---

Date: 5/14/99 Time: 11:48 PM
Subject: Quilts2@aol.com
E-mail Address: Chrisagher@msn.com

I'm not as nice as most of you so I don't intend to mince words about Quilts2@aol.com.

It's obvious to me as I'm sure it is to everyone else that Quilts2@aol.com has no close friends and is therefore jealous of "our" family. It is trying its best to break us apart and IT can't do that. As long as we know who and what we are no-one can harm us. Keep BBCing, BBPPing & BBQing.

Oh, BTW this is going on all three boards.

See ya, Chris in C. KY

Honestly, I had never sat down to list my collections until now!! No wonder there is no room for occupants in my house. Of course, I collect fabric (lots of it), and quilts, quilt tops (old and those I make but don't have time to quilt - yet), and sets of quilt blocks I find for sale. Also feed sacks. And quilt magazines. Then there are many jars of old buttons, and bakelite buckles. All kind of handwork - crochet, embroidery (have 36 pair of embroidered pillow cases), and especially samplers. Aprons. Costume jewelry from the '30s and '40s (the gaudier the better!). Ceramic cottages, Maud Humphrey Bogart girls, Boyd's Wee Folkstones and bears (also Raikes bears), storybook dolls, books, red-handled kitchen utensils, cookie cutters, veggie-shaped teapots, and dishes. Boy do I collect dishes. Last time I counted I had 17 sets of dishes (service for 4 or more) including depression glass, Fiesta, Fire King, Pfaltzgraff, and who knows what else! A while back I started collecting antique photos of children, and Victorian postcards/calling cards. My longest running collections are glass Christmas ornaments, and angels.
You have to live a long time to accumulate as much junque as I have. It may be time for a garage sale -- there are several more collections (not mentioned) that I need to get rid of. My most prized collection is friends --many found right here on the BB. Like some of you, my biggest collection is dust. If I didn't spend so much time here, maybe that collection would be reduced. Time to go look for more collections!!
Happy quilting (and collecting!)
Linda B in hot Texas
(come on Sandra, let's see your list, too!)

I had a wonderful experience yesterday that I would like to share with everyone. I got to meet a quilter (Janet B.) in person that I met as a result of the Y2K milennium quilt exchange! I contacted her from a Y2K list because I wanted to swap with others from my state, and there aren't too many of us participating. I asked her what town she lived in. She wrote back that she could probably just run my charms down to me. Here we live only about 6 streets apart! We met for lunch yesterday at Applebee's, looked at plants at a local garden center, and of course did some fabric shopping. Turns out we have lots in common. We just started talking with an ease like we had known each other for years! I think quilters are some of the nicest people. Turns out we know lots of the same people in town, but our paths have just never crossed (our town has only 18,000 people). She doesn't happen to follow our BB and other related pages like this one because she has formed bonds on other ones that she feels comfortable on. If any of you get a chance to ever meet a fellow internet quilter, seize the opportunity! I now have a new quilting friend. There are several more of you I hope to meet someday, but distance prevents it for now. It was such a positive experience, I had to share. Now.......there is this gardener from the next town over I met on the internet that I really need to get together with...........................

Patsy in West Virginia

It's been a wonderfully quilty day. I went to my Mom's and we discussed various joint projects. I took a photo of her latest baby quilt. Zachary is due tomorrow, hope he likes his quilt. We went to Hancock's and got some more fabric for the next baby quilt and other stuff we needed for WIPs. While there a lady told us about a garage sale where fabric and quilt books were on sale. We hot footed it over there. She had some nice stuff and lots of yardage of each. (This NEVER happens to me.)We got 50 yds of Jinny Beyer and Laura Ashley and other recognizables and 11 quilt books. I had taken her Mother's day fabric that had been back ordered from hancock's to her as well. 5 yds of the sapphire milenium swag from Jinny Beyer and the cutest little thimble pin I found in Paducah.(She collects thimbles)She was so happy she just kept laughing. I left 8 of the books and all the yardage with her. I still have my Paducah purchases out so I can admire them. I think I may need professional help!(But I don't want it! That's probably the first sign of danger, right?)
I checked out the regular BB, didn't take long, nobody home.Hmmm...
Wishing you all good quilty days, Willi in Linden, MI

I'm new to the area, Aberdeen proving grounds, I can't seem to find anyone who quilts here. I've gone to the guild meeting in Fallston, but no one seems to live here. I work full time but have plenty of time in the evenings and most weekends to quilt. I miss quilting with people. If you know of anyone or are that person, e-mail me at the above address. Sew long

Katie Mac: You didn't give a full email addy, so couldn't send this to you direct. But here is a site for y2k finished quilts, also places to buy millenium fabrics, charms etc.:

http://www.maxpages.com/quilterstours

Have fun!
Judy in Ark

I found a great site for quilting info!!

http://web.kilroys.net/~rosimons/quilt.htm

free patterns and lots of how to's!!!
Teacup

I just returned from Kevin's public memorial service. It was beautiful - full military service, bagpipe and large choir. The small town of Chetek was flying American flags from every lamppost in town. Most of the major TV stations were there also. We were not able to meet Ridgeley as she left immediately after the service, which I can fully understand. It had to be a very long day for her and the kids.
Thanks Dorrie for meeting me there. Dorrie and I were able to visit afterwards, sharing family photos. Well, Dorrie did - I didn't think to bring any.
Nancy the "sewbird" snowbird in WI

What a whirlwind time I had visiting son and girls. Did not I repeat did not want to come home, it is so much fun being a nana and a mom and a soon to be mom-in-law...

I met Gigi from N.CA and what a wonderful hostess she was, tea for me, cozy for her. Her quilting is superb and her sewing room immaculate...I am sew envious....Just have to work on mine one of these days when I finish all of my UFO's. hahahahahaha.

Weater fine, no material shopping trips.. This was the time to set up the Wedding Rehersal dinner see the RedWoods where the kids will be married...beautiful, think of one of those Star Wars movies that was done on the North Coast in the Redwoods and this is the setting that soon to be ddil found. The Lady Sue, who owns the property has a home that is to die for..a cottage in the woods, all hand painted inside by her, nooks all around..and the woods are just beautiful...My son is very outdoorsy and fits in here.

Started a white on white hand quilted whole quilt for ddil, she is to work on it to. Brought her a sewing machine...will get that gal quilting yet.

Lots to tell will do it over the next few visits..want to get to all the bb...

I MISSED YOU ALL.

Loon oh Loon no funny tunes

Doni oh Doni no celery to be found (yet)

Sandy Toes oh Sandy Toes ??

KittyKat oh KittyKat no ditties from you

Celia oh Celia oh Celia oh Celia

TeaCup oh TeaCup are you full

enough
TerTer, it is glad to be back, I now know I need a labtop...

Now although I could probably be the subject matter, I'm not! I wanted to say THANK YOU to all of the fantastic ladies that e-mailed me about the contrary wife pattern!! I have two books to go check out tomorrow. Boy, you ladies are fast!!!

I am making a wall hanging for a BB'ers mom and all I have left is the binding so I'm starting to get happy feet! Next... Snoopy dance.

Anyone that knows of sites to look at to decide what a Y2K finished should look like PLEASE e-mail! LOL

Katie Mac - Hot and muggy in Spring,TX

Loon darling...a few years back they invented these things called post'um notes..little bitty notpads with a strip of sticky gunk on one end..really neat invention..Put Raeanns addy on one and stick that baby right across your ole knobby forehead..hard to lose it then...of course you could always stick one on the back of your hand to remind you that you have one stuck to your forehead....my computer is just fuzzy with them posty notes! Of course you have to remember to read them everyonce in a while, for them to work right..they don't really jump up and remind you of anything...they just kinda stick around...

Hugs,
Doni

With everyone telling what they collect, I didn't want to be left out! Back in high school I started collecting frogs. I drove my parent's old Ford LTD which was green, so a frog was an obvious mascot. My frogs completely fill a wall shelf made by my grandfather. His donkey collection was kept there, but my frogs also look nice there. For several years my DH would comb the stores to find a new and interesting frog for my stocking at Christmas time. Finally last year I broke down and told him -- I really don't want any more frogs. That time is past.

I also have a porcelain doll collection. DH started this collection the first Christmas after we were married. Most of my dolls are like ones you can see adds for in women's magazines. I usually only get them as gifts, but there have been a few times that I decided I couldn't live without one of them and bought it for myself. After the kids came along, I had my dad make me shelves that stretch along two corners of my bedroom about 18" from the ceiling. This way I can enjoy viewing my dolls without the worry of little hands breaking them! I also have them in a hutch in my living room, plus on several other shelves in my bedroom. DH has also started buying me Boyds Figurines for special occasions. I now own 5 of them. For Mother's Day he bough me a special shelf to put them on -- now to find a place to hang it!!

I have a collection of Beanie Babies. When buying these as gifts for the kids, I found that there are some that were calling my name. They have now joined the dolls on my shelves, and I have way more than the kids do!

DH collects toy tractors and sports cards. The kids seem to have inherited something from their parents, and have a collection of all kind of treasures (junk).

Probably the best collection I have is the collection of friends I have found through this BB. You all have really helped to cure my loneliness, not to mention stirred a need in me to quilt more, plus buy more fabric, and spend way too much time on the computer!! lol

Happy Day!

Karen in KS

I bet you ladies had forgotten all about me, huh!
It's been a really hective time for me...I'll explain that later!

Collections..as manyof you knows I sort of collect Curio cabinets..none of the really nice old ones yet, but Mark always gets me at least 2 per year...so I have a bunch! He says he never knows what to buy..I dont wear jewelry much, but have gobs of it already..so a sure thing is a Curio..and in those curios I collect blown glass..I love to find a treasure piece while were out and about on vacation...usually a piece that is a total reminder of the state we are in...but my true passion is Dragons and Castles..mid evil type stuff...no Puff the magic dragon but the big ugly lizard looking ones and the Chinese dragons also...LOVE THEM!! If I ever win the lottery...I will live in a Castles..even if I have to have that baby built! Stone by Stone!!

Just got back from a trip to the zoo with Chris and Nick and Chris's first grade class! It was really fun! Nick got into a head butting contest with a little bitty goat in the petting zoo..kids can find the strangest things to play with! He wanted to bring him home so badly! But alas..we couldn't get him to fit in my purse or that baby would be here right now! He had almost the same colored marking as Buford! Nick said it was a Blue Tick goat! LOL!! He was just so sweet! only about 10'' tall! Loved him, and he really did want to come home with us to!

Well better go..just dropped by for a second before heading back out to the lake...We've been there since Wensday night...Spent yesterday doing Ridgeleys blocks..now I need to do some for Brenda quilts for the other pilots family....Have to remember to take my oil and new needles for the camper machine..needs to be cleaned and oiled real bad, after setting all winter!

Love the "I collect" topic...each of us is so unique in what we do besides quilting..

Hugs to all! Miss you guys so bad!
Hugs Doni

Retreat people in the NW,
I do envy you your retreat! Have a wonderful time!
Sandi in MN

Well I`ve been lurking for ages again,but it`s Friday night,I`ve a glass of Scotch and reading the new BB.Tomorrow my friend Jill and I are off to one of the largest Quilt shows in Britain.Quilts UK at Malvern in Worcestershire.Don`t you love the anticipation in the week leading up to a quilt show.I`m so happy thinking about all those beautiful quilts to look at,and then to compensate having to wait until August for the next big one ,indulging in a little,or maybe not so little retail therapy with the traders.It`s always a pleasure reading the pages of the WWQuilting site.Best Wishes from Stripey Bear in showery Worcestershire,Britain.

I see nothing wrong with a computer for the summer home and one for the winter home - after all I have one upstairs and one down.

The dream of the side by side condos reminds me of a sale I went to a few years ago. It was a lady who filled up one apartment, expanded into another one, and then had a couple of garages to hold all of her material, quilts, books, magazines, sewing machines, craft items, etc. It took 2-two day sales to dispose of all of this. And I was front and center at both sales you better believe. The second sale I had spent the money I had saved for the sale and some bundle of fabric came up. DH asked why I didn't buy that and i told him I had spent my budget - he just smiled and said no - you buy what you want - i"ll pay the bill. I came home with about 400 yards of fabric to add to my stash. See why I think DH is a keeper?

Peggy in Iowa

Serial Quilters met today and I have to say I had to take a lot of abuse from all of them. Seemed like it was "pick on Cassi" day for a few unnamed quilters! Of course, I was nice as pie all day...and if you believe that one, I have some swamp land in Florida.....

I do have to thank everyone for helping me baste the Y2K quilt - Linda with her gas mask on is a sight to behold! Bev and Sue managed to take over my entire kitchen and make pizza for lunch, cut up fresh fruit and serve lunch while I was chatting on the phone with Laura in NC. I'm sure Laura thinks we're completely insane now that she's actually spoken to us!

Managed to get a little (emphasis on little) handquilting on the double sawtooth done, but my main goal was getting the Y2K basted, so I guess mission was accomplished. Missed Nancy, Judy and Phillip's Susan - hope to see them all next week, which will be a field trip to Richmond, Indiana - anyone out there want to meet us for lunch next Friday in Richmond?

The whole group got to enjoy seeing Ridgeley's blocks, including the ones that came in today's mail:

Janet L., La Barge, WY
Judy K., Ft. Smith, AR
Trudy S., Chariton, IA
Cindy K., Fort Scott, KS
Gayle B., Clinton, UT
Lois W., Louisville, OH
Jana W., Nine Mile Falls, WA (isn't that a great name for a town?)
Marge H., Alexandria, LA
Marlene H., Richville, NY

This brings the total for all four quilts to 73 so far. Marty - your replacement block arrived as well.

Gray and gloomy today.....am I being a bad mom if I hope for rain so the baseball game is cancelled? I'd much rather stay home and quilt!

Cassi in Ohio

KITTY KATE--- your last post is too much!!! LOL!!! I didn't know you had it in you!!! ROFLOL!!!

KATIE MAC--YES!!! I can sing the Petticoat Junction song. Grew up on it!!! I'll bet Holice is on the "quilt show circuit" and doesn't even have time to blink his eyes. No doubt we'll see him in the Fall.

Sandi in IGH MN---I had a 2nd sewing machine for my summer house, so why not a 2nd computer for the cabin. Makes good sense to me!!!

RACHEL IN SAN DIEGO---I love the post. I tell my DH that our next house, or else when we retire (whichever comes first) will be two side-by-side condos with a pass-thru door cut in for access (like adjoining hotel rooms). Then HE can set up the kitchen the way HE thinks it should be done and have a TV screen bigger than the room is, and then I can have MY living room set up as my sewing room, use the spare bedroom(s) to store sewing stuff, and we can "visit" each other whenever we like!! Sounds like a great idea to me LOL!!!! Anyway, that's my "fantasty".

