UP Quilter

2011-10-31T04:28:00.004-05:00

It's been a while....Life sure is grand....a new grand baby was born in September and she is so sweet...Brianna Brooklyn! We got two new family pets Yoder and Zoey. They are sweet cavapoos. Fall is here and winter is knocking at our door, time to settle in and be content with the world around us....Hope you are well!

2011-02-09T10:32:00.002-06:00

We are in the middle of winter in the U.P. and I have been spending a lot of time going through blogs again so I thought I would update mine and see if anyone out there was popping in on me.

Hope your winter is going good....The pics are of Kevin, Jillian and Cameron out sledding in the back yard.

I am Alive

2009-10-07T22:14:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone just wanted to say Hello and hope everyone is well...

Summer fun in Chicago

2008-08-25T12:34:00.004-05:00

Nicole and Dave invited us to go on thier summer vacation to Chicago. We had a Great time! We did so many things when we there...Kevin and I spent the first evening at the Art Museum it was very nice just to spend time together and view all the wonderful art. The next day we all went to the Science Museum and even went to the Omani Max...every one enjoyed it. Nicole and I went to see Counting Crows and Maroon 5 that evening at a very nice outdoor amphitheater this concert was Great...the opening singer was a women and she was so good. The next day the guys got up early and went to the cubs game and we went to the Sheds Aquarium, the kids loved it. We then went down to Water Tower Mall and ate lunch which was so good went back for dinner and then spent the rest of the day hanging out on north Michigan Ave...we stayed on south Michigan Ave over looking Grant Park which was so nice. We spent our spare time in the park which was great for the kids...On the way back we went to Trader Joe's and Sam's and ended the trip with one full car of goodies...Thanks guys for inviting us we had fun....

MY HEART IS FULL

2008-08-07T21:07:00.009-05:00

We are having a fun time with the whole family here at the same time. For the first time cousins get to play together and it makes my heart so full to see them all together. We spent the morning picking blueberries....yummy...we will have blueberry pancakes in the morning....Hope all is well...

Help...Pics for the County Fair

2008-07-10T14:04:00.002-05:00

I want to enter some photos in the county fair...what do you think of these two? I know there are some photographers lurking out there so please help...Hope all is well with you...

2008-07-09T21:40:00.005-05:00

Jane over at http://crazyhereandnow.blogspot.com/ gave me this award. Isnt she a doll.....Thanks Jane. And she wants to bet on the first snowfall...I will say October 13...how about you..

Cheryl at http://www.xanga.com/cherylmsf2

Nan at http://yooperinillinois.blogspot.com/

I will have to add a few later...Thanks again..Toni

Work Picnic

2008-06-29T10:18:00.004-05:00

We enjoyed Saturday at the CCI picnic.

The kids really had a good time.

It was set up like a fair

and

everything was free.

The even got to build a bear.

There was tons of good food

and

a Schwans Ice Cream Truck.

Hope you are having a good weekend.

2008-06-19T11:27:00.001-05:00

I had to share how cute this came.

I just love this alphabet panel.

2008-06-18T06:42:00.006-05:00

Here are a few pics from the class I took for a easy feathered star with my sister. I loved her snowman pattern. It was a fun class and we enjoyed it very much. The pheasent was on the road one day when I was working he didnt want me to leave him he kept running next to me and then in front of me. He was in the wild in Skanee.

We have had very little nice weather but I am hoping soon. I hope you are having a nice summer.

NEW GRANDBABY ON THE WAY!

2008-06-06T19:31:00.002-05:00

RYAN TOLD ME THIS WEEK THAT THEY ARE EXPECTING NEXT JANUARY. HE SOUNDED VERY EXCITED AND WE ARE TOO. I SURE HOPE TO GET TO SEE THEM SOON. WE HAVEN'T SEEN THEM SINCE LAST SUMMER AND THEY HAVEN'T BEEN UP HERE IN I THINK OVER 3 YEARS. WE WOULD SURE LOVE TO LIVE CLOSER BUT WE DON'T. CONGRATS RYAN AND AMBER..AND BIG SISTER BELLA. WE CANT WAIT TO MEET THE NEW LITTLE ONE.

I HAD MY GUILD MEETING ON WEDNESDAY AND TOMORROW I HAVE A CLASS TO LEARN A EASY WAY TO DO A FEATHERED STAR. IT IS THROUGH THE GUILD AND IT IS FREE. THE INSTRUCTOR IS GWEN LUNGREN FROM MINNESOTA SO I AM SURE WE WILL HAVE A GREAT DAY. IT WILL BE FUN AND I WILL BE ABLE TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH MY SISTER MICKI SO THAT WILL BE NICE. I HAVE ALL MY FABRIC CUT AND READY AND MY BAGS PACKED. I WILL POST SOME PICS FROM THE CLASS SOON.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

MAY

2008-06-02T06:02:00.005-05:00

Sometimes you wonder where time goes.

May was a busy month around here.

The month starts with my birthday

and

then we went to the circus

spent a long weekend in Vegas

Jillian and I spent the afternoon at a museum

and

took a trip to Greenbay to and went to the RR museum

we have some serious train fans in the family.

I hope your May was as action packed as mine.

Here's to June!

AND THE WINNER IS

2008-05-30T09:25:00.003-05:00

JEANNE

SEND ME YOUR INFO

AND

I WILL GET IT OUT ASAP

SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG TO PICK

HOPE YOU ENJOY IT

Giveaway!

2008-05-16T18:38:00.002-05:00

I gave this bag kit away before but it never got claimed.

I would like to give it away again.

Post a comment and I will pick a winner next week.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend.

2008-05-14T21:15:00.004-05:00

Kevin and I both had Sunday off

we got to spend some time enjoying the beauty of nature

This is a eagle we saw and Bond falls.

It was a very nice day.

Thankyou Cindy (tomuchfabrictolittletime)

2008-05-13T08:11:00.002-05:00

Thankyou Cindy I just love the quilt kit I won on your site.

I hope your foot is better.

