Thursday, January 31, 2008

New Blog Graphic

Angela commented on my new graphic, so I thought I'd explain what it really is. I've started knitting the Modern Quilt Wrap, designed by Mags Kandis and published in "Folk Style" (published: September 10, 2007). You can get the pattern free at Knitting Daily by clicking on the link. Here's a picture of my work in progress.

As you can see on the closeup, I've added silver-lined clear beads to my wrap. I love how it's looking and can't wait to wear it!

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Krispy Kreme Challenge

While I was in Myrtle Beach, SC, with my quilting friends, two of my sons, one granddaughter, and her mother were in Raleigh participating in the "Krispy Kreme Challenge". The challenge consists of a 2-mile run from the Bell Tower on the campus of North Carolina State University to the Krispy Kreme location, where all participants attempt to eat one dozen (that's 12) Krispy Kreme donuts (no, they're not hot) and then run the same 2-mile course back to the finish line--all that within the allotted 2 hours. Oh, and they're asked to do that without "losing" the donuts on the return trip. For that, they receive a t-shirt. If you've ever eaten Krispy Kreme donuts, you know how easy they slide down your throat when they're hot--and you'll remember that awful, sluggish, whale-like feeling you have after you've eaten one-too-many of them. Imagine eating 12 of them--when they've cooled off--and drinking whatever liquid you have to in order to get them down--and then running 2 more miles! Anyway, they made a lot of money for the Children's Hospital in Raleigh, and they ran off all those extra calories and fat grams--and they have a cool story to tell about it. Good for them! Sorry I don't have pictures for you--husband forgot the camera...


Elizabeth awaits the surprise party for Ellen & Eula Mae.
Diane ponders a menu.
I had a great time in Myrtle Beach with the quilters. We tolerated a very wet carpet in the living/dining area of our condo, but aside from that had a very good time. We sewed, attended classes, celebrated Ellen's and Eula Mae's birthdays, and visited with old friends--all the while wearing our shoes to keep our feet dry. The only regret at the end of the retreat was that we didn't have enough time there. Next year I think we'll go a day earlier.
Ellen and Mardelle share memories at the party.

Robbin shows one of her quilts at Show & Tell.
And speaking of next year: Mardelle Smith announced on Monday that the Myrtle Beach Quilt Party in 2009 will be in a new location at Myrtle Beach, the beautiful new Hilton just north of where we stayed this year. The website looks promising, and Mardelle really knows how to negotiate "deals" for us. I'm looking forward to it--especially with an extra day to relax and enjoy. We'll still have to find time to eat burgers at River City Cafe and Mexican food at Abuelo's

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Myrtle Beach, here we come!


It's that time of year again--the Myrtle Beach Quilt Party starts tomorrow! If you've been before, I'll probably see you there. If you have never been, then you're really missing a good time. We meet at the Ocean Dunes Resort and Villas in Myrtle Beach (on the north side of Myrtle Beach, but NOT North Myrtle Beach). More than 100 quilters from all over the country converge for classes, shopping, show & tell, and fellowship every January. It's a great time of year for such a trip--the middle of the 'gray season' when the sun is typically hidden in all parts of the country except the south beaches. I'll be staying in a 2-bedroom villa with 4 other quilters this year. We're leaving early tomorrow morning (Wednesday) and will return on Sunday afternoon. We'll come home full of inspiration and ideas for new projects and very, very tired. I hope to see you there!

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Oh, Life is Good!


DH had surgery on 1/7. We got the pathology results on 1/14. And guess what? They were GOOD! Benign Schwannoma. You can look it upon Google if you want to know more. What we know is that it is GONE and we don't have to watch it anymore. No more CT Scans! Yippee!! This is US doing a happy dance!

Truly, we weren't prepared to hear good news. We hadn't heard good news in a very long time. We were stunned, shocked, and awe struck at the surgeon's words. Today actually is the first day of the rest of our lives!

So much to look forward to, so much to do to get ready. Myrtle Beach Quilt Party starts next week. The 2008 Winter Knitting Retreat in Boone, NC, starts March 6. National Quilt Society show in Paducah, KY, begins April 23. I'll fill you in later. Right now I'm still celebrating our blessings. I hope you are, too.