Shakerwood Primitives

Jealousy . . . . .

2011-12-26T17:10:00.000-05:00

I think someone is jealous because he didn't get a Pez or Cracker Jacks in his stocking!

Blessings, Cathi

And to all a good night . . . . .

2011-12-24T18:30:00.005-05:00

Sorry I haven't been around much on this blog but I do have my B.W.O. (blogging without obligation) graphic on the sidebar for a reason!

Hope you all survived the holiday rush today if you went out. Me? I'm still in my pajamas. Have been all day. What a great feeling.

I made 3 kinds of cookies today - about 12 dozen.

Naked gingerbread men - and they are staying that way!

Took a 2 hour nap. Made a grocery list for Dear Hubby. He volunteered to brave it at Wal-Mart. He said it was nuts. Tonight, one more batch of cookies. The boys (the two-legged ones) are putting together a puzzle of Santa quilting while we watch the Yule Log on tv.

Tomorrow morning is our traditional breakfast casserole. I used to have to make it the night before but since the children are all grown and don't get up quite as early as they used to, I will have plenty of time in the morning. Here is our version - a little Christmas gift from me to you. It's a little late for this year unless you have all the ingredients on hand but it's great anytime you need to feed a lot of people for breakfast with little effort.

BreakfastCasserole Serves 6

1pkg. Regular Flavor Jimmy Dean Pork Sausage

10eggs, lightly beaten

3cups milk

2teaspoons dry mustard

1teaspoon salt

6cups cubed bread

2cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

1/2teaspoon black pepper

1/2cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

1/2cup thin-sliced green onions (optional)

Preheatoven to 325 F. In large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, stirringfrequently until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink. In large mixing bowl,combine eggs, milk, mustard and salt; stir well. Distribute half the breadevenly in a buttered 9" x 13" x 2" baking dish. Sprinkle withhalf the pepper, half the cheese, half the sausage and half of each optionalingredient. Repeat layering using remaining bread, pepper, cheese, sausage andoptional ingredients. Pour egg mixture evenly over casserole. Bake uncoveredfor 55-60 minutes, or until eggs are set. Tent with foil if top begins to browntoo quickly. Note: may be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 12 hoursbefore baking.

Merry Christmas, every one.

Blessings, Cathi

I was hoping . . . . .

2011-12-02T21:38:00.001-05:00

When I saw Leann's blog the other day with her post about her beautiful handmade Christmas cards, I was just hoping that one was for me. And it was!

I've been on Leann's handmade list for several years ago, not just for Christmas but other times during the year. But I would hate to assume. She does such a beautiful job on her cards.

Thank you, Leann, and Merry Christmas to you, too!!

Blessings, Cathi

A tribute to Che Che . . . . .

2011-11-21T19:01:00.001-05:00

Please see a tribute that I have written about my sister that passed away yesterday on my quilting blog .....

Blessings, Cathi

Bigger is better . . . . .

2011-11-02T08:07:00.001-04:00

I talked to my cousin the other day. She asked why I hadn't been blogging as much lately.

Well, two reasons . . . .

1) I have had 4 vending/retreat obligations the last 4 weekends. I have taken a few pictures but mostly when I am not loading the van, unloading the van, dying more wool because I didn't get as much done as I thought in August and generally working my little fingers to the bone, I am trying to catch up on some sleep.

2) The computer is on death's door. I haven't seen the blue screen of death yet but it's getting close. Fortunately Computer Geek says it is possible to save it. I just have to wait until Friday afternoon when he gets off work. I did backup all my files to an external hard drive (Whoohoo) but not the emails or the contact list.

In the meantime, I am working on this . . . .

My adorable little netbook. And when I say little, I mean little. The screen is only 10". It's not so much fun to blog or even read blogs on that little screen with my old eyes.

It doesn't have any of the Office products so I can't do a whole lot of some things I'm supposed to be working on - like writing a new pattern for my Wool Journal that I taught at retreat. I have WordPad but when I open a Word document the format can go all wonky on me.

Anyway, here's hoping that Computer Geek can fix it with minimal expense. Since I backed up files, I'm not TOO worried but I just don't have the money for a whole new computer right now.

Blessings, Cathi

PS. Happy Birthday to the Married One!! 32 TODAY !!

Fred's new head . . . . .

2011-10-28T20:14:00.000-04:00

Fred has made his appearance again this year - a little thicker again - but he's still hanging in with us.

Here he is from 3 years ago . . . .

Over the years, he has begun to fade . . . .

. . . and I noticed he is coming much more spread out around the neck and his shirt a little tighter across the chest!

Maybe spending too much time in the sun . . . .

So time for a new head . . . .

I hope Fred will be with us for a few more years. Time to put Fred on a diet, too!

As far as my diet is concerned, I haven't gained anything but haven't lost anything. No small feat considering I have been traveling and having to eat out every weekend. At least I haven't gained like Fred has!!

Blessings, Cathi

Just fantastic . . . . .

2011-10-24T22:11:00.001-04:00

Lookie what Ivonne from the Crackling Crows just posted!

Can't wait to get it and hang in the sewing room. She does such wonderful work. I stole the pic from her blog because not only is she a great artist but a great photographer as well.

Blessings, Cathi

Bathroom wall . . . . .

2011-10-16T13:50:00.000-04:00

Sorry I have been MIA on this blog lately but I have been gone two weekends in a row vending at shows again. I have a retreat that I am teaching at this weekend and then another show the next weekend.

I did find some time this morning to take a picture of the guest bathroom wall that I finally decorated. The bathroom is so tiny that I thought it would be easier to take the picture from the reflection in the mirror.

The spot where the pumpkin wall hanging is right now will have a small penny rug taking it's place. As soon as I make it! The pennys are finished but they need to be attached to the background.

I just love the pictures that I redid to fit in the space. I scanned in some of my favorite family photos and changed them to sepia, printed them out on regular copy paper and put into some old, cheap frames that I had painted black and antiqued.

Here is a better look at them individually . . . . . .


Me in Avalon, New Jersey, circa 1960


Dear Hubby with his Papa in the tobacco field - 1961


My favorite pic of the older three - 1987

This one you may remember from last year when the baby turned 21

Below the picture of the bumblebee (AKA Computer Geek) will be some iron or metal black stars when I find the ones that will fit the space. The tin candle lamp was a castoff from one of my cousins. It was originally the silver tin color that I spray painted with black matte paint.

Hope you enjoyed!

Blessings, Cathi

Hiding the clutter . . . . .

2011-09-30T21:43:00.004-04:00

Do your bookcases tend to look cluttered after a while? You don't notice it until one day when you start to decorate for the holidays, it hits you. Where did all this stuff come from?

You know the stuff I mean . . . . . boxes of pictures that you will put in a scrapbook someday, your kids yearbooks from every year of school from 6th grade on that they want you to "hold" for them, DVD's, all the electronics Hubby HAS to have to watch the weather channel (just kidding - I meant football or the Bourne Identity in HD). Here is the bookcase on the left side of the living room.

This picture was taken back in June. The shelf at the top of the spinning wheel is stationary. All the others are adjustable. See all that mess below that shelf? Now you see it . . . . .

Now you don't!

I've had this for literally years waiting for the right project. I tea-dyed it first and hung them with tension rods. I didn't quite have enough fabric for these three units and the three units on the right side. I will fix them somehow by either adding some "antiqued" lace or some fabric that is really close. I don't want a big in-your-face contrasting fabric. The right thing will show up eventually.

But doesn't it look better already? It made it look so much cleaner when I walked in the room this morning.

One of the best things? The remotes work on the electronics THRU the curtains! No having to move them to use the remotes. Because I am pretty sure that I would have been the only one putting the curtains back where they belonged if you know what I mean!

Blessings, Cathi

Two years later . . . . .

2011-09-28T09:21:00.004-04:00

I posted about this little cross-stitch two years ago in this post, explaining how the name Arline Clause came to be on it.

And I talked about how I was going to finish it. It only took me two years! I finished it this week and hung it on the wall of the newly remodeled guest bathroom along with a few other goodies.

I can't show the whole wall yet as there are a few things that are left undone. You can see the corner of the mini quilt I finished last week that I posted about over on my quilt blog.

I really like how this wall has turned out so far. Now to concentrate on fall decorating!

Blessings, Cathi

Two little projects in the done column . . . . .

2011-09-22T08:16:00.001-04:00

Did you ever look at a little project and think, "Ooh, that won't take long. I'll do it tomorrow.". Only tomorrow never seems to come!

That's what I did with these. But I did wake up Monday and think that it was time to do them. So quickly in fact that I didn't take a before picture of the first one.

I found this cute little bread box at the NC State Fairgrounds on the Friday before My Black Monday. It is in great shape but it was a boring beat-up brown. The price was right at $10.00! So a little bit of paint and my favorite Tudor Brown Bri-wax and ta da!

While I was at it, I painted the wall above the countertop in the kitchen. Remember we had to remove all the cabinets to put in the new flooring last summer. We put the base cabinets in and made the kitchen functional but then we stopped and went on to other things. We even had put some of the paint swatches on the kitchen wall last summer. I'm embarrassed to say, they were still there. So I painted. It took an hour! What was I waiting for?

After painting

Note the coffee pot in the above picture. Murphy's law struck again.......

