Red Geranium Cottage

Happy Easter Everyone

Just a quick post to wish everyone a Happy Easter.  

Winter........still!!!

Hunkering down over here with my Hunka man.  Snow is coming.  St. Louis is expecting between 5 and 7 I heard, then I heard 7 to 10. So who knows.  I'm just happy that it's coming and it's Sunday so no one has to go outside.  It seems like Easter is a bit too early this year.  We may have to shovel out to find those eggs. 

Boo, his fiance Hillarie and their dog Micah were here for a few days.  We had so much fun.  Hillarie and I had a girls day out.  I took her to a spa for a facial, then we had lunch at Nordstroms and finally I surprised  her with a new Michael Kohrs bag. I know  she's wanted one, so now she has one.  I can't believe I didn't take photos.  Other than of Micah. 

He's so sweet. He wasn't just looking outside, he was watching his momma and daddy as they were packing the car to leave. He didn't want to be left behind.  Micah is a long haired German Shepherd and Hillarie rescued him from a shelter.  He is HUGE!!!   Seriously his head is as big as my.......  well you know.  

Hillarie took this picture of her new bag.  She hugged it and I think she kissed it. I can't be sure.  

I've been sewing again.  I'm on a roll over here.  Lots of projects in the works and I'm trying to finish some things.  

I used a bundle of Riley Blake gingham fat quarters to make the basket quilt.  And the other one is a kit on my website.  I need to get busy quilting now.  The basket one would be so cute hand quilted but that's not gonna happen around here.  

Debbie sent me a big old box of Easter goodies.  The day the kids were leaving to go back to Tenn, I was saying goodbye and trying to hold back my years.  I walked back to the front porch and there was this box sitting there waiting for me.  Just in time!!  I love the bunny she made me, and all the goodies.  

Isn't that bunny adorable?

A couple other things that were in the box.  The turquoise bracelet I saw on Debbie's FB page. It was going to be at a craft thing she was going to.  I wanted one so bad.  Guess what? I got one!!!  WOOHOOOO!!!  and that Easter charm, too cute.  

This week I mailed  a few quilts of mine to friends.  I have so many quilts that they are taking over this house.  I know a few friends that I knew would love one and would appreciate it.  Today I got notification that two of them received their packages and they were so happy.  That makes me happy!!!!  I love surprising friends and strangers.  Nothing better to make your day.  

If your getting snow, stay warm.  If you have warm weather with sun, enjoy!!!!!!  Happy Easter to everyone!  

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I'm a little late today wishing you a happy green day.  We had our corned beef and cabbage last night.  Not sure why I did that instead of waiting for today.  But it was so good.  I knew there were two cuts, flat and point cut. But this year I see that our stores had a "round" cut. OMG it was the best I've ever had and talk about tender.  If you love corned beef you should try this cut if you ever see it at your stores. Ok, that was your cooking lesson for the day. 

Been working on a few things.  I started this on Friday.  I now have them all buttonholed.  Instead of doing the stitching in black I matched it to each color. 

I love my Aurifil threads.  Every color you can imagine for embroidery.  

Pillows are my newest obsession.  I keep buying them and making them.  It takes forever to get the bed ready for sleep at night.  But I love them!!  This one I used Pam Kitty's LOVE fabric and just cut 2 1/2" squares.  Boom, you got yourself a pillow. I love that black fabric.  It is so pretty. I used it on the back too.

This week I bought some daffodils at Trader Joe's. They were still closed. The gal said that they shipped them to Trader's dry.  Or else they would bloom on the way.  I was afraid they would never bloom if I bought them. She said take them home, put them in hot water in your vase and they will bloom.  Dog gone if they didn't!!!  Guess she knew her flowers.  And the good part, they were only $1.69 for a bunch.  I think I bought four bunches. 

I see I haven't really shown much green in honor of St. Patrick's day.  :(  But there's the green vase and that little bitty green basket up there at the top. 

Hope you had a green day!!!!  Off to wait for my Boo and his cute little fiance to arrive.  They should be here soon.  

Surprised!

I saw a box on my front porch and couldn't imagine what was inside. I hadn't ordered anything.   I went out to get it and it was from my good friend Frannie Fran. Then I was so excited to open it because I couldn't imagine what would be inside.  I opened it and cried.  I love this so much.  Fran knew I loved this quilt pattern but I never made it.  So she did! AND she hand quilted this.  It's wonderful.

Here's a close up of two blocks so you can see her hand quilting.

Thank you Frannie Fran.  

