Blackberry Creek Home Arts

Sisters Gone South

Beautimous sisters, Ramey and Joanne

This past weekend, sisters Ramey and Joanne and handsome nephew Jed traveled down to Fairhope, Alabama for the spring awards meeting of the Alabama State Poetry Society. I didn't go for several reasons: 1) I wasn't asked, 2) I didn't feel like going (massive fibro flare), and 3) I'm not a poet (and I know it) and not a member of the society.

As it turned out, I sort of wish I had been there. My sisters were fine representatives of our family and I would have loved seeing them accept their awards.

Joanne won a first prize, a second prize, two third prizes and two honorable mentions. Ramey won a first prize and an honorable mention. If she had entered more poems, she would have won more, states Joanne emphatically. And I believe it.

This amazes me. My baby sister Ramey looks as young as my handsome nephew Jed, Joanne's son. She's not. She's a couple years older.

This is so ironic. As I was writing this post, I received a call from Andy with more sad news. Another sister has also gone south in a very different way. My sister-in-law, Andy's aunt, Susan Wright, passed away this morning. Susan was suffering from lung cancer but was doing well with her treatments. Apparently she had a heart attack at about 4:00 this morning. Before the paramedics could reach her she was gone. And so am I--back to bed. Toodles.

I Take This Quilt

A long-time good friend has asked me to make a quilted banner to be displayed at her granddaughter's wedding in August. The only guideline she gave me was the color scheme: black, silver, and pink. For some reason, I've had a difficult time figuring out just what kind of quilt I'm going to make. For a long time I was stuck on a plan to make a four-ring wedding ring quilt with machine embroidered centers, but I was having trouble getting that idea to mesh with the decidedly modern color scheme. I think I have a plan now--unless I change my mind. 

My next problem was fabric. If you could see my sewing room, you'd wonder how I could ever have a problem with having enough fabric. The pinks I have in abundance, but precious little black, and no silver or even grey. So I went looking on the internet and found just what I needed at Fat Quarter Shop. As you'll see, some of it even has a built-in wedding/marriage theme (see photos above and below).

Language of Love

Black is beautiful--and so is silver, grey, and white.

Even better combined with some of my pinks

And here is the design that I'm going to make (I think). I'll use four of the circles, and in the center of the quilt will be the names of the bride and groom and the date. What do you think?

Now let's link up with Beverly's Pink Saturday blog party and see what's happening over there.

UFO Progress Report: Week 17

Thank goodness for Patti J., one of our blogless UFO busters. Patti sent me a good UFO Progress Report this week. Now I've made progress myself, continuing the big-stitch quilting on my "Mama in the Mirror" challenge quilt. But I've shown that quilt nineteen ways from sundown here, and I'm really out of ideas for photographing it until it's at least finished.

So here is Patti's progress:

I love Patti's quilting on this baby quilt. Wish my machine quilting was that pretty. I also love her fabric collection, Lily and Will (by Moda, I believe). The two main characters in Ramey's book are Willie T. and Lily Claire. So this collection reminds me of them. This is a UFO that Patti is finishing up to welcome a new baby.

Speaking of Welcome, Patti also got her wool Welcome wallhanging pin basted for quilting. This is so pretty, Patti. I can just see it hanging on the front door of The Yellow House. Teehee. Patti also took a couple of UFO quilts to the quilter. Congratulations, Patti, and a great week, UFO-wise
***

Have you ever tried to photograph the back of your right arm, with nobody around to give aid? Well I did, and here's what I got. I discovered this huge bruise this morning. The thing is, it's already fading. I have no idea how or when I came by it. I'm notorious in my family for being clumsy. I hardly pay attention to my thumps and bumps anymore.

Gotta run. Skipper and I have an appointment with Dr. Rachel in just a bit. Skipper also has a boo boo on one of his appendages. His left hind leg has a sore place, which I've been doctoring and Skipper has been licking incessantly, but it just won't get well. So we're going to let Dr. R. work her magic. Skipper won't let me photograph it though.

