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Date: 6/14/99 Time: 11:40 PM
Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOON!!!!
E-mail Address: verycozy@home.com

Happy Birthday Loon!!
from
Teacup and Celia (whose PC is on the frix again!!)

WOW, I had such great sex in Yakima this past weekend. First I had a little S.E.X. at the Quilt Show but I wasn't satisfied. On Sunday, after church, I had S.E.X. in Lindy's garage. You know the stuff she is selling on the internet? Well, I got to go through it all and pick what I wanted. I must say it was some of the best S.E.X. I've ever had!

Good Evening! Hope everyone is doing well these HOT summer days and nights.

Donna at the Jersey Shore - I feel for you when those lovely little girls, ages 10,8, and two age 7 turn into teenagers ALL AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME!! My dear...have you got your Rx for valium yet? Ha! When my dear brother's girl started dating, his only comment about her dates was to just growl and shake his head (kind of like Lurch did on The Addams Family), ha!

Monica - Tsk,tsk,tsk...naughty girl!

To the point - about jdb's question as to a) keep door shut, b) clean the room a little at a time, or my favourite, c) light a match. Go for the match, ha! Isn't it funny how memories get churned up about certain topics. I can recall as a kid, probably age 14 or so, that my Mother belonged to a Bridge playing group of ladies. I think they probably met once a month at various player's homes. At any rate - there was always the big fight about me cleaning my room. Might I add that my room was up in the loft of an A-frame style home. It just baffled me why my room had to be spotless. These women had been to our home dozens of times - did my Mom troop them upstairs to see my room every month??? Ha! Not ever being a mom myself I suspect that was the best reason dear old mother could come up with for me to clean the disaster on the third floor (LOL). Guilt and shame always worked on me, threaten me with what the neighbor's might think. (Which could explain the "don't give a sh$t attitude I have presently, ha!) Now that I think about it, dear old mom did threaten lighting a match once or twice...hmmmm

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

Thanks to all who contacted me about the OTT Lite. Made a run to Office Depot and thought I would share what I found:
1. Cute little fold up for $34.95
2. Desk model with weighted base,adjustable-$54.95
3. Floor model $69.95

All are OTT- brand- full spectrum lights.

Now to make a choice. Decisions, decisions....

Pat in Cen CA where it is getting warmer.

My, my, my! Sandi in MN.....multiple....(tee hee!) you had me LOL with that one. Well...I must confess that I have S.E.X by mail. I put in an order to Quiltaway early in the week and voila! S.E.X on friday when I got home from work. OK, I couldn't resist S.E.X with frogs...you know how much I like the 'phibs!
There were two froggy fabrics that I saw on line at their website, and couldn't resist....and then some of those luscious batiks...kinda look like frog skin.... (Snap out of it!) oh yeah, right! They ask what your favorite color is when you are ordering for the first time and include a very nice FQ in that color along with your order. They were very nice and real quick...so if you need immediate gratification....
I didn't confess in my earlier posts because I was too busy triumphing over dirt and slime. Having birds in the house...now that could be quite a mess. My DB has two birds. He has to keep telling folks that like when the bird sits on your shoulder that he isn't "house-trained"...
We were anchored in Northeast Harbor, Me. one time in really dense fog. We have been to the tropics often enough that we could swear that someone had a parrot or something on one of the nearby boats. So we got in the dinghy and rowed into the fog....
About two boats down from us we heard that racket start up again. Do you have parrots aboard? we asked. No, just two Cockatiels (sorry about the sp.) They invited us aboard and we got to meet their two birds as we all sat in the cockpit. They had little tethers to make sure they didn't wander away I guess.
We saw their cage below in the main cabin...and the damage that bored birds can do aboard! There was a bit of woodwork within beak reach of the cage....those beaks can do serious damage! Anyway, Cockatiels are the "mechanics" of the bird world. They have nuts and bolts to play with and they amuse themselves (when they are not chewing on wood) putting the nuts on the bolts and taking them off again.
We were amazed at their dexterity and intelligence. I asked about their toilet training....they said they hold them overside or over paper every 20 minutes and say "potty". The birds poop on command. They said that timing is everything. Should I tell my DSis that as she tries to toilet train her two nestling kids?

CERAMIC Floors: Never noticed a problem with the tile floor in the kitchen...even after standing for quite a while. However, the floor was laid over what was there before, I think...it was a higher level than the surrounding floors...but the grout hasn't cracked, so I can't imagine that it is more compliant than if you put it over normal subflooring...

Time to start designing my new Project (read: sewing) room. DH has agreed to some remodeling. I would like to have lots of windows...I am like a plant and need lots of photons to stay sane and happy.
Speaking of sane and Happy...Where is our Loon? She has not posted in some time... Is everything ok? Is she paddling her lake like the lost Dutchman...or Charlie on the MTA? OOOOOOOhhhhhhOOOOOOOO OOOO OOOO! I tried calling....

Ronna in Happy Valley

A great big hello to all! I have been lurking in these honest tomes for weeks, working up my nerves to post. After reading this weekends tidbits, I feel it's time.

Rachel in UT: Ten Rules for dating daughters had me laughing so hard my face is still wet.

Donna In LEH, NJ: I'm in Seaside Area. Have you been to Sew Distintive in Smithville? Fabulous shop.

Ursalla in South Jersey: I too have twin DD's.(almost 7) plus two more girls 8 & 10. Twins sure are different to raise!

To all you other ladies, I love your stories and I feel as if I know you all personnally. VERY PERSONNALLY.LOL

On the subject of feet, (Seems like a long ago topic)but just today my DD#1 got two pairs of my shoes because she left hers at Girl Scout Camp this weekend. Can a 10 year old really wear a size 9???? You betcha, and they fit her better too. I want to say thanks for the topic because if I hadn't heard about large feet here I would have been beside myself worrying about her. I guess big feet rule and get you where you're going faster right.

Thanks for entertaining me so much. You all are truly a bright spot in my day. I don't belong to a guild and I can't seem to get any of my friends interested in S.E.X. either. They just don't understand about buying a piece of fabric because it makes you happy. Also, the idea of doing 7 or 10 quilts at the same time is beyond them. But you ladies understand.

Donna at the Jersey Shore

I recently received a doll carraige cover that had been
made for my Aunt in 1930 by her Mother (my Grandmother)
and I would like to preserve it by putting it in a shadow
box with some of her old jewellery, but don't know how to
go about this. What kind of material should I use on the
back of it, and what is the safest way to attach it
without using glue?

I'm a fairly new quilter. I've been quilting a little over 2 years. Just recently my quilt club got to go Frankfort, KY to quilt on the special state quilt. That was a blast!! People going through the museum thought that we were not real people! I love the traditional quilt patterns and really like old quilts. My favorite pattern (as of now ) is the log cabin. Could be because we live in a log home, or, because the pattern is so easily changed. I would love to chat with anyone that shares my "quilting passion".

Goodevening!
You guys! All this s.e.x. talk is too much. Since so many of us had great s.e.x. at the MN quilt show this weekend, is that group s.e.x.? It's more fun as a group! My 11 yr old DS kept asking me what I was LOL about while reading the postings, I really didn't want to explain.

Last week the DKs were rolling FQs for the shop to make some extra mula and my DS had a batik piece in his hands and said to my DD "I need a piece of this just to have and feel" I was so PROUD! I know that I have raised him right!

terter asked me to describe my quilt that got the ribbon. Well, I hope this isn't too long. I had made 2 quilts for FIT TO PRINT fabrics in NY for the quilt markets this spring (they even had me go to the Providence RI QM to do demos for them!). One was out of their wild kenya fabs and the other was the polar bear line, they are still in some shops. Anyway, I wanted both back for the show, but unfortunatly they didn't get to me in time. I had made a duplicate of the Polar bear quilt for a shop sample to teach from so I entered that one. It's a bargello sky to represent the northern lights with a forest of icy grey trees. I must admit I used the F-word (fused) to applique on the polar bears. there is a starry boarder with bear paws in the corners.
I'm sure it was a male gaurd that chose it because it seems that it would be a guy quilt.
Sorry I rambled a bit.
Oh,BTW since I work in a quilt shop I can have s.e.x. just about anytime I want. In fact, 6 large boxes came in today so we could have had multiple you-know-whats. All right, I'll quit.
Have a great evening!
Sandi in MN

DD overslept the morning she left for the summer, so her room looks like tornado alley. Really don't want to go shovel the hovel; will probably just (a) keep the door shut; (b) work on it gradually; (c) throw a lighted match in there and be done with it.

jdb in the empty nest (just temporarily) -- enjoying it while I can 'cause I know from last summer it won't last long. Plus there's all those long-distance phone calls to run up the bill (she calls collect after the phone card runs out,) and lots of care packages to send. (Food is discouraged at camp 'cause it attracts critters, but the kids eat it so fast it doesn't matter.)

Oh, shucks, I got that QR post on the Chat Page instead of the BB...

Monica in Maine

Ooh, Bunny and Lindy, pretty pictures! Look forward to seeing what else Andy has to put up.

I am making a quilt for one of the preschool teachers who is having a baby at the end of the summer. Each of this year's students will draw a picture with fabric crayons and then I put some sashing between them and tie it. I have to use polyester blend fabric (the fabric crayons require synthetic blends to ensure permanency). Well, I think I have become a fabric snob because I did not like using that fabric! It sure didn't feel the same and it was so slippery. I can flop my cotton fabric all over the cutting board without the layers so much as moving but the polyester kept slipping and made it much harder to be accurate. The fabric I picked for the sashing, etc. is 100% cotton. The design was just perfect and I couldn't find anything in the blends that I wanted to use. Does anyone think this will be a problem?

Monica in Maine (yippee, preschool's done for the summer - now the kids and I can play!)

June 13, 1999

Hello,

I am interested in starting a quilting guild in my town. I want to get off on the right foot. I been quilting for the last three years now. There are no quilting class local for ladies in this town. A quilter has to journey 30 miles one way or more for class. Thank you for any infor that may help me.

Thank you,
geo

Debra (the deprived!), why not order the fabric on line, and have it shipped to your new address in CA....you wouldn't have to move it that way, and just think how much fun it will be to arrive in a new home and have fresh fabric waiting for you!!!

Jana (also deprived!), just pop some more chocolate, and order the fabric and treat yourself to the overnight shipping fees.

jdb....my family already knows that my ashes should be sprinkled in the vicinity of Keepsake Quilting...preferrably from the top of the Ossipee mountains.

Liz in CT, where i must go and make cream puffs for tomorrow!

June 13, 1999

Hello,

I am interested in starting a quilting guild in my town. I want to get off on the right foot. I been quilting for the last three years now. There is no quilting class local for ladies that in my town

All this talk about S.E.X. has me wondering...if you've never had S.E.X. before, is the only thing you're allowed to buy virgin wool?

Got back from Montana last night. Had a great time. Didn't buy any quilts, but got a lot of good ideas. DH didn't even buy a log building. He kept saying that if they went as cheap as last year, he was going to get one. Do you think he only said he was going to make it into a quilt studio so I'd allow him to bid? Anyway, they went higher than his budget, so we don't have the new studio.

Didn't see ANY other yellow yo-yos except the one on Cody's collar. Everyone was commenting on his pretty "flower".

Everyone's been so busy, it's taking a lot of time to catch up with all of you. Haven't even had time to check the other BBs.

DH has gone to Boise, so I'll have some time tonight. He's there to accept the award as the 1999 Outstanding Traffic Safety Educator in the state of Idaho (Driver Ed Teacher). Wish I could have gone...but work calls.

Kathi in Idaho

Doni--When I had my birds, I made a cotton cap, kind of like an upside down shower cap and placed it around the bottom outside of the cage. I made a large circle and with a bias tape casing, put elastic in and Voila! It caught almost everything they could spit out. Jana in Wash.

Hi guys, just a quick thanks for all your advice. I'll be cleaning her room (she left it as if she'll be back for the weekend), I'll probably need a dumpster, by the time I'm finished. I already have a sewing room, but it does need to be "tidied" (I wonder where she gets it from, duh???). But the main theme seems to be just to keep busy. Thanks again and no I haven't cried yet.

Melodye in Randallstown, where God's watering the grass!!!!!!

If we are waiting until 2001, how about the end of April (after taxes)or beginning of May. There is a quilt show happening in Santa Clara the end of October. It's not too far from the Pleasanton area. Are any BB'rs going? ttfn :) Mary Ann

Serial Quilters: Wondering if you finished your Weaver Fever quilts. I travelled down to Berlin this morning and found one large one priced at $910. It was beautiful!

Lois

Hi Everyone!
Andy did a little bit of work on the Snoopy Dancers website today....he didn't get all of the pictures posted, but promises to do them in the next day or two. I also have a really cute recent picture of my kitten that I'll try to get him to post.

Kellie

All this talk about S.E.X. has made me feel very deprived of it. I have been saving up for a move to another state and My Future New DH
said no more until I get to Calif. I hope he will be ready to join me or allow me to have unprotected S.E.X. when I get there. I already have
a quilting friend there who is suppose to show me the ropes, and all the great shops. Things have slowed with the moving process but I am keeping a positive
outlook and having happy thoughts. I really miss him alot. I of course am refraining from unprotected or any kind of S.E.X. but I don't know how much longer I will be able to
hold out.My DS are excited about moving to Calif. I of course think its because of the California Girls. They don't say no, so Well maybe we will see.

Love and Prayers to all
Debra One Crazy deprived Quilter

In reference to Fresno 2000....it has become Fresno 2001!!!

There are a couple of reasons:

1. I want to get past Ohio99 and learn from what these ladies did and how
things were set up.

2. Alaska 2000 is the next big one. There are probably some quilters that
will be attending this event that would want to come to California too. But
if we have them both the same year some would not be able to afford to go
to both.

So, we shooting for 2001. (Which isn't as far away as it sounds!) The best
weather in Fresno is Mar-May and Sept-Nov. Any other month is either too
hot or too foggy. March and Oct are bad months for me with work related
travel. So, I need to know...April, May or September. Let's drop November,
too close to holiday seasons.

Thanks to all who have emailed me. I am keeping a list of those that were
interested. I hope you still will be after I changed the year!!

Susan in warming up Fresno, CA

Good afternoon, back from the lake again..decided I would really deep clean the living room today..WHAT A MISTAKE! This is just not a clean day!

Can anyone that has birds tell me somehow to keep all the shelled seeds off the table top and the carpet?? Is there something I can make, to keep these vultures from spitting out the seed shells all over the place! I've never had birds before and am feeling at a lose on how to go about this! Do they all do this??

Buford is doing real good on his walking..maybe there is hope! I really need to get him a harness..as he really has no neck to speak of..well of course he does, but its the same size as his head..one good backwards jerks and wha lah! There I stand holding an empty leash! But we did pass up a rabbit today..he really wanted to chase it but didn't..GOOD BOY BUFORD!!! hugs and kisses for that one!!

Love all the chit chat...took for ever to catch up! Buford and the mooing cow screen saver didn't work to well either..he kept barking at it....and like Cassi after a few weeks would lock up my computer so be careful with it...

Since switching to the Chat page..I can't believe some of the stuff you ladies decide to talk about! Never a dull moment for sure! Thanks for sharing your day....

Sarah...good to see you post again! Its been forever!! so glad to see everything going good...

Hugs to all...
Doni

How's that for a subject topic^. S.E.X. stands for Stash Enhancing eXperience and it seems everyone is having s.e.x. but me and I am, as you say deprived. I have reduced myself to gobbling on my chocolate stash instead.I did order a new quiltbook on line just now so I am feeling a little bit better. Giving up cigarettes was easier than this. Please pray for me for I am a fabricholic and cannot stop. Jana from Wash.

Jana, Dahling! So sorry to hear you're S.E.X.-ually deprived. I'd go into more detail about my shopping trip to Keepsake Quilting, but it's too S.E.X.-ually explicit.

The only way to have safe S.E.X. is when your DH takes away the credit card.

To Reg, the biker chic with a featherweight in Kansas, you go girl!

jdb in AZ

Singing voices P L E A S E!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday to you.... Happy Birthday to you..... Happy Birthday......Dear Kay.......... Happy Birthday to You.

I know how old you are today, but I will not tell.

Fellow quilters, some of you will not recognize Kay, as she is one of us old timers here on the BB. I understand that Kay has been away from the BB for some time, you know how life just takes up so much of our time. But I would like to wish Kay a Great Big Happy Birthday and maybe this will entice her to come back and read our forever entertaining board once again. Never a dull moment, or don't underestimate what the next subject will be. Hehehehe

I love you all, you make my day, everyday and your sure put a smile on many faces each and everyday. If not a tear, of joy.

Hope this is finding everyone enjoying the day as much as I am hoping Kay is enjoying her Birthday.

Susan in North Pole where on a sour note they are evacuating Ft. Greeley today because of fire and we are covered in smoke, but safe.

Yes, Nancy Happy Birthday to you, thanks for all your encouragement, hope you are having a great time.
I must have been asleep when everyone was talking about S.E.X. what is it? I know what sex is, but not S.E.X. Does X stand for Xenophobe? Enquiring minds want to know.
Sara in Fla.

Belated Happy Birthday to Nancy(Sewbird) - was gone
field trialing with the DH and the dogs this weekend and
got behind. Took with me the Grandmother's Flower Garden and
I am making some headway on it. It sure was hot on Friday
and Saturday - upper 80's and rained Friday night and all
day Sunday. Now we are having flood warnings. Seems like it
is feast or famine when it comes to rain. Will try to send some
to those lacking rain. Now the temp is in the 60s and scheduled
to be there for several days. Of course, that's because DD#3 took
3 of DGD camping and was to be at Noah's Ark Water Park today.
Thought it wouldn't be as crowded today (Monday), probably not crowded
because they don't want to turn blue with the cold temps.

Must get back to work

Marj in Wisconsin

jdb in AZ
This biker chick would be stopping at ALL the quilt stores! And I have aquired my FW since our last Harley trip, so don't be surprised someday if you see a red harley with a FW strapped on the back! Now if I could just figure out how to make it battery operated and sew while we are on the road :)
Reg in KS

Phew, I was pretty scared there yesterday. Couldn't access the Bulletin Board pages at all...but then I talked to Nancy in Loveland and she couldn't either. Since we have different servers, we figured it must have been something going on with the pages themselves that would resolve itself eventually!

RAFFLE QUILT: As Bev told you (thanks for posting Bev), the owner of the dance studio had the winning ticket (imagine boos and jeers from the crowd and the yells of "fix!"). There are four girls on the competition team who will be seniors next year, so I had them come up and hold up the quilt, hold the ticket jar and draw a ticket. I thought since they are the class of 2000, it was only appropriate to have them be the helpers with a Y2K quilt! We took in almost $300 in tickets sales, which considering the only presales were from BB people, was pretty good. Next year we will have better presales, plus people will know to come prepared to buy tickets, so hopefully the sales will go up even more. A special thanks to all the BBers who sent in money.....wanted one of you to win, but Trish was the next best thing! She has truly coveted that quilt ever since I started making it!

RIDGELEY'S BLOCKS: Catching up on blocks that arrived Friday and Saturday...

Lyn S., Sacramento, CA
Sarah I., Auburn, AL
Glenda B., Seoul, Korea

That adds 12 more to the count....which brings us to a total of something over 500. I can't access the archives right now to find out our last total count. I'm also realizing that somewhere in the depths of this house are more blocks I received and I'm too lazy to get up and find them right now. Peg and Shelli, I know I received stuff from you both but don't remember ever posting yours names, so your envelopes are undoubtedly lying on the table in the basement! I'll check later and catch up with an official report....

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY NANCY!

CERAMIC FLOORS: Can't remember who posted this. When we lived in southern CA, a number of friends in our neighborhood put in ceramic floors when we were building our houses. At least three or four of them removed the floors within the first two years. The complaints included: too cold, too hard to stand on (aching backs and feet), too easy to chip, too hard to fix, too hard to keep the grout looking nice, too slippery (this was mainly because the people also had a pool, so going in and out of the house become a tightrope walk).

I have wood floors in my kitchen (have had vinyl in the past, and carpeting, and I think I like the wood the best). It's not as cold as tile, if you drop something heavy, you might dent the floor (which just adds to the charm of wood) but it doesn't chip or crack. It's easy to care for....I vacuum it every day or so to pick up crumbs and dog hair and it just gets damp mopped with a Windex solution for washing. That's it. Vinyl, of course, is also relatively easy. That's what we put in when we lived in CA, but we did have problems with moisture from the foundation slab (we didn't have a basement) seeping into the flooring and causing it to discolor. Had to replace the flooring twice in five years. Carpeting worked well for us before kids, but I certainly wouldn't recommend it with young kids!

JANET WHO GOT THE SIGGIE SQUARE: Your friend is introducing you to us....and wanting you to enjoy the world of quilters! Stick around, read our postings, post messages yourself! We're a fun group and you'll get to know us easily and quickly! Welcome!

SANDY: Congratulations!! Milk that prize for all it's worth!

DANCE RECITAL: Went very well, with the usual humorous moments. One six-year-old danced her whole routine with her top hat resting on her nose. One three-year-old refused to go out on stage at all and was a complete ham when she finally got started. But the crowning moment was my DD....

The team has a wonderful tap routine - very fast, very lively. Their costume is a white skirt with a gold sequin top. The top has a collar that goes up and attaches at the back of the neck - kind of like the collar on a middy blouse (remember those?) but no shoulders or sleeves, so essentially it's a halter top, with the collar being the halter part.