After measuring 15 times, I still put the first shelf a 1/2" too low. So the bread box was moved here and the coffee pot to the right of the window in the picture. It doesn't look great yet. I just threw up some things I had laying around the house. The brackets came from IKEA last January destined for another project that was never done. The board I picked up at Lowes that morning. It was a rough cut cedar board....rough cut on one side and smooth on the other. Only $12.00 for the 8' board and the best thing - they cut it for me! No trying to kill myself getting into Dear Hubby's shop and finding the right tools which would have taken HOURS.

Anyway, two more little projects off the list. We may wind up putting upper cabinets on this wall down the road but in the meantime, I have a nice place for seasonal decorations and the paint samples are gone!

Blessings, Cathi

Another big project . . . . .

2011-09-08T20:50:00.000-04:00

See that little ticker on the left side column? Another BIG project that I am working on is ME. I thought I would put it out there to the world so that all of you can hold me accountable.

No "before" picture of me yet so I will just show you a scale because no post should be without a picture!

I have been on South Beach diet since the end of May. I had been on it before with some success but this time Dear Hubby is on it with me. What a difference that makes! So in 12 weeks, I have lost 21 lbs with 26 more to go! I feel so much better already!!

The boys and I go for a walk every morning for 45 minutes. Turns out Hubby and I weren't the only ones that needed to shed a few pounds.

At Reagan's last vet visit in July, Dr. Mike told him he needed to lose about 10 lbs. We went back for a weigh-in 10 days ago and he had lost 8 lbs. already.

Hope all of our BIG projects continue to become small!

Blessings, Cathi

Happy Birthday to me! . . . . .

2011-09-01T08:33:00.002-04:00

Hi! Nelson here. Today is my 3rd birthday! Today is the day that I am, according to most doggie experts, not a puppy anymore.

Mommy was hoping that I would wake up this morning mature and calm. But that's not gonna happen any time soon!

I have too much playing to do still.

And running.

And aggravating the cat.

And begging for treats to do first.

Being a grown up can wait!

Mommy is having a Christmas Crafting Party today so I thought I would dress up for it. Maybe they will have food. I LOVE food.

And I hope Mommy has a birthday cake for me later. I LOVE birthday cake!

Love, Nelson

I ♥ wooden spools . . . . .

2011-08-28T11:34:00.002-04:00

I have quite a collection of wooden spools. I have moved them all around the house over the years but I think I have found a permanent home for them.

Half on the right side bookcase.

And half on the left side. I wish the light was better on the left side but I would have to wait for the afternoon sun to take that picture without the flash.

I had found two more the other day when I went antiquing with a friend of mine. The short ones with the ribs. You can see what else I bought on my Christmas blog.

The tall one on the left my friend happened to have from her late MIL's house. She said she didn't want it, did I? Well, yea! It won't fit on either of the shelves in the pictures above so that may have to stand alone on top of the computer cabinet for now.

I have 4 lamps made from wooden spools but don't have pictures of them yet ..... or lampshades ... so those will have to wait for another day.

Hope those in the path of Irene are doing okay. I've been through one before - HUGO - 22 years ago so I know what you are going through. Sending little prayers your way.

Blessings, Cathi

Back to school . . . . .

2011-08-04T16:07:00.002-04:00

No, not me! But Dear Hubby. He has decided that he has waited long enough to get his masters. High school coaches are caught in a pickle. They get out of school too late in the spring to go to the first summer session and start football too soon in August to go to the second summer session.

A random picture taken from our local paper. I have no idea who these guys are!

So Dear Hubby has decided to go the "on-line is the only way" route.

Just wanted to let you know what excuse # 372 was on my long list of why we don't finish projects around here. It will be worth it, though.

He has done some work since the bathroom was finished. And I wholeheartedly mean "he". It's too hot for me! I used to like the sweaty work - many years ago before I got old. But that's for another story.

Anyway, he is adding a lean-to to the side of his workshop to store the riding lawnmower, tiller, etc. We have had them under a makeshift tarp-thingy for a while. Those tarps don't last too long!

How it started.

Even this looks better!

As of today . . .he even put the posts and ledger boards up by himself. Where are the adult kids when you need them!?

The latest in construction apparel! A dish towel and electrical tape. A man's gotta do what a man has to do!

Two a days with contact started yesterday morning in our neck of the woods. With all the incidents lately, say a little prayer for ANYONE that has to be out in this heat. Dear Hubby said that for the most part the teams are holding up okay but it has been brutal on them. Specifically those young'uns who decided it would be better to spend their summer on the couch in the air-conditioning. They'll learn their lesson by the time they are seniors!!

Stay cool!

Blessings, Cathi

We have a bathroom ! . . . . .

2011-07-06T15:17:00.002-04:00

We finally have a working guest bathroom. Dear Hubby did such a good job on the tiling . . . . on the whole bathroom. We have baseboard and quarter round and all the paint is touched up and door knobs on the cabinet and everything! You just don't know how exciting this is for us.

No more having to run upstairs to the bathroom!

Dear Hubby is going to build a magazine rack that will go on the small wall next to the toilet.

I am working on a quilt to go on the wall across from the toilet. Maybe a few more towels in the basket.

I promise that I will talk about something else other than this bath remodel now . . . . but it's DONE!

Blessings, Cathi

As we speak . . . . .

2011-06-29T14:52:00.001-04:00

Dear Hubby is installing the tile on the countertop, the same tile that is on the floor.

As you can see, I was so excited when I finished painting the walls that I went ahead and rehung the mirrors. Baseboard is in and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

On a recent trip to Annapolis, Maryland (I vended at a quilt show there), Dear Hubby and I had to stop at a few antique places. I added to my enamel pot collection. Up to 15 now!

We also stopped by Prim and Proper in Hope Mills, North Carolina. What a cute store!! Not far off the interstate (I-95) so if you travel up and down the east coast, it is worth the detour.

I bought this really neat wire tree. I'm not sure how I am going to decorate it . . . . with some wool ornaments for sure but there is different graduated spaces between each tier of "limbs". I'll have to think on that one for a little while. Any suggestions?

I also found these jingle bells on a stem and the electric lamp. The firkin is a 2 year old purchase I don't think I have shared before but that's for another post. When I put this all together, I'll show you how it came out.

This little book candle caught my eye. It's sitting on the desk part of an old school desk that lives in our living room. The candle is waiting for a prim book to be made by moi.

I also bought a punched tin tissue paper cover but I'll wait until the bathroom is finished until I show that . . . . . . (please be soon, please be soon, please be soon).

Blessings, Cathi
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2011-06-18T20:33:00.002-04:00

I've gotten quite a bit done although you may not be able to tell. We (meaning Dear Hubby) had to paint the bookcases on the right of the former fireplace to match the new trim color. In the meantime, all the "stuff" that was on the shelves was either stuffed onto the new shelves on the left or in boxes on the floor. I spent all day Friday arranging the shelves.

Still some empty spaces but I'm okay with that for now. The bottom three shelves on both sides will be covered with something. Ideally with custom made, raised panel doors made by Dear Hubby someday but in the meantime, maybe some osnasburg curtains.

I also cleaned, cleaned, cleaned everything in this room. I think I swept up an entire dog worth of hair from these two. (picture from last fall)

I'm just about finished painting the bathroom. Just have to roll the walls one more time. And I have two coats on the new bathroom vanity. This picture is after one coat. I'll check in the morning to see if I need another coat. I doubt it since I will be antique-ing it anyway. No sense putting on three coats just to sand one off!

Hopefully I can show more pics in a day or two. I have the lights off in the bathroom and am painting by lamplight. A little too dark for picture taking right now.

Blessings, Cathi
13620

He done good . . . . .

2011-06-08T19:36:00.001-04:00

After a few little "under his breath" comments, the floor is down, grouted and he waited the mandatory 3 days to put the grout sealer on.

In the meantime, he sanded a cabinet that we will be using for the sink. We bought a base cabinet at the big box store. It didn't have the finish we wanted so Dear Hubby sanded it down. We will paint it to match the one in the kid's bathroom. First we are on our way to Annapolis, MD for quilt show where I will be a vendor. Then he will be going to New Orleans for a convention for a week.

Hopefully I will be able to surprise him (good thing he doesn't read the blogs!) and get the walls and the cabinet painted.

Blessings, Cathi
13328

They are finally gone ! . . . . .

2011-06-03T08:55:00.002-04:00

Five weeks of the endless drone of the cidadas but they are finally gone! I can hear birds again. All kinds of birds! I knew the other night that it must be near the end because I could hear the bullfrogs down near our creek. Finally on to other things!

A few little other things have been happening around the house. During the great remodel last summer, the guest bathroom had to be gutted because of the height of the floor with the new floor. Not to worry, it needed it. This is how it has looked for a while. Now that school is out, Dear Hubby can get to work again. All the parts have been bought. Dear Hubby is laying tile today. Whoohoo!

We did finally decide on sconces for the living room. I don't know why it is so difficult for me to make a decision. When you have precious little money, you want to make the right decision the first time. I hate returning things.

Note the crown molding is up! Boy, are we slow.

The bookcases on the right have been painted. They were built over 10 years ago. The ones on the left were to be built right after that but it never happened. Now I have both to decorate. We have plenty of "stuff" to put on them. I just don't want them to look junky. In an ideal world, I would have a collection of pewter dishes. Can't afford them right now so I will have to decorate with what I have.

Thanks to those who have stuck with this blog even though I don't post much on here anymore. I hope to rectify that soon. After all, it is summer and I do have Dear Hubby around until high school football starts!