COLLECTIONS---nothing but fabric, dust, sewing/quilting books & patterns, and shoes. Look out, Imelda Marcos (says my DH!)

Doris W. in Tennessee

You know I have been thinking. On the Prayer page we see the sadness and hardships of each other. On the Quilt page we see our obsession. On this page we see another side, the friendly, funny side. It gives such balance to our knowledge of each other. I can see the joys and the sorrows and the silly and the kindness that make up the BB Angels. Just waxing philosophical. Somebody wrote that phrase to me in an email recently.
This morning I was crawling around under the bed. I was looking for my quilt tote and some other things. Oops! I found another big box of fabric I had forgotten about. Don't tell DH, he is an Oscar(as in grouch).
This isn't allergies, this is a rotten cold. This is one virus that you can't get from me or through my computer. I wish I could put it away for the weekend and start back with it next week. Doesn't work that way, so I have a rednose and it goes quite well with my YYY.
Don't do anything spectacular or very interesting until we get back. It is so hard to catch up on the BBs. Please don't talk about us, I have spies everywhere. Now I want you all to behave yourselves and envy us our retreat. That sounds kind of witchy. Didn't know I was capable of that, did you?
JBD Hah! I worked my evil spell on your computer. Ha! Ha! Gotcha! I must have the last word.
Take care and may God bless you and yours!
I'll Be bach! you can be Beethoven.
Love, >^..^< Kitty Kate in WA >^-*-^<

Julie: Longaberger baskets are produced in Dresden, Ohio. Check out www.longaberger.com and then make plans to visit this interesting site in person this summer.

Lois in Beautiful Ohio

Bertie: I'm glad that dust is a "country accent"!! NOW I know why I leave it where it is!!!
My DH and I collect......plants. LOTS of strange and wonderful plants. Some are indoor and some are outdoor.
I collect.....(besides fabric---a relatively new hobby) ROCKS. Yes, I confess, I am a little strange (as you all know by now). I collect interesting and representative rocks from places where we have gone hiking or camping.
I also collect Japanese Swords and their fittings....but I have only two (they are WAY too expensive for a "real" collection)so I also collect books about them. The books are like most art books with all of those color plates....*real* expensive, so I don't have all that many of them either.
Other than that...oh yeah! How could I forget??? My DH collects boats. Yep, our yard is littered with kayaks (two and one man types) and a dingy or two. We live 80 miles inland, but that never bothered him! LOL. I did get him to sell two of the older kayaks before he purchased his most recent one. :)
They take up more room than the things I collect. I tell people who are trying to find our house to just look for the place with all of the kayaks hanging in the carport.
I also collect armadillos for my friend Karen (who is from Amarillo, TX) She has quite a collection now! I would like to make her a wall hanging with an armadillo, so if any of you have a pattern for an armadillo, or armadillo fabric in your rather extensive stashes, let me know....I would love to swap.
Well...now I will have to go away for about 5 days on business and I won't be able to read the BB :( Hope I survive!

Ronna in sunny, warm, Happy Valley

Sorry for posting twice. Just impatient I guess.

Peggy in Iowa - the quilt stand in the bath tub reminded me of when I was changing my sewing room to another extra bed room which held most of my over 800 pieces of blue glass collection (boxes in closet). To keep from moving these things twice I put them in the bath tub in the hall bath and kept the shower curtain closed. After about two months we had company coming so I had to empty the tub. When DH saw realized this one he just shook his head in amazement. Now he looks behind the show curtain often to see whats in there - besides dust.

Becky of Birmingham Al via NEw Zealand leaving for USA in the morning! YEEEEEAAAAAAAA

Peggy in Iowa - the quilt stand in the bath tub reminded me of when I was changing my sewing room to another extra bed room which held most of my over 800 pieces of blue glass collection (boxes in closet). To keep from moving these things twice I put them in the bath tub in the hall bath and kept the shower curtain closed. After about two months we had company coming so I had to empty the tub. When DH saw realized this one he just shook his head in amazement. Now he looks behind the show curtain often to see whats in there - besides dust.

Becky of Birmingham Al via NEw Zealand leaving for USA in the morning! YEEEEEAAAAAAAA

Hi...just lurking on a friends computer and noticed a couple of mentions about Longaberger baskets. What are they? I assume they are quite collectable-- are they old? what materials are used? are they named for the maker?

Could you post the answer on this board?I will check with my friend who owns the computer for the answer...LOVE to visit here..Will have a computer soon and I know the first place I will head for....Thanks, Julie

Hello everyone!
The DH and I were just discussing how we are both going to go through BB withdrawl over the weekend while we're at the cabin. Would it be sick to get another computer etc. at the lake just to keep in touch?

I didn't mention what I did collect (besides the dust) yesterday. I have a thing for little boxes.they can be tins, ceramic, wood, soapstone, whatever. All kinds of shapes too. I too, collcet thimbles. I someday want to visit all the countries that I have them from. Everyone at church that goes on mission trips bring them to me.
The DH also collects Redwing crocks. I don't count his crocks and he doesn't count my Longabergers.(they are great for hiding, I mean Storing) fabric in!
Sandi in IGH MN

Thought I'd bare my soul and tell the world what a packrat I am. So much so, I've become an antique dealer. Now, when I buy a goodie, I say, oh thats for the shop. Funny how it never gets there.

When you come to visit you will find antique quilts and anything quilt or sewing related. Old paper quilting patterns, vintage fabrics, flower printed feedsacks, buttons, Hummels, Moorcroft pottery, china egg times, Allerton Blue Willow, anything egg or chicken related, dexterity puzzles, hatpins, Victorian tin childs dishes and the beat goes on and on and on.

Raeann in Missouri

You guys and your collections are pretty scary! DH has so many magazines (photography, computer, on and on) that I've threatened to turn the house into a library. Out of self-defense I've subscribed to several magazines, er, professional journals of my own, but it's such a pain to thumb through all the ads and stuff I know I'll never use that I actually (brace yourself) cut out the pages of the articles I want to keep, put them in a plastic cover, then file them in the appropriate looseleaf. Is this compulsion, or over-organization, or what? When I find a recipe I like I program it onto the computer and file it in you guessed it, a plastic cover in a looseleaf notebook. Oh well. People who have given me favorite recipes then lost them know they can call me and I'll print out a copy on ye olde computer.

We also have a collection of Dept 56 North Pole Village that is threatening to take over the house. Some day I'd like to get a huge display case to put the village on permanent display then I won't have to set it up and put it away every year.

jdb in Arizona, where the e-mail server isn't serving. again. All those e-mails from Kitty Kate last night gave it a nervous breakdown. (Maybe it went into "retreat" with her? LOL)

When I wrote my note on collections - I guess I forgot a few - feed sacks (including a stack of about 30 sacks that all came from the feed store in the town we live in) quilt books (close to 1000 at last count) quilt magazines; along with DH we have horse pictures on the walls, also like old pictures of farm animals (my favorite is in the bath room over the bath tub - we use the shower in the basement most of the time) Did you know that a quilt rack will sit in the bath tub?

Went to an exhibit at the local museum yesterday, and the scary part is I looked in the cases where they had old sewing items, sewing machines, etc, and could say - I have one of those or that with good regularity. I could probably have put up 75% of that display out of my own stuff.

Peggy in Iowa

I am printing out all the postings about collections. My DH thinks i have too much "stuff". After 20 yr in the military, I though I had a pretty good collection of shower curtains and window treatments. One good garage sale took care of that though.! Now I seriously collect anything related to cows and quilts. the repairmen get a laugh out of the directions I give to find my house in the country, just look for the two life size cows in the front yard. Get the idea on how far I am over the edge on this one? I also need to get my sister to read these postings. She has gone through the phase of collecting husbands, but doesn't have the sense of humor you all have. She needs to learn to laugh about this subject! Need to go and get ready to do some sewing so that in the next week I can do some major Snoopy dancing. I have three full size quilts ready for the binding stage.keep on quilting! krazkte@aol.com

Gloom, dispair and agony on me. Deep dark depression, excessive misery. If it weren't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all, gloom, dispair and agony on me. I have watched an episode or two of Hee Haw myself!

Now, can you do the theme from Petticoat Junction?

Marty - Hey, you go girl. I'm on my forth too. Was a great wedding. Oldest son gave me away and the youngest was the best man! I love "family" weddings! LOL

Had a hedgehog named Spike but alas he is in prickley heaven.

I couldn't stay away for long! I can't believe all the sweet e-mail! I didn't know THAT MANY of you knew who I was and missed me! Wow, what a heart melting I got! You ladies are really special. (on this board anyway, LOL)

If anyone is wanting info on a reasonable place to stay for the Quilt Festival in Oct. let me know by e-mail. Lynn and I are trying to get things set up. I live here but some of us are thinking of getting a room and then after shopping and dinner we will have a pajama party and show what we bought! (I'm sure a good story or two will be told as well!)

Hey, have we lost Holice with all of this moving around?

Hugs to you all,

Katie Mac in Spring, TX

Yay! I just need to throw my toothbrush in the bag and I'll be off for the First Annual NW YYY Retreat! Well, after spending some time at WORK first...the things we do to support our quilting! ;-) I'm looking forward to spending some time with Julie, Maureen, Kitty Kate, Betty and Sandra. I will be the last one there tonight. I hope we all have lots of good stories to tell when we get back to our computers on Sunday.
TTFN!
Deanna, in overcast Sequim, heading for Ocean Shores, WA

Marlene - Your e-mail is bouncing - NEED to get in touch with you - if I don't catch you on IM. Sorry to do this here :( Bev in Cincy

I am posting this to remind everyone that is showed an intrest of coming to Alaska 2000 that the deadline for the questionnaires that I sent out is May 15th. As of this afternoon I have only recieved 4, but have not been able to check my e-mail. I wouldn't want to have to leave anyone out. I do have a couple of open spots and I have moved one that I can remember from the waiting list to the on board list. But I will contact you soon.

Thanks again,

Susan in North Pole

Ladies, I love hearing about all your collections. I collect many of the same things you do. Feedsacks, sewing related items, quilts, quilt tops and extra blocks, fabric, cobalt bottles, cobalt glass, blue and white dishes, quilt books, violin bottles, and childrens blue willow tea sets. Oh course DH says I have too much junk. But,his sliderules are taking up a lot of space too. Dust, weight and gray hair are beginning to be plentiful too. Friends are also a favorite!

Becky of Birmingham AL via New Zealand headed for USA in two days! (will be without BB for two weeks. May need medication for my withdrawals)

When my DD#1 was in 2nd gr. and we lived in Germany, I had my DH stop at a shop one day and buy her a little Goebel hedgehog. She was a prickly sort of child, but I knew it was to protect her soft insides. I told her she was like a hedgie and would roll into a ball to protect her soft tummy. It was her defense, she wasn't a mean person. She is 27 yrs. old and has hedgies of every size, shape, in every medium, and from all over the world. I look for everything hedgie for her. The first year she was married, I found a cast aluminum one in a hardware store. I guess it is for the garden or patio. She loved it and kept it in the living room. One year I gave her a crystal hedgie. She has brass and fur and one made out of a coconut, too many to remember. Her ICQ name is Igel which means hedgie in German. It is pronounced like eagle. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. She is a grape collector too. We have found some neat grape things in Antique shops. DD#2 collects junk and children and exboyfriends. She can collect anything she wants when she moves into her own home. If it is too hard to walk through her house, I will tell her to visit here. (maybe)
I have a miserable cold and I am not a happy camper. Our retreat starts tomorrow and it's not fair. If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. (Hee Haw - for you young people)
This kitty has to pack her ditty bag for tomorrow.
>^..^< MEOW >^-.-^<

Hi all!

Still rainy in Iowa. Won't even think about trying to camp this week-end! Besides, we have 6 graduation receptions to go to in three different towns over the next two week-ends.

I used to collect ashtrays from all over when I was a kid. My folks traveled a lot and would bring back one from every place they went. I now have some old dishes and china and spoons and crystal that were handed down. What I really like to collect are quilt plates. I have them hanging in several rooms. I also have a collection of Precious Moments and beanie bears. I have some other beanies too. Other than the bears, I just buy the ones I think are cute. My DH's father used to work for Pepsi and now he has some of his collectibles. He gets a lot of Pepsi stuff for Xmas and birthdays. We also have some Maynard Reece prints, and others that my father collected, but I don't really care for them.

I wish I could collect time in a bottle and use a little of it when I need it, like this time of night! (Or I should say in the mornings when I try to drag out of bed!) I just lay there waiting for the spirit to move me and sometimes it just doesn't work!

Speaking of bed, better head up. Have a great day tomorrow!

Sunshine to all...........

Trudy in Iowa

glad to hear about all of the other collections.
DH will have to read this so he won't think i'm
the only crazy one in the world. i have old china
in several patterns, Steven Correia glass, gave up
on the baskets a while back, and counted 27 liquor
boxes (strongest ones available) full of fabric
when we moved it all so poor DH could PAINT the
sewing room. he finally gave up and moved his
stuff out. he even put up floor to ceiling shelves.
so i guess the fabric collection rates the best. i
especially collect fabric with cranes on it.
now that it is warming up a little i will probably
have to go outside a little and quilt sewing. must
at least look at grandma's lilies of the valley which
are doing very nicely in my tiny garden.
nancy in wyoming

Welcome back Katie. Way to go.
Judy in Ont.

Hubby sez I collect everything. (Not true) However, I collect all but about 6-8 things that have been mentioned here already, ha!

Started w/bird figurines, Luci Rigg bears, dolls from garage sales that needed loving home, old formals, hats, gloves, purses, jewelry and fancy shoes for g-daughters' 'dressup' trunk; teeny perfume bottles, Smurfs, marbles (haven't lost my marbles) asst'd fast food toys, cars, ladies hankies for someday quilt; tins, cookie cutters, asst'd. sewing "stuff" like buttons, wooden spools, crocheted red/white items; cobalt blue bottles (Vicks Salve, Phillips Milk of Magnesia, Noxema and Evening in Paris mostly--have about 800) Pez dispensers, tea strainer balls on chain,
sewing tools/aids/patterns/books/fabric; cute golf balls and shot glasses to display them on, lil ceramic dogs, doll house stuff, etc etc.

Wanta come to my city dump/museum/sewing room and play with me?

Hubby has tried to intimidate me into stop going to yard sales with his sister, 'no more room to put stuff'. I said "well, I guess I'll have to start collecting the really tiny stuff now, like diamonds!"

"Dust is a country accent" my daughter said and I allus said I'd clean house when I got old and gray and had nothing better to do!

