Our furnace is on!! And it’s been raining off and on since last night – another inch of rain.
Lots to tell you – I think I’ll just write a list.
1. The Fever game tonight at Las Vegas has moved to a larger stadium – because Caitlin’s in town! Don’t know if you watched the game against Phoenix on Sunday night but Diana T. who has badmouthed Caitlin for months is, as of the next morning, on the injury list because of a strained back. And wasn’t she the one who said Caitlin couldn’t play with the rough WNBA players? I belong to two Facebook groups – here’s one. Maybe you’d like to follow along. It’s pretty fun.
2. Patriotic patterns are only available until July 10 – I will not honor your order after that and if you recall the spring patterns are no longer available.
3. Martha W – how was your mom’s 100th birthday party?
4. This blog does not appear on Facebook – and it never will. We are a small group of like like minded women. I just got this great card that proves my point.
5. One reader wrote she was sick of removing adhesive labels from her new windows. Have I got a short story for you!
Look carefully at that window – Rick put it in many years ago – without removing the labels!!! And no, he’s not going back up there at this point. I see those labels several times every single day and can hardly stand it.
6. Have you read all the chatter online about Duckworth Log Cabin quilts? The gal who showed her uneven log cabin quilt is JoAnn Duckworth and she has been credited with this “new” technique. Here is mine from many years ago, long before I ever read about Duckworth quilts.
7. Summer tablecloth
Remember when I bought this panel? Finally got it quilted – in a new-to-me way.
I quilted this grid on the longarm machine, first one direction, taking it off, putting it back on and quilting it the other direction creating a grid.
8. Since we’re having another rainy day I’ll be back at the longarm today quilting that HST top.
Reader Photos
From the farm:
I’m still looking for Telly and my white goat. Rough month behind me.
What are you going to do if you have another rainy day?
Thanks for being a reader!
Happy Belated Birthday, Mary. Wishing you many, many more — because I’m selfish and love your blog. All of your “blog about nothing” posts are entertaining, enlightening, and/or just plain fun. I hope you realize all you mean to us readers.
Sue – I just think it’s unfortunate that I’m having so many tech issues! I can only write – not fix it! Grrrrr…. But I will keep digging because all of you mean so much to me.
Happy Birthday Mary!! Enjoy all the fun you share on your blog about nothing!!
Happy Birthday, Mary ! My birthday was yesterday and I’ve always felt the whole week is one big party so I milk it for all it’s worth. My oldest quilt was made by my Mom before she was married in 1942. I look forward to the pictures in your blog.
Mary, Have a great birthday. I hate to say it but I am so enjoying this cooler weather. Janice B, Traverse City area.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY! I hope you are having the best of days today. 💗
I’ve been preparing food for tomorrow’s gathering. I just need to make pie crust for the fresh cherry pie.
Have a good 4th everybody. Stay safe!
Happy Birthday Mary!
Thank you for sharing all of the lovely photos.
Our high heat index has broken slightly and we cooled off last night. It’s been rough trying to sleep in the heat! My first batch of dill garlic pickles were made last week . Bought all of the ingredients fresh from the Mennonite Market in Tennessee. The garlic alone cost $13.00. Sure hope they turn out well.
San / Murphy, NC
Loved your picture in the corn! Yikes, head high by the 1st of July. Did you plan that as part of your birthday celebration? Some sweet corn would be good, but I guess it’s a little early. You found a great b’day present with the little sewing machine. Yes, go for it! I hope your birthday and the year to follow blesses you as you have been a blessing to so many of us.
Thank you, Mary, for the great pictures and story about the window stickers! We had new windows/doors/siding installed a few years ago and when I saw that our contractor had taken all the labels off the windows, I said thank you and how much I had dreaded doing that job. He casually said, “Yes, we like these stickers too,” then showed me the plastic “cling-style” label that zipped right off! The joke was on me, but we both had a good laugh…and I still had clean windows.
I’ll have to read about the “new” uneven log cabin block. I’ve been making them for years to use up uneven edge trimmings from LWR quilts. 40 blocks make a new LWR quilt top and use up every scrap. Not as pretty as yours, but it’s mindless sewing that is a great stress reliever…pre-cut and no matching!
