My Place and Times

Wahoo Fall is here!!!

2018-10-23T15:24:00.000-04:00

Well Summer went out like a Lion! The heat, humidity and hurricanes. GOOD RIDDENS!

Have you watched any of the new Fall shows? My favorite new shows are

A Million Little Things

The Cool Kids

A Million Little Things has drama, comedy and such a great story line.

The Cool Kids will make you literally laugh out loud!

Two shows you don't want to miss.
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The weather in NC is gorgeous. We have ups and downs in temps through October but we are enjoying this now.

The NC State Fair started a day late due to Hurricane Michael but they should have record year if this weather keeps up.

With the good weather comes progression of our home.

The porch is framed. The front door is in, the back door should be in tomorrow. Hopefully the siding will be done by the end of the week. The rough ins should all be complete by Monday the 29th of October. Assuming that all goes as planned we hope to insulate the first week of November.

I still keep hoping and praying we can spend Christmas/Chanukah in our new home.

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For those that didn't see on Facebook - I took Tucker and Kaylee to see Jordan (one of our friends from their daycare), at the Pumpkin Patch. They were very inquisitive and Tucker found some kind of animal poop that he decided his head needed to be rubbed in. We took a picture in the hay pile that was set for photo ops. I was not planning on the photo but wanted to get a picture with the furry kids so I jumped right in with them. Thanks Jordon for take all the photos. This was the best of them.

We also brought home a white and orange pumpkin for Daddy! (aka my husband Keith) who loves Halloween. He loves to greet the kids at the door and hand out candy. A few years back a 3 year old little boy just came right in to see the dogs we had then like he lived here. The little boy's dad was mortified but we just laughed.

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Last week I received a wonderful surprise from a friend

She is an upcoming and new designer. Mary has created these beautiful three patterns.

The Dogwood Mat

The Travel Pillow

And

Circle Party Pinkeep

Patterns $10 each

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So...........have you ever been "Boo'ed"?

We were today.

I came home and on our chair near our door was this.........

In there was this note.......

What a cute idea.

So now I have 2 days to "Boo" two other people.

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I had a busy bowling week.......last Saturday I bowled in a 3 6 9 tournament. You get a strike in the 3rd, 6th and 9th frames. We each bowled six games in about 2 1/2 hours. The fact that we got 3 strikes per game would make one think there is no way they could get less than 100?????? LOL....I did. I am still so NOT consistent I bowled 147, 148, 90, 112, 139,188. I did however win a side bet of $16 for the handicap. It was fun. Thanks Annette for talking me into it.

I am now going to bowl for a good cause next Wednesday. The bowlathon is actually this Sunday but I cannot make it so I am going to use my league scores on October 31,2018.

Here are the details:

Quilts for Kids

if you are interested in sponsoring me please email or text me the following no later than 10/30/2018 at 5pm. I will be playing 3 games, 10 frames. You can pledge a flat amount or base it on score, pins??? For example if you wanted to sponsor a penny a pin and I bowled 150, 100 and 125 that's 375 pins or $3.75. Thanks in advance.

This is the form I need to complete:

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And a great recipe. Low Carb Bagels

They were surprisingly amazing.

Be sure to use the Fage Yogurt. The thicker the yogurt the better.

Skinny Bagels

Everyone have an amazing week. I hope to have positive updates on the house soon.

Let me know if you would like to sponsor me for Quilts for Kids Bowlathon.

Stacey

Zippity Doo Dah --- Where is Mr. Bluebird?

2018-09-28T20:43:00.000-04:00

So unless you are living under a rock, you are aware of the chaos going on in our government. I am not going to discuss it but brought it up because I thought - what a better day to blog and try to divert the attention of the massive storm occurring.

I went to two places this morning and it just amazed me how the "Political Storm" is creating havoc like a full moon. People are short tempered and unkind. I have valued and instilled the values in my kids - "You treat others how you would want to be treated". This is not a difficult task. We all have bad moments or days. We never know what someone else is facing. We cannot control others but we can control our own behavior. If everyone can try a little harder maybe "Mr. Blue Bird" shall land on your shoulder.

Ok, that was a bit intense but I just don't understand why people have to be so ugly!!!

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New Home Update:

We spent all day last Saturday with our electrician finalizing the rough in. I'm sure I have missed a light or switch but we do have a lot. So it is what it is. The framers did not show up but they are coming this Saturday - (so I was told). We had a beam of steele installed for the porch yesterday before the rain. Once the framer gets his part done a lot more can happen. FINGERS AND TOES CROSSED!!

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I was reminded by a friend "Linda W" about a situation that occurred about a month ago. It's actually a Public Service Announcement. I had to learn the hard way. So here is what happened.............

I was bringing items to a consignment shop and had all the nicely ironed and hung items laying in my hatch back of my Ford Edge. The clouds were rolling in while I was unloading. I went to get the last load and had the back hatch opened when the rain came down so hard I though I was being sprayed with a garden hose. So I quickly jumped into the hatchback/trunk and pushed the electric door button to close the hatch. Once the door closed I had realized I left my keys in the front seat as well as my phone and my starbucks latte. I sat and waited for the rain to let up which seemed like forever but it was about 5 min. I then pushed the button that closed me in the car but to my surprise it does not open from the inside when the door is closed. Now what? I laughed for at least 2 minutes of my alone time. Then I looked out the window and realized I can't see the owner of the shop who had come out for smoke and it's getting hot in the car. So I look to the middle row of seats and unless I could make myself into "flat Stanley" I wasn't getting into the back seat. This had become a MacGyver moment. So I decided to take the middle headrest out. That at least gave me enough space to squeeze myself through, flip over the seat and then open the back side door manually. I saw the owner and asked her if she was entertained waiting for the rain to end. She said she didn't know I was even stuck in the car. So the public service announcement in summary is if you are going to shut yourself in the car make sure you have Keys in Hand!

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I love to share some Yummy Recipes when I find them so hee you go............

I made this with Zoodles this week and loved it. If you do not know what Zoodles are they are Zucchini strips that look like spaghetti but are zucchini.

Skinny Chicken Piccata

Have a great weekend everyone! Take time to do something you enjoy and most of all something nice big or small for someone to make them smile.

Hugs!!!
Stacey

2018-09-16T12:08:00.000-04:00

I'M BACK!!!

So I decided to Blog again. I seem to disappear for a year then get the urge to start again. (Looking back at the blog). I have had quite a few people ask me when I would start posting again. Time always seems to be the issue with everything. Time passes so fast and gets away from us so why not take the time. I am working on making time for things that make me happy and this is one of them
This year has been beyond crazy personally and in this world. I have chosen to create this as a place to visit without politics and drama which is why I wanted even more to blog the good things.

With all that being said we are very happy to see Florence make her exit - our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. We were very fortunate to only lost power for 6 hours. We had a glitch with the generator but Lowes was opened and had plenty in stock. It was an easy fix. Both our current home and new home appear to be without damage. THANK GOD!!

During the storm we watched the Black Panther Modern Marvel movie. I didn't think I'd like it and the movie was a bit different for me but the effects and story were better than I thought. We also watched Melissa McCarthy - "The Life of the Party". It was also not the best movie but cute and a current spin of Rodney Dangerfield's "Back to School".

Now we need the rain to take a hike!!! Things to dry out so we can move on with our new home. For anyone that doesn't know. We bought the land in Fuquay Varina, NC 14 years ago and finally broke ground last August. Keith (my husband) and I are building our dream home. Here is our current status...

The HOPE is to be in for the holidays.
I will keep y'all posted.
My older son Justin is living with us and is eager for us to move out so he can take over this house we are in.

In the meantime we have these two crazy fur babies. We adopted Tucker (lab/shepherd mix) a year ago Mother's Day and Kaylee (chow-chow/golden - Heinz 57) this past February. She was a Foster Failure. I failed. I had her for a week and could NOT give her back!

They keep us laughing.

Kaylee is such a Daddy girl. She is obsessed with Keith. Every moment she can she is kissing him And Tucker is a mama's boy.

They absolutely adore each other from the moment we brought Kaylee home..

Do you truly know how to boil the perfect egg?

This morning I wanted to make egg salad. I however either overcook or undercook my hard boiled eggs. And then there is the frustration of getting the shell off. So what do I do? I GOOGLE how to boil the perfect egg. And they were truly perfect.

How to Boil a Perfect Egg

What else has been going on you ask???

I bowl on a ladies Wednesday league. I started a year ago August. I was lucky to bowl on average a 70. Thank goodness for handicaps. My teammates have all been supportive for the most part. I was truly frustrated getting more gutters than pins. I am proud to say things have improved. No I'm not entering the Pro Bowlers but I have gotten my 90 handicap down to a 73. (Those that don't know - the handicap is your average subtracted from 200). I shocked myself and everyone else this week and bowled a 186. I then went back to reality and bowled a 93 and 98. Consistent I'm not. But here's the proof. I had to take a picture.