The seniors are expected to basically change themselves backstage, since they have experience from competitions, etc., and there are just two moms backstage helping them. DD got into this costume, attached the velcro on the collar and sped out on stage. Well, just about 30 seconds into the dance, the velcro starting that lovely ripping sound and started coming apart. DD pulled her hands up to hold the collar up, but alas, the two ends were flapping in the wind! A teacher from backstage tried to call out to her to leave the stage, but DD didn't hear her. Another teacher sitting next to me in the audience yelled out to fix it. so DD took the ends, tried to reach behind her neck to re-attach the collar, but couldn't get it. So the teacher in the audience jumped up, went up on stage and fixed the collar for her. The teacher whispered to DD that she was changing our "G" rating to "R", which of course made DD crack up. Mind you, during all of this, DD's feet were still flying and she never missed a step. She definitely gets the award for "the show must go on!" I've warned her she'll never live this down.....and add to the this the fact that the show is filmed to be broadcast on local access TV, so she fears all of greater Cincinnati will see her! She's hoping the camera stayed away from her during the whole thing!

Fortunately, during the whole thing, all that was ever revealed were her bare shoulders....and now she is a firm believer in having someone else check her velcro AND using safety pins for extra security!

Well, this has been long, but wanted to catch you up! Went to the Indians/Reds game yesterday and my Indians swept the series! Yes, I live in Cincinnati, but my heart is with the Cleveland Indians. Next weekend we get to go to a game in Cleveland, too!

Cassi in Ohio....where it's FINALLY raining!

Sorry I don't remember who, but someone asked for a poem having to do with quilters. The site is: http://www.threadandthimble.com/tnt.htm
Tidbits and Trinkets is a site with many poems. Check there to see if the poem you are looking for is there.
Always quilting one stitch at a time
Donna in LEH, NJ
dltquilt@juno.com

Hi all. I'm haaving trouble with my e-mail and wondered if anyone else has had a similar problem...being told not enough memory to deliver messages to me, even though there appears to be plenty and I've emptied and deleted everything I can think of. On-line service says its a Microsoft thing (don't they always!)and that I should switch from Outlook to Outlook Express. Outlook express keeps telling me my password to my server is wrong, even though it isn't! ARGGGGHHH! Please don't e-mail your reply, because I won't be able to retreive it!
Anyone from the board who's e-mailed in the past few days, please be patient...Chris in PA, who's really looking forward to being able to see my mail (as you can see from the time of this post, I'm even losing sleep over it!)

LINDA, your story about your DMIL is beautiful. My DM has been dead almost 28 yrs. I wish she would visit me. I want to know what she would think of me. Would she think I was a good mother, wife, housekeeper, etc.? Just some musings from a DM/DGM/DD/DS/DA/DGD/DN/ etc.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANCY! Sorry it is late, but I was in Yakima this weekend having the time of my life.
LINDY is so beautiful, inside and out. Wow! She is talented! Her DH is a keeper. Her house is lovely. She gave me a collection of her poetry. I am so honored. Eat your hearts out ladies. She is a gift from God to me. He is filling me with so much love through so many people. God lead my DH to buy the computer. God lead him to get on the internet. God lead me to this website and blessed me through it. Lindy was the first person to keep an ongoing conversation with me on email. She is very special and I am sorry so many of you don't get to meet her. We are kindred spirits and cut out of the same cookie dough. BTW she collects cookie cutters.
SANDI congratulations on the awards. Good job! How very exciting! I get excited, vicariously through others, who win awards. Ha!
Take care and may God bless you and your's!
Love, >^..^< Kitty Kate in WA >^..^<

RACHEL: Loved the dating rules, copied them and was suprised I didn't wake up my sleeping family with my laughter!!!
We spent the day driving to pick up our DD from Girl Scout camp where she is working this summer as a Jr leader this summer. She now knows the GS Pledge and many games and songs, knot tying and is now hoping ready to impart her new knowledge to the little happy campers next week. She has off for 36 hours so had to come home and "sleep in a real bed and get a real shower" so she says. Of course she brought her laundry too!
Whoever said they had too much rain, I think it was Peg in Chicago, please send some this way, it is very dry, did have a few scattered showers today but not enough to do any good. Joanne in northcentral PA

MOTHER-
You turned my room into a quilt room?! grrrrr...
well, I only have one word to say:
PTTTTBBBBBBTHTTTTHBBHRTTHTTHTHTHTTHTTHBHBBHTTHTHBHBHBBTHTHTHBHBHB!!!!!! :P~
~Rachel in SanDiego

Hi- My name is Dianne. I am interested in learning quilting and would like to find a quilting club in Oakland/Alameda California. Anyone know of a web site to find this information?
Thank you very much.

>
> TEN SIMPLE RULES FOR DATING MY DAUGHTER.
>
> Rule One: If you pull into my driveway and honk
> you'd better be delivering a package, because you're
> sure not picking anything up.
>
> Rule Two: You do not touch my daughter in front
> of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not
> peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep
> your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will
> remove them.
>
> Rule Three: I am aware that it is considered fashionable
> for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely
> that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please
> don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your
> friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair
> and open-minded about this issue, so I propose this
> compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear
> showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not
> object. However, In order to ensure that your clothes
> do not, in fact, come off during the course of your date
> with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and
> fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.
>
> Rule Four: I'm sure you've been told that in today's
> world, sex without utilizing a "barrier method" of some
> kind can kill you. Let me elaborate: when it comes
> to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.
>
> Rule Five: In order for us to get to know each other,
> we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues
> of the day. Please do not do this. The only information
> I require from you is an indication of when you expect
> to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only
> word I need from you on this subject is "early."
>
> Rule Six: I have no doubt you are a popular fellow,
> with many opportunities to date other girls. This is
> fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter.
> Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you
> will continue to date no one but her until she is
> finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.
>
> Rule Seven: As you stand in my front hallway, waiting
> for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by,
> do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for
> the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is
> putting on her makeup, a process that can take longer
> than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just
> standing there, why don't you do something useful, like
> changing the oil in my car?
>
> Rule Eight: The following places are not appropriate
> for a date with my daughter: Places where there are
> beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool.
> Places where there are no parents, policemen, or nuns
> within eyesight. Places where there is darkness.
> Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or
> happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is
> warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts,
> tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than
> overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka zipped
> up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or
> sexual theme are to be avoided; movies which feature
> chainsaws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks
> homes are better.
>
> Rule Nine: Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a
> pot-bellied, balding, middle-aged, dim-witted has-been.
> But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the
> all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask
> you where you are going and with whom, you have one
> chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing
> but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five
> acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.
>
> Rule Ten: Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very
> little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the
> driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy
> outside of Hanoi. When my Agent Orange starts acting up,
> the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the
> guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As
> soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit
> your car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the
> perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you
> have brought my daughter home safely and early, then
> return to your car...there is no need for you to come
> inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.
>

Still trying to get the beginning of "Rules for dating my daughter". I think only 7-10 made it. I'll try again. Cuz it's funny.

Rachel in UT.

Well.... it is a lovely lavender evening here. KittyKate left my house about 5:30 for her 3 hour drive home. (GIG, Kate!) We quilt-showed together Saturday afternoon. Quilt shows are SO much more fun with someone to yak at about the beauty of each and every quilt...well, most each and every one. Now I know what it is like to be looking for a YYY and see one! I was in the kitchen snacking with the other guild members and with a mouth full of cookie I suddenly squealed, "A yellow yo yo!!!!!" and raced out of the kitchen hearing the gals behind me asking each other, "What's a YYY?" LOL! Later we went to my house and I got to show KittyKate most all my photos (about 100 more left for next time) all my finished, unsold quilts... even my UFOs! One patient "looker-atter" that Kate! But she does have a very real fetish! She just loves to

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANCY!!!! As I write this....it still is sunday...but it will post just after midnight...
Tomorrow I will post about my "visitation" experiences. But now...

Well I was on the rampage today. DH left for a meeting in California and I am here to wreak death and destruction to dirt and slime. Yes....It has been months since I have *really* cleaned up the pen...ur..ummm I mean house! But I know if I do it now, I will have three blessed days of clean house before he returns.....
Actually, it isn't just DH, it is the "green kids". They scatter their sap, leaves, debris all over the floors and window sills. Guess I can't blame them for the BIG pile of laundry, can I ? GOSH! the dryer just went BUZZZZZ! Well here it is at the stroke of midnight and I DO have to go to work tomorrow. What a feeling of triumph! The dust monsters have fled! The sticky spots on the floor are gone so my feet don't stick to the floors...they just squeak nicely as I pad around the house in my barefeet...free of grit and stuff.
Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh! During the day it was weeding and staking the garden plants, and after dark the house work. Do you know what this means?????? I have the rest of the coming week to work on all of the UFO's. I don't "forget" to eat. I refuse to waste the time it takes to eat! OK, so I did eat dinner....but sat down just looooong enough to fuel up.
I hear the clothes in the dryer wrinkling.....

TTFN
Ronna in Happy Valley (nighty night....)

TEN SIMPLE RULES FOR DATING MY DAUGHTER.

Rule One: If you pull into my driveway and honk
you'd better be delivering a package, because you're
sure not picking anything up.

Rule Two: You do not touch my daughter in front
of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not
peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep
your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will
remove them.

Rule Three: I am aware that it is considered fashionable
for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely
that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please
don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your
friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair
and open-minded about this issue, so I propose this
compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear
showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not
object. However, In order to ensure that your clothes
do not, in fact, come off during the course of your date
with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and
fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.

Rule Four: I'm sure you've been told that in today's
world, sex without utilizing a "barrier method" of some
kind can kill you. Let me elaborate: when it comes
to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.

Rule Five: In order for us to get to know each other,
we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues
of the day. Please do not do this. The only information
I require from you is an indication of when you expect
to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only
word I need from you on this subject is "early."

Rule Six: I have no doubt you are a popular fellow,
with many opportunities to date other girls. This is
fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter.
Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you
will continue to date no one but her until she is
finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.

Rule Seven: As you stand in my front hallway, waiting
for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by,
do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for
the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is
putting on her makeup, a process that can take longer
than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just
standing there, why don't you do something useful, like
changing the oil in my car?

Rule Eight: The following places are not appropriate
for a date with my daughter: Places where there are
beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool.
Places where there are no parents, policemen, or nuns
within eyesight. Places where there is darkness.
Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or
happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is
warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts,
tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than
overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka zipped
up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or
sexual theme are to be avoided; movies which feature
chainsaws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks
homes are better.

Rule Nine: Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a
pot-bellied, balding, middle-aged, dim-witted has-been.
But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the
all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask
you where you are going and with whom, you have one
chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing
but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five
acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.

Rule Ten: Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very
little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the
driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy
outside of Hanoi. When my Agent Orange starts acting up,
the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the
guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As
soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit
your car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the
perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you
have brought my daughter home safely and early, then
return to your car...there is no need for you to come
inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.

Why Parents Go Gray

The boss of a big company needed to call one of his employees about an
urgentproblem with one of the main computers.He dialed the employees home phone number and was greeted with a
child's whispered, "Hello?" Feeling put out at the inconvenience of having to talk to a youngster
the boss asked, Is your Daddy home? "Yes", whispered the small voice.
"May I talk with him?" the man asked. To the surprise of the boss, the
small voice whispered, "No." Wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, "Is your Mommy there?"
"Yes", came the answer. "May I talk with her?" Again the small voice whispered, "no".
Knowing that it was not likely that a young child would be left home
alone, the boss decided he would just leave a message with the person who should
be there watching over the child. "Is there any one there besides you?" the
boss asked the child. "Yes" whispered the child, "A policeman".
Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee's home, the boss
asked "May I speak with the policeman"?"No, he's busy", whispered the child.
"Busy doing what?, asked the boss. "Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the
Fireman", came the whispered answer. Growing concerned and even worried as he heard what sounded like a
helicopter through the ear piece on the phone the boss asked, "What is that
noise?" "A hello-copper", answered the whispering voice. "What is going on there?", asked the boss, now alarmed.
In an awed whispering voice the child answered, "The search team just
landed the hello-copper" Alarmed, concerned and more than just a little frustrated the boss
asked, "Why are they there"? Still whispering, the young voice replied along with a muffled giggle: "They're looking for me"

The end of a long hot Sunday spent packing Y2k squishies and making some house blocks for a women's shelter raffle quilt.Last night while I was trying to catch up on the news DS#2 and DS#3 kept telling me to go back,go back.They had to read all our good stories and LOL.Tonight,I don't have to worry about that problem because they are already out on the porch sleeping! God bless everyone.80) Pat in PA

Hope I am not too late to wish Nancy a Very Happy Birthday, and hope that you enjoyed it!!

Congratulations Sandi- don't waste the moment- it should be good for something- more fabric maybe?!!! You have to convince DH now that you have a certain standard to maintain- LOL

Rachel I LOVED your kitty post- I was eating a tub of yogurt and lost half of it down my T shirt I laughed so hard!!!

It's HOT here (not allowed to complain right?- I actually put it in writing a few weeks back that I wouldn't say anything if only the snow would go)

So now I have to suffer in silence. I burnt the soles of my feet on the deck today because I was foolish enough to go outside with no shoes on, and now they are sore!! I didn't get any sympathy from the family, and not very likely from here either- LOL!!

I will be off line for the next few days, so have fun, I will miss you all.

Be back soon,
Hugs
Celia

Hello, my name is Janet and I am new to quilting and a friend of my gave me a square with this address and called it a siggie square. I'm not sure what to do with it but she said if I came here I'd find out what to do. If anyone can help me please send me an e-mail at the above address. Thank you, Janet

Congratulations on your award-winning quilt! I can think of a few other choice quotes, such as "Honey, you'll have to cook tonight, I'm working on another masterpiece, and my concentration will be interrupted if I stop to cook." Or "my studio needs upgrading -- a design wall and more storage for fabric would be nice, and maybe a new sewing machine (if you need one!!"
Go for it, Sandy.
Happy quilting
Linda B in Tx

Good evening everyone!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANCY! I got to meet Nancy for the first time Wed. night at the MN quilt show. The next day she brought Sue from Iowa to our shop booth, Meeting 2 fellow BBer's at one show! Be sure to wear those yellow YOYO's.

Now I get to brag. One of the children from my art(I had them make quilt tops) class this year got a 'Guard's Choice' ribbon! The show committee gives 4 of the guards that watch over the quilts at night each a ribbon to put on their favorite quilt. There are dozens and dozens of quilts that they see so this is an honor. I found out about it last night before the big dinner and I was so excited I had to call her parents right away. It's also her birthday today!
Well, this morning I took a spin around the other quilt display area and my jaw hit the floor when I saw a gaurd's choice ribbon on one of my quilts.
Of course I will be sure to milk this for all it's worth as in "honey, I'm an award winning quilter so I need this fabric for my next piece"... You guys get the idea! I'm still pinching myself. There were so many beautiful quilts there I'm amazed my little wallhanging was chosen. I had to tell all of you because the DH and DC's (children) are gone until tomorrow night and I HAD to tell someone!
Hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend and has a blessed week!
Sandi in MN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANCY: Wish I had known it was your birthday sooner...just now got on the BB Chat (Your CC for Chit Chat) and discovered it has been your birthday...all day long...while I didn't know about it. Won't ask you how many this one is but I assume it is over 29. Hows the toe? Got new sewing maching humming yet?
CASSI: Wonder why it was only the BB that you couldn't reach today. I notice there is a large gap in the postings too...wonder if the archiving may have had something to do with both problems.
MONICA: Marilyn has been painting the terra cota pots (all sizes) the past two years and teaching her daughters and granddaughters how to do it. Hasn't done any since this heart trouble began in Jan though. She used to have Ceramic Classes in her home here, had her own greenware, kiln etc. People came from as far as 55 miles away to take her classes. She had to give that up because of back problems before her first bout of cancer though. She is a VERY CREATIVE person. Used to make Teddy Bears and dress them in different costumes...took orders and sewed at her home. She will be pleased to hear you and the DD's had so much fun today.
Nancy in KY: Horrors...I was going to give you the name of the Hotel for OHIO 99...but I can't find ANY of the paper work about it for myself either. Must find it soon!!! It has the number on it to verify our reservations, etc. Sorry, ole Organized Marty must have gotten too organized...I even went through the folder that I have packed with everything else I am to take with me. Oh well, one of the Serial Quilters will have to give you the name of the hotel now.
The strangest thing just happened...it was pouring rain in the back of the house but sun shining and dry in the front...at the same time! Looked out my kitchen window and saw the brightest double rainbow I have ever seen and it ended in the just-coming-up corn field right behind us. I tried to get DH to run out there in the rain and bring back the gold that is supposed to be at the end of the rainbow....but, NO POT OF GOLD there, just rows of corn just coming up...guess when it matures the corn itself could be the gold???? Anyway, the rainbow was absolutely beautiful and I used the last of my film last night taking pictures of my 13 year-old DGD's quilt before I ship it to her tomorrow.
Marty in HHH and 1/2 & 1/2 rain/sunshine in Vermont.

LYNN: How do you like the ceramic floor as compared to the vinyl? This is something we are considering doing but want to find all pros and cons I can. It is a major expense and I just want to be as sure as possible before taking the plunge.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Thanks from Pat in Cen. CA where the weather is just right.

I have been looking for some Classic Winnie Pooh
fabric. Can anyone steer me in the right
direction?

Thanks for your help.

I've been gone for 5 days and am so behind - again!! I was visiting DD#1 in Austin TX where she is getting settled into her first apartment where she is living alone. Went to hang some shelves, do some sewing/mending and just have some fun, which we did! She is in summer term and extremely busy with a part time job also. Then,,, I spend all day yesterday taking some certification exams for education and library science... then drove home (2.5 hours). Today I'm trying to catch up, so some homework and some much needed catching up on sewing projects (not for me : ( )

While I was gone, DD#2 helpfully opened up some of my care blocks for Adriana, squishies and looked at all of them again... so now they are quite mixed up. I will post tomorrow the entire list of received blocks and occasionally fabrics, which are so special and appreciated!!

Some of the animal stories you've been telling have me ROFLOL - we're just enjoying the antics of our three dogs getting used to a ceramic tile floor where there used to be vinal... cool to lay down on in this heat, but boy is it slippery, especially when the shedding dog has had a bad day!

Happy birthdays to all of you who are a year older this week, remember it's not over the hill, it's on top of the world!!

I'll be staying on top of things this week. Hugs to all! Lynn in TX

Hi all, I've spent the week sewing all the blocks and exchanges, etc. for Ohio 99 and now I don't know what to do with myself. I really enjoyed doing the churn dash block, using many different fabric combinations, etc. Now I need a new project that will see me through until late July when I will speed to Cincinnati and Ohio 99. I am thinking of blues because it is so @#$%^@$ hot here in Ky that maybe blues will give me the illusion of cool. By the way, thinking of Ohio 99 I can't remember the name of the hotel we're staying at, can someone remind me? Little gray cells are taking a vacation. Nancy in Ky

As Serial Quilter "messenger" today I am relaying the information from Cassi about the dance studio raffle quilt!

Copied from Cassi's e-mail to me: "I can't access the BB....I've tried the BB, chat and prayer, plus I tried finding the main page. Everytime I get "operation timed out." I tried going offline and then coming back online and that didn't work. I'm able to access other sites, so it's only the BB stuff I can't get to. Would you post that I'm having problems and can't post yet? I'm sure here are people who are wanting to hear about the raffle......Trish (studio owner) won the quilt, and she was thrilled. She's been coveting the thing ever since I started making it, so it's going to a good home. "

I'm as disappointed as the rest of you - I bought my share of tickets too - but am glad that it's found an appropriate and deserving home. We can all hope one of the BB'ers will be lucky with Marilyn's.

More details will be forthcoming from Cassi when she "up and running" on the puter again.

Off to do a little weeding (very little -too hot) and then help Nancy from Loveland with her Row Robin quandry. Bev in H-H-H Cincy

Happy Birthday Nancy.
Take the time to do something you really want to do
today.
Enjoy. Kathy in Pa.

Happy Birthday to you, Nancy, hope you have a good one!!
I sure love all your stories...Hubby had to smile at the cow, mooing ones...I'm glad I didn't check out that site...
When reading the stories about feeling the presence of our deceased, well, when I was getting the spare room ready for our DD and her DH and our darling little DGD's visit this Christmas, I was brought to tears by the presence of my dear mother-in-law, who has been gone for 22 years. I took the quilt that she had made, one of the last before her death, to put on DGD's bed. I figured it would be a great chance for me to tell DGD all about the Gramma she had never seen except in pictures, as I was holding the quilt, I felt her there. She knew what I was doing and it felt so good. I did sit on the bed with little DGD who is only 4 and told her about that dear sweet woman, I will repeat the story of her often, that is how we pass our lives on.
I wish you all a wonderful and happy quilting day.
I shall proclaim this, HUG A QUILT DAY, since it was made by the hands of a very loving and caring quilter. Happy Quilting......LINDA IN CALIFORNIA

Mornin' all! I'm back from helping out my sister and boy am I happy to be home. DH and the pups were excited to see us come home. (me and the twins) Well I just want to tell you all I missed you and your crazy stories. I have a lot of reading to do to catch up on whats going on. Need to catch up on my sewing too. I won 5th place at my guild picnic for my challenge. The subject was "How do I get to the quilt shop?" I did a tractor with a tree and chicks. I turned out cute!
BTW, I saw the movie Stepmom and loved some of the quilts in it...
NQR~ The movie, You've got mail was really good too!!!
Well I have to catch up on house cleaning, laundry, and everything else....YES!!! no weeding it's starting to rain!!!! Have a great day!

Ursula in S. Jersey :o)

According to the July issue of the Ladies Home Journal (page 92), the warning that sodium laureth sulfate in shampoos (and toothpaste) causes cancer is totally unfounded. To find out about the most common online hoaxes, go to this site: http://urbanlegends.miningco.com (they make it easy to find the hoaxes.) For Virus Help go to www.datafellows.com.

Just thought I'd let you know.

