During this long cold winter we’re all reading books, I think. The mailman brought me this book today which has been highly recommended – I’ll start it tonight in bed.
I have a Jenna’s Pick on my Kindle – All the Colors of the Dark. My Kindle is easy to hold in bed but it confuses me – I wanted to go back to the prologue and couldn’t figure out how to do it. I wanted to review characters and going back page by page was annoying. Is there an easy way to navigate a Kindle? Ugh.
I also finished an Audible book on my phone – The Crash by Frieda McFadden – one of my favorite authors.
We have all loved the kids’ clothes – I’ll keep posting those and embroidery or needlework.
I had to go to the farm store to get chicken feed even if the wind chill was 20 below. And I have stopped or contacted most all my neighbors to find out if Tim belongs to them. He hasn’t been here for 2 days now. I’m very worried about him.
I’ve been thinking about my March madness project. I’ll show you the one I finished recently that I started in 2022. I’ve got two ideas for this year – I’m trying to decide. It might be that block I mentioned that’s so easy to cut and piece or the snowball quilt in blues.
Many schools were closed today because of the cold and tomorrow will likely be the same.
Reader photos
I still use my old fabric:
Do YOU rehome your older fabric or keep it till the right quilt comes along and it’s perfect?
I just finished “Maria” by Michelle Moran. It is historical fiction about Maria von Trapp. It was interesting. A quick and easy read. I prefer to read a real book. I find screen time right before bed interferes with my sleep.
Just finished Peach Clobbered by Anna Gerard. A Georgia B &B mystery for our book discussion group. A fun cozy mystery. Almost 4 Stars in Goodreads.
So nice to hear from Patti, Kim, and Jamie. It’s hard to go through cancer. Pray for your help from the professionals.
Jamie, you’ve gone through a terrible scare. Hope you get help soon.
All the collections of children’s clothes sure are interesting. My family has moved around so much, nothing got saved. My mother hated getting hand-me-downs herself, she never wanted that for her kids. I got married in college and got my first hand-me-downs from sisters-in-laws. Never bothered me. And my daughter’s got loads of hand-me-downs, too. I think we were in a recession in the 70’s.
I’ve saved my fabric, but it’s in the garage, buried. I’m going to do a major clean out this spring!
Last night, Tuesday, it was 18 below. This Friday (3 days from now) the temp is going to be 60 above! That is Rapid City weather. The Jet Stream is moving. I did go out and shovel the sidewalk as we have so many people who have no car. They don’t have winter coats and clothing either.
We had an outhouse when we lived on the farm, but I really don’t remember using it. Everything else on the farm went right where they were, and so did we. Just never thought about it. We all wore hand-me-down clothes so nothing was saved. What I do remember was growing up in the country was a barrel of fun.
My memory for names was never very good and hasn’t improved. I don’t have a Kindle or any of that electronic stuff. To help, I keep a spiral notebook beside the bed and keep page #’s on new people, events or whatever. That works pretty good. I like adventure, mystery and humor in my books. I like things that make me laugh.
I’m trying to figure out how to do the features of dogs on a pediatric quilt. While I’m thinking, I’ve made 5 or 6 stocking caps. They are so simple and we ALWAYS have a use for them around here. Keeps my hands busy and I love the colors. Some of the yarns are pretty interesting these days. Finally I decided to put the faces together and then the features. I’ll talk to some of our quilters for ideas. They are always full of ideas.
Daylight Savings is 2 1/2 weeks away. Don’t know what idiot thought that up, but personally I’m not a fan of getting up early. My clock just doesn’t change easily. My cat knew what time it was to eat.
Take care. Betty in Rapid City
We had an outhouse at our lake cabin when I was a kid. My younger brother would regularly let a flashlight fall in the hole. Funny how those flashlights always fell with the light shining upwards, and it would take a long time for the light to go out (or get covered up) … lol! I’m keeping my fabric collection, but trying to use it up too. I very rarely buy new fabric anymore, except for the odd fat quarter that begs to come home, just to make me happy. I always piece together backings for my quilts, and you know how much yardage that takes! On the other hand, I seem to have less enthusiasm for quilting these days, so not much is getting used up. But when I’m gone, I won’t care what happens to what’s left, lol!
