Just walked the dogs to the barn in the bitter cold but there isn’t any wind so it wasn’t bad at all. Congrats, all you Ohio Buckeye people!!
Here’s my next step finished – just the blue stars left!
Got this very sweet picture from Brenda in cold Ontario of her and her granddaughters visiting Country Threads many years ago. These girls are now 35 and 38.
And she’s still following Country Threads from afar – thank you, Brenda!
Reader photos
Stay warm!
Mary I really like your quilt as well. I quilted two preemie quilts today. My knee is improving so that I could quilt both of them. The binding is cut. I just need to see it together then sew it onto both quilts. I still hand sew the binding to the back. Not sure why but I still enjoy doing that. My hands not so much so I do a little at a time throughout the day. I need to spend some time learning to sew it in by machine. I tried once and it wasn’t pretty. Take care everyone.
I love the cheery quilt on the table with Millie. Millie is a beauty.
The photo of a Country Threads shopper and her granddaughters is adorable. That is a dedicated follower!
Take Care/Keep Warm, 🥰
Those photo’s have induced a bit of hexagon envy in me this morning! So pretty! What a great find!
A big “Thank You” to everyone for your thoughts, prayers and encouraging words! I received a phone call today setting up the appointments next week for an oncologist, genetic testing and a surgeon. I also appreciate the information on the Churn Dash blocks. I know I have the book-The Blue and the Gray here-it’s just a matter of finding it! I am a quilt/craft book lover and have a massive amount of books spread everywhere.
We got some of the Southern blizzard with about 1 1/2 inches of snow this evening right before dark. Will make treacherous going in the morning with overnight temps in the teens.
Debbie – I’m meeting with my oncologist at the end of the month – can’t wait to hear his plan going forward. Please let us know.
I can honestly say I have no desire to ever make a single hexi but my word are they beautiful. What a great find! Can also honestly say that I would have been very tempted on sneaking that awesome cat under my shirt and out the door. Haha
Mary, I STILL love that star quilt you are making. I should do one, but I didn’t order the pattern. Like you, too many projects. The other quilts and blocks in the blog today are just beautiful.
Debbie, I hope your treatment goes well. As Mary said, stage 2 is better than 4 and there are so many more ways to personalize treatment now. Good luck.
The Buckeyes were awesome. It was a fun, sometimes tense game, but I knew the Buckeyes would pull it out. My friend had Jack Sawyer in 2nd or 3rd grade. He was a great kid then, too.
Everyone in Ohio was happy that it was so cold b/c no school today so they partied a lot after the game. Our son and daughter, teachers, had no school today and it is called for tomorrow, too. It was –4 this AM and it is going to be even colder tomorrow with very low wind chill factors. That is too cold for the kids to stay out for the bus.
I always LOVE seeing Millie. Squeak is here helping me type.
We have 2 stray black kitties in our neighborhood. Some other neighbors have tried to catch them, but they are very skittish. So, the neighbors each bought a HEATED kitty box from Amazon to put on their porches. So nice;)
Stay warm everyone. Even Baton Rouge and other places in the South are getting snow.
The College Football Championship was great. ND played well to keep it 8 point close!! I about died. I couldn’t watch at times. Just so happy for the Ohio State Buckeyes!!!
Great pictures today. Love your quilt, Mary. Also love Sue’s churn dash. And the hexagons! Beautiful quilt she took a picture of.
May go out today if I can get my self in gear and get moving! Too easy to go down a rabbit hole on the Internet. I also love my Apple music app! Who knew my cds wouldn’t be needed.
Hi Carolyn. This is Pauline from South Australia. I sent a message earlier that there are 2 young men from Melbourne, Joe McGuire who played for Buckeyes, and James Rendell playing for Notre Dame. What were the highlights, and the final score, please?
The final score was 34 to 23. I searched FB and it looks like you might be able to see some highlights on some sites.
Great progress Mary! I love Sue’s blocks-are they Churn Dash? Was there a pattern mentioned-if so I must have missed. They look so different. I am also a big fan of the hexagon paper pieced blocks.