Thanks again.

Quilt Guild Show and Tell

2008-05-08T08:41:00.017-05:00

Velveteen Rabbits for Twin Boys

There are two of these quilts one for a girl and one for a boy.

A new baby quilt.

A eggplant quilt.

Stars for a graduate.

A graduation quilt with 2 blocks made by each family member.

A Christmas quilt.

This one looked like silk. Can you believe cotton can look like that?

A table runner from the free shop hop pattern.

A wedding quilt for a UP girl.

A modern quilt like her Grandmas Vintage one. Made of family and friends shirts.

The antique one.

This is a graduation quilt. WOW!

This is the other side of the antique one.

The jacket on the photographer was stunning.

This one is from a pattern she got in Hawaii recently.

Its my birthday and I wanted to share a few photos

2008-05-01T19:57:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday to me.

I had a nice day.

Jillian and Cam shared it with me.

They made me cards

and

we had cake.

Stakes and Chicken on the grill

and

sunshine.

I told you before the ice always leaves our lake

before my birthday

well

not this year....

but it will soon.

Happy Birthday Jillian and Kevin

2008-04-28T09:20:00.004-05:00

April we celebrated

Jillian's 3rd Birthday

She celebrated with a pool party.

and

Kevin's 50Th!

I have not been doing any sewing but hope to get into it this week.

The weather has been nice a little cool and I have been walking everyday.

It is so nice to hear the birds and I even saw one crocus yesterday.

I hope everyone is having a nice spring.

Spring

2008-04-22T07:11:00.003-05:00

I finally got to see my first moose.

He was just standing by the road eating a cedar tree.

Everyone is in such better spirits now that the snow is gone.

Hope all is well where you are.

Spring is coming, right?

2008-04-18T14:27:00.006-05:00

i hope this witch doesn't freeze to death, lol

i saw her and just had to get a pic

we are finally starting to see signs of spring

last weekend we had another snow storm

today its raining

i posted a picture of the ice going out on lake superior

the snowstorm

the last pic is of more blocks done on Nicole's quilt

I hope spring has been better to you

I got mail!

2008-03-31T11:11:00.002-05:00

I got this from Vickie @ 2sistersandme.

It is so cute and the bubbles where fun the kids enjoyed them.

The candy was delish...

Thanks Vickie!

We are going to 12 to 15 inches of snow today.

I sure hope spring comes soon.

It gets pretty hard to take year after year.....

We may have to move where it is warmer at least for the winters, soon...

I almost have all the blocks done on my Tag Sale quilt and the pieced borders are done...

Next I will post a pic of it layed out..

I hope all is well with you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FIRST BORN

2008-03-25T09:42:00.002-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICOLE

30 YEARS OLD TODAY

WHAT A JOY YOU ARE TO US

HAPPY EASTER

2008-03-21T10:28:00.002-05:00

NOT MUCH NEW IN THE UP... EVERYONE IS WAITING FOR SPRING...THE SUN IS HIGHER AND HOTTER SO THE SNOW WILL BEGIN TO MELT SOON. BY MAY 1ST WE WILL HAVE OPEN WATER AGAIN AND THAT WILL BE REAL JOY!

I HAVE BEEN BUSY WITH WORK. MADE ONE NEW BAG FOR NICOLE BUT NO OTHER SEWING...I AM THINKING I WILL BE ABLE TO HIT IT HARD THIS COMING WEEK..I HOPE SO....

I WANT TO WISH EVERYONE A JOYFUL EASTER....BE WELL....TONI

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM

2008-03-08T10:03:00.002-06:00

MY MOM WOULD HAVE BEEN 77 YEARS OLD TODAY

BREAST CANCER CUT HER LIFE SHORT

I MISS HER DEARLY

THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN IN 1964

I AM THE YOUNGEST GIRL

AND

MY LITTLE BROTHER WAS NOT BORN YET

MARCH 8 IS DEAR TO ME

Home Again Home Again Jiggity Jig

2008-03-01T15:47:00.007-06:00

We had a great time!

The Food was so Good

The weather was Great

Came back to Cold...Cold Weather

Spring is around the corner, right?

Hope all is well!

2008-02-22T21:01:00.002-06:00

SEE YOU IN A WEEK

IT HAS TO BE WARMER HERE

Good Night Moon

2008-02-20T21:13:00.005-06:00

If you missed the eclipse here are few pics I took.

It reminds of the childrens book Good Night Moon.

Pretty Cool

and

Pretty Amateur Pics

Hope your moon is full...........

pics taken through my window..it was 16 below zero outside

with my canon power shot s2 is

Calling Beth

2008-02-18T15:33:00.002-06:00

Does anyone know how to get a hold of Beth from AL? She doesnt have a email or a blog so I dont know how to let her know she won the bag kit...If you can help please let me know.

We had a storm last night and picked up a ton more snow but whats new. Today I have been praticing some macine quilting and working from home so let it snow.

I was looking at some blogs and someone was planting flowers....hmmm rub it in.....we have 2 more months of snow so you warm weather folks should come and visit...I bet you would love it..LOL...

Hope all is well...and warm where ever you are...

Baby its cold outside

2008-02-15T07:37:00.005-06:00

what a frosty cold morning

cant believe the birds can survive

hope you are warm where ever you are

HAPPY VALENTINES, HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY CAMERON AND THE WINNER IS

2008-02-14T14:49:00.005-06:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY CAMERON

AND

THE WINNER IS BETH IN AL

SEND ME A EMAIL

WITH YOUR MAILING ADDRESS

THANKS EVERYONE

FOR ENTERING

MY GIVEAWAY

2008-02-08T09:13:00.000-06:00

OK GIRLS

HERE IS MY GIVEAWAY

IN HONOR OF SHARON

AT RED GERANIUM COTTAGE

WE GIRLS HAVE TO STICK TOGETHER

SO ENTER BEFORE VALENTINES DAY

AND YOU MAY WIN

THIS IS A COMPLETE KIT WITH PATTERN

THE FABRIC IS ALREADY QUILTED

THIS TOTE IS SO CUTE DONE UP

HAVE FUN

Winter

2008-02-07T16:44:00.000-06:00

This is Nestle she loves the winter.

