this time of year...

This time of year we start getting into the "sorry, can't talk about it" or "sorry, can't show any pictures" mode.

We know my challenge quilt is still in the voting stages, and that won't close unitl next Saturday.  Maybe they ought to consider a 10 day voting period, instead of 2 full weeks.  Anyway, time's moving along on that one.

I'm also in another swap, The Twelve Days of Christmas.  I participated last year, and it's fun.  At least 12 people join in, the more the merrier, and each person makes 12 items that are mailed to the coordinators.  They swap out the gifts (they are wrapped when sent in, and have our individual names on the outside of the package for being "from"), and mail them out in time for us to open one a day before Christmas.  As we open the one a day, we get on the forum at HGTV and let them know we opened something, but can't say what so the other people will be surprised.  Last year I sent in my embroidered hankies, and received among other things a potholder, decorated journal using scrapbooking supplies, and a hot pad for the table.  The idea is to do an inexpensive remembrance type gift.   While I can't say specifically what I'm doing this year, I can say I'm using up some of my binding tape that I've had awhile!  And I'm learning a new-to-me technique too, so that's a good thing.

Shifting gears, every fall the local Friends of the Library hosts a Mansfield Writes program, as well as a Mansfield Reads program in another part of the year.  I went to the writing program Friday night, and it was an enjoyable evening listening to 6 authors, mostly local people.   Diane Kelly, Liz Lipperman, Carl Stower, Wendy Watson, and Melissa Bourbon, and newspaper columnist Judy Lee spoke and answered questions, and also of course had their books available for purchase.   It turns out the fellow I was seated next to has also written a couple of books, Ken Aldridge.  I don't know that Carl Stower has ebooks, but the others do, and I'm ready to read the few I've downloaded.  I think they'll be entertaining. 

I was talking to my neighbor the other day, and she homeschools her girls.  She talked about craft time, and I may be helping them learn to sew.  There are several projects that they could do, and would serve to introduce them to sewing...pillowcases, pot holders, and coasters, and who knows what else.  Should be fun. 

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

just a thought

I've been having trouble with my U-Verse service the last 2 or 3 months.  After several phone calls, all with very polite technical help, yesterday a service tech came to take a look.  He replaced the receiver box, and it worked fine while he was here....then a couple of hours later it started doing the same thing.  The screen just goes black, it all turns off.  Sigh.

Now here's my thought.  It actually hasn't been bad not having a television on.  Oh sure, I enjoy watching the Olympics, and Elise does like her cartoons, but on the whole, I think I could live without a tv.  I'm going to think about this a few days, but maybe I'll just take the plunge and have them disconnect the service entirely.  I'll  just get internet service only, and be done with it.

I can get news through the internet and various IPad apps, and possibly some tv shows.  I guess my biggest loss would be Dancing With the Stars.    And I know for a fact I get more done, more books read, when I'm not glued to the tv.  Plus there are dvd's I can watch, and they don't require assistance from satellite/cable/microfiber.  Decisions, decisions.

Anyone know of those who have disconnected from the big box in the living room?

e-reads

I've managed to read a few e-books.  I don't know if I've mentioned the Eternity Springs series by Emily March, but I've just got one left to read.  I think the series is available in both e-books and hard copy, so check them out.  I got mine through the local library.  I know I've mentioned this before, but I love that books are available for download even if its the middle of the night.  Of course, there's the possibility you'll be placed on a waiting list, but that happens with the regular checkout process so there's really no difference in that regard.

Another e-book I read recently was Does This Mean You'll See Me Naked? by Robert D. Webster.  Subtitled Field Notes From a Funeral Director.  I almost hesitate to say this, but what the heck...it's a fun little read.  Obviously with the subject matter there's some serious material in there, but it is interesting and with an appropriate touch of humor.  If you're not squeamish about the topic of death, you might want to take a look.  And even if you are, you could learn something useful.


Along the lines of e-books, keep an eye on my sister's blog.  She's close to getting her first e-book published, targeting the end of this month!  I'll leave the details to her to reveal, but we're excited.  :)

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

what am I doing????

I've noticed that I'm not posting near as often as I used to.  It's been close to three weeks since my last entry.  So what have I been doing?  Nothing earth shattering that should keep me away from my adoring public, so I will do better.  :)

I have  been reading a bit.  At the library the other day, I came across some books by Nancy Atherton.  She has a series featuring Aunt Dimity, nice little cozy mysteries.  I've read  3 of them now, and she's a good read.  I wish I could have read them in sequence, but the library didn't have all of them available to be that picky.  Fortunately it doesn't put a damper on the story line, but since some of  the characters are continued throughout the series, it just puts me ahead of the game when I do read a book that features them.   The picture on the left is her newest release.



My QB group met here yesterday.  Sorry, no pictures.   Originally a group of 4 of us who get together once a month to work on whatever projects command our attention, this week there were 7 of us.  Kay worked on some mending, Carolyn on her beading, Linda on some hand quilting, and I helped Lisa with her t-shirt quilt she's making.  Marciel was taking in how to do the t-shirt quilt for one she's started, and Wendy brought along a 23-year old baby quilt project.  Boy, when that one's finished, she ought to get some kind of award for finishing a UFO!  (That's an unfinished object.)  After a nice little potluck lunch, we each got in close to 3 hours of project time, along with laughter and camaraderie.  I'm glad these ladies are in my life.

I've also expanded my horizons in the musical direction.  Since the Grammys were held recently, there's been some buzz about Adele.   She sang at least one of her songs during the show, "Rolling in the Deep",  and I really liked it so I bought the CD.  And then, technologically advanced that I am, I put it on my Ipod.  I have a playlist, named QB Ladies, that has a couple of hours of listening pleasure, and she's been added to the list.  I picture it coming in handy when I'm walking (hey, I have big aspirations even if its not a regular practice right now) because its got a good beat to it.

 Speaking of walking, I'm not prone to regular exercise.  Yes, I recognize the benefits of it, I just don't make the best effort.  So, in an effort to do better, I've ordered a dvd of chair exercises for seniors.  I can't believe that I'm putting this in print.  I remember years ago taping a chair exercise show for my mother to help her get some movement, and now here I am.  Wish me luck.

Guess that's it for now.  Hopefully it won't be 3 weeks  before I'm on here again.