Showing posts with label Daisy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daisy. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

WIP Wednesday - Michael Miller and Quilts for Cure

Remember when I went to QuiltCon and one of the booths was Michael Miller Fabric and they gave out fabric to make blocks for charity quilts?  



Right. So, the way I understand it, Michael Miller collected the blocks and chose Quilts for Cure as the charity to receive the blocks. HollyAnne (of String and Story and QFC) reached out to #machinequiltingbloghop alum Kristin, Vicki, and me for help piecing the quilts in time to be displayed at QuiltCon 2018 in Pasadena.



The blocks are so cute! 



I am in awe of how creative some people are. 


Michael Miller generously added fabric for sashing, backing and binding along with the blocks, Aurifil sent thread, and Hobbs donated the batting. All I needed to do was get it together. 


Daisy critiques my sashing technique and tries to point out my mistake.
Unfortunately I ignored her.
That's what I've been working on. The top is finished and the quilt is basted. I've stitched in the ditch and am working on quilting the individual blocks. But more on that later!

What are you working on?

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

WiP Wednesday - Bobbin Chicken

It's WiP Wednesday and I haven't worked up the courage to cut up any more pinwheel blocks, but I did do something sort of brave. I entered the string spider web quilt into the East Cobb Quilters' Guild show, Georgia Celebrates Quilts.  (Hurry! The deadline for entering a quilt has been extended until Saturday, March 25, 2017!)

string spider web quilt scrap strings bonnie hunter pattern

I don't know if it will be accepted, but I do know that I work better with a deadline. Hopefully this will prompt me to get it finished! If it is accepted, I will be so excited to cross off a life goal (and not just by a technicality).

So I started by quilting in the ditch, ala Christa Watson. I quilted around all of the spider webs and the border. Then I decided to stitch across the spider webs horizontally and vertically, quartering them. And then, what the heck, I might as well go diagonally too and stitch between all of the wedges.

Finally I decided to echo around the border as well, since Angela says if you don't know what to do next, echo echo echo!

thread chicken aurifil

I played a little bobbin chicken and lost. I literally had less than an inch left when I ran out of thread. 


Daisy rescue dog

That's sort of how my week is going. The dryer died and Daisy had to go to the vet because she has a weird spot on her back and work is crazy. 

I hope things are going your way this week. What are you working on?


Monday, March 3, 2014

Menu Plan Monday - Full of Fail


It's Menu Plan Monday and last week was full of fail on the cooking and exercising front. I forgot to take things out of the freezer, I forgot to put things in the crock pot, and I never made the bread dough for soup night. There were a lot of sandwiches last week, despite my meal planning and shopping. It was like I had a mental block about it.

This week I'm going to try my mom's old advice about looking at tomorrow's menu while making tonight's dinner. Sometimes you just need to pull something out to thaw, but sometimes you can go ahead and make a marinade or even a whole crock pot dish for the next day.


My FitBit finally had a busy day on Saturday when TPB and I took George and Daisy on a long walk around the neighborhood and then I ran up and down the stairs to get the 50 floors badge. The scale isn't really budging at the moment, mostly due to the fact that it is always someone's birthday at work, and the lovely people there are so thoughtful to share cake with the receptionists. Also, due to the fact that I have no will power.

It was a long, crazy week at work, and my wonderful co-worker brought me some ice cream therapy. Have you heard the news from Ben and Jerry? Just FYI, it's awesome.

My user name on My Fitness Pal is QJ2013 if you want to be friends.


MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter
What's on your menu?



Monday, January 27, 2014

Menu Plan Monday - Chasing the SAD Away


It's Menu Plan Monday and we are working the FitBit over here!  It's amazing how competition can get us moving.  I'm taking the stairs every time I have to go anywhere at work, and trying to stay in motion during the day.  The Pit Boss, on the other hand, is going all out.  He has already earned his 50 flights and his 15,000 steps badges, and will get on the elliptical at night just to surpass me if I have a good day.  The dogs are in 7th Heaven, loving the long walks every day, and we are all in a better mood.

The other thing I've noticed this winter is that I'm not having my normal winter blahs - or what's probably a mild case of Seasonal Affective Disorder.  I'm sure the combination of activity and healthier eating helps, but mostly I think it's because my desk is in a hundred foot atrium with north and south facing windows that go all the way to the roof.  Even on the dreariest of days, I am surrounded by natural light for hours. 

This week we are blissfully free from evening activities, so I'm planning to do some extra cooking and make a few freezer meals for the crazy weeks that are sure to return soon.

My user name on My Fitness Pal is QJ2013 if you want to be friends.


MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter
What's on your menu?



Monday, November 4, 2013

Menu Plan Monday - Getting in the Habit


It's Menu Plan Monday and I'm feeling like a pro already at this whole work life balance thing!  Ha ha!  Just kidding. 

However, I will say that writing a weekly post is a huge help, and I cannot imagine trying to do this a year ago when I wasn't in the habit of knowing what was for dinner at 4:45 on any given day menu planning.

I did manage to get up early and get on the elliptical 3 times this week, and I'm slowly inching my way back down the low point of my weight loss after it had been steadily going up.  The Pit Boss and Gracie are getting in on the action as well now that she's done with cross country, and have been walking George and Daisy together.  That makes everyone happy!

My user name on My Fitness Pal is QJ2013 if you want to be friends.


MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter
What's on your menu?

*This is my freezer meal for the week



Sunday, October 20, 2013

Holiday Grand Plan - Week 8 -

Holiday Grand Plan

It's Week 8 of the Holiday Grand Plan. How's it going there?  I'm a little behind on the kids' rooms.  Grace had allergy testing done on Wednesday, and now doctor's orders are for ME to dust and vacuum her room every week!  Just when I had her doing it well herself.  Now her room is looking good, but I still haven't gotten Deuce's room ready for him to come home in two weeks. 

By the way, she's also allergic to these guys, so they are banned from her room, she's not allowed to brush them, and I need to vacuum more frequently.


Um, Doc? I didn't make this appointment to reduce her chores and add to mine! 

This week's focus is on the kitchen.  While I did a lot of this last year when we did the remodel, the drawers and cabinets really need a good vacuuming out and wipe down.

I'm going to make a double batch of Chicken Rollatini with Prosciutto for my freezer meal, plus a Sour Cream Coffee Cake to have on hand for when Deuce comes home next week.

I guess it's time to start asking for advice for gifts since I'm stumped on a few of my favorite people. 

What's working for you? What is challenging you? 



Sunday, September 29, 2013

Holiday Grand Plan - Week 5 - All Dogs Go To Heaven


Holiday Grand Plan

It's Week 5 of the Holiday Grand Plan!  How's it going?  So far I am staying on top of my cooking tasks, actually purchased a few gifts this week, and am about 50/50 on the cleaning part.  I didn't make a dent in my bedroom last week, mostly because of our weekend out of town and the recovery process afterwards.  I'm hoping to get back on track and double down this week on the master bedroom and bath.  My bathroom is in pretty good shape since we just remodeled last year, and so much got thrown out or organized in that process.  We'll see!

A tip for saving money and supporting friends with their own small businesses:  I went to the open house of a Lia Sophia rep I know.  With the special deals, I ended up with four great gifts at a deeply discounted price.  I'm also happy to support my friend who is working to bring home some extra income.  Other great home based business that make my holiday shopping easy include Pampered Chef (though I don't know a rep anymore, so have to keep an eye out for a party), and Thirty-One.

My freezer meal for the week is going to be meatballs in homemade marinara sauce.  I will make a giant batch - this is great to have stashed away for a last minute spaghetti dinner, meatball subs on a busy night, or a meal to bring to a friend.  Also, I think it tastes better after a night in the fridge or after being frozen than it does on the day I make it. 


This week, in honor of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi this Friday, we're stocking the freezer with all kinds of homemade dog treats so that George and Daisy don't suffer a critical shortage during the holidays.

Have a great week!



Thursday, January 31, 2013

A Gift from Pam

After I wrote about joining my church's quilt ministry, Pam of Hip to Be a Square Podcast thoughtfully sent us a quilt top all ready to tie for the next person in need.

Put a dog on it!  Daisy approves.
It was especially nice because we are always short of quilts in colors and patterns suitable for men.  Pam used these great fall colors to make a generously sized top, just perfect for someone who will be resting up for awhile.

Thanks so much, Pam! 



Saturday, December 1, 2012

Three's Company

A few weeks ago I met a friend for lunch at The Fickle Pickle in Historic Roswell.  It was a beautiful Saturday, and people were out shopping and lunching on patios.  As luck would have it, there was also an Angels Among Us pet adoption going on in the parking area.


(Loyal readers may know that Angels Among Us is also the group through whom we adopted George.  This will be important later.)

I was averting my eyes and walking away like any normal person who already has two mutts at home.  My friend and I ate our lovely lunch and had a wonderful chat before heading back to the car.  As we walked back I glanced over and saw a beagle at the adoption.  He was looking at me.  I had to pet him.  Once.  Just give him a little love.  He reminded me so much of our sweet beagle boy, Divot.  His name is Duffy.