So many great pictures today! I’ll have to read the comments later and click on the ads again, too! Kris
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY HOPING YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY, ENJOYING COFFEE ON THE PORCH, DOGS, FARM ANIMALS, COOL WEATHER, AND FLOWERS.
BOBBY IN MD
Happy Birthday, Mary … hope it’s the best ever! Just wanted to tell you how much I love your log cabin quilt … it looks so soft and cozy. I also love your new tablecloth. Your straight-line quilting and that grid quilting is my favorite. Enjoy your weekend with and iced tea or two!
Mary, Happy Birthday! Hope your day is extra special with whatever is planned. A big Thank You for the blog!
Have a wonderful birthday, Mary! 🎉
Mary – thank you for all the pictures today. As always – so many topics shared and commented on. I think your summer tablecloth is just beautiful!!
Good morning, Mary! HAPPY BIRTHDAY🎂!
I really enjoy your posts, I don’t comment often but I am always amazed the quilts others make. The colors that are picked are stunning. I love crazy mismatched fabrics but don’t have the courage to try it. It’s been a few weeks since I’ve done any sewing, I have blocked ready to go for 2-3 quilts. Have been downsizing and finally hired a college student to help me in her free time. Honestly the best decision ever, she is full of energy and loves to organize. Best money I’ve spent in a long time.
Thank you for the many hours of working on your blog. It fills my mornings with happy thought while I’m watching my 16 month old grandson. He even looks at the pictures with me and we talk about all the pretty colors. He may be your youngest follower 😊
I too am tired if all this rain, we live us southwest Minnesota where all the flooding has been happening. The mosquito population is at the highest. I love a breeze day without rain so we call go outside without being attacked by those rascally little devils!
Birthday blessings and happy quilting!
Donna – I think your area missed our last two days of rain – as if you needed it! The flooding in your area is a disaster from what we see on the news. Give my youngest reader a hug!
Happy Birthday Mary. Celebrate and enjoy your special day.
Happy 4th of July to all.
Happiest birthday today Mary!
Happy birthday Mary!
Years back (maybe 10 or more) we got new windows. I asked the installer to take the label off of the one window I can’t reach. It’s still there. It bugs me every time I look up at that window. It’s in the front of the house too.
We’re back in Texas again as we drove home yesterday. It will be several weeks before we drive up again as our middle son gets married this month. We went to fireworks Saturday evening. It was definitely chilly sitting out watching the fireworks – I don’t ever remember it being in the 60’s in Texas on July 4th!
Love reading the blog and the comments. It’s like visiting with a large group of friends.
Susan – it is like having coffee with friends, isn’t it? I’m back in the porch this morning looking at the corn and drinking coffee. Yup, I know just how you feel about that label – grrrrr
Mary, thank you for the blog this morning, I really enjoyed everything. I heard about them moving the Catlin game to a larger venue. That’s so wonderful – go women’s sports! It’s about time women are treated fairly. I know they have a long way to go, my career was always dominated by men who thought they knew better and had to be the best just because they were men, so it does my heart good to see successful women doing their thing!
I have to tell you I laughed both days at your fattest goat plopped down like that, it reminds me of my thighs when I sit down!! Oh well, I’m old and definitely not trying to impress anyone!
Have a wonderful holiday. My little Nelson is old enough now to notice fireworks and out here in the country eveyone fires them so I’m hoping he won’t be too scared this weekend. And just to let you know, Nelson runs like he never had a broken femur, he is the fastest running dog ever, beats the Aussie Sammie all the time.
Linda – oh, I’m so happy you updated us on Nelson! He can run? Thank God! And Sammie has his playmate back – what a terrible ordeal for all involved. I’m curious – what was your career? I agree – my fat goat is quite a sight.
Mary – Glad to read the blog and finally comment. All the photos of the beautiful quilts, flowers, and animals have been uplifting and a joy to see. Thank you Mary.