I also play Mah Jongg on Mondays. People think it is Jewish ladies game but guess what? I'm the only Jewish person I love the game. It's challenging and fun. Of course we have a few of our own rules that would be snubbed at but we have a good time. We won't tell the Mah Jongg police.

On that note..............I found this the other day. SERIOUSLY???? It was pretty funny. But again -

Seriously?

Automatic Mah Jongg table

I know this was a rather random all over the place post but for the most part I think that brings everyone up to date.

My goal is to blog at least once a week.

Ta Ta for now!!!

Stacey

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!!!

2017-06-08T20:26:00.001-04:00

So I knew it had been a long time but not this long........more than a year! So I'm going to go month to month to bring it all together!

March 2016

Plans for the wedding were well on their way. Invitations being made, addressed and sent as well as final preparations for both the rehearsal dinner and Wedding.

The rehearsal dinner invite

The inside

(sorry will take too long to edit )

RSVP Card

My sister Randi and I attended the Prim Society Retreat (cross stitch in Atlanta)

This is the top of the gift I made for the exchange

I placed it on top of a wood flip top box painted black

tied it with a ribbon and the sunflower is a Needle keep (it's magnetic and

holds your needle while stitching.)

In the Van on our way!!

Then Keith and I headed to Florida for my sister in law Kimberly's 50th birthday. We surprised her.

April 2016

Took a trip to San Antonio to visit Marilyn

Miss Addisson showing her treasures...

Her cooking outfit......

A handbag Marilyn and I made together....

Side pocket

Back View

Went Charlottesville to Celebrate my niece Sydney's 21st birthday ....

On the grounds of UVA

Her gift

The card (blahblah)

The Cute Couple (Doug and Syd)

The Birthday Girl!

Bought my dress for the wedding.

Hit my 50lb weight loss.....

Got my hat for Rachel's Bridal Shower Tea....

May 2016

The Chupa Went to Cathy Kirk

for quilting

Had Rachel's Bridal Shower at Umstead in Cary, NC

Adele made this beautiful mirror...

And the "Larson at Last"

Rachel and her friend Beth Hood

The Tea Cakes

The Salad Bar with Rachel

Opening presents...

Hand Painted flutes for the ceremony

A basket of gifts

Rachel in her Toilet Paper dress

Happy kick

Adele with Rachel's paper bouquet.

June 2016

THE BIG MONTH

June 18 - Wedding Day

The weather was perfect, The Beautiful Bride (Rachel) was beyond gorgeous, and the day couldn't have been better. From the rehearsal dinner through the wedding.

Then off to mani/pedi for all

before heading to the outerbanks.

Marissa went with the 4th of July theme...

Red/Blue

Beachy theme on her toes...flowers and gold

Sister in law, Kimberly getting her manicure

My sister in law Laura and her husband came as well. Jay loves Krispy Kreme so we went to the old one in downtown Raleigh, at the outerbanks we went and saw the wild horses on the beach.

Then off to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota

The street fair in gorgeous weather....

quaint shops

Keith enjoying some Prime Rib

best part- Diagnosed properly.

July 2016

ROAD TRIP TO HERSHEY, PA QUILT SHOW...

Thelma and Louise in an elevator escapade..

Mary, Amy, Marilyn and I at Hershey

Look what I found!!!

Quick picture before we go!

I can do this!!!

The best find!!!

August 2016

Visit to Cold Moon Farm!

This price was per pound! Yes per pound.

The man in the produce department said people were paying over $30 for a watermelon.

I love this place.......

The vegetable gardens....

The pasture....

The back balcony view...

A visit with my Aunt and Uncle to the

Restaurant Depot

Yellow Jackets to keep from freezing!

A couple of years ago I found this sewing machine with accessories for $5 at a yard sale in Manchester, VT for my Aunt.....

We finally had time to work on it.

Her first Rag Quilt with flannels

Accessories that came with the machine.

Tada!!! Done

While I was there my Aunt gave me my grandmother's old dishes. My treasure.

Love this woman and my uncle too!

I enjoyed time with Sarah. I met her husband and

step - daughter.

She's so much fun to be around.

Spent some time with Syd and Randi in Williamsburg...

And went to Adele's bridal shower...

I also started on a bowling league after not having bowled in over 25 years.

September 2016

We took a trip to Disney to celebrate Halloween with Marissa, Kimberly, Marion and Nanni/Nana Daryl....

Husband humor in the gift shop at the

Wilderness Lodge

Let the fun begin.....

Joining in the fun I decided to get my face painted...

My little princess Marissa riding with me playing laser tag

on the Buzz Lightyear ride......

...

My mother in law rode with Keith she can barley see but played along...

Flower Power

We had a blast. We ended our day bowling in downtown Disney.

The whole gang

Wedding #2

Quinn and Adele

November 2016

Went to Quilt Festival after Quilt Market in Houston, Texas with Marilyn
We took a basket weaving class.........

Look Honey I bought a long arm.......JUST KIDDING!

We had Thanksgiving at our house with the Berkowitz, Meinel, Yao (Quinn and Adele) family and Gabbie.

December 2016

What a busy month........

I started my month at the Primitive Gatherings Retreat Center with my Wisconsin family. I always love spending time with them....Lot of fun and laughter along with amazing food.

Made a bag for Amy

Saw some snow

Wouldn't be Wisconsin without cheese curds and Cow Pie

Back from Wisconsin on Sunday and Wednesday

flew to Puerto Rico to meet up with Les and Annette for a Cruise.........

Got back and tried to find a real Christmas Tree but nope we were too late.......

So thank God for Amazon!!!

Went to dinner one night and rode next to this cab.....

Surprised Syd on Christmas Day with Doug arriving....

Keith got a bigger towel from Marilyn's loom.

January 2017

BIRTHDAY, BOWLING AND BAKING...........

BAKED Cinnamon Rolls, Empanadas and Donuts (Fried those)

BOWLING

BIRTHDAY -

We celebrated Gabbie's Birthday at an Indian Restaurant

Everyone enjoyed.

February 2017

Went to the Mancuso Quilt Show in Hampton, VA. Helped Lisa from Prim Gatherings as well as Amy and Al and enjoyed time with them and Mary.

The only pictures I could find is my amazing Steam Station .....

Lisa's Liberty Quilt that I am doing as a block of the month...

And Lisa in front of one of her quilts....

Another Kit I haven't started but love!!

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I went for the first and LAST time to Waffle House aka awful waffle....

SO GROSS!!! NEVER AGAIN

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My friend Joyce finished her Harry Potter Quilt that was all paper piecing.

It came out amazing.

And we celebrated Sharon Stewart's 60th.

March 2017

We celebrated my friend Nancy's birthday

She's an amazing quilter. If you zoom in you can see this is all English Paper Piecing....for those that don't know what that is, they are pieces of paper in various shapes that are covered in fabric, the template is removed and the each piece is sewn together.

Another amazing job Nancy!

Went to Staples and this goose was parked on this car....

I threw him some crumbs but nope he wasn't moving.

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I signed a contract for the SecondxTreasures Craft Consignment Sale in September at Hope Chapel in Apex.

For more info go to

https://www.facebook.com/groups/274551819636422/?ref=bookmarks

or email me at secondxtreasures@gmail.com

Here's a view of the room

obviously the chairs will not be there.

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I found a nest in my herbs...........

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Made a visit to San Antonio

Found this awesome Starbucks tote in the airport

Bluebells

Went Quilt, Cross Stitch and Antiquing with Marilyn and a mutual friend.

April 2017

Florida bound for Marissa's First Communion

Took Keith's mom who can't see to Target.

We needed to get in and out so we set her in the kiddie cart.

We spent some time at the pool with Tayden, Erica and Aunt Laura.

Uncle Keith brought lots of candy -

Tayden decided to eat the huge tootsie roll.

Then s'mores at the poolside.

Keith and I on First Communion Day.

May 2017

BUSY BUSY BUSY BUSY.....MONTH!!!!

P.S.S. (Prim Stitch Society Retreat) - Columbus, OH

Randi (my older sister in Virginia) and I go each year to our extended Prim Society Retreat.. it's so amazing. It's like a yearly reunion. We thought next year was going to be the last year but they surprised us with 3 more years. Wahoooo.....

My exchange gift to a participant...

One of the attendees' sister made these for all of us.

