I can hardly believe the month is over as of today. I have done very well for me with my Hand Work Challenge. I haven't done 1 hour every day but I have worked several hours at other times. I have made real progress. Thanks to Bonnie Hunter for suggesting this. I find myself wondering if we will continue the challenge next month. I hope I will work on this quilt until I get it finished.
I completed this section and have most of the next hoop finished. I hope to do it tonight while watching TV.
Doing this blog has been a challenge in itself. I do not have experience writing..in fact other than papers I wrote for school, I haven't even written much in the way of letters or cards. I guess most people don't write much either any more.
Have a nice Sunday evening.
Carolyn
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Technology
September 29, 2012
I both love and hate technology. I love how I can connect with all of my friends and family over the Internet. I love how pictures just taken can be sent immediately to other places clear across the world. I love the computer. I love my I Pad. I hate the cell phone.
The cell phone here is my latest attempt to communicate. I just can't seem to make it work. I have taken pictures with this phone and tried to upload them on the computer and I just am not able to do it. I had a Blackberry before this...actually two of them..and I couldn't work them either.
One of my problems is that my fingers do not have good circulation. Touching a touch screen doesn't work well for me. The screens will not pick up my fingers because the tips of my fingers are cold...or so I have been told. That means when someone calls me I can punch on the button all I want and it may or may not answer the call. It is so very frustrating. I could probably make it work if I had a stylest, but who carries one all the time?
If I didn't want all the technology I probably wouldn't have a problem..but I do...ME. I want all the latest gadgets...they are so much fun...but only if you can make them work.
Have a great Saturday night.
Carolyn
Friday, September 28, 2012
ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY
September 28, 2012
Today was simply beautiful. Barbara and I went to Mt. Airy, NC for "Andy Griffith Days." The town was all decorated for fall.
Everywhere you went the theme song was playing and characters were dressed like Andy, Barney, and Aunt Bea.
We didn't get pictures with the characters but I did get Barb to pose with the car.
We also went to celebrate Barb's birthday which isn't until October 3rd, but we were up for some early fun. We did enjoy ourselves thoroughly. We wanted to get a pork tenderloin at Snappy's until we got there. The line was all the way down the block. We just weren't doing that.
It started to shower and we stoped in a store so we wouldn't get wet. We were starved by then and inside the store was a sign saying they had a restaurant. We decided we would check it out. We hit a gold mine. Not only was it not crowded, but it was extremely nice. You can tell by the desserts that we couldn't resist.
Her's was a chocolate torte.
Mine was a blueberry bread pudding with white Chocolate.
We had such a good time. I hope you can spend the evening with someone you love...be it with fur or feathers or if not that then a project full of fabric. You can probably catch reruns of "The Andy Griffith Show" on TV.
Carolyn
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Fall
September 27, 2012
I know the season really arrived several days ago but the air made me aware of it for sure today. The leaves are starting to turn. I can see from my deck door that there are several trees that are now golden in color. We always wonder if the leaves will be as bright as the last year. Each year though we are thrilled with the color.
Soon we will be raking the leaves and having hot dog roasts. I love it when the air has a crispness to it and the smoke from the fire smells so good. Then there is always room for roasted marshmellows..or even s'mores. I don't have the chocolate but we have the graham crackers and marshmellows. I had better add chocolate bars to the grocery list and hide it from my kids or it won't be here when we need it.
Happy Fall everyone. I hope all your pumpkins are as big as this one.
Carolyn
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Matted Fur
September 26, 2012
Joy Shaved
With my left arm in a cast and then in a splint our beautiful Persian cat, Joy, got too many mats. I had no choice but to have her shaved.
Gift of Joy, her registered name, is about 10 years old now. I would have to look up her papers to be sure. She was my Christmas present. We were in Florida visiting Barbara and Jim. I got so sick on Christmas Eve. I went to the doctor and he ordered me to stay in bed and in Florida for 5 days or go to the hospital. Joy was 6 weeks old. She was my constant companion during those days. She still sleeps with me and when it is time to go to bed...she comes running.
Our nest of fur has less fur tonight because Joy must have lost a pound of it. I feel better knowing she doesn't have mats.
Have a great Wednesday.
Carolyn
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
LONG DAY
September 25, 2012
Today has been a long day. I am extremely tired. My arm is doing better. I have progressed to a small splint.
Have a good night's rest.
Carolyn
Monday, September 24, 2012
Accountability
September 24, 2012
I hope you have enjoyed your hour of hand sewing every day as much as I have. I have especially enjoyed sewing along with Bonnie on Quilt Cam. I have sewn 16 1/2 hours since we last reported.
Today is a special day for me. My first service dog Raven ll turns 14.