Blessings, Cathi
13127

South Carolina's Call of the Wild . . . . .

2011-05-10T15:19:00.002-04:00

Yes, I'm still here . . . . . busy, busy, busy with busy-ness (business) still. Shows will be slowing down for the summer so maybe I can post more on this blog.

I don't know about all parts of South Carolina but in our neck of the woods, the wild call is . . . .

Cicadas!

They started 10 days ago. It's been constant since then. No break, no slowing down. On the first day, I thought maybe one of the toilets were running. I went upstairs several times to check. Then it was on the news a few days later.

Our local fellas are the 13-year variety. They are supposed to be fairly healthy to eat . . . . full of protein . . . . if you can get past the taste. There have been plenty of recipes in the local paper. The problem is you only have one shot at trying the recipe once every 13 years.

Personally, I will be glad when they stop - uhhhmmmm, mating (which is what they have been doing for the last 10 days). It's fun and all but after a while, the noise can get annoying.

Blessings, Cathi
12665

How average can one person be? . . . . .

2011-03-30T14:19:00.000-04:00

Yes, I have prim stuff to share but not yet.

Let me tell you how average - middle class - normal I must be. I've just received notice for jury duty ......

For the 16th time in 25 years. Yes, 16 times. I mean, how average can one person be?

Now I don't know how the rest of the country works, but in South Carolina you can be released from serving if you have served less than 3 years prior. You can serve more often if you would like. But that rule only applies to a single court. You can be called to as many different courts as there are courts for.

So far, I have been called to just about every one including Federal District court. I even served on a jury for a Federal trial. Now I haven't served on every one . . . .just called. Some of them I was dismissed from for one reason or another. Still . . . . my name keeps coming up. Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket!

Blessings, Cathi

Paint colors . . .

2011-02-18T09:15:00.001-05:00

Some people asked about the paint colors and one of them is a no-reply blogger

If you are fairly new or not as proficient at blogging as others, you need to manually go in to blogger and change a toggle to let us know what your email address is. To find out how, click here.

The colors we used are from Lowes Valspar Paints. Why Valspar? Because it's only 5 minutes to Lowes and Home Depot is all the way across town. And I like the paint.

The wall color is called Lyndhurst Stone . . . . .

And the trim is LaFonda Sagebrush . . .

These paint chips were taken off the Valspar website and look a little redder than the actual color but you get the idea.

We also splurged for a new couch. I had really wanted a Johnston Benchworks couch but the closest dealer was 3 hours away. We wanted to keep our money in our county so we opted for something that would work as an okay substitute.

Notice that the color is about a perfect match to the trim color. The corner round that is on the floor behind the couch is actually up on the wall like it should be now. The surface area of the seats are the same as our former couch but because the profile of the arms are much smaller, it makes the couch look smaller. And I love that no one can put drinks precariously on the arms anymore!

We've narrowed the sconces down to these three . . . . .

We will have two between the bookcases. You can see one of the boxes in the post below, top picture. Dear Hubby likes the first one but it may be too wide. I have to check dimensions but haven't gotten around to it. The middle one I will have to buy a lamp shade for. Another decision. And the third one will be harder to clean. We have several punched tin lights and lots of dust. But if I put in 25 watt bulbs, who will see the dust?

Any thoughts?

Blessings, Cathi
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Slow as molasses and even slower in the winter . . . .

2011-02-10T11:44:00.002-05:00

Dear Hubby and I are STILL working on little projects mostly in the living room. We just can't seem to get anything finished.

We finally made a deal that WHEN we finished the living room, dining room and foyer, we would reward ourselves with something nice.

Dear Hubby finished the bookcase to the left of the former fireplace . . . . .

The base moulding is down . . . . .

But the crown moulding is not . . . .

Still . . . . .

But once the base moulding went down, Dear Hubby was very excited and vowed to finish this project. He just needs a few free weekends and a Spring Break to get there.

On my end, I am having trouble with the sconces. Thought I had something picked out but the customer service was being so difficult at the store I picked, I abandoned that idea. I'll know it when I see it!

Blessings, Cathi
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As with the rest of the South . . . . .

2011-01-11T16:05:00.001-05:00

We are on our 2nd full snow day. The heat in the house is set to 65° but it still feels colder than that. We haven't seen the sun for a while, making it feel even colder.

I have plenty of sewing to do but haven't even ventured in to the sewing room. I did try a little hand work last night but mostly I have stayed bundled up on the couch with Dear Hubby.

Dear Hubby and I did make it out side for a little fun in the snow yesterday morning. He only managed to get this picture of me!

And this was my good side!

Reagan and Nelson seemed to love it. We couldn't get them to come inside. They sure took a long nap in the afternoon.

One big remodeling project is almost finished. When the sun comes out and the light is better, I will take pictures.

Stay warm!

Blessings, Cathi
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Boy, that took a long time to finish ! . . . . .

2010-12-30T19:04:00.002-05:00

Not really, I was just lazy. And didn't take any pictures along the way but it was pretty straight forward.

I just painted it black, sanded it then stained with Tudor Brown Bri-wax. I did cut a hole in the back for the candle plug to go through.

I would love to show it to you with the candle lit but the outlet it is plugged into was one of the many Money Pit episodes we had this year. We'll save that story for another day.

The greenery is fake but easily could have been filled with some cedar from my many cedar trees on the property. Christmas decorations are going away any day now so I will be back to show you what I do with it for the rest of the year.

And maybe the light will be on by then!

Blessings, Cathi
9096

Next Prim project picked out . . . . .

2010-11-12T16:27:00.001-05:00

I've been busy with a few organizational things this week along with getting ready to teach a class tomorrow. I've reorganized the cabinets in the utility room, the closet under the stairs and the upstairs hallway. Nothing worth showing pictures of.

But I have picked out my next little project I hope to start on Sunday afternoon. Here are some of the parts. . . .

I hope to show something finished next week. Depends on the weather. We don't have a garage so I have to do a lot of my smelly (like Briwax) crafting outside.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings, Cathi
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Mommy, look at our midnight snack . . . . .

2010-11-08T14:34:00.003-05:00

The boys usually don't mess with any of the household items at night. Really, they don't. But last night they must have been really bored.

Yup, Dear Hubby's golf shoes. We keep the boys locked in the utility room at night with a baby gate. There are lots of shoes and ball caps and "things" in there but they have NEVER messed with any of them.

They have plenty of toys. These are just a few that I could find. Hermann Munster still has his squeaky toys inside! No small feat for them. The squeakys are usually the first things to go. I just have to make sure that they have a few in with them at night. Guess I missed last night!

They do look a little guilty this morning. But I'm sure they will get over it.

And now Dear Hubby can put new golf shoes on his Christmas list. He's really excited about that.

Blessings, Cathi
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And now back to our regularly scheduled blogging . . . . .

2010-11-04T09:53:00.002-04:00

My last show of the year is over and now I can get back to some regular blogging here on my Primitives blog. The month of October is all a blur. If I learned anything, it was to pace myself. The next show I am vendoring at is the first full weekend in January. I will NOT wait until the day after Christmas to start thinking about it!

Dear Hubby and I did sneak away for a day to the mountains of North Carolina.

Two of our kids had birthdays . . . . . .


Turf Boy turned 26

And the Married One turned 31

I didn't put out a single fall decoration. How sad . . . .

Not even the wreath on the door . . . .

From last year

Like I said, if I learned nothing else this past fall, it is that I need to pace myself , make a schedule and make time for family.

And the Phillies lost.

Blessings, Cathi

7210

Mr. Doc-tober ! . . . . .

2010-10-06T19:56:00.002-04:00

Roy "Doc" Halliday has joined a group of two. Only two pitchers have thrown a no-hitter in the post-season . . . . . . the other one being 1956.

Go Phillies !

You know it's Fall when . . . . .

2010-10-05T14:54:00.003-04:00

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is at your local Panera Bread ! ! !

I'd show you the inside but it's gone already! I know they are a little expensive but I worked really hard this past weekend at the quilting retreat where I taught. I figured I deserved a $4.00 latte!

I'm still busy dying wool. This past weekend was a great success. I taught 2 wool applique classes and sold a LOT of wool. I'm spending three days this week dying wool (it's on the stove as we speak) then I have to set up for my next show on Thursday. Very tiring but also very satisfying.

When this weekend's show is over and I give a wool applique program for a local guild on Monday night, I hope to get back to working on the house. I knew we would come to a complete stand still. At least we are consistent!!

I have managed to finish this end of the room . . . . .

Before . . . . .

After . . . . .

Obviously the crown moulding isn't up yet. If I wait until that is up to show you any pictures, it could be next spring! Dear Hubby is a little afraid of crown moulding so that will definitely be the last thing we do.

The copper bucket on the floor to the left is for the boys toys. They have already learned to get them from there. I just haven't trained them to put them back yet. Heck, I'm lucky if I can get them to keep them inside!

The chair to the left of the doors is an old school desk that my mom and dad had forever in their house. I'm not really sure where it came from.

I really like how this end turned out. We have never had drapes on this end of the room. It sure warmed it up as soon as they went up.

The fabric is called Miss Kitty by Braemore. The colors are just perfect for the room. We also have drapes of the same fabric at the other end.

Hope you are enjoying this weather !! I know I am.