SO, LADIES! I'm so glad I'm not the only one who doesn't throw everything (or should I say anything) away. : )

Bertie in Illinois

I am like most of you I collect lots of things. I collect Avon Dolls have 97, cook books and quilting books and as DH says more fabric then JoAnn Fabrics has. DD says if you need fabric or supplies go to moms house she will have it.
Marge from MI

I collect Noah's Ark items. Like someone else posted, I like to buy them myself. Years ago, I collected bears, and when my family found out, I was overwhelmed with them. Lots of things I didn't want. Picky, picky, huh? Also little wooden buildings I buy at a craft show every year. And I seem to be collecting pounds, not intentionally.

Janet in western PA

Me again.
I heard this story at work today and I have to pass it on because it is just to funny :) The best part is that it is TRUE!!!
There is a woman somewhere (I'm assuming southern CA) whos husband got so sick of her quilting and crafting taking over their house that he bought the house next door and moved all her stuff into it. Now she doesn't have a crafting room, she has a whole HOUSE!! She has a quilting room, a dried flower room, a crocheting room and another room I forget what it was... Can you believe it? What a lucky lady.

~Rachel in SanDiego

I admit... I'm collectic.
I currently collect penguins, lionfish, PEZ dispensers, lava lamps, STUFF (stuff has a vauge definition in my mind), and ugly things from the 60's and 70's. The uglier the better... I keep a brown ceramic owl named Aulette in my VW and am the proud owner of the worlds single most ugly clock. Really. I also like those brown, orange, or avacado nesting tupperwear bins with the funny designs on the front.
Oh yeah, I collect stockings too... I have a pair with glitter chinese dragons on the calves, b&w checkerboard, red and white oompa-loompa style striped, black fishnets, burgundy fishnets... I shant go on with this list, it is pretty long.
Do I even need to mention the fabric??? ;)

~Rachel in SanDiego

Hi There,
Collect? Isn't that when your kids call home???

I collect Oil Lamps, Bears, Cobalt (mostly dishes), Crystal Cruets, Tins and lots of other old things. I keep saying, the only reason the ranch hasn't sold is because the Lord doesn't want to have to help me pack it all up and move it. And I keep promising to have a (VERY) big SALE!!!!! LOL

Now for the bad news, It snowed again today.........

Later,
Susan in ( I don't want to talk about it!!) Mt.

After reading all the postings on collections and then reading Katie Mac's post on Real Friends...I would have to say that reminds me of my collection of Real Friends..without them I would be lost. I have also found some Real Friends here on our Chat Page. So, good night Dear Friends. Mary on Cape Cod

Apparently sewing related items go hand-in-hand with being a quilter/seamstress. I have never counted my thimbles but have 5 printer boxes full displayed in my sewing room. If counted by the piece, my collection of baseball cards and baseball related items is larger than my fabric stash. Another collection is of Dutch Delft and other items from Holland. I have also inherited my DH's antique books. I am also a member of the same club as Marty and Katie Mac. I too have had four DHs.
I like to think I have a new collection of friends here on the BB pages.
Barbara in Spring Valley, Ca, where it was colder (66) then in North Pole, Alaska !!!

My college student told me about her collection. It's a collection of dirty clothes. She says she is spending so many hours in the art studio that she doesn't have time to get to the laundry and that its easier to go to the thrift store and buy new t-shirts than wash the diry ones. She has about three weeks left of school. I feel this collection is just going to keep growing and growing. Can't wait till she brings it home to share with the family.%^)
Carol of Wantage

Ahhhhh -collecting. That's almost my middle name :-).Since I have been married for 49 years, I have done my share of collecting over the years. My parents were "collectors" also, so my sister and I have been blessed with family keepsakes. I started a dog collection (china, pottery, wood etc.) when I was a little girl and that has continued on a small scale. My DS and DIL collect beanie babies, so they give me the beanie dogs. I love blue and white dishes, especially Blue Willow. Of course, fabric items are a favorite, I have antique quilts and tops - also linens. Have lots of printed feed sacks and am always on the lookout for them. Etcetera Etcetera.
Dena in Ok.

I'm having one of those senior moments, just read your post and
forgot your name in the time it took to get the form. Anyway I have
one of the fiberglass covers--bought it in the mid 80's when they were
only sold at fairs, etc. It works fine as an ironing board cover and
doesn't scorch or discolor, but I don't believe all the other hype
about them. Also gets hot enough so you say a few choice words when
you touch it after you have been using the iron for a while. Guess I'd
say if you are looking for a forever ironing board cover--they're it.
Collections: Chicken things. Collection was started when they were
hard to find, now DH keeps doing "Ultimate Chicken" things for gifts. A
carousel chicken which I sit on to talk on the phone. Tiffany glass
chickens and for Mothers day a flag which is visible two blocks away.
Am with Cassi when it comes to the Spode and all the other china,
silver and crystal which were necessary 50 years ago, but take a
lot of space and care.
When we retired early we sold the house and moved aboard a 38 ft sailboat
for 4 years....that took care of a lot of the packrat collectibles...
but not the fabric stash or the featherweight. Betty in Or (rainy)

When I was first married, the first time in 1953, i collected salt & pepper shakers. As the years past and my collection was getting larger than I wanted to keep washed clean, I gave my collection to my best friend who also had a collection.
Didn't collect anything for the next few years, but someone came to visit and gave me a souvenir bell. Then I started getting bells for gifts on Mother's Day and Birthdays...all kinds of bells, but mostly crystal and brass. I even have a cow bell and a bell that was attached to a horse somehow (my Dad gave those to me when he retired off his farm) I also have an old school bell which had been given to the Bakersfield Common School (all 8 grades in one room at the time) by my great grandmother. That school burned to the ground (arsenist) in 1986 and my brother found the bell in the ruins and sent it to me when I lived in Calif. That is my most cherished bell...of the 203 in my collection...still growing. I also collect anything with Lighthouses. I started collecting them when I heard that they were all being computerized so had no "keepers" any more. Very Sad!
Now that I am a quilter, I collect fabric (with a lot of help from the BB by the way)notions & sewing tools and I have too many quilting books to count right now. I guess you could say that I also collect graphics for the computer. I have a collection of cookbooks and running out of space (and just John & I to cook for now) so I am thinking about giving most of them to Marilyn's granddaughters who love to cook.
Since I have had four husbands, one at a time, I guess you could say I was a collector of them too. 8^) Oh yes, I have 340 audio tapes which I recently gave to my DH since he is the REAL music lover. All my tapes are now stored down in the recreation room where all of his musical equipment lives. Sometimes he "pipes" it up stairs through the speakers up here for me.
And since I started quilting, as is normal I see by Cassi, KittyKate & Sandi's posts, I too find myself collecting dust bunnies...EVERYWHERE!!!

Marty in Vermont

Very good Katie- You win as long as you stay around- LOL

I just remembered after I posted I DO collect something- speeding tickets- got 3 cancelled checks to prove it!!!!!
Celia

I collect jumping jacks. I have about 70. Started collecting about 25 years ago. The first jumping jack was given to me when my son was born 35 years ago. I've bought most of them myself (which I prefer) but friends and family often give me one when they run across one.
Helen in Austin, TX

Welcome Back,
Our Katie Mac.

A simple friend says "goodbye!"
A real friend says "tell me why?"

We've missed you, gal,
Our true quilting pal.

Kay, the Oregonian who lives in La Luz, NM

OK, Celia! I collect lots of things but I'll just say that until I found my sweetheart of a DH (Troy) I collected ex-husbands! ROFLOLPIMP.

Was that a good comeback???

Katie Mac

Monica: Two is a pair; anything over that is a collection, ha!

And to all you gardeners out there, there's some great gardening fabric at Big Horn Quilts. Was looking (translated "drooling") over their fabric last evening.

Some great roosters, chickens and separate fabric with just the chicken wire, too. I love that site! (Not affiliated, yada, yada, yada)

Bertie in Illinois

This week's Chetek WI newspaper has Kevin's obituary in it. The website is:
http://www.citypapers.com/Chetek_WI/

And good morning to everyone. We just returned from Minneapolis where I was able to speak with Dorrie re tomorrows memorial service for Kevin. Have we ever had rain in this part of the country and it continues to fall! So as some of you speak of gardening, I can only think of mud. LOL
Have a great day,
Nancy the "sewbird" snowbird in WI

My server's home page this morning featured gardening and one of the sites, the Virtual Garden features one of those BB where you have to click on the question if anyone is interested in checking it out. It also looks like they are setting up a chat page. Plus lots of gardening info. Go to:
http://www.vg.com/

CASSI: Of course it is your wonderful influence that brought me over here! 8^)

COLLECTIONS: I collect Cat's Meow houses and apparently I collect thimbles. (DH has brought me two porcelain thimbles back from a couple of his work trips - Philadelphia and New Orleans. I guess since it's more than one that makes it a collection??). Of course, I collect fabric!!

Seriously, I noticed a few people commenting on not liking the new format here. I admit it is not easy to get used to but let's see if we can make it work out okay. If it's quilting or sewing related in anyway, I've been trying to put it on the original BB. My other stuff will go here...Of course, there is always something that falls in between (my thimble collection??).

Big quilty hugs to all my cyber-friends,
Monica in Maine (only 40 degrees this morning - BBRRRR!!)

Tricia in Perth,

My dear friend, we are not doing well with the e-mail. mine bounced from your last posting on the BB looking for me. I will send this to you here on the Chat page and hope be can get together. Not sure why our e-mails have so much trouble. I always have trouble with e-mails to Georgie too.

Hope to hear from you soon. If you have trouble just chat here.

Susan In North Pole

Several weeks ago there was some posting regarding good sources for rubber inking and a permanent ink type was mentioned, of course I did not write it down as I thought it would be so simple to find something locally. Wroooong....If anyone has a good source please e-mail me as I got a cute stamp but the only ink I can find washes right out.
To start another thread about our lives, what does everyone collect besides quilts and fabric?? I like to collct advertising tins and I love Depression glass along with some old furniture pieces that were handed down through my DH family. The one piece I really love is an old oak icebox that was used by his grandmother. Also by the looks of the 4 dogs and 5 cats we have , we also collect castoff pets..LOL. I'm sure Kittykate and others can relate. Joanne in PA

Hi there, I don't really have much of anything to say except that I can't resist the urge to post. :)
Things are doing well here in (mostly)Sunny SanDiego and at Rosies. I see so much fabric I'm starting to dream about it. I need to start quilting more... I'm kind of held up with no rotary cutter or mat, but I need (notice I say "need," a feeling we all have, I'm sure ;)) to get them soon because I am loosing sleep just laying in bed thinking of all the quilts I want to make. AK!!
DH and I are are handling his night-duty well, thank you to everyone who sent nice e-mail!! It's not as bad as I thought it would be, and I found out today that it will be 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off :) :) :)
Well, that's just about all that is interesting.

~Rachel who is never going to be able to keep any money earned at Rosies.

Jenny, I also love my bed risers. I made a dust ruffle by measuring around three sides of bed (don't need it at the head of the bed, since that is against the wall), then buying that much bleached muslin (good quality). I cut lengthwise down the fold, sewed the ends together, made a narrow hem at top and bottom (about a half inch), and added eyelet lace on top of the bottom hem. Then I used a fairly wide (and loose) zig-zag stitch over crochet thread. It's strong and won't break easily when you gather it. I then gathered the long piece of fabric to fit around the bed. Just for good measure I then stitched over the gathering line to a piece of 1" wide twill tape. I bought t-pins to attach to the top of box springs, but didn't like the way it came loose everytime I made the bed, so I put an extra fitted sheet on the box spring, and basted the dust ruffle around the top of it while it was on the bed!! Not very professional, but works for me. Easy to remove for washing, and I've never had to make any repairs. I did all more eyelet lace, though, just for looks. This is probably clear as mud. Send me a note if you are interested in making one for yourself. (Country Curtains catalog used to have the longer dust ruffles, and I've seen them in J C Penney catalog, also.)
Linda B in Tx

First of all let me apologize for the slowness with which I am answering my email! My show is finished this weekend and I should return to normal...should, I didn't say would. I think I said before that my character is pregnant--coming up with the padding for that has been hysterical. The director had some padding that she had made for another show and we tried that on--obviously for a larger woman, it looked like I was having septuplets. We've been through sofa cushions, towels, you name it. I have to take a picture of this for my website--it's too funny.

Several weeks ago someone was looking for something and someone recommended the Vermont Country Store. I ordered their catalog and we ordered the bed risers so we could have extra space under the bed to store/hide stuff. We put them on tonight and what fun! I have such a big bed now! I need a new bedskirt now--where do you buy bedskirts that have a 20" drop? So anyway, thanks to whoever told me about Vermont Country STore. I love my bed risers!

I had jury duty this week--all I'm going to say about that is...this really is one interesting town! The things that go on here...

Jenny in NYC--I haven't had to wear a jacket all week, it's been so warm!

We took our entire school to the Brookfield Zoo on Tuesday. As a teacher I resemble a mother hen with too many chicks. I'm always trying to keepevery one of my "brood" in visual line of sight at all times and at the same time trying to insert a chunk of information into their brains. We made them sit and draw the animals every so often just so they didn't race madly down the paths and not see a thing. Some of their drawings are so funny- like cave man art. My crew had the best manners of all the group and they are behavior disordered. ( I threatened to attach any wanderer to me with string). By DH has promised to take me to the zoo all by myself so I can see the animals.
There is a soil conditioner that you need to add to clay soil. Gypsum is one type and plastic pellets are another, but there was a new product specifically to break up clay at the garden store this spring. I don't remember the name.
Quilt lecture tomorrow and Fons and Porter class on Sat.- Fun times -too bad school work needs to be done. Peg in Chicago who is as bad as the kids about summer vacation

Judy (?) from Ontario... If youwill be in Wickliffe or nearby there is a shop around there called ERIE STREET FABRICS. E-mail me for directions. Cassie is right about Hoops and Hollers. They have alot of my money there.
Loreen in Brunswick , Ohio

I have been trying to get this page to load all day. I wanted to say that I would be glad to collect and put together a quilt for any one of Davids family, wife or either of the 3 children. Would some one please let me know what is taking place with this project. Is there still a need for collecting???

i am waiting to hear what is already set up if anything.

Susan in North Pole

I'm so glad that Dorrie and Nancy are going to be able to go to Kevin's service on Friday. If you get a chance give Ridgely a big hug from all of us. She weighs so heavy on our minds this week and in the coming weeks with all the decisions to make. We'll keep you in our prayers. Fran in Central PA where it's finally warming up.

Just checking in to see what's going on--DD was out sunbathing on the deck this afternoon - "Did I get tan?"

JUDY IN ONTARIO: Case Western Reserve and Wickliffe are not exactly next to each other - probably at least a half hour's drive. The only quilt shop I know of in Cleveland is Hoops N Hollers in North Olmsted, which is on the west side of Cleveland, whereas you will be on the east. Cleveland is a great city these days but it is woefully lacking in quilt stores. Even the Minnesota Fabrics store near my mom's house closed down recently.

