Crumbles

It's kinda interesting how starting *this baby quilt. . .

led to this crumb sewing. . .


and the crumb piecing led to . . .

me dragging out the little flower pieces of fabric. . .

to do more crumb sewing (I have a bunch of floral prints!). . .

soon, it went to a LOT of crumbs in neat little rectangles & squares. . . .

Now, my work space is not so neat. . .


but Larry is mending well, and will be working half days this week...!

Oh, I won a purse pattern from Linda, and it came this past week! Thanks Linda, for letting me choose this cute pattern!

Hope you're enjoying your days ~
Happy Quilting,
Pokey

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together." Psalm 34:3

*this meets the "brown and green" goal of my "Ten in '10" commitment. I didn't reach them all, but there are quite a few completed. :-}

Merry Christmas!

Together, or separated, it is true what they say, that all hearts go home for Christmas. I'm hoping peace, hope and love is there for us all.

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Christ is Lord, Merry Christmas!
Pokey

2010: A Year in Review

1. Debbie's Quilt, 2. Wedding Table Runners, 3. Plaid Ticker Tape, 4. My Snowgirl, 5. Zipper Purses,

6. Zippered Gift Purses, 7. hexie spinners quilt coming off the frame!, 8. Quilted "Love", 9. Mom Barb's Project Purse, 10. John Deere Pink Twins Quilts,

11. "Our America", 12. Lydia in her "Made with Love" Wedding Dress, 13. Zoe's Ladybugs, 14. Biscornu Pincushions, 15. Zoe's Ladybugs Binding,

16. My Favorite QuiltedFlower from JDP, 17. Ginny's First Quilt, 18. "Larry" stitched in Blue Kitchen Sink, 19. Larry's Blue Kitchen Sink, 20. Snowgirls to be Swapped

Thanks to a "how-to" tip from my friend Dolly, here's a little mosaic of the year in review. I had a few others that didn't get photographed before they were given (imagine that!), but mostly they are there.

Now, are you the kind that looks at your projects presented, and say, "Wow, I've gotten quite a bit done!"

Or, do you tend to say, "Man, there's so many things I wish I had finished..."
I'll just leave it there.

I do have my Google Reader down to 150. never got it to 0 this week,but made a 'dent' in that 1000+! :-}

By the way, you all need to go see Retromummy's gorgeous
Flower Sugar fabric giveaway, it is all so sweet!

Happy Quilting,
Pokey

"The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life." Job 33:4

Christmas is Coming

Christmas is so-o close, wow.

We decorated the house before Lydia's wedding, the day after Thanksgiving. Which was also the day the church was decorated, dress rehearsal day, and Jeff's bachelor's party.

But, it's finally beginning to feel like it this year at our house...

because my Larry is home.

Oh, he would not be happy with these photos! But I am, and you know why!

He is home with 18 staples, 5 prescriptions, and other things we need to deal with but--

He is Home!!!

Oh, how nice it is. Thank you, all who prayed and commented. Thank you, Lord!

Blessings, Pokey

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together." Psalm 34:3

Did You Know...

Did you know when you get behind on your Google Reader list, it will only tell you how much you are behind on reading your favorite blogs up to 1000? Last night when I went to bed, I was behind by 897, but this morning it says 1000+. I guess it figures if you are behind by more than 1000, you don't really care. But, I care, I really do. Just waiting for my "abby-normal" (abnormal) life to get back to normal. Oh well, a favorite quote of our household is "normal is a setting on the dryer"....

Larry is not quite healed enough to let drink or get his (nose) tube out. Or to digest or drink. We found out late afternoon Friday, and weekends being what they are in a hospital, probably no more tests until Monday. (This update is for family as much as anything, I'm sorry folks that are tired of hearing of our monotony.)

I'm sitting by his side, doing what I can. We hold hands a lot. Or, he holds my foot (grins) if I'm sewing. Yes, I'm hand stitching, don't faint. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do....

And when he gets bad news, he gets up and walks laps around the wing, pushing his IV. He's up to 5 laps at one time. That was after I left last night. It looks like we are in for a slow weekend. I hope your week is going better.

That's it for now. I'll see what the day brings. Have a good weekend, everyone!