Katie Mac in Spring

Am ruled by two felines. Went into hysterics when I read the post on pilling a cat. The last time we tried, my husband ended up in the Emergency room receiving IV antiobiotics for a cat bite. Have any of you made "kitty litter cake"? A fellow nurse made it for the night shift I was working. We have a male nurse who eats anything and everything. THIS he did not eat. In fact, he took it to another nurse (male) to eat. He just couldn't get past the "look" of it. It is very realistic. But good!. Those melted tootsie rolls are just a bit too real looking. You have to have a sense of humor, cuz life is just too crazy and hard. happy quilting. krazkte@aol.com

See, I can't even spell enough twice. Losin it girls.

Rachel Rubow in UT

I just sat here for the last hour catching up on the BB posts. You guys kill me.

Been a busy weekend for us. Yesterday, took the boys to the Mark Eaton (former Jazz basketball player) Celebrity Baseball game and "Kansas" concert afterwards. That was a lot of fun. Kids enjoyed it. Then this morning it was off to DS#1 T-ball game where once again, mom's big mouth was heard by all, then off to the last half of music class, then off again to the last half of a children's church party. Home for a breather then off again to take the boys on a picnic and then to FINALLY see "Star Wars". You'd think we we're torturing our children since we've waited so long.

You would not beleive what is sitting on my lap. As if four baby boys weren't enough. While picnicing, my DS #1 said, "hey, there's a baby kitty over there. Sure enough, not more than a couple feet away, hiding in teh grass was a little tiny calico kitten. Can't be more than a couple weeks old. Being a softy, well, can't just leave the baby there so I've added to our already phsycotic family. The DH is real thrilled about this. Okay, either the kitty has gas or it's gone on my chair somewhere. Great, I have spit up on my shoulder and now cat crap on my lap. AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH. Have a great weekend and Sabbath all.

Lovin life,
Rachel in dang that's a gorgeous sunset UT.

Before I forget, tomorrow (Sunday, June 13) is Nancy the sewbird's birthday! Have a nice one, Nancy!

Today as part of my birthday present, my best friend took me to a place in Portland called The Clay Cafe. We had such a great time! You get to pick out the pottery you would like to paint (and they have just about everything imaginable to choose from - clock faces, plates, mugs, figurines, boxes, teapots, and on and on!) and then select the color glazes you want. They have all sorts of idea books, stencils, sponges and things to do your piece with. They charge a reasonable hourly "studio" fee and a fee for the clay piece. I can't wait to go back on Friday to pick up the flower pot that I did (it needs to be fired now) and I can't wait to take the kids because they will have a blast. This is going to be so perfect for gifts for Grandmas and Grandpas and so on. I guess it's a big thing to have birthday parties there, too.

I looked in my Bartlett's Quotations and yes, Noel Coward is responsible for mad dogs and Englishmen. Bartlett's is also a good place to find neat quotes for quilt labels. I find quotes in it to use for some of my scrapbooking pages, too.

Monica in Maine (nighty-nite!!)

Greetings. My mother asked me to check and see
if I might be able to find on the internet some-
that she is calling "A Quilter's Prayer". I have
searched all over the net and I thought that this
might be the best place to ask.

Thank you in advance for any help that you might
give.

Daniel D.
Shreveport, LA

Hi all,

Is anyone confused about my last post? I must have been
out in the garden too long. Got the funny stories of the
screensaver and the cat story mixed up. Well, I did laugh at
both of them, but the part about the "last pill" was meant for
for the cat story.

I also meant to send my sympathy to Celia regarding her pets.
All who have or have had pets especially know what a huge part of the family
they become. My mother always thought it was ridiculous for people
to get attached to their animals. Well, when our dog got hit by
a car while following me to school, she spent the next two days
at work bawling her eyes out. Couldn't stop even though she had
to deal with the public in her job. She then understood. Take care
and let the memories of unconditionally loving they were comfort you.

Peace,

Ann in MA

Both my Grans have "visited" from time to time. They lived in their homes for over 50 years and come back to check on the family who still live there. My aunt and uncle moved into Gran Caroline's home and kept finding the attic door ajar. Since this never happened to our knowledge while Gran was living Aunt Flo swore it was Gran keeping tabs on Uncle Vic just as she did in life. When they sold the house, the person who purchased it got really annoyed with the open door and announced in a loud voice-"They are not here- they have moved too_____." From then on the door stayed closed. Aunt Flo swears she kept smelling Gran's bread baking in the new house. Flo never made bread. being a less than eager cook. My Gran Cecil who taught me how to sew showed up as a warm loving presence to my sis when she spent the summer at the farm after Gran died. I haven't had a personal visitation since I haven't made it down since she passed. My MIL made her intentions never to visit clear just before she passed. While she loved us, our house was not her home. I often wonder if she visits BIL.
On another note- The blocks for Ridgeley and David were mailed Tuesday. I am really frosted that the Post Office takes so long to get things places. My Kosovo quilt was mailed and didn't arrive until 6 weeks later-missing the date. I could walk those squishies faster I swear!Didn't include a note. Alas, I'm one of those that never has a birthday, sympathy, or whatever card to hand. Peg in Chicago

PS- Does anyone know anything about Applet? DD is trying to post something on the page and having a major crisis. The payoff is you get to see Kellie's blocks!

We had an Irish Setter who was neither dumb nor hyper! She was very gentle around kids and when our daughter got a pet kitten, even 'nursed' the kitty! When we first got the dog, we thought she was a little psycho because she'd go ballistic riding in the car at night. Try to climb up in the back window, etc. Then we found out her previous owner used to check fences at night and would play with her using his flashlight shining it here, there and everywhere. Our 8 yr old son would chortle in glee when he'd shine the flashlight on my toes and the dog would pounce on the light! Or high up on the wall, etc.

BTW, all those cat related puns have just been purr-fect!

Bertie in Illinois

I believe "Only mad dogs and Englishmen come out in the midday sun" is a line from a Noel Coward satirical melody. I think it's derevation stems from the fact that all Mediterranean countries adopt the afternoon "siesta" because of the heat factor, and that whenever English people visited(and still do) they are the only people to be found not sleeping in the afternoon, because the British climate has never warranted it!!! - we just grew up investing in rain umbrellas!!!

That's my contribution anyway- LOL!!!!

Loved Susan Joy's post about the "Rubber Duckie" boat- sounds to me like it was a great effort, and I would have loved to have seen it's maiden voyage!! I also thought that Melodye's justification for the wet clothes was excellent, perhaps the girls could offer that to the Teacher to prevent points deduction- maybe even get additional ones - LOL!!

Thanks again to everyone who has written to me since my last post. Your caring has been very important to me. I even got a very nice note from Mr JDB from AZ- thanks so much!

It is really HOT here, but I remember way back, when we had 5 feet of snow saying that I would not complain, so maybe I will just take a siesta!!!

Enjoy your weekend everyone.
Hugs
Celia

Spent the Am outside helping DH work or sprinklers, after much mud, and replacing 3 sprinkler heads he decided one of the ones we bought last night was defective, and will have to go back to Lowe's to get a replacement for the replacement.
As far as Only Mad dogs and Englishmen go- I was under the impression that it was from Ruyard Kipling, as in Ricky Ticky Tavey, you know when the English were in India. This is IMHO, from high school english, but haven't actually done any research on it.
I agree to end the empty nest blue, make that room into a sewing room! The sooner the better. If you want to do it up right, get "Setting up your sewing Space" it has all kinds of great ideas.
Sara in Fla. where its sunny

We have a total of 311 blocks for David’s wife and children’s quilts.
The blocks from Germany have not arrived yet. I live in a Rural area and it takes a little while longer. I will post the entire list Monday. I am about a week behind collecting block from when Cassie started and I have not set a closing date for the blocks.

Thank each of you for sending me fabric it is appreciate. Thank you to those who sent money it will help.

Susan Eickemann North Pole, Ak.
Debby Thoreson Astoria, Or.
Kathi Swindell Challis ID
Kathi Desko Westport, NY.
Linda M. Scholten Oxford Oh.
Lynn Strauch Sacramento CA.
Jennifer Gill New York, NY.
Bev Holdren Hamilton OH.
Kim De Camp Zeeland MI.
Angela Lodin Santa Ana CA.
Glenda Beasley Seoul Korea
Kim Bagla Baton Rouge LA.

Brenda Blaylock
P.O. Box 2468
Hawthorne, Nv. 89415

Good Morning, I met that first fabric salesman and he was a jerk! Only out of desperation for fabric I ordered from him. Did order 46 bolts and 300 yds of good quality flat folds. Now I just need to sell it so I can order more. National Asparagus Festival going on here this weekend. went to the art fair this AM. DH bought me a coulpe of cute things. A Noahs Ark bird house, he also gave me a really cute bird house for our Anniversary yesterday. 33yrs. and a small chair planter with a bird house on it. Has been very hot here. 90's and humid. We need rain. Have to water the flower gardens. Finally got the blocks done and in the mail for the Gibbs family. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Love Hugs and prayers to all. Mayme in MI

Happy Saturday to all!
I've been trying to catch up on the postings since getting back home, but the computer and my schedule refuse to cooperate with me!
Dogs and flooring: I had to laugh about the dog that wouldn't walk on the hardwood floors! In December I put laminate flooring down in our livingroom (for the story about Corgi puppies and livingroom carpets you may e-mail if you want to hear it!!!! LOL!). Our three dogs--Anna the Schipperke Queen, Scout, and Moss the Wonder Corgi--LOVED it! They would find reasons to go into the livingroom! We think they liked to slide around on it when they ran. Maybe it was the cool "clicking" sound their toenails made--who knows? Dogs can be so weird at times!
Empty nests: I liked the suggestions for the empty nest syndrom and can add one more: turn that left-over bedroom into a SEWING ROOM! (I hope Rachel isn't reading right now!!!!) Actually, I'm having a hard time right now because Rachel was going to be here this weekend and wasn't able to. :-( I am overdosed with Y Chromosomes around this place right now!!!
The Sequim quilt group, The Sunbonnet Sues, will be having their quilt show the 25-27th. Kitty Kate will be here sometime and I'm looking forward to seeing her again. :-)
I would like to join Jana in thanking whoever sent the great sunshine!
Deanna, in Sunny Sequim, WA

Good Saturday to you all! I'm curious as to how many of you BBer's are watching the 24 hours of Le Mans? How many of you are watching it with your DH's? How many have to watch it cuz when you walked into your sewing room, (that has the only TV hooked up to PrimeStar), you found the DH in the recliner, remote in hand, salavating over one of his favourite races? Ha! No, really...I happen to be a F1, NASCAR, and CART race fan...so it's okay.

But, this leads me into my curious subject line up above. The morning began with the DH bringing me a "cupperoftea" at 9:00 in the morning. I was a bad girl and stayed up till 2:30 AM sewing, so he let me sleep in, ha! Anyhoo...the conversation progressed with him asking what I was going to do today. I said I might mow the back forty this afternoon. His reply was that it would be better to wait till after 5:00 when the sun isn't so hot. My reply was NO WAY, that's prime skeeter feeding time around here, and that I'd probably go out at noon. He started laughing. My excuse was that by the time all the animals were tended, the laundry was out on the line, dishes done, sweep? maybe, yes, no, etc. it would be around 12:00 before I could escape the house. He was still laughing. Why are you laughing??? His reply was to sing one line from an old English tune, (could also be Welsh, Scottish, or Irish, he's not for sure - I didn't want to give the credit to the wrong bunch), but it went like this..."Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the mid-day sun."

Okay Celia, what's the song? Ha! Or maybe some of our BBer's from across the pond may know. I just thought it was cute and wondered what the whole tune was like...sounds like something Gilbert & Sullivan would have written. Later kids, from Brenda in Indiana >^..^<

SUSAN JOY---I loved the story about your daughter's "sink or swim" boat. The whole project, when I read about it on your post a few days ago, sounds just like an Odyssey of the Mind type of problem.(I've coached & judged OM stuff--it's awesome!) I'll just bet you are ssooo proud of her for doing a great job. AND. . . why should she need a change of clothes??? She had confidence in her creation!!! Aren't kids great?

MELODYE IN RANDALLSTOWN---Here are my suggestions for "empty nest syndrome": 1) Start a new sewing project (even if it means going to the fabric store & buying something new, despite the closet-size stash you may already have---new fabric inspires us! LOL!) 2) Clean the house, closets or bathrooms. Since you're in a crummy mood anyway, why not make it productive? 3) Pull weeds in yard (same "crummy mood" concept)These are the things that work for me.

I will be applying any and all of these suggestions myself next week. Of course, a NEW sewing project will be at the top of my list :-) because I have to focus on something new & untried. It takes my mind off my troubles---I can't figure out a new pattern if my mind is elsewhere. . . . .

Monday we take Oskar, our foreign exchange student, to the airport. The year is over, it's time for him to return home, and I've been crying buckets. Part of the grieving process. A new sewing project is definitely the next step toward recovery. Life goes on.

DH & DS leave Wednesday to go visit his (DH's) family. I am really home alone---just me and DC (dear canine---can't say DD or you'll think I have a daughter!---OOOPS, it could mean dear cat, but maybe we could use DK for dear kitty. I don't know---I'm a mess anyway today.(see previous paragraph)

Here's a quote from an article I read in USA Today last week:

Life is change and change is life, and you'd better be ready for it. . . because that's all you can be assured of: Nothing ever stays the same.

Have a great day,

Doris W. in Tennessee

Had a great time with Serial Quilters yesterday - Linda and I continued our constant harassment of Bev (she thinks we're picking on her) because she mutters while she works. Kathy and Backyard Susan both brought their new JEMs, which are so cute!

DANCE RECITAL REHEARSAL: Went pretty well last night. Well, actually, it looked pretty bad but the superstition is bad dress rehearsal, good performance. So that means bad is good, right? One of our moms who recently had surgery and discovered she has Crohn's Disease passed out in the dressing room. We had to call 911 and they rolled her out....she'd been back at work for a couple weeks (without permission) plus she's been doing tons of stuff to help with recital (which she shouldn't have been volunteering for) and she filled in at the last minute in the mom's dance (which there is no way she should have been doing). Add to this that she's one of those totally obnoxious people who forgets to eat (to me that's like forgetting to breathe) and you have a disaster waiting to happen. I'm praying someone will tie her down today, if they didn't end up keeping her in the hospital. (Bev, FYI this is Norrine I'm talking about).

So besides that bit of excitement, things went fairly well - and the shows will be great today when the senior team (that's my DD's team) gets into costume and makeup. They were excused from dressing for dress rehearsal because they already have so practice changing costumes quickly. One of the perks of being on the senior team!

Everyone at the studio is thrilled by the generosity of the quilters who wanted to buy raffle tickets. The BB is responsible for more than $100 in raffle ticket sales! What can I say? You ladies are the greatest! They had the quilt displayed right by the entrance to the audtorium and lots of people were oohing and aahing. I told a lot of people about how the BB sent the Y2K squares, and raffle ticket money. Plus I told a lot of people about Ridgeley and what we're doing for her. It was such fun to brag about you all!

CRISIS: Now I need some help. I downloaded the cow screensaver on Thursday and it is cute! But....Friday morning when I came downstairs, the screen was completely blank and when I moved the mouse to "click" the screen back in, nothing happened. I had to turn the computer completely off and then back on to get my picture back. The same thing happened this morning. SOOOOOO....before DH finds out that I've managed to screw things up again, I need to remove the screensaver. Problem is, this computer illiterate needs some help getting that done. (Right now Bev and Nancy are shaking their heads in exasperation....they just can't understand why I don't know how to do these things). Anyway, if there is someone out there who could walk me through getting rid of the screensaver, I'd sure appreciate it. I really don't want to have to admit to DH that I've got a problem LOL!

Long post....sorry about that. Have to go pick up the bouquets of flowers to sell at recital - 6 cases of them. I'm the flower lady (easy job, sell before shows and during intermissions...end of responsibilities). I get to draw the ticket for the Y2K quilt....so for all of you who don't win, you'll be able to blame me! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it goes to a BB person - or my mom LOL!

Cassi in Ohio....where it stormed like crazy where we were for rehearsal last night but didn't rain here at all!

Morning all,
Well i sorry about your pets CELIA i know sometime you can love them very much .
I have two siamees cats this morning one of them ate my new plants oooeeeehhhhh sometimes......
But i know siamees cats are the eigenwijs ( don't know the translation LOL) But i will explain it , they are going there own way just like little totlers.But yu no what i think when my oldest siamees is going to die i will cry my eyes out ,my DH doesn't understand this but i love the old one ( by the way his name is BUBBA)
I received severall E-mails about the jungfrau ,you know i am going there for about 30 years now but this year it's the first time we are going up the Jugfrau.
Kitty kat you where in Gouda we are living about 15 km from Gouda in Zoetermeer so you could have dropped in ;-) LOL
I have to do my groceries now BLEHHH it's always so busy in the shop on saturday but if we wanna eat i have to go.
Susan foesle can you send my a E-mail?

Lynn from Texas SIS where are you ?

Bye and take care each other,everyboduy is worth it .
Annelies from Holland

I am so lucky to have some of my family here for a short visit.

Dear Cyber daughter, have not forgotten you, we are having so much fun showing off your pictures to Lynette and Kristen. Will write later.

Loon HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOON HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOON

Sue in Fresno: now I am confused, I'm driving the motorhome to Alaska to pick up ???then to MN for ?? then to Fresno for 2001, I'm to old to make this trip and end up in one piece...

Doni, heck do you and Liz need a ride from KA??

Have a good day, it's evening here so we go for tomorrow ...

Terter

Hi There,

Celia - Big (((((( HUGS )))))) from Bogie the Con (it's Conure, but he really is more con than anything else), Kizzy Cat (who would love to con Bogie) and Me... You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jana in Wash. - Know how you feel, COLD, Cold, and COLD!!! Then Thursday the sun came out, WOW it was great!!! Even had Bernina Club outside and some FOOL pipes up with, the Weather Man said it will be hot til June the 19th. Right, I got up this morning to clouds and they are still there!!!!!!!

Monica in Maine - I do believe that young Lady of yours is a Keeper!!!!!

Well, I may take a day trip tomorrow (if weather man says its OK) so best go find my bed for tonight,
Susan in (come on sunshine) Mt.

Yes Marty, I have had a loved one come back. My father died last year and he still visits from time to time. I go back to Maryland 1 week out of the month. I usually stay with my Mom. My Dad died of lung cancer. He was a smoker. One night I woke up at my Mom's in the middle of the night because I smelled smoke. I thought the house was on fire. I went out into the hallway but the smell was only in my room, the guest room. It was cigarette smoke, It lasted about 10 minutes and disappeared. One night I was in the shower and got out the whole bathroom smelled of cigarette smoke, even the towels. It was a good 10 minutes before the smell went away. One time I went up stairs to go to bed and opened the guest room door and the room was filled with the smell of cigarette smoke. These events only happen at my mother's house. I know he is bugging me to get my sister to quit smoking. She hasn't yet. I guess when she does, he'll find peace. ttfn :)
Mary Ann

Even though this isn't quilt related I know someone out there can help me. I need some help finding 2 sided craft and photo frames by Cadillac Frames for my Christmas cross stitch ornaments. My source dried up a few years ago and I need to get somemore frames. I have searched the net by name and by subject but I'm not coming up with anything. The frames are 2 1/2 inches in diameter and you can put needlework on both sides. Hope someone can help.
Nancy on the California central coast

I'm truly sitting here with hands outstretched, trying to find an adequate means of saying thank you. Since there isn't any, here goes with at least my humble attempt. You will notice that I mention the state, and that is because when I open each piece Bill asks "where did it come from?"
Jana,WA, who sent bright, cheery winter print perfect for DD's Hope quilts
Raeann,Mo. with a perfect slate blue print.
Loon/Marie, Me. such beautiful soft prints
Meredith, Canada, such lovely post cards, I'll definitely use them, if I can bear to part with them.
Julie, GA, did you make the fascinating card? I really liked the idea of the charm squares.
Liz, CA, my DD, who said she couldn't miss out on such a nice squishy shower for her best friend.
Pam,NC, with three little ducks playing at all kinds of activities.
Donna,Holland,whose children's fabric I found fascinating because it is so different from any I've seen
Ann,Ma, with my favorite flower, pansies.
Gay, OH with a big hug and the cutest aliens one could imagine.
Deanna, WA who shared the NWYYY fabric with me, making me an honorary member(Northwest Yellow YoYoRetreat).
Marian,Mo whom I always think of as Arkie sent me a lusciou green print.
Mary Ann, Ca with ants on the red table cloth to join those that have been in all our houses here in S.CA lately. But also bright sea horses, maybe to eat the ants?
Glenda, Korea, who really must stop being a lurker and come join in the fun. Your generosity is overwhelming and DD has put in a request for 25 quilts this year so your fabric will be put to great use, I promise.

And so you see folks, why I continue to race to my mailbox every day. Gratefully, Faith

For the person looking traveling to Western NY
next week--the Aurora Quilt Shop in East Aurora
a really large/nice selection of fabrics, books,
etc. Great people there too! Also, the Calico
Cat in Jamestown is great too. Don't know the
address of the Calico Cat, but the Aurora one is
on Main St. Good luck!

I AM LOOKING FOR CONTACTS OR QUILTING GROUPS IN THE LITTLE ROCK, AR AREA. PLEASE INFORM. THANKS.