I forgot to add that I am going to make some Prim sign to put between the two curtain rods above the door. I just haven't decided on the word yet . . . . . or what size . . . . or what color . . . . or what text font . . . .

Blessings, Cathi
6287

Apple Pickin' Time . . . . .

2010-09-27T08:48:00.001-04:00

Dear Hubby and I went to the apple growing capital of North Carolina on Saturday . . . . .Henderson County. Although it would have been nicer if we had some cool fall weather, we still had a good time.

We must have gone to about 10 orchards ...... all on Hwy. 64 which takes you from downtown Hendersonville all the way to Bat Cave. Yes, there is a Bat Cave, North Carolina. Cute, cute town with some lovely and UNIQUE gift shops.

Here are some pictures from the day. . . .

Mountain Fresh Orchard

View from Mountain Fresh Orchard back porch

Grandad's Apples

Wonder how they got that up there?

Grandad's Apples had a corn maze that went on forever.

Love this vingette!

This apple was carved right out of the stump!

This will be Dear Hubby and I one day!

Looks like time stood still here.

Loved this orchard!

Plenty of apples left.

Our bounty for the day!

We came home with quite a few different varieties of apples. . . . .Romes, Candycrisp, JonaGold, Honey Crisp and King Luscious to name a few. We found some Pumpkin Bread and an Applesauce Cake (that is gone already!).

And see that long green thing in the picture above? That is a snake gourd. Grandad's Apples had two crates of them. They really look like snakes. We went through quite a few before Dear Hubby decided on that one. He is taking it to school to put in his training room to scare a few football players. Those big guys can be kind of squeamish sometimes!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend. I'm off now to finish getting ready for the classes I'm teaching this weekend and to figure out what to do with all these apples!!

Blessings, Cathi
5962

The Computer Geek turns 21 . . . . .

2010-09-20T15:24:00.001-04:00

The last of my four babies turns 21 today. They are all adults now (chronologically speaking) and I'm feeling mighty old.

He was 24 hours old when Hurricane Hugo came through our hometown. I'll never forget. Most people wonder why we didn't name him Hugo !

Happy Birthday, my baby!!

Blessings, Cathi
5705

Fall, Where are you ? . . . . .

2010-09-18T16:59:00.001-04:00

I'm all for warm weather once in a while in the fall but this is getting ridiculous. It is the 18th day of the month and we are on Day 11 of 90° or higher here in the upstate of South Carolina. The air-conditioning is still on. The average high should be 82°.

We've had 0.30" of rain this month and we should be somewhere around 2.5" of rain by now.

None of this wants to make me pull out the fall decorations. For now I'll just show some pictures of Autumn Past and dream of cooler weather.

The only seasonal food that would be good right now is a big glass of ice cold apple cider.

Maybe soon . . . . . .

Blessings, Cathi

5519

Finally back to sitting while I blog . . . . .

2010-09-10T12:35:00.003-04:00

Computer Geek and I brought the computer cabinet in from the storage building yesterday. I know, I'm slow. I need to work on one project and stick with it until it's finished. Note to self . . . work on one thing at a time.

It sure is nice to sit down in a comfortable chair for a change.

I know .... no picture of the chair but trust me it's much more comfortable than the step stool was!

This corner is just about finished. I think I need to put a small quilt on the wall behind the sheep. I also have a wire basket that belonged to Sweet Granny that holds quilts. It usually sits on the floor to the right of the cabinet. Haven't found the box that it is stored in yet.

I'm seriously thinking about skipping putting things back out and just pull out my fall decorations. This is what the top of the computer cabinet looked like last year.

But that means pulling out more boxes before I get these unpacked. I don't know if I am up for that yet.

Blessings, Cathi

5107

Paint on the walls . . . .

2010-08-31T18:22:00.002-04:00

I've been so busy with getting ready for my first quilt show, that I haven't had much time to work on the house. Now that the show is over, I have jumped back into the painting. So far I have put two coats on the living room walls.

Here is a picture of a wall in progress to you can see the big difference in the color. Flash wouldn't work in this picture. Probably because the sun was coming in this window.

I think I am really going to like the change. Tomorrow I will start with touch-up paint on the trim and adding more trim to the french doors.

The closet you can see on the left in this picture is a closet that is under the stairs. I have already painted it and moved the office supplies into it. We use this as an office of sorts.

And all the trim and crown molding has to be added to this wall. This was another "money pit" wall that Dear Hubby had to strip to the studs and add new drywall. But it's all better now!

The color of the wall is Lyndhurst Stone from Valspar paint (Lowes). The trim is LaFonda Sagebrush from Valspar. Both are from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

I sure hope I can add to this blog a lot more often now that the painting is coming along nicely!

Blessings, Cathi
4650

Where I blog ..... for now . . . . .

2010-08-17T09:39:00.001-04:00

The floors are finished! Whoo hoo!!

Unfortunately football practice has started, the teachers have gone back and the kids start tomorrow. Which means I don't have my right hand handyman anymore.

We have moved the couch and dining room table back into the house but all the other furniture is still stored away. We decided that since the furniture was still out of the rooms, we might as well paint. I know we should have done that first but we didn't. I'm not too worried since I am usually a neat painter.

The computer has been in pieces on my bedroom floor for a week. I decided I just couldn't do without it anymore so I have put it back ..... sort of.

Let me tell you, that stepstool is uncomfortable! I don't plan on being on the computer long!! I started painting the walls. You can see the new color behind the computer screen. The old color is at the bottom of the wall, soon to be covered with base molding. More on the new color later.

And the other wall? Well, another one of those Money Pit moments. It won't take long to fix but Dear Hubby can only work on weekends now.

I hope I can back to checking out others blogs now and returning emails. Hope you have a comfortable chair to sit on!

Blessings, Cathi
4096

Reindeer antlers in my garden . . . . .

2010-08-07T13:19:00.001-04:00

I've always thought the dried daylily stalks looked like reindeer antlers. Thought I'd share before I pulled them out.

On the flooring front, we are about to start coat 3 of 4. We are using tung oil for the finish. An absolutely beautiful matte finish that is very durable and water repellent. But it takes forever to dry. It will be at least a week to 10 days after we put the last coat on before we can walk on it with shoes. Then at least 30 days before it will be totally cured. We're not sure when in that time frame we will start putting the furniture back in. It sure will be worth it though!

Blessings, Cathi
3623

Late night but the floors are moving right along . . . . .

2010-08-04T23:08:00.002-04:00

More quick pics . . . . .

Sanding and staining went pretty well. It was a late night but we 'gotter dun' without incident.

I'm posting with Dear Hubby's laptop and having trouble with pictures going in the right place. You get the drift.

Blessings, Cathi

Cabinets are in . . . . . time to sand the floors . . . . .

2010-08-03T11:30:00.001-04:00

A quick post to show the base cabinets in.

In an hour, we will be picking up the sander. The boys have gone on "vacation" to visit The Married One with her two little lovelies.

We will be spending the next several days staining and sealing. For some reason, I am very nervous about this part. Say a little prayer for us.

Blessings, Cathi
3234

Moving right along . . . . on something else . . . . .

2010-07-31T12:05:00.002-04:00

The floors are still in the same state as the last post except we have put down red rosin paper to protect them.

The big project this past week was the kitchen . . . . still. Friday, a week ago, we went to IKEA and picked out a new kitchen.

Now IKEA wasn't my first choice. That was for Dear Hubby to build custom cabinets that I could have painted and antiqued for a nice prim look. He does such a good job with woodworking. If he had all summer to do them WITHOUT having to put down the flooring or repairing the holes in the ductwork under the house or help the contractor dude with under the house structural stuff, he would have done it. Something like this . . . . . except maybe painted red . . . . .

My second choice was to buy stock boxes from IKEA and have him build just the doors. He said, "but football practice starts in two weeks!".

So we went with the whole shooting match from IKEA. I have to say, we made the right decision. We had looked at some stock cabinets at the big box store that looked about the same. The IKEA cabinets with all the fun innards were less expensive and the quality was much better. Just no comparison. Not the prim look I want but I can monitor and adjust with the decorating.

As of this morning, the boxes are built and in and level (big whoo whoo on that one) . . . . . .

Here is Dear Hubby working on putting in the counter top. . . . . .

With Nelson's help . . . . . Reagan is off napping somewhere . . . . .

All the drawers and inside thingys are built . . . . .

And while I've been writing this post, Dear Hubby has gotten half the counter top in. They are a birch butcher block from IKEA. Just love it. They are solid wood which will be stained and finished with tung oil like the floors.

So the goal for the rest of the weekend (and I'm just telling you so we can be held accountable) is to get the rest of the counter tops in, install the kitchen sink, put the black, wrought iron hardware on the drawers and cook dinner on the stove by Sunday night.

Monday we start with sanding the floors. The upper cabinets and the painting and the decorating are going to have to wait. We just needed to get a working kitchen in. Only one week of being without a kitchen was enough for me.

Blessings, Cathi
2886

Another step finished . . . . .

2010-07-23T04:05:00.002-04:00

So here it is, 4:00 in the morning and I can't sleep. Maybe this is why. . . . no kitchen!

In order to put the floors in the RIGHT way, we had to remove the bottom cabinets and put in the new flooring. We are raising the floor 3/4" by adding the wood floors and to be done the right way, the dishwasher and cabinets and countertop had to go up the same 3/4".

I know, you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet. But we could have fed a small town with the number of eggs we have had to break!!