It’s 20 degrees here this morning in upstate SC. I had my consultation yesterday for the breast needle biopsies after the mammograms and ultrasounds. I do have stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma and go for an MRI Wednesday to find out the extent.
Debbie,
So sad to hear this. Will put you on our prayer list along with Mary for her cancer and head bump.
Debbie, so sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers!
The blocks are churn dash weave from the book The Blue and The Gray by Mary and Connie. They’re fun and easy to make.
Good luck with the treatment for the carcinoma. I hope you have someone who goes with you. It’s so hard to remember everything
Debbie, sad to read about your cancer. I’ll definitely say a special prayer for you and your medical team.
Debbie – I’m so sorry but I feel your anxiety as anyone with a cancer diagnosis feels. On the other hand I’d be encouraged that it’s Stage 2 and not Stage 4. I’ll say a special prayer for you. Keep us updated – we’re all thinking of you.
Send positive thoughts your way Debbie. I’m sure it’s very difficult to hear the word Cancer. They have so many treatment plans these days so I hope they find one that is just right for you.. Stay strong.
So sorry to read that, Debbie. Thinking of you and wishing you well.
We’re not quite as cold here in central OH, but it’s coming tonight, I hear. Our rural schools are closed today and tomorrow – the local radio station runs long lists of cancellations as needed. I need to get outside soon and fill the bird feeders in preparation. I love that blue and white quilt on the table – so pretty!
Thanks for the shout-out to Ohio State – Buckeye Nation is extremely happy this morning – and the celebrations will continue for days! Notre Dame played a great game – congratulations to them. My extended family (4 generations) comes to my house every MLK (3-day) weekend to have our Christmas gathering – too busy over the holiday season – and we had 26 from 3 states this year (numbers were down a bit for several reasons). The last of them left around 1:00 Monday afternoon after they helped put away tables and chairs and ran the vacuum, etc. Since we had stayed up Sat. and Sun. nights until around 3 am, I burrowed into my recliner and took a nap so I could be alert for the game while some linens were in the washer. I anticipate more of that today – LOL!!! The celebratory texts are still flashing back and forth this morning. This will wear off and I’ll have the house back to normal soon so I can hopefully get back to some quilting/sewing projects – and shop for a national championship shirt!!
BTW – I’m excited that some of the great-nieces have approached me for sewing lessons! It will be fun to help them learn and extend the “hobby” into new generations!
Gail – your MLK weekend sounds so great – no Christmas arrangements and everybody is free! I can’t imagine that many people at my house for 3 days however. Hope you got a nap. I’m thinking Lucy is about ready to sew – we’ll start with strips. Get your shirt!
Loved all of the pictures today. It is -8 here this morning but no wind so it doesn’t feel too bad if you dress for it. I liked seeing the EPP project. I have one that has diamond and hexagon shapes that I used to work on when we traveled. It got so I couldn’t see to sew them together without a strong light to work under so I put them away and had about forgot about that project. I recently got them out and have been working on them again while the winter weather is here. Also working on cutting out my red and white snowball quilt!
Good morning to -16. Not much wind and the sun is shining.
Yesterday I spent the day working on a special wedding card for the grandson!
Loved the funny about putting on so many clothes you can’t get out the door! I can remember opening the barn door when I was farrowing pigs and the steam would come out! It was warm and toasty in the barn. I’m glad I don’t have to do that anymore.
Mary have you heard from Patti in Florida? Concerned.
I saw in the news that West Yellowstone was -46!
Have a good day!
Joy – my barn is warm and toasty and I don’t worry about them – I often say the heat is more for me than them because I couldn’t stand to think they might be cold. Ha! Oh, aren’t you glad you’re not farrowing????
Mary, I was hoping for an update on how you are doing after your fall. I was going to comment about the fun blog about desserts and after reading comments about chocolate truffles and tiramisu and other desserts, I kept wanting to change my answer. It seemed silly after reading about your fall.