My stitching / walking / b**ching buddy

Miss Jan from San Antonio - another buddy

Miss Joyce - San Antonio buddy

Beth

Sister Randi

The Exchange gift I received.

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Then Austin's girlfriend Gabbie graduated from NCSU and is headed to Minnesota for their DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and PhD program.

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Then Sydney's Graduation Celebration Weekend

At the Winery #1

Selfie - Keith peaking in

The Arbor together at Winery #1

Then To Hard Cider

Dinner Downtown

Congrats Syd!!!

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For Mother's Day I got.........

This Cutie.........

Tucker Cole

He is a lab/Shepherd mix

Such a good boy!

Sits; potty trained, shakes his paw and lays down.

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We also closed on our lot in Crooked Creek!

The permit is up!

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I joined project produce - Austin and GAbbie already belonged but because they left to find a house in Minnesota I had an abundance of veggies........

so...................I had to get creative!

Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Broccoli;

Banana choc chip scones.......

Zucchini Bread

Stuffed Zucchini

Yellow Squash Fritters, and more.

AND Finally June................

We just got back from Maryland helping a friend get their condo fixed up to put on the market. Wow....seeing how the renter's lived is really scary and sad.

I started Summer Bowling (actually May 24) and working on my skills for the fall. I am in a tournament for bowling this weekend - this should be interesting. I am working full speed ahead on the consignment sale.

So I will work on updating this weekly if not every other week.

I'll try to post some recipes next post. Hugs for now..........Stacey

Wow.........Almost March

2016-02-28T22:02:00.001-05:00

Wow........I can't believe it's almost March. Time is flying. I just got back from having a great time in Hampton, Va at the Mancuso Quilt Show. I got to visit with my friend Mary who lives in Delaware, Lisa from Primitive Gatherings and had the opportunity to get to know Al and Kayle from PG as well. (Primitive Gathering=PG). I went up Wednesday and got in just before the horrible Tornado Warnings started. At one point everyone in the atrium of the Embassy Suites started beeping at the same time with alerts. It was crazy. Thursday I had lunch with Randi and also had a quick visit with one of my buddies I met through my sister - Mary Jane.

I took some pictures of the quilts I liked at the show............

Picture of someone's dog made into an Applique Quilt - so cute

Plain but I liked the layout

Dresden Quilt is on my list of quilts I'd like to do.

30's fabrics - again thought it was a cool layout

Crazy quilt in 30's fabrics

Beautiful applique quilt

Caught my eye- liked the yellow background

"O" is for Owl......cute

This fascinated me - the woman painted the horse on the fabric...

5000 hours. Then embellished with thread.

then quilted. I can't believe it didn't win an award.

This is the back of the quilt below. You can see all the quilting.

Great workmanship.

Silk Fabric quilted.

Beautiful workmanship

Also on silk fabric - beautiful

Vibrant

A lot of hand embroidery than quilted by machine

This quit is known as Dear Jane.

The Person hand quilted the entire quilt.

This is a quilt that was on one of the groups I belong to on Facebook. The woman has no pattern just creates these 3D quilts. It was even more amazing in person.

I don't know these people. They chose to step in front of the quilt just as I snapped picture.

Very Pretty and Simple

Cute Bird Quilt

Applique Quilt that caught my eye

Close up of centeer

Baltimore Liberty - On my bucket list.

Another Beautiful Applique Quilt

The stitching in this quilt was amazing. There are a few close up shots below.......

I had to leave Saturday morning to get back in time for tickets I bought us, Rachel, Justin, Mia and Austin for the Broadway Play - The Lion King at DPAC. (Durham Performing Arts Center). We did enjoy it but for what I paid for the tickets, I was pretty disappointed where we were. It was rather misleading. We were second row back to the left and the view for a lot of the play for me was the stack of speakers on the stage. I saw the play with my Aunt Irene and my sister Pam back in 2011 so I had seen it before. But I WILL be making a call to DPAC for whatever it's worth tomorrow.

This week will be trying to get caught up and complete some things for the wedding so I don't have them hanging over me. I am good at procrastinating and it always bites me in the butt!

Ta ta for now.....

Hugs..............
Stacey

Catching Up Time

2016-02-17T19:24:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone I know I know I said weekly well if you know me things never go as scheduled. So since I last posted I've gone public with My New Journey. On Dec 21 I had gastric bypas surgery at the request of my cardiologist. It has had it's up and downs adjusting but I feel great now almost 2 months post op and 34 lbs lighter. I have a long way to go but just eating healthier has made me feel so much better. I haven't reached the 10 thousand steps on my fit bit yet but have reach 9 thousand. In the begining I only did 2 to 3 thousand.

I just returned Saturday from a stitching cruise with my BFF Marilyn. We had a great time with Lisa Bongean and her hubby Nick from Primitive Gatherings; Stacy West from Buttermilk Basin; Pam Buda; and the ladies from the Old Green Cupboard. (Those that don't stitch sorry I know those names mean nothing to you). Lisa and Stacy taught classes while we were at sea for 3 days.

The day before we left we flew into Ft. Lauderdale where Marilyn met with an old friend "Candie" who she hadn't seen in 42 years. I have to be honest I thought it would have been awkward but we sat and talked for 4 hours at dinner.

Our first port was the Bahamas - Marilyn and I had a rest day and stayed on the ship. We didn't even leave the cabin until after noon. But it was great.

The next day was class with Lisa in the morning and Stacy in the afternoon. I actually finished the top of this pillow that holds my sewing scissors and has a needle keeper under the wing by Lisa Bongean and started the snowman toweling pillow with Stacy in the afternoon.

Below is Stacy's sample I have not finished this yet.......

Our next Port was St. Thomas and those that are on facebook saw the bling we got. We had lunch at a local restaurant and the food was amazing. We couldn't have asked for better weather either. Marilyn bought herself a beautiful amethyst ring and I helped Keith by buying myself a multicolor saphire ring.

On the way back to the ship we came across this Iguana- she had babies on the rock according to another passenger but we couldn't find them.

Our first towel animal was an elephant - we only had three all week this is one we were trying to figure out what it was supposed to be? A bunny? A dog? Not sure.

Day 4 we were in St. Maarten - we got some last minute gifts but best of all

We enjoyed the shows which as many times as I have sailed with my family have not seen for the most part because by the time we are done with dinner it's late. Marilyn and I also attended (did NOT participate) Karaoke. There were some that needed the

hook but I give them credit for going up there.

There were some interesting groups on board one was called Grown and Sexy. They were actually a nice group of men and woman. They had different themes every night and it was great to see their costumes. Patriotic, 50's with Poodle skirts, Flight Attendent, etc...

Some were out of control and we'll just leave it at that.

One night there was 70's disco night on the promenade on the ship - They did the YMCA, soul train, funky town, there were couples that brought costumes onboard for the event.

70s video

We met some really nice women from Ohio and Georgia. We dined with them at night and we all shared our stories of the day. One of the ladies , Debbie, won the grand prize from Lisa and Stacy of a completed quilt they did as a Block of the Month.

This is the best picture I can find prequilted online....

(on my to do list)

I ended the last day of the cruise with one more beautiful gift from my husband. My first jewelry from Tiffany's.

I so enjoyed my time with Marilyn and miss her already. I am happy to be back home and back in my own environment. Even though I caught "the crud" from being away. I had to go to the doctor on Tuesday to find out I had an ear/sinus infection. But I'm not alone.

Sunday we had Valentine brunch with the kids and my hubby was very creative

Hope everyone had a great weekend and Valentine's Day.

I also posted on FB my recipe for Cauliflower Fried Rice you can use chicken or shrimp. Note: The only thing that goes in crockpot is the chicken if you choose to cook a whole chicken. Read through the entire directions before making.

Ingredients:

Frozen Rice Cauliflower from Trader Joe's (in freezer section in bag by frozen vegetables)
1 tbsp. of smart balance butter
1 egg per 1/2 bag
green onion, chopped
frozen peas (1/4 c per 1/2 bag)
soy sauce - low sodium
Chicken (rotissiere, baked, I used a whole chicken I cooked in crockpot with carrots, 1 onion and fresh rosemary) OR shrimp cooked

1.Take non-stick pan and put frozen rice cauliflower in pan so it's a single layer. Cook on Med to medium high heat. Do not keep stirring it - let it cook for a little bit (let it sit untouched for about 2 or 3 minutes then give it a light stir - shake pan to make it single layer again and repeated until done.) It should look like rice. Once done pour it onto a plate and let it cool.

2.Scramble/Beat egg in a bowl or cup; place 1/2 tbsp of Smart Balance butter in same pan you cooked rice and heat - add egg and scramble into pieces as desired until cooked. Set aside in bowl or dish.