LINDY is so write! We are tall, thin, willowy, sultry beauties. We have porcelain skin to dye for. No stretch marks, warts, scars, wrinkles, etc. Flawless beauties. Don't hate us because we are beautiful. Inside is what counts. We are beautiful there two.
JDB is a word meister. She is so clever. I find her to be an absolute riot. I broke my fang....oops! tooth on the last smart so&so. I got the claws....oops! nails done today. I will be in good shape for the trip. Don't like going to a strange place with dull claws.
Lindy says I can't take the white glove home from the quilt show. She is afraid I will use it at her house. Not me. Like I've told friends in the past, I don't care what your house looks like. I just care what mine looks like. I once had a woman tell me I didn't like her husband. They were a mixed couple. I told her I liked her DH a lot, he's a great guy. I don't care who you are married to, I only care who I am married to. Make sense. You heard it from the horse's mouth.
Gonna go East tomorrow! Gonna have fun! Let you know when I get back!
Take care and may God bless you and yours!
Love, >^..^< Kitty Kate in WA >^..^< (That is Queenie)

CELIA: So sorry you had to have your pets put to sleep. I know how hard it is to do. Many years ago I had to have my Poodle put to sleep...Arthritis in his hips got too bad. You may not believe this, but he kept "coming back to me" off and on for a year. I could feel his warmth and pressure laying against my leg in my big chair as we watched TV at night. Also one night he even "jumped up on the bed to go nity-by" (he always slept at the foot of our bed, right at me feet and he followed me everywhere...even to the bath room and when I took my showers)The last time he "visited" me was exactly one year from the day I said Goodbye to him, then he never came back again. Has anyone else had an experience like that after their beloved pet's demise?
LOIS in NC: Loved your account of the mooing cow screensaver. I laughed so hard DH came to see what was so funny...then he was ROFLOL too.
My DGD's quilt is going to be finished in time for her 13th birthday!!! I put the binding and labels (and secret proof of ownership)on this afternoon...just have to whip the binding to the back by hand tomorrow so will have it in the mail to her on Monday. I can't do a SNOOPY DANCE though...my back and knees are too sore from being on the floor while I was layering & pinning it...OUCH! I need to find an easier way to do that....I'm getting too old to play on the floor any more.
DH & I took Marilyn & her DH with us for Creamie Ice Cream Cones tonight. Went past two on our way to our favorite Creamie Site..."The PineCone" where they have picnic tables under the pine trees with beautiful scenery to look at while we devoured our Maple Twist cones. YUM OH, OH...Now I have divulged why I am fluffy!!
COUNT DOWN: 48 days until OHIO 99! See all you Yo Yo's there! Don't ever get to meet any around here. 8^(

Marty in Vermont

Sorry about loss of three pets - I can't imagine it.
they become so much a part of family. I normally
travel with my husband on his job, but have spent the last few months at home taking care of
failing 20 yr old MAURICE. He can no longer eat
dry Iams so am feeding him many times a day from cans. He is doing good - still plays tomcat
with DH and still runs up the stairs to visit us after
we go to bed.
I'm a quilter (barely) but make quilt tops and my Mom quilts for me. We are a pretty good team.
She just made a victorian style crazy quilt at 78yr.
and it is beautiful. She had to learn all the stitches for embellishing-your would never know she was a beginner at it.
Anyway would love some e-mail pals who like
country look and do decorating from junk and
thrift stores as I do.
Faye

Sorry about loss of three pets - I can't imagine it.
they become so much a part of family. I normally
travel with my husband on his job, but have spent the last few months at home taking care of
failing 20 yr old MAURICE. He can no longer eat
dry Iams so am feeding him many times a day from cans. He is doing good - still plays tomcat
with DH and still runs up the stairs to visit us after
we go to bed.
I'm a quilter (barely) but make quilt tops and my Mom quilts for me. We are a pretty good team.
She just made a victorian style crazy quilt at 78yr.
and it is beautiful. She had to learn all the stitches for embellishing-your would never know she was a beginner at it.
Anyway would love some e-mail pals who like
country look and do decorating from junk and
thrift stores as I do.
Faye

Hi guys, you all are really a hoot. It always makes my day to sit and visit with you all. I just wish I was a tad bit as funny as you all are. I wrote that DD#2 had been accepted into college a year early. What I didn't say is that she'll be attending a summer program starting Sunday. And I'm going to be hit witn an empty nest. She's going to be close, but it won't be the same. I've been a real hands on Mom, so having time to myself is going to take some getting used to. DD#1 is getting married in October, and I'm determined to start school in January. Any advice on getting through the next few days will really be appreciated. JDB - my step daughter was in Disney World last month for the band competition also. Maybe we should've sent them with YYYs. Second generation you know. Oh, well gotta run. More packing to do. Hugs to all who need them.

Melodye in Randallstown, where the heat is gone for a while. Jana I sent it to you, we needed a break ( and no I wouldn't have taken credit for the rain!!!!! :D)

Okay, you guys can stop e-mailing me taking credit for the beautiful day we had. If it had rained, would you be taking credit or that too? One person sent condolences to my DH. Don't worry, he likes his women a little trashy! But he did mention that I looked more homeless and pathetic. I should dig out those old wire curlers with the pink picks and really entice him, huh? Almost ready for the Snoopy Dance...or maybe the hokey pokey.
Hugs to all. Jana from Wash.

Today was the sink and swim challenge for dd's physics class. The assignment, a boat constructed from cardboard, duct tape and parafin. It was cute, cut to resemble a rubber duckie and big enough to hold two big teenagers. It had to make it across the high school pool to earn top all the points. Well, Monica, tell your daughter that this boat didn't quite make it all the way across! My DD, smart as she is, "forgot" a change of clothing and was soaked for the day. Her teacher said she should deduct "stupidity points"!! for forgetting. Some of the other boats actually made it. At least it was a sunny day for once!
54-40 or fight block is in MarshaMcClosky's "Block Party" and Alex Anderson's "Simply Stars".
DS is having 'band practice' in the garage ... what ever happened to piece and quiet?
Susan Joy in very noisy CA

CELIA---my heart aches for you and your loss. I simply cannot imagine how painful it is to lose all three pets at once. We once had a really ancient Irish Setter for a few years(not the one I previously posted about---but one we adopted in his old age to rescue him from 6 wks in a kennel and needed a home) that I took to the veterinarian one day, because he wasn't eating. I thought he had a virus. The doctor told me his major organs were shutting down, and I could bring him home and he would be dead within 3 days, or we could put him down that day. What a shock!! I just started boo-hooing so badly that the assistants asked me if I needed a ride home from their office. I didn't even think I cared that much about the dog, until put to the test. What a lesson in life that turned out to be for me. I hope your pain subsides soon. It is difficult.

MONICA IN MAINE----you'll love the new & improved bigger monitor. We got one at Xmas, and I thought "big deal--these men and their toys." But once I got used to it, I can't stand to sit in front of the old, smaller one.
Your daughter's bad day reminds me of the children's book with the title something like "Alexander and the Very Bad, Terrible, No Good,Horrible, Awful, Mixed Up Day" (or something to that effect). He was going to change his name and move to Australia. Anyway, your daughter impresses me with her extremely positive outlook. More adults could stand to share her attitude.

JANA IN WASH.---Loved the "white trash" story you posted. I'll bet that getup had a real aphrodisiac affect on DH. LOL!!!!!!! Look out, Victoria's Secret!!!

RONNA IN HAPPY VALLEY---I agree totally with you on the dog behaviors. Irish Setters did "get the brains bred right out of them" as did Cocker Spaniels, back then. And Irish Setters ARE hyper. Kelly was!

Doris W. in Tennessee

Just a quick note about raffle ticket requests I received today....

Jayne J.
Shelli L.
Mary Ann K.

Hope that everyone made it in by today!

Gotta run...dress rehearsal for dance recital tonight! Two shows tomorrow...

Cassi in Ohio

hi there annelies i'm also going to switserland,Oh it's with you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved your cat quilt!!!!!!
how is Bas en Jan???????
greetings from your friend, Jo

JDB... Well, the scoop, so to speak, on KittyKate is what you are after?! All I had to do was call, "Here Kitty Kitty" and she shamelessly said she was on here way, fast as her little paws could claw. This BB woman is going to see the inside of my house and how I live.... you think I am going to tell tales? Leave myself WIDE open for her to tell tales?
I WILL give you this... without ever having seen a picture of Kate I know we are twins! Tall, thin, outrageously gorgeous... (Hush up, Sandytoes! They haven't seen me like you have!)
Anyway, there's no doubt we will know each other on sight, YYY's or not! There will be hush in the building when her royal catness enters, heads will turn... I just can't wait til tomorrow! Yeah!

(Bribes WILL be considered for the real "litter")

Lindy the Yakima Yakker, a cross between Loretta Lynn and Gene Hackman....LOL!!!!!!!1

Hi everybody how are you , i didn't get any mail today grumphhh.
Would anybody be so kind to send me the screensaver cow please...!!!!
Lynn in Texas where are you sdidn't hear from you any more .
I did a snoopy dance today ( don't know how but it was fun),i finished my little kat quilt today.
I think i did the wooden boot dance Im dutch so
i know that one .
You know what it's weekend and i think i'm gonna go shopping again ,i have to buy some things for the holiday.
Does anybody go to switserland?????i'm going to Stechelberg it is near the Jungfrau (that's a mountain which is also called the top of the world).

I hope terter will write me soon i miss her , she didn't wrote me in two days MOM I MISS YOU;-)

Dooei,
Annelies from Holland

We have a total of 295 blocks for David’s wife and children’s quilts
Thank each of you for sending me fabric it is appreciate . Thank you to those who sent money it will help.

Nancy Nelson Schenectady, NY.
Debby Thoreson Astoria, OR.
Kathi Swindell Challis ID
Kathi Desko Westport, NY
Linda Scholten Oxford OH.
Lynn Strauch Sacramento Ca.

Brenda/in Nevada

I have been lurking here for about 3 weeks, but I just had to come out of the woodwork. I downloaded the cow screensaver about 6 months ago and I loved it. DH made me remove it because our dog (we have 2 Newfoundlands living in the house with us) kept barking every time it came on. He couldn't hear on the phone because of the dog barking. I have put it back on and the dog still barks.

My sympathies on losing all 3 pets on the same day. We are so attached to ours, I know how hard that is. We have one cat left, she's 18 years old. She doesn't look so good anymore, but doesn't seem to be in any pain and still eats like a horse.

Mary in KS

Oh, I am still laughing over that cow screen saver! You guys tell the best stories here.

Yesterday was preschool graduation for the little girl I babysit. So cute, all those little kids in their graduation caps they painted themselves. Precious. Afterward I went to the quilt store to buy fabric for the class I'm taking next week. Love that class discount! "well, I really ought to get some of this too, just think how much I'm saving...!" Now I just have to clean up the apartment before company comes tonight. You know, people never visited me when I lived in NC, now that I live in New York City people are coming out of the woodwork! I feel like I run a hotel. Don't get me wrong I love company, I just wish I could have one weekend without any visitors!

Celia, my heart is breaking for you. It hurt so very much when my cat died two years ago, I can't imagine how awful it must be to loose 3 pets at once. I'm sending you a hug...

Jenny in NYC

My mother saw this quilt pattern in a local shop and she is returning to Iowa so she will miss the class time...they did not have a so-called pattern she could buy or get...does anyone have a pattern or know where I could find it for her???
Thanks, Renae

Hi everyone!!
I went and got an estimate on getting the cancer quilt quilted and they quoted me $100.00. I have never bought machine quilting before and was wondering if this sounded right to everyone. Any information you could give me on this would be very much welcomed!! I thought that was really high!! But don't know!!
I was watching Simply Quilts yesterday. She had Kay England on about her book 'Voices of the Past'. It is about quilts made for famous women. She mentioned Holice on the show!! He has designed some stencils for these quilts. I thought that was wonderful!!
Poor Celia and her family are devastated!! I could not imagine losing 3 pets at once!! Someone (sorry, I can't remember who) mentioned a FQ shower for her and I think it is a fabulous idea!!! She has been a very big part of this BB family!!! If anyone needs her address, please email me!!
Thanks!!
I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!
Teacup/Marcie

Lindy, Dahling! Are you prepared to enter the presence of greatness? Not all of us yo yos will
ever have the opportunity of attending a quilt show with Kitty Kate, so do tell. What is she
REALLY like? Perspiring minds want to know. Is she really the cat’s meow? The way she
keeps tabs on everybody, does that make her a tabby cat? (On second thought, she’s a quilter,
so that would make her a calico cat.) Does she grin like a Cheshire cat when she’s prowling
around all those quilts? Kitty Kate admitted breaking a tooth this week. Did that happen when
somebody tried to give her a pill? Hope she’s feline frisky, with lots of her nine lives left.
Have a purrfect weekend.

Tomorrow morning I’m headed for New Hampshire. Just a quick trip to take DD to muckity muck music camp. I’ll only be there over night, but of course will stop by Keepsake Quilting.
DD does get around. In April her high school band/orchestra performed at Disney World (DH
and I HAD to chaperone, of course.) Last month DD performed in Washington, D.C. with the
John Philips Sousa National High School Honors Band (out of the 8 French horns selected she
placed 2nd, thank you very much.) She’ll be in New Hampshire with a bunch of pro and wanna-
be horn players for a week, then will go directly to Michigan (will not pass go, but will collect
as much $$$ as DH will give her – this is one expensive kid) for eight weeks at Interlochen
Arts Camp.

She was so stressed about packing last night I didn't know whether to be relieved she's leaving, or sad that she'll be gone for the rest of the summer. Today she's off to drum major camp (local) and I'm off to a quilting class.

jdb in AZ

Me!Me!Me! I sent it Jana!!! Oh.....you mean the prevailing wind comes from the west? Are you sure the weather didn't come from the east??? Really sure? I'm *sure* there was a wind reversal......

Ronna in Happy Valley

Doris in TN: Yep...I've seen that kind of behavior in dogs before. Not all of them are Irish Setters, but nearly all of them have been older than 7 years. Seems that dogs(like people) when they get older get set in their ways. Just like concrete. Some dogs solidify faster than others. I have heard people say that Irish Setters are neurotic, and I think that some are..... Bad breeding choices by the breeder when I.S's were popular. I think that was about Nixon's time....he was the pres that had a Setter. Any breed that gets popular gets ruined a bit by careless breeders who want to sell dogs and don't care what happens to the breed. This has happened to German Shepards (because of RinTinTin) and Collies (because of Lassie), etc.
I can see why Kelly didn't like hardwood floors when he wasn't used to them; I can't count the number of times that Brandy scrambled, slipped and fell on his face on the formica floors when running to answer the door. And he knew what they were like! The bowl thing sounds like the usual adult dog ritual behavior taken to the extreme end of the spectrum. I *do* think that they are "high energy" dogs...not for the easily exhausted human. Some people call that "Hyper"! :)

Monica in ME: Your poor DD!!! I like her attitude, though...lot of spunk!

Isolation.....gosh!I don't feel isolated....in fact, since I have been coming to the BB, I have felt for the first time since choosing a life of Physics (and Astronomy, and Microwaves), the "community of women". It is a place where you can talk about (.)(.)'s and PMS, and "the kids" and "the DH's", (or DW for our members of the male persuasion). New friends, someone to talk to about anything...this is an isolating hobby???? I think not!

Ronna in Happy Valley

Well, last night I went to bed with my husbands hunting socks on, a hot rice bag, flannels and almost, yes almost a stocking hat. I changed my mind at the last moment because I already looked like white trash.This morning I have woken to sunshine, no wind and they say it will be 75 degrees. I want to thank the wonderful lady who sent me the heat. Please identify yourself so I can send a squishie in gratitude. Jana in Wash.

Dear Celia,Woke up this morning to the sound of kitty Merrel in hair ball distress-He gifted me with 2,1 on the carpet.Misty AKA
Mr.Mischief knocked over 2 kitchen chairs during the night.Such noise! I wasn't terribly happy with them,then read your post on BB and decided to hug them once for me and once for you.Then have to figure out how to retrain Mischief to stay off the tables.
It was so muggy here yesterday 2DSs slept
on lounge chairs on our open front porch.Went out to help situate DS#2,who is parapeligic.Wanted to crawl under the rug when a man rode down the street on his bike
and me out there in my summer nightie!
Ahhh!-Apron strings and summer vacations.My
"baby" is 16.Summer vacation has arrived but who could tell.Remember,when they are driving you nuts-"This too shall pass." and does before you know it. And then you get grandchildren.I will lay down my quilting for them.Anticipate the time comes to buy
DGD an American Girl Doll And make her lots of clothes.
Time is flying.The temperature is rapidly rising and I have squishies to get into the mail. Happy Quilting! Pat in PA

Just a howdy to all of my new found friends, and ones not made yet. I have been having so much fun with swapping it has been great. For all of you that know I will be moving and the process has slowed down just a little. Ran into a snag, but I am keeping my chin up eyes forward and hands on quilts, and packing boxes haha
I know that everything works out in its own time and that it is going to be great when we get moved. I trust that the lord knows what he's doing. He has been at it a while you know. wishing everyone well and hope that all your quilting dreams come true. I have a question. I will be getting remarried, and I would like to make a quilt for
my new Darling Husband and I. Darling Husband that just really sounds wonderful. Well I know all about the traditional wedding ring ring quilt and those sort of quilts, but I was trying to come up with something maybe a little less traditional and different. If any of you wonderful quilters have any ideas please bounce them into my email.
I will be sure and let you all know what design I decide to use and maybe even post a picture. Thanks to you all for being so great. thanks also for the answer to my question about repo fabrics
Happy Quilting
Debra from Texas

Goodmorning everyone!
We had fun yesterday setting up our show booth for MN quilters. Only took 7 hours this year!
Today I'll be putting in 12 hrs. at the booth. I got to meet Nancy the sewbird on the doreen Speckman paddleboat cruise last night. We'll see each other today, too.
I hope to actually get to some of the other vendors as well. This is the busiest show I've been at.
Loved the coe screensaver story. Would someone email me as to where to get the screensaver? I think I must have that to replace the boring squiggly lines.
I got some nice squishies this week. Thanks loon and Lindy! It sure beets getting bills!
I must be off to the show. I hope you all have a blessed day! don't forget to wear those YOYO's when your out Having S.E.X. or whatever.
Sandi in MN

Hi everyone!

It'll take forever to catch up on this BB. You are all so wonderful. Are all quilters cut from the same bolt or what?

Had a lovely time in Lancaster, PA last weekend. It was difficult not to stop at every fabric and quilt shop but since we had DH's and one non-quilting lady with us we did our best. Still got several nice fatquarters to add to my stash and could not resist three left over BOM's that were on sale in one.

DH & DS are away for four days to a men's advance, DD lives with her father and was too busy to do more than visit for a few hours last night. I have transformed the living room into a large sewing room and have called in sick today. I am doing a three day sewing, quilting marathon! My sheltie thinks it's wonderful. Mom's home and she can beg treats all day!

Loved the story about the cow screen saver!

Sorry about your puppies and kittie. They do so become a part of our families.

Joanne from upstate NY where it's still hot and no rain in sight.

If quilting is too isolating, and spending hours on the net causes depression, why do we keep turning to the BB for therapy?

Just Wondering,

jdb in AZ

You don't know it, but you all got much bigger last night - your postings, that is! My computer monitor called it quits yesterday afternoon. So after we put the kids to bed, DH went shopping. I told him just find something like what we had. Well, to make a long story short, he came home with a 17" monitor! It seems huge! I feel like my mom is going to appear and yell at me for sitting too close to the TV! Have to admit it is quite a bit easier to read...

Sometimes we don't realize it, but kids can have "one of those days", too. My poor 5 year old DD had one yesterday. First thing in the morning she gave herself a fat, bloody lip on her chair (I have no idea how she managed that). Preschool was having their end of the year "boat float" and picnic down at the brook and who was the only child who fell in? Yep, my poor DD. Then when we were drying her off, she stepped on her glasses. Boy, did I cringe when I heard that CRUNCH! Before the kids go to bed at night, we talk about some of their feelings that day and when I asked her what made her happy that day, she said "that tomorrow will be better!"

Well, I am off to Keepsake Quilting this morning with my mom so today should be a great day!

Monica in Maine (only 40-something degrees this morning - yikes!)

It is very late here but I can't sleep after a fun and stimulating quilt club meeting. I was thinking about a conversation a few years ago when I was in for some grief counseling. The counselor ask me what my hobbies were. When I related that my passion was quilting, she agreed that it was a nice hobby but I really needed something not so "isolating", something more "social". I explained how social it is and what a new world it had opened for me. She was sort of "yeh yeh, but it is an isolating hobby." This was obviously spoken by a non-quilter. It would be safe to say she does not even know any quilters. Wouldn't you all agree with me? We are so social we have to have three boards to post on just to get everything in our lives shared.
Dot from OR

It's late for me here, but I have only just been able to catch up with today's posts, but could not go off to bed without my daily "fix".!!

Just want to thank everyone for the nice cards and thoughtful messages sent my way. I think most of you know by now that on Monday we had to say Goodbye to both of our beautiful Labs and our cat. It has been totally heartbreaking, and I am only just beginning to accept it.

It was an elective decision due to their ages and the discovery that they both were incurably ill, the kitty had reached the ripe old age of 23 years, and was failing too, so it was the hardest decision for us, but by far the kindest for them.

It just knocks your socks off to part with three all at the same time, they have been our "other children" for so many years.

This board, along with the support of my wonderful cyber friends has been keeping me sane this week, so Thanks so much.

I love all the stories, the cat pill story was hilarious, and I love hearing about Rachel's family, albeit you leave me breathless with the energy level you must need- LOL!!!

The T Ball comment made me remember the time our son was selected to play in a local Baseball league when he was 12 years old. I was more thrilled than he was, and so excited on the night of the debut game. Spent ages preparing his uniform as if he was getting married!!!

On the way there, he was very quiet, and I asked him what was wrong. "I don't like wearing this thing" he said, referring to the protective cup mandatory to all players. I told him he could not play without it,and a spat broke out,and ended with me giving him the ultimatum of "Either you wear it and play, or you don't and we are going back home".

He agreed to play, but sat in the bullpen with a look that could kill, and pouted when I tried to humor him with waves and smiles from the bleachers. His turn to bat came up, and I was clapping and yelling "Go Steve Go"(Thinking back I was a total idiot, but all I could think of was this is MY son and he is good- LOL!!! - didn't quite feel the same way about him 4 years later when he totalled my car!!!