She loves to hunt for squirels and I dont think we have one on our property.

Jillian loves art, painting, drawing, sculpting.

You can see by the smile on her face that she is in heaven

with a paint brush in her hand.

Cameron is all bundled up and he is not sure why he is outside.

He does start to enjoy it before he goes in.

This is a sled I bought at a rummage sale last summer for 3 dollars.

I cant believe someone would sell it for that.

It worked really good in the snow.

And in the summer you can use it with the wheels.

Jillian Loves the Sled.

My next post is going to be a giveaway.

So everyone stay posted.

It is in honor of Sharon at

Red Geranium.

Hope all is well.

Blizzard Warning

2008-01-31T14:37:00.000-06:00

I had to go to a training in St Ignace Michigan on Monday. Nicole and the kids came with. We were put up in a suite with a living room and a kitchenette it was really nice. We were right on Lake Huron....on tuesday it was pouring rain, I mean it was pouring cats and dogs...well we are in the UP now...it snows in January not rains....but it was pouring...it was about 40 degrees out and the temp started falling and falling to below zero....and then the snow came and then the wind came 70 miles a hour....now there is a blizzard warning...warning there is a BLIZZARD! We are in a hotel and the fans on the heaters are freezing up...at 3 in the morning...it below zero...50 below or more wind chill and its a BLIZZARD....we get some space heaters from the front desk and wait until morning but the wind, snow and heat is still a problem...the roads are shut down, the Mackinac Bridge is shut down and we are not going anywhere....so in this BLIZZARD...we are changing rooms....so we get a new suite....and we stay another night...today the sun is out but US 2 is still closed...so we go the long way around and drive on some very bumpy snow covered roads and get home safe and sound...what a blizzard....just another day in the UP.....

Quilt Progress

2008-01-16T12:14:00.000-06:00

I have been working on Nicole's quilt a little at a time.

A few blocks a day is better then none.

After seeing the pictures I think I need to use more of the stronger colors for the next blocks.

The next set are the smaller 9 patches set on point.

The pattern only has a few star blocks so I will have to decide how many of those to make.

Answer to Cheryl's question, the fish Ryan is holding is a Lake Trout.

Hope all is well with you.

Thanks for visiting.

Be safe.

Happy Birthday to my Baby

2008-01-09T10:01:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday Ryan

2008-01-06T08:17:00.000-06:00

Snow Filled Bird Nest, Skanee MI 1-5-08

This year has started out just as busy as the last one ended. I have been on the road every day. The weather has been really mild which makes it easy on me. Today it may even get to 40 degrees. I hope this weather holds up, it sure would be nice.

I am hoping to get into my sewing room today and be creative.

Happy New Year

2007-12-28T13:53:00.000-06:00

We really had a nice Christmas!

I hope you had one too....

This is a pic of Christmas morning...

Happy New Year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2007-12-24T09:59:00.001-06:00

WE HAVE BEEN BUSY AROUND HERE.

WE MADE COOKIES ONE DAY

AND

RAVIOLIS YESTERDAY

THE TREE IS DECORATED

AND

WE ARE WAITING FOR SANTA

WE HAVE MANY BLESSINGS THIS YEAR

AND

WE ARE MISSING RYAN, AMBER AND ISABELLA

HOPE YOUR HOLIDAYS ARE HAPPY AND SAFE

Christmas is coming

2007-12-12T17:05:00.001-06:00

Jillian and I spent the afternoon on Sunday at a Gingerbread House Making Party.

We had a great time and our house came out so cute.

We are slowly getting ready for Christmas.

I have been working overtime to get my work done but It doenst seem to help.

I hope everyone is having a good holiday season.

This is what I have been working on.

2007-11-25T08:42:00.000-06:00

I couldnt decide on which bowl fabric to use...

I ended up using the bottom one.

I am quilting it now.

I love these patterns.

I hope all is well with you.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOURS

2007-11-22T10:30:00.001-06:00

hoping your day is full of love and joy

my gratitude's

3 healthy grandchildren

2 healthy children with 2 healthy spouses

1 healthy husband

and

my whole family (in laws too)

FRIENDS

my health too

Be safe and have a good day.

Don't eat to much.

now i am going to sew

My Chocolate Came from Sharon!

2007-11-20T11:47:00.000-06:00

Yummy!

I just LOVE this bag it all came in. It is so cute.

THANKS SHARON!

The chocolate is so good and Jillian loved the pooping Penguin.

We tried the coco in the adorable little cup and it was soooooooo good.

Thanks again I Love it all.

Winter is Back

2007-11-15T07:07:00.000-06:00

Winter returned last night. We have a fresh white blanket of snow covering everything and it is so pretty. It is beginning to feel like the holidays. I will have to do some decorating today. I have been working on Nicole's quilt and have enjoyed some needle punch lately. I have a slow down in work this month so I will be doing more sewing..Yippeeeee...I hope all is well with you..stay warm...

2007-11-12T20:16:00.000-06:00

Hay everyone head over to this site to see all the things you can win. http://www.5minutesformom.com/2571/christmas-2007/
Good Luck.

Hope all is good with you.

Drum Roll Please

2007-11-11T18:27:00.001-06:00

Cameron helped me pick the winner..Vickie E Cameron picked you.

If you would like to send me your mailing info I will drop your prize in the mail.

Thanks everyone for making a comment.

I will have to do another give away soon.

I have joined in a Chocolate Swap and cant wait to get my chocolate's from California.

I have to get my box out on Wednesday. YummmmmmmmmmmmY.

The weather has changed again...as they say in the UP wait 5 minutes and you could see all 4 seasons. Last night it rained and snowed and today it was sunny and warm. The snow is almost gone and tomarrow it is going to be in the 50's. Our drive is looking like spring thaw.

Hope all is well with you.

Thanks to all my blogging friends.

