just checked back in after being off-line all day because of things to do, and a thunder and lightening storm. My- you were all very busy here!!

When Stacie( who is now 22) was in kindergarten, she came home one day and asked "Mommy- what is a sect"? Mmmmm- good question, and I sat down and went into a lengthy discussion about how people all over the world are different, some people prayed to a different God, some cultures were different etc,etc, etc, - how detailed can you be on a topic like that with a 5 year old ? (so I thought).

She looked at me the whole time, with those big brown innocent doe-like eyes, never said a word. I was so proud of myself for capturing her attention so well,...... well, not really, I just finished and thought what a great job I had done, when she said "But Mommy- what is a sect on a bed"?....Oh Lordy- I almost had a cardiac arrest!!!!

It is a standing joke in this house now that her and Steven are grown up (and think they know it all)- they make fun of me from time to time, and ask me if I want them to explain to me what "sect on a bed is"- LOL!!!!!!

With that, I will bid you all a Good night, and will meet you here again tomorrow.
Hugs to all,
Celia

Another Sisters report!
After only being on the BB for a week or so I got to meet
a few really great ladies, KittyKate, Dot, Deanna,
Carol & friends! It was such a treat. The show was terrific of
course. I feel so lucky !!! My DH had a good timre too. And now he
can pick out a Stack & Wack with the best of them!
On another subject. Can I send Faith & Bill a block even though I'm so
new? Can some one send me the address? Are they suppose
to be signed? Thanks,
Back home in Portland, but tired, Jill

Hi everyone, hope all is having a good weekend.

If some of you will remember, this time last year,
I was having problems with the empty nest syndrome, as we were moving my youngest son to
Nashville, Tenn. Well, needless to say, he only
stayed a week and came home, so much for the "empty nest". Today we moved him back to Nashville, as he is going to give it another try. After having a "grown son" home for a year
after graduating from high school, I am now excited that he is going back to school in Nashville. Now it will just be myself and my DH.
I thing I can stand it now. Sorry to be rambling
on. Sissy in Missouri where we had a rain today
and took away the humidity for a while.

All your talk about girls and hormones and boys peeing sure hit home. I've got a 19 DD and sure can't wait till the mood swings are gone. Thought college would help, but we still have them. DS is 16 and the sweet loveable self is doing some hiding. I try to keep the communication open but don't always care for all of his friends. He is bring one over tonight to spend the night. Finally!!

My girlfriend's son almost used the display potty at Sears as well. She caught him just in time!

Had my Stack 'n Whack class at the Gettysburg Quilting Center today. What fun and how exciting to see the different pattern unfold. I used blue willow tea pots on yellow background with dark blue background fabric. They look great. I got 3 blocks done at the class and am anxious to work on the rest tomorrow. It was a great class and the ladies there are a big help. Now I look at fabric a different way. I know I want to try another one. There were 9 in the class and everyone's was so different and so pretty. Has anyone else tried it? Of course I couldn't leave the shop without S.E.X.

On that note, think I'll go get in the hot tub with my DH and a glass of wine.
Sue in PA

Just finished the blocks for Faith & Bill and they will be in the mail on Monday. I made a Friendship Star for my treasured friendship, via the BB and E-Mail, with Faith and a True Blue block for True Blue Friends that they are. God Bless you both, Faith & Bill, my prayers are with you day and night.

LINDA IN TORONTO: Welcome to the BB. You have found a truly wonderful site and now you are in the process of gaining all these new Friends. You are going to love it here.

Kathy Desko: No, you have not ordered the Raffle Tickets as yet. You did send for info about them however. I just e-mailed you with all the info in case you have misplaced it.

Only 20 more days until Open House at OHIO 99! Whoopeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Marty in Vermont

What a wonderful surprise awaiting me when I got home...I had mail! Thank you Celia, Nelly, Linda, Terter, Teacup, Bertie and Helen. You're the first outside people I've received amil from. I did get quite a chuckle out of reading the board. I'm also envious of those who went to Sisters. I'm debating about going to the one in Vermont this next week.

It's going to take me awhile to learn all the short forms you use. I started quilting about 5 years ago, but got into it really seriously (compulsively) this last year. Now that both my girls are away from home I find it really fills the time. I have no DH to share with. Just the cat and dog. I've been trying to make a small wall hanging for each month. I was successful up til May.

Thanks again for answering.

Linda just north of Toronto

Hello all. I survived Quilt America with Cassi, Melinda, Bev, Just Me Sue, Backyard Susan, and Bertie. I'm going to keep mum about 6 women that I know and a young man in an elevator holding two glasses of beer, ha! I'm sure Cassi will be dying to tell everyone about it. I will say just one thing...we embarrassed the piss out of the poor lad, ha!

Ronna in Happy Valley is cute as a bugs ear! Wish she could have had dinner with us, but her MIL whisked her away...boo hoo!

Well, lightening blew up another modem for me. I had brains enough to turn off the computer, but faded when I considered unplugging the phone line into the modem - BOOM! It was dead. This morning I wandered out into the garden - decided to pick beans - mother helped and after we filled 3 bushel baskets and a 5 gallon bucket I was almost in tears, ha! >^oo^< I see green fingernails in my near future :( Canning jars here I come!

I've been lurking in my own home waiting for the third shoe to drop. What's gonna happen next??? Maybe I should string some of that garlic I dug and wear a necklace around my neck for awhile (LOL). I think I'll just hole up in the sewing room with the shades drawn and the lights off. Later, from Brenda in Indiana >^..^<

I laughed when I read about the discussion with the boy who wanted to know about sex. When DD#2 was 5yo she asked where babies came from. I told her the mommy carried them in the womb until they were ready to be born. Young children are supposed to want simple answers right? Not this one! Curious George holds nothing against this little girl. Well, not one to stifle a child's curiousity, and to keep open communication with my kids, I gave her a few more simple answers. She kept asking more questions! When she wanted to know how the "special part of Daddy got to the special part of Mommy" I went to the library and got a few kid friendly books and snuggled down with both DD and we read them together. No more questions! I am glad that I keep open talk with my kids. When DD#1 had her first experience of nasty teasing, she wasnot afraid to come to me with her feelings and asked to help with a solution. I hope they will always feel they are able to come to me with the difficult parts of life. The teen aged years are just around the corner for the oldest!
Kristine in Alaska who is constantly trying to stay one step ahead of the brood!

If anyone wants to send Monica a get well card, etc., I have her snail-mail addy. Try not to make her laugh (yea right)right after surgery -- her doctor wants to be the only one to keep her in stitches, doesn't want her to split a gut, etc. She's sure her quilting stitches are neater than his will be.

Super Susan -- my DH isn't much help unloading either, since he wrenched his back unloading my new sewing machine cabinet out of the van -- this was over a year ago. No good deed ever goes unpunished. (Either that, or these guys just ain't what they used to be.)

Regarding kids and sex (the kind DH participates in) -- one night we forgot to lock the bedroom door and DS, a preschooler at the time, yanked on DH's big toe and asked, "What doing, Daddy?" oops

Got a kick out of reading about little boys and their peeing tricks. I have one that has been known to flash whole groups to show off how far he could pee. One of the funniest things he has done (IMHO) is to ask me about sex. not S.E.X., but sex. They go to a sex ed class here in the 5th grade. He was hemming and hawing about wanting to ask me a question one day, and I told him I would truthfully answer any question that he wanted to ask. I'm trying to keep communication open with my kids. Well!! He wanted to know," besides the two times" I had sex to produce him and his sister, how many times have I had sex! I told him, contrary to what he thinks, his dad and I still have sex. Well him and his sister both shouted--NO!! in disbelief. Well my husband and I had a big laugh when several weeks later we were talking to a marriage counselor(we are trying to adjust to big life changes in the last couple of months), and we were trying to talk about being "
open with our children". My husband said that our son obviously didn't believe me, because he asked him about a week later how often we have had sex.! DS, stated that he had asked me , but I wouldn't tell him the truth! So anyway, I have only had sex twice in my life!!!. Now S.E.X., that is different. You might say I am a nymphofabriocoholic.!! And plan to stay that way as long as my figure, stamina and check book are healthy!Krazkte@aol.com

Nooo, it's super Susan!!

Hi, all!! Yup, feeling pretty super, strong......well, tired anyway!! Just got thru with the annual garage sale and unloading many large boxes of unsold junk and my HUGE, HEAVY folding table -- all by myself, I might proudly add! DH doesn't offer to help--just asks when I'm going to get all that stuff out of HIS truck. Could it be that the honeymoon's over??? DUH and LOL!! Do I need Dr. Ruth??

Enjoying all the little boys and their peeing stories. Luckily I don't have a horror/funny one (yet). We live in the country and my 4 y/o son just loves to pee outside, but hopefully I have impressed on him that it's OK since we're in the country but nowhere else. He has been standing on top of the picnic table and peeing off of there (we rarely host a picnic!) when he has his "water party" Ain't it great being a kid--his "water party" is him in his little wading pool all by himself just splashing and having a great old time!

After reading about the BBer (can't recall the name) getting all her stuff ready for the fair, that I am going to swear off eBay so I can get some quilting done. I'm very ashamed of myself--I have nothing to enter in our county fair this year! Notice I didn't say I was swearing off the computer (couldn't give up the BBs) and I didn't say for how long. But, I really have to get a major quilt thing going.

Speaking of computer time--anyone up for IM tonight? Seems like it's been soooo long since I've gotten to chat!

Faith and Bill--I'm sending you my positive thoughts and prayers along with everyone elses. Bless you both!

Susan in KS

So far the following ladies are in the snowman block swap:

Cox, Jill
Cubero, Linda Sue
Durham, Bertie
Falkowski, Sue
Higgins, Raye-Jean
Maracle, Lori
Mccollum, Katie
Mignosa, Marge
Nowaczyk, Darleene
Readhead, Nelly
Richardson, Melissa
Shaver, Jeannie
Spjut, Judy

The cut off day to sign up is July 31st.

Katie in Spring, TX

One used head , all attachments, Almost White hair, and not too ugly. Will trade for some new FQ. Only problem with this head
, when therer is a big change in the weather it developes a bad
sinus problem, and we have had a big change in the weather
Last weekend we did not know how to cool off and this weekend we are
looking for sweaters. Therefore, a REALLY big sinus infection.
You are right Celia, Monica's surgery is on Monday. She had to go in to the
Hospital I think on Friday for prep"s. Her DH will post on Tuesday with an update
My DH is talking about going fishing next week too .I think I will decline this trip .Could use some free time
. Oh YEEAAAAHHHHHH
Doni, read your post to Faith and what wonderful words you use.
I think those are all the sentiments we all would have said(if I may be so bold as to speak
of all)
.Faith you have been so terrific and so helpful.
I know I could not find a better friend.
My blocks to you and Bill will be in the mail on Monday. I made a heart, because you have such a big one and a friendship star, because of all the letters we have shared , I feel you are one.
Speaking of boys, Have 3 of them, now grown, but remember a lot of the antics
Been there, watched that, tried to hide from that , etc, etc, etc.
Would not have had it another way. Always wanted a girl and now have 2 wonderful DDIL's
The best of everything if you wait long enough.
Well the head is splitting so I will go hide it in a dark closet for awhile
Later all, Take care
Grace in Ont. who sends HUGS to all.

I've shared this in an e-mail before (please excuse if you've heard this.)

When DS was a preschooler and shopping with me (at a fabric store, no less) he said he needed to go potty and I told him to "tie a knot in it." He innocently pointed out, "But it's not long enough." 8^)

TTFN, jdb in AZ

Hi all---It's windy, cloudy and rained this morning---am lovin' it---a nice break from the hot, dry, windy weather we usually get in New Mexico. I've been cutting 1 1'2" blocks for a comfort quilt for myself (I'm feeling sorry for myself, so feel the need to make a quilt for myself)---I've been dragging scraps out of my scrap basket---and wondering just what I used some of this fabric on---I can't remember ever using these colors before---and some I wonder WHY did I use these colors---hmmmm.

Message to the Birthday Squishie Club II---please note I've changed e-mail addy's and am wishing for florals---also to all who communicate with me---I decided it was time DH and I got our own addy's---he complains about all the quilting mail---besides which, he doesn't need to find out about all the S.E.X. we discuss!!! LOL!

I'm envious of all the YY's going to The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show today---I grew up in Central Oregon and miss it a lot!

My thoughts are with all who need a hug,

Kay in La Luz, NM

Just got home from Sisters. It is hot over there. I met up with several ladies....Betty, Candy, Jill, Deanna, Kitty Kate, and Betty. I think that is all. My brain is fried right now. we got photos but not any fat quarters ones. lol

Little boy stories....I had two sons so whenever we were out anywhere and they had to go potty, I'd say "sit down or stand up potty" to determine the seriousness of the issue. Now I have two grand daughters. The 4 year old told me at the T-ball game recently she had to go potty. As we are walking to the "outhouse" I said do you have to go stand up or sit down. I will never forget that look of confusion on her face. She looked up and me and said "What did you say, Nana?" Then I remembered Oh yea, girls are different.

Off to the wedding now.
Dot in OR

Hi everyone

I'm new to this whole internet experience but not new to quilting. I've been looking for a chat line where I can just talk to other people. I live just out Toronto, Ontario, Canada, have two grown daughters and belong to the quilters quild here in town. The weather here today is cool and overcast. It's a blessing after the HOT weather we haad last week. I'm going to post this now and see if I get any response.

Does anyone know how to DELETE an entry from a
Favorite Places listing on AOL? I accidentally
put a quilting site in twice and would like to get rid of it. Options don't seem to allow that, and delete key doesn't do it either. HELP!