So far we have this, though!

Next order of business is to put the kitchen back (with a few little upgrades). Then on to sanding, staining and sealing all the floors. And LOTS of touch up paint. Who am I kidding, while the downstairs is almost empty, I might as well give everything a fresh coat!

It only took us 4 days to put all the floors in . . . . .including closets and the pantry. Not bad for a bunch of amateurs. We didn't work the entire 4 days. It was clear after Day 1-1/2 that we hadn't done a lot of manual labor this summer and that we were old.

Hope to post more by the end of the weekend!

Blessings, Cathi
2315

I'm outta here . . . . .

2010-07-09T12:01:00.002-04:00

I'm off on vacation in hopes of finding some cooler weather. I'll let you know if I find any.

"See" you in a week!!

Blessings, Cathi

Shedding a little "light" on the subject . . . . .

2010-07-07T09:23:00.000-04:00

While we are waiting for something to happen to the remodel (we are still letting the flooring acclimate to the house), I thought I'd show you pictures of a lamp that Dear Hubby made for us years ago.

It usually lives on the end table in the living room. Since we have no furniture in the living room right now . . . . . It was one of those odd pieces that we couldn't fit in a box so for now, it sits on the floor giving us a little light. We wouldn't want to trip over the dogs laying on the floor at night!

With the lamp shade . . . We had found an old junk store somewhere in Virginia that was selling old books for 25 cents each. We picked purely by size and color of the books. . . . not the titles.

Kind of wish we had paid attention. I might have wanted to read these before he drilled a hole in each of them!

Note the wooden spool Dear Hubby used as a spacer. Just a very SMALL portion of my collection of spools. When Mary and I went antiquing and she found her wonderful box of wooden spools, I told with her that I wasn't interested in them because I had so many already. But that's for another post!

Stay cool!!

Blessings, Cathi

1669

My tomato/basil cup runneth over . . . . .

2010-07-03T13:18:00.004-04:00

This will probably be the last of the garden photos on this blog for a while. While most of you are in full swing with your garden, ours is starting to dwindle. We have had ours planted since Easter . . .3 months. Now we just try to keep the perennials from dying in the heat and coaxing the veges along to give us "just a few more". We will probably wait until September to start a fall garden.

This is about the time that we have so many tomatoes that we just can't eat them fast enough. I have a feeling I will be spending the afternoon blanching and freezing tomatoes to use for soups this winter.

This is just one of our three Roma plants along with a total of 18 tomato plants. There is already a basket full of Romas sitting in the house.

I like to make Basil butter then freeze it. Wonderful on bread along with the soup in the winter. I'm not sure I have enough butter for all of this. I have also frozen it in ice cubes to drop into a pot of veges in the winter. Not sure I am up for making Basil cubes today!

This is the purple basil I decided to try this year. Just one plant. Not quite as strong as the other basil but still delish!!

Hope you all have a festive and SAFE 4th of July tomorrow. We'll be going to a church cook-out/softball game. Should be fun!

Blessings, Cathi
1428

The flooring is finally here! . . . . .

2010-06-30T16:02:00.000-04:00

Not a whole lot going on right now. We are working all the time on something and have a few major victories but it sure seems slow going. And nothing really blog-worthy. I can't do anything very crafty since I have no workspace and most of my supplies are packed away.

Dear Hubby and Computer Geek went to pick up our new flooring this morning.

This is supposed to be 725 square feet.

It is tongue & groove white pine. A very soft wood but we know that. We expect dings and scratches along the way. While our house isn't a farmhouse, it is farmhouse style. This will fit perfect. We have narrowed the stain color down to Minwax Early American stain (on the left) and Minwax Golden Oak (on the right).

I know they are both close but one has a little more brown and one a little more yellow. We are going to have to play with some more samples for a few more days.

So after letting the wood acclimate for a week, going out of town for a week or more, several days of putting the floor down, 2 days of staining, 7 to 10 days of sealer and sealer curing. . . . . well, we're looking at another 6 weeks before we can even think about putting things back where they belong.

I can't wait to see the final product and to show you!

Blessings, Cathi

The New Blogger, do I like it? . . . . .

2010-06-23T17:32:00.000-04:00

Jury is still out on this one. I thought I would play around with the new Blogger template. There are some things I like and some I don't.

I just got on the computer to change my blog from a 2-column to a 3-column blog so I could list some items that I am selling on Etsy. One thing led to another . . . . . yada, yada, yada.

So here you have it. Almost 4 hours later.

Have I worked on any quilting? . . . NO

Did I help Dear Hubby with any of the floor remodeling ? . . . NO

Have I done anything this afternoon other than sit here? . . . . NO

Okay, I'm outta here. But what do you think of the new Blogger?

Blessings, Cathi

Garden and Remodel Update . . . . .

2010-06-19T14:31:00.000-04:00

Things are moving slowly on the remodel as it always does in our house. Too easy to get distracted with fun stuff like sewing for me and woodworking for Dear Hubby. That's why we wanted to hire a contractor for the big stuff.

We are now the proud owners of 8 new piers with footings, 2 big long beams and a MUCH sturdier floor.

Dear Hubby and I are in the process of putting down a second layer of subfloor, glued and screwed for added strength. Next will be the pine floors.

The dining room has become the staging area. The 2nd layer of subfloor is already down in here.

Now if we could just decide on the floor stain color!! More on that later.

Garden is coming along, too. The tons of rain seem to have stopped so it's back to handwatering every couple of days.

Here is a picture of the daylillies that I promised.

Our first harvest of bell peppers and tomatoes this morning.

We even have some raspberries. They aren't quite ready but I'm so afraid that I will go out one morning and some bird will have gotten to them before me!

Blessings, Cathi

Giveaway at Primitives From The Attic . . . . .

2010-06-15T15:32:00.000-04:00

There is a wonderful giveaway from Wendy at Primitives From the Attic. She makes such wonderful Annie's. You can go visit her and even buy some Annie's from her but don't enter the giveaway . . . . I WANT TO WIN!

Blessings, Cathi

They are Labradors after all . . . . .

2010-06-13T12:48:00.000-04:00

Lookie at the new toy we set up for the boys.

I think this may be just the ticket to wear them out.

Nelson is acting like he's 6 months old again.

So much so that Reagan just had to leave. Nelson has the pool all to himself !

90° already today and it is just 12:45. Thank goodness for air-conditioning!

Blessings, Cathi

How does your garden grow - Part 2 . . . . .

2010-06-10T12:28:00.001-04:00

While the house is a disaster zone, I've been trying to keep my mind on other things like gardening. Here are some pictures I took this week.

The herb bed . . . much farther along than just three weeks ago.

A couple of tomato plants . . . almost as tall as I am!

Our first crop of zuchinni, squash, cukes and banana peppers. I threw in some purple basil to carry in the house. We cut the zuchinni and squash into medallions, covered in olive oil, salt and pepper and threw them on the grill Delish!!

Our first watermelon about the size of a golf ball. Yes, that's purple basil you see on the left. I think they like each other.

An Easter lily from last year. Stuck in in the ground after church last year and forgot about it. I didn't think potted plants took to the outdoors very well. This one sure did. Complete surprise this year.

The other daylilies that I showed in the first garden post are just starting to pop open. I'll wait until they are all open before I take pictures of them.

Hope your garden is doing as well as mine. We have had an unusual amount of rain this year. Not so much the last week so I guess it's back to hand watering like other years. Next year's goal . . . . drip irrigation!!

Blessings, Cathi

Even more BIG changes to the house. . . . .

2010-06-06T12:03:00.002-04:00

One reason that we wanted to remove the fireplace was because of this . . . . .

We have to have some structural work done underneath the house. The house was built in 1975 by a fairly incompetent (in my opinion) builder.

As I said before, the living room is 13' x 24'. The floor joists were made with 2"x8" timber. Code just about everywhere is 2" x 10". And there is no piers under the house in that 13' span. You can see the dining room table out on the deck in the picture below. To be moved later this afternoon to the storage building.

Our floors bounce when we walk across. Even when the dogs walk across !!

Yes, we should have done this years ago. But it is what it is.

The good news is that with all this destruction comes construction! We are getting all new floors downstairs. After much deliberation, we have decided to put down white pine floors.

I stole this picture from the Lumber Liquidators website without their permission......just so you know!

Yes, we know that they scar and ding easier but it will just add to the primitive charm. It's going to be a long couple of weeks as we wait for the contractor to fix under the house, put down new flooring in the entire downstairs, stain, sand, seal, etc.

Every stick of furniture will be either upstairs in one of the bedrooms, the upstairs hallway or in our storage building out back by late this afternoon.

Computer Geek and Son-In-Law are unplugging the computer (which lives in the Living Room) and moving it to my bedroom. I may or may not be able to get on-line for a few days.

It will be different and exciting. Here's hoping we don't find any surprises! Boy, I wish Mike Holmes lived nearby !!

Blessings, Cathi

Okay, now for the big news . . . . .

2010-06-05T09:31:00.002-04:00

I have so many quilting things to show now that they are getting backed up. But I love the prim stuff and am just thrilled with my garden so much that I can't seem to fit it all on one blog.

So I started a new one ! . . . . . .Just for quilting!

And to celebrate, I am having a giveaway.

You need to go to the new one......Shakerwood Quilts to enter. All entries MUST be made on the Quilts blog.

