Wednesday (for lack of a better title)

I swore that when my grandson was born, I wasn't going to be one of those "crazy" grandma's that broke out her ten foot long string of pictures everytime someone asked about the baby. Yeah, right. It is hard though when you have something this darn cute! Needless to say, I have a new man in my life!

On other things, like weight loss, not so much. I have been working for Weight Watchers as a receptionist for about 6 months now. I only did it thinking it would help me keep my weight off. That isn't the case. I have put on about 10 pounds and am now in jeopardy of not being able to work for them anymore. Clearly, it is no one's fault but my own. I have had two warnings and still wasn't enough of a threat for me. So now, it's crunch time. If I no longer can work for them, then so be it. I have got to get this weight off for ME. I got back to my normal meeting and have got to get serious about this. Wish me luck friends!

Indian Summer Chicken Casserole

Since all I feel like doing these days is eating, I thought I would share a recipe. This is what we had for dinner tonight.

3 or 4 large chicken breasts, cooked

2-10 ounce cans cream chicken soup

1 stick margarine

1/2 c. chopped celery

1/2 c. choppen onion

1 package Stove Top Stuffing Mix

1 c. milk

After cooking the chicken, reserve broth. Place chicken in the bottom of 9 x 13 pan. On top of chicken, spread undiluted cream chicken soup. In a saucepan, add one cup of the reserved chicken broth to the margarine. Mix in the onion and celery and cook until tender. Add the stuffing to the onion mixture, mix gently and spread over the soup/chicken mixture. Pour milk over all and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Pretty cute, huh?

My new grandson, Geoffrey. He was born around 1:15 p.m. on Monday, October 17th. Which also happens to be his mommy's birthday! She tells me she owes me a big present for giving birth to her too!

Look At That Face!

Doesn't that look like the face of an angel? This is Geoffrey's latest ultrasound picture. These ultrasound pictures these days are so realistic. Heck, I never even had an ultrasound when I was pregnant with either one of my girls.

Weighing in at 6 pounds 10 ounces. His expected arrival date is October 24th. Although I can't see her going that long if he is already weighing over 6 pounds! I think it looks like he has hair. Curly hair at that!

Travel Dog Bed

This is one of my Travel Dog Beds that I made for the Greytfest. I picked out this fabric a year or so ago. I love it because it is a houndstooth pattern.
It has handles made out of webbing that fit easily over your shoulder and allows you to carry the bed and have your hands free to hold on to the dogs. There is velcro on the closure that allows you to open it up and lay it flat. It measures about 24 inches by 34 inches and has a piece of one inch foam. What do you think?

Suggestions Anyone...

This year we are having our annual Greytfest on October 1st. For many years, I have wanted to be a vendor. This year, I am doing it.

Some of my wares will include, photo mugs, covered journals, belly bands, travel beds, poop bag holders, collars and collar accessories, travel beds. I have several antique postcards with greyhounds on them and made a couple of pillows. I also used copies of some old photos and made a few shadow boxes. Trying to get a couple of tote bags done as well.

So I need some suggestions for names. When I told them I was going to be a vendor, they asked "what do you call yourself?" I was debating about using Mad Red Hare. Any ideas?

Another Celebration

Today marks the anniversary of the adoption of my Tom Sawyer. Eight years ago today we signed the papers and made him ours. He has come so far.

From the shy dog who spent 16 hours in his kennel that first night to a hound who now shares our bed at night. Happy gotcha day Tommie Boy!

My Dixie Girl

Thinking of you today Dixie girl. This would have been your 11th birthday...

Vet Visit for Tom

I posted this on the "dog blog". I tried to copy it into a post here, but didn't have much luck. Click http://grey-hare.blogspot.com/2011/08/vet-visit-for-tom.html for the full story.

A Special Quilt

A little project I have been working on. This bow tie quilt is made from a few of my dad's favorite plaid shirts. I took a bunch of his shirts and have had them stashed away for a while now. It has always been my intention to make pillows or quilts out of them. So when my daughter found out she was pregnant, I knew the baby would be the first one to get a quilt.