Anyone have the email address for Hoffman? I am trying to contact them about locating more of the Camelot paisley they had out in 1997-98. Thanks! Jean

All you hot people in Texas should come north for a while. Its sunny and comfortable here ( about 75) that is unless you are behind the lawnmower... there's a disadvantage of DS being away. When I read the posts about quarts of beans and raspberries I just go out and look at mine. It'll be a few more weeks before we reach the picking stage for either one, but the strawberries are ready. We've had a lot of rain this past week so everything is really green and I haven't had to water my garden at all.
My son never did any of those tricks in public fortunately. He was easy going as a child and he is still eager to please at 19 (today). Now his sister is another story entirely. Her mood swings aren't just once a month, more like once a minute, (LOL)
Nelly from Thunder Bay

Lynn in Tx: They have Dick and Jane material, summer version, on a white background $6.50/yd at
http://www.bighornquilts.com

Bertie in Illinois (It's still a go for me to come to Ohio 99 for me. Just Me Sue would you e-mail me, please and thank you?

All this talk about little boys does take me back...a friend of mine once said I'd yard trained my son instead of potty training him (she only had daughters, so I figured she was jealous. LOL!) He is now 15 but when he was 4 we went with Daddy to Pistol Shoot to watch him compete. DS stands at the top of the staircase outside & arcs a long stream out into the yard....at least he didn't hit anybody!! LOL!! And you're right, all the men, laughed & said that was the fun of being a boy & the women just smiled & remembered their own little ones. That wasn't the only time but it the most memorable to me.

My block for Faith will be on it's way Monday as will the one for Mandy.

Trying to remember if I bought tickets for Marilyn's quilt raffle...guess I'll just have to find the old check stubs.

Love to read Dr. Ruth & Doni & Celia & Terter & Loon & every one else.

Welcome to all the newbies.

Love & hugs to all...

Kathi in NNY where the rain made me take down my laundry but the sun is trying to fool me into putting it back up....NOT gonna do it!

Just checking in and reading todays posts. Cleaned house all morning and have been working on my crazy quilt projuct for a good while...time for a break. A glass of lemonade and the BB.

DENISE in NJ ... Welcome.I am a newbie too. I am already getting addicted to the BB. I think I remember that you have a outside job. Me Too! I would much rather stay home and craft and quilt. Our kids are both grown, or so they think. Anyway they live on their own now and just visit ...very frequently I am pleased to say...Are you going to try a quilting project?

It is hot and steamy here in South Texas..The humidity must be somewhere around 90%. We have rain almost every day this week, so far none today.

DH is out running some errands. When he gets back he will want the Puter. It is his hobby...just like my fabric and such. He is really interested in getting into stained glass work. Any of you ever tried it? We have a friend that has turned his stained glass hobby into almost a business since he retired. Great Gifts!!!!!!!

I guess all the Texas posters are busy today..I haven't seen any notes on the BB.

BONNIE, have you tried crazy quilting? It's lots of fun and addicting. Great for using up scraps. You can make lots of things, purses, totes, pillows, and quilts.

Must run and get back to my sewing machine, it is calling my name...

Vicki...Texas

Good Day Ladies...

I have been gone for a few. I sat down last night to go through the posts that I missed and after about two hours, I had to give up. Between the pain from my splitting from laughter and the fact that I work 12 hours yesterday, I just couldn't go on. Decided that I would just start over...so

Hi, I'm Beth and I am a quilter. I live in Fort Wayne, IN and have two cats and a dog...

Off to Decator, IN today to find some fun antiques. DH is off with a buddy today so I am free to spend the day as I please...maybe a little S.E.X. this afternoon! Hmmmm.

Enjoyed all the stories about little boys...I don't have one but my sister does and he is "all boy." Just got him out of the "naked time" stage. He will be 4 in August. What a peanut. They live in Boulder, CO so I don't get to see him too much.

Bueff...if your mom says its ok, can you come and spend the night here and take care of a nasty kitty for me? I have a little black fella that insists on eating my batting and draging it all over the house. Went to baste a quilt last night and could have sworn that I had already cut the backing and the batting. Come to find out my cuddly feline companion had taken it to his "den" in the basement and made a nice little nest out of it!

Have a great weekend! Thoughts and prayers to all in need...this is the best support group I could ever wish for...Thanks...Beth in Ft. Wayne

GOOD TO BE BACK!

The DH finally decided to start the Instant Message thingy.
Ours will be: FourKiters

I've not used it, so am still figuring out how to work it.

Well, this is short, my God Daughter is screaming...
Liz in Kansas

Good Morning All, Oh my, I had a wonderful phone call this AM. I have cleaned a cottage for about 15 yrs. for a couple of guys from Chicago. One died a few yrs.ago and and Allen just doesn't come up often enought to keep the place. It is a fabulous place on Lake MI. Anyway I have always been paid very well for taking care of the place and always received $400-$600 a year for year end bonus. Mind you I only cleaned this place a few times a year but I always fit it in no matter what other job I had. Today it paid off. Allen called to say the place is sold and he will be sending me a check for $1000.00!!!!! There is $113.00 left in the cleaning supply fund and he said to keep that too. God is so good at giving blessings!! DH said now I could go to the quilt shop. there is one having 30% off so that is where I will go.
I finished piecing the blocks for a bearpaw this week. I cut it out a couple of yrs. ago and sewed 8 of the 20 blocks and laid it aside to go on to something else. Hope to get it set together this week. It is done in scraps.
I will send a block to Faith and Bill to put into a quilt.
Love DH to pieces but sometimes he says stuff that upsets me. It is not nice to upset a menonpausal woman! He told me when we went to bed that he hoped my heater didn't kick in tonight. Last night he had to go down and turn the AC down. Like I can controll being hot! Like an off and on switch. The switch would always be Off if I had my way. Enough of whine, whine.
Lynn in VT. I forgot to ask about your kitty when I emailed you. How is she doing?
Our Golden Retriever died on Mon. evening. She was almost 13.
Enough of this yack yack yack. Hope everyone has a good weekend. Mayme in MI where it has cooled down.

emailed you. How is she doing?

My daughter was a two-year-old terrorist, but she's one terrific teenager. DS was the sweetest little boy imaginable, but a terrorist(!) as a teenager. Go figure.

To those of you from Michigan, take a gander at this: DD called from music camp this morning, asking us to send her sweaters. This is the same kid who wants to go to college in Chicago? Northwestern has a marvelous music program, but isn’t that one of the places where the marching band uses plastic mouthpieces so their lips won’t freeze to the metal ones? Do you see anything wrong with a desert rat spending a few winters there?

TTFN, jdb in AZ

Hey Linda, my boys have both done that..and no they dont wait till no ones around do they! Usually your on vacation at some big huge public place..Nick's was Sea World..in Florida....I think it was all the running water and waterfalls..and Christopher was Virginia City, Nevada...really cool place... I figure it like this...when they are little, when nature calls, nature calls....I live with these guys everyday....and love them to pieces... and for the ones around...If you watch the people around you, the men are usually rolling around laughing...because all men have either done it....or still do...the women usually see the humor in it... been there done that! and they understand that boys will be boys, for older ladies..it just takes them straight back in time..when they were standing in your shoes, and their little boys done the same thing.... so usually I just giggle (not so they can see!) and explain once again why you can't do that...usually they get that burst of modesty..and stop anyway...But let me tell you! Nothing in the world will make your face any redder than to be that poor mother at the time!! LOL! Kids, are the purest form of insanity! I am just glad that we live in the country...I wonder if thats the problem? I wonder if city kids does it as much??

Be back later,
Hugs Doni

Good morning ladies- just checking in - I tried making notes, but it's almost impossible to answer everything I would like to, so suffice to say I am enjoying everyone's contributions- could not imagine not being a part of all this fun!!

Welcome to all the newbies- we have said it over and over again, but you will enjoy this "nutty" caring and special group- just don't try to analize us!!!

Let's all remember Monica this weekend- I could very well be wrong, but I was under the impression that her surgery was on Monday 12th- either way she is in our thoughts for a speedy recovery- we miss you Monica.

Doni- I just loved your Nicky post- can also relate to the peeing off the deck, making patterns in the snow, and even an embarrassing incident in Sears one Saturday, when I took Steven and his little friend with me to the Bathroom dept to buy ceramic tile. They were both 3 years old at the time, I was side-tracked choosing a tile pattern, and suddenly heard a little voice(of course- it just HAD to be my little Angel) say "Okay Jay- 1,2,3,-let's pee togevver", and sure enough- I turned around and saw two little bare bums and they were both "performing" in a mock bathroom set-up and the evidence was leaking out of the bottom!!!!

I didn't go back to Sears for about 6 months after that.!!

I notice many of you are enquiring on Faith's address, quite a few of us have it, so if you don't know it, a random hit on practically anyone's E-mail addy would get results, but if not, I have it, so does Marcie Teacup, rather than us keep answering the requests, just contact us. I will be off-line for most of the day, as I have lots to do to ensure that Ivon gets away on his fishing trip tomorrow- I just wouldn't want him to be late leaving- (I wonder why)- LOL!!!!

We are having much needed rain,and cooler weather today- have no excuse now for not keeping up with things here- ah well you know what they say - while the cat is away..................!!!!!

Have a great day- will check back later to see just how bad you have managed to be!!!

Hugs to all- there must be someone who needs one.
Celia

Its a good morning here in California but could be a good afternoon for you gals back east!?
Anyway I've been reading all those stories about little boys and their peeing habits. I have 5 kids, all grown, 2 are boys. They do have a way of pulling it out and letting it fly whenever they have the urge, the little sweeties. My sons never embarrassed me too often but the little 3 yr. old DGS, that is another story. We were at Marine World in the bay area, and the little guy decides to let it go, right there, standing on the sidewalk, a really strong stream on the grass. Peeing while watching the ducks walk across the lawn, a big smile on his face. Grampa grabbed little DGS and yanked the pants up quickly. Then run to the bathroom, too late all done. As for it being easier to raise boys, I have to agree they are MUCH easier. The mood swings of girls is very hard to deal with at times. Just ask my DH about what he has had to put up with me over all those years of monthly mood swings, YIKES. Don't do that anymore since the hyster and the wonder hormone pills.. Joy at last!! My girls put me through what I put my poor MOM through! It always comes back!!
Patty in COOL Red Bluff..You are just so darn busy.. I'm still working on that paper piecing quilt.. one project at a time for me.. I stop often when I get the chance to play with the DG children, and the paint brush has been calling me back recently. I took some really wonderful pictures while on the coast and hope to put one down on canvas... My DH has decided the house needs painted, IT HAS ONLY BEEN 10 yrs, since last paint job, so the painting will most likely be the house painting type!!!!
A great big WELCOME to all the newbys...They have treated me very wonderfully here...I'm addicted to there friendship...................
Happy Quilting to all....Linda in California
More Hugs to you...Faith

Dear Faith;
I send my love and hugs to you and Bill. You are in my thoughts dear friend. The love and friendship that you have extended to a newby like myself has been absolutely wonderful. Love and hugs, and God Bless you both. Your internet quilting friend, Linda in California

Hi All,

I've missed this BB, but have been out straight for over a week so haven't
had a chance to even lurk. I am officially retired as of Friday and it hasn't
sunk in yet. My co-workers were just super with wining and dining, plants, flowers,
candles, gift certificates (2 to Joann's!!!) and many hugs and kisses as they wished
me well. I will have many fond memories of my last days, but absolutely no regrets as
I have so many things I want to do. My DH who wasn't that thrilled with my decision
but he surprised me with a membership to the local golf course which could definitely take up a lot of
my time!!!!

I am looking forward to catching up on all I have missed on the BB and hope everyone
is happy and healthy and enjoying life as much as I am right now. Talk to you soon.

Peace,

Ann in MA

I know what you mean about boys. I had 5 boys and 3 girls.
I would have boys any day. I wanted girls so bad. And I really enjoyed
them. But the boys were easier to raise. They didn't have mood swings
like the girls did. They took all the love and effection I could give
them. But the girls seemed to be more independant and didn't seem to want
moms hugs and kisses as much. When teenagers, the girls separated from me.
(Came back when grown though) But the boys stayed close all the time.
We went thru all the boy things they do though. I could write a book about
their escapades.

So very glad to see Faith is with us. Just had to check the BB before I start the day. Faith I'd like to think it's all the prayers and thoughts that are making Bill feel a little chipper - maybe just a bit of the steroids. You are ever in my thoughts and prayers. You are so deserving of so much more. My block will be on it's way - but a bit delayed. My Bernina "Flossie" had to go to the hospital and won't be home until next week. I'll be cutting in the meantime. I was go glad to hear about Marilyn. I can't wait to read the story. This BB has really extended my family and I feel like I know all of you as if you sit next to me in Church. Like so many of you I cry with some and laugh with the others. What a great place to share our love and concern. Fran in Central PA where we had hard storms last evening and DH forgot to close the windows while I was at the hospital with "Flossie" and I came home and had to clean up lots of water.

Hi everyone! I a newbit both to the board and the whole quilting world!! I crochet, craft and read and now want to try quilting. But, alas I don't know where to begin. I have a sewing machine - I wonder if its easier to use the machine? Are there any BEGINNER books recommended?
Anyway, My name is Denise and I have 2 children, a DH and a job outside the home. I live in NW New Jersey about 30 miles east of PA.Looks like a cloudy day today, thank goodness just coming off a horrific heat wave. Anyway nice to meet y'all. I'm gonna continue reading through the messages.