He came out to bat still pouting and then I started to get "ticked off" at his behaviour. First ball, not much effort(at least I thought), second, third and even fourth bat, still lack lustre effort so I thought again- (mainly because he didn't hit it). At this point I have to remind you all that I was born and raised in England and we didn't play baseball, so my knowledge of the rules was nothing. DS suddenly threw down the bat and nonchalantly walked to first base.

I stood up, whistled over to him and when he looked at me I shouted, "Okay young man, get out here, if you can't display any better sportsmanship than that you don't dseserve to wear the team uniform" Ivon (DH) pulled on my jacket and said "Will you PLEASE sit down and stop making a spectacle of yourself- he just got Walked"!!!!!

I went to every game he ever played after that, and sat the whole time as quiet as a mouse. - LOL

Sorry this is long- it's my therapy.
Hugs to all
Celia

Just finished my new DGS's quilt. Thanks Karen in KS for pointing me to Mary Graham's Froggies. Machine quilted it - quilted flies from another frog quilt pattern on his tummy and in the large blocks.

Loon - ordered a drafting table for my sewing room from Dick Blick Art Materials. It should be here next week.

When I travel I post queries for quilt shops in the area and sometimes I get a response and sometimes I don't. Here is a quick way to find shops in the area you are interested in. Go to switchboard.com, click on find a business, search by category, type in quilting materials and supplies in the business category block. Then enter the city and state in the search near blocks. You will get a list of the shops in the area by distance. You can click on maps and directions to find out how to get to the shop. You can print out the lists and the maps. I found a great shop in Council Bluffs Iowa a few weeks ago. Got really good directions from a lady shopping at Hancock Fabrics in Council Bluffs who overheard us talking about finding the shop because I had left the map in my room. She gave us really great directions and the shop was great. They were getting ready for a big quilt show in Omaha some time in June.

Participated in my guild's block of the month for the first time in years and I won 54 blocks. The block is a small bowtie in plaids. Will have to keep participating in the block of the month from now on.

Nancy on the cold California Central Coast (hoping the weather stays cool this weekend for my half marathon)

A few more blocks arrived today from...

Kathi S., Challis, ID
Joleen K., New Ulm, MN
Carolyn N., Raleigh, NC

That brings our total to 518!

Also received raffle ticket requests from

Kathi S.
Kelly C.
Chris G.

Thanks everyone!

I'm not even going to begin discussing my day - it was cruddy enough I really don't even want to review it! Isn't it time for school to start? Being an at-home mom would be great if it weren't for vacations!

Actually, my kids have been fine - I'm just grouchy about giving up my solitude. All those hours alone while they're usually at school....and suddenly, not only are they here, but they actually think I need to be involved once in a while (but only if it involves food or being driven somewhere). I have used up a tank of gas since Monday...and I have only vague memories of where I've been LOL!

Tomorrow will be better, though, because Serial Quilters are meeting! Hooray! Cassi in Ohio....where it hit 95 degrees today.

LOIS: I too, downloaded the cow screensaver last night. Was not sure I did it right as I am also semi-computer literate. Shortly before my DH came home from work I wandered in to the computer room/pantry and saw cows wandering across the screen but no sound and seemed to remember that the site had mentioned something about sound so turned up the speakers. About the time DH pulled in and started unloading his truck, the mooing started. Called him up onto the porch to see through the window what I did to the computer and he heard the noise, said he'd heard it out in the yard and was headed up to our barn to see what was wrong with our cows. LOL!! Saved him a trip. Joanne in cool, windy PA after yeaterdays blast furnace kind of a day.

There's a request on the BB for PP blocks. Before my imagination runs any further, does PP mean Paper Piecing?

jdb in AZ

I am a beginner (very much so) and it is my first time here. I was looking at swap sites and am wondering what 'siggy' means?

I am a beginner (very much so) and it is my first time here. I was looking at swap sites and am wondering what 'siggy' means?

I am a beginner (very much so) and it is my first time here. I was looking at swap sites and am wondering what 'siggy' means?

I am a beginner (very much so) and it is my first time here. I was looking at swap sites and am wondering what 'siggy' means?

DH is doing the bills this evening. Thats my cue to RUN....He doesn't much like my philosophy on "Hey it's on sale so think how much money I'm saving us".

Oy what a day! I'm trying to think what exactly I did today and not a whole lot is coming to mind excepting that I don't think I ever sat down. My DS#2 took another step towards growing up and pulling on the apron strings. He decided he wanted his training wheels off and take off he did. Made sure and clapped and hooted and hollered, and oh, don't forget, took lots of pictues. My poor children get so embarrased with me whooping and hollering so much. My poor DS#1 would like to crawl into a hole during his T-ball games I'm sure. Can't help it though. I try to keep my mouth shut but next thing I know, I'm jumping up and down running beside him cheering him on or got the camera stuck in his face. Oh the things my boys will be able to tell the shrink when they're older. He He. Oh the things I'll be able to tell their dates when they're older. Ha Ha

At one point I sat down to quilt and bagged that after about five minutes when DS#3 plopped down on my quilting with flowers in his diaper.

The story about the moo screensaver was a scream. I about had a "cow" laughing. Something I'd do. My husband is always asking me, "How the heck do you do these things". (Screw up the system). "Ummmm, I dunno".

Guess I better get the chillin to bed.

Rachel in it's 8:30 P.M. and I want to go to bed UT.

Dear fellow quilters, I will be vacationing in Western NY next week. Does any one know of any quilt or fabric shops worth visiting? The city, and street address would be helpful. A phone# would be bonus. Thanks pjchech

I am game for the Fresno 2000, but it can't be in July as Alaska 2000 is happening then, and I guess I should be here for that. Wouldn't you say????hehehe

TerTer, can that motor home travel via Alaska to Fresno?? Or better yet how about Wi. I might still be out there come Feb or march. heck I could do Fresno on my way to Alaska, yea??? Boy would Martha just be so mad at me?? hehehe

lindy, now all you have to do is live up to your promise to yourself, the sloshing of the head that is, instead of the up and down motion. hehehe Good luck on that one!!! Would you like to borrow my book "Learn to say No", hey we teach it to our kids very young, you know "Just Say No" heheh

Well, I just had to ad that.

Susan in North Pole where I have 82 degrees, sun is hot and all my flowers are finaly in the ground, pots and beds. Now we will complain on how warm it is, us thick blooded ones. Why is it that human nature is so goofy? Or shouldn't I ask. Then Doni will try to be in cognito again. hehe

Do you have any ideas for a custom made Nautical Quilt?? Has anyone made one before?? I want to have one made for my beach house and I have to give the quilter some ideas.
Thank You
Toni in New Jersey
BJAAMJ@aol.com

Hi everyone;
DORIS; I loved your Irish setter story. I actually had 2 of them about 23 years ago, they are beautiful animals but so very hyper. We just had to give them away, they wore us out. With having 5 kids I already had enough to keep me busy. PLus 4 puppies !!!
LOIS; I'm still laughing at your moo-ing screen saver story. You tell a good story, I could just see you lying in bed with this strange look on your face!! HA HA I'm always recounting the stories on the BB to the DH, he will like this one.
I have been reading all these cat stories and it reminded me of the time I was trying to give my dog his heart worm pill. He would not take the chew one, so would have to wrap cheese or bread etc. around it. I gave him his wrapped pill and he spit it out, the cat jumped on the pill and down I went on the cat, trying to pry his mouth open. I figured it would kill poor kitty. Those cats really have strong jaws, but I pried it open and retrived the PILL. With only slight injuries to the fingers. That sweet dog is gone to doggy heaven, died of old age. His mom was a registered German shorthair and his pa was the neighborhood german shepard mix. He was a mongrel but oh so smart. We have him buried up on the hill of our property where he used to like to hang out. Those animals become so dear to us. We have a Boxer now and I won't go into the many stories with him. Yikes!
I so love to read all your stories....you are a great bunch of gals........
Betty in Oregon..Your dear children will be in my prayers. My best to you and your family....
Happy quilting to you all....
LINDA IN CALIFORNIA

Lois in N.C. -- I just about died laughing at your experience with loading the cow screen saver. I did the same thing!! Those cows really began to get on my nerves -- I thought they were watching me!! I also turned off the sound, and later loaded a winter scene of a snowman pulling a sled up a hill. Now that it is 100 in the shade I guess I should change back to the cows, minus the moooooooing.
Linda B in Tx, where I'm looking over all my UFO's trying to decide which one will get my attention next.

RONNA IN HAPPY VALLEY----I think our Irish Setter was the exception to your theory. After living with my parents for several years, they had a trip to take and no one to look after the dog. I said "I'll take Kelly in---he used to live here, after all!" What a mistake. First, the dog would not walk on the hardwood floors, which was the whole house except the family room, (my parents' home was all carpeted) as if it was ice. He chewed the door up on the screened porch. I went to the vet for "doggie valium" because he was so neurotic. The pills worked so well, I thought he was dead & checked his breathing. He wouldn't eat for two days. Then I remembered my brother telling me "something" about the dog's bowls that he brought from home(with the dog's food) and that he was real specific about something, but I didn't pay attention because, hey, I've lived with dogs all my live and used to own this one. Guess what----I was putting the food & water into THE WRONG BOWLS!!!! Figured it out on my own:). Boy, did that dog wolf down his food. I told my parents that I would NEVER keep that dog again. My DH told me we would NEVER keep that dog again.

Moral of the story---no more Irish Setters for us. We now have a 12-pound ShihTzu who is the first "SANE" dog we have ever owned. He has a life. He does not need therapy. He does not need counseling. He does not think he's a human, trapped in a dog body.

Doris W. in Tennessee

Back in 1939-41 Texas had a colorful govenor named W. Lee "Pappy" O'Daniel who later resigned to become a Senator. He used a hillbilly band to advertise his flour mill and also in his political campaign travels around the state. Now the reason for the history: last week I found two old dirty quilts at a yard sale. One is a pieced thing and cleaned up fairly good. The other I felt sorry for and got it anyway. Welll that is the one I like best now. It is just a utility quilt made of big squares of what I now know are flour sacks and the neat thing is five of the big squares are designs copyrighted by W. Lee O'Daniel Flour Company. Love these prints.
Hillbilly band, cattle, The Alamo, long car with a speaker on top, U.S. Capitol, cotton bolls, wheat, oil derricks and tanks, all that Texas stuff. Then names of the singer and more neat stuff. This later evolved into Burrus Mills and the "Light Crust Doughboys" band. It was so much fun for me because I well remember when I was little, my grandmother listened to the noon news on the radio every day and the "Doughboys" always had a commercial for the flour mill. Credit for the details on the history go to my QB Linda and no we are neither old enough to remember Pappy as govenor!!

Do you know how long it takes to catch up when you have been gone a week?? I missed everybody but had fun. Kin folks came and we junked everywhere and ate too much.

Happy late birthday to Monica; KittyKate - good thoughts your way; Bertie - haven't forgotten you.

Sandra in Texas

Just had to share this with all of you. Yesterday as I was reading all the postings someone had listed a site to get a screensaver with cows going across a Irish Chain quilt and moo..ing as they went. Well I had my screensaver for a long time and thought it might be nice to put something new on the monitor when I'm not using the computer to lurk on the BB site, so I go to the site and pull up the info and did what it said to do and being the "computer illiterate" person I am... nothing happened or so I thought.. so I went back to reading the BB postings and later my husband came in and said lets get ready for bed I'm tired. (the computer is in our bedroom)... so I signed off and got in bed and we were both just about asleep when we hear this moooo....mooo....both of us sat up in bed.... the little poodle that sleeps with us was standing at the foot of the bed and we were all stareing at the monitor as cows walked across the screen mooo...ing. My husband looked at me and said what have you done to the computer now. I said you know I'm just smart enough to be dangerous. I never could get the cows to stop mooing so I turned the volumn off and went back to bed.We did have a good laugh about it but I don't think the dog ever did go to sleep. Sorry this took so long to tell and its probably one of those stories that you had to be there to appreciate but I'm still laughing when I think about it. This BB is going to get me in big trouble yet. Have a great quilting day and may God be with those who have requests.
Lois in HOT, HOT North Carolina

DORIS: I don't have a cat, but that cat story was a riot! I mailed it to one of my coworkers who has kitties...it will make her day!
You know, Irish Setters aren't stupid...they just try to make you think they are so they can get away with murder....What they are, is really realllllly stubborn. But they are beautiful, aren't they?
I spend so much time away from home that I don't feel it would be fair to have a pet. If you are not going to be around they get soooo lonely. But I love dogs and someday maybe I'll be home enough to have one.

Ronna in absolutely gorgeous perfect Happy Valley.....
no....I'm not gloating...I'm celebrating....first it was too cold...then it was too hot...then it was too cold....now, finally, it is perfect!!! It had to happen sooner or later.

I would like to thank everyone for helping me find
a mariner's compass pattern. I found a great book
Mariner's Compass a new dimension by Judy Mathieson
I can't wait to start! I have become a summer quilting
warrior now that I'm only working for the summer instead
of classes and homework. I will most likely be posting more
too so prepare for a lot of questions.
Thanks again.
Michelle in PA

OOOOP"S, that was throw, not through. sorry, so who was that proof reader in the crowd??? I am sure that she was sending out the spelling police. hehehe

Doni,

I am a little bit behind reading the Chat, but really, you think that you can hide that easy?? You better get a little more creative than that. hehehe I just had to through that in here, Doni you are such a nut, now I know where Burford gets it, dog just like master, hehehe. Oh did I just spill the beans that you were hiding??? you'll get over it. And just who is calling who snotty. Boy you must be feeling good. hehehe

It is me here in North Pole, like Doni, I am not giving out my name. hehehe

Fabric Depot lives up to his advertising, had everything 30% off and lots of good stuff
in an outdoor sale--purple zippers at 10 cents each. I resisted them but did buy some good
light. How come the shops have all this great dark and medium and only 20 bolts of "light"
--I love log cabin, but never have enough "LIGHT".
DGS had his neurological workup and came home looking like SQUIGGY from the gunk they use for
the brain electrodes. His "fight or flight" reflex is too fine tuned. Slows down his heart
and causes convulsions to restart everything. That's my simplistic description of the long
explanation from the Dr...Scary to be around but DGS will outgrow it by age 6.
DD is a patient, loving, helpful person who has a plateful since DGD is "high performance"
autistic" which requires keeping a thight schedule or have big trouble. Her problems don't belong
on the Special Board, but she needs your prayers and your praise, and I need you to tell so I
can write and weep when I need to. Thanks for being here.
I'm going out in the garden and slay some buttercups--knew I was saving them for something.
Betty in Oregon where I got a little sunburned at the kids parade yesterday.

we have had the worse weather this spring,,,,,have not been feeling up to anything,
and the yellow sticky pollen is horrid,,,has to be wiped and soaped off,,,,just spraying with a hose won't budge it,,,
inside and not out of late,,,

the loons are doing the same,,,,maybe i am part loon now that i think about it,,they call out at dusk about the same time i would like to,,,,as if in hopes of tomorrow,,

the news has been unsettling,,,,and thanks for so many to make each of us thankful for this bb,,,

poor dear celia,,,you know how desperate i am about animals,,,my heart just breaks for her,,,just breaks,,,we all care,,,celia,,,really we do,

hi ter ter,,,,,how is weather lately,,,,been up to all your work lately,,,,busy bee

doni,,,,love ya cutie pie,,,,,,whether you moo,,,,or gum me to death,,,i will take you as you are,,,you are by the way mom of our mascot need we forget,,

hugs to all,,,,,
loon/marie/maine,,,,,hoping the storm will bring cooler weather today,,,sun is out and drying off the plants nicely,,,

It's too late at this point to mail money for raffle tickets. Didn't receive any new ones yesterday but there's still the mail today and tomorrow. If anybody's money comes in late, I'll post your names and you can let me know what you want me to do - A) send it back to you, or B) go ahead and donate it to the team. Hopefully everyone's mail will get in today or tomorrow!

Also, deadline is Saturday for mailing Ridgeley's blocks....didn't receive any of those yesterday either (it was a VERY light mail day compared to the last few weeks!).

All for now....busy days right now!

Cassi in Ohio, where it's still HHH - hot, hazy and humid!

Hello...
I am looking for someone/store that would be able to make a nautical theme quilt for a large wall in my New Jersey beach home.

Any suggestions?????

Thank you...Toni in NJ
BJAAMJ@aol.com

Good Morning everyone and welcome back Celia, My heart is with you over your loss. I will email you later this week-end. Doni, with your lowers and my uppers, we would have a chomping good time with corn on the cob.LOL. Kitty Kate, sounds like you need a really big (((((HUG)))) right about now. Going to Hollyberry Quilters luncheon today, for installing new officers. I get to be Sunshine person next year..that means I collect 25cents from anyone who forgets their name tags, and send out cards for sickness, sympathy, etc. Oh Yes..loved the cat story..We have two cats, Jordan and Pookie..and we have gone through it all!! Have a good day everyone..Mary on Cape Cod

I contacted Norwood in on a Monday in October 1998, because I was given a 36" Norwood quilting hoop and stand. However, the metal part that holds the rotating ball was broken. I was told to call back on Thursday of that week, because Dave Johnson would be there. I called back on Thursday, and found their phone was disconnected and they were out of business. I wrote to Mr. Johnson at the Fremont, MI address on 11/5/98 and never heard back from him. Surely, they still had some of these replacement parts, or he could have told me where I could purchase one. Maybe that's why they went out of business - "Customer No-service." It's a shame that I have this beautiful hoop & frame and can't use it. If anybody knows where I can purchase one of these replacements, please contact me directly. Thanks. Paula in GA

Hi everyone.I am really enjoying the postings each day.I had some spare time today and I have finished 4 blocks to send away to be put into quilts for the Kids of Kosovo.It made a nice change from doing housework.It is a holiday this weekend and I hope the weather is fine.We are in our winter and it is getting colder and wetter.
Keep up the good stories as it really makes my day.
Rhonda,Lake Macquarie, Aust.

You have my vote for Fresno 2000 or anywhere here in the west for that matter. For once I won't be pregnant or nursing (knock on wood). Can't even imagine to be honest. Do I hear freedom? Is it possible?

Spent the day out weeding and planting my second round of flowers. First died in a late frost. Boo Hiss. Tomorrow have family coming from out of town so we all know what that means. Yup, gotta muck out the house and make it look like someone cares.

The cat story was a crack up. Take your story and remove the cat and add my kids. Darned if I can get them to take medicine. I pin them down on the floor, pry open their mouths, pour it down their throats, just so they can scream and spit it at me starting the whole process over again. What fun...

I have to tell you ladies, I've so enjoyed reading the posts and "Getting to Know You". Can't go to bed without having my BB fix. I'm still trying to figure out personal stories here. Some of you or friends are having difficult times. Interesting trying to peice it all together when you haven't been here from the beginning and only hear bits and peices and scraps. Kind of like quilting. Trying to peice it all together. For all of you who are having difficult times, my prayers go out to you.

Rachel in UT

That cat story had my DH and I in stitches. We've had to give many a pill to our little boy kitty--but he's pretty smart. He takes the pill nicely (you "shove" it way down his throat) and does a wonderful job of swallowing.... Turn your back and up it comes! As long as you look at him he keeps his mouth closed --- the minute you turn your back..... The whole process starts all over again until one of you gets upset--eventually we can get it to stay down! Sneaky little bugger! Marilyn the Lurker

That cat story had my DH and I in stitches. We've had to give many a pill to our little boy kitty--but he's pretty smart. He takes the pill nicely (you "shove" it way down his throat) and does a wonderful job of swallowing.... Turn your back and up it comes! As long as you look at him he keeps his mouth closed --- the minute you turn your back..... The whole process starts all over again until one of you gets upset--eventually we can get it to stay down! Sneaky little bugger! Marilyn the Lurker

JANA: We leave tomorrow afternoon to go to Rexford. The auction is on Saturday. Cody has his special yo-yo ready to go on his collar.

This is the only Lab we've ever had who wasn't a trial when it came to teaching "Heel". I'm sure that Cody has velcro instead of fur. You can't get him go move away from your side. What a pleasure after the former Labs!!!

Kathi in Idaho

We are driving from Wisconsin to Charlotte and
Wilmington the last week in July. I would be
most grateful for a list of shops, galleries,
shows or other points of interest in or around
these cities or on our way. Looking forward to
exploring and adding to my stash! Kathy in
Cedarburg

Kathi in Idaho--How was the Amish show in Montana? They will be in Spokane on Friday and would like some input as whether to go or not.
Loved the cat story. Been there, done that, threw away some torn T-shirts. Cat has never liked me since.
Still waiting for some heat, ladies. Can't you spare at least 15 little degrees?
Jana in Wash.

Well, I tried again,and the post keeps quitting at the same point. Here it is one more time. I printed it out and typed it into the posting form---the "copy": & "paste" just won't work on this one.

13. Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table. Find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed. Force cat's mouth open with small spanner. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour 1/2 pint of water down throat to wash pill down.

14. Get spouse to drive you to emergency room; sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Stop by furniture shop on way home to order new table.

15. Arrange for vet to make a house call.

I hope this goes through now.

Doris W. in Tennessee

YIKES!!! Only part of my post went through. Here's the rest of the "How to give a cat a pill" story. . . .