Petting him was a mistake.  Picking him up?  End of story.  He was so sweet, laying in my arms.  I asked about him - surely an adorable beagle would be adopted quickly.  But no, they think he's about 8 years old and geriatric dogs are so much harder to place.

A homeless, elderly beagle?  How could I leave him.  I texted The Pit Boss a picture.  For the record, TPB is at least as big of a dog lover and sucker for homeless animals as I am.  I put Duffy down and walked away, but he tried to follow me.

I called home and said, "If the answer is no, tell me now because otherwise I'm bringing this dog home."

The Pit Boss said, "Do what you gotta do."

I think he might regret that a little bit now.

I asked what process I would have to go through, knowing that a home visit and background check were in order.  I told them we had adopted through them in 2011.  They asked who I adopted last time, and I said, "Georgie."

What are the odds?  The woman who found George was right there.  She pulled up a picture of him on her iPad as I was doing the same on my phone.  And guess what.  She also found Duffy.  In the same neighborhood.

(Yes, I asked the question.  What is up in that neighborhood?  She said she thinks people know she lives there and possibly dump dogs knowing she will save them.  Unreal.)  

Which meant that I got to take him home right then.

After some sniffing, a little bit of growling, and much peeing on the same spot, the dogs have reached an agreement.  No one is allowed to touch the toys except Duffy.  No one is even allowed to look at them longingly.  No one is allowed to sleep in Gracie's room except Duffy.  The order of food has to be George, then Duffy, then Daisy or there will be a fight and/or one of the boys will take Daisy's food right out of her mouth.

After the chair in Gracie's room, Duffy has found his favorite spot: 


I blame Pam. 



Thursday, August 9, 2012

Quiet

I love how Georgie curls into a tight little ball like a furry cinnamon bun.
 Today was the first day of school for my kids, and the last first day that I will have all of them home together. Hard to believe that a year from now we will be taking my big boy to college.

All that to say that it's quiet at my house. Almost too quiet. I met a friend for coffee after carpool, got my hair cut, did two loads of laundry, worked on some SeamedUP stuff, and it's only 1:30.

It means that I cleaned up the kitchen and ran the dishwasher and made the bed...and it stayed that way. It means no one asked for lunch as soon as I got the breakfast dishes done.


It means the dogs have been following me from room to room, napping at my feet, wondering where all their people went. I know how they feel.

It's so quiet that this fellow showed up for lunch.
 I did get some work done on my WannaBee's house block.  Jodi and Laura were right about ripping out those stitches - the quilting has gone smooth as silk since I got rid of the batting and back with the spray adhesive.  I've finished the pale blue and need to switch to the brown thread next, I think.  


 

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Gifts From the Kitchen - Homemade Pet Treats

In honor of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, today we are cooking up some special treats for the pets in your life.

Daisy and George's favorites are the liver treats from Bullwrinkle.  These freeze nicely, so you can keep some in your fridge and freeze the rest of a big batch.  They are quick and easy to make, so you won't mind giving them away to your pet's friends.  Or your friend's pets.

I don't normally cut these into little heart shapes, but for gift giving I decided to go all out.  My poor doggies get the cut up outlines, but they don't seem to mind.

George is hilarious with these.  Daisy can catch just about anything, even while laying down.  She is very nonchalant about it, like a major league player catching with the kid from the rec team.  George, however, is so food motivated and impulsive that he often snaps at the treat too soon and it bounces off his snout.  Every catch lifts him out of his sit as he scrambles for the treat. I just had to show you:



Another easy favorite of theirs is sweet potato chips.  I just slice a sweet potato with my mandolin, lay out the slices on a cookie sheet, and place them in the oven on the lowest possible temperature for several hours.  Flip them when you think of it.  These can be saved in an airtight container or frozen.





For your favorite felines, check out some of the recipes here.  Gracie and I decided to make a batch of Sardine Surprise Treats for Maggie, Tiger, and Snicker. 

The internet is an amazing thing.  It turns out there are also recipes for hamster treats, homemade fish treats and treats for reptiles.  We aren't making those, but knock yourself out.

Are you playing along?  Link up!





Wednesday, August 3, 2011

The Great Sugar Caper

Life with two dogs is fun.  And by "fun" I mean "twice as much crap to clean up."

Wednesday night the boys had their last summer lacrosse game.  My husband (he really needs a cute nickname) had come straight from work, so we had two cars at the game.  When it was over, I sent him home and offered to wait for the boys in all their stinky glory after a long heartfelt speech by the coaches. 