It is crazy cold in southern Iowa. I am expecting my Shutterfly calendars today so after I get my mail, I’ll need to run to the post office to mail a couple of calendars to some of my far away family. I dread getting out but I want my family to enjoy at least one week of January from the family calendar.
Also I wanted to add my vote to get your Kindle going. I never thought I’d prefer a download book over a real book because I love books and our library. I get the same feeling walking into the library as I do walking into a quilt shop. But the Kindle is easier to handle and I enlarge the print so I can read in bed without my glasses.
Great photos today of cats and quilts. My niece moved to Clear Lake when she graduated from college and I planned to visit Country Thread when we made a trip to Clear Lake. Your shop closed before we got the chance to visit.
Sheryl – oh, I’m sorry you didn’t get to visit!! I might have to ask you questions about my Kindle. My last book was a large heavy hard cover book with such right binding I couldn’t keep it open. Now I have a paperback – so much easier. I agree walking into a library is like all those possibilities are there – exactly like a quilt shop. Oh, I forgot to say I’m fine – I read up on brain bleeds – I don’t have the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, severe headache.
I’m glad you are fine!
I get downloads through the library. I go my local library’s website and click on the Bridges link. That is where I look for books. When I borrow the book, it asks if I want it downloaded to the Kindle. There are other choices but I can’t tell you what they are because I don’t use them. The download link goes to Amazon and I download the book from there. It sounds complicated but it’s not. After 2 weeks, the book disappears from the Kindle. If I’m not done, I renew but sometimes I have to wait b/c other people are in line for the book.
The librarian helped me get set up because I needed a password to check out the download. Also another great thing is the local library still gets credit for my downloads just the same as if I checked out a book from the library. I think I already said how much I love our library!
Your librarian should be able to help you get started.
Minus 2 here in PA this morning but the sun is shining! That star quilt is stunning. Tom bundled up early to head out to the woodpile & my old JRT Boone always tags along to help. Today I will stay indoors and hopefully make some headway in cleaning & organizing my sewing room.
Des – Boone is tough to go outside this morning – Hazel stops as the door – she’s a bit of a wimp. Have I seen a picture of Boone?
Your quilt is going to be stunning, I love everything about it. And I love seeing all the kitties. Nice to know I’m not the only one that has kitties on tables, counters, wherever they want to go! The only thing that bothers me is when Olivia walks around the rim of the fish aquarium. Greta tried it one day and her chubby little body doesn’t have the grace of Livy’s so she went one leg in up to her body. I don’t think I’ve seen her try that again.
I’m not taking the dogs to the barn with me today, I’m hoping going alone I can keep the donkeys in so I can completely shut the barn doors. They always go outside when the dogs come because Sammie has taught Nelson to chase them and I want them to stay in before the wind picks up and it goes to the predicted -22.
Keep all your babies warm, I’m trying here!
Linda – Hazel simply won’t go with me when it’s this cold but I’m with you, the barn stays closed today. Donkeys need to stay warm, too. Nelson and Sammie shouldn’t chase them – I’m always afraid if the goats get to running they’ll step in a hole and break a leg. Same for your donkeys. Our wind chill this morning is off the charts ! Brrrrr
It is 6* here this morning, but no wind & that sure helps. I’m going to venture out today to a senior luncheon at a nearby church, & my granddaughter has a home basketball game tonight, I need to get the stink off as my mom use to say & also run my car, it’s been a few days!
That estate sale looks like fun. Mary your table toppers are beautiful. Stay warm 🥶
Joyce – isn’t your granddaughter CHARLI? Tell us how she’s doing if I’m right. I know about getting the stink off – ha!
oh my this stink comment is bringing so memories!! My mother used to use a comment about someone’s being so lazy they dont get the stink off.. It is nice to know others have used this term…
Mary, your star quilt is beautiful. I ordered the pattern and hope to make one. I just started a new quilt called S’Mores. It’s a square in a square in a square. I had saved the pattern from a magazine and then Jo of Jo’s Country junction was making one and I got “the itch”. i have no business starting new quilts as I have several UFO’s . However, I just love the piecing process and there is just something about starting a new project. Stay warm everyone.