Look below for Mr. Linky and link up to show us what you've been up to this week.

 

Let Us Drink Wine Together on Our Knees

Thanks so much to everyone for your support and comments on the Walmart withdrawal. I was surprised that so many people agree. I was afraid I might hurt some feelings with me rant, but apparently a lot of people are fed up the that retail giant.

At right is my sister Ramey and her Drunkard's Path quilt. Please note that while she is drinking wine, she is not on her knees. I know she would want me to point that out.

She needed some new photos of her quilt for her new publisher, and so she came over last night for me to do the honors. The new group, Vanilla Heart Publishing, is already doing a great job in promoting Ramey's book Sweet Music on Moonlight Ridge.  Click on the link there and watch the new video. It's wonderful.

Ramey and our other sister Joanne made the Drunkard's Path  quilt, and I put the borders on it. The publishers will use the photo of it in some of their promotion material, or maybe in the newly printed book--I forget which. Or maybe both.

After the photography was done, we had a glass of wine in celebration of something--whether the quilt or the book or just life, I'm not sure. I had half a glass (not even), and my ears and face turned red and I felt like I was broiling, as usual. But it was worth the symptoms. Good wine.

Since "Justified" is off tv for the season, we had to resort to a couple of episodes of "Ancient Aliens" to keep us entertained for this Tuesday evening. My niece India came by but only stayed for a few minutes. Her critique of our choice of tv show was, "I don't hold with that philosophy."

India's grandmother, my mama, would have disagreed strongly. Mary Ramey believed adamantly that aliens have and still are visiting our planet--and settling down to raise children. "Where do you think all these people came from?" was her argument. She believed that it was biologically impossible for the number of people on earth when she was a child to turn into the billions that now call themselves earthlings. Maybe, Mary. May-be.

Got to get back to working on quilts, art journals, quilt plans, and the like. It's going to be a very busy spring/summer season here at the Yellow House. I've let my gander get too full. (It's a family joke.)

Is There Life After Walmart?

 

This is Day One of the rest of my life without Walmart. I'm taking the cure. I've had it. The company is distinctly unethical, unAmerican, and uncaring, and unshopper-friendly. 

There are so many reasons why I'm fed up to here with Walmart, I just don't know where to start--or even if I want to start.

I remember Sam Walton's Buy American campaign. What happened to that? Do me a favor; try to find something in Walmart that was made in America these days. Check Walmart labels, and you won't have to wonder where the jobs are; THEY'RE IN CHINA!

And try to get down those maddeningly narrow aisles. A mouse in a maze has more room to maneuver than Walmart shoppers. And there must be something about being in that store that causes a person to turn into a donkey's orifice. I stood in an aisle yesterday for a full five minutes while some woman studied the doggie treats. Or maybe she was in a trance, I'm not sure. She didn't move, blink, or breathe the whole time; and her buggy coupled with her ample frame took up the whole aisle, and then some. People will plow right into you and keep going without so much as a pardon my stupidity. And I have waited at the end of an aisle, trying to merge into oncoming shoppers for longer sometimes than I wait at the traffic light at the intersection of 280 and 119.

And do you know anyone who works at WalMart? Do you realize how they treat their employees? Like paid slaves. Not to mention how the animals and plants from which their groceries come are treated.

And now the bribery charges. That, along with my latest sojourn into the swamp that is WalMart yesterday, brought on a resolve in me that I haven't had since I made up my mind to quit smoking. I'm not going back, not ever. At least, that's my plan. 

I know there was a time when I got along just fine without every-other-daily trips to Wally World. But just like when I decided to stop smoking and couldn't imagine life without a cigarette hanging from my mouth, it's difficult now to see how I'm going to carry on without the goods and services offered by that definitely un-august establishment.

