hollydeequilts

It’s the Country Life for Me!

Published on October 15, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

Last week we closed out the construction loan on the new house and were handed over the keys to our new home! For our first overnight stay we took the grandkids and setup camp in the new home. We had purchased a “mac-o-pedic” from Mattress Mac with a bed frame for the guest bedroom and that is what we old folks slept on. On a previous trip to the site we had taken out the bunk bed frames and mattresses. We had the grandkids sleep on the mattresses in their sleeping bags. Because our “move-in” clean was scheduled for Monday we did not want to “fill” the house up just yet. With the exception of the queen frame and mattress set and the 2 twin mattresses which we placed on top of the queen set we left nothing in the house on Sunday.

Each fall the town of Luling has a festival “Night in Old Luling” where any non-profit can set up a booth for fundraising. We went last year with our grandson and it was a lot of fun so we wanted to make sure we went again this year. The “town” of Leesville, TX also has their annual Country Fair the 2nd weekend in October so we decided to check that out during the day.

A cool front had rolled in Saturday morning and brought some much-needed rain to the area, but it did make it a challenge for the fair organizers.

Here are some photos from the Country Fair in Leesville.

Pumpkin decorating was a fun event for the kiddos.

They loved holding the baby chicks! They visited the pen several times.

Oink Oink - the kids wanted to pet the pigs but the pigs want none of that! — Oink Oink – the kids wanted to pet the pigs but the pigs want none of that!

He had his eye on me - I was outside his pen and he was still shy of my! — He had his eye on me – I was outside his pen and he was still shy of my!

She thought he was so cute she wanted her photo taken with him

After the Country Fair we went back to the house and played some board games, rode bikes up and down the hill, played in the sand (then took showers) and setup the electric train!

Sorry no photos from Night Out in Old Luling – they are on our phones as I did not want to carry the big camera all night. The kids played games and won prizes. We all went on the Zombie Hay Ride and that was a lot of fun – we had squirt guns to keep the zombies at bay!

Great fajita from the Luling VFD booth and played a little bit of bingo.

A full day in the country!

Can’t wait til all my days are country days!

Dee

Renaissance Faire aka Fairy Festival

Published on October 2, 2014 by hollydeequilts1 Comment

Each year my son and his wife head north of Houston to Montgomery County where the annual TX Renaissance Festival is held for several weekends in the fall. They camp with friends the opening weekend, mid-October and then take the minions on “All Hallows Eve” weekend. 2009 I decided I wanted to go for my birthday and we would help with the grandkids. They were just 1 and 2 at the time. What a fun time we had. Here are a few photos from the kiddos first RenFest.

Little Toot was a very cute little witch!

Mr. B is Clueless to the character visiting him — Mr. B is clueless to the character visiting him

Not so sure about taking candy from a "stranger" — Not so sure about taking candy from a “stranger”

Well ok - if you insist - I will have just one! — Well ok – if you insist – I will have just one!

If I give you a hug you might give me candy - I am getting the hang of this! — If I give you a hug you might give me candy – I am getting the hang of this!

Mama and her little pirate.... — Mama and her little pirate….

Look carefully - little toot is behind daddy and they are boogying down the hill in the wagon! — Look carefully – little toot is behind daddy and they are boogying down the hill in the wagon!

Hard to get photos when the swing is in motion!

Can you say "sugar overload!" — Can you say “sugar overload!”

I was afraid of that - but not the little ones! — I was afraid of that – but not the little ones!

Glad Grandpa is wearing a hat - it was a sticky hat too! — Glad Grandpa is wearing a hat – it was a sticky hat too!

But there were some antics before we could get a photo!

All my daughter-in-law wanted was a nice photo with my son!

RenFest is for kids of all ages – there is all kinds of entertainment. Fun food – turkey legs and stuff like that! Games and activities for the kids!

You really should try it!

Arghhhhh!

Dee

Guiding Stars

Published on October 1, 2014 by hollydeequilts3 Comments

Time for a post with some quilts and quilting!

I recently quilted a quilt for Ronda from andsewitbegan, I have quilted more than a few of this same pattern. Many of us have been in a bee with Lakeview Quilters Guild, called Friendship Bee, each month we make one block for another member. I think our most popular block as been the Guiding Star Block. A friend had seen this quilt in a shop and asked for the pattern, she was told there was no pattern so she came home and drafted it. We have loved it – in fact I have 25 beautiful blocks of my own to make into a quilt “someday”.

Here is Ronda’s Quilt after quilting

Overall - love how this quilt gets sashed! — Overall – love how this quilt gets sashed!

I loved how Kaye’s quilt turned out – this one was quilted several years ago!

Close up of the quilting and the sashing!

Kaye's quilt - love the fall colors — Kaye’s quilt – love the fall colors

The back of Kaye's quilt — The back of Kaye’s quilt

And this is Holly’s from 2 years ago!