Linda, move to Red Bluff, it was only 95 today!
I love quilt shop fabric and rarely order online, like to fondle my fabric. I love the 3 quilt shops that are close to me, one in Chico and 2 in Redding. Linda, I love the Fabric and Yarn Connection. Great store. Since I teach in a quilt shop, in do get the employing discount and have been buying the nicer fabric. The quilt shop fabric sews better, presses better and quilts better. I make a lot of minis and the better fabric is a must with the minis.
Our fair in next week and I am busy finishing my fair entries. I made a wall hanging today, will quilt it on Sunday, finished a large quilt and a coordinated outfit, still need to make a santa for a holiday ornament. All of this is due on Sunday at 6 pm. I have plenty of time! and I am teaching a class tomorrow!
I have missed Dr. Ruth's postings each time! the archives aren't available so her post isn't up. And I need some info on Faith's block. Any block, any earthy color, 6.5" right? I do need an address, so if someone could help me out here, I would appreciate it.
When I moved to Redding 10 years ago, all of my friends told me," it's so HOT there." I had only moved 100 miles north and when it is over 105 anywhere in the valley, it is hot! Linda, enjoy the weather because the rain will be here soon.
Patty in Northern California

Lynn in TX: I tried to e-mail you but it came bouncing back. Thought I would reach you here. I have some Dick and Jane Christmas print.on sleds building snowmen and iceskating. Is this what you are looking for? Audrey

Vicky in texas i was here now im back sorry i missed you but now im leaving again its late here and amillion things to do . but take note been here done that lol and i will be back.

thanks bonnie northern ca

Thank you, Susan for the book suggestions. I will purchase them both tomorrow. I'm eager to learn and become an addicted quilter. I'm so glad you responded to my question. Thanks again!!!
Rhonda in Kentucky

I've been hitting the board sporadically lately and missed Faith's address...would appreciate it by e-mail, since computer time has been limited lately....Also, are blocks still being accepted for the quilts for David's family? I have one done, but hadn't mailed it before vacation and saw some posts that made it sound like the quilts were done. Thanks...Chris in PA

Hi everyone!
I had a long read to catch up on all the goings on while we were out of town during the week. I look forward to more advice from Dr. Ruth. On the subject, I had great S.E.X. in 5 places around the state of Minnesota (this is besides the shop I work in). I'm sure I have a problem and I can admit it. Isn't that the first step tp being cured? I don't really want to quit though, so much fabric, so many ideas. I'm glad our Heavenly Father has promised us at least 120 years, I will need all of them to use up my resource center (aka: stash).
Welcome to all the newbies!
I love thunderstorms, I have since I was a kid. It's the high winds that I don't care for. Our house sits on a hill by itself and there have been many times that I have thanked God that He keeps me from even the thought of destruction!
The winds seem worse in the winter for some reason. It must be the cold, crisp air. If you live in the frigid north, you'll know what I'm talking about. Even the trucks on the highway near us sound different when the temp. hits 10 below.
Would someone please email me Faith and Bill's addy? Thanks!
Keep cool everyone! Sandi in MN, where it's not so frigid at the moment

Talked two non-quilting friends to go to Indianapolis and Quilt America with me. E-mailed Melinda in Indy and Brenda in Indiana I was coming!

Melinda said Cassi and some of the other Serial Quilters of Ohio were coming,too! Joy! Joy! Oh Boy! I could hardly wait. Read on Chat Page Ronna said she'd be there.

Entered at 10 am and started alookin' and alookin' for Melinda and Brenda! Nowhere in sight. Oh well! Probably will run across them eventually. The quilts were gorgeous but kept looking here and there for YYY's. Is that? Nah, well maybe it it "Are you?" YES! It was Linda in Ohio, one of the serial quilters with a YYY on! Later, by golly, guess what? Ronna sighted my couldn't miss it if you were half blind BRIGHT YELLOW YO YO!

Lovely ladies! Then found Melinda and Brenda who said they'd pick me up to have dinner with them and the other Serial Quilters who were in a class at the moment!

Truly was a very enjoyable day and they were all so-o-o funny and sweet. Moral to the story: Don't be afraid to wear those yellow yo-yos, ladies! You can meet the nicest people that way.

Bertie in Illinois (who just now finished catching up on the Chat Page)

Faith Dear, it is so heartwarming to see you join us -if only briefly. Each block that will be arriving for you and Bill, will be a component of the person who sends it to you. Each block too, will carry a silent message, for you to interpet and know that we all understand and care about what is happening to you right now.

You have done untold acts of humanity and kindness
to enlighten the lives of the not so fortunate, so please allow us to surround you and Bill with the love that you deserve. Enjoy your quilt blocks with the same emotions that they are sent your way.

God Bless
Celia

SUSAN in East Tx. LYNN in Spring, and LINDA J in Bridgeport.....Thanks for the welcome.

LINDA J. I used to live in New Braunfels too. Small world isn't it?

LYNN......my DD lives in Houston...I know where Spring is located, but not too familiar with that area.

SUSAN ...How far east are you?

BONNIE in Ca. I grew up in So. Ca. I have always been a sew-a-holic and a crafter. I love fabric.

Well, I am off to bed. The week-end days are so full and short, I hate to start them tired.

Goodnight to all,
Vicki in Texas

Just glad when I got home tonight to have a house. Had severe thunderstorms and was to have family outing at the races, but was cancelled due to rain. While at home waiting to see if storm would pass over, wouldn't you know it - tornado siren. Well, haven't had a tornado here since 1985 and me and all the neighbors out in the yard or backdoors looking at the sky. So what did we do - went over into Ohio and ate dinner where the TV was on stating tornado sighting by my house. My nine year old daughter wanted to go bowling or to a movie after she was assured that the dogs in the house wouldn't blow away. So went to a movie and got home - house still here. Looks like tornado bypassed or blew out as there were no road blocks or other such things set up. Thanks to everyone who has welcomed me to BB, can't wait to meet more of the group.

Lori, PA

Just finished catching up on the BB, prayers and love to all in need. Nancy, thanks for the extra info on blocks for Faith & Bill--will work on mine tomorrow while my two little boys (DH and DBIL) make a NEW potato canon, since the one they made a couple of years ago doesn't work as well as one we saw 4th of July! The "boys" were shooting potatoes over a very big pond, and not all potatoes made it across. A couple of days later, a grass carp showed up dead; some of those at picnic on 4th decided that the carp was killed by one of those potatoes!
How exciting to ready about Marilyn and her quilt--anxious to read the article about it.
I try to support my local quilt shop, which is in another town; once in awhile I do find fabric at Wal-Mart for a project. More often than not, I find 1 fabric, but nothing to use with it (must need more S.E.X.). I get even more frustrated trying to find notions, etc, there--they don't seem to have the selection they used to in quilting supplies.
Doni, how nice of you to install a pool for Bufford! Someone was telling about a shop hop in TX and wondering if they had them elsewhere--a number (17 I think) of shops in the KC metro area had a 2-3 day shop hop in April. I was gone then, but do have the brochure, so I know where all the good shops are!
We went shopping for cheese and BBQ rub today; only took us 6 hours! Left KC area, to Truman Lake--Osceola for cheese, then Warsaw for the rub. Fishing must be poor, practically no boats on the lake. Temperature dropped 14 degrees in about half an hour on way home--so sat on patio and enjoyed evening!
smile, Sue in MO

Faith, please understand this. I feel my arms are empty because I cannot give you a hug. This is helping us more than you know! Enjoy you mailbox full of hugs and know you are helping us too!
Teacup/Marcie

Talking about thunderstorms....We really have some good ones here in Texas. I love to watch them roll in. Sometimes the lightning gets a little too close for comfort, but all in all I like the sounds and sights. We have had more than our share here lately.

HELEN in AUSTIN...I live in VICTORIA. Not too far from you...about two hours drive. Anyone else around our neck of the woods?

I'm so glad it's Friday...Two days of being at home and not having to run off to work. I do have to clean house tomorrow morning, do some errands, then I can get back to my sewing machine.

I haven't seen a post from BONNIE in N. Calif.,
or from LORI, another newbie I think...How about the poster that wanted to get into quilting, but didn't quite know how to get started...You had no sewing machine.....I have some ideas for you. Post again on the BB so I can get your name. Or maybe I can look back in the last few days postings.

It is about 9:30 here in Texas I am going to go ahead and post this now and see if any of you NEWBIE'S are chatting.

Vicki in Texas

Good evening! We're soggy again in western KS. Grrrrr Right now is a very trying time to be a farmer's wife!! Unlike others --(Susan in KS) we are still trying to get our wheat cut. Rain every few days has made for some real interesting times!

Doni, I have a 7 year old boy that I'd trade you -- course we would both probably be sorry cause they'd just teach the others siblings new tricks!! Never a dull moment at my house either! DH is home today, so I've made sure he gets to handle all the whining, fighting , etc. I even LET him cook supper lol.

I've had lots of long days, so have spend some time quilting. I got all the blocks made for a raffle quilt for my church. I put them away to work on later because I promised myself I'd MQ my Heart Bargello before I did anything for someone else!! I got it put in the frame last night, and pin basted today. Tonight I sat down at the machine and started quilting away. I thought it was a little harder than usual to feed the quilt through, but went about my business. All of a sudden it dawned on me -- I'd forgotten to put the walking foot on! Things were a lot easier after that!

I too have the cow screen saver on my computer. The other night I had turned the speakers on while chatting, and forgot to shut them off when I finished. DH was in an adjoining room watching TV, and I had gone to get ready for bed. He comes charging through the kitchen towards the back porch to get his boots mumbling something about the blankety blank cows being out. I asked him where, and he said -- I don't know, but I can hear them. Boots on, he heads towards the front door only to hear the mooing coming from the computer room!!! lollol
I had a good chuckle, but he's warned me I'd better remember to shut those cows up, or they may be removed from the farm!!!

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

Karen in KS

Faith & Bill - NEVER, NEVER, NEVER give up. We are all sending as many positive thoughts your way and want you to think positive too! That way there is a lot of postitve energy coming your way and no negative energy! Hugs, hugs and more hugs! You are two very special people! Don't forget that.

Katie Mac in Spring

WOW, thank you for all the positive messages, I have just a few cards to open and all have been read. My dh is so jealous of all the mail.

I came home from ds today and he tells me the e-m is all for me!

Came home early cause dgd is coming home from her dads, a very unhealthy experience this time. I don't know what I'll find at the airport tomorrow, but will do my best to give her what she needs, love and security.

My ds worked me to the bone, I painted decks, made curtains, hung curtains, cleaned windows, cleaned floors, cleaned sinks, pulled weeds, wacked down weeds, feed the dog and cats, painted the deck again, and then again (3 coats) moved boxes and more boxes and more and more boxes, vacumed, washed rugs, knited, cooked dinner cooked lunch made coffe, heck, I have it easier here at home.

Oh my home, it is painted inside, beautiful, looks new and all the doors and jams. I am one lucky lady.

Well home for 10 days and then back to my ds the slave driver. This new house of his is getting me thin.

terter

The stories of the little boys and their potty training habits remind me of my youngest. We had a half wall between the toilet and the bathtub in one of our bathrooms and one day when my youngest DS was about 4 YO I caught him standing on the half wall and aiming his stream at the toilet. Didn't always hit the target, and that cleared up the mystery of why the toilet seemed to be leaking so often. He is 35 YO now with 7 children (5 little boys of his own). I wonder if they have picked up some of Daddy's habits???

Thunder Storms are always a bit frightening to me. I remember when I was very small living on the old dairy farm my older sister, about 5 at the time, was standing at the window looking out across the yard to the barn. There were open water pipes in that corner and her dress was touching it. After a really loud crackling lightning she stepped back and there was a hole in her skirt where it touched the pipes. At that same instant the hired man, who was stripping one of the cows to get the last bit of milk after the milking machine was taken off, felt the cow he was milking pull back in the stanchion at the same time he had a burning on the bottom of his foot. When he finished with the cow and opened her stanchion to let her out to pasture again, she fell right down, dead. She had been killed by the lightning. And later when the hiredman took off his shoes that night he discovered he had burns on his feet everywhere there were tiny nails in the sole of his boot. I guess that is why I still don't like thunder storms. I have heard so many weird things happening to people like that.

Faith and Bill, I cannot get you off my mind lately. Just want you to know my prayers are with you constantly and I will have my blocks to you soon. Do you want us to sign the blocks? I haven't heard from anyone about that yet.

Sue in MO: Your raffle tickets are in the mail. Thanks for your support. So many of you have ordered the tickets, and several claim to have the winning ticket. LUCKY is the person who does have it! I have made a list of the names and city/state of each each contributor which will be going with the quilt. Thought the new owner would appreciate that.

Can't believe how COOL it is here the last two days. So hot & humid for so long and then just over night it turned cool enough for sweaters and tonight I will be wearing my winter 'jammies. BRRRRRR! Do I sound like I am never satisfied with our weather? Well, you are right...if the temperature varies 5* one way or the other of 70* I am too hot or too cold.

Marty in Vermont

all that doni said,,,,,,,,
and just this,,
the thing that made me stay on this bb was just this kind of thing,,,
as quilters we are threaded together,,,
as we share and chat,,,,,and all of it,,,
we do have quilting in common,,,and thanks to eric and sue,,,we have this forum to share all of that and more,,
and you are such a dear sweet woman,,,,
it is strictly our pleasure to do something for you,,,,,something we can do,,,and that is quilt,,,,and chat,,,and be here day in and day out,,,,as a group of caring and sharing quilters,,,,and pass the coffee will you,,,,now there,,,i am putting my hand on your shoulder,,,,,patting you faith,,,,and getting ready to hug you,,,,and bill,,,

you keep tuning in ,,,,,,and stay with us faith,,,,and maybe some one can have some story to share about your square,,

loon/marie/maine,,,,,feeling better faith came here,,,and posted,,,feeling lots better now!!

To all of you moms and gmoms of boys. . .I have 3 boys. We've done the peeing in the yard thing, to honking the horn and now to spending too much time with the gfriends. Yes, they do grow up way too fast. But to the grandma of 3 in 3 years. I hope you're not really pushing the potty training thing at 2 1/2. Boys usually don't get there till 3 sometimes 4. We pushed and pushed our oldest. He would sit on the potty for the whole Sesame Street hour, nothing. Then one Sunday he went in the house and we didn't know where he was.
Found him in the bathroom, had taken off diaper, used the potty and was dumping in the toilet. Taking care of himself. Never wet a diaper again, day or night. So just wait till they're ready, not when you're ready.