3. In same pan add remaining 1/2 tbps of smart balance butter and cook green onion with Peas (I added peas frozen).

4. Once Peas are hot add rice, egg and chicken . Stir and then add soy sauce until you get taste you want. Soy Sauce is salty so I wouldn't add salt unless you want it when your done cooking. Add a little at a time.

If you don't use it all it does freeze and refrigerate well.

ENJOY!!!

2016-01-18T23:21:00.000-05:00

January 18, 2016

Yup, I'm still alive. Geez - I can't believe it's been since November. Wow..............Not good!!!
However, I'm sure you all can understand between holidays and life in general, time does slip by quickly. So I am restarting on a better note. I will be away from February 5, 2016 - February 13, 2016 - so I can't promise I will be posting. I'm going on a cruise with my B.F.F. Marilyn. We are sailing on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, with Lisa Bongean from Primitive Gatherings and Stacy West from Buttermilk Basin. We can hardly wait!!! This is Marilyns first cruise. I will try to post some of our adventure while we are gone but can't promise.

I have started an Etsy shop as well. I have a lot to update and things to add before I go. I obviously will not be shipping while away.

My Place and Times Etsy Shop

I also have a facebook page..........

Facebook page

I have started a jar and placing one positive thing each day in it. There may be days that are tough but I'm hoping to find a more positive approach each day. I'll keep you posted with a picture each month of my accomplishment.

I've started my fitness pal and eating right; less preservatives, and keeping track of my steps with my fit bit.

I've also taken a picture of my unfinished projects............ready for this??????? ok.........I think I still hold the crown for Queen of Unfinished projects............

Those are just the ones I can remember...........I'm sure I've missed something.

So...............I now have aired my goals, my new beginings and my unfinished projects.............

my plan is to make myself accountable to update you all on my progress.

Happy New Year Everyone..........And I hope 2016 brings many New Beginings and Blessings to one and all.

Best Press - Starch

2015-11-11T09:43:00.001-05:00

Many of you have been asking for the recipe for Best Press which is a starch for fabric.

Even if you're not a quilter you will love this to use on clothing or any fabric items that needs pressing.

This is the recipe "like" Best Press starch.

Mix together:
1 tsp scented essential oil (found in Walmart candle supplies aisle and they have lots of scents) Note: scent is optional if allergic to scents.
3 oz. vodka (YES vodka) LOL
Then add to 24oz distilled water in large spray bottle and shake well.
(Hint: Vodka is made from potatoes , a natural starch.)
..
Add one drop of food color per gallon (optional)
With all the ingredients it was under $15 to make 2 gallons and one small bottle of Best Press costs you that much! I love saving money with quilting :)

My Place and Times Etsy shop has started.

2015-10-25T19:47:00.000-04:00

We've only just begun - but I have had my first sale and I am so excited. Please check out my Etsy Shop. There are items from my stash I will be unloading from notions, books, patterns, fabric and more. Quilts. Already made totes, zippy pouches and more. Hand crafted items. Hand knitted items, and more. ALL handmade items ae MADE IN THE USA.

I will be updating as much as soon as possible.

I've also set up a facebook page which those I am friends with on FB should have received and invite.

Thanks in advance.

Stacey

Shop Now - My Place and Times - Etsy

2015-10-13T21:35:00.001-04:00

Hi all

It has literally been months since my last post. It's been crazy here. I want to start by asking if everyone can PLEASE vote over the next week (6 days actually). Stacy Nash West from Buttermilk Basin , in my opinion , deserves all the votes we can provide her. She is very giving to all of us and was nominated and now is a finalist for Martha Steward Made In America. If you can please click the following link and vote up to 6 times per day..

Vote Here

So I'm going to sum up life over the last 3 months.

August was busy moving Austin to a new apartment. We moved him to an apartment complex that Justin (our older son) and his friend Quinn lived in for a few years about 4 years ago in Raleigh. He started his junior year at college. (Time needs to slow down). We almost lost our other dog Piper - she had and although better still has pancreatitits. After a week at the Animal Specialty Hospital she's doing great. We've only had one more flair up since which was last week and we were able to nip it without hospitalization.

September was busy with way too many doctor appointments for me but good results. As most of you know I was diagnosed almost a year ago with Polymyalgia Rheumatica. I chose to go off steroids in July. Apparently when doing so my body got very angry with me. This was the result.

I think it was a flair up of what I had as a child that was also an auto immune disease. It is much better and is now only a tiny bit on my right leg.

The cardiologist allowed me to stop taking aspirin because as a child I was told that is what triggered the issues then and although the Polymyalgia is not gone is more manageable.

I swore I wouldn't post issues but thought it important to that you all know why I haven't posted.

Now onto happier things........................

Justin and Rachel are working on their wedding which will be here before we know it.

Austin and Mia are both in school and doing well.

We decided Keith needs to find a hobby other than growings pumpkins.....................

I planted pumpkin seeds in June.........all was going well and I explained we needed to keep hay under the pumpkins so the grass didn't choke out the vine ...........

as time went on we ended up here.............

then here.................(notice it was moving forward with nothing behind)

then Keith discovered part of the problem is there was a shortage of bees to polinate this year.

So he decided to do some research and learned there are male and female plants. The males are just a stem under the flower and the females have nodules.

Well, "bless his little heart" ...........he decided because the "bees couldn't do it" he decided to try and hand polinate. So as I looked on..............Keith removed a male flower from the vine and took it over to the female plant. He took the male flower and turned it upside down onto the top of the female flower. I went inside and as I turned to see if Keith was following behind I watched as the female flower just bent over and died. She apparently did not like the manual polination performed by Keith.. Sorry honey, but it was a priceless moment.

Well then Keith found out that part of the problem was that there were centepedes. aka rolly pollys - because of the late cool weather........we didn't have any June bugs. As much as we hate those beetles they eat grub. Well, after more research we found that coffee grinds would kill the grubs. I just want to throw in at this point a pumpkin - huge pumpkin is maybe $25?????????? But nope we weren't

giving up. So next , yup,, "Stace.....when you go to Starbucks tomorrow can you get coffee grinds?" me............"Are you kidding?".......Keith : "no they do it all the time" so, yup off to Starbucks the next day......get to speaker...order drink.....drive up to window.........."Hi, sorry to ask but my husband wants to know if I can get your used coffee grinds for his pumpkin plants"........Barista "oh, people do it all the time but we gave away the ones today if you can come back tomorrow around noon we'll hold them" so, ok, that went better than expected. Well the next day I go back to get grinds, back to speaker, order drink....up to window "hi, I spoke to a girl yesterday and she said y'all would hold the coffee grinds for me" the guy said - "yup, we have them, but you'll have to come inside. " I said really? why is that? he said because they weigh about 30 lbs. I think the look on my face was priceless. So in I went and got the grinds and brought them home. It doesn't stop there..........on the way home I called Keith to give him the good news about the grinds. He asked if I would spread them on what was left of the pumpkin vine. I said "No, the bag weighs 30 lbs. I can't lift it" He said "Well take a cup at a time out of the car" - I said "uh noooooooooooooooo" Well he came home and diligently put grinds on the plants every night but we are now mourning the lost of the Pumpkin Plant. The ladies I stitch with on Thursdays suggested changing out pumpkins weekly until it appeared to have grown. Good idea but would have been hard to get by Keith.

Other than that Keith just celebrated his birthday camping with the Justin and Rachel.........

and as I posted on Facebook......

they might look like they were homeless but nope they were just camping.............

well tata for now I hope to post more often.............

I'll try to post a recipe or two for the season before the end of the week.

HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stacey

Disclaimer - I had 1000000 interruptions when writing this so if there's something that doesn't make sense or typo - so sorry! lol

UPS Delivery.......................

2015-07-17T19:16:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I went outside to the UPS man arriving with a delivery. Now as most of you know I tend to shop (Yeah I know that's saying it mild- LOL). Well he comes out with two boxes. Medium in size one a little larger than the other and hands them to me with "They're a bit heavy" well before I could say a word he was in his truck and gone and I was carefully moving quickly to the door in hopes not to drop them. I remembered that my friend Marilyn was sending some pottery. Needless to say it was NOT a little heavy. In the box were 4 pieces. Three made it without a scratch one was crushed. So not bad. The pottery is from Lancaster, PA - Eldreth Pottery

These are the three pieces.................................

The one above and the one below I would guess to be at least 18" tall.

The one below is about 6"- 8" tall.

Absolutely beautiful.

Thank you so much for passing on these beautiful treasures

i'm Back ...................

2015-07-15T21:11:00.001-04:00

Well it's been a while but life has been non stop- some good so not so good.

So let's see it's been Since the middle of June since I last blogged. Wow!!!!