The baby shower/cookout was this past Saturday, so I was under the gun to get this finished. I presented it to her when the family arrived. Worried there might be tears, I figured it was better to do it before everyone got here. I will post more about the "mustache bash" later. I'm off to work now!

2011 Fair Results

Warrick County Fair has been over for several weeks now. The only way I can remember how I did on my projects is to document it on the blog. I went through my ribbons from previous years and missed filling the info in on the back of them. I have really got to do better about some things!

I used two charm packs to make my throw. Not sure how I came up with the pattern. But I think it's kind of fun. Not my usual colors, but you can't go wrong with Christmas!

The lady that I have do my machine quilting always does such a nice job. I usually take my tops to her and let her have creative freedom. On this one, she used a multi-color thread on the front and on the back she used red. The design has holly leaves and berries in it.
Something else I tried on this quilt was to use up the fabric that I had. So for the back I took the red piece that I had and put in a strip of the holly fabric to make it big enough. Trying to get rid of some of my stash!

My flower arrangement in the rain boots (click HERE for photo) got a blue ribbon and a grand champion. My B-O-O letters (click HERE for photos) got a blue ribbon as well. Got lots of projects that I would like to finish up this weekend. I guess time will tell!

Apron Love

In an effort to get motivated to do something, I took most of my projects and threw them in a basket. When I want something to do, I can reach in the basket and pull something out. I purchased this apron on clearance at Hobby Lobby. It was one of those pre-printed jobs. The picture looks kind of funny to me, not sure why. I have been fascinated by aprons lately. Wish me luck on getting projects done!

Burp Cloths

I just looked back at my posts and realized I forgot to share my news! We are going to have a grandson in October. His name is Geoffrey and he is due to arrive on October 24th.

I finally got motivated to make him something. I had purchased some cloth diapers for burp cloths. I was a little disappointed with the quality of the cloth diapers, but they will serve their purpose. Trying not to sweat the small stuff these days.

I was able to get four burp cloths out of of a quarter yard of fabric. Mom and dad love the dinos, I hope he does too!

This jungle print was a fat quarter I fell in love with.

These last ones, I used ribbon that I had left over from previous burp cloths. I try to make some for baby shower gifts.

They look pretty now, but after a few spit ups, they will be all broke in!

Sedums and Other Junk

I have become increasingly fascinated with sedums. For almost 15 years now I have struggled with what types of plants to put on the deck. The deck faces south and has no shade at all. I really enjoy working in my flowers, but the fact that I don't "sweat" makes it hard to work outside. So I have been working at acquiring lots of pots for my deck and do my gardening in the evening. A couple of years ago, I got a start of a sedum from a friend and have been hooked ever since.

I planted up some of my junque finds. This watering can I got for $5.00. The strainers I picked up for probably fifty cents. The blue pan, I got for a couple of bucks at an antique mall. The bigger container to the right has a sifter-type bottom, and I have no idea what it is. So, I am working on getting a good collection of sedums together.

Finally, A Project

I finally got something done! Belonging to a county homemakers club, you are required to exhibit at least ONE project in the fair. Well, having had 2 kids go through the 4-H program, I am following in their footsteps and waiting until the last minute to finish projects! That's the 4-H way, right?

I have had these boots for a couple of years now. A yard sale find, I think. I knew right away that I wanted to put a flower arrangement in them. It just took me a while to finally do it. Except now that I am looking at the picture, I see a hole that I need to fill.

Hey, at least I have my ONE project to exhibit! I do want to get more done, but only time will tell. I have gotten sucked in the world of Pinterest. If you haven't looked at it, don't. You will get sucked in too!

Father's Day

They just aren't the same without you...

Inspiration

HELP! I need some inspiration....BAD. Maybe some motivation as well.