You have 4 chances to enter and there are 4 prizes to win. So hop on over to my new blog and GOOD LUCK!

Blessings, Cathi

Are they nuts? . . . You betcha . . . .

2010-06-02T10:42:00.001-04:00

We (meaning Dear Hubby and Computer Geek) spent this past weekend getting rid of this. We've had plenty of people informing us we were nuts for taking it out.

It had a mantle on top, a large 5" x 5" piece of cedar, but I forgot to take the first "before" picture. This fireplace would have looked great if the room were twice as big or had a cathedral ceiling. It was just too massive for the space.

So before I get any "Are you nuts?" from anyone, let me explain. These pictures were taken from my kitchen doorway. The living room is only 13' across. The room is more like a bowling alley. . . . 13' x 24'. We never have been able to arrange the furniture the way we were comfortable with it.

And the hearth.......it was just stone sitting on the floor. You couldn't decorate it with anything cute. Nothing would sit level.

And the dust from the woodburning heater...........Aaahhh. The blower used to be a variable speed. Now it is just two speeds.....on and off.

So right now there is just a big hole in the wall. Notice the underlayment. Big changes are coming to the floor. There was carpet. 10 year old carpet that had survived 4 kids, 6 dogs, 2 cats, 2 rabbits and a husband. Of course, I never spilled anything on the floor !!

Hopefully in two weeks, I'll be able to show more pics of the progress.

On the quilting front, stay tuned. I've got some big changes coming!

Blessings, Cathi

Proverbs 31, Verse 28 . . . . .

2010-05-29T09:38:00.001-04:00

This is one of my favorite verses . . . . .

An old stitchery pattern from Saundra White. I took some creative license and changed the house from stitchery to wool, added buttons for the flowers and added two hearts . . . . . one for me and one for Dear Hubby!

Rainy and overcast today so I took one picture inside and another with it hanging on the front door. Thought the light might be better plus I like the way it shows on the red door.

I found an old frame in my stash (yes, I have an old frame stash as well as fabric and wool !), painted it a dark green and antiqued it with Tudor Brown Bri-wax. I just love that stuff !!

Blessings, Cathi

More room in the kitchen . . . . .

2010-05-26T15:59:00.000-04:00

I wish I could bump out some walls but I will settle for this . . . .

BEFORE

Dear Hubby had an old enamel table top and 3 leftover railing posts out in his shop.

AFTER

A couple coats of paint, sandpaper, some elbow grease and taa daa !

I even found a towel bar at IKEA for $3.99 that worked like a charm.

This table sure comes in handy for extra counter space. Time to dig in Dear Hubby's shop for some more spare parts laying around !

Blessings, Cathi

How does your garden grow . . . . .

2010-05-21T10:43:00.001-04:00

Not much quilting or crafting or primming (is that a word?) going on around here lately. As I have mentioned before, as long as the weather holds out, I'll be in the yard. 8 hours yesterday and I am paying for it today! I think that other than cutting the grass and keeping the garden weed-free, I am finished for the season. Yeah, right!

This bed hasn't filled in all the way yet but I just had to take a picture of the lily while it was blooming.

The Computer Geek bought this for me for Mother's Day two years ago. It had one stalk when he gave it to me. Last year it had 3 stalks. This year 7!

It has gotten so big that it blocks the view of the hanging basket (see the first picture) as we pull into the driveway.

This is a picture of my herb bed. There is two kinds of basil, onions, chives, oregano, rosemary (the big plant in the back on the right), dill, cilantro, parsley, two kinds of mints (in the old ammo box), and chamomile. There are some other things in there besides herbs......like the watermelon and canteloupe. We had bought so many plants that we ran out of ready space and stuck things in anywhere we could.

We wound up with 18 tomato plants, 50 pepper plants (Dear Hubby LOVES hot peppers), squash, zuchinni, lettuce, cucumbers, watermelon, canteloupe, blueberries, and raspberries. The most we have ever planted in one season.

This is a picture of the front of the garden. Those are almost all daylillies. I took a shovelful from my mother-in-law's house 10 years ago and this is what it has become. This is a PORTION of what it has become. There are daylillies stuck in just about every bed I have. These need to be separated, too. Anyone need daylillies?

I'll post a picture next month after they all start blooming. The double knockout rose on the far left has already bloomed once but has new blooms on it. There is also a new bee balm plant in there somewhere. Hope all decide to bloom at the same time. It will be beautiful!

Thanks for visiting my garden.

Blessings, Cathi

Sweet Paulette is parting with her wool . . . . .

2010-05-17T08:20:00.000-04:00

Sweet P is having a wonderful giveaway in conjunction with Sew Mama Sew's May giveaway.

But I don't want you to enter because I want to win !!! It's a fabulous giveaway!! But remember, it's all mine !!

Blessings, Cathi

Another year and more in love . . . .

2010-05-12T16:32:00.001-04:00

31 years today . . . . .

Blessings, Cathi

New wool colors . . . . .

2010-05-06T13:12:00.000-04:00

New wools are listed on my Shakerwood Woolens blog ! Hopefully on the website soon!

Blessings, Cathi

An early Mother's Day for me . . . . .

2010-05-04T18:12:00.001-04:00

Dear Hubby and I will be traveling to see his mother this weekend. Since I won't be with my own kids, they decided to have Mother's Day last weekend.

They brought over KFC (I hate when they mess up my kitchen cooking!). And lots of plants and gifts!

Then surprised me with a trip to one of my favorite places . . . . Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.

The picture above is from a trip that Dear Hubby and I took to Daniel Stowe back during Easter week. It has filled in a lot since then.

There is an orchid house.

The peonies were in full bloom . . . .

As were the bearded iris . . . .

We had a wonderful day!

And if you happened to be going to the famous Mary Jo's, the botanical gardens are just 20 minutes down the road.

Hope you all have as wonderful a Mother's Day as I did!

Blessings, Cathi

Shakerwood Primitives visits Quilt Hollow . . . . .

2010-04-26T13:55:00.000-04:00

If one of my kids came up to me and said. "I'm going to spend the night with someone I have met over the internet !", I would have absolutely refused to let them go. But that's just what I did last week when I went to visit Mary at Quilt Hollow !

Yes, I look tired. This picture is as I was leaving after 2 days and 2 nights of talking, talking, shopping, more talking and sewing!

We spent Friday shopping at the Liberty Antique Show. It was fantastic. Lots of antique quilts . . .

We both found lots of goodies . . . . too many to take pictures of . . . . . mostly I just added to my already full collections of old cheese graters, Dear Hubby's German beer steins, and white enamel coffee pots with red trim.

Mary was a wonderful hostess . . . . we had the best time talking. And quilts all over the house that I would love to have taken home. I just took pictures instead.

Thanks for a great weekend, Mary!

Blessings, Cathi

I Heart Stitchin Friends . . . . .

2010-04-19T17:37:00.003-04:00

Teresa over at Stitchin' Friends is the leader, mentor, teacher of a group called . . . . Stitchin' Friends. Two Saturdays ago, Teresa taught our group to take 169 tiny squares and put them together to make one small block (6-1/2" square).

At our May meeting, she was going to show us how to put it together to make a cute wall hanging.

(Taken from Teresa's blog without her permission)

I was so obsessed with finishing the heart block when I got home, that I just kept going. Not Teresa's pattern and I hope she forgives me for going out of the box. I was just having so much fun. It still needs to be quilted ....... I know, you aren't surprised.

It's not that I didn't like Teresa's.......I loved it. But I wanted to put some applique on mine. The words are ironed on fabric, the border applique is wool applique. Hope you like it, Teresa!

Blessings, Cathi

Funny what you find in someone else's closet . . . . .

2010-04-14T14:27:00.001-04:00

A new little rearrangement in the guest bathroom.

Dear Hubby found all these "vintage" medicine items in his late father's medicine closet a few months ago.

He knows my fondness for brown bottles.

I don't think Dear Hubby's father kept things for their antique value . . . . . .

. . . . . . but I'm glad he did.

Blessings, Cathi

Introducing Shakerwood Woolens.....

2010-04-11T18:40:00.002-04:00

After several false starts, I have decided on a name and a direction for the next part of my life.

Shakerwood Woolens

I have the home page set up. Most of the wools are already on the "Hand-dyed Wool" page. I have a long way to go but it's a good start.

My first show as a vendor is August 27th and 28th in Anderson, South Carolina. I don't know if I could be ready before then. Lots of wool to dye, patterns to write, booth to design, etc. Busy, busy, busy........

There is a complete schedule on the "Schedule" page.

I also have a Shakerwood Woolens blog that may or may not be a selling blog. For now, I may duplicate at least the business stuff on both blogs until I have more followers on the other one.

Blog link is Shakerwood Woolens.

If you see any broken links anywhere, please let me know. It took a lot longer to set up the website. After looking at it for so long, there is no telling what I wrote!

Blessings, Cathi

New Landscaping !! ......

2010-04-07T12:41:00.005-04:00

Yes, that's right. We have a new landscape plan.

The poopie tank went out in February. After an eternity of smelly, sludgey stuff in the back yard (INSIDE the dog fence, of course), the poopie contractor finally came this morning with his little buddies to fix it.

UPDATE: 3:15 pm The hole in the picture above in the backyard is as LEAST as BIG as the hole in the front yard. . . . . . and it doesn't smell too good. They promised me they would be finished by the end of the day. Good thing the sun is staying up longer!

