Sweet Potato Vine

The colors on these leaves are really nice.  They're in a planter box on my front porch.  I also have some of the lime green ones, but they don't do as well.

Christmas is coming

Yes, Christmas is coming.  The lights are strung (well, it's only one strand, but at least it's one strand!).

Presents are wrapped.

An evergreen based centerpiece is on the table. (Thank you Flower Child in Pflugerville!)

Cards were not sent.  Just can't get interested in that this year.

The weather is mild.
This is sunset at the edge of suburbia.

Pick-up Sticks

Today I finished putting together a top for the Baby Bundle project that the Austin guild sponsors. I had seen the pattern in a magazine and just had to try it.
Then I got bored.
So I made a total of 20 blocks, put them together, and have donated them to be made into a baby quilt for one of the local health department programs.
Our guild does almost 400 quilts a year and I'm one of the coordinators.  Come July, I'll get my guest room back and can spend more time on making quilts and less time on organizing.

Thanksgiving 2012

This is the house of my sister and brother-in-law.   They've lived here, out in the country near Austin for maybe twenty years.


Most years, they invite all of the extended family over for Thanksgiving.  They do the turkey, brisket, sausage, pies, and some sides.  Many people bring even more.  My specialty is pumpkin cake and brocolli/rice/cheese cassarole. 

This year, only 40 or so came.  Twenty one of their kids, grandkids, and great-grands.  Six from my family.  Four of my BIL's family.  And their son brought five neighbors. 

The barbeque pit is HUGE!

Dinner is held in the garage, which has been decorated in old-time tools, kitchen tools, games, toys, whatever.



First a circle is formed on the driveway and thanks are given.







Before dinner, I helped my BIL finish weeding the carrots in his garden.

Afterward, I held a giveaway from the trunk of my car.  I'm trying very hard to downsize my stuff, and my great nieces and nieces still have room for some of it.  This time it was mostly picture frames and the Tupperware that I won as a door prize at my last class reunion.

Thanksgiving is definitely my favorite holiday.

Hope you had a good time, too.

Shells from Rockport

I gathered some shells on my trip to Rockport.

(Actually, I gathered them from a store on the main street, but we won't mention that!)

I think they add just the right touch of peach color and height to my bedside table.

The Park in downtown Rockport has a nice trail through it, My friend and I enjoyed a walk there in the early morning, before it heated up.

Then back to The Retreat House for some uninterrupted sewing.

Iris - almost there!

It's getting closer.  May even be done.  Got to see how it looks when it dries.  Seems a little too contrasty to me.  Looks more bi-color than highlighted.

Here is an updated version - I've lightened the background to get better contrast and brightened its beard.  Framing really helps, too.

llllll

kkk

Gratitude

I'm having camera problems, so this will be a text only post.
Several of my great nieces have been listing the objects of their gratitude on Facebook.
They've inspired me to think about that, too.
So here goes:
1.  I am grateful that I have a sweet and loving daughter with whom I have a good relationship. I cannot imagine better.
2.  I am grateful that I have a safe, comfortable home.  I love to play with its decoration and I love the ability to express myself with color, art, and shimsey.
3.  I am grateful for my sister and her husband.  It is amazing to find someone who really understands me and loves me.  These two people are always there for me when I need them.  Their home is relaxing and warm and welcoming.
4.  I am grateful for my 13 yo car that is still reliable, efficient, and PAID FOR.
5.  I am grateful for numerous quilting friends who invite me over for conversation and mutually enjoyed activity.  Friends who will come over and provide wonderful company.
6.  I am grateful for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren and for their love.
7.  I am grateful for the many wonderful memories of my parents.
8.  I am grateful for my pension and my monthly Social Security check.
9.  I am grateful for my collection of fabric and sewing equipment.
10.  I am grateful that I will be able to spend Thanksgiving with my extended family.
11.  I am grateful that I had two good marriages.  (even if they didn't last as long as I wanted.)
12.  I am grateful that I have found an art teacher who is local, competent, and affordable.
13.  I am grateful that my health insurance pays for my gym membership and has led me to regular excercise.
14.  I am grateful tha my daughter has gotten past her brain surgery with flying colors.
15.  I am grateful that my son-in-law cares so deeply about my daughter and is there for her to lean on.
16.  I am grateful for fresh fruit and veggies from the local HEB.
17.  I am grateful for neighbors who maintain decent lawns without expecting me to be working on mine all the time.
18.  I am grateful that my favorite TV show is now on and I can watch it.......