Waiting and Prepared

Well, we have serious storms coming our way this evening. So they say. I am home with my two pups, Tom and Sadie. Hubs is out of town in South Carolina for school. I decided since I am in charge, I would make us a little storm shelter. So the closet in the basement is our place. Now this isn't your normal closet, this is my storage closet. It measures 9 feet X 9 feet. So it is pretty roomy for us to all get in there. Got a couple days worth of dog and cat food, leashes, along with their meds. Candles, matches, batteries, flashlights, kerosene lamps and extra kerosene. Got some snacks for myself and a case of Diet Cokes! Filled up the tub with some water. Got a big comforter and some pillows and we are all set. Now I really hope I don't need to use any of it!

Cross Another One Off The List

Sunday, my friend Cindy and I walked in our first 5K. She has the pictures on her camera, so I will post them as soon as she sends them to me. That is another thing crossed off of my bucket list!

Coffee with a Canine

I am feeling pretty good this morning! Click HERE to visit the blog Coffee with a Canine to read the story they did about me and my pups!

Six Months Ago...

So hard to believe it has been six months since that terrible Thursday. Miss you Dixie girl.

Honolulu or Bust!

I have been so busy these past two weeks making arrangements for Jax to fly away! I took this picture Friday during the day before we left for the airport. My daughter and I left around 8:00 p.m. to make the 5 1/2 hour drive to Chicago. Because of the size of his kennel, he had to fly on a bigger plane. O'Hare was the closest option. The moment has finally come that I can say Jax has been reunited with his family!!! Click HERE for the rest of the story.

MARCH BLOCK

I know, I am so far behind, I think I'm ahead! Here is my block for March. It is called Wagon Wheel. I didn't get it appliqued to the base block. I plan to do that tomorrow night and Stitch and Bitch.

Here's the story...

The Wagon Wheel was the second quilt to be displayed on the fence. Wagons with hidden compartments were one means of transporting runaway slaves.

The quilt was a message to pack things for their journey as if they were packing a wagon. With limited space and weight, they would need to consider supplies that would be essential for survival.

The wagon was also a symbol of a chariot that was to carry them home. The spirituals they sang carried hidden messages as well. Like "swing low, sweet chariot".

Sunbonnets and bandannas were indicators of social rank for women. Bonnets were worn by women that were above the rank of slave and indentured servants. A sunbonnet could also help fleeing slaves by disguising themselves by obscuring their faces. If a woman was to tilt her head slightly down, eyes looking shyly to the ground, she could use a bonnet for disguise.

In Nebraska City, Nebraska, stories are still told about a minister who used to drive his wagon with two sunbonneted ladies sitting by him. A half hour later, the minister would return with two ladies still sitting beside him. What no one noticed was that on the return trip, the two women wearing the bonnets had dark complexions.

I am going to list the names of the 12 blocks that I picked. If you have the book and want to work ahead, you will have the names. They are in the order that they appear in the Table of Contents in the book Underground Railroad Sampler.

1. Underground Railroad/Jacobs Ladder
2. Monkey Wrench
3. Wagon Wheel
4. Bear's Paw
5. Basket
6. Crossroads
7. Log Cabin
8. Shoo-Fly
9. Bow Tie
10. Flying Geese
11. Drunkard's Path
12. North Star

Thanks for your patience!

Rain, Rain, PLEASE Go Away!

I know I will regret saying that out loud come August. Seriously, we have had record breaking rainfall here in Southern Indiana. Not to mention the weather radio going off at 2:00 a.m. this morning with a tornado warning specifically for my little town of Newburgh. We are located in Southern Indiana along the Ohio River. Let me tell you, old man river is very angry right now. We are expecting water to continue to rise and they are preparing the flood wall in Evansville. News media is calling this "catastrophic". Not to mention, the very back of my property is in the flood plain. It has never come close to the house, but if we keep getting rain, it might. Be praying for those of us who live here. Some towns are evacuating. I worry about families with animals, almost all shelters don't allow pets...

Yes, that street sign says Waterworks Road. Photo courtesy of courierpress.com.