Rachel and Justin left for Europe the 17th of June for a vacation / Wedding in Austria. for 3 weeks...
before they left we had a birthday (mine was the 22nd) and father's day dinner at a Mediterranean Restaurant in Cary. The kids surprised me with this really cute pincushion that Rachel made -

SOOOOOO Stinkin' cute!!! Thanks Rachel. Love it.

(and Justin too- he said he bagged and put tissue in - wink wink)

Rachel's mom kept the grand dog Holly until Thursday afternoon for me (thank you) who stayed with us for 2 1/2 weeks. She's a trip. Total Marmaduke!!!

She seemed to think my side of the bed was hers. I can't imagine why....Keith fell asleep rubbing her nose.........

She had some time with Mia's puppy Anabelle and they played really nice.

Her and Piper had a bit of a scuffle and we ended up back and the doggie ER. I forgot to mention in the beginning we sadly had to put our Dog of 14 years to sleep the Saturday after Rachel and Justin left. Holly actually took it worse than Piper. Holly spent the night after waking me up and looking outside and inside for Crystal. Once she knew she was gone............She decided she was the head of the house. LOL

Such an angel. wink wink - she is a trip

one night early in the morning she cried next to the bed like she had to go out and I got out of bed to do so. However, as soon as my feet hit the ground she climbed i the bed and took my spot on the bed. Head on pillow and all. I woke Keith up and said you either move her or I'm go to sleep on the couch. LOL........he moved her but it wasn't easy. She puts the breaks on with her paws.

We got Keith a smoker for father's day to make homemade pastrami. Justin and Rachel got him gloves to go with it so he doesn't burn himself. We started the brine process. Stay tuned.

Monday the 22nd of June was my birthday and the celebrations started on the Thursday before. The ladies I stitch with at Lonestar had a cake - my friends Sue and Jan bought me a beautiful plant

Sorry couldn't get a great pic you can see the yellow bud in top left corner.

Nancy Yando made me this beautiful Needlepoint Pillow

Rachel's parents gave me this adorable car with an Amazon Gift Card you all

know that won't go to waste

My sister Randi sent me this cute card with a beautiful dragon fly pin from her

trip to San Jose New Mexico.....

On my actual Birthday- I had lunch with my friend Suzanne who gave me this book, awesome tervis cup, tinkerbell and zippy bag............

after lunch I went off to Maj Jong and Pat had a cake and these beautiful flowers or me -

and another maj jong / stitching buddy Donna gave me this lovely scented candle.

Keith had a balloon and cash for my trip to "The Gathering"

Marilyn surprised me in the mailbox with a beautful cross stitch Friendship framed, a starbuck's gift card, and this really cool cross stitch clipboard and project holder from Canada. The clip holds your pattern and the top slides off to hold your hoop, threads and linen you are working on.

my sweet baby girl Syd made me this really cute bunny pin cushion

A really cute card from my friend Bonnie....

A card and gift from my mother in law to also help fund the trip to Wisconsin..........(wink wink)

My friend Sharon gave me some great fabrics I didn't have (which is totally amazing if you've ever seen my stash). She brought them all the way back from her trip to Country Sampler in Wisconsin.

Thanks to all for the Birthday Day gifts and wishes. Each and everyone were equally special to me.

Not necessarily in chronological order.......................

I started working on my Prim Society 2015 cross stitch

I got an avocado pit to grow - the roots make it look like a jelly fish. The directions I found says the top has to grow to 6" before I can plant it.

I am working on 2 Graduation Quilts

I have 2 "I owe you" quilts to do

and an endless list of unfinished projects. I will post as I get them done.

I've been doing a little traveling. I left July 9 - 12 for the weekend to the Gathering in Mensasha, WI.

I go every 6 months to meet up with some great ladies This time Syd met me there. I picked her up on Friday. We went to the house dropped her luggage, and went right to Primitive Gatherings.

The place looks small but however it's endless. We had no problem closing the shop without even going upstairs to the part of the shop.

The temperatures were in the 80's during the day with NO humidity and 60's at night.

These were the fabrics Syd picked for one of the classes we are taking in Hershey, PA

and this is the second set.

When we got back Syd repacked her bag of treasures.

Terri made some amazing food.............

and we all enjoyed it.

Syd outside the shop.

Before we left Syd made this cute little card holder for Terri

the fabric is all recipes.

Terri was so touched.

Now back home and getting ready for my trip to Hershey.

Leaving Tuesday for Williamsburg staying overnight - grabbing Syd and making our trek to Hershey for 2 mystery classes, a class with Mimi Dietrich and a tea/trunk show with Jo Morton.

Oh and my computer took a crap!!!

So ................once I get back from Pa. I should have my

computer back and hope to get more on track with blogging.

Best wishes to Savannah Fonvielle - I can't believe it's almost a year since your miracle.

Now you're going off to App State. You are truly an amazing young lady!

Love and Best wishes from us all.

And the winner is...

2015-06-16T21:00:00.001-04:00

Laura DiEgidio was picked by Austin I will do another one next month stay tuned

Tic Toc Tic Toc....................

2015-06-15T08:37:00.000-04:00

I have so much to post but I wanted to make this a separate post so it didn't get missed.

You have until Midnight tonight to enter to win the $10 amazon card. I am trying to see how many people are following so I posted a while back that in order to qualify you needed to "JOIN" this site. I know some of you receive an email that there's a new post but that doesn't make you a "member" .

In the top right corner it will say "Join". Click there and it will take you to another table that gives you an option of whether you want to join via Google, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc...............

Right now it is only showing:

Cheryl, Syd, Sarah, Rachel and me

I am going to have Keith draw a name in the morning so you have until midnight to join.

Keep out of the heat. It's going to be a scorcher this week in NC

Stacey

If you love quilts- or know a quilter or are a quilter you'll love this....................

2015-06-09T21:14:00.003-04:00

This is a speech given at a conference on quilting (Quilt Canada 2010) by Allan Fradsham, a criminal court judge in Calgary, Alberta, where the conference was held. [Quilter's husband]

Please take time to read it I defy you to let me know if didn't make you smile, let alone make you giggle.

"A speech on quilting:
"When, some years ago, Gloria told me that she was going to build upon her years of sewing experience, and take up "quilting", I thought she was telling me that she was going to take up a new hobby or a new craft. I was completely oblivious to the fact that what she was really announcing was that she was taking up membership in a tightly knit (if you'll pardon the expression) group of individuals whose loyalty to one another makes motorcycle gang members seem uncommitted, and whose passion for quilting activities makes members of cults look positively disinterested. As is the case with many spouses, I was completely unaware that there existed this parallel universe called quilting.

However, to be completely unaware of a world-wide sub-culture operating right under our noses and in our homes is a bit obtuse even for husbands. But there it is, and here you are. And, most oddly, here I am. You might wonder how all this came to pass; I know I certainly do.

I cannot now identify what was the first clue I detected indicating that Gloria had entered the fabric world equivalent of Harry Potter's Hogwarts. It might have been the appearance of the fabric. Bundles of fabric, mounds of fabric, piles of fabric, towering stacks of fabric. Fabric on bolts, and stacks of small squares of fabric tied up in pretty ribbons (I later learned these were "fat quarters" which to this day sounds to me like a term out of Robin Hood). The stuff just kept coming into the house as thought it were endless waves crashing onto a beach. And then, just like the waves, the most amazing thing happened: it would simply disappear. It was as though the walls of the house simply absorbed it. Metres and metres (or as men of my generation would say, yards and yards) of fabric would come into the house. It would arrive in Gloria's arms when she returned from a shopping excursion. It would arrive in the post stuffed in postal packs so full that they were only kept together by packing tape (these overstuffed Priority Packs are the equivalent of me trying to fit into pants I wore in law school). These packages would arrive having been shipped from unheard of towns and villages in far away provinces or states or overseas countries (I am convinced the internet's primary activity is not to be found in pornography; that is just a ruse, the internet's real function is to facilitate the trafficking and distribution of fabric). Wherever we went, be it in Canada, the U.S., Europe, wherever there was a collection of more than three houses, Gloria would find a quilt shop from which she would pluck some prize from some bin with the enthusiasm and unerring eye of an archaeologist finding a new species of dinosaur.