He is a wonderful blessing that Canine Companions for Independence gave to me on August 19, 2000. We are represented by the SE Center in Orlando. Because the center wasn't fully operational I went to the NE Center on Long Island to get Raven. He was trained by Janet Evans who was a puppy raiser for CCI. She was a high school English teacher.
Raven learned his commands perfectly. He went from Alaska to the Caribbean on cruise ships. He even has a couple of pages written about him in a book "Love Heels". I can't tell you enough about all the times Raven was my hero. He just is.
When it became time for Raven to retire he went to live with my dear friend Jean. He as been her devoted companion since that time. I couldn't ask for him to be in a better place.
I love you Ravinsky. I am so thrilled we have had you for these years. God willing, we will have you for several more birthdays.
Have a blessed Sunday.
Carolyn
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Unpleasant Surprises
September 22, 2012
Today was a day of surprises and not all of them were pleasant. I started the day with my keyboard not working. No matter what I did to it, it wouldn't respond. I was so frustrated. I guess I can't hardly do without a computer.
Off to Wal-Mart we went to buy some groceries and to get a new keyboard. It sounds simple doesn't it? Well it takes us about 30 minutes to get there.
Brianna's homework this weekend was to take care of an electronic baby. The baby went with us to the store. All was going well UNTIL..Brianna told me ...and very upset...that she had lost the key that makes the baby quiet. We were tearing the car apart the girls drove back to search the store. No luck. No one turned in a key. Needless to say when the baby cried we had a hard time. Now to face the teacher and find out where we go from here. As I said a day of unpleasant surprises.
Tonight I found out in the process of trying to fix the keyboard that the printer is no longer attached to the computer. I will have to wait until Josh comes to the rescue. He is at a friend's house this weekend.
After I opened the new keyboard...this one decided to work. This old keyboard is a much nicer one than I bought. I hope they will let me return the new one.
I hope your Saturday has been uneventful.
Carolyn
Friday, September 21, 2012
Friday Thoughts
Last night we went to see Brianna cheer for the football team.
Our team "almost" won.
The girls cheered loudly.
Haley enjoyed the hotdogs.
After the game Josh had birthday cake.
All of this is to offer excuses why I didn't do my hour of sewing last night. I rated a big fat zero for my calendar. I hope I can sew tonight.
We are off to watch Brianna cheer for Alleghany High School and to celebrate Josh's birthday.
Have a great Thursday!
Carolyn
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!
September 19, 2012
The sun is shining!!!
You really don't appreciate the sun until it is gone for four days. I awoke this morning so glad to be alive and to see the beautiful sunshine. Everything is very clean after all the rain and the air is clear. The heavy rains did break off some of the mums, but we are so thankful that this part of the USA has enough rain. I did get a surprise from the rain:
I have a gladiola blooming!!
Usually I get them in the middle of June, but there was a sale on the bulbs and I bought some. Maria, who helps me clean this nest, planted them to surprise me. Thanks Maria.
Henretta is happy today, too.
I hope your day is full of sunshine and wonderful memories.
Carolyn
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
LIQUID SUNSHINE
September 18, 2012
The rain was pouring. Can you see the droplets coming off the roof?
Just as I sat down to scratch this note out there was a break in the clouds.
See the blue sky peaking out.
You can even see the sun over the top of the roof.
SomChai is perfectly content on my chair. My designated spot to work on my cross stitch. If you will look closely you can see it sitting on the bar stool and Tinkerbelle trying to see if she is being left out of the picture.
Here are the two of them taking a nap. SomChai is named for a Vietnamise soldier who helped the American cause in the Vietnam War. I was calling SomChai, "Possom,". When I took him for his kitten shots Dr. Williams said my name wasn't really appropiate for a Snowshoe cat. He asked me if I would honor a special soldier who helped him in the war. My cat has held that honor since that day.
Please remember to pray for our military. They all deserve our honor and our respect. To those fellow quilters who donate to Quilts of Valor I am so very proud of what you do. God Bless.
Carolyn
Monday, September 17, 2012
MISTY MONDAY
September 17, 2012
I have spent the day inside, another misty, foggy day. We can't see anything beyond our snug nest inside.
This is what you will see when you enter the house from the carport. I found this sign last fall when I having a day out with my dearest sister-in-law and friend Barbara. Come on in and spend some time. We would love to have you visit in our "NUT HOUSE."
Don't forget to spend your time doing your handwork.
Carolyn
Sunday, September 16, 2012
UNUSUAL SUNDAY
September 16, 2012
Today was an unusual Sunday for us. We didn't go to church. Wayne woke up with a very sore throat and a temperature. Josh got his right knee hurt at football last night..after he scored a 78 yard touchdown. I am a little hoarse. The weather is even a little different....63 degrees and rain and fog most of the day.
I love when the mountains just peak out of the fog. I took these pictures one right after the other and the fog was moving very fast.
