Halloween

Yesterday was a crazy day.

I jammed up my machine late Wednesday night and drove over hill and dale all day yesterday to get her repaired.

6 hours, 150 miles & $100.00 later, this was removed from her motor & she is cured. 

This morning, Murray arrived.

He was so tired, he slept most of the afternoon.

Then we sat outside and handed out candy. 

It's so cold, I needed a sweatshirt.

Of course, this was happening across the street.

A DJ, zombies, lotsa f bombs, a priest with no pants on, underage drinking...

I could go on...but why?

HALLOWEEN PROBLEMS.

Welcome to the neighborhood. 

It's only once a year.

I chose kindness.

I hope you will, too.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Let's see....

I've spent too much time today perusing the winning quilts at Quilt Fest, Houston.

I'm gobsmacked...over lo quality photos.

Claudia's Fern Rising took 3rd in Embellished Quilts!

I can't wait to hear what Barb thinks....she'll be seeing these masterpieces in person.

Here's the link, if you're so inclined.

http://www.quilts.org/winners.html

I got the binding finished on this quilt.

(These bindings may or may not be responsible for my extended QuiltFest internet preoccupation. Binding = Bleck!  Quilts shows > Bleck!  Well, well, looks like I got my math practice in today.)

Note to self...do not ulcerate about which direction the doodles are facing.

Can you believe that I, queen of 'done is better than perfect', actually resewed a binding cause the doodles were not all going the same way?

Who would have noticed?

Not one living soul.

Clearly, I am not myself.

I wonder who I am?

Whoever that is, I wish she would stop wasting my time.

I also attached the binding to the front of this.

And, I increased my itty bitty 9 patch tally to 117.

Here's what that looks like.

On my way to 196...

That doesn't count the alternating 9 patches....WWIT?

ADT finally came yesterday.

I have to say, that is one of the most poorly run companies I have ever dealt with.

The technician was a real nice guy, the FOB I got in August had a glitch in the programming.

So far, no sirens have sounded and no law enforcement has been called. 

Although, I was on pins & needles all night wondering when the screeching would commence.

Fingers crossed it's fixed. 

And lastly, on this National Cat Day, 2014, I give you.....

                          >>>> insert drum roll <<<<

                            Please hold your applause....

                                Alvin of Syracuse

A cat who thinks he's a dog...

Or a meatloaf...

It depends on the day.

Cat-Dog or Meatloaf...he's the sweetest feline I've ever known.

And he's pretty cute, too.

Alas, he only has eyes for Murray.

By the way, how would you type a drum roll sound?

Inquiring minds want to know.

If there are typos today, please understand. 

I'm afraid to proofread, as I fear I sound especially unbalanced today.

You may applaud now....

For Alvin...

Or because this insanity has come to an end...

Whatever.

Be kind to each other

XO

Better with Borders

This is not something I would usually say....

But I am today.

I added the borders to this flimsy...

And I like it so much better!

I think it needed some fabrical (Meglish) consistency. 

Beau & Lily came for a visit while I was photographing. 

Aren't they cute?

What's funny, is they aren't related.

Or even the same breeds.

But they look so darn good together, don't they?

I enjoyed thier visit...

But it made me miss my Frannie even more.

BooHoo!

Kindness....

Meg

XO

Today

I spent today waiting for ADT.

My appointment was for 8-12.

When they didn't show, I called and they told me they'd be there this afternoon.

When the afternoon passed, I called and they said between 5-8.

At 5:00, they called and said they need to reschedule for tomorrow.

Is it me, or is this ridiculous?

My friend Nancy needed a ride to the doctor and I said I couldn't do it.

Plus, it was gorgeous out today, perfect for a long walk or bike ride.

IMHO, we don't even need a flippin' alarm.

Ugh.

I made this while I was waiting.

I also increased the total 9 patches for marmalade to 80.

I need 196.

Mostly, I languished in front of the TV.

I can't remember the last time I watched daytime television.