>13. Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly
>to leg of dining table. Find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed. Force
>cat's mouth open with small spanner. Push pill into mouth followed by
>large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour

Okay, I am ROFLOLPIMP at the idea of Fresno 2000 in either July or February. Having lived in this wonderful central valley for 20 years, I can tell you that Fresno in July is not the greatest, neither is Red Bluff! and if you like rain and fog, then Fresno in February would be great. I would love to have a California 2000, I am a little envious of the OH 99, but not Fresno. Susan, I am not slamming your beautiful city, but wouldn't the coast be much better in July?
Well, this year I decided to put in a garden, and have 14 tomatoes, 12 peppers growing and will plant some melons, corn, beans, and pickles this weekend. Feels good, except I was very sore yesterday, I guess I am not as young as I thought I was.
the fair is coming up next month, so I need to finish a quilt to put into the fair. It has tropical fish on it, a real cute pattern. A judge told us at guild one time that to be considered a professional, you have to make your living from quilting. so, if you are asked to teach a class and you feel that this would jepordize your amature standing, don't let it stop you, unless you are making so much money teaching the one class that you can live on it! Thought this would help.
Patty in Northern California, where I am not going to tell you the weather, because it might jinx it. But, it is too good to be true.

Today was such a good day at our house. Bill had a few more hours relatively free from pain and thanks to the encouragement from so many friends on the BB, I was able to really spend some quality time quilting. I cut out three tooth fairy pillows for the store (M applique), and I put two lap size quilts in the frame and pinned them ready for MQing. And it felt good!
And I continue to have so many friends to thank:
Marcie: for a pretty pink that is a companion to another she had sent me.
Marty, who knows how difficult it is for me to select colors, so sent me three compatible pieces.
Carol,also compatible fabrics with cats and the gold highlights that are my favorite and who has a 3 yo DGD called Fayfee!
Gayle in Guam who sent Bill and I each her heart.
Kathy in Ohio with gorgeous charms, all with that beautiful gold highlight
Susan in Ca with a soft yellow print that will be so perfect
KittyKate in Wa. I said, "Look,Bill, bluebirds of happiness", and then read your note.
Barb on Cape Cod, who sent me the water and sky of Cape Cod, without realizing my parents spent their first years of marriage there.
Kathi, who must have been a mind reader, since I had voiced the desire for that this very morning.

You all have made me feel so blessed and so humble. Thanks. Faith

Thanks to Don Brichett, Linda in California, Launa Rubin, and Susan for all the neat web sites for
quilting. It may take me weeks to get through them all. But I'll have fun doing it. Thanks again.

Evening Everyone, Had good S.E.X. this afternoon. Did 2 quilt shops and bought more fabric. Finished working at the garden center last Thur. and started working at a Ben Franklin on Mon. It is a small store that just reopened aftering selling last fall. They have jack squat for fabric but the owner went over the books and gave me the ok to start buying and building up the inventory, slowly. Can't wait to start meeting those fabric salesmen! DH is away golfing for 3 days. I have one more day to do what ever I want, not that I don't do what ever I want anyway! I mean like having to cook, clean and all that stuff. Is hot here and we could use some rain. Happy Birthday to Monica. I see somone posted about Norwood quilting hoops and frames in Fremont MI. I don't live too far from there and I did hear that they went out of business. Hope everyone has a good evening. Mayme in MI

Doris, that was tooooo funny. Loved it. Penny

SQUISHIE: A nice soft package or envelope sent snail mail (otherwise known as the Post Office) that contains fabric such as FQs (Fat Quarter)or blocks being exchanged or charms being swapped.

GAY: I wanted to say thank you for the wonderful card you sent - what a nice idea for quilters! However, I somehow sent my message to you back to the card's website. They sent it back to me but without your email address and I very carefully had cleaned out my sent items and deleted items files last night so I don't have your address and can't send the message to you personally.

KEEPSAKE TRIP: Mom and I made plans to go this Friday and when I got home, lo and behold, there is the Summer newsletter catalog from Keepsake in my mailbox! Talk about timing!

ALLERGIES: You folks who really suffer from allergies would not want to be in Maine right now. We are in pine pollen season and EVERYTHING is coated with yellow/green pollen. The cars, the deck and if you open a window even a crack, everything in the house has a coating on it. Sticky stuff, too, you can't just blow it off. Well, it's a good excuse to not dust for a couple of weeks until it stops.

Monica in Maine (where the temperature barely got into the 60's today - go figure!)

RONNA IN HAPPY VALLEY----Our "firstborn child" was an Irish Setter. I should have known to question an AKC dog for $25!!!!! This dog graduated from obedience school based only on his semester average---he totally flunked the "final exam". It was awful. That dog had done fine all "semester" long, too. We knew he had no brains and got by only on his good looks. He barked at squirrels, birds, and finally airplanes. Sent him to live with my parents to cure their "empty nest syndrome." He barked like crazy there, too, but Mother is creative. She would put a muzzle on him. After a while, all she had to do was step out the back door, call to the dog and SHOW him the muzzle. AND the dog would stop barking!!! LOL!!!!

And for all you kitty-lovers, I received this in my mail today from a friend:

>For those of you who have tried to give a pill to a cat...you will
>understand. For those of you that haven't...this is what it is like.
>INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIVING YOUR CAT A PILL
>
>1.Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding
>a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's
>mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right
>hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth
>and swallow.
>
>2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in
>left arm and repeat process.
>
>3. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.
>
>4. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm, holding rear
>paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of
>mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of 10.
>
>5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call
>spouse from garden.
>
>6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, holding front
>and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold
>cat's head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth.
>Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.
>
>7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make
>note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered
>figurines from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.
>
>8. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with its head
>just visible from below spouse's armpit. Put pill in end of drinking
>straw; force cat's mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.
>
>9. Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink glass of
>water to take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse's forearm and remove
>blood from carpet with cold water and soap.
>
>10. Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Place cat in
>cupboard and close door onto neck to leave head showing. Force mouth
>open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.
>
>11. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put door back on hinges. Apply
>cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot.
>Throw T-shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.
>
>12. Ring fire brigade to retrieve cat from tree across the road.
>Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid
>cat. Take last pill from foil wrap.
>
>13. Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly
>to leg of dining table. Find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed. Force
>cat's mouth open with small spanner. Push pill into mouth followed by
>large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour

Hi all, here i am again, can anybody tell me what is a squichy, it sounds like a kind of orange;-)
Today i received the gift from Terter ,i/we love it .Today i went to work it was a great day at work there where a lot of people who i didn.t see for a long time so i did a lot of talking.
I did a lot of cleaning today tomorrow it's my DH his birthday !!!!! and he is gonna be 37 years young,
This afternoon i bake several cakes so i was busy until 21.00.
Did you all met JOlanda on the BB she is my friend and a really great person.
Oh susan if you check the BB please send me a note.
That's all for today folks i'm going into my little bed.
Goodnight to all of you and nice dreams.

Welterusten,
Annelies (means goodnight)

Can someone please send me the address of the European Bulletin Board as mentioned earlier today. Also, thanks Doni for telling us another Sir-Buford story. Keep them rolling in. Donna in Holland

jdb - have you ever thought of becoming a greeting card designer? Your poem would hit the spot for so many people. And you are so damn punny!

Cheryl in Edmonton

Doni: What a great denture story! I hope you forgave your sis for squealing....it made the rest of that trip a bit more comfortable, didn't it?
About large dogs: We had a very stubborn Irish Setter (who liked to play dumb..."duh..you talking to little old meeee?"). At that time, he weighed 75 pounds and I weighed about 100 lbs. I had two legs...he had four. Wanna guess who would win the tug of war??? Well, we knew that obedience was going to be manditory for his safety as well as ours. At that time, they didn't have these "gentle leader" gizmos...just the traditional choke collar. As someone mentioned, you can do damage if you get angry and really jolt them, so the human has to be able to control themselves before they can even consider controlling their dog. The technique was not to let him pull in the choke collar...that doesn't seem to stop them from dragging you around anyway. You are supposed to give the command (such as "heel") and if he lunges forward, just give a tug on the choke collar while repeating the command "heel". This makes them hesitate long enough for you to get their attention and repeat the command. When I first tried it,
Brandy would lunge full speed ahead...the little tug didn't even phase him. I got my balance back, tugged again while repeating the command....he lunged forward and I fell on him and squealed "BRAAANNNNNNDDDDDYYYY!!!" Well, our dog was a well meaning soul and thought he had hurt me, turned around and started licking my face as I cried in frustration. We started again....from sit. Ok, "heel", and he started to run ahead....tug...heeeeeeellll! Well, darned if he didn't figure out what it was I was after. We practiced 20 minutes a day at first. Then we were able to go longer at it and it even worked while out for a "walk". I know what you mean about the little bunnies starting them running....! For Brandy, it was other dogs...he wanted to see them in the worst way. But after practicing every day for a few weeks, he would mind even if another dog was near. After a few years (he WAS stubborn after all....), he would mind me without a leash. The most important command I ever taught that stubborn setter
was "stay". This can save their life. It did on a few occasions when I had him off the leash, he saw another dog across the street and cars were coming. He ran all the way to the street and I screamed BRANDY-----STAY!!! and that guy actually stopped at the side of the street, but looked like someone who can't make a decision (staygostaygostaygo running through his mind)....as soon as that car went past, I knew that I had a limited time to enforce my will, so I gave the command "ok!" and he dashed across the street. The point was that his minding saved his life. The most important thing I left out of the story of training Brandy (above), was that I always said "GOOOD BOY!" when he minded...even if it was only for a NANO-second when we first started our training!! So it was to make me happy that he followed the commands. He really did want to be a "good dog".

PS: I laugh everytime I see someone who posts to this BB's email address "nonobaddog@...." Reminds me of my dog who probably thought "nonobaddog" was his name(Gary Larson had a cartoon about that). He has been gone for many years now. He lived to be 14 years old (really old for a large dog) and had the spirit of a puppy until the end. He couldn't understand what was wrong as he got older...he would try the same exuberant leaping as he did when a puppy, but his rear legs wouldn't hold him. What a personality! he thought he was a person, too.

Ronna in Happy Valley

WELL! The lady who got the quilt from H... CALLED me last night. To tell me she LOVED the quilt! I was so happy/relieved. Sound too good to be true? Considering the trouble this quilt was? You bet!
She said there was only one thing wrong- the bride's name was mis-spelled! Can you believe it? I SWEAR I spelled it just the way she said to... (whine)
And what did Miss Lindy learn from this you might be justified in querying? She learned to slosh her head left-to-right instead of
up-and-down the next time someone wants to order a quilt "yesterday"!
I will crawl off to my corner now... Until I jump up with bliss to go off to the quilt show Sat. and See The Infamous KittyKate! Yeah!
Lindy the Yakima Yakker

For anyone wanting to meet in the middle. Here is one idea. I'm in NW Arkansas. Is that middle enough?? The third weekend of October every year is the huge craft fair bonanza in NW Arkansas. Maybe some of you have heard of War Eagle. They advertise some 20+different fairs over this weekend, but there are four big ones with over 600 booths each. People come from all over the states as it is a great place for Christmas shopping, birthdays you name it and most every craft is represented.

I warn you it is a lot of walking and you have to reserve hotel rooms a year in advance, but it would be a great time. There are no classes and it wouldn't be a quilting retreat or anything, but we could all wear yellow yo yos and have a ball shopping and eating good fair food.

My mom comes down from Iowa and a friend from here and I go every year. At night we go antiquing or to the outlet mall.

Judy in ARk

Is there anyone here who hasn't received the charm square chain letter who would like to? I know someone posted several weeks ago asking if anyone wanted to get it. You only have to cut fourteen six inch squares and eventually you get 72 squares back. Easy enough. Email me if you want to join in.

Jenny in NYC

LET'S DO FRESNO 2000, my motor home is gassed need to find a 5 star park and I'm there!

Annelies, wrote her family loves the package sent to her, Tea Cozy of course, materia and Star Wars goodies for Bas, dh received a police patch (men).

Sondra, a Fri sound real good, someone in San Ramon is going to meet us (Sue) so we will be a threesome and need to decide where to meet, what to eat, what to buy!
LOON IS HAVING A BIRTHDAY SOON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND ONE TO GROW ON! SQUISHY SENT THIS WEEK WITH A CARD FROM MR.TERTER, honest he picked it out.. hahahaha but I loved it.

So sad kids are not getting house, will they ever? But this one seemed to have more wrong with it then right and they were not told all up front, thank goodness for inspections.

Doni: used your in the binding message trick, hope my DDmil doesn't lose the flannel quilt I made her.

Rene: back from OK?

MeToo: back from CO?

Have been very very busy making tea pots, creamers and sugar bowls.. Lookin gooood.

Just taught a 20 year old who used to be my office aide in Middle School when she was 13.. to quilt, starting her out easy and working up. She wants handquilting now...Youth

All have a good day
xxoo((((((((0))))))))))x
Terter

Oh My Gosh Doni( sorry you have work harder at your incognito role), you are a hoot!!!!

I worked for 10 years in dentistry way back when, and we had a patient who came in for a new set of dentures. After the impressions etc, she made a later visit for the "try in" stage. This is the denture format with the teeth set only in a wax base to allow for amendments, and once correct then they are cast in the denture material.

Everything went fine, it was a really busy day, and then having finished with Mrs P, went on the next room to the next patient. Somewhere along the line, my employer (The dentist) had forgotten to remove the "try in" and replace the old denture,so the work could go back to the lab.

About half and hour later, dear Mrs P returned with a look of horror on her face and the teeth (minus the wax which was still in her mouth) in a napkin, and said- "Dr M, I was just having a cup of coffee with my friend and look what has happened"!!!

She was such a nice lady and fortunately with a terrific sense of humor and when we explained what had gone wrong, thankfully she saw the funny side of it too. She did eventually get her new teeth, and was very pleased with them.

Doni- nothing wrong with dentures- better than gumming it!!!!
Hugs
Celia

You ladies are in rare form this morning! Just wanted to send this to Kitty Kate's dtr. I wrote it last year when my teenage DD was having boy friend trouble. (She's since found a better relationship.)

Victoria’s Secret for Finding the Right Man

Finding the right man is like shopping for the perfect bra.
Some bras will make you sag and droop.
Others will sneak up and pinch you.
Some are quite nice to look at and will give you a falsie sense of security,
While others will just leave you flat, and feeling like such a boob.
Some bras force you to look quite modest.
Others you can see right through.
The right bra will uplift, support, and take a load off your chest. It will never let you down.
The wrong ones can make you feel out of place or rub you the wrong way whenever they're around you.
Some women prefer to hang loose and go braless.
Others refuse to be seen in public without one.
Some bras are best used as sling-shots to catapult you forward.
Sometimes you outgrow a bra that used to fit quite comfortably. That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the bra, or with you. It just means it’s time to go shopping. Again.

jdb in AZ

Sara...or should I say Sir Snots Slots..sounds like you get that honored title this week!! Or Drippy..got that a bunch also..heres a good tip for the drips..if you get them like I do!! Cover the key board with clear plastic wrap..never know when one stray drip is going to short your world out!! LOL!! Loved the story! What a vision!! I would have ended that friendship right then and there!! LOL!!
Heres one for the lifes most terrible, moments...I wear dentures due to a car wreck..and after the ole face got healed up..the dentist fit me with dentures...well, on vacation with my inlaws..parents and sister... 7 or us..in our RV..we stopped at Donner Lake in California for a week..we were having dinner, and my mouth was so sore from getting use the dentures I was about to die! We were having a nice healthy salad..and I got some of the stuff under my bottom plates..it hurt so horribly bad..I sneaked real quick and pulled them out..then hid them in the napkin..no one could tell..so I thought cool!! Maybe there is life with these things..I was horribly embarrased by having to wear dentures belive me!! Well after dinner, we sat around for awhile and decided to go trout fishing..I cooked, so it was my sisters turn to do the dishes..grabbed the fishing poles and off we went! Later that night I was laying in the bed over the cab of the RV...and was thinking, wow..these dentures aren't even hurting now..thats because I didn't have them in! I sat bolt upright in bed..banged my head on the top of the RV..fell out of there in a dead run, run out to the picnic table and no teeth!! My sis, came running out, to see what was wrong..and I asked her what she had done with the trash from the table. "oh me and Mark burned it so we didn't have to go to the trash can"!!! I couldn't believe it!! $750 set of chompers up in smoke!! And here I am for 2 more weeks with no bottom chompers!! I thought I was going to die!!..I had no idea that anyone knew but me and her..then the very next night..here I sit sheeplishly at the dinner table..mashing up my food with my fork and my dad..who wood carves wonderfully..just ask Susan in Fresno...handed me a small box wrapped up in a brown grocery bag..I opened up my "gift"..he had carved me a set of bottom teeth from wood he found at Donner Lake!!! So much for sis never telling a soul!!! I was so mortified at first, then everyone..Mark, his parents, my parents..sis..everyone was just rolling around the ground laughting!!! I made it thru the vacation in one piece so to speak..then came time to go to the Dentist to "check the fit"..man! He was laughting so hard when I told him the story of what happened to the teeth!! Everyone in the office had a giggle..he is normall a stone faced man..no expression on his face at all..no smiles..just business..they giggled and giggled! The next day he sent me a dozen red roses...the note said..your a wonderfully strong, emotional women with a heart of gold and a soul to match....brought me to tears!! Just goes to show..this to will pass...
I'm not going to sign this one..so now one knows its me!! LOL!!
Hugs!!!

Cassi told me she had several emails about the European board. It is a mailing list at onelist, you can subscribe at http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/QuiltEurope if you want to join. It is a list for mostly European quilters... I am the list owner, BTW, and did not want to exclude anyone, so we have 205 members up to date, about 1/3 are US quilters, some international quilters and the rest are European quilters. You get the list as emails, either single mails which might be quite a few by now, or as digest, which is 25 messages per digest. Hope to meet you there!
Email me if you have trouble subscribing, I can help...
Sue in Germany

The nose is still running, and brain full of mush, so don't think I'll try to quilt today.
Kit Kat, your story of the crown reminded me of the one time I needed one, about 4 yrs. ago. My OB-GYN is the husband of my now QGF, but at the time I was just getting to know her. She had called me and invited me and another QGF to lunch on a Thurs. That Wed. I had my yearly pap test, and while at the DR's office he discovered a small growth in the cervix area, and wanted to take it off. Being very gentle, he scraped, and evidently hit the "vagal nerve" which caused me to have a seizure on the table, and I was gaging due to my tougue blocking the airway. Being quick, he put his hand in my mouth, I clamped down and bit him! This caused him to pull his hand out quickly and broke off my crown on a front tooth. When I awoke he handed my tooth to me, and called my DH at work to come get me. My regular dentist was on vacation, so on Thurs. I had to drive across town to the sub. dentist. Try to think how it sounded to say " I bit the OB-GYN"!!
Needless to say, I didn't go to lunch that day.
I am sure that story made the rounds of OB jokes. Will pray for your test results.
Sara sill having sinus trouble in Fla.

I too would like to go to Fresno if it is the end of Feb or March. Would be so much fun! Keep us posted.
I have just the borders to put on and the quilt for the June 18th wedding will be done. The groom's mother wants to tie it so my part will be done. Thank goodness! Why do I put such deadlines on myself?????
Wish that we had some of the warm weather. It is cold here. We had to turn the furnace back on and I really hated that!
Well - must get to work. Have a great day all.
Jayne in Utah

I don't post very often, but seems like a lot of interesting topics have been covered lately...so here's a long one.

Doni - Your tale of walking Buford brought back memories of my "baby" Eeyore - 100+ pound black lab/English sheepdog mix. Oh, these big, active dogs can drive you crazy, but they are so loveable. Eeyore didn't stop dragging you for at least the first mile, by 3 miles she heeled - if you lasted that long!

Erika - You'll do just great in your new town. You've already shown you're a winner by being willing to take the chance & make the move. Here are some more ideas for finding like minded young-folks. Ask people at work with kids your age where they congregate. Check the library & paper for community classes & take ones that you are interested it - will find like minded folks there. Find out which church(es) have active young people's group - attend a meeting. Most churches don't care that you aren't a member!

Vaccinations - A couple people have mentioned how serious chicken pox and the other childhood diseases. But we didn't say the most important thing - make sure your little darlings are vaccinated!!!!

My DH is an associate professor in clinical pharmacy, with a MS in microbiology who specializes in infectious disease. Just a few weeks ago he was showing me an article from the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC). There are no documented cases of a vaccinated person dying from the disease they were vaccinated for! Yes, some will still get sick, but it will be milder than if they weren't vaccinated.

I'm an early baby-boomer (51), and can remember how it was before all these vaccinations were available. Our small, rural neighborhood had about 30 kids (8 households). Of them three have lasting effects of childhood diseases, one of them being me. That is 10 percent of the kids!! One has brain damage from measles encephalitis, one is deaf because her mother caught german measles during the first trimester of pregnancy.

I have otosclerosis, a progressive deafness caused by overgrowth of the bones in the middle ear, and currently am 60% deaf in one ear, 85% in the other. This has always been thought to be an inherited disease. In the past 5 years, researchers have found convincing evidence that it is caused by the measles virus! Like shingles (caused by the chicken pox virus), the measles virus stays around and continues to do harm. Thank goodness for vaccines - the incidence of otosclerosis has been dropping dramatically. By the way, hearing aids work for me & I'm considering surgery.

Cindy R. in AL

Just checking in to say hello. Have been undergoing the sadness of pet loss, but this morning seems to be a little easier, so just want to say how much your posts have been keeping me going, together with the caring support of my "special" friends. This place is really special.

Doni- How I laughed at your antics with dear Buford- I think you are going to have to think more towards a halter,blinders, and reins!!!

I have owned many dogs in my lifetime, and I have always trained them in the body halter type leash, which for some reason seems to restrain them better. I don't reccomend the choke chain, it has been know to cause fractured windpipes.

The muzzle type being discussed yesterday is called "The Gentle Leader", and I am not sure, but I think can only be purchased from the vet's office(at least here anyway) and cost $30(CAN). I used that for my shelter dog Chelsea, who I got at age 8 months totally wayward- didn't even know how to sit, but is excellent now she knows who is the boss, plus the help of her Gentle Leader.!!

I was wondering too about the Kosovo quilts- I sent a second box,but did not hear if it had arrived.