Ginger – I agree that piecing is the best part of quilting!
Sue sure hit it big at that estate sale. Someone sure loved doing english paper piecing and was obviously an expert.
This will be another day of staying inside as much as possible, but I will be needing groceries.
It looks like the entire southern coast will be getting bad weather but like Bonnie says if you’ve never seen snow it will be a great adventure.
Hubby is having friends over for coffee tomorrow which means I have to wash the floor etc. yuck! Trying to get into my sewing room – way too many projects started.
Have a good day everyone.
Janet – yes, we’ll be needing some groceries, too. And do you really think those men will notice if your floor is clean? Nope. Save yourself the trouble and clean when they leave is my theory.
The star quilt is just lovely! My hubby watched the football game while I read my book. He was happy to win a bet he had made with our son – both avid sports fans. It is 25 degrees at our place near Selma and a bit of snow might be coming later today – very rare. Gulf Shores, Alabama is supposed to get snow/sleet and our grandkids are excited as they have never seen it. Hope everyone stays warm and safe today.
Bonnie – I hope they get enough snow to play in!
Love your star quilt..I too love stars. It looks bigger than I first thought, but it would keep one warm in these quite chilly days we’ve had lately.
Thanks for the shout out about the Buckeyes…did not watch the game, but am betting a lot of nail biting was going on!
Keep warm!
Sharon from Ohio
Sharon – it’s bigger than I expected even tho the pattern does say 60” x 60”. I didn’t really comprehend that.
ATTENTION INDIANA READERS:
Are you familiar with an assisted living group called Silver Birch?
They just bought our entire portfolio of facilities for $235 million! I’m feeling things are going to get better here, hoping someone here can tell me good things about them.
Hi Mary. I know almost nothing about American football, except what I’ve seen when my DH is watching it – he’ll watch any sport if it’s a good game. BUT there is a 24-year old young man from Melbourne, named Joe McGuire, who’s playing for the Buckeyes. And another one, James Rendell playing for Notre Dame. Perhaps you can let us know how that goes/went.
I love the photo of the little boy with the goat. Also the Coat of Many Colours, the garment as well as the song.
Pauline in South Australia (where the Tour Down Under cycling is well under way)
Pauline – I hope someone provides the info on these players because I can’t.
J. McGuire for the Buckeyes kicked a punt for 51 yards. Wow,, from Australia
Thank you Carolyn 😊
Pauline from South Australia
Pauline – read Carolyn’s comment – McGuire kicked a 51 yd field goal!
The star quilt is coming right along-looks great! Enjoyed all of the photos tonight.
Thank you all for your kind words after the passing of Ginger. I felt like you all sent me a hug and I sure needed it. I appreciate you all.
You’re right. We were sending you hugs and wishing we could do it in person. Hugs continue for you and your wonderful caring husband.
Cindy – I’m sure you’re missing Ginger – all the daily routines that included her.
I thought we were cold at 5* but -14 is another story. I did walk near sunset and it was about 20 with a light breeze. I pulled my turtleneck up over my nose.
Your star quilt is almost done and I love it. I’m a sucker for stars.
Even though I grew up in Ohio ( I forgot about the game). I may have rooted for ND because I had a great nephew who attended ND on scholarship. He was a drum major. I always wanted to see him ( on TV ) but they never allow us the pleasure of watching half time shows anymore because all they do is game analysis. I’ve been so disappointed. I’d watch just to see the marching bands. Ohio State has an excellent band as well. What a pity we can’t enjoy the talent and skill of these young men and women. Phooey.
That’s all I’ve got tonight. I hope all of you enduring these cold temps are warm and safe.
Pat in Md
Patricia – I agree 100% – I want to see those bands!!
I agree. I want to see the bands, too
Patricia, I have felt this way for a long time. Am an avid football fan and one of the highlights of watching a college football game is watching the bands at half-time.
Hi Mary,
Please ignore my email. As you can see the reply link is working well now. Hope the weather warms up soon.
-Li