Blessings, Pokey
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8

December 10, 2010: Larry

There is another "procedure" planned for Larry on Friday, when we were hoping for that surgical stuff to be over. But, talking to my nurse friend (hi, Nellie!), it is a GOOD thing to do. If all goes well, the doctors will let him have his first drink of water. The first drink since Monday, can you believe it? Talk about being thirsty!

I wish I had a printer to print these comments out to give him, or internet access on my phone. He's gonna appreciate your outpouring of love (and hold it over my head that I better remember how good I have it with such a great man, lol). What a guy...
Okay, I have a bit more hope, the sense of humor is returning....

Blessings, Pokey

"But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me." Psalm 22:19

Larry On Thursday Morning...

San Gorgonio Mountain is framed by a field of wild mustard flowers.

Larry and I are often accused of being joined at the hip. My friend Pam once teasingly said, "You only need one cell phone, you guys are always together." I told her we needed two for when we weren't together, like when he's trying to locate me in the store. (It really helps, I'm always wondering off in another direction. In Walmart, he's in electronics, I'm in fabrics...)

The nurses appreciate how kind he is. One told me that I really have a good guy. I know that, I said. But she stated again, "No, really, he has a good heart, and kind ways about him." You betcha, I've got a real keeper. That's why I hold him close! It's hard to see him sick, but he is improving at this point. I logged on this morning to update, and tell today's news. I cannot go in to see him until 10 am, so I sat here this morning reading to Larry over the phone all your kind words and prayers. Thank you. We are both humbled, and overwhelmed at friends saying hi, wishing well, and mostly lifting us up in prayer. God gives such grace to us, His dumb lil' sheep.

Larry was moved from ICU last night. He will not be allowed food for 2-3 days. He misses just drinking water the most. I think we are looking at Saturday or Sunday release, but things change. Keep praying regarding infection and congestion, please. That's it for now.

Blessings,
Pokey



"And Jesus said ...verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." Matthew 17:20

Larry's Update: Tueday 12/7/10

Friends, thank you so much for all the prayers and well wishes. I cannot answer all of you individually, but you have blessed my heart, and I read all the comments to Larry, and it so encouraged him, too! My sweet Larry came through emergency exploratory surgery this afternoon. With all the consent forms the Drs. had him sign, we didn't know what was going to be the outcome.

It ended successfully, Praise God. He was bleeding internally. He has a bleeding ulcer in his stomach, that ate through the outer wall and caused poisoning in his abdomen much like a ruptured appendix. Thankfully, they mended the stomach, and did not need to remove anything else (partial colon, intestines being mentioned!)

Now, he's in ICU. Pray for healing, no infection, and that his congestion doesn't become pneumonia....
Hugs, pokey

Psalm128:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him,
and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him.

My Larry...

...is not feeling too good these days.

We are hoping to have some answers soon ~

Please keep us in your prayers.

Love, Pokey

Psalm128:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him,
and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him.

A Few Pics ~

We started today at 4:15 a.m. to get the folks off to the airport. It has been a wonderful visit the last couple of weeks, and our first shared Thanksgiving with them for (too) many years. I have only a bit of photos to share, hopefully more to come. These are all purely candid shots... as if you couldn't tell....

The last of the hand sewing. I'm so thankful to Mom!

a close up...



A look of happiness thrown over the shoulder


Waiting



Happy bride, despite the tears!


Lydia and Daddy


Sweet, sweet friends! How could we have pulled this off without your help!!


Lydia's girls: Nellie, Arrianne, Jessica, Jenny, Stephanie, and Kim who is now Lydia's SIL.




Vicky, Beth, Mom, Ginny, me

Vicky is the best at keeping the "show on the schedule"...Pam is well known for her yummy and beautiful cakes.

Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Wise. Yikes! I'm a MIL.






Whew!



Happy Days,
Pokey

Wedding Day is Here!

Wedding Day at our house! Lydia has her beautician fixing her hair in the dining room. Daddy (Larry) and PaPa (Gil grandad) have run for ice and trash bags. Grandma (Barb) is mixing the pasta salad after one last dusting of the house. Jerry (honorary uncle) is out sweeping sidewalks. Jeff is here already, playing a tune on the piano in the front room. He's dressed and ready. I ironed the linens, and said thanks to the family well-wishers that cannot be here. All is well. We are blessed!

More later....

Happy Days,
Pokey

A Minute to Play

I hope these games aren't negative ones, I picked the images for the silly faces!