Last night we had family pic taken for church directory. Two LITTLE girls ahead of us. . .would cry on a dime and whine. Took an hour to get their pic. I told my boys I was so glad they weren't girls. And I wanted 5 girls when I started. LOLOLOL On Sunday mornings, looking at all the little girls in church, glad I had boys. . .no ribbons, fancy hair and they got ready themselves.

But Doni watch out. Don't get taken by that "what did I do" look. It's not so cute when they're teenagers!!

Just my experience talking.
Judy in Ark

Hi all, i did come back i think i like this place. and Vicki fron texas yep we are new together. how long have u been quilting? me 1 year.
Linda from ca thanks for the hello and yes its hot here too. Im in vacaville ca .
Hey there Dr. Ruth Im finally getting that s.e.x thing down lol thanks for all your info....
well more later im not on the computer everyday so will check in later .

thanks, bonnie in ca

Faith, Dear, yes we all have our ups and downs, and some day you’ll have the opportunity to give one of us a “block party.” We’re enjoying this more than you are.

Sara, Dahling, hasn’t your daughter figured out what’s causing all these pregnancies? Help her husband find another hobby, or buy him a television set! As my DFIL (a dairy farmer at the time) used to say, “I give my cows more rest than that.”

Cheryl, no matter how much your sewing machine vibrates, it really isn’t a S.E.X. toy unless it’s used for stash building. If you’re sewing scraps together to create new fabric for your stash, then that would count.

True confessions: Liz, Sweetie, I too have sinned. My DD has been to the local brothel with me, but I sent her off to search for a fabric that she would like so she didn’t see mommy grabbing an uninterrupted quickie. One of the “perks” of aging (I’m 102, you understand) is that you no longer have to haul your kids everywhere you go. Instead of being mauled at the mall, now I can send the kids on errands for me.

Nelly, I just consulted with Dear Abby, Ann Landers, and Miss Manners, and they all agreed that collecting money, especially in specified amounts at a bridal shower, is beyond tacky. And
three showers? If the first two didn’t provide enough good clean fun, it’s time for her to go take a nice long bubble bath.

Faith, Just sit back with Bill and enjoy what your receive....You give so much of yourself to your charity and to the homeless..this I know! I remember the mad dash to get all the Christmas baby quilts out....Take these blocks... make you and Bill a wonderful quilt..You need the help and the strength..and the love...We all need to help you by sharing it....Each of us will be with you daily in your quilt.....Hugs to you dear lady..

Doni

Thanks to the ones who sent me Faith's address. I have my block ready to go in the mail tomorrow.

Peggy in Iowa

I have been unable to find time to turn on the BB for days and days, and today, I sit down for "just a minute" and that's all it took to start crying. I do not deserve a second out pouring of your friendship. Once was enough, there are so many others of you that are equally deserving. In fact,all of you. Every person's life has all these nasty twists and turns, just that each person has a different twist, but none the less deserving of love and support. Darned, just what can I say??????????????
Yesterday I truly felt Bill's days were numbered in very low numbers, but today thanks to steroids he is feeling quite chipper. Humbly,Faith and Bill

Hello,

How do I buy tickets for Marilyn's raffle quilt? Please email me.

Kelly in Sunny & Warm Seattle

I grew up in Fl. where there was a thunder storm every afternoon at 4 (you could set your watch by it). They always made me a little jumpy!! I was started to get over my fear until about 5 yrs ago when our house was struck by lightning! Blew a hole right in my bedroom wall. (and i used to think that under the bed was a safe place to hide!) Took out the well pump,telephones, fridge, not to mention the wall. PTL there was no fire as we had no phone and the lightning was so thick we couldn't leave the house. on top of that my brothers family were visiting. (they have not been back since) My DH was standing on the back porch at the time. After his ears stopped ringing I asked him would he stand outside in a storm again, he said NO!! And he hasn't!! So no storm watching for me. And all of that was plesant compared to dealing with the insurance co. But that is a whole different story and I won't go there. Kathy in SC

We were camping one year in the gold country and found a berry farm, you pick and pay.
We were told that Olalieberries are really just blackberries. And personally I thought
they looked like them too!!!

Susan in slowly getting hotter.......Fresno

Would someone please email me Faith's address so I may send a block for her. I will be leaving tomorrow so would like to get this in the mail before I leave.

Thank you.

Peggy in Iowa

Those of you with young boys ...enjoy them now because it won't be long before they're off with your car and their girfriend. Then you'll be grounded. My DS just left for mititary training last week. It's nice to know that my car is waiting right outside anytime I want it. I can't say I miss him though because he spent all his time at his girlfriends'. I never knew whether to cook for 3 or 5 people. You should have seen the leftovers accumulating in the fridge. Its been great this week because DD has been working overtime every night so I've known that I only have to plan for two.
Started a double wedding ring wall hanging for my niece and her fiance. 9 blocks with photo transfers in 5 of them. The rest are for I REMEMBER WHEN... Hope it works out. Speaking of weddings etc. Is there a Miss Manners here as well as a Dr. Ruth. I recieved a shower invitation the other day ( the third shower for my niece) saying it was a "money shower ($30)" How does that grab you? Originally the amount was going to be $50. That's what this quilt is for.. I'm refusing to respond to greed. The bride had nothing to do with it. Even the groom's mother tried to discourage the cash suggestion.
Nelly from Thunder Bay

I love watching thunderstorms!!! We had some amazing ones the other day, for over 12 hours straight, storm after storm. My office faces south over the river valley, I have an excellent view of many developing storms. It's a good thing my computer faces away from the window, I really would spend all my time watching the clouds if I could!

Marty, thank-you so much for the update on Marilyn's quilt. You had me in tears when I read it. I am looking forward to seeing the article and the quilt on Kellie's page soon.

Dr. Ruth, can scissors, needles, etc be considered SEX toys? And is a sewing machine just a vibrating toy?

It's the weekend and I am off for a bit of S.E.X. myself. Won't get much quilting done though, I'm looking after my friend's little boys tomorrow. And the man is attempting to fix his truck tonight. Brakes have gone so today he had to rent a big fancy tool to get the brake drum off - a PULLER! yup, that is its name. Very technical. I look forward to the day where the only vehicles he works on are ones he is restoring, not the ones he relies on for everyday driving! Boys and their toys!

Have a good weekend everyone!
Cheryl in Edmonton

PS I too want to know what a Ollalieberrie is?!

Anyone that knows anything about our defense system will understand what this ARRGGGGGHH is about. I was supposed to be hopping on mac flights to Hawaii today right? WRONG! I can hop all the way to CA but can't get off the mainland without my DH. But wait! We have been trying to come up with a means of conveyance for me for a month now with no luck until he was told yesterday that this COULD be done. So for lunch today, we met at the AFB for my flight where we were told the sad news. Then we were told in the next breath that I could fly solo on Monday because there is a direct flight from here!!Of course they didn't know this yesterday, or care to tell us if they did know. Do you see the ARRGGHHH here? So, I am still planning on beach quilting next week, but what a rigamaroll to do it!
Doni...I think my 4yo boy must be getting secret info from your 5 yo. Today he isn't too bad, but yesterday he was out there peeing in the yard with all of his friends around. He was hamming it up for them too! And we are Constantly searching for one sandle..just one, he leaves one on his foot and looses the other in our yard or one of the neighbors' yards!
Now that I am not leaving until Monday, I can make my block for Faith and Bill before I go. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
Welcome to our new friends. You will find lots of love and support here. And between all of us, we can help you through most any problem, quilting or otherwise.
TTFN
Kristine in Alaska who promised the younguns we'd go to Alaskaland on this beautiful day.

If it makes you feel any better, Doni, my little sweetie, when he was about 4, used to pee in the heater vent in the family room. Didn't know this until we turned on the heater ..ugh!! I was reminded of this when you told us bout the fox urine incident..in desperation I poured Clorox down the vent. What is it with little boys??lol This one is now 13 and still living...
Susan Joy in CA

Doni-- I know what you mean, I just got back from sitting for 2 1/2 and 1/2 DGS's while mom, my DD went to check up for #3. Three in three years! Talk about too much S.E.X.! They are cute as buttons, but if #1 doesn't get with the program about using the potty, not the floor, he may be living in the yard soon. The #3 is supposed to be a boy also, but I keep praying for a little Sara, like Austin Powers, a Mini Me.
No quilting for me this weekend (whine, whine) to much outside work to do.
Sara in Fla.

I really want to learn how to quilt. I'm a mother of 4 small children and I not only want to make a quilt for each of their beds, but also for them to have as a memory of me and my love for them. I have a few quilts that my grandmother has made and I wouldn't trade them for the world. Where I live there are no quilting classes offered and no one in my family as the desire to quilt. Please, inform me of the tools I need or a step by step guide so that I can get started on my quilt.

Free to good home..one little boy..5 years old..good teeth..good eyes...house broken...(well sort of..if you don't count peeing off the porch)....

Man have I had a day with the Nick bug! If its bratty he did it!! Total mess today! Now he is grounded till he turns 18..We went garage saling..HE decided he was finished after about 2 sales...from then on he decided he'd just wait in the truck....Yeah right!! He'd wait in the truck blasting the $%$#@& horn the whole time!! Thats okay..tonight when we go to bed...he aint sleeping on my floor..and I am not spraying for Aliens!! That'll teach him!! Buford is about to get a room mate!

Hope everyone that was suppose to be in the swap got there info..if I left anyone out..I am sorry but I am finished! You have to be braindead to come up with an idea like that! LOL!!

Better get..see what bug is up to....thats why we call him Bug..cause hes a pest bug!! LOL!!
(He is such a cute little bug though...specially when hes in trouble..big round eyes and pouty mouth..and that..but what did I do look!)
See you later..
Hugs Doni

Hello all! Good to read posts today, down as far as I could... It is so wonderful to hear about Marilyn's reaction to the quilt. That is so special!
Doni - rodger that, on the swap details! : )

This is the first day all week that I didn't get on the computer to do anything BUT check the bb! I finally got my school project done, almost two reams of paper printed off the internet!

HELP! I am looking for a fat quarter of the Dick and Jane fabric. I guess I waited too long. Would anyone out there be interested in swapping for a fat quarter of your choice?

Faith, you and Bill are in my heart and prayers.

Good day to all!

Lynn in TX

Oh Dr. Ruth, Dr. Ruth! I have a confession....are you Catholic? I had
S.E.X. in front of my children. I confess I hauled them there...under the guise
of "its my b-day coming up, and I've had to sit at the darn pool for weeks now,
and I don't want to hear a word from either of you!" My DD says "you owe us big."

What to do, what to do. Took in some canned food. If you brought in food, they gave
you a FQ with a slip inside with your discount for the day on it. I got 20% off. Not
bad. Got lots of FQ's and 2 yards of blue Christmas for a tree skirt.

I left there extremely satisfied, and arrived home just in time to watch a great t-storm
hit. Wow! We had a strike in the neighbors yard, and my DS didn't want to stay outside
and 'watch' anymore. Do any of you ladies like to watch storms? I especially like the
lightning at night.

Well, off to check the rain gauge, and feed the hypermutt all the 'burnt' popcorn from the
microwave.

Liz in Kansas

I spoke too soon! just received raffle tickets for Marilyn and now I know the drawing is on Sept. 5th. Thanks Marty.
Susan Joy

Should we sign the blocks or just make a separate little siggie block. I know how much Marilyn enjoyed reading the signatures on her quilt and learning which blocks came from whom.

Marty in Vermont

Just returned from a birthday bash at a local brothel (the quilt store is celebrating their first year in business) and there were SO many fabric-aholics on hand, the management asked me to stop by to counsel any of their customers who might swoon in ecstasy. One thing I've noticed during these sales (when I'm not too busy fondling the fabric) is that the "happy hookers" from other dens of iniquity go the extra mile(s) (drive clear across town) to support the sales of their competition. Go figure. They don't get enough S.E.X. at their own place of employment; they pay for additional S.E.X. elsewhere. Now they're truly nymphomaniacs!

Dr. Ruth

Good Morning! Doni, good idea for itty bitty applique. I am always looking for ways to do things more easily! and the flannel swap will be fun, thanks for putting it together.
Teacup, I think I need help. Is there a support group for hopeless fabriholics in CA?? the uncontrollable urge to buy fabric--it's great! can smell a quilt shop miles away!
Marty, how wonderful to hear about Marilyn's birthday surpirse. How can we see the quilt? when is the raffle? I am sure I have the lucky ticket!
dh is camping all weekend, so I can make blocks for Faith and Bill. you are in my thoughts, also Monica and Ramona.
DD likes oliallieberry wine. I was wondering what it is also. Of course this is the DD with a mouse living in her drawers.....other night my DD #2 asked what a loon sounds like and I couldn't tell her. Help, Loon Marie.....Rachel in UT, I thought you were referring to fabric, don't hide! it was funny!
Susan Joy in not too hot yet, CA

Vicki, Welcome to the BB chat page. Hope you come back often.
What part of Texas are you from?
Helen in Austin, TX

I have been reading all of your postings for days. I guess I will just jump right in and say HI! Bonnie in N. Calif....we can be new together. I must run back to work...no quilting...a real job. I will post more later when I have more time.
Vicki from Texas....