Giveaway

2007-11-10T14:34:00.000-06:00

To celebrate my 10000 visitor
I will be giving away this Purse Pattern Book, Label Book and Fat Quarters Bundle.

The Purse Book Handle with Style has 7 patterns in it and info on making box purses.

The Label Book has 30 different labels with instructions and lettering.

There are 4 fat quaters in the bundle, gold, red, blue and green.
So all you have to do is make a comment on this post
and as soon as I notice I hit 10000 on my visitor counter
I will choose a winner.

Good Luck and Thanks for visiting.

Bad Dream

2007-11-07T07:57:00.000-06:00

old man winter is here

We have been so busy we were not ready for this.

Hopefully we get one melt before the snow is here for good.

I hope all is well with you.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T20:25:00.000-05:00

happy Halloween to everyone

Snow

2007-10-25T09:37:00.000-05:00

Look what we woke up to.

Just wanted to say HI and hope all is well with you.

I was picked for Meme

2007-10-19T15:11:00.000-05:00

Hi I was picked for a Meme by Jane who is a neighbor of mine I met in blog land...She lives about 50 miles from me and quilts...it is so much fun meeting people on the Internet with the same interests as myself.

Here are the rules...

If you want to play, great! If you don't that's great! No obligations here, just trying to have fun, sooooo.....1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.Stuff you may (or maybe not) want to know about meme -

Here are the people I pick to do it...

Cheryl at Quilting Hollow
Kris at Gardens by the Lake
Stephanie at Greenie Gardens
Nicole at Diary of a Busy Mom
Nan at Displaced Yooper
Mel at Covered Porches and Wooden Screen Doors
Angie at The Thread Catcher

Here are 7 things you may not know about me....

I love my Family.....even when they don't want to be loved.

I have had so many jobs..including mail carrier, waitress, clothing store clerk, cook in a nursing home, restaurant manager, I worked in the township and mowed lawns and picked up garbage, I tested snow blowers at the Houghton County Airport for Tecumseh Engines 12 hours a day for 4 weeks one winter, I owned a Antique Shop and ran Estate Sales, I worked for the University of Michigan doing surveys and now I work for the Department of Commerce and do survey work. Wow I am I nuts or what?????

I collect fabric! and it looks like I may also collect sewing machines.

I love to cook and have taken french cooking lessons.

I hate winter...so why in the heck do I live in the UP???....You got me but I guess this is where my parents brought me and this is where I am.

I love to play poker and am pretty good at it.

I love to blog..when I have time and love to read other peoples blogs.

Thanks for stopping by...Toni

Busy Days and Busy Nights

2007-10-08T15:49:00.000-05:00

I have been so busy. We went to Vegas for a week and had so much fun. Before I went I took a day class with my sister for the quilt on top. It is my first quilt with oriental fabrics and I just love them. All I need is the time to finish it. The other picture is the quilt I am making for Nicole. It is with the fabric I posted a while back...I think it will turn out nice...she likes it but then again she is my second biggest fan...Jillian is my first....LOL....

Fall is almost over...the leaves have falling and its almost time to rake..and rake and rake..if we get a completely dry day that is...My mudroom is almost done also...that has been a long process since Kevin is working 10 hour shifts...and we went to Vegas...

Nicole and Dave haven't found a house yet but are still looking. They will be so happy when they do. All there stuff is here in storage so they are ready...

Hope all is well with you....

Long Time

2007-09-29T15:22:00.000-05:00

Hi just wanted to say hello and I will get a post up soon..guess where I was.....Hope all is well...Toni

Lake Michigan

2007-08-28T21:21:00.001-05:00

I had to do some work by Lake Michigan so I got a room on the lake for the kids to enjoy.

I think Jillian enjoyed it?

She loves the water so much. Can you tell?

We are finally getting some rain that was much needed.

Hope all is well.

Summer Harvest

2007-08-26T07:47:00.000-05:00

Fall is starting to show with cooler nights and the leaves are starting to change.

We continue to enjoy our homegrown veggies.

Not much quilting going on here but still lots of planning.

I have joined a class our guild in giving and picked my fabrics for that.

My sister is taking it with me so that will be fun.

Kevin is putting the window and door on the mudroom next so this project is moving along.

I cant wait to get it done and organize the house some.

It will add so much storage for me.

When we bought our home it was just a seasonal cottage and it has no basement.

It has a walk down area with the furnace and water heater but no storage.

So if it isn't in the garage its in the house.

I have my washer and drier in my hall closet now.

So when he is done and puts them in the new room I will have so much more storage.

Thank God for small favors.

Hope all is well with you.

Thanks for stopping by.

Toni

Still no rain...

2007-08-20T07:05:00.000-05:00

We still have had NO rain...it is so scary..there are signs posted on roads going into the forests about the fire danger....I have never seen this before in the UP....We went for a hike to Canyon Falls..(forgot the camera)..but we could walk up the river bed of the Sturgeon River and there was only a slow trickle of water going down the middle....it was kind of cool but kind of spooky at the same time...Jillian loved it..she could wade it the small pools of water that were trapped in the big rocks...there was still a water fall but in was a tenth of the size it usually is...

The Mud room is coming along and we decided it would be a laundry room and mud room..not a sewing room...so I will keep my old sewing room for now...which hasn't been used at all...soon though...this week I have to work so I will just have to think about it a little longer...

I went to some estate sales this weekend and found some interesting wood trim pieces and some glass door knobs that I am going to try and make something with...I thought I could make something for over the window in the mud room to hang a valance on...it could be nice or not..lol...I will post it when I try to do it...

Well I have to get ready for work...Have a great week...I hope you are safe from all the bad weather...

The Mud Room

2007-08-14T09:31:00.000-05:00

Here is the mud room so far...