I have 25 of these pretty blocks to make a quilt - "someday" — I have 25 of these pretty blocks to make a quilt – “someday”

It even won a ribbon! One of Holly's first ribbons - she got 2 at this show! — It even won a ribbon! One of Holly’s first ribbons – she got 2 at this show!

Which color way is your favorite?

Ronda’s Civil War

Kaye’s Autumn

Holly’s 30’s

I love them all!

Denise

Retreats and other stuff

Published on September 29, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

This past weekend I was in the company of some amazing women at a friend’s house in San Antonio. We began our adventure on Thursday and departed on Sunday. We shared several fabulous meals and a few adult beverages. Most importantly we rejoiced in each others company! We all have so much going on in our lives and sometimes it is just nice to settle down and let life roll by.

We also did some stitching but seems my camera never made it upstairs to the quilt room so I have no photos to share of the quilts. One friend was working on the quilt for her daughter’s wedding in January. Another friend shared how her daughter had planned to be married in their backyard and then it rained buckets – no problem – just move all of the living room furniture to the dining room and have the ceremony in the living room – the bride looks beautiful no matter what! We shared tales of our children and grand-children and we tried to solve the worlds problems! But mostly we just relaxed.

Here are a few photos from our weekend girls getaway.

We learned a proper wine swirl is all in the wrist

I can vouch - this is a very tasty wine! — I can vouch – this is a very tasty wine!

Love that wine? How about that bottle? Here is a great way to remember who gave it to you!

And here is a great way to display the empty bottles that you really enjoyed!

After our girls getaway I met hubby at the house – we made a few (ok more than a few) notes for the contractor. As we left the development I had to capture the view – last nights sunset was fabulous! We were eastbound on I-10 watching it set in the rearview mirror. I even noticed a couple of westbound cars pulled over so they could photograph the awesomeness!

Sun setting over the lake - photo 1 — Sun setting over the lake – photo 1

So – which photo do you like best? 1, 2 or 3?

Life is short, spend it with people you love, doing things you love and be sure to enjoy a simple sunrise or sunset whenever possible!

Dee

Certifiable……..

Published on September 24, 2014 by hollydeequilts3 Comments

I am pulling up some memories today to share with you on the blog.

In July 2011 my friend Peggy and I headed to Montana to get certified for the Judy Niemeyer, aka Quiltworx “Technique of the Month” designs. I had been teaching for Peggy at her shop, Pinwheels and Posies for a while. I was teaching Quiltworx patterns but was not able to teach the elusive “Glacier Star” because she was not a certified shop and/or I was not a certified instructor. So we decided to correct that and hopped on a plane!

Now when you live in SE Texas in the summer it really is a “chore” to have to go to Montana in the summer! Let’s see it is warm in the daytime, but not humid. And the nights are cool – in fact we slept with the windows open because our room did not have a/c. Yes – it was a tough gig – but we coped.

Here are a few memories I thought I would share today!

First of all where we stay is a beautiful house. It belongs to Judel, Judy’s daughter. Judel and her family move out of the house during the summer and turn it over to the very fortunate retreaters. Here are a few of the details that make her house a home!

I loved this frame. It hangs in the stairwell at the landing on the way to top floor.

Our room while we were there - can you believe the quilts on our beds? — Our room while we were there – can you believe the quilts on our beds?

We were able to fit in a trip to Quiltworx HQ – it was a quonset hut and they used every available space. In 2014 they opened a fabulous new training facility and moved HQ at the same time.

The sewing room is a converted garage area – with lots of light, design walls and when you fill it with happy stitchers it becomes a very happy place indeed!

Mary's shoes! — Mary’s shoes! Aren’t they happy!

On the outside looking in.... — On the outside looking in….

The sites from the home are AWESOME too!

Different kinds of flowers grow all around the retreat center.

The sun is coming up..... — The sun is coming up…..

It was probably close to 3 am when we were heading to bed. Peggy said "look at that moon!" I of course had to grab my camera - then I had to grab Connie. We used her tripod and expertise but luckily we were using my camera so I have the photo! You can see the stars and reflections in the lake - Thanks Connie! — It was probably close to 3 am when we were heading to bed. Peggy said “look at that moon!” I of course had to grab my camera – then I had to grab Connie. We used her tripod and expertise but luckily we were using my camera so I have the photo! You can see the stars and reflections in the lake – Thanks Connie!

We did manage to get a little sewing done, I had a goal in mind and needed to sew!

The wee hours of the morning or late hours of the niche - not sure which! — The wee hours of the morning or late hours of the night – not sure which!

The goal…..

To have my quilt photographed in Glacier National Forest — To have my Glacier Star quilt photographed in Glacier National Park

That's the shot! Yes I could've cropped Roger out - but this memory is more fun! — That’s the shot! Yes I could’ve cropped Roger out – but this memory is more fun!

