Happy Thanksgiving!

I know.  Thanksgiving isn't for several weeks but at the rate I'm going, I should probably wish it to you now.  Just in case.  

First, everything here is fine.  Really.  It's just been busy.  My Mom has started physical therapy and -- her words -- she's getting a bit friskier.  She also had a couple of doctor's appointments and she desperately needed a haircut, so we were out-and-about this week.  And then it was Senior Day at the grocery store.  And I had to run my sewing machine out to the shop as I think I burned out the foot pedal ~ old Bernina, not an unusual problem.

But what I really want to do is go on a quilt retreat with all of you!  

May I start out by saying "awwww...."?  

I loved reading how many of you made sure that you'd be bringing along friends.  And it seems like we all do the same thing at retreats ~ laugh.  A lot.  It also made me really happy to know that so many of you need the same things I do ~ reading glasses, good light and a comfortable chair.  And music!  I think you all know that I'm not really into the audiobooks, but I do like music when I sew.

But Nancy... ix-nay on the Christy Minstrels.  Bad idea.  I've always liked them but I start singing along and then... well, it's not good.  Ear plugs would be mandatory... which, by the way, I think most of us would agree aren't a bad idea at retreat anyway.

I always laugh reading about the snacks though.  The first time I taught at a big retreat ~ years ago ~ one of the retreaters brought one of those dorm-sized refrigerators.  Seriously.  She got one of the young men at the hotel to carry it up the flight of stairs to the retreat room and it was stocked with soda and chocolate.  How ingenious is that?  Of course, if we had locked up the room that first night, we would have had enough snacks and soda to lay siege for a couple of months.  Havoc would have ensued from everyone being on a sugar high, but we definitely wouldn't have starved.  

Since you know I don't do things in singles, and since I have to make up for leaving you hanging this past week, I have a several winners.  I've already e-mailed everybody so check your e-mail boxes to see if you need to send me your mailing address.  

The winners of an Ikea light, a signed book and a bundle of Nine Dots fat quarters are:  

• Amber ~ who will be wearing black and white polka dot pajama pants 
• Kim ~ who is bringing Carmello bars and Dr. Pepper for everyone!
• Susan ~ who has never been on a quilting retreat but already knows to bring fuzzy socks and peanut M&Ms
• Debbie ~ who is bringing her pink Fiskars and her long pins

And while I'm out of lights, I still have a signed book and bundle of Nine Dots fat quarters for:

• Gina ~ who is bringing a drawing by her daughter, dark chocolate and Shiraz
• Cindy F ~ who is wearing her fuzzy socks
• Jennifer ~ who is bringing chocolate and scissors (probably to keep moi away from her chocolate!)
• Lizzie ~ who is bringing Dove Dark, her dog Annika and her pink reading glasses

Ladies ~ check your e-mail!

As for what I've been up to, I've been building some houses.  Lots and lots of little houses.  I have now officially made the quilt on the front cover of the pattern.  

But these are just eighteen ~ okay, just twelve are in the picture ~ of the 122 houses of one size or the other that I've made all-totaled.  Not this past week... just since I made the first quilt.  Three of this size quilt, the Tiny Town I showed you a while back and then some playing around... but more on that by Wednesday.  I'd show you now but I have to finish a binding, stuff some pincushions and wash something so that it is all quilt-y.  And get the directions for the variations all written up.  

Until then, let it suffice to write that I've gotten one or two things made for Christmas.   

And I will be back before then.  

Unless I go on retreat instead.  

 

Comments

[simone]

I'm glad to read your mum is doing better. And after the hair cut I am sure she felt even better.
Congrats to the winners.
Love the Christmas Houses!!!

[Linda P]

Congrats to the winners!
Love those little houses, and must find the pattern or order - today would be good. Our closest quilt shop is 45 min away now, in good weather.
Glad things are going well there, except for the foot pedal on the machine - should we all get a spare?

[kathie]

congrats to the winners!
ok, I really love the holiday house quilt I need some of that fabric!
glad all is well in your little world and mom is improving...
kathie

[Auntie Pami]

Hope your foot pedal is ok. Glad your Mom is doing better.

[Lizzie]

Glad to hear your mom is ok.....love the christmas houses!

[Sandie~ call me crazy]

Congrat's to the lucky winners! And thank you for such generosity!
Love the holiday houses! :-)
Have a happy day!

[Wendy P]

I just got that Schnibbles pattern so I can make a Christmas wallhanging version too! How great that I am thinking like you!

Thanks for the early Thanksgiving wishes!

[Archie the wonder dog]

Great to her your mam is getting better, hope your machine recovers soon!

[Colleen M]

Glad things are going well, I was getting a bit worried. Picked up your new book the last time I was at JoAnn's. I'm adding the lamp to my Christmas wish list. Take care!

[Mary Ann]

Oh my gosh, a Christmas town...I'm so jealous I may log off the computer and go start cuting! LOL

[Cindy F]

I can't believe I won! Thank you so much for your generosity! This is so exciting!

I'm so happy to hear your mom is feeling friskier. Having a good attitude is so important for physical therapy, as I learned with my father these past couple of months. Best wishes to you both!

[sherri]

Glad to know your Mom is doing well...I sure love the Sweetwater version of Full House...I'm just getting ready to start a Christmas version myself!

[Elliptical reviews]

No offense, but if there's a facebook like button, it'll be much easier for me to share.