But I'm making a plan. We have two small grocery stores in Leeds that are very nice. And there are two Publix, each about 15-minute drive away. There are pharmacies and dollar stores and farmer's markets. And there's always the thrift store. I think I can do it. Wish me luck.

Meanwhile, for your viewing pleasure, below are a few scenes you might encounter while shopping at Walmart.

I don't believe that's how it goes, M'am.

Too big for her britches?

Who knew Cousin It shops at Wally?

Something is definitely backwards here.

Applying for a job as greeter perhaps?

Why are pants made in China always too little?

I'm too sexy for my shoes.

There are more, but I think these should suffice.

Weekend Treasures

On Saturday, on the way to the grocery store, I stopped off at a local yard sale. I found a few things I might use in upcoming Circle Journals--the little Language of Flowers book and the repro vintage Christmas postcards in the photo. I never really know until I sit down to work what will turn up in journal pages, but these are possiblities, and surely inspiration.

Yesterday afternoon, Ramey and I made a late run to the thrift store. We didn't have long to shop, but I did find that cute little birdie wall hook. Got to find a place for him.

I'm drawing a blank when it comes to clever blog patter; so rather than sit here trying to come up with something, I'm going to get busy on one or two of the many, many projects on my plate. Happy Monday, everyone.

 

UFO Progress Report: Week 16

Here's a peek at my big-stitch quilting on the "Mama in the Mirror" quilt. My blister is almost well, so I'm going to try to get back to it today. Just couldn't stand the pressure while the blister was new.

Blog reader Wanda D. gave me a bit of valuable information re. big-stitch quilting. If I ever do it again, and I might, Wanda says BIllie Lauder recommends using #8 perle cotton, not number 5. The #8 goes through the fabric easier. I was going by a video that I found online, which recommended #5, I don't know why. So that's what I'm using. But I think Wanda and Billie have it right. No. 8 it is, next time. Thanks, Wanda.

Steve came yesterday and doctored my roses for their disease. I hope they spring back to full health now. He also weed-eated (weed-ate?), anyway he and his helper cut the weeds down in my little wooded area, so now the doggies don't have to take machetes when they go back there.

We thought we had lost Blue Toy in those weeds, couldn't find him anywhere, and Skipper was distraught. That's the only toy he plays with, adopted it immediately when he came to live with us, won't let anydoggie else play with it. But we found it yesterday in a basket in the living room under my iPad box. Phew!

"Just so you know, Skipper, that toy is really mine," says Sophie. "Paul gave it to me a long time ago when you were just a gleam in your daddy's eye. And I didn't name it Blue Toy. It doesn't have a name."

"MINE!"

Below is Mr. Linky. Link up, bloggers, and let us see what you've been doing this week.

 

The Chair

Today, I went back to the La-Z-Boy store to return the fabric swatch and confirm my order of the chair. While I was there I took a picture so I can show you what the whole chair looks like. It won't arrive here at the Yellow House for two or three weeks.

While I was in Irondale, I made a quick trip through the Lovelady thrift store. And look what I found (photos below). About 7-8 yards of 100% cotton RJR quilter's fabric, just perfect for backing a quilt. At today's prices, that's well in excess of $70 worth of good fabric. Guess what I paid for it? $3.98. There were a few more bolts available, but this is the only one that I liked and thought I could put to good use. I have to to-be-made project that I think I can back with this.

Gotta go. Don't forget UFO Progress Report tomorrow.

In Which She Talks About a Chair, Two Altered Cats, Spiked Coffee, and Gastrointestinal Misery

Had a busy day yesterday. First a visit with Doris, my tax accountant (a confusing meeting in which we decided to file an extension, which I don't like). Looks like I'm being credited with lots of income that I haven't actually received. My tax bill this year might well top my income. Life is a challenge, isn't it?

After Doris, I went chair shopping to replace the English country chair that I got rid of because the dogs kept it all mashed down all the time and it looked horrible. So I gave it to Andy. It looks great in her living room and her kitties aren't heavy enough to mash it down.