I am a big supporter of my local quilt shops. Just take a look at my stash! I had to buy more storage boxes to take care of it all.
Back in April, the quilt stores in 5 towns got together and had an event they called the Bluebonnet Shop Hop. If you went to all the stores you were eligible for a grand prize and each store also had a drawing for a gift certificate. It was great fun and the stores had a great turn out. They are already planning next year's event. Do any of you know of other stores in your areas that have similar events or other kinds of special events to create interest in shopping the local stores?
Have to get back to working on sewing small bags for the local battered woman's shelter. The bags are filled with items and given to the children when they come in with their mothers. The bags usually contain toothpaste and brush, soap, comb, and a toy or two.
Helen in Austin, TX

It is great to hear that so many of you BB'ers shop at your local quilt shops. I must confess I have ordered patterns from catalogs or on-line shops but very little fabric. Still want to touch it before I take it home. I will order fabric from catalogs or on-line if I can't get it at my local shops. When I travel, I also go to as many quilt shops as I can find or have time to visit. It is so much fun to find a reall;y nice shop in a little town! Quilting is alive and well in America!!
Lillie Ann in Aberdeen and sometimes Xanadu

Good after noon everyone. Hope all is having a great day. I finished the block for Faith and hope to get in the mail by tomorrow. It is a
scrap Apple design, paper piecing, made with the scraps from my paper piecing project. There are many shades of gold, pumpkin and deep yellows, with a splash of a simply gorgeous deep blue. I hope she likes it. I'm also sending along a
3 inch siggy sq., I just thought it be nice to have a siggy.

Marcie that Fabric-a-holic test was such a hoot.
I printed the darn thing, figured going over it many times might HELP! What am I saying, I like my addictions they comfort me!! HA HA

As for you, Dr.Ruth, I think you have added a new and interesting deminsion to the Fabric-a-holic thingy...I will get great joy from reading it over and over......I like your fiendish ways my dear Dr. Ruth..........

Have a wonderful day, will check back later....to see what everyone is up toooo............
LInda in, getting hot,hot, California

To Alia, Susan and Laura

I haven't forgotten about your birthday squishies just have been really busy with some unexpected problems in family - SIL has been in hospital and since coming home has been back and forth to doctors and I am the wheels. Also am getting ready to be gone for about 10 days and will get your squishies out when I get back. Just don't want you to think I forgot you.

Peggy in Iowa

I agree that you should support your quilting and crafting shops, and most times when I travel, I find really neat stuff that I couldn't find around where I live. I have a problem with my local shop, and the owner doesn't like children (which I happen to have two of). I can understand why he doesn't care for them (they get into product on shelves), but at the same time, my local store owner has been nasty to me, too. If I have to pay premium price for good fabric, and the attitude comes with the merchandise, I will happily seek out my local chain store where I am welcome with a smile. NOT EVERY LOCAL STORE IS LIKE THIS!!! I have had much nicer experiences (Gettysburg Quilting Center for one ----in PA is really nice and the gals are SHARP there)elsewhere.
just my two cents
Kris H.
Sesam Straat Pal in MD

Good Morning all! Misie here. Just waiting for those monster storms that are supposed to approaching from the West - payback for the hot stuff, I suppose. Michelle - if you want cheaper fabric try your local Goodwill or Salvation Army Secondhand store. It's amazing how much brand new or like new clothing in 100% cotton is available for a few dollars. Nobody seems to mind me buying this stuff because the styles and colours are usually outdated. A blouse usually works out to a yard or two depending on the sleeves. The collars are useful for string piecing. Last summer I was having trouble finding a certain pink stripe and found it in a two-piece set. It was brand new, complete with price tag, and cost me $3.50. Now that's a bargain! I do have a Walmart near me, but I do find that although the pattern looks the same, the base fabric it is printed on is not the same quality as what I get from my regular den of iniquity. Have a happy day! Toodles, Mibsie in Canada

Marcie, LOVED the Fabric-aholic post. I think we're all addicts or we wouldn't be here in the first place. Dr. Ruth told me to substitute the word S.E.X. every place you see the word fabric, and see what happens. I swear (regularly) that woman is a fiend.

Gotta run to the post office with some squishies, including my care package for Faith and Bill's "block party."

jdb in AZ

Hey all, once again, my big mouth has opened and the fingers should've been put in a vice before being allowed to type. My appologies about the "fat quarters" joke and string bikinis. Way out of line. I was not meaning fat quarters in the literal sense. I was referring to them for what they are. Pieces of fabric. If I hurt anyones feelings. I'm sorry!

Rachel in I think I'll go find a hold to crawl in UT.

Last night I made my block for them...an "Anvil" block meaning that their
strength is as tough as an anvil! In a grape motif in earthtones. Thank
goodness I guessed right.

Anyone who needs her addy, you can email me too. Above email is home, work is:
swarkentin@ffdcu.org.

Susan in getting hotter Fresno

well i am falling behind on all the bb business,,,seems like we owe some people congrats and other attentions as well,,,
rosie - Happy Birthday
marge - Happy Anniversary

maggie meadow mouse,,,did someone mention maggie??? i have missed you so much,,,,good to hear you are back with us!!!!!!!!!!!

and teacup thanks so much dear friend to post about bill and faith,,,how is the turn out by the way,,
i would vote to also post openly on the bb about our blocks we make for faith,,,,so she has something to read about also,,and can join in our work as we make her blocks,,,my feelings are such ,,,,she needs to be involved in something right now,,,and as our unspoken rule,,,we all have been there for each other on this bb,,,,,,and i am sure we will not disappoint anyone now,,
so is it 6 and 1/2 unfinished in any color,,style?? but faith does like earth tones?? wonderful!!

so good to see some of our regulars ,,,,where on earth have you been,,,,vacation??

also,,,remember monica having surgery,,,prayers count for sure!!

hugs,,,,,and thoughts for those in need,,,welcome also newbies,,,welcom

loon/marie/maine,,,,,weather has taken a turn for the better,,,,actually sleeping last few nights with blankets,,very much the usual weather for this time of year!!! THANK GOD,,,,the heat was horrible

MAE WEST - I think Mae West was a fabric-aholic. She's alleged to have said "Too much of a good thing can be WONderful." I ask you, what else could have inspired such a tender sentiment?

BUYING UPTOWN OR DOWNTOWN - IMHO it depends on where you find what you want, for the purpose you have in mind. Doll quilts for a child to drag about or a quilt for the kid's campouts certainly don't require Hoffman batiks from Great Expectations. For a special gift quilt, you probably wouldn't use a bandana print from Walmart--UNLESS it had a country-western theme or maybe the EXACT shade of blue you wanted. But for a masterpiece project, by all means pull out all the stops! The key question is still not where you buy, but whether (after examining for quality) the fabric meets your requirements.

OUT OF LUCK - I believe it's important to support local businesses. I seem to make a fairly even distribution of my limited funds among various West Houston money-pits, but can only spend so much. Within about five miles of our home two fabric stores recently shut their doors, locally owned Quilt Quarters in the spring and a Hancock Fabrics on July 3. (The lady at Quilt Quarters told me one time she always liked for the non-English speaking shoppers to come in her store during Festival; they only knew four words: "One (yard), Three, Five and All.") I hated to see both of these stores close.

FISHING FOR NEWBIES - Welcome! I'm a BB newbie myself, but an old quilter. Don't be shy around here! Every quilter in the world started out with no experience. Jump in, you'll love it. If you don't, you can jump out again, no harm done. If that happens, you may send your leftover fabric to me at...(hehehe)

MAE WEST - I think Mae West must have been a fabric-aholic. She's alleged to have said "Too much of a good thing can be WONDERFUL." I ask you, what else could have inspired such a tender sentiment?
WHERE TO BUY FABRIC -- I think it depends on where you find what you want, for the purpose you have in mind. Doll quilts for a child to drag about the playground, or potholders for a barbecue supper hostess gift certainly don't need Hoffman batiks from Great Expectations. For a gift wall quilt, I don't imagine I'd use a bandana print from Walmart -- unless it had a country-western theme. The key question is not where you buy fabric, but whether it meets your requirements. I seem to distribute funds pretty evenly among the various West Houston money-pits (both locally owned and national chain). I agree it's important to support our local businesses. Within about five miles of our home, both a locally owned quilt shop (Quilt Quarters) and a Hancock Fabric have closed their doors in the past six months. I hated to see it happen in both cases. I've never ordered "quilting stuff" from a catalog.
To the new ladies - every quilter started out with no experience at all. Just jump in! You'll love it. And if you don't...well, you can jump out again with no harm done. (And you can send me any leftover fabric...)

MARCIE - my personal thanks for mentioning a block shower for Faith. Just last night I "chatted" with her daughter Liz via email. Liz tells me the BB has been a lifesaver to Faith and the squishy shower a total surprise and uplifting tokan of love/support to both of them.

I mentioned the BB'ers once again were wanting to reach out, this time with blocks for a future quilt. She agreed that Faith finds solice in her quilting room and a some point will enjoy putting these together into a special quilt. Meanwhile blocks arriving daily will again be uplifting to both of them. For those of you who missed Marcie's post and wish to send a block, the size should be 6 1/2" unfinished, any style, any color.

I asked about colors and Liz says she loves all and that her mother is an earthtone person and her favorites are primary earthtones. This may help some of you who are asking "what colors?" Faith and I were corresponding once re some trading of fabrics and she told me also that she loves everything and loves "those fabrics that look like oil on water". I think she was speaking of balis?

An additional saddness - Bill's elderly mother is dying and was given last rites last night. Bill feels so badly that he can't be there with her. Please keep them all in your prayers.

MARTY - I felt a tear coming on while reading your post about Marilyn's party and receiving her quilt. Thanks for sharing the details. And prayers for you DH that his eye is ok. Would hate to have you miss Ohio 99.

OHIO 99 - Speaking of that, I am SOOOOOOOOooooooo jealous of all of you attending. I'll be at my first ever high school reunion (40th) in the NYC area and hopefully will have as much fun. How many days do I have to loose 10 #'s?? LOL

Have a good day everyone - rain here once again.
Nancy the "sewbird" snowbird in WI

Morning everyone,

Kristin in Alaska - Have a great time in Hawaii - went there by mac flights a few times myself. Always hated to leave Hawaii once there.

I usually shop at quilt shops - there is one near my house. For other items, the extras, usually go to walmart or a store like Joanns.

It is cloudy and looks like rain - finally up here in PA by Lake Erie. My daughter and I are going to pick black raspberries before the thunder hits. Everyone have a good day.

Lori in PA

I want to thank Glendaa Beasley for the fabric She sent me. It is so pretty. And Thasnk you to Suedan Falkowski forthe beautiful fabric that she sent to! You are so nice. I am really having a battle with this cancer and to get fabric in the mail just makes my day brighter! I like to thank each one when they send me something but to be honest I forget where I talk to peole at. Nice sweet Kitty Kate has done a lot of helpin me to send others to send me fabric. When I ever get done with these treatments I want to make a friend ship quilt out of my fabric! Andy ideas?
Again if I ahve forgotten any one to thank I am very sorry. I will just thank you all that are on here. Bear with me maybe I can get my brain working again some day!! Love you all. Your friend,
Ramona from ky

I want to thank Glendaa Beasley for the fabric She sent me. It is so pretty. And Thasnk you to Suedan Falkowski forthe beautiful fabric that she sent to! You are so nice. I am really having a battle with this cancer and to get fabric in the mail just makes my day brighter! I like to thank each one when they send me something but to be honest I forget where I talk to peole at. Nice sweet Kitty Kate has done a lot of helpin me to send others to send me fabric. When I ever get done with these treatments I want to make a friend ship quilt out of my fabric! Andy ideas?
Again if I ahve forgotten any one to thank I am very sorry. I will just thank you all that are on here. Bear with me maybe I can get my brain working again some day!! Love you all. Your friend,
Ramona from ky

Morning Everyone !!!!

No time to read, no time to post, but a short note,company is here for a few days and I must run!! Hope all of you have a Great Day ! Do you think my company would understand if I have S.E.X. before we start our site seeing trip ???

Elaine, NC Mountains

Teacup- Help I keep buying fabric and I can't stop! I bought some FQ's yesterday and actually thought it was silly that the salesperson asked me "what are you making?" why do I have to be making something? Just supporting my habit LOL.

As for buying fabric...There aren't really any quilt shops near home so I rely on Joann's and Walmart to get most of my stuff. I am willing to try some of the online shops although I have been a little put off by the price in the past. I am a poor starving college student (whimper whimper) and can't really afford 9.00 a yard for material. I am planning on rewarding myself at the end of the summer with a trip to a real quilt shop. I finally bought a big oval quilt hoop last night along with some betweens and a leather thimble. Ready to start practicing my handquilting.

Started working on the mariner's compass last night. Got my strips sewen together now to cut out the points. Forgot to add the seam allowance to the templates so have to remind myself to add it or they will be very small compasses.
Michelle in still hot PA

Good Idea on the foil for making those pesty little circles. They are a pain IMHO. How do people keep coming up with those little shortcuts?

After all the talk about loons on the BB, I ask a friend what they are. She just so happens to loooove loons and has some beautiful prints of loons in her bedroom. They really are a beautiful bird. I had them pictured as a cross between a stork and flamingo. Don't know where I came up with that image.

Went to bed very early, then woke up at 4 am. Now, at almost 6am, i am ready to go to bed again. Trouble is it is time to be up and thinking about my class in Sisters today.

Dot in OR

Good morning ladies..I took my first quilting class last night and wouldn't you know it! First class was paper piecing! LOL!! I have totally avoided PP for the last year or so..Any way we are doing and angel quilt..a sampler of different angels..and I bought a bunch of fabric last night..I worked on one small angel and it is pretty, cant say it was easy..but it was pretty..Got home got in bed and all of a sudden I decided to do my angels in country look..everyone else in the class is going for Hoffman and Batiks..which is really pretty, but just not me...so once again..here I go way out there in left feild! I have the vision of little angels set in little nine patchs, and flying geese units, and little bitty pinwheels..Did learn a really neat new to me technique for doing applique...really small pieces..use thin cardboard cut to size and the spray your fabric with spray starch, cut a little bigger than the cardboard..the place this on foil and cut just a tad larger than the fabric..pinch the foil around the template and this holds the fabric down in place real well then hit that baby with an iron on both sides and it just turns out perfect! Love it! First time out..I done a little angel face about the size of your thumb nail and perfectly round! No sharp points anywhere! Cool! I even done a little pair of hands that are about the size of your finger nail, and the edges are just a smooth as can be! I really enjoyed it! Any way..bad time to start a class probably..got gobs to do now!

