I've been in a weather funk!

Central Ohio is working toward record snowfall this February (usually one of the two driest months in Ohio).  A few weeks back we did get all the snow that was promised, and then some.  And then another storm shortly after and little bits daily since then.  It was beautiful and sparkling while it fell, with huge flakes or sometimes the cutest little snow pellets.  Otherwise, I'm so over the snow and the piles of dirty snow everywhere.  We had a whole day of sunshine last week and it really felt good.  I even opened my windows most of the day, even though it was slightly below freezing temps.  

With all the snow came overfilled gutters of ice and gutter to ground icicles.   One of the largest (easily 25" diameter;  I'm sure I looked funny to the neighbors hanging off the stairwell trying to knock it down with the broom handle) just happened to be outside the wall of my spare quilting/computer room, leaving water spots on and a buckle in the wall and cracks in the corner.  Just what I needed.

Another was off the back gutter to my deck. It was so large I couldn't break it with a hammer, so I chipped away at it for days until the hammer could break off the largest part.  Despite my best efforts to make it fall away from the house, the icicle ice monster fell into the huge pile of frozen snow and previously chipped ice, pushing it all right into my dining room.   

The good news is that we are in for a week of 30-deg temps and then a week of 40s!!  I am so ready for beautiful flowers, lush hostas, and my CSA.  And long walks on dry ground.

Countdown

I have meetings every night this week, so this morning I pulled out stuff to work on once the Olympics start:  a new sock and handquilting.

I started the handquilting years ago but didn't get far.  I waffle about handquilting a top purchased at a sample sale (vs. something I made myself), so I may take out the stitching on that one block and go for some big stitch utility quilting instead.

Morning sampler

Mary's new sock kick has motivated me to a finish.  (And she is fast!) Mary, I love that you're making them in Scarlet & Gray -- Buckeye colors.  ; )

This pair was started in May'09 and has been languishing... waiting for those last 20 or so rows of the second leg to be done.  As is my usual, once I know what it's going to look like, I've moved on.

Last week I discovered that this young pup has been using my dining room as his personal potty.  I have an open kitchen/dining/living area, but I never go through the dining room, or even use it much for that matter. Unfortunately I've had to go back to crating him while I'm at work.  Here's a picture of one of his milder moments this morning.

Non-diet food:  I made some kolaches to take to work today.  One could find sausage kolaches in nearly every donut shop in north Texas, but no one locally has heard of them. Just as well, since it's cheaper to make them. This last batch is fresh from the oven, but a couple mysteriously vaporized as soon as this picture was snapped!  

Eckrich breakfast links rolled in Pillsbury Grands biscuits (biscuits were separated in half horizontally before rolling).

We're supposed to be in for "the biggest snowstorm of the season" today and tomorrow, but it hasn't started yet. Are the weather people in your area incite-ful alarmists too?  By listening to them, you'd never know this is a northern climate with four seasons.

The good news is... I finally found the cord to my new camera!  It looks just like one of my computer cords, so it was right under my nose the whole time.

Happy Thanksgiving/Christmas/NewYear!

I really am still alive.  I just haven't been in the quilting mood for so, so long.  Well, I haven't been in the mood to make anything... but I still think about quilting nearly every day all day.

During my little unintended hiatus from blogging I did manage to finish a couple of string quilts, bind several JSS quilts, start only one new quilt, organize all the pictures and free patterns stored on my computer, clean and organize my sewing/storage room, make some QAYG blocks, and work on cutting 'kits' for some long-term scrap projects.  Seems like boring, un-blogworthy shtuff.  Plus the usual day-to-day work, family, dog, exercise, and choke over the cost of medical treatment.   If I could find my camera cord, I'd share it all with you!

And I'd share a picture of the puny little snow we got last night, but go check out Jeanne's California pics instead... amazing!


Sheila
P.S. It seems blogger has changed a bit; I may have to retrain myself!

Knock, knock...

... is anyone home?

I'm here.  Just hadn't been feeling that great and ended up in the big white house again for a few days last week after some trouble breathing.   After an oxymoronic "minor" invasive procedure ("It's done hundreds of times a day."  "Well, not to me it's not!"), I'm home and feeling better than I have in months.  I can live with nothing but D5W to eat, but they really need to work on that letting the patient sleep thing.

Some good news was that I'd lost 9 pounds in the month since my last episode.  Yeah, it may be fluid loss, but it's still a loss.  I've been 99% diligent about what I eat, eating only fresh foods prepared by me and splurging with one meal out on paydays.  Not entirely easy when you cook for one, but it has to become a way of life if I want to be around to see those grandkids grow up!

AND!  I have a hunky new workout partner and personal trainer.  He's the antithesis of my preferred tall, dark & handsome, but a cutie nonetheless. Please meet Oscar:

Sorry for the dark pic, but with the flash on you see nothing but green eyes; he blends into everything!  Oscar's a terrier mutt/mix sweetie and comes to me from my daughter-in-law's sister who was here visiting. I was thinking about finding a rescue pup anyhow, so this works out perfectly for me.  He'll be 5 years old next month and is so very mellow and a snuggler.   He's used to being out in a fenced yard whenever he wants, so it's a bit of an adjustment for him since I have an upper level condo, but he's doing great.  We're working on getting him on the P&P schedule that works best for ... ummm... both of us!?  Double treats for him when he makes deposits near  a dog dropping container instead of after our walk is done and nearer my door.

Hopefully back to some quilting this week... it seems like it's been forever.

Take care,
Sheila

Let's Kick-off November

Okay, so October was a near total loss in the quilting department and I'm determined to make November better.

No sewing being done. Sadly, no October Schnibbles. Yesterday I summoned the energy to work on cleaning out some UFOs. Joanne wants to practice with new pantos, so these are on their way to her for quilting. I can't wait to see what magic she works on them!

From 2003 -Stars & Moons- This has a really cute backing of a little boy riding a spaceship.

From 2005 - The non-pattern I've only known as "Rainy Day Satisfaction."

From 2007 - another Disappearing 9-Patch. These make such cute kid quilts for donation.

From around 2005 (and my matchy-matchy, scared of scrappy days), I think.

Barbara's Antique pattern by Debbie Caffrey.

*****

Thanks for all the cards, emails and general good vibes regarding my health. You all are the best, and your good thoughts mean the world to me. There are definitely issues but we are going to watch-and-wait for now while trying some non-surgical, non-medicinal interventions first. I'm crying over NO CAFFEINE, though!

*****

Make the most of today!

Sheila

Although I've never been a prolific blogger, I hope to be back to posting soon. I had a bit of a health scare a couple of weeks ago and have been through the mill with tests and such. I hope to know more this week and get life moving forward again, one way or another.

My younger grandson turned 1 on Friday, and his party and baptism were today. Of course, I went off and left my camera at home, so I have to wait for others to send me pictures to post.

There's definitely no quilting going on, but hopefully soon!