I've been looking for another chair for months, and the only ones I have found that I liked were very highly priced. I recently received a sale notice from Lazy Boy so decided to check it out yesterday, since I had some time to kill before picking up the Andy's kitties at the vet (more about that later).

Lordy be! Talk about chair overload! When I walked into the showroom, my vision was accosted with myriad chairs in various styles and colors, mostly ugly. Of course, I was immediately accosted by a sales rep as well. I asked her if I could have a few minutes to take in the sights, so she went away. I went through the huge showroom once, twice, and was on my third circuit when I saw it, a chair that I actually liked. 

At about that same moment, the sales lady appeared again. I learned that the chair was on sale in a price I could actually afford. After checking her records we learned that the chair was not in stock but one was expected in in early May. 

I took one more last circuit of the showroom but didn't see anything that I even sort of liked. So I told the sales lady I thought I wanted the chair. I told her my only worry was whether or not the red in the chair fabric would clash with the red in my gingham couch. She suggested I check out a fabric swatch and take it home to see. I did, and it doesn't (see photo--the sage green even matches my little Queen Anne chair that Daniel made the slipcover for), so in early May I should be the proud owner of a new chair. It's a recliner, and I normally don't like recliners. But the reclining feature is well camouflaged in this chair. I didn't even realize it reclines until the lady told me. It's really a beautiful chair. Can't wait to show you.

After chair shopping, it was on to the Alabama Neuter and Spray Clinic ("It's Hip to Snip") to pick up Andy's kitties from having had their "procedures." Mr. Boots seemed no worse for the wear when I got him home, but Miss Ruby seemed a little nonplussed. She went immediately under the sofa. Boots went immediately to the back door and wanted to go out. Sorry, Boots. You guys have to stay inside for a week.

 Back home, Ramey called asking me what we were going to do for our Tuesday night get-together now that "Justified" has come to an end. We decided that she would bring a movie and we'd have cake and ice cream and watch it. Little Sister arrived with the movie and also with a small bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream, which I love in coffee. I brewed up a pot and poured me a cup--half coffee, half Bailey's. Ramey had hers with milk and maple syrup. Sounds yukky to me, but to each her own.

I know what alcohol does to me. No, it doesn't make me take my clothes off. It makes first my ears and then my face turn tomato red and burn. I've even had to give up my favorite wine, white zinfandel. So I don't know why I drank that stuff, except that it's sooooo goooooooood! Does alcohol do that to any of you?

So with burning ears and face, I sat and watched one of the most boring movies I've ever seen, "The Ides of March." Even the presence of the ever-gorgeous George Clooney didn't help matters. That movie is a dud, I tell you. If you haven't seen it, don't bother--unless you are really into the boring, unethical, and sometimes downright dirty aspects of politics--'cause that's all it is. The description on the DVD package called it a nerve-wracking thriller. But, just as in real politics, they lied.

The past few weeks have worked on my innards, folks. One of the first and most noticeable effects of stress on my body is always tummy troubles. Yesterday, I thought I was all better, but today the bothersome symptoms are back. I probably sent my digestive system into shock with that cup of Bailey's and coffee, especially after it was still recovering from all the death and mayhem of the past couple of weeks. 

But today is laundry day. I've put it off as long as I can unless I want to go and buy new undergarments, sheets, and towels. So I'm going now to sort laundry, start the washer, wrap my blistered finger in a bandage, put on my soft thimble, and get back to quilting my "Mama in the Mirror" quilt.

Knocked Out Roses

I had all my holly bushes pulled up and red knockout roses planted around the front of my house last year. Remember? I love roses, but I've never had the nerve to try to grow them because of the gardening talent and care they require. Although my mama and her mama were masters at growing things, I didn't inherit their talent. Either one of them could break off a twig from a bush or plant, go home and stick it in a glass of water, and have a rooted plant in no time. But me? I can kill plastic plants.

