December 31, 2010

New Year

I had a very wonderful birthday yesterday (yes, I'm one of those Christmas/Birthday people).  DVS took me out to lunch and then we went shopping for a new tv.  Not a big expensive one, just one we can put in our bedroom.  Best Buy had some great sales and that's where we ended up.  When we got home and I checked Facebook, I was overwhelmed by all the birthday wishes from my friends and family.  Awesome!

I haven't done any sewing the last couple of weeks.  Hopefully I'll be able to start working on that t-shirt quilt tomorrow or Sunday.

My friend from Illinois and her husband are here and they're coming over tonight to play pool and celebrate New Year's.  We've been friends since the 8th grade and I'm so happy we still get to see each other on a regular basis.  If I have any resolution this year, it would be to try and keep in touch more with friends and family.  It always seems life gets in the way, but then you realize, this is life.  I'm very blessed to have such great people in my life.

Here's a toast to all of you and I wish you a very Happy New Year and a great start to 2011!

P.S.  The great clip art came from HubPages.  Be sure to check them out!

December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas! and Our Christmas Duck

When I went out this morning to put corn out for the ducks that roam the neighborhood, this little female was standing at the end of our driveway.  I guess she decided our yard wasn't a bad place to rest. . .



Photos by Tracey Van Slyke

We've been trying to feed them because it's been pretty cold here (at least for North Florida).  We've had freeze warnings all week long and it looks like we might not be done yet. I love it!!  But I'm not so sure they do. 

May you all have a very Merry Christmas!

December 22, 2010

We All Sew

I'm just thrilled that the wonderful people at We All Sew picked my blog as one of the favorties this week.  Be sure you head over to their site and check them out!  Thanks guys!

December 21, 2010

Another Project - Finished!

I finished the Suzi purse insert by Lazy Girl Designs on Saturday.  Seriously, if you haven't tried one of these patterns run, run, run and buy one.  The directions are very well written, easy to understand and have lots of great pictures to help you.  I'm already planning on a couple more of these.


And because I don't have enough to do this month, I signed up for a stash busting class at our local quilt store, Cinnamon's.  Our great teachers/friends, Carolyn and Faye went over string piecing and boy, am I hooked.  Haven't decided what to do with these blocks yet, but I couldn't stop making them!

 














That's all for tonight.  Have a great rest of the day!

December 17, 2010

A Little Football


I know this is a blog about quilting, etc. but I need to talk a little football and my team, the Jaguars.  They have managed to scratch and claw their way into 1st place in our division and on the way, we have had some heart stopping games at home.  This Sunday we travel to Indianapolis and the Colts to play for the division title (commence nail biting).  If we win, we're in the playoffs, if not, well, you know the story and this team certainly does as well.  We've been in these positions before when it's win or you're out.  HOWEVER, we have not been in 1st place in the division since I think, 1999 and this year feels a little different.  The boys are walking with their heads held a little higher and more smiles on their faces than I've seen in a long time.  They are gaining confidence they can win and I've seen true heart from all of them.  So, even if we don't manage to bring it home on Sunday, we can still be very proud of this young football team. 

GO JAGUARS!

December 10, 2010

Happy

Finally!



On to finishing my mom's Christmas table topper.  It's in the washer as I write this.  LOVE having days off.  I get so much done.  Got my hair cut at 9:30 a.m. and was picking out Christmas presents by 10.  Great day! 

December 9, 2010

'Tis the Season


You can definitely tell Christmas is coming!  Lately, all I've been doing is making last minute gifts (embroidered Christmas towels), putting up and decorating the tree, and this weekend, baking.  We have the second to last home game this coming Sunday against Oakland and every year DVS likes to give out cookies to all our wonderful security and field people that he comes in contact with during the season.  Soo, Saturday will be our official "baking day".  I'm off tomorrow to get some much needed shopping done and maybe some more much needed sewing. 

I finished my "Happy Quilt".  Pictures to come.  I have to wait until the weekend so I can take them during the day in the sunlight.  It's quite dark now when I get home at night after work.  Go figure.  This quilt will be going to the mother of one of our close friends.  She is having a bone marrow transplant starting this week and will be in isolation for almost 3 months.  She is such a trooper, though.  She is one of the most positive people I've ever met.  If anyone can beat this thing, I know she can.  Sending love and prayers her way.  Oh, and Ducky, when you're better, I WILL kick your butt in Wii Ping Pong. 

Have a great rest of the week everyone.  I'll check in this weekend.

December 1, 2010

One Project Down, About a Million to Go

I finished the Lazy Girl purse I was working on.  Not bad.  Except for breaking 3 needles before figuring out which one to use to sew over the zipper, it was very easy to make and the instructions are fantastic!  The zipper was so easy.  You actually make the bag in 2 separate sections and then sew them together. 


I guess I really, really need to start working on some Christmas gifts.  Better late than never.  :-)

The weather here is crazy.  Yesterday, it was 83, we had the air conditioning on and I wore shorts and a tshirt on my walk.  Today, it's barely 50, I wore a coat to work and we have freeze warnings tonight.  Like I said, Crazy!

Have a great day!