And of course, the reason that there are quilt shops everywhere is because there are quilters everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE. A few years ago, Gloria had been visiting her sister-in-law in Kelowna. While there, she found and purchased a Featherweight sewing machine. I understand that making such a find is a matter of such joy that it may eventually attract government taxation. When it came time to fly back to Calgary, Gloria worried about what the people at airport security would have to say when she tried to take the machine onto the plane. She need not have been concerned. Now, airport security takes pride in preventing me from carrying onto a plane a small squirt of toothpaste left in a rolled up toothpaste tube if the tube in which it is lodged did at some point in the distant past, contain a prohibited amount of toothpaste. My spot of toothpaste is a national security threat. However, when it came time for Gloria to go through security with the Featherweight, which is made of metal and has needles in secret compartments, airport security came to a standstill. Why? Were they about to confiscate the machine, and detain the person who dared to try to board with it? Of course not. They gathered around it in awe and admiration, asking Gloria questions about where she had found it, and expressing admiration for her good fortune in finding it. And why did Gloria get such warm treatment when I am shunned for trying to maintain some degree of oral hygiene? Well, the answer is obvious; the assembled airport security staff were all quilters, complete with the secret handshake.

Maybe I should have twigged to what was happening when the washing of all this fabric led to having to replace our washing machine, which was clearly not designed for such industrial use. Now, let me pause here. I understand that there is an intense debate within your world about whether or not fabrics should be washed upon purchase. I do not wish to be caught in any cross-fire between the two camps, for all I know, as an outsider, I may not be authorized to even know of the controversy. I do suspect that if men were making the decision, quilting would involve lot less fabric washing and a lot more beer drinking.

I did eventually discover where all the fabric went. It went into drawers, cupboards, shelves, and, eventually it completely filled up a closet, which took up one full wall in Gloria's newly built "sewing room". What we now call Gloria's "sewing room", we used to call "the basement".

I have discovered that one of the art forms mastered by quilters is the ability to purchase container loads of fabric, conceal it in the house, and camouflage the purchase so that it slips right under the nose of the unsuspecting spouse. As a loving and obedient spouse, I have on many occasions found myself in quilt stores where I serve two useful functions: I can reach bolts of fabric stored on top shelves; and I can carry numerous bolts of fabric to a cutting table. However, I have also started to listen to what is said in quilting stores, and one day, in a little quilting shop in the heart of Alberta farming country, I heard something that made it clear to me that quilters are so clever and, dare I say, devious, that there is really no sport for them in fooling we naive husbands. Gloria had decided to buy some fabric (which is similar to saying that Gloria had decided to breathe), and had gone to the till to pay for it. Upon running through Gloria's charge card, the clerk quietly said, "Now, when you get your credit card statement, don't be alarmed when you see an entry for our local feed store. We run our charges under that name so that if a husband looks at the credit card statements, he will think that the entry is just something he bought at the feed store for the farm". That sort of financial shell game would make Goldman Sachs proud. I knew at that moment that there had been a major and probably irrevocable shift in the world's power structure. I concede it is basically over for the non-quilting husband.

As you have been told, I sit as a criminal law judge, and as such I often find myself sitting on drug trials, or issuing search warrants in relation to drug investigations. I must say that the more I learned about the quilting world, the more I started to see similarities between that world and the drug world. It has caused me some concern.

We all interpret events from our own perspectives using the lessons we have learned through life. When I saw the extent to which Gloria's collection of fabric was growing, I began to worry. In the law relating to drugs, the amount of a drug one has in one's possession is an important factor in determining the purpose for which the person has the drug. For example, if a person is in possession of crack cocaine (to use a drug with an addictive power equivalent to fabric), one look at the amount of crack the person possessed. If the amount exceeds the amount one would realistically possess for personal use, then one may reasonably draw the inference that the purpose of the possession is not personal use, but, rather, it is for the purpose of trafficking the drug. So, you can imagine what I thought when I saw Gloria's collection of fabric grow to a point where she readily admitted that she could never use all that fabric in several lifetimes. I reluctantly concluded that I was married to a very high-level fabric trafficker. Mind you, in order to qualify as a trafficker, one does have to part with fabric, and I see very little evidence of that happening.

In fact, the more I thought about the parallels between the quilting culture and the drug culture, the clearer the similarities became. Consider the jargon. I have learned that this vast collection of fabric, which is stored in our house, is a "stash". Well, drug dealers speak of their "stash" of drugs. Gloria speaks of doing "piece" work. In the drug world there are often people who bring together the crack cocaine dealer and the buyer; think of a real estate agent, but not as well dressed, through perhaps somewhat less annoying. Those people speak of breaking off a "piece" of crack as payment for bringing the parties together. Sounds to me like a type of "piece work". Those who transport drugs are often called "mules"; I have frequently heard Gloria refer to me as her mule when I am in a quilt store carrying stacks of fabric bolts (or did she says I was stubborn as a mule?). Well, it was something about mules. And I should think that this whole conference is a testimony to the addictive qualities of quilting.

In my role as a Sherpa, I have accompanied Gloria on various quilting expeditions, and I have been impressed by many things. One is, as I have mentioned, that no matter where one goes, there will be a quilt store. The proliferation of quilt shops makes Starbucks outlets seem scarce. One day Gloria led me into a hardware store, which seemed odd to me, that is until I discovered that, as I walked towards the back of the store, the store had become a quilt shop. The metamorphosis was extraordinary, and very crafty (if you will pardon the pun). At that moment, I knew how Alice felt as she followed that rabbit down the rabbit hole. Suddenly, one was in a different universe.

Another thing I have learned is that the operators of quilt shops have great business acumen. In one of Gloria's favourite shops, upon entry I am greeted by name and offered a cup of coffee. If the grandson is with us, he is allowed to choose a book to take home. It is all so friendly that I don't even notice that I cannot see over the growing pile of fabric bolts which fill my arms. I wish that my doctor did such a good job of distracting me when it is time to do a prostate exam.

I have learned that quilting is both international in scope and generous in spirit. I have learned that quilters are quick to assist those in need, and that they have always been prepared to stand up for what is right. For example, I think of Civil War quilts, which often conveyed messages about the Underground railway for slaves escaping to Canada. I think of the One Million Pillowcase Challenge, and the Quilts of Valour project. At one point, I thought of suggesting the creation of an organization akin to "Doctors Without Borders", but decided that an organization called "Quilts Without Borders" would indeed be illogical.

And of course, there are the resultant quilts. We have quilts throughout the house. They adorn beds, chesterfields, the backs of chairs. They are stacked on shelves, they are stored in drawers, they are shoved under beds, they are hung on walls. There is even one on the ceiling of the sunroom. They compete for any space not taken up with the fabric, which will eventually result in more quilts. I live in a cornucopia, which disgorges quilts instead of produce. I have decided that quilts are the zucchini of crafts. But who can complain? Quilt seriously, each one is a work of art, and an instant family treasure. While family members and friends are delighted to receive them, I churlishly begrudge seeing them go out the door.

Though I tease Gloria about the all-consuming nature of her obsession, I am constantly amazed at the skill necessary to create those works of art. I stand in awe as I watch her do the mathematics necessary to give effect to (or correct) a pattern. When she quilts, she combines the skill of an engineer, a draughtsman, a seamstress, and an artist. Her sewing machines require her to have, as she does, advanced computer and mechanical skills. She knows her sewing machines as well as any Hell's Angel knows his Harley. She uses measuring and cutting tools and grids, which would challenge the talents of the best land surveyors.

In short, I am very proud of what Gloria does, as each of you should be proud of your own skills and creations. They are impressive and very evident at this Conference. On behalf of those of us who wouldn't know a binding from a batting, I simply ask that when you finally and formally announce that have already taken over the world that you find some simple tasks for us to do to justify our existence. You might call those tasks... the QUILT PRO QUO.

Gloria and I very much appreciate your warm hospitality this evening.

In closing, the hotel management has asked me to remind you that those found cutting up the table cloths for quilting fabric will have their rotary cutters confiscated and forfeited to the Crown."

Allan Fradsham

Summer is arriving full blast in NC - Happy Monday

2015-06-08T12:41:00.005-04:00

Good Morning all- I am trying to keep my blogging to at least once a week. So here I sit, on this Monday morning listening to the annual Woodpecker Peck at our chimney. Now are these birds supposed to be that dumb? Ummmmmmmmmmmmm- "Wood"pecker........not "chimney"pecker.
So it creates this sound like a jack hammer is on the house. Maybe I should "bless his little heart" and realize his Mama pecked his head by accident when he was a baby.

Speaking of birds. The baby birds are still sitting in there little red house outside my door.

Sydney my niece who reads the blog saw I posted about her seeing the bird in the bathroom and sent me this..........................

Then there was the bird feeder my husband concreted into the ground and NO birds want to eat at it....

Not sure what they're not liking - maybe it's too fancy? LOL

Before I move on - Apparently there's still some confusion about the Amazon Gift card giveaway.

So I'm going to do my best to clarify.