So when I heard about knockout roses and how they were resistent to all bugs and diseases, needed precious little care, and that anybody couuld grow them, even me of the dark brown thumb, I made arrangements to have them planted in place of those hateful hollies that needed constant trimming.

Well! My roses have a disease. Some kind of mold or fungus. They're blooming fine, but all their leaves are aquiring little tan patches, which turn into little holes, which turn into big holes, which quickly destroy the leaves.

Steve is supposed to be coming some time this week to treat them. Even he didn't know these roses could get diseases. He had to call a knockout rose expert to get the scoop. Apparently, according to this expert, they are losing their inbred resistance. Could be, but it seems every other knockout rose bush that I see anywhere around here is lush and gorgeous and disease free--like those in the photo above. I think plants just don't like me.

I
n addition to my brown thumb, I have a chewed up fingernail and a blister on my thimble finger. Big-stitch quilting is much harder on the fingers than regular quilting. The #5 perl cotton and the big-eyed neede are harder to pull through two layers of fabric and one of batting. It's the same thimble I've used for ages, but just looky. I have one of those soft leather ones that I started using after the blister formed. I don't like it. But maybe I'll get used to it.

I have to meet with the tax accountant at 1:00. She has had my records for over a month, so I called a while ago to see if my return was going to be ready today, this being tax day. She requested that I come in, said she might have to file an extension. Now when your tax accountant won't talk to you over the phone and wants you to "come in," that's almost as scary as your doctor asking you to come into his office to discuss your tests.

This has been an awful month so far. I want an April do-over. This was not what I had in mind.

Our Diane

Just as I was about to go out the door yesterday to attend Billie's service, the phone rang. It was Diane's husband Joey (Big Joey, she called him) calling to tell me that Diane had passed away.

Diane was Sophie's groomer. She came in her dog-grooming van once every few weeks to give Sophie a hair cut, bath, nail trimming, etc.

She came, that is, until about nine months ago. That's when Diane called me to tell me she had lung cancer and would be taking some time off. She fully expected to recover and be back taking care of her "babies."

Diane was one of the sweetest, dearest people I've ever known. She loved the doggies and did indeed think of them as children. I know Big Joey is going to miss her horribly. He was crying by the time we finished talking yesterday. So was I, of course.

I've looked all morning for a photo of Diane to post. I know I have some of her with Sophie, but I can't find them. So I'm posting this pretty vase of roses for her instead. Her service is Monday morning.

UFO Progress Report: Week 15

I have the picture blocks finished for my "Mama in the Looking Glass" (or "Mama in the Mirror") quilt. And I'm almost finished basting the quilt. After quilting, I'll attach the photo blocks in the four dark red squares--maybe with buttons, maybe with bows. I haven't decided for sure.

Mama

Basting almost complete

Yesterday I baked. I made two hummingbird bundt cakes and a pan of brownies. One cake was for Jesse's dad and stepmom, and the other was for neighbors Paul and Karen. Karen just recently had major surgery and a cancer scare. But, thank God, no cancer and she's doing well in her recovery. The brownies were for Andy and Jesse. When there's not much one can do, one can always bake.

Today at 12:00, we tell Billie goodbye. It will be a graveside service. My allergies are so bad today, and I got no sleep last night. I would rather just stay inside and think of Billie laughing, shopping, playing bingo.

There has been a development, completely beyond my control (as most developments are) that has me more upset than I've been in a long time. It's not something I can talk about, but prayers for disaster aversion would be appreciated.

I think Skipper has the answer to all problems. When life gives you dirt, DIG! And share the fun with a friend.

 

 Brush off the dirt and look below for Mr. Linky. You don't have to be a member of the UFO Bust Challenge to post your link. We'd like to know what you've been doing anyway. So if you have a blog, link up below.

Happy Friday the 13th, everyone.

For Billie

Her life was a bouquet of love and kindness. We'll miss her sweet spirit. Rest in peace, BeeBee. See you soon.