Another Perk to Weight Loss

I have discovered a new perk to my weight loss. Some of you might find this kind of funny. But I love buying new underwear! This is such a girl post, but oh well! I am always on the lookout for new underwear. Once I find some that I like, I try to buy as many as possible.

TJMaxx, my favorite place to shop, usually has great prices on undergarments. So I was perusing the clearance rack and found a pair for $1.00. I looked at the size, they were a medium. I thought, no way I can get in those. But for a buck, I decided to give it a shot. I have been putting off trying them on until today. I was pleasantly surprised that they FIT! Now, I am still a brief kind of gal, but I was doing the happy dance for my cheap and smaller size panties!

Aloha Jax!

Finally got the flight arrangements made for Jax. He leaves on April 30th. Wish me luck as I take him 5 1/2 hours north to the Chicago Ohare Airport. For more on the story click here.

Pantry Photos

Check out my pantry! This might be kind of hard to visualize since there aren't many shelves yet. But I am super excited to have this addition to my kitchen. It's not that my kitchen isn't big, because it is really big. Just oddly laid out and not much storage. So when my oldest daughter moved out I begged my husband to make her bathroom into a pantry. He still wanted a half bath, I wanted the bigger pantry. So we compromised and I have an L-shaped pantry and we have a small half bath. This corner will eventually hold a small freezer. We also installed our first pocket door. Now I would love to have them on every room!
 
At the end is part of the closet from the old bathroom. I would love to have solid shelves in there, but not sure I can get that accomplished. Hubs is one of those people where it has to be his idea. So I may just wait a while and see if it comes to him! Adjustable shelves will go along the wall at the left. Hopefully I can get started painting tomorrow night. I have to use stain blocking primer on the ceiling since it is tongue and groove wood.

Weight Watchers News

Well, I accepted the receptionist position with Weight Watchers. I had 2 phone interviews, and then went to shadow a meeting. Had a follow up phone call with an area recruiter and they offered me a job. It is 5 hours a week, which amounts to 2 meetings. But it sounds like a wonderful company to work for. Besides, I have to stay within my 2 pound limit of my goal weight. Another good reason to work for them! More to follow later. My right eye is twitching so bad, my vision is blurry.

No April Fools!

Friday, April 1, will be my last day the library. I was able to pick up some more hours at my "day" job. Plus with the price of gas, I decided I might be ahead to simplify things! Also, I have my second phone interview with Weight Watchers on Wednesday. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Spring is Finally Here!

Spring has sprung! TGIS? I think that's how it would be for Thank God it's Spring! I have not had much time for blogging these days and I'm totally bummed about it. When I come home at 9:30 at night, I sit in my chair and read the blogs that I follow. I think about all the things I should be doing and creating, but am just too tired. Not to mention, lack of time.

There is no time for picture taking either. I found this picture of a little baby duck from the Indianapolis Zoo. It was the closest thing I could find to something spring.

Have a good week my friends!

And Now Back To The Show...

I was all set to "vent", but now I am so tired, I wonder if it is even worth it. So instead, I will give you a little update. Last fall I took a second job at the library as a bookshelver. For some reason a couple of weeks ago, I suddenly was exhausted. I just can't get to feeling better. Right before, my Weight Watchers leader asked me if I had ever thought about working for Weight Watchers. My reply was, "yes, but I already have 2 jobs, I really don't want another one". Then it hit me, if I worked for Weight Watchers, I might not have to work at the library. So I asked for more info. I don't think I could be a leader. I just don't speak well in front of a group of people. So, she said there were receptionist positions available. So, I came home and submitted my application. I got a confirmation e-mail today that I will be doing a phone interview next Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Wish me luck! Of course, I will drag out the soap box later this weekend!

Dragging My Soap Box Out of Storage...

Look out folks, I am pulling the soap box out of storage...and I'm about to get on it.

Maui on My Mind

Lately, I seem to be daydreaming about our vacation to Maui. Lots. Perhaps, it is because it is so cold and dreary this time of year. Or maybe, I just need a vacation. This was the view from our hotel dining area. Oh how I want to return.