If you are automatically receiving emails regarding the blog that is just a thing I can do for up to 10 people to make it easy for those I listed to help. However, you are "not" a member. To join the site you need to go to

on top right in blue there's a button that says "join this site" - it is not crucial to do this to receive notifications on the site - there's another location to follow by email, add to circle, etc... however, I'm curious how many people are following and so I wanted to get whomever is following to join That "should" allow you to receive notifications when I post and would give me the answer I'm looking for. I hope that helps. So, if you "join" by June 15, 2015 by midnight - you will go into the drawing for the amazon card.

THANKS

Now moving on- Here's a very yummy recipe you can make from the Ricotta cheese recipe I posted last week (or store bought)........

Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pound Cake

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 3/4 tsp all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 c (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 c. (8 oz) ricotta cheese
1 1/2 c sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon zest
1 cup blueberries (you can use blackberries or strawberries as well)

1. Preheat oven to 325. Prepare a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan, smearing the inside with butter

I have done them in muffin tins and square glass dish as well, you need to just make sure you

to see if they're done much sooner.

2. In a medium size bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.

3. Use and electric mix (you can do by hand but the results will be better with mixer) to beat

together the butter, ricotta and sugar on high speed for 3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add

the eggs one at a time, mixing one minute on medium speed between each egg.

4. Mix in the lemon zest and vanilla extract. Don't worry if the batter looks a little curdled at this

point. It isn't curdled, it is supposed to look that way.

5. Remove the bowl from the mixer and stir in the dry ingredients in 3 or 4 additions, until just

incorporated. Do not over mix. Stir in the blueberries.

6. Pour batter into the prepared pan(s) soothing out the top with a rubber spatula. Place on a baking

sheet on the middle oven rack of the oven. (this will help moderate the temperature a the bottom of the pan) Bake for 65 - to 75 minutes or ntil toothpick comes out clean. REMEMBER if you don't use the loaf pan it will be done much sooner. For the last 10 minutes if not done and browning a lot you can place a piece of aluminum foil lightly over the top to keep from browning too much.

7. Remove from oven and let cool or 15 minutes in the pan. then run a dull knife around the edge of

to make sure its separated from the pan. Gently remove the cake from the pan and let cool

completely on a wire rack. Let cook completely before slicing.

IT'S AMAZING!!!!

*************************************************************

I want to send a quick Congrats to

Miles Jones for his graduation from Fuquay High School

Savannah Fonvielle for her Graduation from Holly Spring High School and acceptance to App State

and to my soon to be daughter in law -

Rachel Meinel for completing her run Saturday.

Justin caught some cute pics before the event-

nutrition before the run

Tunes - Set

Ok, ok...."I'm ready! - Let's go!"

Proud and Happy-

Proud Fiance - Justin posted on Facebook

Justin Larson 2:34!!!!!!

Way to go Rachel

Justin is getting ready to participate in a triathalon this Saturday in Greensboro. Keith and I are heading out Friday night to see him complete his even on Saturday.

Have a great day

and don't forget ....................

and

click her to place an order if you are interested in the Thirty One special going on -

Click here for Thirty Shopping

Please note: if ordering the special (you'll find that under specials tab on top of 31 page...be sure to do the following per my consultant-

"Tell your friends that when they place their orders, if they want to order the special, they just put it in the cart and then they have to click the discount this item box (they changed the way you place orders and you have to manually tell it to give you the discount price)."

Win a chance at a $10 Amazon Gift Card

2015-06-07T16:54:00.001-04:00

My Place and Times: Blog Changes: So I'm not quite sure why or what happened but there's some of you that have fallen off my blogs "follow". I have updated...

Happy Wednesday- half way there!!

2015-06-03T09:52:00.004-04:00

Good morning - we are 1/2 way through the year- where oh where did time go?????????????????
We are 1/2 way through the week.

The summer will be flying (which I'm totally ok with considering the humidity has been horrible). Today is gloomy in NC where we are, outside of Raleigh, but we are at least 66 degrees with less humidity.

The Bunnies having been running around and dodging Piper - Crystal could care less. She's my older dog. But Piper can use the exercise and they do run her around the yard.

I baby sat Anabelle, Mia's new puppy last night and she too gave Piper a run for her money. But she did good. Anabelle only had a couple of accidents, and is learning to share but played nicely. Crystal had to give her the growl warning of I'm too old for this nonsense and then she didn't bother her anymore. (Mia is my younger son's girlfriend)

In 2 weeks I get the grand-dog Holly back for 2 1/2 weeks but not minding a bit She's grown up a lot and does really well. So the zoo continues.

Sunday Keith put up my new Bird house from Williamsburg I bought in April. I haven't seen any birds on it yet but hopefully they'll start to feed off of it. It looks great though.

I'm not sure whether to stain or paint the pole. Opinions?????

Then our mama bird who comes every year to visit and live in this tiny bird house I keep forgetting to move in the winter made her nest again and the sound of babies comes from the box every afternoon. Its so small we can't see in the hole. She flies in and out of it though. Last summer my niece Sydney was visiting and I heard her screaming from upstairs. I flew up there (no pun intended) and there was the bird sitting on the shower rod staring at her in the mirror. We got her out without injury but she's been in the house multiple times so this winter I definitely need to relocate the box.

My "piece" of lilac bush that some friends shared is growing nicely and I'm leaving in a post until the new home is done. I want it to transplant permanently there.

I'm going to move it from the little pot to the big one.

And I've started the pumpkin plants to plant our pumpkin patch for the fall. Last year was a bust but the year before we took over part of our yard and our neighbors yard. It was truly like a Charlie Brown's pumpkin patch.

I'll keep you updated on the progress. I'm hoping to get some other vegetables planted this weekend.

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Here are a couple of Facebook posts I made that those that are NOT on Facebook may enjoy.

These goats are not at Cold Moon Farm - it was a video Rachel found and shared that's really cute.

Why Quits are so expensive - if not made in some far away land or by a factory- this is what it minimally costs - The "qulting" cost listed is way under priced. Then factor in Labor. So cherish the ones you have and embrace the ones you get. The work and love put into them is PRICELESS.

After being married for 27 years and with my husband for over 30 ; 2 boys...I have no clue how to tie a tie. Hope you find this as helpful as I did...................

And that comes from the other's NOT paying attention to the road!

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I'm also having a thirty virtual (catalog) party I will be closing it on the 15th of June. Click on the following link if you are interested and shop . Be sure to check out sales section

Click her to see Thirty One items

And last but not least...................here's a recipe.

Homemade Ricotta cheese

1 gallon of Pasteurized Milk

(do not use ultra- pasteurized is the gallon container in the plastic)

1/4 c Apple Cider vinegar

3 tbsp melted butter

1/2 tsp baking soda

candy thermometer

cheese cloth

(the kind that is like fabric works best but you can double up on the cheaper kind with a strainer)

Bring Milk to 195 degrees

If done on the stove keep an eye on it so it doesn't scald (burn)

You can also do in a large bowl (be sure bowl large so it doesn't boil over)

Remove from heat and stir in vinegar
Let sit for a while to allow the curds separate from the whey.
while it's separating place cheese cloth in strainer. I save the whey to use in making bread. If you want to save then place strainer over a large pot or bowl to reserve otherwise just strain into the sink.
Pour curds and whey over cheese cloth/strainer - The longer you strain the dryer the cheese. The recommended time is 1 minute.
Once strained add butter and baking soda mix well
ENJOY

You'll never eat store bought again.

Have a great day-

Stacey

Blog Changes

2015-05-29T03:38:00.000-04:00

So I'm not quite sure why or what happened but there's some of you that have fallen off my blogs "follow". I have updated the gadget (that's what they call the button to access) so if you click on "join this site" you should be able to add yourself as a follower and then receive my posts. I know I post my blog to Facebook "Most" of the time but I would love if you would join if you are following so I can see who is following.

If you have a problem "joining" let me know. I will see how to help you fix the problem.

Those that do so will be entered to win a $10 amazon card. You must join before June 15, 2015 at midnight. (A little incentive)

thanks
Stacey

Betty Crocker Day

2015-05-28T23:16:00.000-04:00

Went to stitching group this morning - left without my stitching but had a great time visiting with my group. Half the time we talk the whole time anyway.

When I got home I had a quick bite and then started my cooking -

I made homemade ricotta cheese (tastes so much better than store bought!)

Then I made this lemon blueberry ricotta cake they had at the farm.........

I made 6 muffins and one pan

I made two loaves of french bread

I used the whey from the cheese in the bread. It's loaded with protein.