My Plate Runneth Over

So much needs doing that I don't know where to start. This is Nancy's "Wise Words" journal from my circle journal group. I haven't even started my spread in it, due at the end of the month, although I do have it in my head.

I also have to finish my guild challenge  "Mama in the Mirror" quilt before the June guild meeting, June 11, I think--quilting and all. I'm thinking of hand quilting it in the big-stitch technique. done with perl cotton. I haven't seen that lately, but ten years ago or so it was pretty popular. It's fast and easy and has a very old-fashioned look.

So those are the first two things on my list. But I also have a wall hanging/banner project that I've promised for a friend's wedding that will be in August. I haven't started that yet either, although I do have a plan--a four-ring Double Wedding Ring with machine embroidered motifs (doves, flowers, bells, etc.) in the ring centers. 

And I can hardly get my mind to settle down on any work at all. Our dear Billie (Jesse's other grandmother; Andy's former MIL) is sinking fast. Her family brought her home yesterday. Andy and Jesse and the rest of her family have been at her bedside constantly. Andy and Jesse are so sad. I wish I could comfort them, but I know there's little one can do for someone watching a loved one suffer. I just pray for God's mercy.

Stash to Treasure

Our guild yard sale was awesome. The room was full of vendors and shoppers. I was both. Actually, I was very good and didn't buy much at all--one book, four homemade doggie treats, and a scone.

I almost sold out. My table was overflowing at first, but I had only about half a dozen items to bring back home. I made enough money to pay the cleaning lady today, the lawn mowing boys later, and purchase the goodies for tonight's sister supper (more about that later*).

Lots and lots and lots of fabric


Plenty of do-dads


Flannels and books


I think I might have bought this vintage crocheted spread that Gwen was selling; but before I could finish procrastinating, someone else had bought it.

I can personally attest to the scrumptiousness of the homemade scones

In Other Guild Business

April Blocks of the Month

Gift from our Japanese friends


Yo-yo detail

Cheryl C. hand quilted this vintage Grandmother's Flower Garden for a friend.

Ann N. organized the making of the blocks for this quilt in honor of a friend's wedding. She also put the blocks together and hand quilted it.

Gwen C.'s jelly-roll race quilt

I donated this lap-size quilt, which I made a few years ago, to our project for a local nursing home.

Nancy M. and Craig H., teamed up to make these two cuddle quilts.



I know that this too is a collaboration, but I can't remember whose. My apologies.

 *The sister crew is coming tonight for supper. We're having chicken salad, potato salad, apple pie, and vanilla ice cream. Later, Ramey and I will watch the season finale of "Justified." I don't know what we're going to do with ourselves on Tuesday nights without Raylan Givens and the folks of Harlan County. I'm not sure Raylan is going to leave any of them alive to have a next season. The title of tonight's episode is "Slaughterhouse."

Holy Pink Saturday

I came across this quote from President Obama from a magazine article printed before he became president. It caught my attention because it so correctly and succinctly presents my own creed of faith.

"I am a Christian, and I am a devout Christian. I believe in the redemptive death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I believe that that faith gives me a path to be cleansed of sin and have eternal life. But most importantly, I believe in the example that Jesus set by feeding the hungry and healing the sick and always prioritizing the least of these over the powerful."   
--Barack Obama, Christianity Today, January, 2008 

Happy Easter, everyone. May God and his precious son Jesus bless you richly, as they have done me.

Blackberry Creek Home Arts is linking to Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound. 

UFO Progress Report: Week 14

Again, I must admit that I have nothing to report on the UFO front. Well, that's not exactly true. I have bundled up lots of fabric to sell at the guild yard sale on Monday. In a way, fabric counts as UFOs. Potential projects, never completed--never begun actually. So maybe, USOs (unstarted objects)? 