MONICA: Glad to see you here! Now tell me, was it BECAUSE of my powers of persuasion, or IN SPITE OF? LOL

For those who haven't had a chance to read The Quilter's Apprentice, it is really a terrific book. I was in a book store last week and one of the manager's picks was Persian Pickle Club and I told her about The Quilter's Apprentice and she wrote down the name and looked up the correct spelling for Jennifer's last name and said she was going to order it.

Looking forward to Serial Quilters Friday (my house). I haven't had much time to do anything quilty - dance competition for DD over the weekend (mom's brag moment: she got gold in every routine she was in). Between dance, Boy Scouts, end of the year school events and baseball, I'm just a full time chauffeur these days. A few more weeks and school will be out and then I'll be moaning and groaning about the kids driving me crazy because they're home all the time!

I can't do a Snoopy Dance but I am at the Woodstock Wiggle stage with the Y2K - the top is completely pieced and the backing is pieced as well. I'm not far from being done with the double sawtooth handquilting - wedding is June 26 and I'm hoping to have it done WAY before then. Fortunately, the flannel quilt for a college-bound daughter of dear friends has been done since before Christmas!

Off to the dance studio...oh yes, a proud moment when I was able to track down 8 straw boaters for their costumes (that's a hat). The ones that came with their costumes was so cheap it should have cost 50 cents. I found some decent ones for $5 each and feeling pretty pleased with myself!

Cassi in Ohio.....sad because my lilacs (very favorites) are almost done blooming

DORIS: I don't know about being the most avid gardener though I do love sitting out there pulling weeds (my mom is still in shock since I am the one who complained and whined the most over this job when I was a kid). In fact, I can't even remember most of the names of my perennials - Mom has to remind me! I am also notorious for killing house plants. I think all the plants that I do have are growing out of spite. My perennial bed is greening very nicely right now and my lavendar and lady's mantle looks so pretty all ready! I sure do love this time of year!
By the way, my Mom loved the design I made for her to use in her newsletter (isn't she a great Mom?)

Monica in Maine (all the birds have returned - saw a cardinal under the feeder today and an oriole today eating the oranges we put on top of the feeder and the rose-breasted grosbeaks have been back for a day or two PLUS I got to see an indigo bunting at my mom's today!)

Hi,
I am new to this chat line. I knoted one of the ladies
had one of these sewingmachines. I have one too.
What was this about the light? I will be back on
the chat line tomorrow, about the same time.
Betty, VA.

Hi Everyone,
Just had to tell everyone that I met my first BBer today at the quilt shop.I made my yoyo two weeks ago and was going to wear it today as I was going for fabric. I got busy before I left and was nearly there and realised I had not put on my yoyo. I got talking to a lady while looking through FQs and the internet was mentioned .
We mentioned the WWQP and found out we both love it. She didn't have her yoyo either so its a good thing we started talking or we would have missed each other. We exchanged e-mail addys and had a real good chatter. Another customer had made a Grandmas Country Album #1. She went to the car to get it to show us. It was beautiful.It is for her daughter,lucky girl.
I am so happy to have finally met another BBer. Her name is Joan and she is the nicest lady.That really made my day.
I'm nearly finished the Quilters Apprentice and have the Persian Pickle Club waiting. So glad to hear that everyone enjoyed them both.
I'm off to wash my fabric and start the blocks for Ridgeleys children.
I'm off to Cleveland this weekend for a graduation. I wont have much free time but am determined to look for at least one quilt shop.
I will be around the Case Western Reserve University.I think the area is Wickliff. Does anyone know this area and is there a quilt shop nearby? Thanks for any info.
Judy in Ontario

Have received blocks from...

Marie P. Suitland, MD
Mary L. Gypsum KS
Susan G. Sparta NJ - Sue...are all these blocks meant for Ridgeley and her kids, or did you want four of them forwarded on for the other pilot's family? Please let me know!

For those coming in late on the info for this project, we are collecting blocks for the wives and children of the pilots who were killed last week in the crash of the Apache helicopter in Kosovo. The details for the blocks for the family of Kevin Reichert (whose wife, Ridgeley, is a quilter and BB poster) are provided on May 5, just before midnight, on this board. The details for the David Gibbs family are being handled by Brenda in NV and I believe she posted yesterday or the day before on the BB page with her details.

The deadline date for Ridgeley's blocks is June 12. I believe Brenda's due date is earlier but don't quote me! You can e-mail me for my address for Ridgeley's blocks.

The blocks I've received so far have been wonderful...so much caring and sharing have gone into them!

Cassi in Ohio

CHERYL IN EDMONTON---I can't say whether to pull the weeds or rototill them under (those who say pull them are probably correct, because if the roots and seeds aren't removed, they will probably grow back). If these beds are big, I would spray with Roundup. It'll kill down to the root, but won't poison the soil.

Now, I do know about clay!!!! I thought The South had the market cornered on that stuff. Add as much sand & compost as you can. Be sure to use "general purpose" sand. Don't use playsand or builder's sand. I'm not sure why, but all the rose books I have make the distinction on this. I followed this advice when I put in 50 rose bushes two years ago, and they look fantastic and are blooming their fool heads off!!!

MONICA IN MAINE---Since you seem to be our most avid gardener, do you grow roses? I've got "low maintenance" ones in my yard and can highly recommend these varieties. No Hybrid Teas for me. (Too much work & time, not enough left over for sewing & golf!)

Doris W. in Tennessee

Hi All!

Nothing like squishies in your mailbox to put you in a good mood. I received blocks from Marty in Vermont, Judy in IA, Mary in ND, and Leen in Texas just today. I mentioned to Leen that it was as though we'd been in the same room picking out fabric, everything looks so good together! It's really going to be a lovely quilt when it's put together, such beautiful blocks from everyone. I'm sure I'll have extra blocks, if the response so far is any indication, so I've put on my thinking cap. Does it sound like a good idea to use any extra blocks for kid sized comfort quilts? I know policemen often carry teddy bears and even quilts in their patrol cars just in case a child needs something to hold onto in an emergency. How about I make comfort quilts for this purpose? Any objections, just mail me and we'll work it out.
Things are looking up; finally hit me about how to help Scott get on his feet with the bill paying, since that's what's most on his mind right now. I got him hooked up with a good accountant who will help Scott take care of medical, insurance, funeral, and household bills. It's nice the accountant is a semi-retired teacher and also a friend of Scott's. Can you imagine having to deal with two rounds of billing from an insurance company? My dad's one trip through the system still gives me anxiety attacks!

It's teacher appreciation day, at least here in California. I think I will give myself a pat on the back and send a ((hug)) to all our teachers, of every kind, out there!

Veronica in So Cal

Today, May 12, is National Anxiety Day. It is about more than being a little stressed out! To learn more about this condition, check out www.adaa.org

Hello out there...... Good morning to all.

I have a few gardening inquiries. I know a lot of you will be able to help me with this. Question 1: Can you transplant rhubarb? It grows like a weed up here, and like a weed it is in a spot that my DB and I do not like ( a foot from the garbage cans!). I don't want to just dig up the plant because I love rhubarb! Any suggestions? And Question 2: I need any tips on preparing a neglected raised bed. My DB has some good sized beds in his backyard with excellent exposure, but they are so overgrown with weeds. The soil has a lot of clay around here so I assumed some sand and compost and a good rototill would be in order. Am I right? And do I have to dig up all the weeds before we rototill. I say yes, he says no. I am just a beginner in the gardening world so any tips would be appreciated.

Hope everyone is having a great day. Keep up with the posts. I love hearing everyone's stories. Don't have any to tell this morning. Just work and getting my Y2K swaps ready. Such an exciting life. Well, tonight we are attending a gala for Big Rock beers. Mr Ter Ter, you would probably like this one!

See you! Cheryl in Edmonton/Mama

Good morning all, hope everyone is having a great day.

Tried to "catch up" a bit on this BBC. I'm taking tomorrow and Friday off to catch up at home. Plan to finish DS's teacher's baby quilt. Then I'll snoopy dance.

Karen in KS - what fun to go with a bunch of 2nd graders. I know they're full of energy at that age, but don't you just love it. I went with DD's 7th grade class to the SF Zoo in March and had a great time. Kids grow up so fast! Enjoy this special time.

Kids have the days counted until school is out (6/9). Then I'm not sure what I'll do. I think they'll be going to summer school. Not that they need help, but I think it helps with their forgetting things over the summer. DD flies to Pennsylvania in August. She's very anxious about that.

I think the sun is supposed to shine here today. Hope everyone is having a great day and enjoying their quilting.

Sondra in CA

Greetings, I am looking for unusual patterns for a placemat
for the June challenge in our Quilt Guild. We have our Guild Picnic
in June and our challenge this year is to bring a placemat (which will
be voted on before we eat). I have several patterns for the same old
standby's of placemats and table runners. I would like something
different and eye-catching. Also some suggestions for colors. I really
like the combination of cornflower blue and Yellow, but would like other
suggestions. Thanks. Dede

I just read the Persian Pickle Club and enjoyed it immensely. Had a hard time telling my husband about it...he wanted to know if it was a murder mystery...I said it was about community (isn't everything involving quilts?) Our little library had to get the book on interlibrary loan from halfway across the state for me...I read it in one day, with time out for work and a little sleep!
Just bought "Easy Machine Paper Piecing" and am finding I am definitely paper-piecing challenged! Tried the simple three piece block at the beginning of the book...turned the 4" block into a really nice looking 3" block...thought I'd make four and make another block for the pilot's quilts....sewed the first seam on the wrong line....you're not supposed to have to keep ripping out with PP are you?! Really need to get my brain in gear, along with the rest of me....perhaps mowing the lawn and washing dishes will make me appreciate quilting more! Chris in PA

Can someone tell me when the blocks for the pilots are due?

Barb in the North Georgia Mountans

Goodmorning! Its a sunny, warm day here in No. Fla. I went out for a walk already. The oak pollen has stopped and its wonderful to be able to go outside for more than 5 min. The person who was having rain (Iowa i think) please send it to us. We are being faced with droughts again this year. Has Q.guild meeting last night, short, as not too many people there, has a brief fashion show, I wore something I made in 1969, can you believe those bell bottoms are back in style? It had a tunic over it, so no one could see that the zipper didn't go up due to wt. gain in 30 years. LOL!
Will work on baby quilt today for about 1 hr. Yellow duckies for Brandon Paul.
Sara in Fla.

I would like to know how to get the quilt stamps from Canada as well. Sorry I missed the post explaining how. Thanks, Mamie

Hai,
Hello it´s very bussy on my work but in the mean time I read al the E-mails pn the BB.
I wonder if anybody can tell my something about the Pilot blocks. I want to make also some blocks if that´s possible.
Thanks for the E-mail Tony and I forgot the name of tthe other person but I send a personal thanks to you when I am home.

I have a few days off so I will finish my Cat Quilt!!! Finaly the end is coming this Quilt took my about 3 months to finish.

At 13.00 I have to go to the dentist and I DON´T like it. I can´t understand why some people like that profession.

SO I will stop for now because I have to brush my theeth,I hope anybody can tell my something about the blocks.
I am sorry if my English sometimes fails but I am REALY trying to do my best.

Have a nice day everybody and when your down look at the birds or the flowers because the little things makes you happy also.

Bye,Annelies ,Holland

Darn!! I did it again! Didn't mean to post twice. Was listening to the scanner about a car wreck and wasn't paying attention to what I was doing! Sorry

Trudy

Hi to all! It's after midnight here in good 'ol Iowa and raining like the dickens! Rained all afternoon and now just won't give up. The TV just went out too. I don't like that dish TV stuff anyway! Hope the computer holds out just a little bit more. :o)

I had a great Mothers Day too. DS found a stuffed Boyd's bear I have been looking for. It is a Patchwork series bear. I have a boy bear that holds a quilt and he found me the girl bear that holds a quilt. They are SO CUTE! DD got me a Precious Moments figurine and a teddy bear also. Can you tell I like bears????? I also collect the beanie bears! DH got me two hanging baskets for outside. Just beautiful! On Sunday, we went to see my mom and take her out for lunch. Two sisters and families also. 16 of us altogether. Had a terrible meal and DD got a tray full of Bloody Mary's spilled down her back! Looked real good on the cream top and khaki pants she had on! She doesn't dress up very often and had looked so pretty. My niece took her to her house to find something to wear. When they came back, she had on a pair of Mickey Mouse shorts and a T-shirt! That's all she had that would fit her. Oh well, Grandma didn't care. She told her she was pretty in anything she wore. But for the most part, we had a great day!

Had been camping of Friday and Sat. Cold and wet. As we were packing up to come home on Sunday morning, the sun came out. We just haven't had too good of luck so far with our camping week-ends. I think someone is trying to tell me something. Like stay home and get caught up on the quilts, so I'll be ready for Marilyn's when it comes!

I got 4 blocks made yesterday for Ridgeley and got them in the mail to Cassi today. Sure was feeling down while making them. Would love to see the kids and meet Ridgeley.

Kitty-Kate - sorry to hear about your brother. Hope everyone is holding up OK. A dear friend of mine had cancer last year and thought she had it beat. Found out last week it is back and not good at all. She is 49 yrs. old and just starting to build a new home. Lost my best friend last year to cancer. 48 yrs. old. Will it ever end???? I don't want to get any older!!!!

Better get to bed. Everyone have a good "hump day" tomorrow!

Sunshine to all,

Trudy in Iowa

I saw a posting about Canadian Quilt Stamps. I'd like some info on how to get them. Anyone know how?

cheri in Bremerton, WA

Hi There,
Guess What!!!!!!!! The Sun Was Out Today!!!!!!!
It doesn't take to much to make this kid happy. Now if they will just show up tomorrow and get the new gas stoves in, I really will be on top of the world... Well almost, but, Wed. is Bible Study and Church day and this will the third week in a row I have missed trying to get this stove stuff taken care of... guess I will have to double up on my prayer time this week, again...

Leen in Tx. - Saw your post about the attachments... Last week the owner of the best quilt shop in Bozeman opened an e-mail attachment and the next time she turned on her computter everything was gone.... All of it, records, ect. - ect... So I think everyone should know and be real careful what you open... If I don't know the person or where it came from, I push the good old delete button.....

Well kids, it's getting late and I still want to get some sewing time in, so will talk at ya later...
Susan in (let it shine, let it shine, let it shine) Mt.

I really debated where this post should go, it is about a sewing machine, but not a quilt - so this got elected.

I have a 1938 Singer Featherweight - and I suppose it is silly to say this, but I always thought that machine looked a little ashamed of itself - It is this pretty black machine and sometime in it's life it had to have a new light, so someone put a featherweight light on it, but it was a white light. It just didn't look right. So - before I went to Paducah I found a source on the internet for a gentlemen up in Canada who has parts and ordered a black featherweight light. So - today I got out my handy dandy screw driver, electrical tape, etc. and put my new -used - light on.