Never noticed the labels on the barn windows. 😂
As if my family run of health issues and 2 deaths just weeks apart, couldn’t get any worse, my 77 year old sister fell and broke her wrist last week. She just started planning her husband’s celebration of life when that happened! I was with her when she fell. My priority was her and I called 911. She was conscious and talking to me when the paramedics arrived. As if the broken wrist wasn’t bad enough, she hit her head. She had a brain bleed. We were devastated! After getting her wrist taken care of, she was finally released to go home after another CT scan came back showing no swelling or progression of the bleed. We have all jumped in to help. She will heal – it will just take time. She does have a follow-up doctor appointment next week.
Have a very happy birthday, Mary!
Enjoy the 4th everyone. Safe travels to those of you who are traveling.
Take care.
Sharon – honestly, I can hardly believe it!!! And I’m sure you can’t understand all these tragedies either. Your poor poor sister – how’s she doing now? It’s good she has everybody to help her. Thanks for the birthday wishes.
Mary – My sister is doing okay. She will be happy to get the temporary cast removed next week and get the permanent cast. She apparently is getting her head examined, too. She’s a go-getter so she is not happy about needing help to do routine things. I’ve helped her with some basics like showers and she’s even had her hair done. She asked me to do a Mary Kay delivery for her since the customer lives about 1/2 mile from me. She has an abundance of friends and a family that loves her. So she’s in good hands.
I love your new grid-quilted table quilt, Mary. Is that Gracie in the cat tower? Sorry you are having such cool temps.
We are camping in the Nebraska panhandle, so I am loving the low humidity even on the warmer days. Today was around 80 and breezy-just delightful.
I hope tomorrow is more summery for your birthday, Mary; have a happy! 🥰🧁🍺
mary, i hope you enjoy a great birthday on the 3rd. being near a holiday makes it tough as a kid. my first grandchild was born on the 4th of july. my second grandchild was born on new year’s eve. they are holiday children. i learned that there is nothing new under the sun. the duckworth quilts (while being a modified log cabin) are really about the color play, usually one color with accents thrown in and no particular size of strips. i was sorry to hear she isn’t willing to share more though i totally understand. i’ve seen people pirate so much on line in groups, on facebook and everywhere. it’s ridiculous. i was teaching applique while quilting at the same time long before i saw it become popular and books written etc. oh well. i’ve learned that nothing appears to be sacred or shared or credit given any more. i don’t like it but i also see it in other aspects of life. our society has lost so much of it’s morals and consideration. that could be a regional thing but i certainly see it in florida. with the heat we’ve had here i dread the next electric bill. but glad i have power. we are already worried about hurricane beryl out there probably going to hit jamaica tomorrow or the next day and could hit the u.s. before it’s over with. it’s a monster. probably out a week or more. i spent the day tossing papers and shredding. very little sewing though i did catch a booboo on the heart i made – red in the wrong place on the two bottom corners. it is fixed now. hoping to sew tomorrow. i am sorry you are still hurting so badly over telly and your white goat. i still miss my smokey and it’s been since 1994. i am sending good vibes your way. quilty hugs, patti in florida
Patti – Kathy mentioned seeing the cat food on the shelves and remembering her cat who would roll over when greeting her. I finally put Telly’s pills in the cupboard instead of seeing them on the island. And you’re still missing Smokey after all these years. I’m so sorry.
thanks, mary, i miss him but i remember the good times. he was my ‘baby’. have not loved another cat like that one even though i have loved all my cats. he was just a ‘special’ one. was only 4 weeks when we got him at a flea market. i was his mama and he was the first cat that owned me. have you considered getting rid of telly’s pills? it might take that nudge away. hugs, patti in florida
Enjoyed the blog today. It never disappoints. And so glad your blog will not be on Facebook. I don’t belong to Facebook so wouldn’t be able to follow along.
Loved your plaid log cabin quilt. Quilts from plaid shirts are always my favorites.
Mary, I would love a rainy day snd would get some sewing done. 102 here this afternoon. Trying to keep my plants alive. Decided to put my Christmas cactus outside and the grasshoppers (?) have decimated it.