Been contemplating lots of things in my life. Since I took the second job at the library, I have not much time to do anything it seems. I do enjoy my job. Pretty fast paced and time goes by fast. I am not sure what happened, but last week I just became exhausted. I can't seem to get over it. Problem is, I have gotten used to the extra money. Well, actually, I need the extra money. So, what's a girl to do?

FEBRUARY BLOCK

Sorry girl, I am running a little behind. This month's block is called Monkey Wrench and starts on page 38 of the Underground Railroad Sampler Book. My finished block is pictured. So here's the story for this month!

The Monkey Wrench Quilt was the first quilt that was used as a signal for slaves who planned to escape. Back in the day, the monkey wrench was a heavy metal tool used by the blacksmith. This particular quilt was the symbol that it was time to collect the tools they would need on their journey north to freedom.

There were also physical tools needed as well. Tools for constructing shelter, tools for defending themselves and tools for determining directions. Along with some food and a few coins, they were to wrap these tools in a bandana bundle. They would need mental tools as well. They would need to be alert and shrewd. They would also need the ability to figure out the motives of complete strangers.

The blacksmith, and one of the most knowledgeable people on the plantation, was known as the "Monkey Wrench". He had strong and skillful hands and could communicate to the slaves by the rhythmic hitting of the hammer on the anvil. The "monkey wrench" might be loaned out to neighboring plantations, so he knew the lay of the land. This person was also very familiar with the daily operations of the plantation and would not awaken suspicion.

Frederick Douglass, a well known abolitionist, was a free black "monkey wrench". Discovered in his home in Cedar Hill, Washington D.C., was a Monkey Wrench family quilt.

Monkey Wrench was a person or group of people who turned the wagon wheel.

Borders...

the bookstore that is. It is a sad day for our local greyhound adoption group. For the past 7 (or more) years, we have held monthly Meet & Greets at the Borders in Evansville, Indiana. As a matter of fact, that is where I was first introduced to these lovely creatures. Today it was announced that our store is one of the stores to close. We will have our last greet there on Sunday. It is indeed sad. I guess I will go and say my farewells...

Another project finished

As part of my 2011 Bucket List, I am determined to get projects finished. My sister and I purchased this kit for our mom a couple of years ago. Good thing it had several years of stickers in it!!! It is one of those calendars that you flip the month then flip the days as well, so it can be used for a really long time. It had the calendar years up until 2012 (thank goodness she can use it for a couple of years anyway).

I had started it, then put it away. Then I found it buried in the back of my craft closet. Then I couldn't find the pictures. My procrastinating friends can probably relate to that. I hate it when I do that! So, I go to the computer and look at the Walgreens web site, and the pictures are still in my photo cart! Yikes, no wonder I couldn't find them, I never had them printed. Finished it up yesterday afternoon and got in the car and took it to mom. Another project finished. Sad part, it wasn't even on my list of stuff to finish. I had totally forgotten about it!

This Weekend's Project

I just updated my Bucket List to include "finishing lots of projects". Like most sewers/quilters, I have lots of fabric. Eight plastic shoeboxes and four large plastic totes full of fabric. Before Christmas I labelled them with colors and what was in them. I even measured out larger pieces and put a note on them so I could use them for quilt backs. Sounds pretty organized, huh? Not really.

A freind of mine has a little quilt that she made out of toile. All colors. It was just a simple patchwork, but I love that quilt. I mean, I would steal it if the chance came about! So a couple of years ago, I was on a quest for toile. Not finding what I was after, I came across these two colors of fabric in a little quilt shop in Louisville. So I bought what they had. Not having a plan in the world for this fabric, I just took what they had.
Fast forward 2 years and I am in panic mode because I can't find any more fabric like this! Why do I do this to myself? I made all the 9 patch blocks that I could and came up with a total of 24. Now what? I really like this fabric. Kind of a shabby chic look. So here is the conversation between my daughter and myself:

Megan: Mom, that is really pretty. What are you going to do with it?