Have enjoyed all the stories this past week- my you girls have been busy with a variety of subjects- LOL!!!

Glad to hear that Marilyn is getting better slowly, and hope that her medication can be adjusted properly.

Special hugs for Faith and Bill.
Bye for now,
Celia

Goodmorning everyone!
I'm ready to snoopy dance. IN thee last 2 weeks I've made 2 lap size quilt tops, 2 vests, quilted 2 small quilts and put binding on 4 small ones All for the MN quilt show and the only thing that was mine was a little piece that I had a minimal amount of quilting on. This is all on top of working almost full time. Shows are fun, but I'll be glad when this one is over!

I'm game for going to Fresno in Feb. That's my B-day month and what better way to celebrate!
I just need someone to pick me up at the airport!

Everyone have a great day!
Sandi in MN where it's thundering and lightening at this very moment.

It's easier to type Fresno! Make it February or March and I guarantee you'll get a bunch of us from the Northeast!! 8^)
Sue, maybe I'll even bring that "fish tank" cover for you - it might even be done by then - LOL!! I have all the fabric, etc. for it but a bunch of other projects to get to first (my friends really need to stop having babies!!) so I probably won't get it done in time for the contest.

Thank you for all the nice birthday wishes, everyone! I had no idea there were so many neat e-cards out there. By the way, a little birdie told me I shared my birthday with another BBer, Janell in, oh shucks, is it WA or WI? She is apparently out of town on business, though. Hope she had a nice birthday, too.

Monica in Maine (enjoying the cool air we have this morning!)

DENTIST Had to have a temporary repair, $210. Have to have a crown, $690. Insurance won't pay for crown and very little on repair. Boo Hiss!!
ONCOLOGY Didn't get blood test results yet. Will be getting a CT/scan in the next few weeks, I think. Doc thinks I am doing very well. He is very encouraging, probably because I am very positive. Thank you God for giving me this spirit.
WEDDING This is the bad part. DD#2 isn't getting married. He doesn't want to. I am not getting my house and life back. Not getting to have a sewing room. Must continue to unpack the stuff to use it and must pack it all up before 9 pm because Oscar goes to bed then. Can't use sewing things anywhere else because of the DGKs and cats. Bummer!!
Missing my DD#1 and DGD, too. Too much! Sorry!
Take care and may God bless you and yours!
Love, >^..^< Kitty Kate in WA >^..^<

Hey, MaryAnn & Susan you're on!! I think I could find Fresno! (lol) Let's do it.
Susan Joy, San Ramon, Ca, already excited!!

Hi to all! Haven't posted in ages and haven't been able to lurk in over a week. Been so busy and gone a lot.

Just wanted to let you all know that I do have Marilyns quilt and the raffle quilt is on the way. We are leaving early in the morning for Springfield, Illinois for the Machine Quilters Showcase. Will be back on Sunday. I sold my machine and it was picked up last Sunday. I went to Des Moines on Monday and got the new, bigger one. Got it all put together but haven't had time to try it out yet. Will be on the agenda first thing Monday morning!! I will need to practice a little while before I try anything on someone else's. Sure hope it is as easy as my first one. I promise I will get to Marilyns quilts ASAP!!! Glad to hear she is feeling better. If the raffle quilt is as beautiful as Marilyn's is, I know it will make lots of money. Take my word for it quilters, and buy those tickets!!!! Monica has done a great job putting them together and she deserves one huge, gigantic thanks!

Went to Elko, NV last week for 4 days. 5 couples went together. One of us, and it sure wasn't me, won almost $10,000!!! It was so exciting. He did it on one slot machine over the course of one day. Every time I turned around, one of us was finding me to tell me he hit again! I sure don't have any luck like that, ever! I never take more than I can afford to lose, cuz that's always what happens, I lose. It was a fun trip, though. A nice get-away for a few days. The next few days will be filled with a lot of classes so I hope I learn a lot of new things.

Gotta get to bed. The camper is all hitched up and ready to go. Should take us about 7 hrs. to get there. I have met a lot of nice people on the Longarm list and hope to be able to recognize them. We are wearing hot pink ribbons. Think I'll put my yellow yo yo, (that I will make on the way) on top of the ribbon and see what happens. Maybe I will meet a few of you too!! Hope so!

Sunshine to all,

Trudy in Iowa

Monica, Belated Happy Birthday. All the communicating we've been doing, and I didn't know it was your birthday till I got here!!! Shame on you for not boasting to me!!!! :o) Hope you had a happy day!!!

Hey Susan in Fresno - Lets do California 2000!! ttfn :) Mary Ann in Pleasant Pleasanton

OHIO 99: For those who missed my post explaining this event, scroll back to June 8 at 7:49 a.m. to read about it.

RIDGELEY'S BLOCKS: Almost all the blocks that arrived today were from the quilters who post on the European bulletin board...

Susanne F., Gaufelden, Germany
Gudrun R., Magstadt, Germany
Brenda, Germany
Helen C., La Conversion, Switzerland
Jo H., Luxembourg
Jass B., Luxembourg
Paula C., Acores, Portugal
Christa B., Skibby, Denmark
Christa R., Oberhausen, Germany
Claudia H., Neuhausen, Germany
Susanne W., Filderstadt, Germany
Margarete S., Stuttgart, Germany
Tana K., Germany
Andrea, Oberhausen, Germany
Rosie F., Ottershaw, Surrey, England
Gwen, Wales
Tina, Munich, Germany
Angelika K., Rheda, Germany
Birgit K., Germany
Claudia F., Seibersbach, Germany
Estelle M., Paris, France
Anabela A., Lisboa, Portugal
Karin L., Calberlah, Germany
Jamie D., Aschaffenberg, Bavaria, Germany
Nancy W., Hayward, WI

This brings our total to 506....wow! Special thanks to those who have sent $$ or squishies for me - not necessary, but truly appreciated!

Also received raffle ticket money for the Y2K quilt from Marlene H and Kathi D, both in NY. Thanks ladies...I'll be filling out ticket stubs while at the studio tomorrow night (actually, just noticed that it's actually tonight. Why am I up so late?) Please note this is a DIFFERENT raffle from Marilyn's quilt. Contact Marty about raffle tickets for Marilyn's quilt....she posted not too far below here.

Bev came over today and helped me attach the fabric strips to my new floor frame. Now to find the time to figure out how to attach the backing, batting and quilt top. I've read the directions several times....understand the concept. So why do I suspect the reality will be more difficult? LOL

Is it time for the kids to go back to school yet? One day home and already they're cramping my style. I accomplished virtually nothing all day - but DS got to go to a friend's house to play half the day, plus had a baseball game, and DD managed to get to an appointment, dance and a movie. Wonder how they do it with no driver's license? Good old mom...always there when you need her! Somebody could probably make good money by providing an economical taxi service for kids in the summer. I'd pay a few bucks to avoid driving them hither, thither and yon. And just how far is a thither anyway?

Okay, so I'm sounding goofy....definitely time for bed! Cassi in Ohio, where it was 85 degrees at 10:15 tonight...very HHH

You can find out the Ohio99 story just a bit back here on the Chat Board or on the
Quilting Bulletin Board. Do a "Find" on Cassi and you'll find the story and one of
the instigators!!!

I will volunteer to be the West Coast rep at Ohio99. I have been signed up from the
get go!! and yes! I'm starting to get really fired up about it. I have no QB's here
in Fresno to play with so I'm taking myself on the road.

I agree that we should have a West Coast type "California Dreamin' 2000". How about in
Fresno since it's basically in the middle of the state!! This way we can get the Northerners
and the Southerners, plus kick in a few more states to boot. Whoever might be remotely
interested, let me know!!! I have lots of contacts at a hotel near the airport. Hmmmm....
I'm thinking March? April? 2000??????? Uh ohhhhhhh, what have I done??????

Susan in gorgeous weather Fresno

Hello all and good evening! Hope Monica had a fun day and didn't eat too much pizza this evening.

Well, if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I would never have believed the DH's tall tale about playing soccer with our Lab named Ruby. He plays on a soccer team once a week, so he does some running around in the yard kicking the ball a couple times a week to stay up to speed. He discovered last summer that our Chocolate Lab was keen to play with him, ha! I guess she gives him a run for his money trying to steal the ball. Well, this evening the DH was running down the sidelines (also known as our fence line), moving the ball here and there with old Ruby hot on his heels. All the sudden Ruby cut right and plowed into the DH and sent him rolling, ha! Needless to say she got the ball (LOL). I think she was rather proud of herself as she ran in the opposite direction with the ball. I asked him if that was an illegal move and he said "no". I then asked for more details since I figured I'd be posting to the board this evening. He said to just tell you he was playing a forward and Ruby was a fullback. I am soccer ignorant and this sounded and even looked more like a football game, ha!

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

Happy Birthday, Monica, it's over here on the east coast, couldn't get in earlier, server problems. I'd much rather have the heat than the cold and snow, so even though it's hotter than Hades??, I'll still settle for it. I think we should rent a few buses and pick everybody up along the way and just drop in on Ohio 99. What I want to know now is, O.K. we missed this year, what do you have planned for 2000? Maybe we could all meet in the middle. Who's out there from in the middle? What do you think?
KittyKate: Hope all went well for you today. You've been in my prayers all day.
Lindy: You really have bared your soul! Aren't you afraid of cyber-black-mail or something? I can't imagine quilting thru that sheet. It sounds almost as bad as quilting thru double-knit polyester. Gotta go, gotta sew. Stay in Stitches, Betty from Pa.

Happy Birthday Monica, Hope you had a great day, and all the best to you .
Can some one tell me what Ohio 99 is?

Marge from MI

I was just wondering, have we heard how the quilts that we have sent to Kosovo are doing? Was just wondering if the one I sent over ever got there?
Carol of Wantage

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MONICA!!!! Oh to be 33 again!!! By now you have had your pizza and are probably all tucked in for night. Hope it is cooler there tonight.
MARILYN'S RAFFLE QUILT TICKETS: $1 per chance or $5. for 6 chances. Send your checks/money orders to me( e-mail me at the above addy) and I will get the tickets right out to you...did you see Reg's post that she had the winning ticket already??? That little statement may have jinked her, so go ahead and let me know if you want in on the quilt with blocks made by BBers from all over the world! Drawing will be on Sept. 5th. We haven't seen the quilt yet of course but several people have already purchased tickets.
MARILYN: She was in Boston for her check-up on Monday. X-Rays and appointments with her surgeon and her heart specialist. She is recovering well from the surgery, but keeps having problems with fluid retention and then hard to breathe. Her specialist was not happy with the medications her local doctor hear has her on. Said she should be on one medication which she is NOT and one medication should be adjusted. Marilyn thought at first that he was going to keep her in Boston for a couple of days but he did let her come back home and said he'd phone her doctor here and discuss her medication with him today. Haven't heard how that turned out. It is weird how she can be doing so well one day and so badly the next.
Another HHH (hazy, hot & humid) day here today. Yesterday we had 90 degrees and SO humid and more of the same today. Suposed to get a little relief tomorrow but won't last. More of this same weather predicted for the weekend. Wasn't it just a few days ago that I was complaining about the cold winter weather????

Marty in Vermont

What is this Ohio 99? And where? Sounds close enough that I could maybe go.
Also, I got so many answers to my problem about space for quilting, I'd like to ask a couple of other questions.
What are your favorite quilting places on the net? I've only had my "puter" (as my grandson says) for about 4 months
and I have found the quilt channel but really don't know my way around that well.
I tried to find "Better Homes & Garding Quilting" but couldn't. Would some of you
let me know some of your favorite haunts. I would appreciate it very much.

Well, not really about Ohio '99. This is for Ann and the other Northeasterners who won't be going to Ohio '99 (sniff, sob...). I think Maine Quilts '99 is the same weekend as Ohio '99 (July 30,31 and August 1) Someone correct me if I'm wrong, please (keeping track of when things are happening has never been one of my strong points) Nancy in NY has mentioned that she is going and I'm sure there are others and we will definitely have to set up a meeting time and place for any BBers who are going.

DORIS: LOL - I think I have bought enough of their CDs to have at least paid for that garden shed by now...

Monica in Maine (who has spent a pleasant evening under the AC working on HQing a wallhanging)

Hi All,

I am sitting here melting with the 95-100 deg. weather
we're having. MY DH picked a perfect time to go to
Alaska!!! I could sit on an iceberg very nicely today,
thank you!

Cassi - I'm so jealous of all those going to Ohio '99. It ought
to be a blast! ARe we conservative Northeasterners up for starting
something like Cassi's group? I will have lots of free time in July.
Posted on wrong BB about my giving my notice at work after working
there 11 years. Was very nervous, but it went very well. Have gotten
so many warm fuzzies from my great co-workers whic is a big reason I
stayed so long there. I company wide memo was sent to everyone and the
reaction was very gratifying. Wished me lots of luck, etc. I imagine
when the final day comes, I will go through a box of kleenex, but for
now, I'm having fun and enjoying the attention.

Lindy - loved your 200 count sheet story. My arms ache reading it!!
Did you get my post re your leftovers?

Sondra in Calif. - When your DS takes your dog to obedience school,
you'll have to sneak a peek at the class. It is a hoot and full of
things a stand-up comedian could use. My son took ours about 8 years
ago and I still tell the story of what went on. Dogs that did the same
thing whether their master said sit, stand, roll over or heel!!! One
sweet little old lady kept saying to her cocker spaniel in a very high
sweet soft voice, "Sit Happy, sit" and he'd just look at her. She'd
do it again and he'd just look. It was a howl!

Doni - when is your DD due. Mine stopped in at my office last week with a picture
of her first sonagram. Don't know what it is going to be, but her due date would
make me a Millenium Grandmother!!! Too exciting for words. Is this your first?

Rachel - Can relate to your staying up til midnight. Do it all the time and
then wonder why I'm yawning by 2 p.m. at my desk.

Erica - My heart goes out to you. Much luck with your move. Just be yourself
like you have been with us on the BB. Ask for help. SO many people are so happy
to give a helping hand. Fearing rejection can be so crippling, can't it? I have had many
years of not doing something for fear of rejection or being embarrassed and
have missed out on a lot. But I also have pushed myself to do things, go places and have
been a stronger person because of it.

Monica - HAPPY BIRTHDAY. You're still young enought to
enjoy these little passages!! Tim McGraw's song would be a little
depressing for me as I've already used up 25 of those years!!!:)

Well, I've gone on long enough. PRayers to all who need them.

Peace,

Ann in MA

nervous, but did it

KATHI thank you so much for the card! I love picket fences and sunflowers and cats, etc. The picture on the card is like right out of my daydreams. It is a picture of what I want my yard to look like. How very perceptive of you.
JULIE in Redmond, thank you so much for the adorable kitty that you got for me in Canada. I love it.
Love, >^..^<

MONICA IN MAINE --- Happy Birthday !!!!! And Faith Hill sends her regards!!!!! LOL!!! She's glad you like Tim's new CD, too. Got to make them car payments. . . . . .

LINDY THE YAK-YAK---Well, girl, you've bared your soul and told all. No skeletons left in your quilting closet. Time to go national with it, like, on Jerry Springer Show. Really, I loved the story you posted. Reminds me I'm just human, too and not the only one who "foozles" my projects. The things I've done, and asked myself later "WHY did I do that?????"

NORWOOD HOOPS & FRAMES --- I think this company is out of business. No more ads in QNM & no booth at AQS in Paducah. Love my floor hoop.

DONI --- Poor ole Buf. He's just doing what coon hounds are supposed to do---chase critters. Dog obedience school might help. Been there, done that, five times, five different dogs. It does work---just gotta do the "homework." They mostly train the humans on how to train the dogs. The dogs learn faster than the humans.
I always tell my friends to have the whole family attend. If, for nothing else, it's just good, cheap entertainment to watch the humans and their dogs. The stories I could tell. The stories they could probably tell about me.

Played golf today in 92 degree heat. Let's just say my score was slightly higher than the temp. Gotta get some sewing done in my air conditioned house!

Doris W. in Tennessee

I found Nancy A. Nelson Schenectady, Ny block she sent for David's quilt I had put it in with the baby's block's, his name is also David.

Brenda/Nv.

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear Monica, happy birthday to you.
AND as a special present, I'm sending you our weather. IT SSNOWED today!!! You can have it as long as you send me some of your heat.
Kathi in Idaho

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear Monica, happy birthday to you.
AND as a special present, I'm sending you our weather. IT SSNOWED today!!! You can have it as long as you send me some of your heat.
Kathi in Idaho

Monica: Have a great Birthday!
Today was the last day of my quilting class, boohoo. Everyone brought in their finished tops and oh, so beautiful! Star of Bethleham with Drunkard's path borders. Several used batik, and it was very effective. Now we need another project...probably should finish up all the things that are begun....
DD is working on that cardboard rubber duckie boat today. Thursday is the "sink or float" day. Thanks for the info on Ohio 99, sounds like fun! We need a west coast event...
Susan Joy in sunny, cool CA, finishing up UFO's.

Thanks for the info on OHIO 99, as a relatively new reader I have been wondering what everyone was so excited about. I read about the count down to the big day, wow, you gals must really know how to have a good time!
Happy Birthday to you Monica, hope you are having a good one.
Cheryl, I have a boxer that could use the collar treatment. He is a sweetie, but just about tears your arm off on a leash.
My best to you Kitty Kate. You are in my thoughts today.
To all those in the heat back east, here in California, we are having such cool comfortable weather. Seems like a repeat of last summer to me. The east and west coast weather has switched.
It is usually very warm now. Hope for some relief for all that hot humid weather you are all having. Take care.
Happy quilting to all, have fun at OHIO 99....
Linda in California

Good day all! We're getting ready for graduation this week and my students are driving me crazy with year-end stuff, so have been keeping busy. Thought I would drop in today and see what's going on.

Hey Doni -- you figure out how to get Buford to go for a walk with you, rather than him walking you, and let me know. I have a 75 pound Golden Retriever that I'm about ready to ship to siberia. I have the choke chain, and he practically chokes himself dragging me for a walk. DS has signed up to take "Dog Obedience and Training" through 4-H, so maybe there's light at the end of the tunnel. DD has recently taught him to "roll over" using baby carrots as a treat. He is a true vegetarian. Would rather eat raw carrots or potatoes, rather than his dog food!

I went to my first quilt guild meeting last night and had a delightful time. One of the ladies was turning 90, so they were having a party for her as well as lots of "show and tell". It was really great and the ideas shared were terrific. With my commute, etc., I don't have much energy in the evenings, but that meeting seemed to rejuvenate me!

Last Friday on the way home from work, I stopped at a great store in San Jose called "All Tied Up". Found some darling fabric with polar bears on it. I have an aunt who went to northern Canada last year to see the polar bears and because there had been so little snow, there weren't many to see. I thought I'd fussy-cut the individual bears and make an "attic windows" for my aunt. Told my sister about it, and she started complaining...."where's my quilt". She hasn't given me any hints as to what color or pattern she wants, so I told her to decide and in the meantime, I'd make the quilt for our aunt. She is coming to visit the end of July, so would like to have it done for her by then.

Last night at the guild meeting, someone showed a wall hanging of cats sitting in a window. They were applique. I wonder if anyone has seen it. I wouldn't mind taking the class, but do not care for the person who teaches it. The store won't sell me the pattern. Anyone have any ideas? I'm planning to take a class by Eleanor Burns on July 9th, providing everything works out with my schedule. I've never done applique, so this is going to be interesting. So many have told me that I will probably like it. Sure hope you're right. The class includes her latest book, a sample of her line of fabrics through Benartex, lunch, etc. It sounds like a real full day.

Hope everyone in the East has started to cool off a bit. The seasons are getting mixed up as we've been having cold weather.

TerTer -- I'm going to start working 4 days/week now, so maybe we can plan for a Friday sometime? It will be interesting to see how long I last at this. I'm so used to working 5 days/week, but with summer vacation, our students on campus are leaving, I figured it would be better to stay home 3 days/week. Just let me know.

Happy quilting!

Sondra in Calif.

Doni,

My boyfriend told me about a great way to train a dog for proper walking, by you, not him walking you. It is not a choke collar, but achieves the same thing. The dog wears a muzzle-type thing over his snout. When he tries to pull and walk ahead of you it pulls his head down to his chest. Awfully hard to walk this way, when you can't see. I have never seen one, but they used it on their blue heeler and it worked. I'll see if I can find a name for it. I guess it would be like a rein for a horse, only the dog's pulling stops him.

Maybe that will help.
Cheryl in Edmonton.

Happy Birthday Monica..enjoy your special day! Pizza Hut sounds like the norm to me!! or Micky Donalds...

Went with my DD for her sonagram today...we are going to have a boy..a great big boy!! It is so wonderful having her close enough to share this with her...It's strange though..your baby having a baby...

Well since the deck is almost finished..I decided that I would start working with Buford on leading...after breaking countless leashes..we pulled out the heavy artillary..a horses lead rope! I bet he dont break that one...got a nice long lead that I plan on tieing a knot on the end of and just hanging on! We don't do the walk thing..we do the run and drag mom behind thing..so we just go for a drag every morning while its still cool..one of us is sort of getting chubby from being in the pen...It goes really pretty good till the little bunnies go hopping across the road...then all heck breaks loose and I just hang on tight! across the road, thru the high weeds, bushes, down the creek bank up the other side! I've tried planting my feet...that don't work..so I just sort of flap around behind him..the things you do for your little darlings! I really think that if I tied him to my truck..I could get about 100 miles per gallon out of him!! He has absolutely no clue how to lead..or who is suppose to be leading who! Mark said to get a choke collar..thats a hoot! Poor Buf would be dead by the time we get to the end of the road! oh well maybe practice will make perfect! I have yet to see that, and really don't think that is even a possibility..but who knows! maybe some days...Hey I wonder if you could use the horse hobbles on him?? at least then he would not have the advantage of all 4 legs in high gear!