Mr. Mark bought a swimming pool...we have been working on getting that set up..last year we planted new grass..and this year we dug it all up!! Isnt that the way it goes! I think the monster boys are really going to love it..still have to fence it in..the wonder dog will be in more than we are probably if we dont!

Better get...got gobs to do befor this afternoon..clean house in the mornings and sew in the afternoon..if it dont get done by 1 0'clock..its just not getting done till tomorrow!

I will send out the addy's for the flannel swap this afternoon..we had a really good turn out..made a few changes on request but will let you know about them in my emails...

I almost always shop at either Walmart or the quilt shop...hardly ever at Joanns..I just use walmart for the utility quilts..and quilt shops for swaps and doing really neat projects..If you dont use your quilt shops..they dont stay in business, then we lose in the long run...Walmart here dont carry any hand quilting stencils and the quilt shop is the only place to get them..they can special order any stencil you need if they dont carry them...and hands on advice from someone that really knows is worth the extra to me..

Gotta get! Be back soon!
Hugs Doni

Good Morning Everyone!

I was all set for a relaxing morning when DH decided he would pick this morning to be at work early. After the alarm went off, I couldn't go back to sleep, so I thought I would see what y'all had posted last night.
I, too, and wondering what a oliallieberry is.
Well, since I am up, I guess I'll get ready to go to the GA Tech library. Then I get to go to Little Quilts for some gratuitous S.E.X. and to get my flannel for the swap (and regular fabric for you Linda.) I am in favor of supporting your local shops, but I do buy fabric on line when I see some and can't find it locally. I also suppost local quilt shops wherever I am travelling, as I am sure y'all do too from your posts. However, when I was in Little Quilts the other day, she sent me to JoAnn's for something. It is right across the street, and Alice said, "It is our sister shop." I do get sewing machine needles, rotary cutter baldes, etc. at JoAnn's. BUt most fabric comes from a quilt shop.
Can someone tell me the story behind Marilyn and the quilt?
Have a nice day.

Julie in GA

Sondra, I just have to ask, what is an olallieberry? I must admit I've nevah heard of one.

Kristine, welcome back home, and have fun in HI!
Let's get together, e-mail me!

Well, must be off to bed, now that I've caught up here. Good nite all! Raye-Jean in Alaska

Hi Everyone!
Just have to ask Rachel,"What are your tricks?"
Please share them with us,so that we don't have to have S.E.X. on the sly. How did you where him down? and to get the credit card?!!? Girl.. you are GOOD!! Please share your secrets with your fellow addicts.
Kristine

Well girls, YES! I finally had S.E.X. in who knows how long. I've been obstaining and obstaining and FINALLY, the hubby gave in, said yes, AND EVEN GAVE ME HIS AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD! Now thats a man who can please a woman!

Went and got my fabric for my Y2K quilt. Soooo, I'm looking of course to swap now with ye all. My squares are 3" squares, obviously the standard pre-washed, yadda, yadda, yadda. Looking to swap with all 50 states and any other countries would be WONDERFUL. Ya Hoo!

Going to bed now. Hope I can sleep with all the excitement!

Rachel in UT who can't wait to see JDB in a string bikini. Don't forget your fat quarters. He He He.

Evening everyone!
Welcome to Lori and Joelle. The great thing about this cyber-quilt frame is there is always room for 1 or 2 or 20 more!!
I have to agree with those that patronize the local shops. I only go to the chains for things like machine needles, and other sewing and craft items that are not quilt related.
I find that the fabric at Joannes just doesn't have the same vibrant colors or smooth texture or tight weave. Hancocks has good fabrics, but not the sales staff that you find at the local shops.
At the local shops, you have not only better quality materials, but also fellow quilters to yak with, personalized service since they usually know you after just a few visits and knowledgeable sales people that can help select the right fabric or solve a dilemma.
I haven't tried online shopping as yet because I like to take along my fabric or WIP that I am trying to coordinate for my project.

On another note, I am going out of town again this week. This time to Hawaii!!! My DH has a conference there and found out that if we pay my way, I can share his room!! Cross your fingers, I'm taking mac flights all the way there and back. PTL my boss is understanding and flexible about my work schedule. I will have plenty of time to relax, soak in the warm ocean breezes and enjoy hand applique and quilting while he is busy all day. Then the evenings are ours. Oh, I hope, I hope, I hope, I can get there!!
Ok, time to pack. Have a great evening, and if you don't hear from me for a while, you'll know where I am!!
Kristine in Alaska where it is another gorgeous, sunny 75* day!

Are You a Fabricaholic?

Fabric quiz--

Misinformation about fabric flows freely in sewing circles. Learn how accurate your information is by answering
the true or false questions below.

1.Fabric is a creative stimulant.
2.It is okay to mix fabric with with other craft items.
3.Using only 100% cotton does not lead to serious fabric problems.
4.Anyone can sew two or three quilt blocks without their behaviour and judgement changing noticeably.
5.It's easy to quit quilting anytime you want to.

Self Assessment--

Having the facts is only part of making careful decisions about fabric use. Analyze your attitudes and behaviour by
answering the following self-assessment questions.

1.Are you unable to stop quilting after a certain number of projects?
2.Do you need new fabric to get motivated?
3.Do you often forget what happened around you while you were sewing?
4.Do you quilt alone?
5.Have others annoyed you by criticizing your quilting?
6.Have you been involved in fights with your friends or family while you were trying to quilt?
7.Have you bought fabric while thinking about quilting, then later regretted it?
8.Have you destroyed or damaged property in order to quilt?
9.Do you drive while thinking about quilts?
10.Have you been physically hurt while quilting?
11.Have you dropped or chosen friends based on whether or not they quilt?
12.Do you think you are a normal quilter despite friend's comments that you sew too much?
13.Have you ever missed class or work because you were quilting all night and couldn't get up on time?
14.Have you ever done poorly on an exam or presentation because you spent too much time quilting?
15.Do you think about fabric and quilting a lot?
16.Do you feel guilty or self-conscious because of your quilting?

If you answered "yes" to three or more of these questions, or if your answer to any of these questions concerns
you, you may be using fabric in ways that are harmful. Do not waste your time blaming yourself for shopping
binges or any other fabric-related behaviour. If you think you have or might be developing problems in which
fabric plays a part, act now. You can get help.

Remember, stick to your limits. You can stay in control of situations that involve fabric even though others may
pressure you to change your mind. Here are some tips that may help:

-- It is always okay to refuse fabric. Be polite but firm in your refusal and maintain eye contact. If the offer is
repeated, you can still stick to your decision. Say that you prefer not to add fabric to your collection today. In
some instances you might need to walk away or reverse the pressure with a comment like, "Why is it so important
to you that I have this fabric?"

-- Before entering a quilting shop or other place where fabric is available, decide how much fabric you plan to
buy. Know what non-fabric items you plan to purchase once you have reached your pre-determined fabric limit.

-- Get involved in a range of activities which you enjoy. This will help you make friendships that are not focused
on quilting and enable you to suggest alternative activities to friends with whom you habitually quilt.

Some of the friends urging you to quilt might have quilting problems themselves. For information about helping
them, talk to a counselor in the community or read the American Health Association brochure "How to Help a
Friend with a Fabric Problem."

Teacup

What a wonderful birthday surprise for Marylyn. The quilt is just beautiful.

I'm also a member of the SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL QUILT SHOP, I do go to the Joann sales but I'm also a regular at the Fabric and Yarn Connection. They are absolutely wonderful gals there.

DR.RUTH..Will you be wearing your string bikini at our appointment!! Will I need one? Is this like wearing a string instead of a YYY.?!?!

Working on my block for Faith..using fabric from my paper piecing quilt. I have enough fabric, remember I'm the one that holds onto every little tiny scrap. My addiction....Dr. Ruth?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSIE...Are you still doing the birthday dance?

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MARCIE...I wish Many, many, more to you and your dear hubby.

Hi Bonnie...I'm in northen California too......

Yes Susan it is hot here in ole California, and from the weather report it is going to be even hotter this weekend...110 or higher..YIKES....

Take care all...Happy quilting..................
Linda in very hot California

Yesterday morning DH phoned his eye doctor to inform him that a problem that he has been having for two-weeks now (dark spot like a shadow of letter "C" and white streaks when in dark room, was not getting any better, the doctor had him wait while he checked with another doctor down the hall from him. Then he came back on the phone and told Dh to be at the other DR's office at 1:00 p.m. It was now 11:45 a.m. and at least an hours drive. So we got there just in time. The doctor called him right in and checked his eyes and said he had a detatched retina. He gave DH four options of treatment and we chose to go the quickest and easiest route because he wanted to be over with it for our trip to OHIO 99. Since we didn't have a scheduled appointment we had to wait until the DR had seen all of his patients for the day and at 4:30 p.m. he did Lazer Surgery on his left eye. It went very well, but today his eye is still red and swollen a bit and tears profusely. Will go back next Wednesday to have it checked. If it isn't successful then he must go back to one of the other options.

Only last month DH and I were discussing what would happen if I should go blind in my "not so good" good eye, as I have been legally blind in my left eye ever since I was born. DH said if I should go blind BEFORE he leaves this world, he wanted me to have one of his, and that when his time comes he would want me to have both of his eyes. (His eyes are both good as he doesn't need glasses yet. Isn't he the sweet, loving, caring one? I told him I didn't think I would be wanting to think about an eye transplant if he had just passed on and he scolded me... 8^(
My Mother had always told me that she wanted me to have one of her eyes when she died, but when that time came she herself was blind from Diabetes. She had beautiful blue eyes and I have not-so-pretty hazel ones. OH...have you ever heard of anything like this???...When I first met John he had brown eyes...guess what...they are blue now!! When he told his sister that a few days ago she was so surprised because she said the same thing has happened to hers...used to be brown and are now blue! I have never heard of such a thing and wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own hazel eyes.

Now I must go and catch up on all the BB...I'll be reading into the wee hours looks like...maybe no sleep for me at all tonight!

Marty in Vermont

Good evening to all,

Finally a breeze tonight after all the hot weather. I'm new to this bulliten board and look forward to chatting with everyone. You all seem to be a pretty close group and I hope you have room for another quilter who likes to chat.

Lori in PA

Hi,
My name is Joelle and I am intrigued by the idea of quilting but I hesitate because I have not historically demonstrated any notable craft skill. I don't even have a sewing machine. Can anyone offer a good place to start?

MARILYN'S QUILT: Well today was the BIG day and it WAS a surprise for Marilyn. At first she thought it was just a B-Day Cake celebration when everyone sang H-Birthday to her and showered her with cards. Then the reporter w/camera arrived and DH hung up the quilt on the wall behind Marilyn while I kept her involved with a conversation so she wouldn't notice. Told Marilyn to turn around, and there was her quilt!!! Her eyes opened in surprise and then she covered her face with both hands for a few seconds and her little body started to shake. I took her hand and lead her closer so she could read all the siggies and special messages on the blocks. First thing she asked was which block was from Ridgeley? She and her daughter spent several minutes reading the quilt, then she invited the rest of the people to go up to take a closer look if they wished.

The reporter had a short interview with Marilyn and took several pictures of her and the quilt. She told us that the article would be in tomorrow's issue of "The Messenger"...it comes out in the mid-afternoon.

Marilyn loves the quilt and hugged it to herself when we took it down, folded it and gave it to her to take home with her. Then we hung the Raffle Quilt and I heard a few whispers ask How could they make such identical quilts? They really aren't identical, but very close. Both of them are beautiful. I sold many more tickets before the party was over. I may have to order more tickets made up before we have the drawing.

PATTY (or PATSY) BROWN OF RED BLUFF, CA: Is your DH's name Charlie and your DMIL's name Rhoda? If that is correct and they hailed from Bakersfield, Vermont...please e-mail me!!? Marilyn and I live in Bakersfield, VT and we know them. Charlie's Dad passed away this spring and I was at his wake. One of the ladies at the Meal Site today got so excited when she saw your name and addy on your block, because she said she KNEW you, or at least your DH & DMIL anyway. Her name is Martha Pafundi if you remember her. I said to her, you know Patty and Brown are both very popular names so it might not be the one she referred to, but she says, "Patty is a quilter and she lives in Red Bluff, CA!!!! Must be her! I hope you are the one, if so WHAT A COINCIDENCE!

Marilyn asked me to thank you all very much for the lovely quilt and to give you all 144 (((HUGS))) from her, one for each block.

Love & Hugs from me too.

Marty in Vermont

Well, I am going to host a snowman block swap and the cut off date to sign-up is July 31st. If you think you might be interested, e-mail me and I will send you the guidelines so you can decide if it is for you or not. It should be great fun as the sign-up has already started and the fabrics that have come in so far from the other swap I hosted are really nice and some of the same ladies are doing this swap too!!

I've been busy so sorry for not posting more often.

I am still trying to get more info on the IQS but nothing has come in so far.

Katie in Spring, Texas

I agree with those that say suport your quilt shops. If you don't you will lose a great resource. I live in the Greenville,SC area and the closes shop to me is an hour away. If you don't suport your qulit shop the only place that you will have are the chains. They have their place but can't do the customer service that small shops can. Kathy in SC

All those who have been suffering from the heat should head north. Its been cool here all day, athough overcast. I tried out my clothesline today but there was no wind at all and things simply didn't dry. Spent a good part of yesterday helping a newbie layer and baste a rail fence quilt in all kinds of dark purple. Hope that quilting tones it down.
Count me in for a block for Faith. Great idea Marcie.
I envy all those able to go to a quilt show this weekend. I'm 400 miles from anywhere, so I don't go to many at all.
Keep up the good work Dr. Ruth.
Nelly from Thunder Bay

OK..Mamie is done with "How NOT To Make a Prize Winning Quilt". Who would like it next?
Anyone? Please email me at the addy above!!