It's okay. It was bound to happen. The old system was 35 years old.

But they have to re-route the old drain line from the back around to the front. At least I won't have to cut the grass in that area for a while !!

Oh, the joys of living in the country!!

Blessings, Cathi

Keeping me busy.....

2010-04-02T12:43:00.000-04:00

One of the many things that kept me busy during the month of March was this......

and this.....

I am on the roster to teach two classes this fall at the QSC (Quilters of South Carolina) annual retreat. I say on the roster because I have to have a minimum of 6 people in each class for the class to "make". And I'm up against some great competition.

Both of these will be patterns for sale soon. I have all my notes and sketches together. The nice weather keeps calling my name.

I think I better answer before the heat AND humidity set in. Once that AC kicks on for good, I'll be back in the sewing room writing the patterns.

Blessings, Cathi

What's in a name.....

2010-03-30T16:47:00.000-04:00

It's been over 5 weeks since I posted. I thought of a dozen names to title this post but none sounded right. Can you believe that was the reason for not posting sooner? I couldn't think of what to name the post. So I gave up.

I have been super busy the last 5 weeks. It will take a while to post even the more exciting parts.

I'm still around.......just trying to stay off the computer as much and getting more done. Apparently I did a good job with that one!

Here is a picture of the February BOM that I am working on. I finished it on time. Can't say the same for the March one unless I make it tonight or tomorrow!

The weather is 70° today and will just get warmer through Saturday. I just gotta work in the yard for the next couple of days (until my body wears out). But hopefully I can start posting a little more often. I do miss you guys!!

Blessings, Cathi

Case of the missing glasses - SOLVED .....

2010-02-20T16:06:00.000-05:00

Lookie what I found on the back deck this morning....

Apparently, someone wanted to borrow them and decided to have them for a snack instead! I'm guessing Nelson.....but he wouldn't confess! I looked for the rest of it but as you can see, they are tortoise shell. The yard is full of mud, leaves, sticks, sweet gum balls, and dog droppings. They could be anywhere!

Blessings, Cathi

Where, oh where could they be? .....

2010-02-19T10:18:00.001-05:00

I can't tell you how many times I have misplaced my Wal-Mart reading glasses. The last pair I misplaced was left in a restaurant in Mt. Airy back in August. I thought I was doing great to have kept these so long. But sure enough this past Tuesday, they seem to have gone permanently missing this time! I would say I looked everywhere but if I had, I would have found them.

Here is the empty case for proof........

Wednesday afternoon, after my FIRST trip to IKEA with The Married One (that story is for another day), I headed to Hobby Lobby for a replacement pair with my 40% off coupon. I found these already marked 60% off .....

Reagan modeling for me

I should have been using this cute pin......

I bought this at the Christmas Carousel craft show held in Raleigh during Thanksgiving weekend about 7 years ago. Hard to tell but unless you enlarge the picture but it's a cute little quilter just working away.

Oh, how I hate that my eyes are getting old!

Blessings, Cathi

I'm finished with flannel.....

2010-02-16T12:16:00.001-05:00

Dear Hubby's flannel quilt top is finally together. It was a struggle. No points match. It shifted a lot. I pinned a lot. And it's finished. It's the last quilt I plan on making out of flannel.

Except for the quilting .....but that's for another day.

Blessings, Cathi

What I like about December and January.....

2010-02-12T12:33:00.000-05:00

NO NASCAR !

Blessings, Cathi

2010-02-08T09:26:00.001-05:00

I mentioned before that I gave a program for the District 4 of Quilters of South Carolina meeting. I don't have any pictures because I was the speaker and would look silly standing up front with a microphone in one hand and the camera in the other. And because .... as usual .... I forgot to take the camera. The name of my speech was When a Door Closes........ As you can imagine, it was about losing my job and taking a new direction in life.

I had a wonderful time. They were very good to me. Pat Bartholomew, who is the district rep and the planner of annual meeting, gave me a very nice gift. Pat knows my tastes well. She gave me a copy of Terri Degenkolb's book, Occasions, along with a kit to make the snowman quilt inside.

Note on the picture of the cover that the book is no longer available. I stole the picture of the cover from Terri's website.

Before this book, which I didn't have by the way, I had 6 of Terri's books. I just love them. Just don't ask me how many of the projects I have completed from any of them ! LOL

Anyway, thank you, Pat and District 4 for inviting me to your meeting, treating me like a queen, and being a very good friend!

Blessings, Cathi

My very first design.....

2010-02-06T13:17:00.002-05:00

I actually designed my very first quilt. I used Cheri Saffiote-Payne's quilt that I had chosen for last month's Charming Girls challenge as a starting off point. When I finished with it, the only thing that was the same was the size of the first block and the fact that it had a flower on it.

I haven't decided on a name or finished writing the pattern yet. This is just the prototype. There is a little tweaking to do. But it's a start. All the appliques are wool and the backgrounds are from my extremely large stash of plaids.

Blessings, Cathi

February Charming Girls AND Guys .....

2010-02-04T17:13:00.001-05:00

The name has changed but the plan is the same. Here is my plan for the month of February.

Number 1

Finish Dear Hubby's flannel top that I didn't finish last month. It's killing me to cut off all those points because of my bad cutting 5 years ago. I'm just going to sew with my eyes closed and work my way through it!

Number 2

Quilt the Hidden Stars that I finished back in November (?). I would like to give it for a gift in March. I already have the backing.

Number 3

I was supposed to take a class two Saturdays ago but had to cancel due to the situation with my father-in-law. I was supposed to have it cut out before class started. I got most of it cut out but after talking with the teacher and seeing some of the other quilt tops, I decided that my lights weren't light enough. So project number 3 to finish is to cut approximately 300 more pieces of the light fabrics again. I will have no problem using the other lights for another project.

Blessings, Cathi

ANOTHER new hobby.....

2010-02-03T14:38:00.003-05:00

So much has happened since I last posted. First a sincere thank you to all who left comments and sent emails about my father-in-law.

I was asked to give a program last weekend for a group of quilters in Columbia, SC. It was the perfect opportunity to introduce my new business, Shakerwood Woolens. I finally decided to start selling my hand-dyed wool. I took all the wool I had dyed up to that point just to show them what I had been doing. They bought half of it! I was really surprised. I still have some of the business plan to work out but I am on my way. I am going to sell mostly through being a vendor at quilt shows and retreats. I am going to make this one-time (maybe!) plea. If you know of a quilt show or retreat that would want hand-dyed wool as a vendor in the Carolinas, Virginia or Georgia, please let me know.

I went to the Quilting and Needle Art Extravaganza held in Statesville, NC last Friday. About 40 vendors of quilt shops, wool, scrapbooking, yarn shops, etc. held in one place.

I HAD to make some purchases so I decided on this two-sided hoop and pattern for a punch needle project. I already owned the punch needle thinking I would learn "one day". It is really fun to do. Hopefully I can show a finished project soon.

The pattern is by Brenda Gervais. I just love her designs. I just love this hoop. They can be used separately or with the joining posts. Like the lady said that sold it to me. I could have a project going on both hoops at the same time. Like I need MORE projects going on simultaneously!!

Blessings, Cathi

Goodbye, Dear Father-In-Law.....

2010-01-26T16:24:00.001-05:00

Just to let you know that Dear Hubby's father passed away last Friday. Not that you knew him or would have ever heard of him but it is the reason I haven't been around for the last week. Dear Hubby and I scooted down the road a piece (that's 4 hours in Southern-ese) last Wednesday afternoon, spent 36 hours in ICU waiting room and the last 5 hours of FIL's life with him. What a touching but heart-wrenching moment. One I hope to never have to repeat.

Father-In-Law Grandfather-In-Law Dear Hubby

circa 1974

I had limited access to the internet.........just long enough to check emails and the bank account. I may or may not get a chance to catch up on the blog reading/responding but I'll give it a shot. And thank you all for your sweet comments about my kids. Yes, they are very special.

Blessings, Cathi

Pay Attention, Kids.....

2010-01-19T08:12:00.000-05:00

Dear Hubby and I are blessed with 4 wonderful kids (and a son-in-law). Oh, they try our nerves from time to time and we often wonder if we have done everything we possibly could. Well, this past weekend, all our fears were put to rest.

We wanted to get away again since it was a 3 day weekend. Since Black Monday (the day I was laid off) happened, we figured it would probably be best NOT to spend the money. DSK (Dear Sweet Kids) got together and gave us a large gift basket (sorry, no picture....Dear Hubby attacked the chocolate right away and put the champagne in the fridge) filled with champagne, chocolates, cheeses, crackers, sausages, etc. along with this gift certificate.

First thing Saturday morning, the Wild One and the Computer Geek (both of whom are still living at home) took "the boys" and drove to the Married One's house in Charlotte. Later that afternoon, the Wild One put another gift basket on the front porch filled with Panera Breads and breakfast rolls. Dear Hubby and I had a wonderful weekend alone without kids, without dogs and without having to wake up first thing in the morning!

So pay attention, kids ........ Parents, feel free to share this post with whomever you feel appropriate.

Blessings, Cathi

Never enough fabric.....

2010-01-15T12:05:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday but somehow didn't seem like it. Last year was the big 50. It was a very special day......actually a very special week (we celebrate birthday WEEKS at our house!) This year was more like.....ehhhh, big deal, just another day.

But I did get some nice gifts that I have to share because that's what we bloggers do!!