Decorating

I've done a little decorating for Easter.  Just a little.  I'd love to drag all the stuff out but then I'd have to put it all away too.  I remember when my mom used to say, I'm not decorating anymore.  I would always say, why???   I love holidays and the decorating. NOW I know.  I do less and less every holiday now.  I hate to have to take it down and put it away.  If I could find someone to do that part I'd be one decorating fool.  

I got these cute things at a local antique shop last year.  

This picture is of one of my nephews from years ago. He's almost 19 years old now but this is still my favorite photo of him.  

Are you decorating yet?  Easter is coming quick.  Seems like it's coming faster this year. It just me or is it? 

 

 

Spring Forward

Well, did ya? Spring forward ??   I did and I didn't like it.  I am ready for Springtime but losing that hour really does me in.  I love my sleep and to give up an hour hurts.    I'm sure by the time we Fall back I'll have caught up on that hour I gave up last night.  

I know I've told you my addiction to Facebook. Well, I'm trying to cut back. Someone told me it was a 12 step program.  I think I'm on step 3.  It's been 3 days and I've really cut back.  While I love interacting on there, it's a time suck.  Since cutting back I've gotten so much done.  Who knew????   

I ran across this photo aned it made me wish my whole sewing room looked like this.  Being on FB all the time prohibits me from even beginning to make it look like this.  That is until 3 days ago.  This is what my sewing room looked like in my California house. I'm sure this must have been taken while our house was up for sale.  Because you know that if your working on projects it DOES NOT look like this.  But I can dream can't I?  

This is what mine looks like today.  I'm embarassed to even show you. But let's just say I've been busy.  Yes, that sound like an excuse and I'm going with it. 

Another reason for downsizing my FB time is this..........No, not baking,  Miss Chloe.  She has had a hard time adjusting to her new home.  Finally after 4 full weeks she's starting to feel better about being here.  I think she was tossed around so much she doesn't know where "home" really is.  She is my shadow and I love her so much.  Doesn't she look like Madeline?? She's just thinner.  

Wilster came over this past week to meet his new four legged sister.  She loved him. When he got up to get something and walked toward the front door she started barking and tried to stop him. It was so funny.  By the way, don't ya wish you could sit as straight as she does?  She cracks us up.  

This is one of my projects I've been working on.  It's a new Block of the Month on my website.  I love it!!!  We're on month 2 now.  The little numbered pieces are little pockets to hold a treasure.  It's an Advent calendar.  The blocks are really big as this is only two months worth.  I love the colors.  So bright and cheerful. All I need now is  grandson/daughter to share it with.  Ok, I won't go there.  My kids are gonna smack me!  

Have a great week and I hope you adjust to the new time.  

 

St. Louie Snow

Can it be true?  Schools are being cancelled for tomorrow,  the roads have been pre-treated, and it is COLD.   The weather men better be right this time.   I've waited all winter for my snow.  Although I can do without the ice that might be coming with it.  

Today my Chloe girl had a grooming appointment.   Her first with us. At first she was all excited to hop in the Explorer and go for a ride.  She took one step into that place and two steps back out the door. I think she probably wasn't sure if I was coming back or who was going to get her next.  Bless her heart.  She sure looks pretty.  But she did before grooming too. She's so much smalle than Madeline.  But reminds us so much of her.  

Boo got to meet her yesterday.  I think she liked him. :)  I still can't believe my baby boy is getting married.   

Hunka and I had a nice Valentine.  These little pies were so good.  I obviously didn't wait until they were totally cooled before icing them.  Haaaaaaaa   I never proclaimed to be a baker.  But they were tasty if I do say so myself.  Raspberry.

I had a romantic dinner ready for my Valentine.  Complete with jumbo prawns,  filet mignon, brussel sprouts, and a heart shaped pecan pie.  And those cute, uh not so cute little pies above. 

Complete with candles...

I can't get enough of these.  Barefoot Contessa recipe.  Delishhhhh.

Again I'm no baker. My poor heart has caved in on the side.   I try I really do.  Well sort of..........

Moving along to St. Paddy's day.  I made this little table topper.  I used to hate the color green.  Seriously I did.  I love this topper.   Do I have kits on my website? Funny you ask.  Why yes I do.  :)  

Hopefully I'll be back with SNOW pictures tomorrow.    And I hope you had a great Valentine too.

 

 

A little girl!!!