In your Kindle double tap on the page you’re reading. That should bring up a screen showing a barat the bottom with a sliding dot. Slide left to go back or right to go forward. Also in top left corner there’s an icon with 3 bars and 3 dots tap that and it brings up chapter numbers. Scroll down to go back and scroll up to go forward. There’s also a feature to bookmark pages and highlight passages but I don’t remember how to do that since I don’t use that feature. Hope this helps.
I sure hope FB straightens out and stops attacking the others! Must be miserable 😞.
I rescue scraps from trash at sewing, can’t bear to see it being thrown away. I know I have more than i will get sewn but that’s okay. It will be divided among sewing friends and quilting group in prison that donate quilts to foster kids.
We are in the 20s again and expecting low 70s by Monday! Whiplash weather! 🤭
Went to a quilt store closing sale yesterday. She’s closing to take care of her husband. She had great fabric $7 a yard and $5! You know I had to get some 😻
The definition of cold made me laugh . . and I think my toilet seat is cold in the morning! Lots of pictures and information to absorb today.
First, Debbie M., glad to hear surgery is done and you are moving forward. Jamie, likewise, sorry for your hospital stay, but, glad for relief from fluid build-up and you are out of the hospital. Patti, praying for lots of answers at tomorrow’s meeting. To the rest of you with current health struggles, we are pulling for you, too!
Hank’s Mom, I agree Keeper’s chair is PERFECT. I’d love to curl up in that chair.
Lynn, thank you for noticing the child’s dress with the label “Marie, from Storm Lake.” Marie, my Mom was raised in Storm Lake. I’ve been there three times and love the park along the lake.
Nancy, I, too, fell in love with the Civil War palette in my early quilting days. That love has not dissipated, as can be seen in my stash. One of the quilt designers that drew me in were the Country Threads team. Thanks, Mary and Connie, for your designs and color waves to inspire.
Another love – BOOKS! Thanks for new titles to check out. Hmm, Keeper’s chair would be a great place to read, by a window and with a pillow and quilt.
Jan
It’s so good to hear from Jamie and Patti as I have been missing their comments. And Debbie in SC I’m relieved to know your surgery went well. Genetic testing is so common now a days to learn so much about diseases. My oncologist always encourages it.
We’re getting more snow now but we’ve had several years of no hard winter that this is some getting use to again. The town plow and salt and do the same thing over and over keeping up with it so those who have to drive can do so safely. We have the equipment to handle this, the south doesn’t so it’s not easy for removal to keep things moving. Our heat bill was very high this month but there again we had mild winters before so we’re not surprised it was high.
I am like Cindy and always on the hunt in thrift stores for older lines I treasure like Little Quilts, Country Threads and older patterns from Buttermilk Basin. I’m not an online shopper so don’t do Etsy cause I have enough fabric but if I see what I collect out in a store, it’s coming home with me.
Thanks to everyone for sharing their clothing pictures and other ones too. They’ve been so much fun to study each one and imagine the work.
Mary I think FB is giving you the look of would you just sit down so I can watch you sew. Something about a cat pestering you in a sewing room that makes you smile.
I can’t read on a “device” for many of the reasons you’ve mentioned here. I like to flag meaningful quotes and go back to reread sections I may need more clarity on–figuring out multiple characters is one of them! So I am a firm “give me a real book” gal!
The meaning of cold photo–YIKES! I feel that one!! They always had an outhouse–albeit a more modern one–at the barn where we boarded our horses. As we rode year-round, there were many cold trips to the outhouse!!! We really had to make very conscious decisions about whether we really needed to go or if we could wait until we got back to the warmth of our house!!
