Lions, Tigers & Bears- Oh My!

I talked to my neighbor yesterday - she called with alarming news. We have a mountain lion in our neighborhood. Wow, that's hard to imagine. It's not like I live in Colorado or Wyoming. This is Missouri, you know, the Midwest , with homes and farms everywhere. I knew there were black bears in Missouri and I guess I knew there were mountain lions but who knew they were within a mile?

It's pretty creepy really. Another neighbor has found two dogs that were killed and the remains of a deer with a huge cat paw print nearby. I think he is going to set out bait to photograph the animal. You can't shoot mountain lions in MO, they are protected. Our Conservation Dept has released breeding pairs in past years and I think they have collars on to monitor them. I know they mostly eat deer but I seem to be creeped out now going outside after dark, not knowing what is lurking out there.

We have a miniature beagle but she is a tough little thing and I don't worry too much about her. She chases away even large dogs and coyotes- she got plenty of experience at our last farm. She is a cow girl so to speak. During the day, she hangs out with the cows across the road. When there are calves, she breaks them in with play! She probably thinks she's a short cow. She even cuddles and naps with them on occasion. Hopefully the big cat won't mess with her or the calves.

There is one calf over there right now that's black and white. It looks like a goat from a distance but I saw it in the road last week and it's definitely a calf! Those calves like to sneak under fencing for the better grass near the road.

On a lighter note, I am all decorated for Christmas. I have a few sewing needs this week to finish before we have lots of company for Christmas. My husband has a
really old favorite rocking chair. You know, the kind you keep in the basement and normally don't let people see. Well, he decided he wanted to plant it in the guest room so he can read in there at night. I found some great fabric that matches my curtains in there and I'm going to cover the cushions. I doubt he'll even notice but I will! Isn't it pretty?

We've been busy redoing the bathroom fixtures and painting. New faucets, lights, towel racks, it really looks pretty good. Next year I hope to change out the sinks. It's too close to the holiday for that much of a mess for me. It can wait for now.

Black Friday

Dishes are done. House is cleaned. Leftovers in the frig. I even have a pot of navy bean soup cooking in the crock pot for tonight. The turkey was good, my husband cooked it this year. I got the tree put up last evening but the lights didn't work so what's a girl to do? Toss them and shop for new ones. I went out to Wal-Mart last night looking for LCD lights for the tree and they had none. Imagine- not a LCD package in sight. So, I headed to Michaels. I got 2 packages of 100 lights each. We'll see if that's enough to make the tree glow!

I'm excited to decorate the tree this year- our first Christmas in this new house. I opened a box with my nativity set and found quite a surprise. Apparently, I haven't set up my nativity set for a few years, 6 years to be exact.

The last year I put it out was when we lived in Iowa and I moved from Iowa in 1994. I have been looking for our Christmas stockings for about 6 years and I found them in the box with the nativity set. I now have an additional son-in-law and daughter-in-law plus five grandchildren. I guess I have a few more stockings to make. I also found a great tree skirt I'd made and completely forgot about. Another duh moment for me! It's great though and I'll be using it from now on.

I hand painted the nativity set around 1985. I had a kiln and taught ceramics in those days and I love to paint. My husband went deer hunting that year and took my two small children to my mom's for the weekend. I was in Heaven! I painted all night long and never slept that weekend. I was determined to get it done before they returned and I did. A few years later I painted a second set for my mom. I've been moving the set around for these 25 years and it's held up pretty well. I am finally putting it out on display this year.

I'm headed out soon to do a bit of shopping. (I'm out of creamer so I can't have coffee until I shop anyway!) Starbucks, here I come! I'm looking forward to a little Christmas shopping. I've studied the ads, made my lists and checked them twice, so to speak. I'm headed to Penney's for a few more of those great blankets to start. Have a great Friday!

Beautiful Autumn Morning

I just love it when the heat comes on in the morning in early fall and there's that smell. You know, the one that smells warm and cozy. It's probably the dust burning off of the furnace but it has that smell that reminds me of when I was a child and getting ready for school. I remember getting ready on the bedroom floor next to the heat register. That was before the days of programmable thermostats and everyone turned their temps way low at night to save money. Brrrrrr. That smell always brings back those cold morning memories.

OK, just got another cup of coffee so I can keep going. I've done it again- I am addicted to my cinnamon coffee creamer again. It's almost winter, it's cold out and coffee is just so good in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, you know, just anytime. I'll work on my addiction in the Spring. My secret motto these days- why do today what you can put off til tomorrow? I guess it's a Fall thing, the motivation to work fades and I'm in more of a mood to clean the house and re-organize for the holidays.

I'll be putting up the Christmas tree next weekend so I have a lot of shifting and cleaning to do. Yesterday, I took my beloved13 piece Queen Ann dining room set to an antique shop near St. Louis to sell. It is from 1920 and a huge set. We were the third owners, having purchased it at auction in 1978. I wanted to sell it when I moved last year but didn't find time. I have no dining room now and it is a huge set and needs a lot of space. My last dining room was 16' x 20' and it took up every bit of the space.