It may be my imagination - but I think that machine smiled at me tonight.

Peggy in Iowa

Hi Guys
I had posted that my computer would be in the shop (and it was). I scanned some of the posts tonight (here and the other pages), since I just got the computer back tonight. I'm seeing alot of you saying your e-mail is giving you problems. That too was my problem. Our server went way beyond the call and fixed it. Apparently one of our e-mails that came with a attachment was corrupt (a virus). I'm hoping that is not the problem that is going on. My DH does not think it would be here since I always save mine to the temp file (and he does not...he hardly gets mail on this computer) and in doing that my anti-virus program would handle it, but I just think you should all be aware and maybe look into this if your problems aren't fixed easily. I don't want to alarm anyone but just let you know about it.
I'm the proud Mama today...my DS (17 and graduating in a few weeks), helped establish and became a Charter Member of the Kitty Hawk Air Society, an Aerospace Honor Society for the JRROTC at his high school. Sorry to brag but geez, sometimes I can't help it.

Katie Mac: Please don't leave! I will e-mail you if that's your final decision though.

To Everybody I owe mail too: If I don't get back to you soon (the next few days), please mail me again. I might not have recieved it.
Thanks to all thinking about my uncle....all is the same there.
Leen in TX

I spent an enjoyable day on a field trip with 32 second graders today. No, I'm not crazy, the children were all so well behaved, that it was an enjoyable day. We started out by visiting our local museum here in Stockton. I had never been there before, and now I'm sure I'll be going back to take a better look at all the neat things there.

Next we took a 45 minute bus trip to Hays, KS. We dined at McDonald's (where else do you eat with 2nd graders?) We then toured the new Sternberg Museum which opened in March. If any of you are traveling through Kansas, this is well worth a stop. The museum is right on I-70. It is really an awesome place. They have life size replicas of dinosaurs that actually move! Some of the kids were actually a little frightened when Tyranosaurus (sp?) Rex moved his head, opened his mouth and let out a roar. That mouth is big enough for a second grader to fit in! There are also some really neat fossils, plus computerized learning centers. Even if you don't have kids, I think you'd enjoy this place!

Just wanted to share with everyone!

Karen in KS

Hey Y'all.
On the way home from my quilting class I saw a sign that said May 12 is "National Anxiety Day." Now what do we have to be anxious about? DH is only going to Egypt for a couple of weeks and it is the first time that he will be so far away since we were married. I don't know how you military wives handle it but my hat (I mean scarf LOL) is off to you.

Yesterday I had a quilting birthday luncheon at my house. One of my guests had never met my cat, Buster before. In the kitchen she said "Hi, Buster" and I told Buster he should say "Hi" to her. What do you know? He DID! He looked up at her and meowed. He never meows unless I am in the bathroom and the door is closed or we're eating chicken or fish and he wants some. He 'bout knocked my socks off.

Had a great Mom's Day for the second time this year. Egypt's mother's day is March 21 and as DH is from there we celebrate it twice. So I have twice the fun. Too bad that they don't have a Father's Day, too. I cooked and cleaned but DH and DS helped which was something very unusual. The two of them gave me a glider rocker for my sewing room so that I would be comfortable when I quilt. I also have a TV in there and have a couple of shows memorized by the sound of the actors' voices not their faces.

Hope you all have a great day and aren't "anxious" about anything on National Anxiety Day. Later, later,
Sarah in Alabama

I have been on a trip back east to see my daughter and spent many days sick in bed,recovering from some dreaded thing I picked up while there,plus the humidity there simply does not agree with my poor body. I think I like the changes I have found on the WWQ pages. Something for everyone. So terribly sorry to hear about Ridgeleys DH. They are in my prayers. I have not been reading and posting on this site for very long but already feel such a closeness to all. My DD took me to the Seminole Sampler fabric store in Ellicott City, Md., while back east. Those gals in that store are terrific. Check them out if you get the chance, I believe they also have a web site. Purchased some millenium fabric and of course wished I had gotten more while there.
MONICA in Maine; I also like to flower garden. I gave up on the vegetables because I got tired of fighting with the moles, they got more out of the garden than me. I also like to oil paint, flowers and landscapes. My quilting has taken me away from it for awhile but am feeling the need to grab a brush lately. My DH says he would prefer that I pick up a paint brush and paint the house first! My best to all. Happy quilting.
Almost well Linda, in California

Hi All!

Blocks have begun to arrive for the comfort quilt! It was as though the post office had been aging them and decided yesterday was the day they were 'ripe.' I'm going to mail everybody privately, but wanted to let everyone know quickly before I had to run. Four lovely blocks from Susan in Conn., six blocks from Susan in Ca., a lovely block from Linda in Texas, 2 cute blocks from Susan in NJ, four blocks from Susan in KS, one gorgeous block from Kathy in OH, and an astounding 8 blocks from Sharon, Norma Jean, and Ellie from Ca. They are all wonderful, and I can't wait to start fitting them together. I shouldn't be having this much fun on a comfort quilt, but it feels so good to know so many generous, kind (talented) people are out there! Plus, squishies in the mail is good no matter what.

Veronica in So Cal.

Suggestions for straight hanging quilts. I am a quilter and measure befor putting on the borders but still get curvy sides. Help!

What a busy week we are having. This Friday is the Junior Prom. My DS and his friends are getting so excited. The clothes, the hair, the rides, the flowers. We've done this before and it's definately easier with a boy this time. He has decided to wear a zoot suit and he is ready to swing. A whole bunch of the kids have been taking swing lessons and they can't wait. I'm sure they are going to have a great time. Of course we still have to get through a tennis match on Wednesday and the spring concert on Thursday. No time for quilting at this house.
Carol of Wantage - Where it is so sunny and bright.

LDPALM: I think most of us just sort of let it go. There really isn't too much you can do without things turning ugly and it usually isn't worth it. Give the swapper the benefit of the doubt and just move on. Of course, my experience with unreturned swaps is with Y2K squares which are pretty easy to shrug off. I don't know if I would feel the same if it was a bunch of blocks that were being exchanged and not returned.

I have been designing a cross-stitch design for my mom to put in her business's spring newsletter. It came out kind of neat. It is a quilt-inspired pattern (of course! VBG) of a basket with applique-looking flowers surrounded by a sawtooth border on point and then the flowers repeated in the outside corners. It is very simple -looks kind of 30-ish and I chose 30-ish colors to give it a spring-y look. I get to run it by Mom tomorrow - hopefully she will like it.
What other hobbies do some of you like besides quilting? (I'm just being nosy, I guess) Some of you know I love to do scrapbooking, too. I keep my Creative Memories consultant in business! Also seems that a lot of us enjoy gardening.

Better go make dinner...

Monica in Maine (have to admit it's kind of nice to just chat and not worry too much about the NQR parts being too long...)

I posted on the B.B but I thought I better put it here to :-
Just found this very new site for quilting in the U.K
Directory of shops, groups, chat, message boards ect. may also be useful to anyone visiting the
U.K
www.QuiltingDirectory.co.uk
Best Wishes
Sue H (Nottingham U.K)

Just to let everyone know, Dorrie from Mpls and I will be attending Kevin's public service this Friday in Chetek WI. Kitty Kat - if you are able to talk with Ridgeley before that, do tell her we'll be there with yyy's.
Nancy the "sewbird" snowbird in WI

RONNA: I thought I'd reply here in case you don't check the other bulletin boards (although this is a QR item, I think?!) I tried to email you privately regarding your problem with getting the fabric to cover the pattern in foundation piecing, but my server says your email address is "bad". Go figure! Anyway, if you don't get the help you need from someone else, email me privately and I'll try again or resort to snail mail. Sorry, everyone else, just trying to help!
Have a great day everyone, QR or NQR!
Candy in Alberta

Again I would like to post if anyone has not recieve a swap from me who I had agreed to swap with. I lost my harddrive the last week in April and I need them to please get back in touch with me. I have already posted this twice but thought I would do so again.
Regina in VA

I wrote before but since I am new at this maybe I made an error. What I would like to know is,are there any blocks for the months of May, June, July, and Aug. of 1998? I would be most thankful as I am trying to put together a combination of various blocks. The ones that I do have seem uncomplicated, as I stated this all new to me. Any help would be apprecated. Thank you, Anna

Earlier this morning I was sending information to Valerie, the address that was given out is no longer the same. I did find this out about services for Kevin. If you cannot get into the site I coppied the page and sent it to myself I would be willing to forward.

http://chippewa.tc3net.com/news.asp?position=news3

Barb sent me an e-mail and David's family lives close to Canton, OH. Will keep everyone posted as I receive anything. If you know anything about David Gibbs please e-mail me.

Brenda/Nv.

I finished two blocks last night in memory of our brave pilots and will try to send them along ASAP. I really wanted to make two each, and if I can, I will. Darn those silly triangles on the corners of the blocks! Someday I WILL make a block that has triangles in it without having to rip out at least one seam. The blocks I made (hexagon log cabin....couldn't you guess???) have a center like the sky and each row out gets darker blue and is of a fabric with stars like the heavens at night.
I would like to include a card that has a quote (Old Testament)that refers to the heavens....anyone more familiar with the Old Testament than I have a suggestion? Or something like "coming into the light of the Lord" since it gets lighter as you fly to the center of the block.

I made a frog block that Patti gave me the address for:
http://www.winnowing.com/frog.html

All of those teeny little triangle/odd-shaped pieces! Well last night I finished it in triumph (though I suspect that even though I have never hand-pieced, it might be easier to do it that way than by paper foundation piecing.) So I show it proudly to DH. His comment...."that's a frog? What happened to his front legs??" Those are just his front elbows, I replied....the rest of his front leg is underneath him...that's why you don't see it. "Oh." he says..."I don't know if I would have recognized this as a frog if you hadn't told me."
Well! hmmmmmf! If you saw a row of these blocks along with fabrics that had frogs all over them, you wouldn't know it was a frog??
Maybe if I had put the eyes on it before showing it to him...
My problem with the odd shapes and paper foundation piecing seems to be lining up the new piece so that when it is folded back over into final position, it actually covers the area it is supposed to. The instructions say "cut a piece large enough to generously cover the area." Well I do, but that doesn't help if you line it up wrong. So I started to make templates for each of the pieces with the 1/4" seam allowance added, and it made it easier, but was not fool-proof. Some of the problems came from trying to hold those little pieces in place so they wouldn't shift on you when you flipped the paper over to sew the seam. They seemed too small to pin....anybody have any suggestions?
Should I try to hand piece this sort of block? Would that be easier? If you are hand-piecing a block like that, how do you keep track of all of the little pieces if you are doing a bunch of them? Do you put all of the "left-side-of frog #5" pieces in a bag and pull one out every time you need a #5? Or do you have a bag full of "complete set" of frog pieces and try to identify them as you assemble the block.

Ronna in Happy Valley

What should one do about someone who is a deadbeat trader? I have been stung by one and know others who have also been stung by her. She does not fulfill her part of a swap arrangement and will not answer e-mails. Do you just let it go, or is there some way to let others know not to get involved with her?

how is everyone today,,,,?

i wish i had taken notes,,,i wanted to thank the poster for laughing like a loon,,,,sure beats me wearing a lampshade for my guests,,,i would LOVE to laugh like a loon!!!...but kinda know how you feel if you are teased a lot,,,,,or used as a loon magnet...you might have one heck of a mating ''slang'' to that laugh...lol

i did not miss doni's committing a 'loon',,,,well,,,,MY WORD!!!,,,and of course she is right,,certain times of day i have no justifiable comeback - poop!!

loved the story of the men in hospital!! perfect,,perfect for today,,i agree so much has happened...we all need that man's perspective on what we can still '''see''' out our windows!! the story was great

sounds like everyone had a wonderful mother's day,,,good,,

my two 'boys' gave me a nice card,,,some garden tools,,a bag of wild flower seeds,,,and both promised not to dig in my garden,,,or sniff everyone who comes to visit me,,,,,so i will hold them to their word on that one!!

loon/marie/me...dh is out waxing the canoe,,,still have not been on our water!! but the bathroom is coming along as a result,,,wonderful exhaust fan,,window,,the shower is heaven,,and of course so is the throne!!,tub's got a part on order and vanity is assembled,,,yippee..almost....almost in whisper,,shhhh,

Thanks so much for the info on the new Quilting Stamps from Canada. You Canadian friends are very helpful and I got many who were willing to send stamps. The address for stamps was great too. I can't wait to get the new stamps for my Hubby. I may take a few of them for myself and frame them for my quilt room. THANKS
Martie

G'Day Susan at North Pole.

I tried to e-mail you about Alaska 2000 but it bounced. Please e-mail me. I checked the addy and it was correct I think. Georgie said to contact you.

TRicia from Downunder

Hai,
This is the first time that I send something,it´s
the first time that I noticed a great quilt page!
So I am 32 years young and happy married I (we OEPS)
have one boy of 12 years old, and we have a fosterchild of 18 years old.
I did read al the pages and it´s nice that a lot of persons are writing
about everything.
I see that you have got also mothersday in other coutries.nice
So bye for now see you
Annelies

Mosquitos usually eat me... I have to try the vitamin thingy, LOL! But, if you were stung, you can stop the itching and swelling, even from bees, bumblebees and wasps and hornets by cutting an onion and rub the slice on the spot. Works for me and my family!

Sue in rainy Germany

Accckkkkkkkkk...what do you do when your email is down??? Suffer, obviously!!!!
This is terrible....

So...for all of you who are expecting a reply or any updates of my boring life,
you'll have to wait dolls!!! Yucka!!

Hopefully my server will have all fixed tomorrow, but I'm busy all day and most of the
evening with work stuff....Double Aghhhhhhhh....

Suffering in Fresno.....Susan

Good Evening all! Hope that everyone had a Happy Mother's Day. I had an enjoyable one. I started off the day wrong though. I had warned the kids before bed not to get up before 8 a.m.. I woke up about 7:30 and decided to get up. My 6 year old DS was already up, and when he saw me went to his bed and burst into tears. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. I finally got him calmed down, and he told me that they had made a plan with their dad to get up at 7:45 and make me breakfast in bed -- and I had just ruined this plan! I had him help me make my breakfast, and told him I didn't like crumbs in my bed anyway -- that brought the smile back to his face!

The kids searched and searched for something to buy for me while we were at a local store on Saturday. The 8 year old finally came up with a pin - which he had me buy, but I couldn't look at. The kids proudly presented it to me Sunday morning. It read "Go Girl". I don't really consider myself a "girl" anymore, but am faithfully wearing it - around the house!!

Have spent most of the day working on blocks for Ridgeley and family and the Gibbs family. Will have to try and get them in the mail soon.