I have recently rehomed a bit of my excess fabric stash, but mostly I save it for just the right quilt. My sister recently (at 68) decided to take up quilting and wanted to make a scrap quilt, so I sliced and diced to her specifications and sent her a big box for her quilt. I also quilt with my church group and have taken quite a bit of fabric there that I didn’t think I’d ever get around to using on my own.
I hope your sister has as much fun piecing as we all seem to do. My sister’s choices have enhanced my skills enormously. Good to hear you can be a reliable supplier of fabric and, hopefully, many ideas in the future.
The eye candy pictures on the blog have been so much fun. I’ve loved the samplers and now the precious clothing.
I use old fabric from my stash. I’ll decide to sort thru and get rid of stuff and will have a few pieces to donate but the rest goes back. I’ll use it someday.
I picked up a $20 art bin with projects a month or so ago. So far I’ve gotten two projects and will possibly get two more. The lady had the most ingenious way of storing her project. She had thin plastic sheets with the pieces neatly assembled on them. They were stacked in the box. She fit an awful lot in that box. Now I wish I would have gotten the second box but another lady beat me to it. I only had to add sashing to one project and alternate blocks to the other (and of course backing and binding).
I so enjoy seeing everyone’s treasure pictures! Lots of new ideas on how to display things too. I had to chuckle over your question concerning rehoming your older fabric. Quite the contrary, I’m where it ends up when you sell it. In addition to older Country Threads books and fabric, I’m collecting Brannock and Patek now. I didn’t have time and resources in the past to buy them. I’m retired now and in a better place to enjoy those things. Thank you for sharing everyone!
Mary, i love the crochet white cape for a baby. How wonderful that would be for a christening. We are getting snow now. Carolyn b Shenandoah Valley Va
Carolyn – I told that reader the same thing – I love the baby cape!
Love the pictures as always and yes-I am the curator of a large and well aged fabric collection! I wanted to first send a big “Thank You” to everyone for your thoughtful and beautiful cards with enclosed prayers and blessings! You “blog about nothing-that we all love with Mary”- ladies are all wonderful friends I have yet to meet.
I had my surgery last Thursday and came home that evening. A very long day! I had to get there at 7 for two pre-op procedures and my surgery was at 1pm. They radiated and mapped 2 lymph nodes for removal along with the tumor. Then they inserted a wire under ultrasound to the butterfly clip for the incision road map. I have done well and the only pain is where the lymph nodes were removed if I make a sudden movement or reach to far or high. It is my left side and I am very left handed dominant. I get the results of the genetic testing tomorrow and go back to the surgeon on the 27th for bandage change and pathology results. Hoping for a good test and clean perimeters!
It is very cold and dreary here and we are expecting some kind of winter weather any time now. Stay safe and warm!
Debbie – well, this is wonderful news! So glad your surgery is over and now you can sit back, watch the weather and recoup! Hope the path report is good, too. Are these readers just the best? So willing to send cards which I know are appreciated by almost all recipients. Keep us all updated about your recovery, Debbie!
Would like to know if anyone has read “The fallen woman daughter by Michelle Cox. What did you think? I am still trying to make up my mind about it.
I am with Mary on the Kindle. Love to read on it but like to go back once in a while.
Brenda – so do you actually read on your Kindle? I think I’ll just put mine away
I read the comments about how to find pages on your Kindle. I was going to tell you how I find a chapter or beginning or whatever, which is different than the others so our Kindles are different. My Kindle is older but to find my chapters, I tap the top left and 3 lines appear. Tap those lines and there is a drop-down list of the contents. That is also how I find my library.
I downloaded How to Read a Book and see that the author wrote One-in-a Million Boy. I read it recently. I enjoyed the book.
I keep my fabric and am trying to use what I have. I love some of the old pieces and am sad when they are gone. I just finished 2 projects using fabric I had on hand. I’ll finish binding one this morning. The other is in the “to be quilted” pile.
Sheryl – thank you! I’ll try that on my Kindle – which I love for reading in bed but minus the issues. My kindle is old, too, and I’d be willing buy a new one but I don’t think I’ll know how to work it. I still love my old fabric and wouldn’t consider getting rid of it. Love my old quilts, too – so much more detailed compared to today’s new designs.