For the last year, my dismantled 9' table was leaning against the wall in my hallway, the 6' buffet was in my kitchen along with my credenza, oak desk and table set, the china cabinet was in my living room along with all of my living room furniture, a book case and two curio cabinets. The chairs and leaves were scattered all over the basement. It was time to go. I know I'll move again someday but I don't plan to get a bigger house at this stage in my life. It's so empty here this morning! The hall is so big now!

I did do a drawing this morning and I was surprised at how many entered for the new quilt project patterns. There are two winners, chosen by my husband.

They are: Jan from FL and Diane from MO

Congratulations ladies!

I also want to say thank you to everyone who faithfully reads the Blog and I'll also send one of the 4 x 4's to all of you who entered this past week. I'll be emailing you for your choice. Thanks for entering.

Oh, one more thing- I shopped at Penney's yesterday and got new blankets and, oh my goodness! I LOVE them. If you need blankets, check out the Chris Madden LuxPlush blankets. I'm having seven extra people for Christmas and needed a lot more bedding and there's no better place for bedding than Penney's. I had purchased their plush blankets which, by the way, are on sale for $19.99, any size, mind you! A great deal in itself.

Anyway, yesterday at the store, I needed a purple one (I am coordinating colors for my two new granddaughters- one loves purple and one loves teal, so what's a grandma to do?) and the only kind that had purple was the Chris Madden ones. I also got two new lap quilts for the living room in the same brand. Last night, I didn't want to leave the recliner and neither did Austin. The blankets were heavenly. It's worth taking a peak if you need some- they cost more but are so worth it. I hope this link works....

http://tiny.cc/zl18e

Nothing like a quick post ( I know, too late) Watch for an email from me on your choice of 4 x 4. Have a great week ladies!

What a Week!

It's late and I'm not sleeping yet (about 3 am.) I thought I'd take this opportunity to post since I've been so negligent on Blogging recently. The new patterns are pictured on the website at www.prairiegrovepeddler.com.

Houston Quilt Market & Festival were great but I'm so glad to be back home (and sleeping in my own bed). Two weeks away is a long time even though we spent most of it visiting old friends and my sister. Actually, visiting my sister is like going to a spa for a week. She has a beautiful home with all of the amenities of a great hotel. There's even a pool in the back yard if the weather is warm enough to enjoy it.

Last Thursday I had an outpatient surgery - it was uneventful for the most part and I slept for pretty much three full days afterwards. My only drawback is that I broke blood vessels in both eyes following surgery and I have to say that after 4 days, I still don't look very good with blood red and yellow eyeballs. It's kind of creepy actually! I feel very fortunate that things went as well as they did.

The good news, all orders have been shipped. The bad news, pattern #720 still is not ready. With all of the surgery stuff going on, I forgot to get the last project to my quilter Marilyn so it is not ready as of yet. Hopefully another week or so and I'll be shipping the rest of the orders for it.

This week, even though we're getting a late start, we'll have a drawing for the new 4 X 4's (all 4 of them).
Email me by this Saturday at midnight-
Put 4 x 4 in the title or subject line.
Include your name and full mailing address (to make shipping faster).

I'll draw two names on Sunday and post the names here on the Blog.
Possibly next week or the week after, we'll have a drawing for the new American Folk Art Series. I have to finish that last one first.

Quilt Festival Time

We've been here in Houston all week and it's been a busy time. Last week was the wholesale show- Quilt Market. This week is the retail show- Quilt Festival. It's hard being away for almost 2 weeks but sure is fun! Here's a pic of the booth we set up for Festival- well, half of the booth anyway. We have a double booth for Festival and we demonstrate Steam-A-Seam II fusible web. I've used it for 15 years ever since my Quilt Market booth was next to Dawn (at Warm Co.) and discovered how great it was. Dawn and I have been friends ever since and I still love Steam-A-Seam. Here's the other side of the booth-

My sister Charlotte helps me each year with Festival. We get to visit during the show and enjoy it. There's also a lot of shopping going on when we can get away.

I was reminded today that I met Gail Bird (Igolochkoy Punch needles) about 15 years ago also when across from her Quilt Market booth and we get to visit each market also. Gail's here at the show demonstrating Russian Punch needle. (WE miss you Ellen!)

Tomorrow is a new day for Festival so I better turn in. Good night from Houston!

Quilt Market

Well, we made it down to Houston with the new patterns and finally got them on the website. There is 2 new series- one is American Folk Art, six patterns of projects that can also make a quilt. There's also a series called 4 X 4's, four new patterns- 4 designs X 4 projects in each pattern. There are more 4 X 4's to come each month for a while. They are simple and quick projects with quick fuse applique. Check them out when you get a chance at www.prairiegrovepeddler.com. I'll have a drawing on the new ones when I return. I've seen a lot of old friends, gotten a lot of hugs and seen some new things that I can't live without. Does life get any better? I think not! Have a great week!