Happiest of birthdays to you Mary!! Hope you have a wonderful warm 4th with no rain! We are so in need of some rain! The corn is dried up and we are having to water the other plants! Love your blog!
Doris from Alabama
Hi everyone, I’m sorry for all the rain you are getting. We’re just plain hot, not a cloud in the sky. Even to hot to work in the garden and my flowers just wilt with the heat. Haven’t been doing anything. I broke my ankle so I get to sit and wear this ugly boot. Oh well. I hope everyone enjoys the 4th
Oh, Deb! I’m so sorry about your ankle. I’m praying that you’ll heal fast.
Mary, I just rechecked yesterday’s post and didn’t see my comment. It must still be floating in cyberspace.
Just loved today’s blog. I think the little sign for Puppy Pub with a water dish was adorable. I loved the quilt on the table with the vase of flags and feathers. As I looked at it more closely, I realized I had made a quilt with that pattern several years ago. I scrounged around and found the pattern and a bunch of red, white and blue fabrics. I have cut it out and am now working on the half square triangles. I just finished 7 memory quilts for my brother-in- law’s family using his shirts. I have been itching to start something new (UFOs be damned) and this quilt was just the ticket. We are heading to Maine for the 4th where we have a little lake cottage. Looking forward to it. Last year we had the kind of June weather you are having and the 4th was a total wash out.This year looks to be much better. Happy Fourth!
I love that barn painted in red, window decals and all.
Yes rain here again today. Heavy rain in the night with thunderstorms. Flooding in some areas. And I finished quilting a baby quilt. I did go to lunch with a friend. No one wanted to sew today or they were busy. I pushed myself as need to get baby quilts and other items finished.
I had help getting a large limb that had come down removed by a neighbor and this is the second time he and his wife have helped me so decided they deserve a quilt. So pulled the fabric for that one. Knew I had the perfect panel for that one. It is horizontal panel so a little more challenging.
I don’t think Jo Anne Merrill-Duckworth has ever claimed to have a new technique for making log cabin quilts. I think she just posted pictures of some quilts online and readers went crazy over them. People love her quilts because of her unique way of using color that gives them a distinctive look. Most use a single color theme (for example, blue) but with pops of other colors, although I have seen some that are scrappy. She has suffered the same fate as you, Mary, in that pictures of her quilts have been “pirated” and used by others for their own purposes and so she has decided not to ever post any pictures of her future quilts, which is truly unfortunate. She is just a prolific quilter who loves making wonky log cabin quilts. I believe she makes one a week for other people. There are still lots of pictures of her quilts on Facebook if anyone is interested. They are a really beautiful way to use up your scraps.
Sue – you’re absolutely right – she has great color sense and that’s what quilters admire, I think.! I would lump it in with improv piecing – no measuring, just sew, trim, sew some more. My favorite kind!
,
Mary – I got choked up this afternoon in the grocery store aisle looking at pet food as I miss buying my cats food and knowing he’d roll on the floor when I came in the door. The dogs greet me but he would roll around and I miss him so much that I know you’re feeling that same grief looking for Telly and your goat. I sympathize with you as I don’t forget my pets nor good people when they are gone so I deal with loss much harder than some do.
But anyways I will look up duckworth quilt as that’s a new one to challenge me with for July!! And do have a wonderful birthday Mary as you deserve every bit of happiness. 4th of July was family reunions for me too and now I guess I’d be the oldest one to organize them if we still did them.
Rainy here again too! Everything is saturated! That Gayle Lacey is a sweetie for sure!! I can’t wait to get my Dandy pattern!!!! Could be a great fair entry. Thanks for sharing the goat picture again! Makes me smile. Happy 4th to you.
Mary Happy Birthday tomorrow! Love the grid quilting on your panel. Nice job. Thanks to all who shared your quilt pictures, such beautiful quilts, small and large. The farm pictures remind me of growing up on the farm. We had pigs, dairy cows, stock cows, sheep, and for a while chickens. Of course we also had dogs and cats that were outside.