(Of course, I was PPPing my Claudia lessons on whiteboard)

I could've accomplished so much more, but I'm just not with it today.

I'm distracted....headachy.

I skipped the HOA meeting tonight.

Hope tomorrow will be better.

Kindness...it never hurts.

XO

Meg

Airing of the Quilts

SWFQG held the airing of the quilts today.

I offered to help out at this event, but was never called.

So, I went as a quilt lover...

Good call, Meg.

It was a gorgeous day, perfect for walking around looking at quilts blowing in the breeze.

There were quite a few quilts.

Some were for showing.

Some were for sale.

Sometimes...

I like to look at the backs...longarm quilter weirdness. 

At the last guild meeting they said they like to have antique quilts hanging.

Apparently, no one came forward with their treasures, so, Sadly, there weren't any antique quilts hanging in the show.

Shoot, I could've displayed Colleens RetroClean miracles.

Oh well, there's always next year.

This event was held at the Edison Winter Home in Fort Myers.

Yikes...what a beautiful spot.

Fig trees abound.

I think this MUST be the fig capital of the civilized world.

The gardens are magnificent, with plants & trees from all over the world.

All labeled with the common and unpronounceable names.

Cinnamon, Allspice...I didn't even know these were trees!

Museums and historical buildings....

All set on the shore of the Caloosahatchee River.

***swoon***

(Hope I spelled that right...too pooped to google)

If I wasn't so tired from driving back from Orlando, I would've spent hours here.

Thankfully, it's close by, so I can revisit as often as I like.

I may even become a member.

Don't forget about keeping kindness.

XO

Inspiration Overload

My classes with Claudia Pfiel were FANTASTIC!

I mean...over the top information, inspiration & fun.

Pinch me!

I knew Claudia's work was breathtaking.

What I didn't know was how generous she is.

Hours upon hours of secrets, tips, designs and shortcuts.

Feathers

Border designs

Shape designs & Wholecloth options.

Quilty overload...I can't wait to get back to Lola-baby!

I should have taken more photos, but I didn't want to miss anything she said. 

And I have the DVD, e books & class handouts to remind me. 

She made it so fun...

She's patient & encouraging...

Open to questions....

She pushes you to try new things...

She's got a contagious love of quilting...

A vault of creative ideas in her head...

And a kickass sense of humor...

The time just flew by.

After the classes, she shared her story & had a trunk show. 

Her Quilty journey is heartwarming, Top Shelf Shit!

(I wish she lived closer, I'd make her be my friend.)

She explained how she constructs these masterpieces...mind boggling.

And seeing so many of her quilts in one place is, well, ErMahGah!

This is the BACK of her Mermaid quilt.

Here's a shot of all of us in front of Fire & Ice.

Vickie, Debbie, Claudia, me, Dell & Sue.

(Not sure who is on the far left, the Trunk Show was crowded)

If you get a chance to study with her, RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN.

I promise, you won't be sorry. 

Thanks, Claudia...

I loved you & your classes to hell!

PLEASE, COME BACK SOON.

AND, 

Thank you to Lisa at Wandering Stitches, Orlando, for hosting this great event.

This is a great shop...a must visit for ANY Quilty Orlando visitors.

Great fabrics, kits, notions & staff!

UFO, A Flimsy & Finish

I finished piecing my Tradewinds flimsy.

I'm still meh about it.

Hopefully, I'll like it better after Lola-fication.

More orphans for the pile made from the leftover strips & pieces. 

Oddly, I cut just what the pattern said & had lots leftover. 

I also finished the binding on the 2nd twin quilt for the FL guest room.

I'm meh about this, too.

It is nice to have matching (sorta) quilts in there. 

For now.

I resurrected this UFO this morning.

It's the last of my Marmalade stash....a favorite of mine.

I need to finish it.

Tomorrow I head to Orlando for my Claudia encounter. 

I hope I can sleep tonight...

I'm heading to Pats for baked ziti tonight...

I'll have a glass of wine there, which should help.

Remember....Kindness is always the best choice. 

XO