Happy New Year! We had fun at Carrie's house but....I'm getting old! As soon as we rang in the new year we headed home to bed. Our son and his family left for Tillamook this morning...3-7 inches of rain in the next couple of days and they already had 35 mph sustained winds. They tend to get flooded into their house so wanted to get home before they couldn't make it. Grandson #2 turns 13 tomorrow. How did we get so many teenagers!

Wednesday Deb called and asked if I wanted to go to the warehouse. What a silly question! I asked my hubby if I could spend some money there and his reply..."Boy, can you!" That comment gave me the best reason for going. I need to keep up the reputation! I picked up some batting and a couple of patterns. We didn't even walk down the fabric aisles. It was a fun surprise outing. Yesterday afternoon I just had to try one of the patterns and look what happened:


It is quick and easy. There are three different sizes in the pattern. This is the middle size. It didn't call for fusible fleece on the lining. I think if I do it again I will try it with the fleece. The bag is not very stiff right now. My daughter-in-law wanted to buy it but I think she deserves to just have it. It is another Penny Sturges pattern...Taylor's Trio.

I'm hoping to go over to Deb's this afternoon and use the longarm. I have three quilts ready to go.

Happy Day!

The great thaw has begun! It's a whopping 36 degrees and raining lightly. Remember what my corner tree used to look like? Well, now it looks like this:


My street is now very slushy and messy. Still no mail or newspaper:


I've been happily sewing! I finished my Mini Bow Tuck Bag.


The pattern is by Penny Sturgess from Quilts Illustrated. Her patterns are awesome...excellent instructions.

I'm also making fuselage soup. That's what my dad called turkey soup. You put the fuselage (leftover bones) in a big pot...add onion, celery, carrots, etc. and boil forever. Then you strain it and use the leftover turkey and vegetables to make soup.

Now I have to decide which quilt I need to work on. Hmmmm......I just might have to go back on project probation.

Merry Christmas ! May we remember our Savior and follow His example in all that we do. I hope all may find joy in the journey.

Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore or maybe we are...more snow!!!! This is turning out to be a wonderful, snowy Christmas season. Since my holiday sewing is done I've been trying to figure out what to work on. My daughter has my walking foot so I can't make my bag. It's too icy to get to the Gammill at Deb's house. OK....I'm tired of kicking the pile of blue jeans I've been saving to make lawn quilts so maybe I'll start cutting out squares.


Now I only have three more piles plus three large boxes to go! I can only do a few at a time as my hands get real tired. OK...no rush...at least I started! Then I looked out my window.


Guess the birds won't be getting a bath for awhile. They'll just have to get supper from off my deck. They might have to share with the squirrel that seems to be hiding things under the mat.


Hubby and I went to the post office to mail packages to the grandkids that live at the coast. Since both highways to the coast are closed it is doubtful that they will get their package in time for Christmas. I was a fun ride....4-wheel drive truck with chains. After driving around for awhile I started wondering how people in Alaska drive through their snow. Do they use chains? Are the roads kept clear enough to drive on? Can you tell my mind has been busy today?


This is the view out the front door. Might not be going anywhere in the van for awhile even though it does have chains on the front tires.


How much snow is that? This picture was taken this morning before we had three more inches!

OK...enough rambling. I'm still working on my banner. The picture is a little dark. I just might have to try something else. Jodi has been very patient with me and all my emails. Thanks, Jodi! Don't you need some more fabric?