As soon as we walked in the door, I knew something was wrong. There were little bits of plastic all over the floor, which was sticky, and the dogs had a guilty look.  Big B was trying to figure out exactly what they had gotten into when I realized the only possibility:  the sugar.


I had bought a 2lb bag of brown sugar at the store.  I have a plastic container with this little brown sugar keeper that prevents the sugar from clumping together like a rock.  I had put all the other groceries away, but wanted to clean out the container and re-soak the sugar keeper before adding the new sugar.  So there it sat on the counter, oblivious to its impending doom, because the dogs have never before taken food off the counter.  Especially something still wrapped in plastic from the store! 

But they had.  They had eaten the whole two pounds plus most of the package.  The floor was sticky after mopping, so I mopped again.  And again.  I googled to find out if this was just stomach ache stupidity or poison control territory.  I called the emergency vet.  Opinions varied.

On thing was for sure.  It wasn't going to be pretty.  George's stomach looked like he was about to give birth.  Daisy looked pitifully at me, begging me to make it stop.  We offered them water and spent time in the back yard, hoping to avoid the inevitable explosion in the house.  Nothing.

Finally we decided to stay up with them awhile and watch TV.  We're watching Lost on Netflix which, in my opinion, is the only tolerable way to watch this show.  I couldn't stand the weekly cliffhangers and season finales, so I gave up on it while it was on the air.  But now!  Now we can just click "Play next episode" until we're falling asleep on the couch.  Awesome.

Disclaimer:  I did not take photos of my sick dogs.  This was a cute picture from before.  Not because I think it's morally wrong, but because I didn't want to risk getting dog puke on my iPhone.
Anyway, The Pit Boss had just cued up the next episode, the one where they finally are headed back to LAX after the bomb went off, when the vomiting started.  Poor Daisy.  Even though she's bigger, she is much further removed from eating crappy food.  Every time we'd get it all cleaned up, come in from another extended stay outside, and push "play" she'd vomit again.  Almost like she knew that Jack and Kate couldn't really go back to their lives so easily. 

Just about the time we were sure Daisy was done, we decided we had to get some sleep.  We put George in the crate and trundled off to bed.  I think it was an hour before I heard him.  I'll spare you the gory details except to say that a) I got about two hours of sleep total that night and b) they appear to be fine now and have passed the 3-5 day window when the emergency vet said pancreatitis might set in.  The new bag of brown sugar is safely in its container on a high shelf in the pantry. 

My mother-in-law wonders if they are smart enough to realize that eating the sugar is what made them so sick and, if so, would that stop them from eating off the counter.  Mr. Incredible and I know that that's about as likely as Jack and Kate learning that they can't change the past before Season 6.

Not freaking likely. 



Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Basting the Bear's Quilt

I've mentioned before that basting and marking a quilt isn't my most favorite thing.  I've tried basting with needle and thread (kill me now), spray basting (quick but makes me nervous about gumming up the machine), and pinning.  I've basted on my family room floor, kitchen counters, and dining room table.  There's no way around it - it's a hassle.  That's my excuse for why the Bear is still sleeping under his train quilt.  Oh, it won't kill him!

I was whining about it to discussing this with the WannaBees last week, and Jodi suggested that I try Sharon Schamber's method with two boards.  Jodi even had the boards for me to borrow, so that's hard to turn down.  I'm not going to go into a big discussion of how to do it when the video is a much better tool, except to say that I chose to pin instead of basting with needle and thread.  It still worked great.  I will also say that it is much easier to do with a tiny quilt, like Sharon does in the video, than a twin sized quilt, but it still worked better than the floor or taping the back to my kitchen counters in sections.

Here you can see that this fit on my dining room table.  It was nice, as Jodi mentioned, to be able to sit at the table and pin a section in between other tasks vs. crawling around on the floor begging the dogs to stay off the quilt for just a few minutes. 

Who? Me?
I also realized that this was a perfect time to mark the quilt.  The quilt is laying nice and flat on a large table, so you can see all the points you want to match up and have enough room to lay a long ruler across it.  I used my favorite white pen again and marked the cross hatching in no time at all. 


I hope to start the quilting today, although I definitely need more thread.  I'm not sure what I was thinking when I bought only one spool.  Luckily Mom and I are going on a field trip this week to A Scarlet Thread, the largest quilt shop in Georgia! 

Below are links to the two videos.  Let me know if you've tried this method and liked it, or if I am missing out on something else. 




Thanks so much to Sharon Schamber for sharing this technique, as well as the many free tutorials on her website.  She is a fountain of information!  Also, thanks to Jodi for letting me try out the boards. 



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