Dear Hubby found out that I was going on a little field trip to the famous Mary Jo's with some friends from church last week. He sent an email to me early that morning from work telling me I could spend a pretty hefty amount of money! Who am I to turn him down??!! So I rushed through some patterns and books to pick out something I wanted to make, scribble down the yardage and off I went.

Now MaryJo's doesn't carry Moda. they won't sell to her (long story) but she does have a nice selection of Civil War prints. So I picked out enough to make "Six Degrees" by Carrie Nelson (Miss Rosie).

Here is the fabric that I picked out.

I don't know where on the list it will go but just knowing that it's there and from Dear Hubby's heart is good enough for now.

Another funny surprise yesterday came from a quilting friend of mine that I met through our state guild. We were on the board together for many years and is quite surprising that we are friends. Our quilting styles are polar opposites! So much so that when she won a fat quarter basket, she pulled the plaids out and mailed them to me! I received the package yesterday, on my birthday, not even knowing it was my birthday. I'm sure she didn't by the note she put inside.

For some reason, I have earned a reputation for loving plaids in our state guild. No worries, it could be a much worse reputation! On the plus side, I have received many gifts of plaids over the years. I have noticed in some quilt shops that the plaid bolts are usually the ones on the sale table!! Better for me! Silly people..........don't they know that every quilt can be made of plaids!!

And another surprise gift came from Mary at Quilt Hollow. She sent a really cool book (that the Married One tried to sneak out of the house last night!) It has a lot of fun totes and bags and ipod holders and cell phone holders. After dinner, the Married One went through it letting me know which ones she wanted. Good thing she knows how to sew! I may have to let her borrow the book.

Also included was an adorable pillow all packaged up in a fabric gift bag. Wonder how long it will be before I find out the red bag fabric would be perfect in some quilt?! Thanks so much, Mary!

But I'm not the only one that enjoyed Mary's package! Besides an affinity for dirty socks, Reagan also has a thing for cardboard. I gave him the packaging for him to play with.

And then there is poor Nelson feeling left out. Usually Nelson is the dominate one except when it comes to cardboard and socks! Reagan wouldn't let him near his new treasures so Nelson slunk off to pout!

Hope you have a wonderful day!!

Blessings, Cathi

Thoughts of Christmas - Row 5.....

2010-01-12T13:09:00.000-05:00

This is Row 5 of my "Thoughts of Christmas" BOM and one of my challenges for this month's Charming Girls Quilt Club.

Only 6 more months to go!

Who would have thought that 26° in the morning would have felt right balmy? Not so terribly bad this morning. Better than most but not what we're used to.

Hope you are all staying warm. I have a pork roast in the crock pot with some garlic and leeks so we can have burritos for dinner tonight. The house smells daggum delicious!

Blessings, Cathi

My Gift Certificate order has arrived.....

2010-01-09T16:49:00.001-05:00

You may remember from an earlier post, I won the Charming Girls Quilt Club Challenge for the month of December .... a gift certificate from Kelly's shop! It didn't take long for me to pick out what I wanted. I already had a Snibbles pattern that I wanted to make. I ordered the Wicasset charms and yardage. Don't they look yummy?

Take a good look at the picture. It will probably show up again soon as another Charming Girls Challenge. This month is all booked!

PS. Note in the picture in the top-right corner......that would be grass out the window for those of you that forget what it looks like. teehee....sorry, just had to throw that in.

Blessings, Cathi

January Challenge.....

2010-01-07T08:48:00.001-05:00

Since I won the December Challenge with the Charming Girls Quilt Club (and finished two quilts to boot), I am really excited to forge ahead with January's.

First is a quilt for Dear Hubby. I had started collecting fabrics over 10 years ago. They were a little harder to find and I had no idea at the time what pattern I was going to make with them. I finally found a pattern (Toad in the Puddle by Mary Ellen Hopkins, I think) and cut it all out 4 years ago!

I finished one block to see how it would go together. What was I thinking way back then.!?? They are all flannels. They stretch. The flying geese are made with cut triangles instead of my beloved 4 x Flying Geese ruler. I don't think a single point was saved. They were all chopped off. I'm just going to muster through this and make it with some of my sloppiest piecing ever........but finished is better than perfect. For January, I will be happy to finish the top.

Project #2 is to complete the January row for my BOM, Thoughts of Christmas.

Project #3 is to re-design and complete the top of a Cheri Payne project to hang in my foyer. Cheri's project is 8" x 20". I need it to be wider so I will add a row to the side and maybe another row to the bottom. We'll see how it turns out.

I also have a quilt to cut out by January 22nd for a class on the 23rd but I won't count that as a project. That has to be done regardless. One of my BFFs is teaching the class. How embarrassing for her if I showed up for class and wasn't prepared!

Blessings, Cathi

Getting ahead on my Christmas quilting.....

2010-01-04T20:51:00.000-05:00

.....for next year, that is. I wanted to make a few things before I put all the decorations away. It is easier to tell what I need while it's still out. I know a lot of people have had their Christmas away for a while but since I am not working currently, I can take my time. Besides, my house looks the best at Christmas. But I digress......

I made this cute little number yesterday afternoon and finished this evening.

It's made on a muslin base with wool pennies.

I sure wish pictures showed up well without the big flash but that only works with the big, fancy cameras. This little display looks cute in the dark!

Oh, and by the way........I won one of this month's gift certificates in the Charming Girls Quilt Club drawing!!!

Blessings, Cathi

HoHoHo, Merry Quilting ! .....

2010-01-02T14:09:00.000-05:00

Yes, I finally finished the HoHoHo quilt. Missed the Charming Girls December 31st deadline but I don't care, I finished it!

I am so pleased with how it came out. I even tried my hand at meandering quilting. Some of the loops are more jagged than loopy. I drank coffee while I was quilting. Next time, a bottle of wine! It's not the best job but I think it went pretty well for my first time. Like Mary said, I just have to use the dreaded "P" word.......practice, practice, practice. That was the first comment Mary had left for me over a year ago when I was posting about being a topmaker, not a quiltmaker.

It's been washed.....the RED didn't RUN..... and added the finishing touches of buttons.

I have a big, open wall in the dining room that would be perfect for this to live during the holidays. It may have to live there for a few months just so I can enjoy it.

Blessings, Cathi

How to eat an Elephant .....

2009-12-29T11:08:00.002-05:00

One bite at a time! That is such an old joke but appropriate for this post. Remember this BOM pattern that I won from Paula the Quilter?

I decided to make my own BOM. I am happy to report that I am totally on schedule with this one! I have finished the September through December rows.

September

October

November

December

I am using all Thimbleberries fabrics. Lord knows, I have plenty of them. The original pattern had much more detailed trees that were made with templates. Honestly, I was just too lazy to do that. In honor of Lynette Jensen (Mrs. Thimbleberries herself) and her love of the Flying Geese block, I decided to make simple Flying Geese trees instead. If you have ever made Thimbleberries patterns, you know how much Lynette loves to use those in her design!

The Santa row is a little hard to see right now without any detail. That will be added later.

I have 5 more rows, then sashing and borders.......another little diversion from the pattern.

Blessings, Cathi

Merry Christmas From Our House to Yours.....

2009-12-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

Blessings, Cathi

Rowing With One Oar.....

2009-12-23T10:07:00.001-05:00

That's how I feel quilting right now! Some how, one of my Machinger Gloves went missing a few months ago.

I'm pretty sure it's one of the boys........probably this one.

He has this thing for dirty socks. I'm pretty sure that my missing Machinger is with all the missing socks.

So the HoHoHo quilt is on hold for a few days. I tried quilting with just one glove but it was like rowing a boat with one oar. I felt like I was going in circles! No, circles was NOT the quilt pattern I wanted to use on this quilt. The other quilts I have finished lately were just straight cross-hatching but I wanted to try my hand at meandering on this one.

On the plus side, I sent a detailed Christmas list to the kids. TurfBoy lives 2 miles from one of my favorite quilt shops in Central, SC. I even called them to make sure they had what I wanted before I sent him a list.

So maybe Christmas afternoon, after the paper is thrown away and the dishes are loaded in the dishwasher and the obligatory afternoon nap (!), I can start quilting on HoHoHo.

Blessings, Cathi

December Charming Girls .....

2009-12-21T13:33:00.000-05:00

I finished the first of two challenges for this month. Here is the baby quilt that is going to Dear Hubby's cousin. All quilted, washed and fluffy for baby Gabe.

I still have a week to get the HoHoHo quilted. Maybe I can do it!

Blessings, Cathi

3 Little Sno'heads All In A Row.....

2009-12-20T08:50:00.005-05:00

I made this Buttermilk Basin stitchery several years ago but never did anything with it. They have just been hanging around my "current projects" box. How current is a current project anyway? LOL This week I finally made a wallhanging out of it!

Blessings, Cathi

Long Distance Friends .....

2009-12-16T13:19:00.002-05:00

I finished this cute little stitchery in time to send off to it's new owner for Christmas. She reads my blog sporatically so fingers crossed she doesn't figure it out before she opens it.

It's a pattern by JAM (Jo Ann Mullaly) . I first saw the pattern on Darlene's blog and just had to have it. Of course, I changed a few things. The original had just used one color. I suppose to give the maker a chance to use their imagination. I added the cross-hatching and french knots to the dresses to give them a little more character.

I hope she likes it!

Blessings, Cathi