But I haven't been idle. I made this red geranium wreath for the front door. The one I was using, which is covered with pink flowers, is falling apart. Every time the breeze blows, the door opens or closes, or a bird flies by, more blossoms plummet to the floor. I decided it was time for another one.

So I made my own because the already-made ones are so expensive. I got all the ingredients on sale at JoAnn's (except for the little baskets and ribbon, which I already had). And the glue gun, some florist wire, and I spent a pleasant 30 minutes or so putting it together. Very easy.

As you can see, I added a cardinal, my favorite bird. He doesn't pop out very well against that red door, does he? But he's there.

I thought the little baskets would add a sweet touch.

I bought me a new toy yesterday. For about a year and a half now, I've had a real strong hankering for an iPad. Not one to make impulse purchases, I decided to think on the matter for a while and make sure I really really wanted one before I took the iPad plunge. 

Well every time I'd think I had made up my mind to get one, something in the house would break (dishwasher, air conditioner, etc.) or the yard would need work or something. And I'd decide to put off the purchase for yet a while.

I don't know what happened yesterday. I had an appointment with Gwen to get my hair cut, and while she was snipping away at my bushy bushy blonde (well, white) hairdo, and my head grew lighter and lighter, the iPad iDea took on life. As soon as she had snipped sufficient, I got in my car and drove right to the nearest iPad dealer, which was at a kiosk in WalMart.

Well that was an experience in and of itself. The representative on duty seemed a mite clueless as to the whys and wherefores or activating internet service on the iPad I chose. She telephoned her AT&T rep, who apparently was equally, if not more so, cluess and got no help. So she called in a couple of other in-store, iPad reps from who knows where. Another woman and a man.

Apparently the second woman decided right off that she wasn't going to be of any help, so she didn't stay long, but the man, Larry, hung in. I could tell immediately that Larry knew what he was doing, but the first woman rep, Melisa (with one s), became resistant to his advice right away. Every tip he tried to get across to Melisa was a bitter pill she refused to swallow. I kept thinking, why did you call him in to help if you weren't going to listen to him?

At one point, Melisa actually started screaming at Larry, at which point I almost called off the whole deal and left. But that was the very instant that Larry decided to give up on and ignore Melisa and do the thing himself. He went to another phone at the desk nearby and started dialing. 

"Who are you calling, Larry?" demanded Melisa.

"Somebody," answered Larry.

"WHO?" Melisa shouted.

"AT&T."

"But I already called AT&T. They said they can't do that."

"Uh huh," mumbled Larry.

"Who are you calling, Larry?" Melisa persisted.

"Activation," he answered.

"I ALREADY CALLED ACTIVATION!!!!!!" I believe if I hadn't been there, she might have inserted a very naughty word between "called" and "activation."

Larry just very cooly sat his ground and began speaking to someone on the other end of the line. When he finished, he hung up, looked at me and said, "You're activated." 

I thought Melisa was going to sling a rod. Her face actually turned red and I think I saw a puff of smoke waft from her nostrils. All she would say, however, and she said it several times, was, "But I called activation. They told me they couldn't do it."

I couldn't help it. By that time I was tired and aggravated and just wanted to go home. "It takes a man," I said softly. 

Now of course I don't believe that the fact that he was a man got Larry the needed results where Melisa, a woman, had failed. But I just throught Melisa's attitude deserved a poke in the butt about then.

But anyway, I got my iPad (see photo above), internet activated (they call it data activated at the iPad store). I stayed up till way after midnight last night playing with it. I really love it. If you're thinking of getting one for yourself, I just have one piece of advice. Talk to Larry.

Below is Blogless Barbara's progress for the week. You'll be happy to know that she actually made UFO progress and wasn't nearly as long-winded as I was about my lack thereof.