I really like how it is turning out

so much i thought it would make a nice sewing space???

it is bigger then the space i am in now

we will have to wait and see how it turns out

we also thought about putting the washer and drier out there

right now it is the mud room

we still have had no rain.....

we went to the county fair this weekend

next year i need to enter some stuff

there were only a couple quilts

Kevin's beans would have surely won and his tomatoes

it was 90 degrees so it was hard to enjoy it

but Jillian loved seeing all the animals

gratitude's

possible rain

BLTs with homegrown tomatoes

days off

Quilt Planning

2007-08-12T10:58:00.001-05:00

HERE IS THE FABRIC FOR MY NEXT BIG QUILT
THE FABRIC IS CELEBRATE SPRING BY SANDY GERVAIS
I LOVE THE COLORS AND WHEN NICOLE SAW THEM SHE DID TOO
SO THIS WILL BE HER QUILT FOR HER BED
ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS PICK THE PATTERN
SHE LIKES PATTERNS LIKE RAIL FENCE OR TURNING TWENTY
I THINK IT WORK FOR EITHER BUT WE HAVEN'T DECIDED YET

WE STILL HAVE NOT HAD ANY RAIN AND IT IS STILL HOT
OUR LAKE HAS GONE DOWN SO MUCH WE HAD TO PULL OUR BOAT OUT
WE ARE LOSING OUR LEAVES DUE TO NO RAIN

HOPE ALL IS WELL IN YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS

Baby its hot outside....and drier then a bone...

2007-08-07T18:28:00.000-05:00

summer is not ending in the UP we are having hot days and we need rain badly....

there is a 15000 acre fire on the east end of the UP that they cant get under control

my garden is doing good with lake water the flowers love it

no sewing going on around here but i have been planing a few projects

waiting for cooler weather to start them

this is going to be my the new mud room

gratitude's:

a lake to pump water from

a husband carpenter

and helper son in law

ripe green beans

Where did July go?

2007-07-31T17:02:00.001-05:00

Cam is getting really interested in the world around him, at 5 months he is so curious about everything. We went and got him this gym and he loves it. He will play with all the toys and never get bored. He is such a sweet boy.

Jillian is continuing her swimming lessons. We got water wings for her and now she is really treading water. She is a water girl for sure. In the bottom picture she just pushed bampa in the water..she is such a joy....

July was a very fun month we did so many things...gardened, swam, picked berries, went to parades, museums, parks, fished, built a sandbox, had ears pierced, shopped, cooked, played and played and played....you could not pay for the moments we have shared and we are so grateful to share our lives with our family....

Gratitude's:

Family Times

Great Weather

Time Off

Good Heath

Summer Fun

2007-07-23T10:17:00.000-05:00

Kevin taught his friend how to sail and they dumped the sailboat once but they had fun. The eggs hatched and we have watching them. You can stand on the deck and look right into the nest. I have been playing with my new sewing machine and just love it. We have done some hiking and have just had some great times together. Hope your summer is going good.....

2007-07-19T10:25:00.000-05:00

lake superior

water toys

dock time

huge tomatoes plants loaded with fruit and sweet basil

red ripe raspberries

more summer gratitude's

i am enjoying my summer

thought that i would share everything i am thankful for

we live in a beautiful place and enjoy the outdoors everyday

wish you were here to enjoy it with me

Toni

2007-07-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

family

learning

loving

timeless

together

discovery

new beginnings

my summer gratitude's

2007-07-06T19:02:00.000-05:00

Today we went to Chassell and picked strawberries at a farm. It was hot and the strawberries were very ripe. Someone with us ate more then they put in the baskets...no names will be mentioned but by the end of the picking she had red hands and clothes....Cam enjoyed is time out too...We went on to the Strawberry Festival and Quilt Show...I bought two handmade rugs for my kitchen and just love them. We saw some very nice quilts but forgot to take pics to share, sorry. We had very enjoyable day and the children are already in bed due to there big day. Hope you are having a great July so far...we sure are.

2007-07-04T14:54:00.000-05:00

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

HERE COMES THE PARADE!

HOPE EVERYONE HAS A SAFE AND FUN HOLIDAY.

2007-07-01T10:09:00.000-05:00

On the first of July my gardens is blooming with color. My lilies are in full bloom and the weather vane with the bird nest is my newest garden addition. Jillians quilt is quilted and binded and it is so sunny you can see right through it. We are having some of the best weather high sixties low seventies and sunny skies. I sure hope you are enjoying your summer as much I am enjoying mine. Have a Great weekend.

2007-06-26T11:42:00.000-05:00

Swimming Lessons are happening at Nanas. Jillian loves the water and we have been playing in the lake everyday. She has no fear and even jumps off the dock to me. I remember my grandmother teaching me to swim in Trout Lake. I have always loved the water and am glad to have grand kids that do too.

The summer weather is great right now and the gardens are thriving. The tomatoes are getting big and green beans are coming along. Something has eaten every strawberry but the raspberries are going to be in abundance. We were talking last night about doing some other gardens next year, maybe corn, squash and pumpkins. My lilies are getting ready to flower and the lavender has done really good this year.

I have been sewing the binding on Jillians quilt and will take a pic when its done.

Hope all is well with you.

Gratitude's

Warm summer weather

Lakes to swim in

Time off work

2007-06-22T11:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Summer! I went and picked up my new machine. It sure is nice. I haven't made anything with her yet but am anxious to. You don't even have to lift the pressure foot up what a nice idea. I now have a Viking, Jenome and a Brenena...they all seem to be well made but this machine seems somewhat heavier. I will let you know after I make a quilt with her.

Hope all is well with you. Have a great weekend.

2007-06-17T21:27:00.000-05:00

The kids are here for the summer....we have made a old shed into a place house and Jillian and I planted some flowers in a window box on it....she is having a blast. Swimming, throwing rocks in the lake, picking wildflowers, playing in her playhouse, swinging and being at Nana's and Bampa's house. Cameron is getting so big he is the happiest baby and joy to be around.