Just got done putting a back, batting and top together to get ready for quilting. Black raspberries and mulberries are done so can move on to other jobs. Tomatoes are growing nicely and having beans for meals now. Just a small garden for the two of us.
In case I don’t get a chance to respond HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY TO EVERYONE
My husband would never have left the stickers on the windows! He is so anal that all the screws on our faceplates face the same way.😆 I will definitely look for that Facebook page to join. Glad Elaine received so many cards. The tip cups are so cute. I think Caitlin would even get more tips in Chicago than Angel. I would gladly change weather with you. It’s supposed to be 94 today but 83 tomorrow. Crazy weather. Have a happy birthday Mary!
Donna Jo – among husbands, couldn’t they all just move the line towards the middle? Between Rick and your hubby is a nice moderate middle which sounds great. Who would notice those screws?????
LOL. Mary, as many times as you have posted pictures of your barn, I never noticed the window labels. Now that you have pointed them out, I’m sure that I will see them every time. I love that barn. Americana at it’s best!!!!
I’m so far behind. My plans to catch up somehow get derailed. Oh, well…that’s life.
The only time I get to sew is when I’m in jail. Love, love ,love going to jail!!!
What a wonderful post today. So entertaining. We got some rain, finally, this week and now the wind is blowing. It feels like the wind has blown all summer.
I’m going to load a quilt today and stay up till sunrise or until I get it done, which ever comes first.
I still make my DD list every July. I do finish them eventually, but maybe not in a year due to other quilts needing to be made. Your table looks great with those beautiful flowers and quilted just right table cloth. The labels make me laugh😂 I also can’t wait to see your 1/2 square triangles quilt finished. I love it.
The reader quilts and flower photos are so pretty. I sent the Hazel house b/c I think she is in charge of your house.😹 Happy Birthday tomorrow and Happy 4th.
Diane – well, you’re right – Hazel IS in charge of our whole household!
Mary,
Your posts have such variety – beauty in nature, beauty in quilting and handwork; personalities of animals showing through in the pictures, farm life, humor – a wonderful respite from our cluttered world. Thank you.
Since any chance has gone out the window for my flowering plants to survive with consistent highs above 110 degrees and morning lows in the 90’s, here is my “flower garden” picture in pinks, yellows, greys and greens. It was made in the midst of charity quilts and I decided to keep this one, as two of the fabrics were given to me by my daughter.
Small patriotic quilt is a tribute to the 4th. The flags were two of many I used in my classroom over the years.
Joanne, I have benefitted from the Dirty Dozen, too. I started following Mary’s blog in January of ’23 and, thanks to her incentive, 9 projects were completed of various sizes,
Mary, since July is when you would start this, my “new” list starts this week. Each month for the remainder of the year will be assigned one left on the Dozen list, lingering around for whatever reason, that needs to go from planned, on my shelf or in my brain, to FINISHED! So, the list worked for me Mary, to help motivate me, even though all didn’t get done. I do understand your reason to drop it. Sometimes, in my classroom an idea that seemed terrific for a lesson, wasn’t so much in reality. No worries. I continue to be inspired by all the quilts shared by readers that will help me dig into my stash, for big and little projects and quilts for charity. Thank you all for sharing.
Happy 4th to all!
Jan
Jan – oh your poor plants! Your flowering quilt was a nice replacement however! Haha! So glad you can just handle the DD without me. It would be pretty easy and I can’t make anybody finish a project. It was only a suggestion.
Sorry I called you Pat instead of Jan.
The only flowers that I can think of blooming in the AZ heat are vinca, lantana, bougainvillea. and red bird of paradise. The last 3 are bushes.
My comment from yesterday must have gotten lost in cyberspace. I’ll try again.
I love all the photos lately. Your goat looks so comfortable! I’m sure it’s missing your white goat too.
I love all the patriotic quilts. I have so many of my own that I’m running out of space to display them. Your tablecloth looks fabulous! Perfectly quilted.
Happy 4th week everyone. I’m having the brothers over for an afternoon cookout if it’s not too rainy.
Stay safe!