Susan in HOT (but not HHH) in Fresno

Keep 'em comin' Dr. R!!!!!

You are right. Joann's and Handcocks sell utility quality cottons for the most part. Some of the Christmas stuff is better than the calico wall. The selection can be limited in some colors and not all of the patterns are inspired. Quilt shops vary in range also. The two closest to me carry either Hoffmans or Moda and homespun and the quality of the homespun can vary too. ( the last yard I bought at a quilt store of muslin turned out to be stained) However, you will find deeper colors and more gold or silver metallic incorporated in the quilt store fabric. The most expensive fabric I ever bought was in England at Liberty of London. Can't say I was terribly thrilled with it, but it was either buy it or go fabricless from a once in a lifetime trip. On the other hand, I have a pink from Wal-mart and a black print from Joann's that I'd die for another 9 yards of. If it calls your name------? Peg in Chicago

Yes, support your local quilt stores, or they will go out of business, and you won't have anywhere to go for classes and advice. The one closest to me has wonderful classes, even though there is a Jo-Anne's within walking distance I only go there when I'm making something "not quilted". Well, yes, I do go there more than that, but not much more. "On line" is great, Hancock's of Pad. has great service, and has some wonderful things. Just like everything else though including muscles, use it or lose it.
P.S. the fingers are doing better tonight, thanks for all the advice. I find that drinking alot of water and one day off from quilting is generally what I need. The spicy food also seems to be a bear, even though I love it!
Sara from "cool" Florida

Hi!!!!!!!!
I know you are all going to come my way and put me in a padded cell, but I tried this aft and I am just too tired yet to sew. How is it possible, but it is.
I'll try again in the morning. Am working on a really neat piece and would like to see it put together
Nancy, Can't believe your DH is also a heat freak. For my DH it is NEVER too hot. Just loves the heat. Not me, not on your life
Can never take off enough clothes. (now don't go there Dr Ruth)
by the way Dr Ruth, It is too late for me to be normal. NO HOPE for that ,no way, no how. Just wanted the world to slow down a bit, so my --unnormal self---could be a part of it. Go figure.
Thank you Marcie, will be working on the blocks for Faith and Bill.
Still have their address
Well I'll just go and rest some more and we'll see what tomorrow brings.
Have a good evening all.
Grace in Ont. who will think twice before volunteering to put on a HUUUGGGE family event the next time

well im trying this again. im new to this and i hear i posted in the wrong place last nite. oh well live and learn i guess. Anyway thanks to all who emailed me. You all sound like a great group of people and alot of fun. And i sure hope I'm posting in the right place now lol.

happy quilting

bonnie northern ca

Remove *** to reply.

Well, I finally got a response to wearing a YYY today at Quilt America! Bertie was the first to spot me. Then I saw Ronna's YYY on her slinky rayon dress to die for, then when I joined Cassi, Bev, Backyard Susan and Just Me, Sue for lunch, we all met up with Brenda and Mel. And of course, we all saw Holice, and I actually had the opportunity to talk with him for a few minutes. Gosh it's fun to see other people that you've only known here on the BB or the Chat page. Several yo yo lovers commented on my yo yo, but they had no idea of why I was wearing it. Think I convinced some people to come in and look.
I was the only Serial Quilter who just drove by herself for the day; everybody else that went is staying overnight tonight and Friday night. I got to see the class project they were making at lunch and it looks like fun. The quilts were great, the vendors have some of my money to take home with them, and the 222K Featherweight freearm was tempting, but $2100. (plus tax, I assume), and therefore out of the question. One should be enough for me at this point--that is unless I find one of them put out for the dump! The trip home was VERY SLOW. I have two words to cover it all: CONSTRUCTION and ACCIDENT. The construction was downtown, of course right where I needed to be; the accident (not mine, thank goodness) must have been bad, because eastbound I-70 was closed about 20+ miles west of Richmond, Indiana. With all the time in the world in stopped traffic to consult my handy Indiana map, I discovered another route home, and avoided taking the detour everybody else was taking. I still didn't get home until 6:20PM (considering that I left the parking garage downtown Indianapolis at about 3:30PM, that's a LONG time!)

Got to see Ronna's hexagon baby quilt--it's incredible, and she claims that it's her first quilt! Hand quilted in metallic threads yet! Gorgeous. And then she showed us snips of her frog fabrics that she's only been collecting for a month. My goodness, I didn't know there were that many frog fabrics! And now all I can do is notice frog fabrics... Her hand pieced small frogs are good take-along work, and colorful. But the block is SMALL, and she's handpiecing all the teensy little pieces (the pattern must be 3" or 4" at most, and was designed to be paper pieced). Good Luck, Ronna!

If you have the chance to meet YYY, take it! The hard thing is saying goodbye way too soon.

Hugs to all, regardless of need,
Linda, the Serial Quilter from Oxford, OH

Just have to put in my two cents worth today. I urge all of you to shop at your local quilt stores as much as possible. Sure you don't have to pay taxes and the prices might be lower but.... wouldn't it be a shame if we all started shopping online and all the local stores couldn't stay in business? Where would we go to get fabric when we need it TODAY? Where would we go to take lessons and meet with people who like quilting as much as we do? And the local and state governments will just raise our taxes if tax revenues go down in our home states and cities. I'm probably in the minority in thinking this way but I really like my local quilt shops and will ususally buy from them because I want them to stay in business and I love to feel the fabric before I buy it!
Come on, join the Support your local Quilt Shop movement today!
LillieAnn in Aberdeen

Check out the following website:
http://www.2sabroads.com
for a pattern of a Texas wallhanging.
Helen in Austin, TX

I am looking for a wall hanging for the state of
Texas I am currently working of the state of
Florida wall hanging. My daughter-in-law is from
Texas and I would love to make her one for Christmas.
Any help would be greatly appreciated locating
a pattern if one exists.
Thanks from North Carolina.

Rachel, you need even more therapy than I thought. Should I call out the quilt police to restrain you? What type of quilt batting would you like for your padded cell?

Bob

Personally, I'm afraid of anything that likes string "things" and "fat quarters".

Very scary someone liking string "things" and "fat quarters".

Dr Ruth,

Read your post and couldn't get past the string bikini (kaleidiscope) part. Is it safe to have a therapist visit me who wears string anythings? Did you watch the movie "What About Bob?" You know what happens to thereapists after being around their patients. You just may end of heading over to Loons and the Loony Bin.

Good day everyone! Hope things are cooling off for you easterners. It's beastley hot here, so please know you're not alone.

Rosie -- Happy birthday! Hope you have a great day!

Marj -- Regarding your question about the difference between JoAnn's and a quilt store (other than price). I realize many may think differently, but here's my 2-cents. Fabric from JoAnn's seems to almost be like a "second" or not as good of quality as from a quilt shop. Don't get me wrong. I've found bad fabric at quilt shops too. But with JoAnn's, I notice I've really got to watch it. Sometimes the color of the fabric varies on each bolt of the same fabric, or there are more flaws in the fabrics. As a suggestion, not because I have anything to gain, is that you try one of the on-line virtual fabric stores. There's Keepsake Quilting, Hancocks of Paducah, Quilted Journey, The Fabric Garden, Pinetree Quilts. I've only gotten things from Keepsake, and have been very happy with the price and quality. Where I live, we have two small quilt stores, so they can't take advantage of giving customers lower pricing because they don't buy in bulk like the others do. So, I'm limited as to what I can get. The on-line virtual stores sell at nearly $2.00/yard less and while I do have to pay shipping, I don't have to pay sales tax, so it works out better. I hope this helps. Like I said, it's only my 2 cents.

FAITH -- you're in our thoughts and prayers. We're here for you.

Saturday, DH and I are going to go over to Watsonville and pick Olallieberries and Boysenberries and I'm making jam this weekend, as well as getting the berries ready for pies for Thanksgiving when DMIL and DFIL come to visit from Arkansas. DD is going home with my sister on Saturday evening to spend a week with her. It will be very quiet at home.

Hope everyone can manage to cool down some.

Sondra, who is also in HOT Calif.

I have heard pros and cons of using fabric from chain stores such as Jo-Ann's as opposed to using the fabric from a quilting shop. What is the difference between the two fabrics, besides price?

This is a day for hugs and celebrations.

My heart goes out to you, Faith and Bill.

Rosie, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! Bithdays are the best for getting spoiled, enjoy yours.

Someone mentioned Monica and her surgery. Yes, today is the day. Let's all wish her well, this is not a fun time. But she will get better afterwards, that's what counts.

Everyone else, have a happy day.
Cheryl in Edmonton

I have been working on some stack and slash pieces (look like crazy quilts) - finished one flannel top last week and decided to try Christmas prints. So, did three 36" square (9 blocks) for Christmas table cloths/toppers and decided to take them in to my fabric store for a "lookie what I made." Told them I thought it would be a GREAT class for beginners, and/or a great way to use up scraps.. Anyway, here's my problem. I only went in for show and tell and ended up with $150 worth of stuff (even with a discount!). Could it have something to do with the heat and/or humidity? I did need to buy backing for a couple of things but....
Like I've said before, they love to see me come in the store.
Joleen in MN

Susan, Susan, get that perverted mouse out of your daughter's drawers!

The only mouse I allow in the house is of the Disney variety.

Oh Marge, happy anniversary, what a great guy to take you to Quilt America! He is a true gem! he is right up there with that DH who bought a lil' sewing machine (sorry, I forgot who).
Teacup, it is a lovely idea to send blocks to Faith and Bill. I will have to find a very special pattern for this.
Monica is in my thoughts, isn't her surgery very soon? My computer has been kaput for awhile and you all have been very busy...hi WEN, how's POP?
I have almost completed my round robin round for Kathleen, it is really fun planning what to do with such different colors and patterns. Can't wait to see the next one!
Hi Maggie Meadow Mouse, welcome back.
I have question for you Dr. Ruth, apparently a mouse has taken up residence in my DD's underwear drawer. Is this an average, regular, everyday mouse, or do we have to be especially concerned? She is not pleased to be finding his calling cards in her drawer. What to do?
Susan Joy, in yes, it's HOT, CA

I seldom get a chance to post as I only get to read this at work on my lunch and breaks---BUT I want to share this happy occassion with you--Today is my 50th birthday. I came into our office building with signs on the doors and in the lobby proclaiming my day with pictures of me--oh my! All the way upstairs the same with "yellow tape" to the door-balloon, more pics. And that was outside. My office is decorated top to bottom. This is really cool!! It sure helps make my day bright. Of course they are predicting the hottest day of the year so far in Kansas City today--so I need something to cool me off. And tonight I get to go into my sewing studio and play and do my thing and listen to my music and just veg if I want. There are some advantages to getting older--kids are grown, husband out of town so I don't even have to cook!!! This is a GREAT DAY so far. Rosie in Kansas

Hello! I think I'm finally recovering and getting back on schedule. It was a fun trip, but I'm glad to be home.
Kathy - Fairbanks is much cooler than the east coast. My 4yo DS just came in and said that it was 80*(his idea of cold campared to 100* last week) and that he needed his jacket. It's actually inthe 60*'s this morning. I hope to get to meet you, too, when you come up. We have some great places for S.E.X.!!
Linda - I know what you mean about being torn by the distance. We went east to visit our families last week in NJ and MD. I really do like living here best, but it is hard to be away from them. Most of our family is online now, which helps us to keep in touch every day. Even the 4yo sends email with help from Mommy.
Ok, have to get some quilting done before work. Have a great day everyone!
Kristine in Alaska, where the windows are open and the air is cool and clean!

I too read Faith's letter. It was very heart wrenching!
Remember Bill posting saying thank you for the card shower we had for Faith, and that he so enjoyed her smiles that they brought?
They BOTH enjoyed, very much, the best wishes and the full mail box!
Could we please send them some blocks so they can make a quilt together?
6 1/2" unfinshed , any colour and style.
You can email me for their address.
Thanks so much!!!
Teacup/Marcie

Scarey spelling: Did you know that if you give a therapist too much "space" she'll become the -rapist?

To Grace in Ontario – why be normal? I tried it once, but it was a real yawner.

To Sue in PA, whose husband is going to Tauntan England: yes, any fabric he brings home would be surrogate S.E.X., but there’s no reason you can’t have S.E.X. while he’s gone. If you can’t be with the one you love, grab a piece of the action at the nearest fabric store.

Lindy, dearie, it’s not nice to trash the reputation of another BB’er, especially jdb.
She’s likely to heap vengeance upon your body, and I’ll be happy to help her do it.

No butts about it, lil hineys are cute, but we all looove those fat quarters.

Linda, Sweetie, of course I take appointments. I’m setting up a counseling session with Rachel & Co. in Utah in a couple of weeks, then will see how much trouble I can get into at quilt camp, followed by a visit to the Fab Four in Fairbanks (if Kathy from PA doesn’t wear them out first) then on to NW Michigan Friday the 13th of August.

To everyone finishing a quilt: what better time for a Snoopy dance than during the dog days of summer? My string-pieced kaledio blocks finally got their act together this morning. Just have to put on four borders. Can’t four-go the borders. The 2nd border is little bits and pieces that will probably take forever. Best better get busy.

_____( \ -' '-. / ) ___
(____ \_____ / (O O) \ ___/ ____)
(____ '-----( ) ( )-----' __)
(____ _ _____ \ .\__/. /______ ____)
(______/ '-.____.-' \_____)
*Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug*
*Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug*
*Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug*
*Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug*
*Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug*
*Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug*
*Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug*
*Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug*
*Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug*
*Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug* *Hug*

Okay! I goofed big time. Remember how I said I met Michelle and Judy yesterday from UT. for lunch? Well, Evidently, Judy was my imaginary friend because I met Jayne. Duh. Not sure how I got Judy engraved in my mind but she was Judy to me and unfortunatly, now everyone I told (about our lunch) think of you as Judy now.