Not much new in the quilting world. I looked at a new sewing machine the other day and I think I will order it next week. It is the Viking Sapphire and I tried it out last week in Iron Mtn at the sew and vac and just loved how large the space between the needle and the machine was. It is 10 inches and wow thats alot. It really was smooth quilting on and I fell in love. My machine I have now is not that old so I am having a hard time spending the money but it was our 29th anniversary this weekend and Kevin said just get it if you want it. So what would you do? Hmmm.....I think I will get it.

2007-06-01T09:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Summer...I can't believe it is just like a switch has been turned and we are having beautiful weather....my bleeding heart is in full bloom (that's for you Pam)...we planted the gardens and hope that we don't get frost...otherwise we will be doing a lot of covering. My bunny is happy it is summer too and DH is washing his car in the back, he is really happy.

We got up early and went to rummage sales this morning. I bought a quilt ladder for $3 dollars and jumping horse for $5. I will take a picture and show it when I have the ladder set up with quilts on it. We had fun and picked up some stuff Nicole needed. Cameron is in size 12-18 month clothes and he is not even 4 months old....all those adorable clothes we bought didn't even get used...so I picked up some carters, gap and gymborie in like new condition for him..I hope he slows down in his growing soon but he is healthy and that is all that counts...

Have a good weekend...I got to get back to work...

Gratitude's:

Summer

Husbands who like to go to rummage sales

Healthy Grandbabys

2007-05-29T18:59:00.000-05:00

I have a few more days off and the weather has been on and off today...the sun shines, it rains, the sun shines again...you get the picture...so I got to play in my sewing room...Nicole didnt like the flowers on the quilt so I made a pillow with the scraps and put some of the flowers on it...I want to make a few more and a pillow case for a standard pillow...notice the "J" I added...it was fun to make and I enjoyed spending in my sewing room again....I still need to cut the backing and sew it together....

We went ahead and planted our gardens and will have to cover if we get a frost warning so I am praying for warm weather for the next few weeks.

I really like how some people add there gratitude's every time they post so I hope no one that does minds if I do to....

Gratitude's:

Days off..

Family

Spending time in my sewing room

Have a good week and be safe.

2007-05-27T14:37:00.000-05:00

Today it is cool and raining off and on....but my garden is loving it....here are a few of my favorites..snowball (I dont get enough snow around here so I have to have a reminder in my garden, LOL),pink and white bleeding hearts....including my DH who is working on his vegetable gardens...he has a few weeks before he can put in his plants in but his soil will be ready...we have such a short growing season up here but it doesnt stop him from planting tomatoes and beans in raised bed gardens, he also has strawberries and raspberries....I love vined riped anything so I am glad he enjoys it.

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend...it is very quite around here..living on a lake most holidays are busy but the weather has everyone staying inside where it is warm...I saw one boat all day and they were having a hard time of it with the wind and the waves....I am going to do some sewing and later I have steaks and veggies marinating to grill....be safe and stay warm.

2007-05-24T15:19:00.001-05:00

test

2007-05-24T07:07:00.000-05:00

I have tried to post a couple times this week and blogger is not playing nice...Here is the quilt so far..I have to apply the flowers and borders. I really think it will be pretty when done. I enjoyed sewing again and hope to start a few more projects.

I hope everyone has a nice Memorial Day Weekend. Be Safe.

2007-05-21T14:00:00.000-05:00

It has been a cold snowy weekend...yes I said snow...we woke up on Sunday and we had a inch of snow on the ground...its gone now..washed away by all the rain...but it has been a great weekend to quilt...and that's what I have done. Here is the quilt, all blocks sewn together and I think I will apply the flowers before the borders..so now I have to do the flowers on steam a seam and pick out the fabric for them....

Tonight is my book club and we are reading The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards. I have not finished reading it but will attend anyway.

Hope all is well with you.

2007-05-16T09:01:00.000-05:00

Here is the pattern and fabric for the twin quilt I am starting for Jillians twin bed...the fabric on the right is the border, left is the four patch fabric and the yellow on the bottom is the backing...my local quilt shop had this quilt done up in these fabrics and it was so pretty..her room has a garden theme so the flowers and the fabric will look really nice...the fabric is in the washer right now and I hope to get started on in between my phone calls for work...Hope everyone is having a good week...

2007-05-15T08:14:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we were in Detroit for Isabella's Baptism...this is Ryan, Isabella and Kevin before going to the church. She is a sweet little girl and we enjoyed spending some time with her...we just love her so much...

I think that is the last of our travels until September...June, July and August are the very best months in the UP...We are getting our yard, gardens, docks, boat and guest house ready for this most enjoyable time of year...we will have family coming and going all summer long...

I really have to get some sewing done..I need to make a few quilts...one for Jillians big girl bed and one for the guest house....Hope all is well with you...I have been browsing your blogs and love see a little snippet of your life...Thanks for sharing.

2007-05-01T21:21:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone...hope all is well. Spring is finally here in the UP, we have open water with loons swimming by and no more snow. I even have a few plants coming up in my gardens. It is a really good feeling. Today is my birthday and I had so many calls I had a hard time getting any work done...not that I minded, it is nice to be loved and thought of. I have been wanting to start a new quilt and have been looking at my patterns and books so stayed tuned for something quilty soon. Just wanted to check in and tell everyone HI......

2007-04-19T21:15:00.000-05:00

These are the 2 containers of scraps to be cut up from my cleaning and organizing spree. I am cutting 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 inch strips or squares. If I can get a 12 inch strip I do that or cut it into squares...I haven't finished the room yet but hope to soon....I need to decide what to do for a cutting station since my cutting table takes up so much room and adds no storage...also my pressing station....

It was warm today around 60 and the snow is almost gone. I sure hope spring is coming soon.

My thoughts and prayers are going out to everyone involved in the Virginia shootings...I am so sad that something like this has to happen....I am sorry for everyone that is suffering or in pain because of this. Please find peace.

2007-04-17T11:50:00.000-05:00

Here is what I have been doing for the last week. I have all my fabric folded and in one spot for the first time ever. I have empty containers galore. I am now going to work on the rest of the space....more pics to follow....Hope all is well..