Tomorrow I get to go on a field trip with DS's 2nd grade class. We're going to the new museum in Hays, and I will probably have to give a report on that tomorrow night. I hear it is Really neat!

Take Care!

Karen in KS

A friend of mine sent me this story today, and I thought I'd pass it on.

Two men,both seriously ill,occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the rooms only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military sevice, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst the flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band, he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window protrayed it with discriptive words. Days and weeks passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself.

He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "perhaps he just wanted to encourage you".

Epilogue.....There is tremendous happiness in making others happy dispite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness, when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the the things you have that money can't buy. "today is a gift, that's why it's called the present".

The origin of this letter is unknown. I thought this was kind of appropriate to post here, considering all that's happened lately.

Nancy in N.Y.

BRENDA IN NV: I made four blocks for quilts for the Gibbs' Family today and they will be in the
mail tomorrow.
CASSI: When I mailed the four blocks for Ridgeley and Children this morning I realized that one
of the blocks wasn't quite perfect. So while I was making the Gibbs' blocks today, I made another
(different pattern) block to replace the bad one I sent this A.M.
I prayed and cried for each of the family members as I made their blocks today. It is going to be a
long time before I get over the shock of this I am afraid. I have even been having bad dreams.
Does any one know any details about David's family other than that he was married with three
young children?
Tomorrow I will be working on three 12-1/2" maple leave blocks for the raffle quilt my Guild is
making for the Volunteer Fire Dept. Have another meeting on Wednesday night. Have four more
new members now, making 13 members total. Hope it continues to grow.

Marty in Vermont

Gotta brag. DS#2 (16 yrs.old) saw an appeal in the paper for teens to come to the newspaper offices and discuss safety in the schools in the wake of the Colorado tragedy. They printed an article about it in the Sunday paper. He was on the front page and they used one of his quotes as the headline. In addition, the paper is sponsoring a Town Meeting about the same issue this Wednesday and they called him today and asked if he would be a panelist! I told him, of course they asked him! He's smart, articulate, and he's not a nut!

Still working on the restoration quilt. Figured I only need to use THREE layers of Hobbs Heirloom cotton. Boy, won't that make it SO much easier! It's going so slowly. Finished attaching borders today. Measured for batting and backing. Seems like I hardly get anything done in a day. Oh well. People always say, "I could never quilt! It takes so much patience." I don't find that it takes patience--but it sure takes a lot of persistence: not my best virtue.

Doni, how's your go-cart! Tee-hee!

--Laura in NC
P.S. Cassi-you go. I'm just grateful you're doing this and will do whatever you tell me to!--L.

Hi All!

Been lurking most of this past week-- very busy, very busy. I've got just about all of my nine blocks done for Scott's comfort quilt. Can hardly wait to see what everyone's blocks look like. I wish I could say Scott is doing fine, but he's lost. His wife was a formidably organised person and now he's lost. I worried whether this quilt would be the right thing to do-- you know how you don't want to bring up a sore subject-- but now I'm pretty sure we're on the right track.

My grandpa came through the tornado with flying colors (no pun intended!). It came within a mile of his home and scared people spitless, but he just kept his cool. At 94, it takes more than an F4 tornado to faze him!

Anybody got a bucket of superglue to lend me? My high school students need a liberal amount applied to their tushies and seats; some to their lips. They seem to be under the mistaken impression school is out for summer.

Veronica in So Cal

My Mothers' Day celebrating is continuing on for a few days. DS spent the wee hours of Sunday "worshiping the porcelain god", so the traditional dinner out was not an option. I did get an Olfa ruler, silver earrings, and a promise of dinner out when DS was feeling better. Today I received a SQUISHIE from Rachel...loverly fabrics from Rosie's Calico Cupboard. Did I raise her correctly or what??? LOL!
This weekend will be the first ever NW YYY's Quilt Retreat. I'm looking forward to a weekend of quilting, yakking, and snacking! ;-)
Deanna
In Sequim, where it's sunny and cold and the Hummingbirds are eating so much that I think that they aren't humming, they're oinking!

My kitties gave me a card for Mother's Day.
"Mother's Day Poem from the cat(s)"
I(We) thank you for the food you bring,
and for the little squeaky thing(s).
I(We) thank you for your friendly talks,
and when you change my(our) litter box(es). (x's 4)
I(We) thank you for the naps we share,
and putting up with tufts of hair.(x's 10)
I(We) thank you for these things you do....
But thank you most for being you. Ain't that just the cutest thing?
Didn't get anything from the dogs. Cats Rule and Dogs Drool!!
As for the slugs. We in WA have more than our share. We take lids and push them into the soil around our plants and fill with beer. We get a lot of drunks that way. I guess it isn't a bad way to die. They just drink themselves into oblivion.

Susan, I just can't believe you still have snow!!! I thought we had it all, but now we have ALL the mosquitos ever hatched I think- big as airplanes!!! Thanks to all who E-mailed or posted a message, I am now armed with Vits. B6 and B12 and Avon Skin So Soft, so hopefully I won't be a prisoner until the end of July!!

I thought I had read all the posts, but I am wondering if it was stated anywhere how many children there are in the Gibb family? If anyone already knows, could you mention it in your post please. TIA
I loved all the Mother's Day stories. They took me back 11 years ago when Stacie was 10 years old and Ivon gave her $10 to buy me something from her for Mother's Day. He waited in the Mall while she went with her little friend to shop, and when she came back she had bought herself a $7 horse riding magazine, and a card for me, because the K Mart was giving out free plastic roses, and in her own words "I got a great bargain Dad"!!!! We still laugh about it to this day.
We had over 240 refugees arrive in the early hours of this morning to the military compound 10 minutes away from where I live. Each child was given a Teddy Bear and the pictures in the newspaper tonight are priceless, I wish you could all see them!!

Must get back to my sewing, so that I can have all my blocks out this week.

Hugs to all,
Celia

Mailing blocks: After pressing the block(s), I lay on a piece of plastic wrap, gently fold so that they will fit in envelope (for business size, I would fold a 6.5" block at about 1/3 of the way, smooth plastic wrap around and put an addy sticker or label on, in case envelope rips.
If there are more that one or two small blocks, I use a larger envelope and maybe a ziploc bag. I think if they start out flat, they may have a crease along the fold but should not be too wrinkled up.

Off now to the Garden State Quilters guild to hear Ami Simms.
Susan in NW New Jersey

Hi,
To all you dirty, sunburned, gardeners, KISSSS MY TOE!!!! Got up yesterday to 4" of the white stuff, it warmed up enough to melt, but kept right on snowing. This morning I woke up to 6" of the white stuff, it has now warmed up enough to melt, but is still snowing!!!!!!!!! I have my plants out in the sunroom ready to go, do you think I will see summer anytime soon???????
GOD IS GOOD,
GOD IS KIND,
I SHALL DO MY BEST
NOT TO WHINE...

Celia, shall I send you some of my cold to take care of your bugies??????

Betty in Or. - A deep bowl of beer may help to make drowned sluggers out of your slugs... Really, someone once told me that it works....

Another, B-6 for bugs and B-12 to give one a boost....

Well, this seems to be the best I can do for the day, think I'll go sew....... My mood needs a pick-me-up!!!!

Susan in (yes, it really is still snowing) Mt.

Susan, let me know that I put comma instead of a period on my last post. Thanks.

I will be excepting blocks for David's family please check the main page for details. I have a few volunteers and a promise to quilt one top.

I will be sending Kevin's blocks to Cassie.Any e-mail question feel free to ask. My address is:

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

Brenda/Nv.

Saw Martie's posting about the new Canadian Quilting Stamp and have emailed her. For those of you out there who might want to order them, they can be ordered directly from:
National Philatelic Centre
75 Ninian Street
Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Canada B2G 2R8

Toll free (Canada and US)
1-800-565-4362

It is a 9 cent stamp (unusual amount) and only 3/4" X 1" big. I can only think that as Canadians we can add one of our 46 cent stamps + this 9 cent one to = a 55 cent stamp to the US.

They come 100 to a sheet and most of the postal stations in Canada will not be receiving them. My two outlets have not even heard of them and I live in a cit of 800,000!

My dad is a philatelist and ordered me two sheets and now with all my mailing to the US, be on the lookout for them from me! They debuted on the 28 of April.

Meredith in Alberta, Canada

I have never sent blocks before, but have Ridgely's done. My question is how do you send them? Do you just fold them over and put in a regular envelope or do you put them in something with a piece of cardboard so they don't get all wrinkled?? TIA for anybody's hints.

Judy in Ark

Would someone be so kind as to let me know where the instructions were that someone so thoughtfully sent to the BB as to how to save one posting. ( Like I should have done with the instructions.) Hubby reinstalled windows 95 and now all my addresses and favorite places are gone. (but so are his!!) Thanks so much
Marge in Louisiana where we had a good rain this morning

Good day All! Hope you're having nice weather and sunshine! It's beautiful here this morning.

Glad to hear that everyone had such nice Mother's Days yesterday. We had a very quiet weekend. DH had Grand Opening at the new home development where he's the superintendent. They have already sold the first 20 homes that were started and Saturday was the second release of another 20 homes. 16 of the homes were sold within the first 2 hours. I was amazed that people actually camped out in the parking lot so that they could be first in line. It was like what you see with ticket sales, etc. There will be 83 homes total, so I guess it's safe to say we might have another "camp-out" again. Not because he's in charge, but our area has a bad reputation for building homes very poorly. These houses are built very well and you definitely get your money's worth!

Got my order from "House of the White Birches"????? I think that's what it was called. It's sitting on the cabinet at home, so I'm having to rely on my failing memory! Anyway, I ordered a "Irish Cabin" pattern. Rather interesting way of implementing the Double Irish Chain and Log Cabin, my 2 favorite blocks. I'm anxious to get it started. Time to search the stash and see what's available.

Cassi, Ridgeley's block is on its way. I'll watch for your posting to make sure it arrived. Thanks again for doing this. You're a real gem!

Hope everyone is well and having a great day quilting!

Sondra in Sunny Calif.

NEED New Canidain Quilting Stamp
My hubby is a stamp collector and read in the current stamp magazine that there is a new Canidian quilting stamp. I would love to get one for him. If you are from Canada you can get one at the post office. Please let me know if you can help me. Maybe we can trade for something.
Martie

Hi everyone...we have our archives now...cool!!

I am getting desperate here...went to get my machine from the shop for it's
first checkup and the booger closed early!!! The nerve...how can I possible
live up to my commitments with my machine!! Humpf.....

My 93 yo grandma passed on Sat, bless her heart. She lived a full and independent
life. I know her, she would have said "It's about time!!" Please...no emails
or posts OK??? I know you all will a quicky think about her. She would have
wanted everyone to party down!!!

Countdown to Ohio99 folks!!! Only 79 more days!!!

Susan in windy Fresno.....

Have received blocks for Ridgeley and her kids quilts from:

Kathy B. West Chester, OH
Judy K. Marion, OH
Jeanne R. Middlefield, CT
Lois W. Louisville OH
Chris H Isabella PA
Nancy W. Hayward WI
Judy P. Sioux City IA
Joanne B Wellsboro PA

I'll try to post each day as they come in. You don't need to e-mail me that you've mailed a block, just watch to see if I post your name in a reasonable amount of time. There are far too many blocks coming in for me to be on the lookout for specific ones.

The blocks are so beautiful....contributions appreciated (thought I told you all you didn't need to do that!). The quilts are going to be wonderful!

Cassi in Ohio

Tonight is Quilt Guild--no guilt. Betty

Yesterday morning as a sortof joke I send my daughters Mother's Day
cards telling them that they made me the mother I am, that I may not be
the one they were working on, but keep at it and we'll get there yet.
Well, just before I went to bed I got a reply from one of them telling me
how happy she was that I had turned out the way I am and lots of other
stuff that mothers eat up. Made me cry, she did.
Gotta go set up a demo for quilt guilt tonight. Have to show them how to
use freezer paper on the right side for paper piecing--well sort of
paper piecing--Georgia Bonesteel demo'd it years ago on her TV show which
I wish I could see reruns. Take Care. Betty in grey OR
OH, PS. I met my DH at a picnic on Waimanalo Beach in Hawaii on Mother's
Day 40 years ago. How's that for a double reason to celebrate.

Hello Sue,and BBers

This is the article I will be placing in the Newspaper in our town. Saturday I did find someone to quilt the blocks after I have sewn them into a top.

Please let me know if you choose someone else it is okay and I will send the blocks we collect to them.

Brenda/Nv.

Recently I meet a woman on the internet and her name is Ridgely Reichert, Ridgely lives in Germany and was married to Kevin Reichert. During Kevin’s training mission’s he noticed children in Bosnia that needed quilts. His wife, Ridgely talked with people on the World Wide Quilting Bulletin Board . Fabric was collected and Ridgely organized several to sew the fabric together. Kevin would take the finished quilts to the orphanage until his last misson in Abania. On May 15 we honor our men in the Arm Forces. I will be collecting blocks for both pilots that lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash. Let us take this time to honor these two pilots. If you cannot make a block I will make one for you. Cassi Bauman will be sewing together the blocks collected for Kevin. I will be sewing the blocks for David. I have talked with Cassie and told her about my relationship with Ridgely, whom I respect and admire. I know that Ridgely, Kevin’s wife, would want us to make a block for the Davids family. I do not have David Gibbs family address but I am sure that I will be able to get it.

Block direction for the two Apache helicopter Pilots, Kevin Reichert and David Gibbs

6-1/2 inch block (that's 6-1/2 inches UNfinished) - pattern of your choice
Red, white and blue - that's not a call for patriotic fabric, just a block using that color scheme. You may make your block with two of the three colors or you may use all three colors, your choice.
The white is to be a true white, not unbleached muslin
Any shades of reds and blues are fine
Use a permanent FINE POINT black marker (Pigma Pen is highly recommended) and sign your name, city, state or country on the block
If you wish to include a card or note, I will collect them in a scrapbook.... just remember it will be a while before it's delivered. If you wish to make more than one block, that's wonderful! You may leave you blocks at the newspaper office or I will be in the Arts booth, at the base, during presentation on Arm Forces day. Or mail your blocks to Brenda Blaylock P.O. Box 2468 Hawthorne, Nv. 89415

My DH has a Rainbow D3C sweeper in his shop, and he is needing a new bottom container & filter unit for it. The motor and the rest of it are fine, do any of you have, or know of someone who has a Rainbow sweeper. Or do you have an address for the company? Any help or information would be appreciated. Please E-mail me, I don't get back to this bulletin board often. Thanks. MRL

As I brought up the idea for blocks for the Gibb's family... I need some helpers in the US! It would be nonsense to send blocks to me, and I'd send a top or quilt back, don't you think so? I would love to be the collector for the blocks of European and German quilters and send them on to the US.
I know, Cassi, that you cannot commit yourself to this again, you are doing enough for Ridgeley.
Any volunteers out there? To receive a bunch of blocks from us? Who knows where Mrs. Gibbs lives (I guess she is in Germany right now, but where will she live in the US to receive the quilts?). I have no idea how to contact her :( Please, help!