Teresa – really? Your comment isn’t here? Hmmm – that’s a new one.
Mary, I just rechecked yesterday’s post and didn’t see my comment. It must still be floating in cyberspace.
Oh Mary. You are spoiling us with a long post for a rainy day.
#4. Now that is the way to send a card. The message is timeless. #5 .Just when I was through with that smile you described labels on the windows. A great visual that I cannot unsee. #6. This log cabin pattern would be perfect for anyone with a collection of American Jane fabrics. You crack me up. Thank you.
Li – oh, what a good idea! I have an overflowing box of American Jane fabrics! The labels? I can’t unsee them either!
I would like the Patriotic patterns. How much are they, etc?
Charlotte – go back through the blog for that info.
So much fun having you and all others as friends. Mary, I know you have “tea” in the evenings so I decided to surprise people on the 4th with “peach tea”. Daughter just laughed and was un-American. We will see.
E Rodgers – I’ve seen Busch peach tea in the store – what? Why would you mess with a good thing?
I love that plaid and stripe quilt! May have to make one of those. I also may of had to try that little sewing machine. Just downsize something else, like chores!
Looks like we’ll have a lot of rain here in Ohio. I’m not complaining after all the heat we’ve had. Going to South Carolina to see my grandson graduate into a Marine after basic. He passed the Crucible. I’m so proud.
Love all the pictures, especially your log cabin. Mary, you do have a knack for color placement. I have loved your style for years. Quilting on the grid was a good idea for your panel/tablecloth. Very beautiful.
Thanks to all the readers who sent pictures. A treat for the eyes!
Beautiful pictures today. We just got done hosting Mom’s 75th birthday party. It was great fun. I’m getting a goat in a few weeks. She is going to be a companion for my horses
I have one very elderly horse plus one more older horse. I’m hoping she will be good company.
Marie – omg! You’re getting a goat? Young, senior, what kind? Can you send a picture? How exciting and your old horse will love her – if she has horns however, don’t let her get in the habit of punching.
It is from my son and daughter in law. It will be young. She is getting weaned in a few weeks. I think she is white. I’m letting them pick the one for me. I’ll send pictures when I get her. I’m not picking a name until I meet her.
I love the half square triangles. That’s inspiring me to do the same. Do you remember what size your squares were?
2” finished
Thanks!
Happy Birthday tomorrow!
I just wanted to say how much I look forward to reading your blog every day, thank you for taking the time to share your story with us 🤗
Diana – the thing is I don’t want it to be just my story – I want to hear what’s going on with my readers. I never wanted to be “The Entertainer”.
Mary, i LOVE your daily news of life in the country!!! A quilting fan of you and your quilt store for MANY years~
Update on the 100th birthday party. I think my mother was a little over whelmed with all the people. I think that there was at least 160 guests! I was with her for only 3 days. I had driven to St.Paul to pickup my daughter and 3 grands from Amtrak. Monday I drove them back home to ND. (That’s an experience. Three kids in the backseat- hard to keep their hands to themselves! It’s been a LONG time since I’ve had that experience!) I’ll be with them until into August. I “ride
herd” while my daughter works. Right now the kids are working on 4-H projects. Their fair is in one week. My mother was surprised by the number of cards and notes from the blog readers…30 the last time she said. She’s still getting cards everyday! In August I’ll be back to MN to visit Mother. Then I’ll get to read all her cards an notes. In the mean time thank you to all the readers who sent cards and best wishes. (By the way I explained a blog to her as an on line diary and I think she understood as her one sister wrote in a diary everyday for80+ years. Her grown girls have loved reading them.)
Martha – oh wow! I’ll bet she was overwhelmed and I’m thrilled that so many came to her party and others sent cards. You’ve got your work cut out for you the month of July, don’t you? It’s just got to be hard for working moms to continue working during the summer when the kids aren’t in school. What a caring gramma you are!
Martha – I loved how you explained Mary’s blog to her so she’d know how we are now familiar with her so she knows we all care about her too. Never thought of this as a diary till you mentioned it and maybe that’s why it’s so easy to add a comment as it’s us sharing our days with one another.