I part with very little of my fabric. Anything works in a scrap quilt, and that is what I usually make. Another cold day here in Iowa. Heard on the radio we may get into the 40’s and 50’s next week. That will be great.
I’m working on 2.5″ four patches now, made from men’s shirts. I had so many cout from scraps so just decided to do something with them. I have two potato chip quilts made from men’s shirts but have not quilted them yet.
Stay warm. Sounds like it is even cold in parts of the south. I feel for those on the east coast. They have been hammered this winter with storms.
Jeanine – I really feel bad for those folks in the south and east! We’re used to this winter weather and have appropriate clothes and equipment – they don’t! But I’m looking forward to get up to freezing.
I always enjoy the eye candy.
My stash–I have carried that around many years and of course added to it. Some of my fabric is so special I hate to cut into it. I do give away fabric. In fact I was in the closet of fabric yesterday and put together some yardage to use as a white elephant. The fabric is the 1st thing to go off the table. We play bingo for white elephants at retreats. Sometimes I come home with someone else’s. Ha I am leaving in the morning for a 4 day retreat. Yes, it’s cold but 6 of us are willing to go sew and play games and make it warm with friendship and giggles.
Fran – you gals have fun! And then show us what you worked on.
I save my old fabric and have a lot . I started using it on a block of the month with Corey Yoder . It’s snowing here in Ohio , we’re not supposed to get a lot , hope that’s true . Have a good day everyone .
Mary is the cute little girl you? As for the picture of Fluffybun, she has the ‘I have an attitude’ look!
The out house we had was a two holes! A small one and a large one. It is not my favorite memory!
Jay had an appointment in SF at 3 yesterday. So we also went to Costco and out for pizza. But, it was a bitterly cold 🥶 outing! I have never seen such an empty Costco parking lot!
Patti in Florida, it is great to hear from you! Hope you may have a great time with your sister. I also hope they can find something to relieve your pain!
Well, it is another cold day in Iowa….but we can look forward to a warmer weekend!
Joy – are you referring to the little girl in the white dress? Yup, that’s me. Oh, brr, too cold to go to Sioux Falls!! Yes, FB definitely has an attitude
Mary, you may know this already but I can’t be sure so here is a little information about the Kindle. Tap at the top of the page and get the heading to come up that says Library. Go over to the right to the three lines. Tap that symbol and you will get the Go To page to come up. This page has the Beginning, Page or Location, and the list of the Chapters. It may or may not have a Prologue page. It seems some books do and some don’t. Again, you may already know this, but I couldn’t sure.
Thank you Frances!!
Joy, you are so welcome. I also downloaded Kindle User’s Guide, 6th Edition from Amazon. It also helped to better understand how to operate it.
That outhouse picture is so funny!
Just finished The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhorn. Excellent!
Meredith – that was a great book!
When I started quilting, I was using nothing but Civil War. I still love reproduction Civil War fabric. I lucked into a quilt shop that was going out of business and had an abundance of Civil War fabric. It was two dollars a yard. I went in and bought 2 yards of every bit of it. I have some favorites that I pull out and I look at to use, and I think oh I’m gonna save it for something special. Well what determines the Quilt I’m not working on isn’t special. And then I get thinking all my quilts I make for myself are special so I should start using some of that older fabric. My favorite fabric!
Nancy – yes, use that fabric! If you die before you use it, it will probably end up in the dumpster. Which would you prefer?
I just used the blue color way of the Brannock and Patel fabric, in a flag quilt. Love those oldies!
Catching up, I was in the hospital for a week for what I thought was pneumonia. Turns out it was more serious, fluid build up in my heart, lungs and legs. We managed to get 20 lbs. of fluid off my legs, still working on losing more in all areas. I’m back to the land of no help, tethered to an oxygen machine, begging for a shower. I’m still wearing the hospital gown I came home in 2 days ago.
Anyway, that was a lot of eye candy to catch up on. Amazed at how many of you have saved your baby clothes, apparently my family didn’t care about those things.