Mom: What do you mean? Like, have a plan for this finished quilt? Heck, I just buy the fabric that I love and wait to be inspired!


Megan: Really? I would think you would know what you are going to do with it.


Mom: You silly young thing! Just wait till the fabric bug bites you!


Megan: I really like that. Those colors are pretty!


Mom: You like it? You want it?(running into her room to clear off the bed and see how it looks) Hmmm, I could add several borders and it would fit that bed

Megan: Yeah, I do want it. I need a new quilt for my bed. You know the last one you made me was for High School graduation (2006).

Mom: Okay then! It's yours! (Thank goodness, someone wants it and it won't just lay folded in my pile of quilts that I have finished.)


Of course, I get one border around it and realize I miscalculated. I am 8 inches short of the last piece of polka dot. Grrrrr. I really wanted to get this done. Now I must go and purchase more fabric!!!

Back Door View

This is the view from the back door this morning. It is snowing and supposed to continue to snow the rest of the day! Yippee!!! I got a snow day from my day job, now let's see if the library closes early due to the "incoming" weather. Funny thing here in Southern Indiana, if they even predict snow, the people freak out. They had already closed schools this morning before it even started snowing. I mean, come on.

Today's agenda has included a nice hot cup of coffee and lots of time in my sewing room. I haven't really been inspired to do much lately, so this change is welcome. I have four people doing the block of the month with me, so I mustn't let them down! Not to mention, I have TONS of UFO's (unfinished objects) in that room.

One of the things I would like to accomplish this year is to finish some projects. I am bad about getting to a certain point, then not finishing. Then when I go back and pick them up, it's like starting over! You sewers know what I mean. You buy fabric, start on a project, then realize you don't have enough fabric for said project. Then you go to try to buy more fabric only to find you have had the fabric for so long, they don't make it any more! Back to square one for sure!

Stay warm and dry my friends!

JANUARY BLOCK

This will be the first post for those of you who are joining me in the Underground Railroad Block of the Month. Information and patterns are from the book "Quilt In A Day Underground Railroad Sampler" by Eleanor Burns and Sue Bouchard.

Each month, I will post the block that I have picked from the book along with the story that goes along with it. Also, there will be a picture of the block that I have made. My personal goal is to use fabric from my stash. That is, if it goes along with the civil war era. Feel free to use whatever fabrics you like, I just prefer the civil war era fabrics for this project. My intent is for this project to be fun. You can work at your own pace. Hopefully, by the end of the year, you will have twelve blocks to put together a quilt. If you only get a few done, you can always make a wall hanging or table runner.

So, here's the story!



Underground Railroad, also known as Jacob’s Ladder, the alternating path of dark and light fabrics cold be used to show the direction in which a “passenger” was to travel.

There is a story about a slave owner chasing a runaway slave. The slave owner swore the man vanished as if he had stepped on some kind of “underground railroad.” The idea of an Underground Railroad taking people north to freedom was used to describe the network of abolitionists and safe houses that helped slaves escape to Ohio and Canada. Safe houses along the way were known as “stations”. Those who guided the escapees were called “conductors”. The runaways themselves were called “passengers”.

Harriet Tubman was one of the best-known conductors on the Underground Railroad. She herself escaped from slavery and returned to the South a total of 19 times to bring over 300 fugitives to freedom. She never lost a single passenger. It was her mission to guide them through unknown lands and take care of their needs. She would tell them to wait in the woods while she went to the home of a friend to buy needed provisions. She would not return until nightfall, using a song to communicate safety or danger to those hiding in wait.

Reaching a “station” in the North meant food, clothing, and a place to hide when capture was imminent. But it did not yet mean freedom. The Underground Railroad took them all the way to Canada in some cases. Estimates are that as many as 100,000 people escaped slavery between the American Revolution and the Civil War.