Evidently my neighbor has the same problem as me because every Saturday, he yells out "hi Rebecca". Doesn't matter how many times his poor wife corrects him and says "Rachel". I'm Rebecca to him. Thats okay. Rather be Rebecca than the lovely cuss words a few choice people think of me as. That's okay. The feelings are mutual.

Off to take my baby to his wellness check up. Meaning, they poke my baby and give him shots so he can be miserable for the next week.

Happy quilting all.

Rachel in haven't opened the blinds yet but it's looking HHH in UT.

We are heading north to Alaska in about two weeks.
Just got our schedule last night. Boy are they going to
keep us busy. I want to have S.E.X. while I'm there though.
Must have S.E.X. every where I go! We'll be in Anchorage, Skagway, Tok
Ketchikan, Fairbanks, Dawson City and Whitehorse. If anyone knows of
any nice quilt shops let me know. I'm so excited I could bust.
Of course dh is frowning over all this S.E.X. I want. Too busy!? Naw!!!
Kathy in Pa. where it's a little cooler but still hot and dry.
Bet Alaska will be cooler!!!

planning lots of S.E.X. tonight. our guild will be traveling about 80 miles to a quilt shop for general stocking up to be followed by dinner. it's always fun and is our yearly road trip.
have wanted to meet my sister in Sisters but haven't made it yet. too far so far.
snoopy will be arriving. i only have two corners and the border on a really bright stack and whack. hope to finish this afternoon. it will be too hot to do any other work. DH the heat freak will be outside sweating enough for both of us. he doesn't seem to mind the heat but i usually find a way to make him stop working just short of a heat stroke. why do they do these things? must be a guy thing.
nancy

Good morning everyone. It is going to be a scorcher today, suppose to get to 110 by this weekend. I got out early to get my watering done so that leaves only the housework to do before I can hide out in the sewing room. Hi to all the late owls like myself...many quilters that couldn't get to sleep last night for one reason ot the other. No matter how late I'm up I'm still awake around 5:00 am, yikes! I tried to make myself stay in bed but no way, might as well get up and start working in the yard, get it done before the heat.
I love the Friendship Label, Jill. Thats my DD name, I love it. She lives all the way back east in Baltimore area, and I miss her so very much.
She is my youngest of 5 kids, and she has 4 yr daughter that is my angel girl. She watched mommy use the speed dial and took the phone upstairs where mommy could not see or hear and called me. We were just talking away when I heard my DD voice saying what are you doing!!
I had no idea that daughter had not dialed the phone for her. Know when DGD calls I always ask if she got permission. She just misses her gramma so very much. DD keeps saying I need to fly back again, miss me so, I say, too hot there right now. All the BB girls are about to melt back east. We have dry heat here, much easier for me to take! That humidity back east is a bugger, makes me sick almost everytime I go back there. I think DD & DGD should fly west, I need to hug those two gals of mine. I'm having a missing the DD & DGD moment, the heart just aches sometimes having them so very far away.
Have a wonderful day, I'm going to pry myself from this 'puter' and get some work done so I can get to the fun stuff, QUILTING.............
...HI DR.RUTH....Do you take appointments ???
Happy quitling to all .....Linda in California.......Missing my little girls...sad face ...

Good morning,
I really like this little friendship label:

To my friend whom I love beyond measure,
I give thee this quilt always to treasure.

My little squirrelies are bangin' on their feeder
so I'm off to the nut house. (Wouldn't it be
wonderful if THEY ate slugs) Jill

I remember way back when I was a little kid (was I ever a "little" kid?) my Mom paid me and my brother and sister a penny for each yellow dandelion. She always said it was money well spent and cheaper than a weed spray. Last time I hung clothes on a clothes line wat about 8 years ago. Had the clothesline on my balcony and went to visit DSis in Utah (of all places). When I came back from my trip (3 weeks) DH took us (me and DS) to the nearest home center and bought a dryer. Said he was tired of hanging up clothes and that it was too much work. LOL I had been doing it for years and still would if I had a place to do it. Some clothes are just meant to hang outside. IMHO sheets and towels.

VERY IMPORTANT: I know that right now you can access the archives at the bottom of the page, but when you can't, you can access the archives by typing in http://d.featherweightfanatics.com/CBBJul01toJul07.html
It really works and all you have to do to get a different week is to change the dates. Just be sure to put in all the capitals and numbers just right. It works too on the quilt page, just a different set of numbers and I don't have them handy right now. Any of you other old-timers (LOL none of us are really old, right).
Got to get going and get something ready for a quilting birthday luncheon.
Later, Sarah in Alabama

PS. I'll soon have a new email and will post it when I do. Thanks again for all the recommendations about providers.

Lunch with Rachel: Jayne and I had a wonderful time
meeting Rachel yesterday. I wore my yyy, but they
both forgot. It took us a minute to locate each other.
Rachel is not hyper, she is very nice.

Heat: Could somebody please turn down the thermostat.
The heat has been just terrible here. Staying cool
has become quite a challenge.

Michelle in Utah

Morning all !

Well, with all this talk of yo yo's had to get me one ready for the Asheville Show in August ! Thanks to all that told me what they were and how to make ! Very easy, heard there are coverlets made of these, are there available patterns somewhere ? Wouldn't mind trying one, seems easy enough for a beginner to quilting !

Boy! looks as if I will get a chance at more S.E.X. soon ! Sweet quilt friend Diane in Texas let me know there will be a big Texas Fat Quarter sale coming up this month ! 13 FQ for 15.00, she looks out for me ! What a Dear! Wish we were closer, but nice to have met her, if only thru BB.

This place is "Great" such a wonderful, caring bunch of quilters ! Couldn't ask for a better site, so thanks to you all !

Happy Quilting and hope all going to the show will have great, great S.E.X.

Elaine, NC Mountains

Good Morning!
Susan in the North Pole - Here is a poem for you:
Families are like Quilts
Lives pieced together
Stitched with smiles & tears
Colored with memories
and bound by love

and a quote: "Quilter's don't lie, they just fabricate"

I'm off to Dutch Wonderland with my 5 year old today. Hope you all have a great day!
Sue in PA

RACHEL in UT, loved the one about the boys and the slug/poo. My 5yr DD, saw a Mummy slug with 3 babies, and said "Ahhhh, isn't that sweet". I thought, where's the slug pellets, those sweet little babies will grow up to eat my plants!!!!
SUSAN in Fresno,don't spoil my fantasy, cos that's all it is, just a fantasy. The lovely DH is a mild mannered accountant.HA. LOL.
FAITH, praying for you and Bill, God Bless you both.
We had a tornado in the Midlands this week!!!!???!! Wow, in Britain! Not like your sort in the states, only a T3, Thank the Lord. Some houses had their rooves pulled off, trees down etc, but no one hurt. We are so lucky with our weather copared to you in USA. Best wishes from Stripey Bear in Britain.

Stripey Bear. and to think I believed my friend when she said she moved opposite a fire station because she liked the look of the house! LOL

Went into Birmingham yesterday, and going again today, just too hot (in the weather sense) in that city for me.

Linda UK

jdb, I wasn't ignoring you but I only have the laptop early mornings and evenings, and even then I have to share. Winter in NZ is not like winter in NY but we've been having frosty mornings and sunny days in the 40's - 50's. Walking the beach barefoot in shorts is still a little chilly. Yes, I know alot of you would give a big part of your stash for a day in the 50's right now. I feel really bad about complaining of the cold. NOT!

Little behinds are better than big behinds anyday!

Becky from B'ham AL via New Zealand

Greetings from North Pole.......

I have been away from my computer... out camping and taking in the hot sunny days over the 4th with my DGD, 6 month old Ali. Nothing like breaking her in right,camping at 6 months, swaddeling her in fabric at the age of 3 months and then laying between two sewing machines while Martha and I quilt. That'sthe first step. Right???? We had a great time, DGD entertained RJ and I as we interduced her to new things. I hope all of you had as great a weekend as I did. And that this is finding you all safe.

Faith and Bill...I just want to say hi and let you know that we are all thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.

Kathy in Ohio... You and Jack are also in my prayers and thoughts.

I know that this has been asked before, but like always, one doesn't take note when one in not in need. Now I am. I am looking for a nice short poem to add to a quilt lable.

Thinking of all of my friends here on the BB that are hurting. Prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Susan in North Pole

To Michelle and Judy who had lunch with Rachel in Utah: is it safe to meet this person? Is she as hyper "up close and personal" as she is on the BB?

Will be visiting Utah soon (which is scary in and of itself) and really would like to return home in one piece. Please e-mail your answers, which will be kept in the strictest of confidence.

Auntie of the Bride

Hey to everyone that can't sleep. I'm up all night tonight at work - as can see very busy right now! Hopefully last person has left for the night. I'm new to this bulletin board but really enjoy reading the messages and hearing about everyone's quilting. I just started quilting again. Forgot how much I enjoyed it and have joined a small group of women of various skill levels. What a lot of fun! Hope to hear and chat with all regularly.

Hey to everyone that can't sleep. I'm up all night tonight at work - as can see very busy right now! Hopefully last person has left for the night. I'm new to this bulletin board but really enjoy reading the messages and hearing about everyone's quilting. I just started quilting again. Forgot how much I enjoyed it and have joined a small group of women of various skill levels. What a lot of fun! Hope to hear and chat with all regularly.

I can't sleep either, BRENDA, the DH is working late, and it is so hard for me to fall asleep when he is not next to me. Still in love after all these years.... It makes for good 'puter' time when I can't sleep. Catch up on emails..

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Marge! What a wonderful DH you have. Have fun at Quilt America..

Lets remember Faith and Bill in our prayers tonight. Faith is the dearest person ever.

Good night all, and Happy quilting to you.....
Linda in California

Good evening - more like Good Midnight, ha! I've tossed and turned, pull the sheet up then toss it off, lay on my side, flip on my stomach, back to my back - I'm flopping around like a fish out of water. The poor DH is about to club me in the head!

I must be too excited about tomorrow and getting to meet Bertie and see Mel and some of the Serial Quilters. Three of my rotten CATS aren't helping either. Willard has found some prize down in the basement and is carrying on meowing his head off. The DH probably left the door open to his shop and Willard has pinched one of his work gloves and is dragging it around like a prized mouse. Boo Boo has discovered that his paw fits just under the bathroom door and he can bang the door backwards and forwards. Either Rocky is tormenting Betty or vice versa - the two black & whites (b&w cat and dog) are chasing eachother through the kitchen into the dining room and back around through the kitchen again. Betty really needs her nails trimmed for they are clickity clickity on the kitchen floor, ha! The brown dog is in a coma in the hallway, as usual, oblivious to this racket! Grrr...

Well, maybe if I go make myself a cup of tea - believe it or not but that usually works when I have the "wide-awakes", ha! Later, Brenda in Indiana >^..^<

Hey all,

I feel like its been forever since I've posted. Been way too busy! Did take some time out today to meet some fellow BB's this afternoon for lunch. One of those, oh great, the other two ladies know each other and hear I am, making an entrance. Talk about feeling on the spot. BUT, they made me feel quite at ease and ladies, they are wonderful. They are Judy and Michelle from UT. We had a wonderful lunch, spent the time gabbing (very hard to politely eat a sub sandwich and talk at the same time without food flying out of your mouth all over the place) and they "show and tell" the quilts they are working on. Very beautiful and darling quilts. Made me excited to come home and get back to work on my quilt so next time I have something to show. (Other than flying food.)

My nights lately have consisted of getting to bed extremely late, up all night with kids (cat keeps getting in their room and then attacking them--wants to play), and then getting up early to start the whole darned process over again. I feel much like a slug making my way through the days lately. Speaking of slugs, you should see the mother slugs I have in my garden. Speaking of, when we were in Washington, my kids were playing out in the yard in front of the condo. My boys were intently looking at something rather closely. On inquiring what they were looking at, they replied, "poop". Lovely, at my closer look, IT MOVED. It was a big, black, honkin slug.

On that lovely note, I think I'll end this and try to head to bed. Night all.

Rachel in muggy UT.

I made plans to do some major shopping at the fabric store this weekend, DH said better cancel those plans I already made plans for us to do something. Our Anniversary is the end of this month and for my present he made plans to take me to Quilt America I am so excited this will be my first quilt show and of course I will be wearing my yoyo hope to see some of you BBers.Isn't he a sweetie, you ladies can have your Diamonds . I have the best jewel there is my DH.

Marge from MI

Good evening,
When do us NW'ers get to try these tricks to stay cool? I know you
think I'm crazy, but I want some Summer!
I'm pretty sure it's summer in Sisters, I can't wait. As usual trying to away even
for a day is becomimg a challenge. Still have to make my YYY. Think I'll pass on one for DH!
Had great S.E.X. today. Big outdoor sale at my fav Fabric Depot. Of course this is to compensate for
not being able to get into the "Stitching Post" on
Sat!! Audrey thanks for the book rec. I love novels
that contain quilting or quilters, may need to re-
read The Persian Pickle Club this summer, should give it away, but I
just can't part with it! Sleep tight, Jill

Man! I got another petite padded manila envelope in the mail today. When I saw the return address, jdb, I thought, "Oh, no! Now what?!" I tore open the end and then the fear and panic set in, paralyzing my mind and body. Did I dare stick my hand down into the depths of an envelope sent by HER... was it safe? Would I be stupid to do so? Curiousity overcame me and taking a deep breath I plunged my reluctant digits into the dark interior of the package, grasped the contents and withdrew -
jdb! You will ruin your reputation with packages like that! I may just up and tell people what you are REALLY like!
TO ANYONE AND EVERYONE BUT jdb to READ (whisper, whisper she is a sweetie whisper, whisper there was chocolate FABRIC! whisper whisper, Hershey brand, all varieties whisper, whisper)

Okay, jdb, you can read now.
Thank you jdb. Your revenge is on its way...

Lindy the Yakima Yakker

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