Z is for Zoe

Last haircut, Amy, the stylist who cuts hubby's hair, our son's hair, our grandson's hair, and my own described the colors she was choosing for her new baby's room.  Purple and grey, she described, and when she mentioned a chevron pattern, I was hooked!  Haven't made one of these quilts yet, so decided this was the perfect opportunity and excuse.

 

 

Seems Like Only Yesterday

We attended one of Ian's tee-ball games this summer....it's amazing to feel the time that has gone by....where?  I don't know!  Seems like so recently Pat was this size, learning to play ball.....I very much enjoyed how Pat and Amy team up to parent their kids..coaching these little guys....teaching them ..cheering them on.  A thoroughly enjoyable day. 

 

 

 

"Crawl Space" ? I think not!

When we bought this house, one of it's draws for me was the "crawl space."  While most people would see this area as a basement storage area, I saw it's potential as a place just made for me!  There are few who could stand/walk around in here....but I can!  And just as I anticipated, it has become the most multi-faceted room in the house. 
Certainly, one end and a lot of the sides of this subterranean room is dedicated to storage.
But most of it is my sewing/crafting area.

Poor Larry!  He loves being around quilting and all my little projects....but it's not easy being about a foot too tall for the room.  He has mostly learned to crouch in and get situated between beams...but sometimes....well, let's just say,  he gives his all to share my space.  I feel really fortunate to have so much room to spread out in and create. 

True Friendship

 

It's one of life's greatest blessings when you have a friend who sticks.  The kind of friend with whom you can pick up the conversation as if it was paused only moments, instead of years.  Deb is that kind of friend.  I'm so very blessed to have her in my life.
We met some 30 years ago at the swim club...our kids were very young.  She and her sister were such crafty ladies - with enormous senses of humor - and they and their families became like family.  We were often honored to be included in their family affairs, and our kids grew up feeling the same way.
And then life got busy, the way it will, the kids were teens and young adults...grandkids started coming and it was often years in between our getting together.
But the friendship was still glued firmly in place.
Recently we've been able to fit our lives back together...what joy!
A couple of weeks ago we had the pleasure of joining them at their summer get-away, and we had such a nice weekend.

 I had a heck of a time getting the camera placed just right to get some good shots!

Fortunately, we got a 5th party to take this picture....we visited a great little vineyard, Willow Creek Winery, Cape May, NJ.
Thanks, Ron and Deb, we had such a great time!

Saw this cartoon on facebook

                          and while I don't drink and quilt...sometimes I wish I had that excuse!

Some Things Never Change

I've been thinking today about my first day at school.
It would have been about 1949 - and I guess I was about 6.
I was so excited, I felt like I was going to burst!  I can still feel that pent up excitement today.  I was going to have access to books, and even better, friends!
Throughout the day I was admonished several times to be quiet.
Finally, I was sent to the cloak room.  All alone.
No books.
No friends.
Just to "learn my lesson." 
No talking.
That cursed cloak room did not teach me my lesson.
I still get overwhelmingly happy and excited.
And then I talk.
Sorry, Mrs. Maring.  But not.
I'm really not sorry.
I will not apologize for being a vessel full of joy, who needs to let it out, all over everybody.
:)

Sandy Relief - Pay it Forward

Our youngest son and his band recently participated in a fund raiser for victims of Storm Sandy.  There seems to be a little something on it for most anybody.
It is certainly worthy of a listen, and if you find something you like, won't you contribute?
It is a fine effort BY a lot of good folks FOR a lot of good folks.
Wishing them great success.
Click here to hear and to contribute.