2007-04-13T08:29:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone...I have been so busy with work, cleaning and setting up my sewing space that I haven't done any posting or sewing. My DH has to do a few for more things in my new space before my fabric can go in and then I can finish it....I have the book Creating Your Perfect Quilting Space and love all the ideas in it. My space is small so I need to find a few pieces of furniture that can double as pressing and cutting spaces instead of my ironing board that takes up so much room and has no storage under it and my cutting table is the one you get at JoAnns with long drop leafs so I would like something else with storage under it...I do have a question for everyone...What do you use for a design wall....I have one wall that will work but need to know what I will use to put the blocks on. Any ideas?

We are still getting snow and it sure seems like spring will never come...I am dreaming of my gardens, the sparkling blue water of Lake Michigamme and being able to be outside....Hope all is well with you and I promise to get some quilting done soon to share with everyone...

2007-04-04T08:22:00.000-05:00

Happy Spring...We are having a blizzard here in UP...but it is spring....I will have to stay home today oh darn.. 6 to 8 inches of snow already fell over night and it is still coming down..it is 9 degrees out....brrrrrrrrrrrrr

Nicole is still here with Jillian and Cameron and her husband Dave is flying in on Thursday if he can get in...and we will spend Easter together. They will go back to Baltimore on Tuesday. I sure will miss them.

We bought new furniture and have decided to make our office a sewing room. So we will be doing that soon..I cant wait...I have my sewing stuff scattered all over the house so it will be nice to have it all in one place...and maybe I can even do a little sewing...

I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter....enjoy!

2007-03-15T13:06:00.000-05:00

Here is the Peter Rabbit Fabric. It is so cute.

Here is Jillian at 23 months and Cam at 1 month....Have a great weekend everyone.

2007-03-11T09:24:00.000-05:00

The sun is out and it is going to be 50 degrees. Spring will be here before we know it. I have been home for a week today and have been working everyday. The kids are home for a month and the house is full of joy.

There has been no sewing going on but I did find some cute fabric. It is the new Beatrice Potter line. I just fell in love with it so I hope to be getting in some sewing soon.

I have been checking everyones blogs and love what quilting you are doing. It makes me feel part of it.

Here is hoping all is well with you.

2007-02-18T17:41:00.000-06:00

Cam at 5 days old...he is such a good baby...and cute too...

2007-02-16T09:34:00.000-06:00

Here is my new grandson, Cameron Joseph..he was born on Valentines day and mom and baby are going great...His big sister just loves him and is so gentle with him. They are coming home from the hospital this morning and they are moving tomorrow so I think we are going to be busy....It is very cold here and everything is pure ice...no sewing for me for awhile...I hope all is well with you.

2007-02-04T19:03:00.000-06:00

It is 15 below zero without the windchill and thats what I call cold. I am still home waiting for the call. In answer to Pams question I will fly and it will take me 5 hours to get there. If I drove it takes 17 hours. If I want to get a break on a last minute ticket she has to be admitted and I should be able to get a $200 break....otherwise it will very costly. My son in law is a die hard Bears Fan so he is on cloud nine today...I hope they get the game back 14-16 right now. Not much sewing going on around here. Stopped at 2 superbowl sales at the quilt shops when I was out working today and bought some cute new baby fabric by Moda with sheep on it...it is so cute...they had 4 pieces from the line and I couldnt pass it up....well back to work! Stay warm.

2007-01-29T14:55:00.000-06:00

Baby it's cold outside....this is my back yard and with the new snow cover it sure is pretty but the temp hasn't been above 12*. The weather man says we are in for a long run of cold weather so time to pull out the fabric and start quilting. Hope everyone is staying warm. I am off until Thursday so I want to get started on a new project but I am not sure which one. We are anticipating the baby in the next few weeks so I have to be ready to go when the call comes. Nicole and Dave live in Baltimore and have no family there to help with Jillian when she goes into labor so I will hopefully be able to get there before the new baby comes. She goes to the doctor on Friday and we will know more then. If I didn't have to work I would just go now to help but I cant just yet. It is so hard being this far away.....

2007-01-24T12:18:00.000-06:00

Here is my Gratitude's Quilt with all the borders added...It is bigger then I thought it was going to be...I finally had time to work on it this week. That's my DH holding it up...what a nice guy..its only 5 degrees out...just wanted to share it at this point...off to curves...Have a good evening.

2007-01-22T09:00:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone, I spent the weekend making blankets for the new baby by sewing to one yard pieces of fabric together right sides facing and turning them inside out and sewing around the edge. Cheryl asked about the minky receiving blanket so here is how it is made. I cut squares out of flannel and minky (the super soft fabric by moda) (you do not prewash this stuff) and then sewed them together 5 squares by 5 then took a whole piece of minky same size as the quilt and sewed it together right sides facing each other...turned it right side out and bound it with 3 inch flannel. You dont need to line it, quilt or tie it. This was Nicoles favorite receiving blanket for Jillian. When she was in labor she had in with her and then after Jillian was born they put it on her. Hope everyone has a good week.

2007-01-18T21:06:00.000-06:00

The diaper bag is finished...it went together like a breeze. It is Amy Butlers Nappy Bag. There are a lot of pockets inside a cell phone pocket on the strap....I am sure she is going to love it.

2007-01-18T14:18:00.000-06:00

Well my grandsons quilt is done and his minky receiving blanket is too. I am finishing the diaper bag tonight so now he can come when he wants. Nicole went to the doctor yesterday and she seems to be having gallbladder problems...not fun for her...they said he should come within 3 weeks...I cant wait to meet him....I have to get my act together and finish my pink hour a day quilt next.

I have been reading a lot of blogs about not buying fabric. I also heard a podcast about buying blenders so you can use a lot of your stash with only buying a few fabrics so my goal is to find some blenders with a lot of colors in them so I can use up some of my stash. I will have to say I don't think I would be able to say I am not going to buy any new fabric though...

My goal this year is to organize and eliminate things that are unnecessary...I started one cabinet at a time just before the new year and have to continue until I am done. My house is so small that with items that clutter it really looks messy.