I love the Caitlyn/Angel tip cups! I thank you for the Dirty Dozen Challenge because I got almost all my UFO’s finished. I have some blocks made that I haven’t sewn together, but other than that no more UFO’s. At one time you mentioned you had something else in mind, and I was wondering what that might be. We had .1″ of rain here in Osky this morning. We may get more later today. It is cool, but not sweatshirt weather here. Love all the pictures again today. Happy Birthday tomorrow!!
Jeanine – it’s just the wrong time of the year to put out a challenge. And unless I can tell that people are interested, I can’t take the time.
Mary – I understand. Summer is busy for a lot of us. We appreciate what you do for us every day. I hope your rain has stopped by this afternoon. We are in a tornado watch tonight until 9:00. That I don’t like.
Enjoy your birthday tomorrow Mary! Hope it is happy even though you are missing Telly and other dear pets you have lost.
Your home is so interesting. Thanks for sharing. Is that a birdhouse hanging from the ceiling?
Great new tablecloth.
Pat in AZ, love your little countertop quilt. Do you change it out to match the seasons?
Keep safe over the 4th everyone. Dry and hot here. Swimming pool and my air conditioned sewing room are my favorite hangouts.
Lynn – yes, that’s a vintage wren house that’s just too cute to put outside! I thought it only fair to take a picture of the mess!
Lynn – as a kid I rarely got a birthday party because we were having a family reunion the next day. I get it now. Thanks for those wishes.
Happy Birthday Mary!
I totally understand not getting a birthday party. My Dad’s birthday was December 23,then the family celebration of Christmas Eve, church on Christmas Day, then my birthday on the 26th. Everyone was tired out by then and I had often gotten a combined Christmas/birthday gift. Never in school on my birthday! But my husband has had two special parties for me through the years and now I’m simply thankful for another birthday.
Happy Independence Day everyone! Happy Birthday America!
Norma – Connie’s oldest boy was born on December 26 – I’ve always felt bad for him.
Hi Mary! Was your flag house quilt was it made with the flag that you sold? Just wondering because I came across some that I bought. I just want to say thank you for all you do to have your blog! I enjoy seeing what you have been up. Take care! 🤗
Robin – Yes, those are the flags we sold in the shop.
Wow, I didn’t think I’d be able to comment as the comment section was not there again. Rain, here in Md we could use it so badly. We are so dry. Sunday here was brutal with temps in the 90’s with humidity to match. I did laugh at your picture in the cornfield as you did look like you were squatting down. Connie’s boat ramp/launch looks dicey. They’ve had some serious damage. Love your quilts, especially that red and black one. The floral table topper is so pretty too. The goat picture is funny. Looks like a proper pose but Laughing at the saddle bags. Our 4 th is going to be hot, hot,hot. No fun to be outside when sweat immediately starts pouring off your head. I hope it stops raining there and starts feeling like summer. Our weather is so weird everywhere Love all the red white and blues. Pat in Md.
Patricia – red and black quilt? Mine or from a reader?
How far off the floor are those windows? If the ladder doesn’t have to be too tall, I’d climb up there with a razor blade and scrape them off myself, although after all of these years I bet they are as permanent as the glass.
LOVE your new quilting grid. Looks wonderful on that panel. Reminds me of a puzzle.
Hank’s Mom – you will NOT climb up to the top of the haymow!!!! No way, no how! You’re sweet to offer but what are you thinking?
Your modified log cabin with the shirt fabric is wonderful! I wish hubby still wore plaid shirts, but it’s all tech fabric fishing shirts for him. I may have to look at thrift stores.
I’ve made a “Duckworth” quilt with mostly blues and had a great time making it. There is very little new under the sun, isn’t there?
Send some rain to Oregon, if you have the time.
Erin – I so wish I could send this rain somewhere! Since I love making log cabins maybe that what I should start today – hmmmm.