This is for my friend, Sue of Bits & Pieces, This & That. But you can join in! Copy and paste, and then answer the questions, and tell me you did!

1. Sweet or Savoury?
2. Dresses or Jeans?
3. House or Apartment?
4. Shop Online or Offline?
5. DVDs or Downloads?
6. Cocktails or Juice?
7. Chocolate or Strawberry?
8. Laptop or PC?
9. Magazines or Newspapers?
10. Facebook or Twitter?
11. CDs or MP3s?
12. Kids or Pets?
13. Cookies or Cupcakes?
14. Walk or Run?
15. Breakfast in Bed or Breakfast Out?
16. Market or Supermarket?
17. Sourdough or Grainy?
18. Heels or Flats?
19. Late nights or Not?
20. Coffee or Tea?

1. Sweet or Savoury? Love the sweet stuff...
   
2. Dresses or Jeans? I'm both
   
3. House or Apartment? I love our house
   
4. Shop Online or Offline? Online, especially Fabric.com!
   
5. DVDs or Downloads? Dvd's are easier for me
   
6. Cocktails or Juice? Juice blends are fun, always no alcohol
   
7. Chocolate or Strawberry? Depends on the day...
   
8. Laptop or PC? IMac computer
   
9. Magazines or Newspapers? Magazines, I'm addicted to quilt mags
   
10. Facebook or Twitter? Facebook if I need to
    
11. CDs or MP3s? MP3's I love to make my own!
    
12. Kids or Pets? I love them all
    
13. Cookies or Cupcakes? I'm the cookie monster, or at least his cousin...
    
14. Walk or Run? walk
    
15. Breakfast in Bed or Breakfast Out? I cook breakfast almost every morning. Today, oatmeal with brown sugar
    
16. Market or Supermarket? Supermarket. I just don't have time for more stops.
    
17. Sourdough or Grainy? grainy, I like those ones that have nuts even
    
18. Heels or Flats? flats. no heel taller than 2 inches anymore
    
19. Late nights or Not? I am up no later than 6:15 am without an alarm. No late nights
    
20. Coffee or Tea? TEA, for sure. Current favorite: Vanilla Chai, with Nestle's Cream Brulee

Thanks Sue! that's the break I needed this morning...!

Blessings,
Pokey

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!" Romans 11:33

The End of the Long Weekend

On the table beside a comfy chair, all the necessities to do the job: pin cushion, scissors,
Ott light, needle, thread, and a glass of mint iced tea.

So, I was blessed by so many things this week, were you? God is good.
Lydia and I had Saturday morning to ourselves, and so we watched "27 Dresses" - good wedding/chick flick I guess, and we sewed and fitted on her dress to our heart's content!

I'm doing the (dreaded) hand sewing of lace applique for her neckline. It has yellow-head quilting pins showing, and I'm sorry the lighting is so poor (see the pincushion above, the lace is winter white!), but it's coming along! I worked on the three layers of skirt, and the zipper,

but I decided to finish the neckline before adding the heavy skirt, and it seems to be easier.


Here is what is left of the tree:

and here is the hole. I think it will stay this way for a while...

There are 3 busy days of school for the little guys, with a big Pilgrim and Indian PowWow. We cook on Tuesday, making Pumpkin Pie Cake, and Corny Corn Bread. On Wednesday, we'll be cooking Pilgrim Stew. After that, I'm out of school until the wedding is over. Larry's folks come in on Thursday, I cannot wait to have them here! See you all around, I'm sure.

Happy Creativity!
Pokey

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." Psalm 98:4

We Had Some WIND Through Our Neck of the Woods~

And the wind blew so hard ~

~ what WAS a wonderful shade tree is down. So sad!

I was home alone, and I picked up my three potted trees 2 times each.



The window shade was beat into pieces and it had to be collected from across the back yard.


When I called Larry and Lydia to tell them about the major tree falling, they both thought I was talking about the potted Ficus on the front porch.



They both told me I sounded more excited about the accomplishment of hanging up the two towel racks, than the 25 foot tree falling, lol






Now, this is my neighbor, Toney, and his son, working the tree over this morning. Yes, folks, you can have great neighbors even in Southern California...!

We have a bit more to get done, now. Hmm.

Blessings, Pokey

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." Psalm 98:4