As I said before I joined curves to help get my blood pressure down and I have to say I am enjoying it. I hope I can continue and maybe even lose a little weight. It is enjoyable to get moving and everyone else is there for the same reason so that is nice.

Well I hope everyone is staying warm...have a good weekend.

2007-01-09T20:37:00.000-06:00

This is a picture of my brother John with his daughter Kristen on her wedding day this fall....Nicole stood in her wedding. My brother is a great guy and I want to say thanks to him for making my new banner. He owns a computer business called Ironbay.com and is great with anything to do with computers.

So to my Bro...Thanks a Bunch..Love your Sis

I am still not done playing with colors of the background and lettering but I will get it how I like it....

I finished my book and if anyone has read it I wonder what you thought. for one more day by Mitch Albom...it sure makes you think about having one more day with someone you loved and your mom...wow...My book club liked it. I read all of his books and it wasnt my favorite but it was good.

Hope everyone is having a good week...sew a little for me..I have been on the road all week...be safe and have fun.......

2007-01-07T17:11:00.000-06:00

This new year is going to be so much fun...I have quilted the new baby quilt and sewed the binding on it so the only thing left to do is the hand work. Next I will make the new baby a minky receiving blanket for the hospital. His birth is so anticipated....I cant wait to meet him...We have a few trips planned and the first one is to his birth...so I am so excited for this. This picture is Nicole and Jillian at Christmas time at the ocean...it was a lot of fun experiencing this with them.

The other picture is Ryan and Bella at Christmas. We will get to spend more time with them this year and this will be so much fun. Ryan is a big fishermen and wants to visit this winter to ice fish so Nana may have to spend some enjoyable time with Bella...cant wait......

The other enjoyable thing I am excited is about is my IPOD thanks to a few of you bloggers who listen to it while you quilt. I now have one and love it. I have listened to almost every podcast of Annie Smiths and some of Alex Andersons and others. I don't know what I did before I had it. I use it when I am sewing, cleaning, cooking or on the computer and sometimes when I cant sleep. Thanks for the idea.....Cheryl!

I am reading One More Day for my book club on Monday and since I have lost my mother I haven't really gotten into it yet....I hope I do soon....since it is Sunday...

The top picture is of a sweet tree wall hanging I made last week...it is beaded and am not sure you can tell that from the picture. I am excited to get some sewing done but I do work full time so I cant do it as much as I like..yesterday I got a bag cut out for Nicole it is the Nappy Sac and I bought the fabric in New York last summer when we went there it is blue with brown polka dots and I will put a pic of it up on my blog as soon as it is done. So as you see I have a lot of projects to work on and never have a dull moment around here.

The other thing I am up to is that I joined curves.......this is a much needed thing for me....I take blood pressure meds and cholesterol meds so it is time for me to do something about it...I have gone a few times and really enjoyed it...so wish me good luck..I hope to do this 3 times a week...

This outdoor picture is of our winter beauty here in the UP...this is out my front door......nature it sure is something......

Gods gift to us.

Well with that I will sign off...Have a Great Week! Happy Quilting!

2007-01-02T21:12:00.000-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! We got home on December 31 at 11pm and when our plane landed it was raining and as we drove toward our home 45 minutes from the airport it went from rain to freezing rain to snow....by the time we got home it was coming down pretty hard and in the morning we had 8 inches of new snow....we had a wonderful time with the kids and waking up to the clean white snow was like being blanketed in love and blessing from the previous year. We are so blessed as a family! Our children are wonderful kind adults, very caring, loving, nurturing parents and we couldn't be prouder of them. We are also blessed to be able to travel to see them...and since our son is in Detroit blessed to plan on getting bumps to spend time with him...We got to spend a whole eve and day with Ryan and Bella it was such a blessing to hold my granddaughter all day and spend time with our son....We are also blessed to have good health, good jobs and Great Friends and Family...So with this past year I have come to enjoy everything around me in a way I cant explain...but I know I am blessed....I am also blessed to be part of this network of quilters on these blogs...you are all friends to me and I enjoy you everyday...Thank you all for sharing your families, your life's, your crafts, your cooking, your pets and your everyday musings with me. To you all, have a happy, healthy, quilty year and keep sharing it...Sincerely, Toni

2006-12-25T10:03:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to Everyone! i am in Baltimore now with the kids after spending to great nights in Atlantic City. We had a great room over looking the ocean at the Tropicana. It was decorated like winter wonderland and it even snowed in there. Jillian was in awe. It was magical for her. It was so warm on Saturday that we even got to spend time at the ocean and she loved that too and so did I. Kevin won 2 tournaments and the second one our son in law won it sitting right next to him at the final table. I played and thank all the guys that generously gave me their money that Nicole and I got to have a great shopping spree at the Pier and a wonderful lunch at Buddakin. If anyone goes there you have to try this place to eat it was Great Food. Nicole being 8 months pregnant is still craving it today.. She loved there spring rolls. Have a wonderful day!

2006-12-11T19:42:00.000-06:00

2006-12-10T22:01:00.000-06:00

Ryans Northwoods quilt is done....I will send there presents out on Monday and be done...I even have time to do a few projects for me... I spent yesterday afternoon at the quilt shop making fast and easy christmas projects I will post them for as soon as I get them all done. We had a nice afternoon there making projects and eating lots of goodys. All the fabric was 50./. off...well got go...have a good week....

2006-12-08T07:22:00.000-06:00

Its been pretty boring around here. It is 8 degrees we have snow on the ground, the lake is frozen now and winter is set in. I have been working on bindings and will post a pic as soon as I am done. I have to get one done to ship so that will be soon. I have been working all week and may get to sew this weekend. I am heading off to the doctor this morning due to something being wrong with my hand. I hope he can tell me what to do. I type all day and then quilting is hand work so I really would like to not be in so much pain. Well like I said pretty boring around here....have a good weekend everyone...and stay warm.

2006-11-29T09:43:00.000-06:00

Jillian and I in my messy office.