Block of the Month...Change In Plans

Okay friends, after much consideration, this is how it will work. If you are interested in participating in the Block of the Month (Quilts of the Underground Railroad) e-mail me at macmadday@aol.com. So far my interested friends are Cynthia, Teresa, Lizzieann and Bev. I had contacted Eleanor Burns to see if Icould get a release to use their materials and haven't heard back from them yet. Then, I tried to make my own directions, that didn't work so good either. I figured if I couldn't follow them, then no one else would either! So, I will post the story on the featured block along with a picture of my finished block and then I will e-mail you a copy of the instructions. If you have the book, let me know if you don't want me to send you the instructions. I did get my block done by following the directions in the book! My goal is to get this started on Thursday, which will be the 20th. Then each month, I will post on that same date! Hope to hear from you soon.

Underground Railroad Block of the Month

There are several reasons I have decided to do this block of the month:

1. The Village Mercantile's Block of the Month this year isn't quite to my liking.

2. My daughter purchased this great book, Underground Railroad Sampler, for me

several years ago for Christmas.

3. I am trying to de-stash and finish some projects.

Block patterns. I will scan patterns from the book pictured above. So you will be reading actual instructions from the writer of this book. If you already have this book, then you can follow along in the book. If at any time you have any hints, suggestions or problems, let me know. This is my first attempt at anything like this, so bear with me. It is intended for fun, not to stress anyone out!

Fabric choices. Personally, I would like to use muted colors and fabrics from my stash. But I think it would be fun to use any fabric! However, I might just cave and get some civil war fabrics for this project. It will be interesting to see the different combos we can come up with. I also believe you could use fat quarters as well.

So stay tuned folks!

e-bay

Just listed a few things on e-bay. A couple of them I had in a box for Goodwill and I thought, hey why not sell it? So I am going to try. The other item, a tin church bank, I had stuck in the closet and hadn't put it out forever. So we will see. See something you like, click on the picture and it will take you to e-bay!

Blog Block of the Month?

Been thinking about something. I am not participating in the block of the month club at my local quilt shop this year. I wasn't really crazy about what she had picked out. Now I am willing to try new things, but I just didn't feel like putting all that time into something I wasn't crazy about.

So, here's my question. Are there any of my followers who would be interested in doing a block of the month with me on-line? You can invite your friends as well.

Always being fascinated with the civil war era, I think I will do a block each month pertaining to the quilts used for the underground railroad. My daughter bought me a book a couple of years ago and I haven't done anything with it!

My friend that I carpooled with for the last block of the month club are going to do this, so I thought I would see if anyone was interested. We are going to pick out our fabrics and do our blocks and not show each other until we have all of blocks done at the end of the year. It will be interesting to see how different our blocks will be.

Each month, I will post a picture of the block from the book along with the instructions. Then you then you choose your own fabrics. What do you think?

Thoughts for Today

I was inspired by Jen at Prior Fat Girl to re-think why I started my whole weight loss journey. This has been weighing heavily (no pun intended) on my mind lately.

Most of you know that I reached my goal weight about 3 weeks ago. Since then, I have spiralled out of control. Not quite understanding why though. I mean I was dieting last year during the holidays and did just fine. As a matter of fact from Thanksgiving until Christmas 2009, I lost 9.8 pounds. I was walking down the path of destruction.

I am ashamed to even put this out there. But in the past 2 weeks, I gained 5.4 pounds. How did I let this happen? Honestly, I can tell you how. Chocolate chip cookies, gingerbread cookies, cupcakes, fudge. Anything sweet I could get my grubby paws on. Well, factor in a little a bit of stress and you have a recipe for destruction.

Seriously, I think I was also testing myself. I mean, the goal weight is what we have in our sights for so long, right? So excited to reach it. I will finally be done. NOT. Gaining that much weight so fast, I had a big reality check. Just because I reached my goal weight doesn't mean I am done. This just proved to me that this IS a lifelong change. Finally, I found it somewhere inside me to get my act together again. So pulling myself up by the boot straps, I managed to get back on track.

With so many things out of control in my life, I believe I started my weight loss journey because it is the ONE thing that I really can control.