I made a salad with arugula, spring mix and baby spinach mixed with sugar peas, beets and tomatoes. With the homemade ricotta on the side. (thanks Aunt Irene for showing me how to make it)

Then chicken with Swiss Chard (didn't know about that until I ate it on the farm from Sarah's Greenhouse- Cold Moon Farm) made with Kale which Justin made while we were there and I got the idea from him to make this wonderful dish.

I then made some raviolis to go with that I bought just had to boil; from Harris Teeter......

Goat Cheese with Basil.

Then I had a watermelon that was either going in garbage or needed to make something so

what better than Watermelon Ice Cream- I would say it's a cross between a sorbet and ice cream. Very very yummmy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then I made Baked Ziti

After clean up - I watch the movie Selma

A movie based on a true story

I thought well written and worth seeing.

Good cast.

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Tomorrow hoping for a win by the Rangers. Hubby has been pretty good about tolerating the game watching. :)

Night for now.

How to Wash a CAT - Priceless!!!

2015-05-28T22:39:00.000-04:00

Vermont Finale

2015-05-27T23:18:00.002-04:00

So it's been a little crazy getting back to reality from being gone for the week. But I wanted to complete the rest of my Trip.

Thursday the gang showed up around 1:30 pm (Keith, Justin, Austin, Mia and Rachel). They had a bit of a rough night the night before - Keith, Mia and Austin arrived around 11:30 pm into Hartford and Justin and Rachel arrived around midnight. Keith got the car and while waiting had texted me to find somewhere for them to eat. They had no time in Baltimore to get anything. Mia and Austin were starving and midnight is about normal for Keith to eat. Justin and Rachel had eaten in Atlanta so Keith was going to drop them at hotel and we found a Denny's not too far from the hotel. So we thought. Keith dropped Rachel and Justin off and headed with Mia and Austin to Denny's to find it was "under construction" however, Denny's neglected to post that on their Locations portion of their website. So it was a McDonald's night and about 4 hours of sleep for them. They were actually in a much better frame of mind than I expected when they arrived.

They stopped for breakfast on the way and I think they were all a bit over tired..........

Austin and Mia

Rachel and Justin

(Keith no clue picture was taken while he paid the check)

(Keith realizing they're taking pics)

They were all happy to meet the new baby goat Chaia. I showed some pictures and video in my earlier post. She was really cute. Here's a few more pics of everyone having their moments with her........

The dogs were a tad bit jealous

Rachel trying to feed Chaia her bottle while the dogs inspected the situation.

"Finally getting her bottle"

Mia having a turn feeding.

Great Picture Rachel got of Chaia.

Justin having his moment outside with her.

Austin enjoyed his time too

One of the guests took some candid shots of Mia playing with the goats outside...........

We decided Mia's new name was the Goat Whisperer.

We had lunch at Ponce's on Friday- aka the place we had lunch 3 years ago with the long table - per Austin. He had the exact same sandwich he had then. A ham and tampenade sandwich - We all had an amazing lunch except my husband Keith who for some reason decided to order the two things he hates most in one dish. Meatloaf Tacos..........now anyone that knows him - knows that would be the last thing on earth he'd order so I'm not quite sure what he was thinking or I should say NOT thinking but luckily Justin ordered an antipasto in addition to the tacos and Keith at that..

When we got back Keith gave the dogs a stick to play with and the did play tug of war.......

On Saturday I went Tag Sale hopping and found quite a few treasures. I found my Aunt a sewing machine in amazing condition- Brother Brand - for $10.00 she was ecstatic I also found an old wood butter churn bucket for $10. A few other things I ended up shipping home.

The other 5 went hiking..........

Because the goats are dairy goats we were able to enjoy fresh milk every day- homemade yogurt; soap from goats milk in the shower; homemade goat milk ricotta and homemade breads and cakes from the goat's milk.

Rachel enjoying her goat milk yogurt with berries.

Me enjoying mine with homemade granola and honey from their beehive.

Little too much honey. I didn't realize it would be sweeter than the store bought honey..

We enjoyed meeting Sarah who is new to us and the farm.....

She is awesome. I really enjoyed our time together getting to know each other.

Justin and Keith put a heat lamp in the Pig "Juliette's" house - she was getting ready to have piglets. It was in the 30's at night. Friday night we went to town for dinner and when we returned the pig hut was glowing from the lamp. We all started to laugh - the pig wasn't in the house. Poor thing probably thought she'd be bacon.

(sorry didn't get a picture of hut)

On Sunday before we left we went to Bromley Mountain for everyone to ride the flumes and play miniature golf. I was able to catch a short video of Keith, Justin and Rachel at the end of the flume.

Mia got her face painted whie we waited.

We got to the airport on time and upon the return home Justin and Rachel went home with Rachel's mom waiting for them at the airport. Mia, Austin, Keith and I headed out for dinner. But before we left Keith went to get the car while we got the luggage. When he arrived he said something died in my car and it smelled like a garbage can. Well he wasn't kidding. OMG..............it was awful. Mia even opened the hood to see if something crawled under the hood and died. NOPE. We looked under all the seats.. NOTHING. We drove to Cary to the Hibernia and when we got there I was determined to figure it out. Well.......................something clicked to look inbetween the console area. Sadly - there was the culprit. We had gone to breakfast with Mia and Austin the Sunday before and I had a piece of Ham and Cheese omelette left over. Keith stuck the container in the little shelf under the navigation screen. Well with it being so hot and the car being shut down it fermented to say the least. My poor car. With some airing out and lots of Febreeze the eu de la ham omelette scent is about gone. It was beyond GROSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Puppies and kitties were excited to see us and Monday I picked up Rachel, Justin and Holly (my grand-dog) and took them back to Greensboro. She was really good on the ride home.

Leo (the grand - cat) was happy to remain at our home.

Today was grocery shopping and lab work.

I will be posting some really good recipes soon.............I learned a few things to make that are beyond amazing while on the farm.

If you have time and want to find out more about their farm and B&B go to

Click her to see Cold Moon Farm B&B

Take Time To Be Grateful!

2015-05-25T12:21:00.001-04:00

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is the holiday set aside to pay tribute to those

who died serving in the military.

I haven't blogged in a few days and although I can't wait to update you about Vermont I thought it more important to focus on Memorial Day today.

Many use the word "Celebrate" , some say "Happy". This day is most importantly a time to remember those that have served, died and fought to provide the freedom we all have. So rather than say "Happy" Memorial Day -

I want to say THANK YOU to all those that have died and fought for our freedom.

I also want to encourage everyone to take a moment EVERY day to show a smile or simply say thank you to those that have, and continue to serve.

A small gesture goes a long way!

Thursday - Wow this weeks flying! :(

2015-05-21T23:59:00.001-04:00

It's 11:20 pm - just now getting a moment to blog.................

The rest of the Larson gang and their girlfriends arrived safe and sound in Hartford late last night and at the farm around 1:30pm today. Once settled in we all left for town to a huge used book store. Everyone found some treasures with the exception of Austin and Keith. We grabbed some coffee at the local bookstore coffee shop - and I have to admit the coffee was amazing. They had a sign that the closest Starbucks was 48.7 miles away. It was cute and I have to admit. Their coffee definitely surpassed my expectations. From there we headed to the antique shop. I went yesterday but had no time to post my treasures - this is what I found yesterday on my excursion-

some wood bowls and a shaker box

this was also a picture from yesterday of my Aunt feeding Chaia.

Today Mia got a turn feeding her ....

even Austin enjoyed his time with her

I took some pictures of the raised beds

the veranda of the back

a comfy chair to sit out front on

This evening we came back and Mia and Rachel milked the goats - Mia also helped Sarah their "farm girl" who I have to say is amazing.....gather the eggs and feed the other baby goats in the barn.

My uncle smoked a turkey - my aunt made roasted potatoes I made a salad , Keith finished the turkey and made a mushroom gravy - Justin carved the turkey and everyone helped with clean up.. All in all it was a very nice dinner.

Mia and Austin even made smores after dinner.

Everyone is passed out and we are off to bed to get some rest for our venture

Tomorrow to the Vermont Country Store -

Here's another video to enjoy and I'll hope to post more tomorrow.

til then - GOODNIGHT!

Day 2: Raindy Day but bringing Sunshine and GREAT weather!

2015-05-19T12:37:00.001-04:00

It's raining on the farm but well needed. It's been really dry - I woke up to the smell of fresh sausage (from their freezer camp); coffee, a brioche (fresh bread); fresh cut fruit; homemade granola with goat milk fresh made yogurt and honey from their bees, Orange juice on the table and coffee brewing. The doors to the back were open allowing a - a beautiful cool breeze (54 degrees).

above: the view out the back

brioche - hot and crunchy crust - YUM

Chai video day 1-

Play time around the house this morning-

off to adventure----------be back later :)