Sue in Germany

Penny - when I read your post I had to remember a few years ago after my son had moved out on his own and it was my birthday. I got up and ready to leave for work and on the front seat of my car was that book and a single red rose. I was so stunned he did that and even bought a book I didn't have I cried. It will always be a special memory of him. They do surprise you sometimes.
Happy Mother's Day to all. Janet in IN

I am sorry I didn't get out my Mother's Day wishes to everyone. I just have been overwhelmed here. Hope it was nice for all. I rec'd a lovely cross from the Vatican with purple and clear stones. It was from my kitties and they gave me such a cute card. My birthstone is amethyst so it was purfect for me. I wear an amethyst ring and have earrings and necklace, all are emerald cut. I know I will wear this cross all the time. DGK's gave me a book and DD#1 gave me a book. DH gave me a check. It was the perfect size, color and fit!
I called Ridgeley last night. Things are not good. Her MIL and UIL are taking over and making decisions that she doesn't want. She is very depressed. I am very concerned and frustrated that I can't help more. She thinks she will find out on Monday when she can fly out with the children. She has promised to keep me informed every step of the way.
Take care and may God bless you and yours!
Love, >^..^< Kitty Kate in WA >^..^<

Hello all you mothers out there! Hope you all had a great day and were showered with cards and lots of appreciation. I, too, enjoyed Janell's story. It was great! I'm sure her son enjoyed the trip down memory lane as well.

Penny in MI - I have "Americas Glorious Quilts" and it is a wonderful book. Glad you received it for a Mother's Day gift.

I hope the weather was nice for everyone like it was here in Indiana. I played in the dirt most of the afternoon and got as gosh dern dirty as I pleased, ha! My mother still shakes her head and asks how one can get so filthy. My reply is that I'm 39 years old and can wipe my hands on my pants and shirt as much as I want (LOL). I'm sooo bad - or some might just say I'm mad as a hatter...most likely the latter, ha!

Later kids - the Sci-Fi Channel is calling and Mystery Science Theatre 3000 is playing one of those delightfully cornie B science fiction movies! Brenda in Indiana >^..^<

I hope you all had a nice Mothers Day, Penny in Mi I have the book and leave it out in the living room and everyone enjoys looking at it even the people who don't quilt enjoy it. My Mothers Days was just great all the family was together and to me that means so much to see them laughing having a good time in each others company.Love them all dearly.
Marge from Mi

Well it's only a few minutes past 12 so I hope I can still get my Mother's Day greeting in. Hope it was a wonderful day for one and all.

Have a good week,
Carol of Wantage

I am more than happy to volunteer to help with this project. I cannot spearhead it as I am starting a new job in a week, but I can sew blocks together for one of the quilts, then send it on to the next person.

Diane in Indiana

Happy Mother's Day to all my BB friends. A Happy Day to all of us who do not have the pleasure of being mothers, but we are wonderful Aunties, Sisters, Nieces and Friends!! I have really enjoyed the postings about everyones special Mother's Day memories....Quilty Willi, what a smart idea to frame the wallpaper.....Penny, you do have a special daughter....Janell, you brought tears to my eyes with your story....... This board was a good idea for chat, but now I spend three times longer on this dumb computer than I want too!! I'm going to forget how to quilt pretty soon. Michelle from sunny, but cold Vancouver BC

Guess things are starting to get a little confusing about quilts for the kids and for the other pilot's wife and kids so I will make some decisions, since most of the questions have been coming my way. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings or step on anyone's toes, but I hope you can appreciate that someone has to make a decision or we'll never get anywhere!

My original intention was for the 6.5 unfinished blocks in red, white and blue would be for Ridgeley, and assuming there would be more than enough, for each of the three children. I would like to stick with that plan. Many people have already mailed their blocks, so I don't want to change plans midstream on people who have already finished their blocks. A variation on colors and blocks more child oriented are fine. As I said before, just be sure to mark each block for who you want it use for: Rigeley, daughter, oldest son, youngest son. I know no matter what you send, the quilts will look terrific!

Some people have mentioned I Spy or Bottle quilts for the kids and I would like to stick to the original plan instead: 6.5 block, unfinished, pattern of your choice.

As far as the other pilot's family is concerned, I would love to participate in blocks for that family too, but don't feel that I can take on coordinating that in addition to the quilts for Ridgeley. If someone else is willing to spearhead that project for the David Gibbs' family, it would be wonderful. I hope you all understand that I can't take this additional project on....I am pushing 300 e-mails since Wednesday and just feel that my plate (to say nothing of my mailbox) is full.

Again, I hope I don't offend anyone by making these decisions, but I want to keep this as simple as possible for all involved. So it is still 6.5 unfinished red, white and blue block for Ridgeley, extras for the kids if you like, same size. Thanks in advance for understanding....

Cassi in Ohio

Note to Janell: Your post brought tears to my eyes too. boy does it ring a bell! My little guy (now 25) is a Star Wars fan also. He even had the Star Wars wallpaper. He was none too happy when I took it down (3 years ago)and redecorated. I surprised him by saving and framing some of it for him. He now has a little boy 3 years old and he is a little Star Wars fan, he was Darth Vader for Haloween. I got him Darth Maul training pants at Toys R Us yesterday. I printed out your post to show my DH and DDIL.
Some things never change. Hugs Quilty Willi in MI

Happy Mother's Day to all!!
Just have to tell you what my DD, who is 15, got me for my gift today. Its a hard cover book, "America's Glorious Quilts" and I mean big, its 15" X 11", has 320 pages. It is just filled with all kinds of quilting history and all full color pictures of all the different styles of quilting. Has anybody seen this book? I know this isn't the quilting page, but why I'm telling this is, because of where she bought it. She was on a band trip yesterday to Chicago with all her peers. Now mind you, we are from a little town, so this is a big deal for our kids. And what does she look for and have others in the band looking for??? A quilting book for me. I love the book, but the thought that went behind its purchase means so much. Not all 15 yr olds out on a school trip think about Mom. I am so proud of her. Of course I cried when she gave it me. It made realize just how lucky I am and what some of our extended families are missing today.
Hope all you mothers out there had a great day!
Penny in s/e MI

Just had to share this! Yesterday, I bought my son the best Mother's Day present I've ever gotten. When Justin was little, the first Star Wars movies were popular. One Christmas, he must have been 4 or 5, he wanted a light saber, one of the toys from the movies. I couldn't afford a "real" light saber, so I bought him an imitation one. He was just as delighted with the one I got him, I guess because he couldn't read the box. Yesterday, as I was walking around Wal Mart, the toys from the new Star Wars movie caught my eye. I saw the new and improved light saber and remembered that Christmas so many years ago. "I can afford to buy it now, but Justin is a 22 year old college student, it is pretty silly," I thought. So, I put it back and went on my way, only to return a few minutes later to buy, not the $22.00 Jedi knight light saber, but the $32.00 Darth Maul light saber! I rushed home and put it on the dining room table and waited. When Justin came home a few minutes later, his face lit up like a Christmas tree. He laughed and asked why I bought it and I told him about that Christmas long ago. Well, he ripped open the box, just like before, got frustrated when he couldn't figure out how to get the batteries in without loking at the insructions, and grinned from ear to ear as it started to whistle and buzz and flash. Then, something magical happened. My little boy was back! He started chasing Yoda (aka, Gidget, our cat) around the house laughing with delight. The magic only lasted a moment, but I'll never forget it. I had to go outside and pretend to be interested in my pansies, because, no matter how old they are, sons never understand a mother's tears of joy.
Happy Mother's Day!
Janell

How thoughtful Sue in Germany is! Sometimes we forget
to look outside our own window to see that there is
a whole world out there! I vote for making as many
quilts as we can - let's really get those sewing
machines humming and maybe we can turn out enough
quilts for both families. I almost feel a little quilt
knowing that in a few minutes, my family will be
together to celebrate being a family, and there are
two families that will never be complete again.
Thanks, Sue, for being so thoughtful! Happy Mother's
Day to all out there. No problem if you are not a
mother, you certainly had a mother, so celebrate!
!!! Just me, Sue

DONI cow is doing well. She did have a slight case of scours (diarrhea) for a couple of days, but came right out of that with a little TLC.
Doni, she is not a brat, she is really really pretty, just like you, I bet. Everyone who has seen her is terribly impressed. The white markings give her a really feminine look and she is oh so appealing. Her mother (Dos) is also doing very well. Sometimes young cows take a while to get it together, but not Dos, she comes right in to the milk parlor, eats well and is milking just fine for a kid (about 40 pounds a day)----that's 5 gallons.
Working on another S&W on the machine today, just finished the main lines, and will start the rest of it later, but just had to check in here and see if you all are doing ok. Nancy in Ky

I think Sue's idea about doing another quilt for the pilot and their children is a wonderfull idea! These are our people...I for one will be sending blocks for Ridgeley and the wife of the other pilot..Jean as soon as I can get them done..they also have 3 children...what a terrible accident, for so many young families..Does someone want to drop me a line and let me know what is going on the childrens quilts..are they to be the same color as Ridgeleys or more childish than that??
Hugs Doni

I just thought about the other pilote who died in that apache copter crash... does anyone know if HE had been married, if HE has left a widow and kids behind? Just a thought, as it seems a LOT of block are being made (I had 60+ requests for instructions only on my European list....). Maybe there would be enough to make a quilt for that person, if one exists, too?

Happy Mother's Day to all moms and grannies!
Sue in Germany

Happy Mother's Day to everyone. I have company this weekend and it's a busy time here, but just sneaked away to write this post.
I wrote a private E-mail to Liz about her little dog, but thought I would just mention a tip I found in a book written by a vet at the bookstore yesterday. He said that hair loss and itchiness could be relative to allergies, to food,flea bites or just dry skin, and recommends bathing in an oatmeal bath(by filling the toe of an old sock with oatmeal, and running under the bathing water). It apparently soothes the skin. Also by dabbing the sore areas with calamine lotion. I have never tried any of these tips, but thought it might help someone to know.
I have my fabric for the blocks for Ridgeley and the children, and will have those made, and out to Cassi this week.
It's muggy and rainy here today, but everything looks so healthy and green, and the birds are singing their little hearts out.
Must run, but wishing everyone a happy day.
Hugs
Celia

I hope you are all enjoying your day.I really enjoy having the board in 3 sections. I am going to work on our "Love" blocks for Ridgely today and hope she can feel the love we are sending her and the children. Thank you, Cassi for organizing this wonderful effort.It is snowing extremely hard here in Washington. I may go out and make my last snowman of the year! Jana

Good morning and happy Mothers Day! I got the best one in the world this morning..Leah in OK..leahkitty..by IM name just sent me an email and she is safe and sound after the tornado that went thru Oklahoma City...Shes been working some long hard hours on her new job and hasnt had much time for anything but work..but she sent her love and hugs to all of us..I sure miss her alot!

Good to see Shirley post again! So glad she made it thru this alright also..I to worry about the little town of Haysville rebuilding..it is just a small family town..but its had its share of knocks thru the years and has alway bounced back...I pray it will this time to!

Gotta get, be back later!
Hugs Doni...

Special Hugs to Veb...our IM mother!!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you. My favorite Mother's day story today is about a wren who made a nest in our feed room about a month ago. She laid 5 eggs and they hatched about 10 or 12 days ago. Well, last night when DH went in there to shovel feed, the little babies were busy learning to fly and getting in all kinds of trouble. So he called me in there to catch one and put it back in the nest, which I accomplished after many tries, and when I reached up to put it in the nest, two others flew out into my astonished face, so now we had 3 flying (kinda), more like hopping around and we were almost afraid to move for fear of stepping on one of them. One got near the outside door, and walked under it and out into the WORLD. Mama Wren and Daddy Wren were quite distressed at this turn of events and spent a great deal of time getting this baby wren up off the ground to the safety of at least a little height. They did accomplish this and this morning the little wren was find, hanging tightly onto a low tree branch, while his brothers and sisters were still raising havoc in the feed room.
Wrens were my Mother's favorite bird, so I have an especially soft spot for them, plus their song is just so exquisite. Also spotted my first tanager this morning, and my hummingbirds are back, but quiet right now as they are nesting. Love to all mothers everywhere, including the ones with feathers. Nancy in Ky

Good Morning everyone..just wanted to wish all the Moms out there a very Happy Mother's Day..and a good day to everyone else who might be checking in today. All the kids will be stopping by later today, so have to get an early start picking up and making the house presentable. Looks like a dreary day outside, so far..maybe sun will come out later. Have a good day all..Mary on Cape Cod

THANKS everybody for the answers to my question.
It's the first time I used e-mail and I didn't realise the power of it.
You just throw a question in the air, and all over the world, people are willing to help. Great.
Twan

Just wanted to say thank you Kitty Kate for letting me know you received the card and pictures. I've loved the postings on ALL the BB boards. Keeps me in contact with home and I feel I know so many of you when you write in. Doni, when you posted about the electric fence I was afraid my DH would not let me back on the net again with all the LOL ROTF that was going on. Have learned many things just reading about others tips and problems with quilting too. Is this legal or is it the wrong board? Oh well, bring on the handcuffs - just don't unplug the lap top!

Becky of Birmingham Ala via New Zealand going home soon!!!!

