Murphy likes the quilt

 Goodness, it is Christmas week. Are you ready...gifts? meal plans? I just need a few food items and that will be it. This week I will be baking and making ahead some of our Christmas Eve and Christmas day dinner. Christmas Eve celebration will be around 8pm. Both Alan and Lisa are working. We will enjoy an Antipasti tray, Crudite tray and baked goods. Christmas Day we are having Lasagna and Braciole and that will be depending on how the morning goes as to what time we will actually eat.

The Hexagon quilt is finished. Once again I sewed it completely by hand and no repeats of prints. It measures approximately 40x60. I was lucky that Dianna gave me some of the floral prints...we swap fabric when needed.

these 2 hexies are special. These 2 floral prints are special. The fabric was bought in Hawaii when Dianna vacationed there. The hot pink one is in the center of the quilt and the yellow hangs off the edge...just like the special Murphy hexie. What next? Not sure but I do know it will be another quilt. I have been thinking of Quillow ...maybe a French Rose quilt...maybe both! So ambitious.... we will see. This week will be plan time as I get ready for the holiday. 

Happy to have you stop and visit with me. Thank you for the kind words and the encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

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Advent Calendar Blog Hop

 It is that time of December for my post to the annual blog hop hosted by Jo. 

 Each blog hop ( Jo hosts several a year) we are given a topic to talk about. This year it is"afters"..... what is eaten after the Christmas meal. We also post a picture of something for Christmas or the season that we created

When I saw this pattern I knew I had to make it. "The Tree Farmers, block #2 of Woolie Christmas Gnomes"; from Red Button Quilt Co. 

First of  the gnomes are cute but more than that they are in a truck. When I met my hubby Dennis in 1970 he was driving...when it ran...an old pick-up truck. He found a few toy trucks around when we went  out and about.antique shopping. Here they are.

 Back to the gnomes..... it is all hand stitched applique with a few minor changes that more expressed me. The backing/border fabric I had already had and thought it would be perfect. Well,

look at the name of the fabric! Now you know it was meant to be. 

Now back to our topic...."afters". When I was a child Christmas was at Grandma and Papa Piccirilli's house...all of dad's family . Once dinner was finished there were trays of Italian cookies and an antipasti tray and always fresh roasted chestnuts for nibbling and fresh fruit bowl. As time went on and families grew Christmas was celebrated at each home with their growing families. I always had the same at my house many years later when Christmas Eve was held at our house with Sister Lyn and The Brother Alan and their families. Now, new traditions are forming with Alan and wife Lisa living here.  Of course Murphy is part of the fun. Here in Arizona, through the 17 years living here, chestnuts are not always available. It is something that I really miss. 

Special thank you to Jo for remembering that this date is special to me.

Happy Heavenly Birthday Dennis......

December 16, 1945- June 21, 2017

Grinch has a sewing friend

 Took a short break from the hexies to create a sewing buddy

For Christmas, The Grinch is sitting on my sewing table corner...Hilda is now joining him. She will remain after the holiday when Grinch returns to his home in the garage. The Little Mouse is from Shabby Art Boutique, Kerryanne English, designer. Kerryanne,s blog Shabby Art Boutique offers beautiful projects. Be sure to stop by and check it out.

Woke this morning...3:30 and since sleep did not seem to return, I made a cup of tea. I woke with a dry scratchy throat and a light headache. Drinking ice water has helped a little. Today will be a sew the quilt day. Chores on hold today. 

Are you ready for Christmas? I got a late shopping start but finally caught up. Just a few little bits to get. Packages mailed. The back surgery...doing great....held back going out to shop for the most part. Good old on line shopping! 

Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.
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Moving along slowly

 Goodness, tomorrow is December 1st hard to believe that tomorrow is December 1st. So much has happened this year that honestly I am looking forward to Christmas cheer and a new year...my goal is to stay out of doctor's offices and surgeries. If Santa is listening, please bring me a bubble to save me! This past week I have had a stomach bug. Thank goodness I was sthe only one in the house who was sick. Finally feeling better. The house is decorated

Not the best picture...maybe one at night...anyway, we have been giving our friends across the courtyard, Robyn and Dave have been seeing a light show with Alan switching from one light setting to another! Remember it has 7 functions....

In between not getting out of bed and when I have this past week, I have been slowly sewing the hexagon quilt

Only have 3 more rows to add...I think. What I mean is that I may add or not. I am working on row 16 now. While sewing I have Christmas music play via radio. Found a station that plays a great assortment. Just in case I need something special my CDs are at the ready.
Nce again this year I have joined Jo's Christmas Blog Hop. My posting date will be December 16th. I will remind you when the time arrives so you can visit her blog to see what everyone is posting. Both Alan and Lisa are working late tonight so Murphy and I are are on our. A simple supper it will be. So glad you had the time to visit with me. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

No loose screws no matter what anyone thinks!

 Oh I am so proud to show you my great-great niece!

Meet Alanni Lee (not including her last name). Just look at that beautiful face. My great-nephew Joey and Heaven (parents) are so happy. Such a cute snuggle bug! They live back East so I enjoy every picture I see.

Speaking of pictures.... I saw the surgeon on Tuesday and the x-rays looked good.

The one on the right is straight on to back and the other a side view.  I think I stood a bit crooked! As long as the screws are in place. I was a little disappointed to be told 6 more weeks of restrictions; no bending, stretching, twisting or lifting. As the doc said, you have come this far let's make sure it heals good. I walk and I make sure not to sit too long. I am actually following orders. My hexagon quilt is coming along. Don't think it will be too long before it is finished. Then onto the next project. Before you ask, I do not have a plan yet.

I ordered a new Christmas tree...last one is 6 years old and now needs a new home. This tree has a 7 function light switch. Need I tell you that The Brother Alan has played with it already...yes it is up. Lisa and I thought why drag it to the garage when we will need it in a little over a week. Decorations are still stored until Alan gets them down. Had a busy morning so now I need to relax. Leg and back are sore. Happy to have you visit. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.