Better get.. hugs to all!!
Doni

Katie Mac..got your package today..looks great!

Yes, Cassi, I am working on the thing I mentioned to you earlier. Thanks to the fact that there are six Susans and many other multiples I will have about 120 items but it can be done. Since it has been over 15 years since I left that job I am actually pretty pumped up about doing this. Sorta like riding a bike ... you never forget.

Now, do you suppose we have people really, really confused?

Judy in Ohio where it is so hot that Pooky the cat is in seventh heaven rolling around under the perennials in the yard, feeling like Queen of the Jungle. She comes in for water and then she goes back out in the heat but in a shady spot. What a silly black cat.

About 2 weeks ago I posted about my DS having chicken pox -- you guessed it -- now DD has them!
A word of warning to all those mothers out there who think their children won't get the chicken pox because they had the shot -- It doesn't ALWAYS WORK. We are now 2 for 2 at our house -- 2 shots and 2 pox. DD is still breaking out -- she's a blonde, fair skinned, so I don't know how bad she's going to get. I hope not too bad! I did figure something out this time around. I warm the Calamine lotion before I put it on her, and it doesn't "tickle" near as much.

Happy birthday to Monica. Old age is creeping up! At 35 you can get Medicare! A few weeks ago I received a Medicare summary in the mail. I knew I was getting older, but didn't think I was THAT old. Seems the path lab had mistakenly turned a claim into them for me. When I called the Medicare office, they chuckled when I told them I was only 35 and that I didn't think I needed their services quite yet!

Once again I'm asking anyone with extra patience to please send it my way. A 4 year old doesn't understand chicken pox as well as the 7 year old did.

Karen in KS Where it's hot and the wind could blow you away!!

Does anyone know if Dan is still in business, i.e., Norwood Hoops, Fremont, Michigan. Phone # is no longer in service. His hoops and frames are works of art.

hello, I am looking for a paper pieced mariner's compass
pattern. I have promised my boyfriend a quilt by the end
of the summer but haven't been able to find a suitable
pattern. I do own the Better Homes and Gardens book which
has a pattern but really bad instructions. I would appreciate
any help you could offer.

Michelle in PA

not enough time to really read today - Monica, happy, happy birthday. Every birthday is just a little more special than the year before!!

Kitty Kate - you know you are in our thoughts and prayers today.

And thank you to those who have sent the split rail blocks with words of care for my friend Adriana. I heard from her today, and right now life is very grim. I am hoping I can put this tgether for her before the end of June. I have recieved these blocks since my last post, last week:

Patty Brown, Red Bluff CA
Marie Pers, Suitland, MD (3, thanks)
Kitty Kate : )
Janell
Monica in Maine
Nancy "sewbird"
Susan, Ness City, KA

Thanks so much and have a great day!

Lynn in TX

Erica where in se okla are you moving. I have some family in Idabel. So I know some people in ok.

Happy Birthday Monica! Enjoy your special day.
For Diane Phalen watercolors fans, she has two free screen savers on her web site. They are so pretty. You can find them at
http://www.dianephalen.com/

Mary in ND where it is hot today

Erica, I too moved last year to a new area and was
full of doubt! Now that it is over we love it
here. You don't have to go to Plano for quiliting stuff,
there are two great stores out from the big city. One is
in McKinney and one in Van Alstyne both located close to 75.
The heat and humidity is a little tough right now, but the
area is great and lots to do.

Come on down!!
Ruby in McKinney, TX

Hi! Someone mentioned tickets for Marilyn's raffle quilt - has the information about buying them already been posted and I missed it? Someone please let me know. Thanks!
Candy in Alberta

A golfer hit his ball into a deadly sand trap, where it landed in a bed of ants. The golfer stepped up to the ball, swung mightily, and missed, flinging ants all over the adjacent green. The remaining ants scurried around crazily. The golfer drew back his club and swung again, slaughtering a few hundred more ants. One bright ant who had been watching this terrible event scrambled up on the ball and shouted, "Hey everyone. If we want to be saved we've got to get on the ball!"

I've been trying to tell myself this all morning. Can't seem to get my motor running this morning. Too many late nights.

Last night I stayed up (DH can't understand this when I'm so exhausted and should go to bed but priorities dear, priorities) figuring the best way to take advantage of a fabric sale coming up. I'm going to be making quilts for my two older boys' beds so I was trying to figure out how much fabric I'd need and how much it's gonna cost. I told my husband, "just thing how much money I'll be saving us... Te he". Next week the fabric store is having a sale on their calico and then the following week, I have a 20% off coupon. Naturally they couldn't have the coupon be effective during the sale but I say hey, I'll buy the fabric during the sale and buy the rest of the material, batting, etc. with my 20% off coupon. Squish two bugs with one shoe so to speak. So, I stayed up till midnight figuring the best way to manipulate the system. Works for me. I figure, the more money saved means "MORE MONEY FOR MORE FABRIC".

Gotta get going, kids feeling abandoned.

Rachel in UT

Erika-- I too have a fear of driving. One would think that 13 years with a license would cure this, but it hasn't. Last summer my husband had a business trip to Germany during my family's get together in Williamsburg. We can't afford to fly places, so the only way I could go was to drive the 600 some odd miles from Atlanta to Williamsburg by myself with my three year old. My parents were not sure I should do it, but wouldn't tell me not to. So I did it. It took 1 1/2 days, but we made it. Then later in the summer I drove to Disney World by myself with the kid. I still don't like to drive, but at least I know that I can. Sometimes it just takes needing to do it. Next week, my DH will do the driving to Williamsburg, though.

Quilt shops in Northern Virgina-- I am going to be visiting my in laws in Woodbridge, VA. Does anyone know of any quilt shops there or nearby? We may also be taking a drive down to UVA. TIA

Julie in GA

Oh my stars! I can't take this heat anymore! If you've never experienced 97 degree heat in the city you can't imagine it. All that concrete radiating the heat right back at you...ugh. After spending my childhood in the South I figured I could take the heat, now I whine whenever it goes above 85 here. I had the bright idea that I would do my laundry early before it got really hot so I lugged two loads down the four flights of stairs and down the block to the laundrymat--and guess what? The laundrymat isn't airconditioned!!! While the stuff was washing I went to the park across the way and watched all these little kids playing in the sprinkler fountain on the playground. I was seriously considering going in. Step aside kids, Jenny needs to get in! And to top the whole thing off, our air conditioning is barely working. I guess I'll have to send it to be serviced. This stinks!!!! Jana you can have this heat--I don't want it!

Well, now that I have whined....I found a neat site for email cards. www.robinsplace.com All Victorian designs, very pretty and nice music choices too. Speaking of email cards...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONICA!!! Enjoy the Pizza Hut tonight! That made me think of the party my DH threw me for my 21st birthday. He threw me a surprise party at the ice skating rink complete with the goofy cake in the party room. It was just like the skating party I had when I turned 8. The funniest part was when they brought the cake over to our table with it's 21 candles, the kids at the next party table saw it and said, "wow, look all her candles! She's old!" DH looked at me and said, "and so it begins"! Okay, so I don't know why the Pizza Hut made me think of that, but it did!

I think I need to go to the movies this afternoon, something dark and airconditioned! By the way, did y'all know that it is National Ice Tea Month? I learned that this morning--somebody send this displaced Southerner a box of Lusianne Tea quick!

Jenny in NYC

Cassi- loved the history of Serial Quilters. We formed our group 16 years ago and quilt every single Thursday. It's like going to camp.You come home exhausted, your body hurts from laughing so hard.Our meetings last from 10-6 and we always have a wonderful lunch. Our host loves to cook and try new recipes out on us., We are very spoiled.It's the highlight of our week. Husband brings home pizza on Thursday because I'm too brain dead to cook. What's the saying?"Play Hard!" No problem.
To the one who is going to Fabric Depot in Portland, I am sooo jealous! This store advertises an acre and a third of fabric! Its a warehouse full and they have alot of 1/3 off sales! Hope you saved some space in the car. Still haven't received any of that heat yet. Are you guys sending it UPS or snail mail? My toes are a lovely shade of blue. Jana from W-W-Washington

We have a total of 275 blocks for David’s wife and children’s quilts. Will be keeping a look out for Nancy’s block from New York. I put the blocks on the fabric wall and move them around I think I know how I want to sew Jean’s quilt together.

Thank each of you for sending me fabric it is appreciate and I will include it in my quilts. Kelly I am surprised at the different butterfly material. I almost feel guilty! Chutem I once received a small piece of fabric and wished I had a piece of that,now I do. Liz I love the dog print fabric!

Sue Rivers from Mayfield Kentucky I am also keeping a history of the blocks and the name of the block so I can pass it on. I do not know the name of your block. It was a star within a star.
Would you e-mail me with the name of the block?

Elizabeth Miller Salt Flat Tx.
Elaine Sinton Sch Haven PA.
Kelly Cassidy Kirkland WA
Marcie Lane Ajax Ont Canada
Patricia A. Richie Victor MT.
Ann Connors Randolph MA.
Marlene Hart Richville NY.
Jenny De Schutter Berlare, Belgium
Gay McDaniel Logan Oh.

Brenda in Nevada

Calling all southeastern Oklamhomians!! Or Northeastern Texans!! Find Erica after
she moves! Then she'll know she's not alone. Jojo Quilter - where do you live?? LOL

Erica, might I also suggest "The Quilters Apprentice"? It too is a story about moving to
a small town etc.....(quilting too!)

Well, my first applique project is almost complete. A small 23x26 wallhanging. At first I
was calling it all sorts of names, but after awhile it kind of grew on my and the hand stitching
was relaxing when I got the hang of it. It is a wine bottle, cheese wheel, glasses and grapes
type thing. The only thing left to put on is the grapes and a wine bottle label. My parents
bottle their own wine and have designed their own label. Little do they know that their label
will be on my wine bottle! I do believe this is a Christmas gift in the making!!!

Susan in sunny, breeze and thankfully not too hot Fresno

Thanks to everyone who sent along the kind
words and advice. I'm feeling a lot better
now. I think part of it is I look at where
I am now (in terms of having stuff packed,
being prepared for the new job, all the
things I have to do by July) and I get
sort of overwhelmed and shut down.

Also I am the kind of person who gets very attached to a place. I've lived where I am now
for ~6 years and it feels a lot like home.
It's hard for me to make changes.

Also, where I am going (a small city in Southeastern Oklahoma), there is apparently
no bookstore in town, no kind of coffee-house
hangout type place, there may or may not
be a fabric store (not sure on that). It
will be very different for me. I have my usual
hangouts and places to go up here, and it
seems like there are far fewer down there.
Everyone tells me I will get used to driving
45 minutes or more for stuff...I don't know
about that.

Also, I'm always a little apprehensive going
to a new place because of what happened to me as a kid (I know, typical old thing, blame it
on a bad childhood). But I was a terribly unpopular child in school, I came home in tears many days. And even now as an adult, I can't quite get past the fear of "If I go somewhere new, what will I do if nobody likes me? What
will I do if they make fun of me?" I know, it's
totally irrational, but it's just part of who I am.

I did find a book that has been helpful in cheering me up and reminding me that there is a lot of good stuff about moving to a smaller area. It's called "Bingo Night at the Fire Hall" and it's a sort of autobiographical story about a woman who moved from Washington DC to a little rural town in Virginia (I think). (I've not settled in and read the whole book; I've skimmed bits and pieces of it). She reminded me that in a smaller town, crime tends to be a lot lower - you
don't worry about going to the grocery at night.
People tend to pull together more and help each other. There is fun to be had, if you look for it. People in small towns are fairly tolerant of certain eccentricities. It's quieter.

So what I have to remember is that even though I am leaving what I know, there's a lot of good things that I am going to. And I believe there is a SE OK quilt guild, I will have to check that out.

Part of my problem is I'm not a real accomplished or comfortable driver. Most of the stuff I've needed in the past was within walking distance. So now I'm worrying "Can I drive to Plano if I need to? Will I make it to the airport safely when I have to fly home?" But I guess I will just have to deal with the fear and drive when I have to drive.

Thanks again,
Erica

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(there....I think that is the correct number)

Jdb: What PUNishment you dish out!
Lindy: Don't worry....your confessions are safe with us (teeeheeeheeee!) ;)
Confessions ARE good...lets the rest of us not feel so bad when we do similar things. "I mean...even the Yakima Yakker made that mistake...so I can't be as stupid as I think I am!!!"
Gives us a useful alibi.

Ronna in too hot and muggy Happy Valley

Hi all - it has been awhile since I have posted, been quite busy but just wanted to wish Monica a happy birthday and many more wonderful ones. Would also like Kitty Kate to know that I am thinking of her and praying for her today. Good luck.
Cassie - email me if you can about the raffle tickets. Would like to get some.
Gotta get to work - busy day.
Jayne in Utah who is counting 51 days until I arrive for Ohio 99!!!

When I went to Blue Mountain to send Monica a B-day card they told
me today is Best Friends Day. Since I have coffee with you all
every morning--Have a DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF DAY. I'm going
to Portland to spend the night with grandchildren and to visit Fabric
Depot -- just the smell of all that fabric gives me a rush.
KtyKte: Am sending positive thoughts up to you. Do you and Lindy need
me to come to Yakima to listen on Saturday????
Betty in Oregon--watching the grey sky staying grey.

Hee, hee, Brenda, 99 candles are not necessary - 33 will do! Though, to quote my 5 year old, "that's wicked old, mommy!". My almost 4 year old has sung the birthday song many times this morning and DH told me that the kids picked Pizza Hut to take me to for my birthday dinner - they know how to treat Mom right! 8^)

Cassi, I loved your little bit of BB history - I think I need to print one out.

My dad and I played with the printout of the cross-stitch pattern I designed to get it to look just how we wanted and he is now running off 2000 copies to go in Mom's newsletter. It was kind of exciting to see my design all printed up! I'm a published designer now, sort of!!

By the way, for anyone else who is turning 30 or is 30something, Tim McGraw has a really nice song on his "A Place Under The Sun" CD called "My Next Thirty Years".

Time to take DD#2 to preschool!

Monica in Maine (way too HOT and HUMID!)

Just noticed that Kelly posted a message down below about getting raffle tickets for Marilyn's quilt from me and I need to point out that I am not the one to contact for Marilyn's quilt!

My raffle tickets are for the Y2K quilt I made for a fund-raiser for my DD's competition dance team. The proceeds will help pay for national competition fees. Money has to be in my hand by Friday because the drawing is Saturday, so if anyone wants tickets, best get your request in the mail today!

Cassi in Ohio

Well, the first part of my post appears to have disappeared into cyberspace, so I will explain that my posting below was made so people on the BB who are new would understand what Ohio 99 is, since so many of us are mentioning it these days!

I posted other stuff too, but can't remember it now!

Cassi

Okay, I accidently hit the tab button - hope the earlier part of my posting shows up because all of a sudden it's not here! Anyway....

THE STORY OF OHIO 99

Last summer I discovered the WWQP Bulletin Board and started posting a few messages. I started up an e-mail corresponsdence with Brenda in Indiana because we both had new Janome machines - hers is Elvis, mine is Elvira. Brenda used to live here in Cincinnati and by August said she was going to come to visit me for a day. My kids, of course, were horrified that I was going to meet someone from the internet and I was given strict instructions to check carefully out the window before opening the door to her - she might be a serial killer!

Well, since I lived to tell this story, I can say Brenda turned out to be a very nice, very funny, very goofy gal who I'm glad to see has become a good friend!

Later that summer I noticed someone post a message about fabric shops in the Cincinnati area. I e-mailed her, saying she must live fairly close to me because she mentioned the same shops that I go to. Well, after a few e-mails back and forth we had narrowed our locations down to about 1 mile apart....and that was Bev in Cincy! We discovered a few others who live nearby - Just Me Sue from the internet and Backyard Susan from attending the Golden Needles Show. We started a quilt group, meeting the first and third Fridays of the month. Before long, we decided we needed to meet every Friday - two weeks apart from each other was just too long! Charter members were Bev in Cincy, Just Me Sue, Nancy in Loveland, Backyard Susan, Phillip's Susan and me.

Naturally since our "foundation" for meeting was through the BB, we posted reports on our meetings and over the school year you all have been able to keep up with our "doings" and enjoy our antics vicariously. We added Linda from Oxford soon after we started, and Kathy in West Chester and Judy in West Chester came alongearly in 1999. There are nine of us now, and six of us are regular BBers and two more visit the BB occasionally.

We needed a name for our group and of course we turned to the BB for help. Lots of BBers sent in name suggestions, but the winning one, harking back to my kids and their fears about meeting people from the internet, turned serial killers into Serial Quilters. Our close second choice was Fat Quarters, but I refused to wear that name on the back of a T-shirt, so it lost out!

Brenda in Indiana planned another visit on one of our meeting days, and surprised me by bringing Melinda in Indy with her. So these two are also Serial Quilters by extension! Mary in Ohio and Sheryl in WV joined the honorary membership ranks last fall when we met up with them at a quilt show! I'm afraid I'm forgetting someone else....can't remember who else we've met up with so far!

Moving along with the story (I never said this would be short), one day last fall after posting about a Serial Quilters day, I went to bed and slept through the night in all innocence, little realizing the conspiracy that was being plotted in the wee small hours of the night! When I logged on in the morning, lo and behold, Peg in Chicago had posted that it sounded like fun at Cassi's with the Serial Quilters and maybe all the BBers should go visit. Of course, others had already posted that they were game....just say when to show up!

And that was how Ohio 99 was born. Peg, being the instigator of the whole madness, has been in charge of taking names and deposits. We figured in the beginning maybe 20 people - all from the general Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana area -- might show up. So we found a hotel with a meeting room that would set up for a little more than 30 people, and we were amazed when the reservations came flying in. People from California to Vermont will be arriving July 30 for a weekend of fun!

So if you hear people mentioning Ohio 99 in their postings, that's what they're talking about. It's a completely informal weekend designed mainly for us to meet and eat and get to know each other. The Friday night festivities start off with an open house at my home with show and tell - bring quilts, or at least pictures. Saturday is sewing all day at the hotel (well, sewing for some, gabbing for others!). Our local fabric store is staying open after hours to give us a two-hour private shopping spree. A few BBers are offering demos or information sharing Saturday evening, and more of the same on Sunday morning.

So that's it....Ohio 99! We're sorry to say that we are completely booked to capacity, so no more reservations can be taken! We are up to (I think) 36 people, not including Serial Quilters! We are really excited to be meeting all of you and welcoming you to the ranks of honorary Serial Quilter membership!

Well, this is probably one of my longest posts ever, sorry for that, but it has been fun remembering how all this started!

Cassi in Ohio....the three H's - hot, hazy, humid!

I mailed that cursed quilt off this afternoon, after hand stitching a lovely computer generated label, framed in floral, to the back. Remembered to take its picture, but there wasn't enough light. Got the box taped shut before I realized I hadn't snuck my name and date on the quilt somewhere. Me, the label it preacher! The list continues!
I do decent/nice work. This gal that ordered the quilt had seen my one-woman show at a bank in Tonasket, WA. So, she has seen my work. But I get very nervous when people order a quilt they have never seen! "Burgandy/green, please." "Log cabin, Okay?" "Okay"... "send me a check"... "okay"...
What if she doesn't LIKE it when she gets it?! What if you finds a thread I didn't clip? Doesn't like the setting.... I am a worry wart! I have an urge to cash her check in a big fat hurry when it arrives !
AND- time for true confessions! What NOT to do when you make a quilt. Ran down to Shopko to get a sheet for the backing. This in and of itself is not a sin, but in my efforts to get quality for the lady I got a 200 count sheet without engaging my brain. I have done DOZENS of quilts. I have used sheets on some of them. Never have I misplaced my mind long enough to buy a 200 count sheet! 9 broken needles later I finally figured out the problem! Too tight a weave on the sheet. Had to put in a HURKIN' big 110 needle and chugga-chugga my way through the remainder of the quilting. Is that all, you ask? No!
(head hanging in shame as I cringe in the corner)
In my big fat hurry I put that 200 count, crisp from the package sheet, right on the quilt... without- Gasp!(don't beat me, I know better) washing it first. When I went to wash the finished quilt to rid it of dust bunnies and cat hair all the cream portions turned PINK! Washed it again immediately! Less pink... but just not the same!
There! Now you have absolutely no respect for me as a quilter... but I have told all. Doesn't honesty count for something? huh? Wimper, whine, shuffle...head hanging in shame...
Lindy the "I can't believe I did that" Yakima Yakker

YAKIMA YAKKER and I are going to a quilt show this weekend. I will drive over there on Saturday morning. Can't wait to meet my dear friend. We should do a lot of yakking. I know I am a yakker.
Thanks to all who have wished me well and for all the prayers. I can feel them showering down over me. You guys are the best.
Broke another tooth on Sunday. Gotta go to the Dentist after the Oncologist. Black Tuesday, right? Nah! I love every day. Just love some more than others. Tee Hee!
JDB you should write funny quilt books or something. Your sense of humor tickles me and I look forward to your posts. Someday I'm coming down to AZ and we'll DO LUNCH!
Thank you to all the wonderful BBers who asked for Janice's address. I know what a difference this will make for this dear lady.
Cassi, loved the tissue story. Some of us just seem to be the court jesters in this life. I rather like my job as jester. People feel more comfortable with someone who messes up more than they do. HA!
Take care and may God bless you and yours!
Love, >^..^< Kitty Kate in WA >^..^<

Just a note to mention that today, June 8th, is Monica's birthday. So, let's fill her email with lots of tacky cards, ha!

Okay Kitty Kate - how many "!" candles are you going to give sweet little Monica? LOL...106 maybe?? I suspect Monica is younger than me so maybe just 99 will do.

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

Linda B. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

May you have oodles and oodles more wonderful years together with your beloved. My admiration goes out to you.

Rachel in is it time for bed yet. UT.

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