Sending good wishes to Patti, hope the visit with your sister is uplifting for you.
I hope you get some help soon. There’s nothing like a shower to give you a lift. Sounds like you’re getting back on the road to recovery — that was a lot of fluid drained! Prayers for your shower coming your way!
Jamie – oh, I am so sorry! Why can’t someone help you with a shower – this is unacceptable – has your facility changed owners now? And what about your food service? How I wish I lived close to you.
Hi Mary, the outhouse bought back bad memories! I fell in when l was 3,trying to take myself to the toilet, took about 70 years to get over the indignation and upset l felt! Can laugh about it now, but it was traumatic for a 3 year old,everyone laughing at me! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Sandy – a three year old falling in? I can’t think of much worse for anyone – you poor thing. Your parents sent you to the outhouse alone????.
Mum was too busy talking to neighbors, told to do it myself, they all laughed afterwards!
Sandy, bless your heart! That would be traumatic for a 3 year old, good that you can finally laugh about it 70 years later.
🫣! I saw a video of a poor kitty 🐈⬛ running and falling into an outhouse hole, crying. I hope they got him out!!! You poor thing, that hole 🕳️ must have been big! Shudders!
i keep my fabric. i love it still. eventually the right project will come along and it will get used. there is always a reason i bought my fabric. glad to see that you do also, i bought a couple of those books by mcfadden need to read one and check it out.
today was a bad bad day. upset because i don’t know what is going on. those of us who are patients don’t know what is going on and feel left in the dark. the medical people forget to talk to each other and then to us. we must have stirred a can of worms. maybe i’ll know more tomorrow. i hate when my brain forgets what is going on then i have a try to figure it out again. takes forever. then i have to remember how blessed i’ve been in my life. enough. thanks again for all the cards and notes that are still coming. they mean a tremendous amount to me and mr. ed. things will start hopping on thursday – meet with pain doctor and then pick up sister for a week. it’s been a long time since we’re seen each other (around 6-7 yrs), hugs to all. i’m going to try to sleep. i either sleep all day and stay awake all night or the other way around. patti in florida
So good to hear from you Patti. I sure hope you get some answers on Thursday. It must be frustrating to feel that you are in the dark from the medical people. I think you have a very good attitude though about your life. A visit from your sister sounds like it will be a great “pick me up”. You are in my prayers Patti.
Mary, on your kindle, there should be a magnifying glass search button. Mine if I tap @ the top of the page, it will appear. Then type the character you are wanting to find in there and a list of where they were mentioned will pop up.
I keep old fabric I like and donate what I don’t like. I just laid out a stack for a scrappy quilt. I used to buy such small pieces, so I am trying to use patterns that can use a bunch of those up. Constant goal to use what I have ! I have been straightening my fabric stacks and that is rewarding, on these cold days.
I just finished The Lindbergh Nanny on audio, good historical fiction.
Such pretties today! That tatted cap is exquisite and the crochet baby sets are adorable. I’ve got a couple of children’s things out to photograph.
And the outhouse photo-there was always a cold draft even on the hottest day of summer. Still makes me shiver. I can still remember the days the bathroom was put into our farm house. 64 years ago last summer. I was 4 and my brother was 6 and going to start school in the fall. Grandpa didn’t want his grandson to start school and have others tease him about having to use an outhouse. There had to be a good reason for a tight old German to part with money.
I am currently listening to an Audible book called “A Brilliant Life” by Rachelle Ulreich. It’s a biography written by the daughter of a holocaust survivor. So eye opening and so many interesting things told about the daily lives of the times. I’m almost finished with the listen and would recommend it. Understand it does have harsh descriptives of the times peppered through the narrative.
I’m located in central Missouri and it’s bitter cold here. South of us is receiving quite the snowfall. We’re getting snowfall tonight. It started about 5pm and hasn’t stopped yet but we’re not expecting the accumulation our southern neighbors received today. I’m so ready for spring. About 30 days away now.