Wednesday, January 26, 2011

It's time for the fair...er, stock show

I have to admit, fairs have always been a special place for me.  Dad was the grounds superintendent at the local fair when I was growing up.  Our house was on the property just outside the gate, and the fairgrounds were my backyard.

My bike took me all over the grounds.  I liked to go to the wishing well, which was in a park-like setting.  There were weeping willows, and benches, and nooks and crannies.   As I played, I could picture the area as it looked in those 4 days that the fair was in full swing.  Right across the way was the pastrami booth, which always had a huge line.  That was the only time of the year I had pastrami, and it was such a treat.  Of course, this was in the time of very few fast food eateries.

The VFW hall had the hamburger stand at the north end of the grassy area.  You never had a grilled burger like they served.  The smell of the meat on the grill and the onions permeated the air.

The shish-ka-bob stand was right across from VFW.  Chunks of steak, tomatoes, onions, peppers. I never ate that then, but looking back now I bet they were terrific.  I had never had food like that at home, and wasn't very brave about trying something new.  And as I think back on the pastrami, I didn't try it for several years for the same reason.

Right around the corner was the taco stand.  Seems like Mom was part of the group of ladies that ran it, and she helped on serving some.  This was another popular stand, and always a line.

The common theme was the sense of community.  Organizations were active participants, which of course meant more people could experience the fun and work.   When you ordered that burger, or picked up the novelty item from the youth groups' booth, chances were good that you knew who was serving you and could share a laugh or comment.

I liked to ride my bike to the grandstand area, particularly on the day after an event throughout the year.  I've pulled many nickles, dimes, and quarters out of the dirt that fell out of pockets and down to the ground!

There was also the livestock area.  The 4-H  and FFA kids camped out close to their cows, horses, pigs, or sheep, and the fair was a culmination of their work as they vied for ribbons and bragging rights.

Speaking of bragging rights, each of my sisters and I entered our chocolate vinegar cake in the baked goods competition over the years, and I'm thinking we each got a first prize ribbon for it.  (I know I did!)   And I had some crocheted slippers that got an honorable mention.  Good memories.

 The Fort Worth Stock Show is on now, and I may have to head over there.  Haven't been in several years, and they don't have displays of quilts or handwork, but it's still a good time just waiting for me.  There will be lots of those livestock, especially the cows!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Monday, Monday


Another Monday rolls around, and a good Monday it is.  My perspective on Mondays sure has changed since I retired, and that's a good thing. 

Not a lot going on, but I did make a little tool caddy for the sewing room.  Over on the HGTV forum, they're having Friday nite pajama party tutorials.  There's lots of virtual chocolate and goodies and beverages to enjoy while learning a project.  Keep You in Stitches was the teacher this time around, and here's my completed project.  Actually this is my second one, I gave the first to Nolene. 

Speaking of Nolene, dear sister had a birthday just the other day.  Let's see if I can find a picture where she's smiling for the camera...ah, yes, I've got one.  This was last summer when Carl was in town for our vacation trip.   Happy birthday again Nolene!

I got the pillow shams finished and mailed off. They're a cream color (think muslin, only it's not muslin) with a dusty rose binding. 

And I've finished altering two of David's Hawaiian t-shirts.  I'll let him check them out and try them on before I do the other three.   I took off the sleeves to take about an inch off of the shoulders, as well as a good inch or so on each side, and a few inches off the bottom.  I'm glad I did these, it's got me thinking about one of my shirts that I need to make some adjustments on.  The trick is to get it done while it's fresh in my mind and not have to re-think how to do it.
 
Oh, I almost forgot.  I worked another jig saw puzzle, this one was Las Vegas.  It was fun.  I like these with all kinds of things to find in it... it's colorful, and while a challenge, not tedious. You can click on the picture to take a closer look.


Guess that's it for now.   Have a good week!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

where did my muse go????

I don't seem to have as much to say lately, I think my muse has taken a vacation.   However, I've not been entirely useless.  More than one puzzle has been completed, I've been working on a couple of shams (which has dragged out wa-a-a-a-ay too long), altered a t-shirt for David since he's lost 20 pounds (this was a test run for 5 more shirts to see if it would work and it did), and stayed in out of the cold as much as I could.




I also caught up on some television, thanks to Netflix.  I've watched a couple of seasons of Moonlighting, and I'm on the second season of Northern Exposure.  I know, I know, these were from like the late 80's or early 90's.  What can I say?  Don't think I ever watched Moonlighting, even though it won awards, and only caught part of the last season of NEx.  But hey, better late that never.  I saw a Bones episode the other day, so now I'm going to check Netflix and maybe I can start that series from the beginning.  

I did make me a journal cover, finally.  Got the tutorial a year ago, and made one for my secret sister at the time (dtigger) and also one for Donna, a friend who was retiring.   It took me clear till now, but I finally got mine made.

I'm in the secret sister exchange again for 2011, and got my January package about a week or so ago.  I had mentioned that I want to do a landscape quilt, so she sent me a book about them, as well as some wonderful red silicone potholders (I think they're called silicone), and a package of 5 rotary blades.  As I mentioned in my thank you on the forum, I don't think I've ever  bought 5 rotary blades at one time...I won't know what to do with them! 

And, last but not least, happy birthday wishes go out to David.  Couldn't ask for a better son-in-law.  :)