"In photo 1," says Barbara, "is the 4th of July block called 'Red, White, and Blue' in Maggie Malone's book 5500 Quilt Block Designs. It's now quilted (most humbly by me) and trimmed. I'm making the binding from red fabric with tiny white polka-dots.
Photo 2 shows my 'Roses In Winter' quilt, finally trimmed and binding ready. This quilt was made from leftover Evening Star blocks from a quilt I made for my mother in 1995. Its name is from a quotation I once read: 'God gave us memories so we could have roses in winter and our mothers forever.' "

Now below is Mr. Linky. Link up so we can see what you've been doing.

Dog on Bear

I'm going to talk about animal sex now. So if you think you'll be offended, sign off immediately.

After Christmas, I brought Bentley Bear and his antique school desk upstair and set them in my office. The arrangement hasn't worked out too well. I think I'm going to have to move Bentley to the guest room, where he'll be all alone and lonely.

You see, the problem is Skipper. Skipper is in love with Bentley and has, from the very beginning of their relationship, been ready to indulge in intimacy of the most intimate type with Bentley's leg. Unless I keep a sharp eye on Skipper, Bentley ends up face down in the floor with Skipper making whoopie with the big guy's leg.

Poor Bentley. 

Now I was a responsible dog owner and had Skipper's offending equipment surgically removed soon after the little fellow came to live here. Apparently, the absence of testicular do-dads hasn't assuaged his lovemaking desire, however. Bentley never had any testicular do-dads, just fake fur and stuffing, so I know it can't be his fault. The bear just wants to sit and stare at us and be left alone, with maybe an occasional pat to the head or shoulder.

I'm sure Bentley has told Skipper that he isn't interested in a same sex, interspecies relationship. But that little terrier is like one of those lounge lizards you sometimes encounter in bars who think they're just so cool that no woman could possible mean it when she says, "Buzz off, Jack." Skipper continues to be persistent in his ardor for Bentley.

So it's either move the bear or close the door when I'm in the office. And I know Skipper and his sister Sophie would never go for the closed door approach. 

"I'm as horny as Kansas in August,
Dreaming of that bear at the top of the stair.
If you'll excuse an expression I use,
I'm in love, I'm in love,
I'm in love, I'm in love,
I'm in love with a big furry bear!"

Petting Zoo

On Sunday afternoon, members from my church gathered at Aunt Evelyn H.'s beautiful home for our annual children's Easter egg hunt. And while everyone loves a good old egg hunt, it was really the petting zoo that garnered the most attention. The children loved it, and the grown-ups did too, 'specially me. There were baby chicks, a rabbit, little goats, two sheep, and a zebu. In looking through my photos, however, I see I failed to get any shots of the zebu and sheep.

Reed (my nephew) loved the live peeps...

...
...so did his Aunt Da (my niece India)...
...and his Ma (my sister Ramey).

A Tub O'Peeps

The children were all very gentle with the biddies.

Everyone loves the Easter Bunny.

Reed and the Easter Bunny

My favorites, the goats

India and Reed feed the goats.

"Gimme, gimme!"

"More, please."

Ramey (right) and our good friend Chris

And a good time was had by all.

Been to Bee

Yesterday was the April meeting of Piecemaker's Quilters Bee, held at Cyndi's this month. Below is a little show-and-tell from the morning.

Mary's sweet cuddle quilt

Detail from above quilt

Another pretty quilt by Mary

I love this one (also Mary's) and want to make one like it. Mary didn't make it; her daughter bought it, but I didn't catch where, to give as a charity quilt.

~

Later in the afternoon, Lori came by to pick up Daisy and brought her quilt and pillow that she recently finished for one of her grandbabies. Don't you just love the fabrics? I helped her pick them out.

See Miss Daisy peeping around the corner at her mama?

Lori has made huge progress as a quilter. I'm so proud of her. Her machine quilting is actually much better than mine. For some reason, that's one skill that elludes me.

I have so much to do today, and I'm getting a horribly late start. I'll never finish. So bye for now. Tomorrow I'll show you some pictures from our church's Easter egg hunt and petting zoo on Sunday. I know you're all on tenterhooks waiting for that.