Crunch Time

I have about 2 weeks to go before I leave for Houston Quilt Market. I am working pretty much day and night to finish everything that I'd like to take with me but I can see that I may not get it all done. Procrastination. It's a word that I seem to know very well these days. Maybe it's my old age, but I just can't seem to get things done as fast as I used to. Go figure! I can go without sleep and end up with extra hours in each day but it's the organizational skills that seem to fade as the years go by. It seems like it takes me longer to get started on projects than it used to.

I do play a lot more than I use to also. I already have three grandchildren and I just got two more last weekend. They now range from an energetic one year old to an eleven year old bookworm who loves arts and crafts. I guess we can see where that is headed! I'm sure there will be a lot of crafting going on around here in the future. I also stocked up on vintage earrings for a "strap fest" with the girls in the future. They both love the shoes also so I got them each a pair. We'll post pictures when that happens.

This weekend I hope to have pictures of a few new patterns to show. I better go get back to work!

What a Week!

I had so much fun this week. My husband's cousin Judy was in town all week and we did a lot of visiting and eating out. We also enjoyed a few good meals here along with pancakes and fruit smoothies. I know, they weren't on my diet, but I just had to cheat a little this week. I'll start back on the diet tomorrow. She's a grandma now and she made her first baby quilt one day while she was here and it turned out really sweet. I think she started about 4 pm and finished it around midnight. She went home yesterday.

Meanwhile, I'm back to Quilt 101 and trying to finish projects. My problem is that I start so many things and then have so many to finish. Quilt Market is about 5 weeks away and I'm determined to get all of these done by then.

The drawing was very interesting this week. This was the week to enter!

Everyone who went to the website and actually counted pumpkin patterns, whether correct or not, will receive a special package from me this week.

On last week's posting, I mentioned that if you went to the website and counted the pumpkin patterns, I would enter you twice. Turns out, the winner was entered twice. It is Trish from Canada. I'm also sending Trish a special treat, along with the quilt, for going to the trouble to count them! Congratulations Trish!

It's a Mystery!

Ok, I know, sorry I made you wait so long this week for the winners.

I'm supposed to be working on quilts but I took a little detour this weekend. First, my sister and niece came to visit yesterday. I had to clean extra special (don't you know) and make sure everything looked just right. Sarah and Grace were also in town and my son, his wife and 2 boys were also here. By the time they all left, I had to clean again! Go figure!

My sister was in a bad car accident about 3 months ago. She was hit from behind at full speed while stopped to turn and broke her neck among other things. She has a halo bolted to her head and neck and she's been sleeping in a chair for 3 months. She finally gets it off next week and I know she'll be so happy. This was her first trip in quite some time. I was pretty excited to have her come.

I started a baby quilt for Patrick a year ago and never finished it (I know, ~ holding my head low~ what kind of grandma am I? I ask myself that same question all the time!) Anyway, I decided today was the day. After all, little Patrick is almost 1 year old and he can now drag the blanket around with him everywhere he goes. Just in the nick of time, I say- err, I mean, I planned it that way! I have a few knots to tie and I'll be done with it. Nathan and Grace have one like it in different colors. No batting inside, just chenille, Minkie and fabric. It's so cuddly and soft.

I also started a toaster cover, coffee pot cover, mixer cover and table runner for my kitchen. They aren't near done but they're cut out and ready to sew. Maybe tomorrow. Seems like when you have company, it reminds you of all of the things you once started and never finished! Well, pillow covers are next. Remember when I bought the fabric for them? It's been a while so it's time to start them also before anyone else comes to visit.

I know I just decorated when I moved in 8 months ago but I'm already changing wall color. That will come next week. I'm on a roll to fit it all in between the quilting. I actually got up at 3:30 am this morning, sewed until 10am, got ready & went to church and back to sew after lunch. I think tonight I'll tie the baby quilt, photograph it for the Blog and take it easy. It's been a long day. I did have creamer today, in case you're keeping track. I can go days without sleep- if I have my beloved Cinnamon Vanilla creamer. It's a sickness, I know.

I have winners for the Mystery Drawing this week. They are

Cross Stitch: Jan from FL

Quilt: Ruth from FL (also)

Craft: Monica from AR

They each win 5 pumpkin patterns or charts in their category including my newest ones. Congratulations ladies!

Next week- the prize is a quilt. A Pumpkin Quilt, or a big ole pumpkin rag quilt to be specific. To enter:

Email me at PGPeddler@aol.com with OLE RAG in the subject line.

If you add the number of pumpkin patterns & charts that I offer (on www.prairiegrovepeddler.com , I'll enter you twice. Someone will win this quilt next Sunday, will it be you?

Put your name and address in the body of the email.

Entries without both are not considered.

I do not keep the addresses nor do I send unwanted emails of any kind. I don't sell the names. I just want them so I can send the prize out to the winner a lot faster. That's all. I promise!

Have a great evening!