Where did yesterday go? It was so busy I hardly remember it. I got up at 6 am with Carol and we enjoyed our last coffee on the porch until next summer. Moe, the black golden doodle, arrived at 9:15 and I had to have a short rest in my chair. Then it was outside to work – chores, some watering and a visit to the quilt shop.
There’s encouraging news about gray kitty – Carol talked softly to her for several minutes – I think she’s the cat whisperer – and gray kitty is exploring the shop. She even came out from hiding and sat and stared at me. One reader suggested tuna and a few days ago I gave her some that she ate immediately. Progress!
Did you see Bonnie Hunter’s Jack’s chain quilt in red, white and blue? I love it – a simple block really but so effective. Go to her website http://Quiltville and look – I think you’ll like it.
Here’s Moe and company.
We all love having Moe here!
Becky and I went to Thursdays On Main in Clear Lake last night and listened to some great music by two local guys called the Kraft Brothers. They were very good and easy to listen to – older songs from the 50’s to 90’s? Somebody said they’re actually local brothers who farm during the day and play music at night! Local readers – can you correct me here or add some details? Why didn’t I take a picture????
Today is a trip to Menards for a whole list of things – the most important being a new fan for the barn. It’s supposed to be getting hot next week and both my old fans quit. I love going into my sweet smelling barn.
I can’t wait till next week when I can start sending out your Oh, Susannah! books. A high school classmate told us that their 6 year old granddaughter likes to “read” it to her 2 year old sister. This is exactly what I was hoping for – after being read the story, the 6 year old can retell the story by looking at the pictures. Mission accomplished!
Here’s a picture that isn’t in the book of Becky trying to convince Susannah to get out of the UPS truck with Carly looking on.
Oh, Susannah! is available for $20 PPD, cash or check made out to Mary ETHERINGTON, 2345 Palm Ave. Garner, IA 50438.,
“When a tiny baby goat arrives unexpectedly on a cold night, an Iowa farm wife falls in love.”
Do you have fun plans for the weekend?
I’m at a 3 day quilting retreat in South Boston, Va.
so much fun with about 20 others!
Many years ago we had a small rescued cocker puppy named Cricket and we brought her to the Quilt Shop when it was still open and Susannah was a little goat and she would butt Cricket. Fun memories so my order for the book will be in the mail today.
Love your blog and I have been one of the lucky quilters that have visited the Quilt Shop many times and
have taken a class from you and Connie years ago.
Thanks for all that you do for the animals.
Marie, Storm Lake, IA
My Border Collie, Pepper, climbed into the back of the FedEx truck once and almost got a free ride. Fortunately the driver doesn’t pet her til he’s finished delivering…..
Was 53o here earlier. Local news reported THE HAYDEN FALLS FOREST FIRE has grown to 1500 acres! Tis south of Salmon, Idaho. Had two rains Thursday late afternoons up here! 😊
Launa, that fire is really close to you. Is your prevailing wind from the northwest? Be careful. Betty
I am getting ready to go into a lovely quilt shop for the last time.🥲. It is A Touch of Thread in Zanesville, Ohio and they are closing after 20 years. They were vendors for our quilt show many times and are lovely people. I will miss them. I had been stopping more often on my way to see the three grands at Muskingum University. So sorry to see them close.
Moe is trimmed down closer than my friends black golden doodle and when we were together with her at her cottage In Adirondack Mountains few weeks ago, her dog reminded me of a bear walking around which cracked me up next to our two much smaller white dogs.
We’re having a homemade pizza party here Sunday night with family for my 72nd birthday so my husband has been making different dough balls every day in the bread machine. He was able to use my own herbs I grew in the old wheelbarrow.
Kathy, an early ‘Happy Birthday’. Enjoy your Sunday.
Thank you Janice! It’s a gift to celebrate birthdays.
Kathy – Moe’s hair length right now is just about perfect! Not a close shave and not looking like a bear! Haha!!! Your pizza sounds yummy and Happy Birthday.
Thank you Mary. It’s my favorite food. And chocolate cake!
My husband is showing our 2002 Monte Carlo Pace car tomorrow in West Des Moines. The whole day to myself!! Trips to Kohls, Fleet Farm, and my local quilt shop, Woodside Quilting are on the gaenda..
Next Wednesday, Ragbraii continues to Des Moines. We are just a few blocks off the route, and some neighbors have our neighborhood set up as an overnight resting place. A band 3 houses down, food trucks, and hundreds of riders on my street. Not planning on leaving the yard as I think the street will be total madness. My mom and grandkids will love the circus in front of our house!!