Great pictures today, Mary. I bet you remind Rick often about those labels, ha! Love the vignette with the goose feathers, the pitcher and vase are beautiful! I just got my first “toy” sewing machine recently. Yours with it’s box is so cute! And I love your new quilting technique! The grid looks great, I can’t believe that’s a panel! The corn is so TALL! Wow! The barn swallow babies are so cute! And that’s one chubby goat! I’m sure you miss the white goat and especially Tellie. She was such a part of your family. It’s very nice here today in Topsfield, MA. I spent a few days at our camp in Gilford, NH and that was fun, brought a girl friend and we spent a cold, rainy day driving around Lake Winnipesaukee. The next day was close to 90 and so humid you could hardly breathe! Jan in MA
Jan – oh, I wouldn’t dare remind him anymore. I didn’t buy that little sewing machine but maybe I should go back. What about downsizing?
Mary, Forget the downsizing and go get that cute sewing machine. You’ll probably never come across another… especially at that price. This from someone who enjoys thrift shopping.
Happy Birthday.
I think that sewing machine has your name on it! Today I did a presentation on birding, especially Blue Birds and told the group about my Bluebird trails at Camden State Park, this is my fourth year. This year I have three nests of bluebirds and tree swallows as well. This is a hobby, it is always interesting watching birds.
Larry continues to heal! He still has xerox form medicated gauze and bacatracin in a few places on his arm, plus he wears a compression sleeve. On the 11th he will get a custom fitted compression sleeve up at Regions Hospital Burn Clinic.
Hope you have a nice 4th of July!
Yayyyy! Today the system is allowing me to comment! Now that I’ve seen the window labels I can’t unsee them. I don’t know what is wrong with men…
I very much like the plaid “duckworth” quilt. Now I know what I can make with my huge bag of plaids. That will be my next project after finishing the charity quilt I’m working on. I wanted to comment the other day on your precise piecing Mary but the system wouldn’t allow comments that day. Your piecing skills are the best!
You lost Telly and the white goat? Does Telly not like thunder/lightning? I just had an encounter with the swallows in the barn the other morning. Felt it swoop by my head. Last evening, before dark, I ran out for something, thought there was a cat in the food dish by the basement door. NOOOOOO, it was a skunk! It scrambled to get away, no odor though! Thank heavens. I’d seen it patrolling the fence line but never that close to the house. My scare for the day. Happy 4th!
Dee, you were lucky that the skunk didn’t spray. Especially since you surprised each other.
Dee – I learned never to leave cat food outside overnight. Put it out in the morning. You are one lucky girl!! Yes, we lost Telly the end of May and the lame white goat just last week. I know you read the blog – so ????
If I had another rainy day, I would enjoy it! We are still on the dry side here In Coal Valley. Headed down to the MIL’s for the 4th and looks like it will be the first “rained out” 4th we have celebrated in the 34 years I have been in the family. Heavy rain all day so the parade will probably be cancelled and the evening looks bad for fireworks. We did have one 4th that most of the grandkids were running around in Grandma’s sweatshirts because they didn’t bring a jacket. (Our’s did as we had went to Mark Twain Cave in Hannibal, MO.) Looks like there is a small window around 5pm to grill burgers and dogs so not a total wash out of the usual ritual. Hope every one has a enjoyable, safe 4th. 3 cheers for the red, white, & blue!!!
(I have noticed those labels in almost every picture of your barn so I share your pain.)
DebMac – and did you wonder why those labels were there?????
Love your posts and the DIRTY DOZEN challenges.
I am a newbie to quilting but have been doing embroidery and cross stitch for over 30 years ! Your challenge has helped me finish WIPs, some over 20 years old !!
Hope you continue doing this ! I already have a list that I hope to finish!!
Joanne, I’ve been a cross stitcher for 40+ years. I did start a quilt top for my son when he was 2 yrs old. A friend helped me finish the top 15 yrs later. Fast forward, 25 yrs later, it’s still a top and I have no idea where it is because we had moved since the top was completed. Now, I collect fabric for the future quilts I’ll be making. There’s always tomorrow I say.
Joanne – no, I’m not doing the Dirty Dozen any more – not enough readers interested. Sorry.