I am so sorry! Dear, dear Susan in NJ sent me a tape of a quilting show about cat quilts and she wrapped kitty fabric around it. Wasn't that just so sweet? I will have to make several kingsize quilts with all this cat fabric. I think my little kitty babies want quilts, now that they have the one Teacup made them recently. One kitty quilt and 10 kitties, I better get sewing. Tee Hee! Thank you Susan!
Take care and may God bless you and yours!
Love, >^..^< Kitty Kate in WA >^..^<

I haven't read the Chat Page or BB for several days. I didn't know about the arrangements being made for quilts for the children. I have only been able to read my emails. Someone suggested the "I Spy" and I thought it sounded like a good idea. I just spent the last 3 hours copying and pasting the messages to Ridgeley from PP. I am saving them to print out at one time and make into a book. So, that explains my confusion. I am not telling anyone what to do. You guys will have to decide what you want to do. I have heard from several people who are willing to help, etc. Shall I send all the responses to Cassi, or who? Just let me know what you want.
Thanks for all the kind postings to Ridgeley and the kind thoughts for me. Thank you to Dorrie for calling me this morning, I appreciate all your concern. Marty is a sweetie because I found a prezzie in my kittykat mail box. It was a packet of lovely kitty cards. Now I just don't know how she knew?! (that is tongue in cheek) I received another lovely cat fabric in the mail, too! It had no return address or note inside. It was postmarked Mesa, AZ. Does anyone have any clues to the mystery of the kitty fabric surprises? It was another beautiful piece that I have not seen and did not have. Thank you to my secret friend. Becky in New Zealand (temporarily), thank you so much for the halloween kitty fabric. I don't know how everyone does it. I didn't have this one either. I guess I am really falling behind on my obsession. Loved the pictures, Becky, I hope you really are enjoying it there. There is a man who lives in New Zealand and he writes some really funny books. His name is Maurice Ball and his books are called Footrot Flats. Do try to see some before you leave. They are hilarious and addicting. I've been reading them for at least 20 years. Can't get them in the states. SIL sends them from England. Only place there that I know has them is the Kiwi Shop in Covent Gardens. Becky, your lovely sentiments touched my heart. How very kind and thoughtful you are. You, too, are a very special lady. I know what I am talking about because I look into the heart.
Mrs. Noah, I love the old embroidery transfers. They look familiar to my old eyes. I will make copies of them because I don't want to damage them. I love them and will preserve them. You are very sweet and kind to send them to me. I don't know how I will ever catch up on all the kindness and love you wonderful people have shown me. I have never felt so loved in my life.
Take care all my dear friends and may God bless you and yours!
Love, >^..^< Kitty Kate in WA >^..^<

Thanks, Sue, for the new, but reminiscent of the old, BB. I too hope this will meet everyone's needs. I will checking into the BB quilt realted page after a year's absence. It is great to have the high quality quilt Q & A back! For the more personal messages, it looks like the Chat Page is going to be a hit too. Thanks for your continued work for the benefit of us all.

California Quilter

If you see a female person rooting around in your room picking up your stuff from the floor and moving it to places like cupboards and drawers, then that person is probably a mother. Mothers are the ons who are always putting green, yellow and red things in food. Why? It is yucky, but they do it anyway. If you are not certain who your mother is, then simply ask your father any question. He will say, "Ask your mother," to which you should reply, "Where is she?" The person he points to is your mother. Mothers are the only people who will clean up our messes, up-chucks and ear wax. They are the only ones who let us wake them in the middle of the night yelling in a demanidng voice, "I,m sick!" Who's your mother? She's probably the most wonderful person you know!
(Written by John Morris, San Angelo, Texas and printed in the May, 1999 issue of Boy's Life)

Happy Mother's Day, everyone!

I just want to thank everyone who e-mailed me and especially Doni for passing along my messages while we were without power after the Monday tornado here in Haysville. We are getting back to "normal"...whatever that will now be. I have lived here for 38 years and so much of what has been familiar is no more. Our town was founded in 1919 and there was only a small "historic" district which had recently begun to be renewed. It is now all gone. We are ever so lucky...the tornado hit very hard a block north of us and just over the RR tracks...which are right behind our back yard. I know of at least 6-7 families from our church that were hit hard or totally wiped out. We had only minimal damage and are able to go on relatively unscathed.
I was saddened to hear of Ridgely's tragedy...I was at my sister's doing laundry and knew as soon as I heard the name...just one more thing in a tough week. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of them in this difficult time.
I am still not quite back in the groove of normal life, but have been trying to get the house back in order. I had much of my fabric and quilting stuff in the basement. We had to quickly move it off the floor and get it to anywhere higher up when the basement began to flood after power went out and took the sump pump. Didn't lose anything and I am hoping to help another quilter or two who lost everything. I think that it is important to try and replace some of those little things that made life interesting as well as just the true necessities. I have rambled on long enough for now...just wanted to say thanks to all of you for caring!

Shirley Greene

KATIE MAC: Please be patient! The BB is 5 years old now and many of us know how painful 5 years old can be! My DD#1 turned 5 last Saturday and I can't figure out what has happened to her this week!!! Give us all some time to get used to this (right, Doni? LOL!!)

MARTY: I could have used your help carrying all my stuff out to the car. And I think that PineTree is just a stone's throw away from Cap'n Newicks (seafood and lobster restaurant for you folks from away!)

Some of you have asked me how I have been doing. Well, I got my first Lupron injection on Friday and I am keeping my fingers crossed that it helps. I will get to enjoy menopause for 6 months now. Cassi has had me practice reciting "is it hot in here or is it me?" but I haven't had a chance to use it yet! Thanks to everyone for your continued concern...8^)

Monica in Maine (7 years ago tonight my DH asked me to marry him - boy, was he nervous!!)

Okay, okay! I must have missed something..was Marty saying, that she and Marilyn is meeting Monica in Maine and is it Lynn in VT..at Lynns house??? I am so jealous! Well I can say this..if your going to meet Lynn..she really is a wonderful, enjoyable, lady to spend a day with! I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Ann...I finally got it fixed..I cheated and called Prodigy and some nice young man explained how to fix it! He said it was just a problem with my windows that happens every now and then..no big deal...sure was to me!

Katie Mac..Don't go away! Not now! It has been so wonderful to have a place to just chat..about dogs, cats, hubby, flowers..anything and everything, without having to worry about it...Give it a try! It does really work better like this I think...Stay with us!

Okay how is DONI cow doing?? Haven't heard nothing about my namesake!! I bet its a brat! LOL!!!

Gotta go...I got a new go-cart for mothers day...arent I just the luckiest women in the world! LOL!! Not really..just joking but I would not be surprised at all! Now got to make sure the boys don't do a Evil Kenevil on me! Cause we did get a new one! And they would try it!

Hugs Doni...

Oh man I posted this to the reg..BB by mistake! Do you think I'll be tared and feathered! I do hope not!

Doni: Have you tried copying and pasting the text of the e-mail? Just a thought I had, I really am so computer un-savy that I am amazed when the darn thing even comes on! Ann K. Bend, Oregon

LAURA IN NC & MONICA: I was wondering how long it would take before I would be seeing some postings from you on the BB Chat Page. I find that I can read all three pages faster than I could when they were all mixed in together and I don't miss so much by scrolling a lot.

KATIE MAC IN TX: Come on lady...don't leave us. We have all enjoyed you and your posts so much. At least come back to visit once in a while? But keep up with the personal E-Mails please.

DH just cam in after tractor/mowing our 2.9 acres for the first time this year. Can you believe his tractor has Cruise Control? No kidding...it really does. But it is a good thing as he still is healing from the cardiac catheterization through the groin. I told him to only do part of it, but he did it all with only about a ten minute break. He had to come in to remind his wife to change the position of the satellite dish so he could mow around it. That is my "job" whenever he mows and I am usually so involved in whatever I am doing myself that I forget. Maybe he will fire me and start doing that part himself BEFORE he goes outside???

I am being pretty busy now with trying to catch up on all the different block exchanges that I am participating in. Now that Marilyn is doing so well, improving a little each day, I can finally get serious about my favorite hobby again.

Will I never be satisfied?! I was complaining about Spring never getting here. Well we had a full week of really nice weather, then it rained (we really needed it) Tuesday night and Wednesday and now it is so HOT & MUGGY!! Just like July and August. If the temperature is 5 degrees above or below 70 I am uncomfortable and get lazy! Still have work on my flower gardens to finish.

Has anyone ever heard from Kay Johnson (Kays Kids Fame)? I so enjoyed her and her groupies last year.

Marty in Vermont

is there any blocks from may 1998 to sept 1998.
i just started looking at them and i cannot find the months of may, june, july, and aug.
anna

I have been one of the "lurkers" for awhile, but have taken part in y2k, cancer quilt project and sent quilts to Kosovo. Now hope to become more openly active - so many good things are going on by having the new format on the WWQP.
I recently had a severe bout with asthma and was hospitalized. For now, I'm using a nebulizer at home for breathing treatments . If any of you have had this challenge, I'd like to hear from you.
Please continue to pray for those affected by the tornadoes in Ok. THANKFULLY our DGD who lives in Moore is safe.
May you all have a wonderful Mothers Day.
Dena in Ok.

Many of the animals we have been acquainted with have had reactions
to fleas and some have developed "hot spots" which are completely
hairless, and yes they always lick those spots. Special shampoos and
some ointment did the trick. Betty in Oregon

I will be leaving all of the BB, PP whatever you call them now because this has gotten to be ridiculous. I don't know why we couldn't have just stayed on the BB and each of us posted all topics so we wouldn't need to go from place to place. Scrolling is not THAT hard ladies. I don't have the time to mess with it. Sue, in trying to make everyone happy, has tried but you can't make all the people happy all the time and someone will always gripe about something. It's their nature. Anyway, I am still working on the info and lodging for the International Quilt Festival, so anyone wanting to be on the list for the info please e-mail me. (or Lynn) I am keeping a notebook of everyone that would like to come so that I can keep them informed.

For those of you that I have met and made friends with on the BB, keep the e-mails coming! I miss the original BB but I guess you really can't go back as they say.

I will miss most of you a lot!

Bye,

Katie Mac - Spring, Texas

Been kind of lurking because typing makes my shoulder hurt, but quick notes are worth the ice pack.
Will send a block for Ridgeley and the kids in about 2 weeks as other projects that are due before have stacked up.
Does anyone know if you can use Zig Millennium pens for quilt lables? The back says that you can use them on fabric.
I will take pictures of Kellie's Quilt Blocks today . I had hoped for a sunny day with good lighting, but will settle for cloady with lots of flash. I wanted to scan each one, but I think Monica's way of grouping them makes more sende with Andy's limited space and the loading time.
Last call for the person who wanted Burgandy Monotone. I have two yards. Contact me if you are interested.
Would Block by Block by Mary Ellen Hopkins be another good source for 6" blocks? she gives cutting directions for several sizes.
Off to finish the school choir costumes. They grow by leaps and bounds. We started with 8 and now we need 15. Should have stuck with quilting- clothes are not my forte. Peg in Chicago

Sondra, I have two cats who do this, too! They just lick a couple of spots on their tummies and insides of legs until they're totally bare and even a little raw. I believe it's related to allergies. If it got real bad or infected I'd go to the vet, but we're not at that point. I'm not worrying about it for now!

Doris in TN: You're turning out to be my angel! Yes, I've thought about an exchange student. We will definitely have room if the boys both go off to college/school. It would be a fun thing for them, too when they come back home for weekends/holidays. I'd be pleased for any info.

On the "other" board I posted about a 20's/30's quilt I'm restoring that has thick batting--I mean, REALLY thick. I'm adding borders so have to find some type of modern-day batting that will match. Last night, at Doris' suggestion I made a sample sandwich of backing/batting/border fabric. It took FOUR layers of Hobbs Heirloom Cotton to make the same thickness! I'm using button/carpet/craft thread and a chenille needle. I'm taking one 1/8" long stitch at a time! Thank goodness I don't have to quilt the whole thing, just the borders I'm adding. Boy will my fingers be sore! Yow!

--Laura in NC

I need help putting the pieces together of the tumbling block in a quick manner. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanx Sue

anyone have a clue how to get and email letter unstuck out of the out box? Better post it here since I'm not for sure what the problem is I don't know if the inbox works or not..
Doni

My last post was just silliness related to the first few notes that I read here this morning. After I got further down and read all the serious stuff about the death of that fine pilot I felt bad about it. My SIL worked on Apaches when he was in the army and said they are very prone to problems. They spend hours on the ground in maintenance for every hour in the air. Hearing about the crash was so awful. Hope I didn't offend anyone. On a lighter note - I've noticed that this BB thing is like your house - it expands to fill the space. We moved from a small starter apartment to a 6-room ranch to this big old 9 room plus shed plus attic plus cellar, and somehow there is never enough room for everything. Now we are filling three boards with enough stuff to keep you reading an hour or so a day each! Lynn in VT

No, this doesn't belong on the prayer page - it's just my version of the Creation. You know how you might work hard to dye fabric, then have to cut it up to make a quilt? Well, God created Adam. Looked him over and realized all his flaws--unable to find anything in the garden, does not appreciate all those beautiful flowers, chases the animals, but doesn't know enough to feed them or himself, etc., etc. Private parts that are just TOO demanding and overrule the brain. So He says to himself, "Well, the bones look ok, anyhow, if a bit bulky..." So he takes out a rib and starts over again. This time, he makes a more delicate creature with private parts discretely hidden, and a nurturing nature. She is appreciative of beauty everywhere, creative like Himself, and her laughter rings through the garden the moment she sees her mate. God smiles in delight. He knows that in just a few millenia she will become a quilter, and He says: "It is good!" Lynn in VT

Good morning all,
Since tomorrow is Mother's day I thought this would be a good time to post this.
I always have something ready for my Mom, but this is for the other "Mom " we get to have if we are luckt enough. My other "Mom " has been gone for many years now but this I would have given her tomorrow and maybe she still gets it .
"To My Mother"
You are the other mother I received
The day I wed your son
And I just want to thank you , Mom
For the loving things you've done
You've given me a gracious man
With whom I share my life
You are his lovely mother
and I his lucky wife
You used to pat his little head
and now I hold his hand
You raised in love a little boy
and then gave to me the man

I did not write this. , as you remember I am the one trying to be the quilting artist.
I loved that expression.
Quilters rule and men drool, ROFLOL
who knows I think the men appreciate what we try to do, they just don't understand our projects or why we do them. Then again half the time I don't understand anything of what they are doing either , so it is pretty fair.
Doris in Tennessee, No I have never been there, but I am sure the weather will be fine. The last couple of weeks we have had just great weather,but I think most people here are now hoping for some rain. As far as driving , it is the same here as where you are. Same O , same O
Later have a good day all.
Grace in Ont.

could someone tell me what snail mail is, or siggies, or squisheys ?
I am a quilter in Holland and my English is not bad, but I'm having problems understanding the
typical lingo used in quilters e-mails.
greetings, Twan

I do not know if this is relevant but we are looking for a manual for an old Singer, maybe maid in the UK, model 726G. It is 220V, and we live in Asia.

Can anyone help?

It has been suggested (I am sorry I don't remember who) that the children of Kevin Reicherts be made an I Spy Quilt, each. I am asking if there are any volunteers to help with such a project. If there are 3 people who would each take on one quilt. We could all contribute fabric to those who would be willing to make them. I cannot do one at this time. I've got a wedding to do and so many commitments, but I would be willing to contribute fabric, batting, thread, backing, whatever. Please let me hear from you. I will give the jobs out on a first come basis. TIA
Take care and may God bless you and yours!
Love, >^..^< Kitty Kate in WA >^..^<

Shirley in AL and Penny in Mi have not forgotten to answer your e mail my computer is being picky on who get e mail and some will go through and others will not.Will answer as soon as I figure out what is going on
Marge from Mi

Shirley in AL and Penny in Mi have not forgotten to answer your e mail my computer is being picky on who get e mail and some will go through and others will not.Will answer as soon as I figure out what is going on
Marge from Mi

World Wide Quilting Page * BB Chat Page