Bag Time

When it's summer and blazing hot, I want to stay indoors and out of the heat. Spending time sewing is one of my favorite things to do on a free day. Lately, I've been getting several projects ready to take to Quilt Camp, but took time in the last week to make a few cute bags. The first one was inspired by the bag a friend was carrying, and an "I could make that" moment. I had a batch of charm squares in my stash and put them together for the bag and lining. I love the envelope pocket on the front, all I need now is a cute green button to finish it off. There actually is a pattern for this bag, but I knew I could wing it without a pattern, so I gave it a go.

Next was this "Camille" bag from a Peggy Sturgis pattern. The outer fabric of the bag was actually a mistake I made for the lining of a previous bag. I was frustrated with it at the time, and stuck it away.After looking at it for a bit, I figured I could rework it for a new carry-all bag for work. I like the style, but it seems a little dull to me, so I'm still considering what I might do to give it a little more "flair". Any ideas?

Back to the Blog

Between a computer that crashed, crazy schedule, and a lot of procrastination, I've been away from the blog for 3 months. BUT, I've missed the blog! So here's an attempt so get up to date.

 In May we had a great time going to L.A. Bruce and I had never really been there, so Tyler and Tu were our "tour guides" and we had a blast. In 3 days we saw Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Warner Brothers Studios. We even had a minor star sighting, we saw (and said "Hi" to crazy Phillip from "Survivor".

In June, we hosted the best 4 year old birthday party ever. What could be better then a Superheros theme? We had lots of swimming, bouncing in the Spiderman bouncy house and presents that included a Green Hornet mask.

We've been in the pool a lot this year. Our chocolate lab, Maggie, loves swimming even more than Bruce and I. Now that I'm back in the blog world, I'll post some pictures soon. In the meantime, here are a few pics from the last few months.

On the "Friends" set at Warner Brothers Studios. The "Central Perk" sofa is pretty comfy.


The canals in Venice Beach are perfect for pictures.

I saved the best for last, my ultimate Superhero, Spiderman (aka Peyton!)

Easter Monday

Dear Peyton, The Easter Bunny is so clever, even when you are not at your Mama's house on Easter, he still comes, leaves your basket, and hides all sorts of eggs. Lucky for us, the EB texted Grandma this year and told her to be at Mama's house when you got home on Monday evening.

You were an amazing egg-finder, you have a knack for spotting the tough to find ones, even in a tree. 

 Your basket was so full, Grandpa had to help hold eggs while you kept hunting, I think both of you men had fun.

You even sat down long enough to get an Easter Monday picture with your Mama. Happy Easter, little Man!

Weekend in Seattle

My favorite niece, Blythe, (ok-she's my only niece) turned 30 last weekend. Bruce and I were able to go to Seattle and spend the weekend with Blythe, her husband Justin, their two boys Cullen and Wyatt. My sister-in-law, Geri and nephew Joel both came in from Kansas City for the weekend as well. We spent time on the military base where Justin is posted - I've always been supportive of our military, but being on a base and seeing the sacrifice and commitment of the these soldiers was inspiring.

Here's the birthday girl sharing some "tingling skin cream" with Justin, pretty funny moment.

 Bruce and Joel on top of the Space needle.

 The Pike's Market in downtown Seattle was fun, loaded with fresh seafood, vegatable and flowers. Wyatt was such a good little guy all day, rode in the back carrier most of the time. Cullen looked away just a little too quickly for me in this one.

 Geri and I would have bought out all the tulips if we'd been able to fly them home.

 It's a beautiful city from the top of the the Space Needle, the rain even held off for us all day while we were downtown.

Thank you Blythe and Justin for a fun weekend, and for the great news when we got home, IT'S A GIRL!!!!!

Jamaica with Friends

The last month has been a busy travelling one for us. We started out with a by going to Jamaica with 3 other couples. Our resort was great with a very long white beach, delicious food from several different restaurants and different entertainment every night. We relaxed on the beach, went snorkeling several times, and went on a couple of really fun boat trips.

 This picture came out a little dark, but it's all 8 of us cleaned up and ready for our "dress-up" dinner one night.

 This is more what we all really looked like all day long, in swimsuits and covered with sunscreen. Not bad for a bunch of middle aged "hotties"!

And, here are our handsome fellas!



Greek Monastery

While Bruce's sister was here (in early March), we took a day trip to the Greek Orthodox Monastery Florence, AZ. It is an amazing oasis in the desert with buildings unlike anything in this part of the country and lush gardens. Men have to wear long sleeves and long pants, and women must wear long skirts, long sleeves and head covering. It was a perfect spring day, and I think Carol and Larry had a good time.

This first picture is of the 4 of us near the entrance to the grounds.

 Here are Bruce and I in the bell tower of the newest building. Looks like we're in Greece, doesn't it?

A Dog, A Nose, and A Plastic Surgeon

It has been an eventful few days! On Wednesday morning I rode my bike over to a friends house for a quick errand. I knew I needed to get back home pretty shortly because my sister-in-law was flying in from Minnesota that same day. Well, my quick errand became a very exciting day. Upon greeting me, my friends dog caught hold of a bit of my face! He's actually quite a handsome, husky fellow, who had no intention of hurting anyone, just a bit over-exuberant. Fortunately, my dear friend popped me in her car and we were off to the nearest Emergency Department. I knew it must be an impressive looking wound when the entire nursing staff kept popping in to taking a look. Words like "Wow", "Goodness" and "Gnarly" were mentioned.

Wouldn't you know, I had not showered or washed my hair yet that day! Thank goodness I had brushed my teeth before heading out on my bike. Bruce, who had been running 5 miles that morning, came home to a voice mail saying "honey, meet me in the ED"! He came in all hot and sweaty wondering what on earth I was up to now.

After some IV antibiotics and pain meds, there was a transfer to the Emergency Department at Banner Desert where a plastic surgeon would see me. We got over to Desert, got two more IV antibiotics and more IV pain meds. Late in the afternoon Dr. Fam came in, checked me over and said words like "gaping wound" and "impressive" and told me he could fix me up in no time. After some more pain medicine and some Ativan, I was happy and relaxed, while Dr. Fam reattached my right nares to my face. We even joked around while he was working (but I don't remember the details, little fuzzy........) I was really blessed to have such a great plastic surgeon available. He did beautiful work.

I got to come home that night all stitched up and feeling no pain, in fact about an hour after getting home, my daughter offered to walk me up the stairs to bed because she said I was totally "stoned"! Her word, not mine! My sister-in-law and her boyfriend were troopers through the next few days, everyone has taken care of me and the house, and I'm definitely on the road to healing up beautifully.