As the mountain became lost in the fog..the boys...Wayne and Josh watched football...The Panthers vs The Saints.
Josh is into the game!
Wayne is watching every play. Walker, our cocker, could care less.
I spent the day with my nose in a book and of course I saved an hour to work on my handwork challenge.
Have a cozy Sunday night.
Carolyn
Saturday, September 15, 2012
TIMEFLYING
September 15, 2012
I know when I was young and my Grandmother would say " The older you get the faster time flies," I thought she didn't know what she was talking about. How wrong I was. Time..I remember a quote I learned in fourth or fifth grade.." Lost between somewhere and someplace 60 golden seconds...." I can't think who the author was, but I have thought about that saying so many times in my life. As I tried to find this quote I found that I was indeed wasting the time that I have, searching for what may or may not be a correct memory.
Five years ago Haley was a child of seven. Tonight this same girl came in and handed me her school pictures. The picture is of a preteen in braces. Time has indeed flown.
Have a great Saturday night.
Caroly
Friday, September 14, 2012
Beautiful Sky
September 14, 2012
These are the pictures of the evening sky that I wanted to share yesterday. Then I had some problems with being thought to be a robot. It sure isn't me..or maybe the fact that I can't figure the words out makes them really suspicious.
The sky was just so beautiful. I get so busy with all kind of stuff....just stuff...that I often forget to appreciate the important gifts that are right out my window.
I want to post one more picture of my progress because I need to move my hoop. I still have this cast on ...tired of hearing about it I bet...but I can't position my arm so I can do any more stitches..the X's are too close to the edge of the hoop. I am so pleased that I have kept at it. I think the design looks like an angel..not the flower that it is if I turn it around.
I am having some technical problems with my blog. The site has decided that I am spam. What I don't know about writing a blog will do me in. I am trying to get the problem worked out and if I do I should be able to at least post about the Sew Along Challenge. The wanting to be accountable for my sewing this month is why I started this blog. In this case, I am definately a case of "teaching an old dog a new trick."
Have a good Thursday. Carolyn
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
FALL CLEANING
September 12, 2012
Last evening Wayne and Haley came home with some mums. The petunias have spent all their bloom and only the herbs are still doing well. I should say that I gave them too much Miracle Grow last week. It has yellowed some of the parsley.
I bring the herbs inside during the cold weather. They add such a nice aroma to the house and make the food taste so good. They get plenty of sun through my patio doors.
Last night Bonnie talked about getting ready for Christmas. I am not making Christmas gifts. My handwork doesn't have the details or perfection that it once did. However with the cooler weather I decided to get everyone to get the Christmas ornaments from the third floor to the storage so it will be ready. This year I want to get out all the decorations like I used to. I promised everyone last year that we would. I want the house to look like The Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, TN.
We went down to Gatlinburg, TN on our honeymoon almost 48 years ago and we still love it. It has changed so much as have we.
Now that we have started this cleaning it just seems like there is so much more to do, windows, baseboards, doors, etc. These pretty days make it so hard to keep cleaning...and what I really want to do is to go down to my sewing room and just spend the day playing. Even Dan is calling me out to come and play with him. He is ready. Fall cleaning can wait another day.
Have a wonderful Wednesday. Carolyn
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
I FORGOT
September 11, 2012
In the midst of remembering the terrible significance of September 11th., I forgot about writing a blog. I actually remember exactly where I was on that morning just like I know where I was when I found out President Kennedy was shot. Although many important events in my private life have occurred, these memories have remained chrystal clear.
How about you? Were you born after Kennedy or were you so young when The Twin Tower event happened you don't have a distinct picture in your mind. Are you worried as some mental actions become more difficult that these memories will also fade?
It is with sincere gratitude that I remember all the sacrifices that have been a result of that day. It is with a heavy heart that I remember my special friend, Joy H., whose death was most probably a result of those awful fumes. She was as her name, a Joy to know, and I am blessed to have been her friend.
Don't forget to tell those you love how special they are. Remember also to thank those who serve us all...the military, the police, and the firemen.
Carolyn
Monday, September 10, 2012
Monday Progress
September 10, 2112
Bonnie Hunter from Quiltville, http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2012/09/one-hour-of-needle-thread-week-1.html, has asked us to list our progress today. I am proud to announce that I have sewn 4.75 hours by hand since last Tuesday. That time would be super for me anyway, but with my arm in this cast that is remarkable.
The whole hoop was without stitches when I started so you can see I have made progress. I will try to watch the web cam tonight and log in another hour.
I also updated my calendar.
If I have this figured out correctly you should be able to see this without all the verification. I am still so new to this that I honestly didn't realize some of the things that exist on a blog.
Have a great Monday. Are you looking forward to the web cam as much as I am?