We have a new member to our family . No not Bear. He can't do stairs and we have lots of steps. We were sad. We went out and bought food....toys....a name tag....then found out we wouldn't be getting him. But then a good friend of mine found our dog!!! We couldn't be happier with Chloe!!!! I'm not sure how to do photos on this IPod where I want them.
Hope your Valentine will be a good one. Mine already is.

February already???

Can you believe it's already Feb? This year is flying by.  I remember I used to hear when I was young,  just wait till you get older the years will fly by.  And they are.  On Thursday my oldest son Bill aka Wilster is going to be 33 years old.  Just when did that happen?   He did inform me this week that I can't call him Wilster on his FB page anymore because his friends and coworkers see it. And his point is...........??????   My boys are growing up and momma bear is getting OLD.   Birthday boy is on the left in red.  They hate when I ask them to take a picture.  

The last few days Hunka and I spent out looking for a new four legged family member.  Today we found our new furry friend.  This place has you fill out an application and then they come out to your house to ok you.  Let's hope they ok us because today we also went out and bought a huge bag of dog food, dog toys,  heart worm medicine,  a name tag...........and I forget what else.  LOLOL  Guess we are pretty sure Bear will be ours in a few days.  We are so excited. But Hunka is going to try and change his name to Chuck. Chuck Yeager that is.  Is that too funny??? We'll see how that goes. 

I was lucky enough to be able to go to So Ca and stay with my BFF Debbie for a week and go to Road to Ca.  I got to see so many old friends from my So Ca days.  It was nice to see everyone.  

 We had so much fun.  But the time went by too fast as usual.  Debbie, her two sisters and I spent the day together at Road then spent Saturday at Debbie's crafting.  Here is the quilt top we made.

And these pillows.......

Debbie's adorable grandaughter Stella is getting so big.  Look at her posing. I brought gifts and Debbie told her she couldn't have them unless she let me take a picture. You should have seen her run to get her sunglasses and strike a pose. Do you not love those boots???  

And this little sweetie.  Jamieson is such a cuddler.  I could have squeezed him all day long.

My bed was full of gifties when I got to Debbie's.  

And sweet flowers..

I can't wait until I go back again.  It was a great time!

Wish me luck on our new doggy.  I'll be back with good news in a few days I hope.  

 

 

 

Happy New Year

Man oh man has it been THAT long since I blogged?  And can January almost be over?  Time flies doesn't it?

Hunka and I went on a 21 day cruise between Christmas and New Years.  It was a lot of fun but tooooo long.  After 16 days we were ready to be done.  One can only eat, drink and be merry so many days.  We went to some really pretty places and had a great time together.  

This is the computer room/library/coffee shop. I had to go in here and do my Facebooking.   I only did it a couple times though. It's pretty expensive.  

This was poolside. I love, love, love those lamps.  They were huge!!!!  

Hunka and our favorite beverage guy. :)  Mark was the sweetest guy. I wanted to adopt him and take him home.  He's fromt he Philapines.  

Martinique was one of our many stops. 

The prettiest sunsets ever!!!  

Hunka at Christmas in Aruba!! LOL!!!!!!!!   

We did an excursion where we raced two other sailboats in a Regata.  We were picked to be on the Stars & Stripes sailboat that belongs to Dennis Conners I think it was.  He won the America's Cup with his sailboat quite a few times.  It was so much fun. I wasn't sure I'd like being on a sailboat but I did. I'm not a big fan of the water.  I didn't drown and I actually had a good time. :) Oh and we came in second. :(  Can't win em all right? 

I've been home a couple weeks now. I lost my sewing Mojo. I think I stitched so much on the ship that I was burnt out.  I got alot done though.  I did manage to make this.  I have kits on my website if you wanna make one too. I used Pam Kitty's fabric on most of the bag.  It is so cute. It's also on the website. 

I'm off to Ca. to stay with my BFF Debbie and go to Road to Ca with her and her sister's.  Hopefully our friend Tammy can go with us too. If not, I'll be seeing her while I'm in town.  I can't wait.  I have my own suite in Debbie's house. It is awesome. My own room and bathroom connected and the most comfy bed you'll ever sleep in. Honest!!!!  AND I get to see her sweet little grandkids.  Can't wait!!! 

While we were on our cruise I got a message from my Boo. He was letting me know that he was going to propose to his girlfriend on New Years Eve.  I almost fainted when I read the message.  I couldn't believe it was finally happening.  I'm so happy for both of them and excited to plan the Rehearsal dinner.  The wedding is going to be at a beautiful place in Nashville.  The wedding is May 31st 2014.  I know the time is going to fly by!

Hopefully I'll be back sooner than later to blog again.  :)