Yesterday, the neighbors had their new inground pool delivered. A giant crane was put in their driveway, and they lifted the whole pole up and over their house. Such excitement!!
Hope everyone is prepared for the heat next week. Iowa at it’s best!
Diana – I loved the pictures of the pool being lifted over the house! I plan to talk about RAGBRAI because I’m sure lots of my readers don’t know about it. I think it would be fun to be in your neighborhood next Wednesday. The 50th year of RAGBRAI is pretty special!
I love the Kraft Brothers as well! They are indeed brothers and are my 1st. cousins. When siblings voices blend it is a beautiful thing! They are farmers in the Kanawha area and the oldest, Jim, just retired from being a UPS driver out of Ames. Their Dad, Robert Kraft, now deceased, was a staple in many local singing groups throughout his lifetime so their talent comes naturally! They absolutely LOVE playing their music and genuinely appreciate their audiences. Thank you for enjoying their music!
BTW I will be passing this along to Jim and Kevin…they will love it!
Julie – oh, thank you for filling me in! We loved their music last night and I had to leave at 8:30 to get to Fareway before they closed. Will they be playing somewhere else in North Iowa this summer? I couldn’t hear the announcement but it was something about the barge or Lady of the Lake ?????
Know they have played on the Lady of the Lake before so yes that might be coming up! Follow their facebook page at “The Kraft Brothers” they usually post their upcoming performances there and also on Messenger. Always a good show!
My husband is first cousin to the Kraft Brothers mom. I am assuming, Julie that you are a cousin to their dad? It is a small world!
Lora – oh my gosh! “Family” members? Where do you live, Lora?
Their Dad, Robert, was my Uncle. I too am a Kraft from Renwick and I was the flower girl in Pat and Rob’s weeding a LONG time ago!
Hi Mary, a bit damp here in New Zealand, cooler temperatures too, polar fleece top and sheepskin boots weather. Some sewing and maybe baking with Stella and Luna before Stella goes to ballet. That heat would be too. Much for me! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Mary thanks for the animal pictures, so much fun. Cleaning done a early this morning and a few other tasks on the to do list. I than went to the sewing room to figure out the border for the mystery quilt. Trying to use the fabrics I’ve used so far so I think it will be just the one border and then the binding. Not wanting to add other fabrics. Will probably finish about 54 x 66.
Will piece the backing also as I’m trying not to by more fabric,
We are driving up to Clear Lake one day this weekend, just a hop, skip, and a jump from you. We are visiting one of my husband’s high school classmates. Then over to Britt to visit one of my Dad’s and Mom’s friends who is in a rehab care center after a hospitalization. She is 97 years old. As I drive through the old stomping grounds, I am sure I will have nostalgic moments. Plus, it will be fun to compare the fields in northern Iowa with what we see in southeast Iowa. Take care.
Vicki – I will be working at the fairgrounds this weekend but honk as you go by!!!
I love the Bonnie Hunter quilt.
Do you know what size the squares are in the 9 patch?
I have a bunch of 2″ ones to use.
Thanks
Nancy – you need to purchase the pattern or draft it yourself starting with your 2” squares. Even if I knew the size it’s not my pattern to give measurements online.
I just purchased the Bonnie Hunter quilt you mentioned. I love it too. The pattern is only $9 on her site. It’s a PDF so instant gratification. She is amazing and I’m happy to support her business. I think it is so nice how quilt designers support one another. You and Jo of Jo’s Country Junction are both amazing quilters and designers but seem to be just as excited by someone else’s work. I love it!!!
Ginger – I am definitely excited about other’s work and I love this quilt. Maybe I could start making four patches now as leaders and Enders.
So happy the little gray cat finally came out to eat! When I first got the kitties I have now, they were feral and the only way they would come out to me is if I offered them Gerber chicken baby food in a jar. I started putting some in a small bowl and then my finger so if they wanted some they had to come out and lick my finger! No other brand would do, just Gerber! Saw this on you tube on how to befriend feral kittens! He was so right! Hope this helps!
Love that Susannah book, sure wish I had a young grandchild to read it to but the youngest just turned 13!
The pictures of Moe and the gang are great! And, the encouraging news about the gray kitten is wonderful!
Since the temps will be soaring next week, I plan to work on a fall throw; I love the fall colors.
Thanks, Mary 🥰
Celebrating my 80th Birthday today!! My girls are throwing a big party with 60 invited family and friends!!
The weather is beautiful…..so let the fun begin!!!!
Sally – HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Sally! Sounds like a great fun party!!