A few more photos from Glacier National Park

Connie taught me a lot about my camera and how to use it!

It was a drizzly day and we teased Peggy that she was trying to keep her hair dry!

The hearty Canadian, Roger and the not so tough Texan, Peggy!

And as I have said before – all good things must come to an end……

As we arrived at the airport to fly home!

I hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane…..

Dee

All Good Things Must End…..

Published on September 23, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

As our reunion came to an end we had some additional fun activities. Several attendees headed to the Uintahs for a little target practice. Some went hiking.

We headed to Midway, UT. My father was born in Midway in 1906. My grandparents are buried in the midway cemetery under a beautiful tree. Midway is a beautiful swiss inspired town and I just love the laid back feel.

A very damaged headstone - a very young Bunnell - photo taken July 2010 — A very damaged headstone – a very young Bunnell – photo taken July 2010

The Bunnell family ..... Photo taken July 2010 — The Bunnell family …..
Photo taken July 2010

And here are a few more candid photos from the cousins just being kids!

The other 2014 leaf to the Kendrick Green branch!

Mr. M is in total disbelief of what Mr. B is explaining to him!

Oh my - he is cuteness personified! — Oh my – he is cuteness personified!

Back and forth - back and forth..... — Back and forth – back and forth…..

He thinks I should move.... — He thinks I should move….

Yes I snapped the photo - then promptly told her to GET DOWN! — Yes I snapped the photo – then promptly told her to GET DOWN!

At one time I think they had kids from one end of this spiral slide to the other!

All in all it was a FANTASTIC family adventure. Our next Green’s family reunion is set for 2016; hopefully in Yellowstone! Get your reservations to Linda to make sure you are included!

Til we meet again!

Dee

Family Reunion – Day 2

Published on September 22, 2014 by hollydeequilts2 Comments

The 2nd day of our re-union was hosted by Aunt Iris’ family, the McCleary’s. It had been a few years since we had all had the chance to visit – their family has grown so much, adding new daughter-in-laws and adding new babies which is always fun! I am sure Aunt Iris is watching and smiling! Her family is beautiful and a delight to be around!

The youngsters are visiting with Uncle Ron - I am sure he is only sharing words of wisdom! — The youngsters are visiting with Uncle Ron – I am sure he is only sharing words of wisdom!

I tried to get a photo of her not smiling - not going to happen - ALWAYS SMILING! — I tried to get a photo of her not smiling – not going to happen – ALWAYS SMILING!

Aunt Carol is watching the kids in the field!

Aunt Carol and Jared. What a wonderful young man he has turned out to be!

As our hosts the McCleary's had us singing for our dinner - the table that performed the best gets to line up first! — As our hosts the McCleary’s had us singing for our dinner – the table that performed the best gets to line up first!

Uncle Kenny and Chad are serving up the beverages

Little toot is not quite sure about this singing for our dinner part!

After dinner entertainment included each branch of the family introducing their clan. The McCleary's started us off, they sang a song about their families set to the Sound of Music! — After dinner entertainment included each branch of the family introducing their clan. The McCleary’s started us off, they sang a song about their families set to the Sound of Music!

Aunt Carol's family was up next for introductions. Aunt Carol and Uncle Ron had to leave early so it was left to Darin and Lynn to tell us all about the Jones. — Aunt Carol’s family was up next for introductions. Aunt Carol and Uncle Ron had to leave early so it was left to Darin and Lynn to tell us all about the Jones.

Trying to look official! (not too sure about that t-shirt!)

Sending it off to his point man..... — Sending it off to his point man…..

It took a flow chart to introduce the Jones!

My sweet brother-in-law started our branches introductions. He told stories of his dad while they were growing up - Linda and Corey followed up with more stories. I enjoyed it so much that I didn't even take photos! We miss you GRANDPA KEN! You are remembered! — My sweet brother-in-law started our branches introductions. He told stories of his dad while they were growing up – Linda and Corey followed up with more stories. I enjoyed it so much that I didn’t even take photos! We miss you GRANDPA KEN! You are remembered!

My beautiful niece and.... — My beautiful niece and….

Our branch also sprouted a couple of new leaves this year. 2 little (grand nieces to me) joined our family in 2014! This one is learning what it means to be Green!

So many memories that just cannot be put into words or photos!

Dee

Rejoicing in Being Green!

Published on September 19, 2014 by hollydeequilts2 Comments

This past July we travelled with grandchildren in tow to Utah for the bi-annual Green’s family reunion. Here is a recap of our first day of re-uniting.

The view as we start our day - this is from my brother-in-laws back yard. — The view as we start our day – this is from my brother-in-laws back yard.

I decided I needed a better photo so I ventured out to the street (probably still in my pajamas)

Prior to heading to Oakley to visit with Corey’s family we stopped by Grandma Pat’s house. We are so glad some of the Chatwin cousins could stop by to visit too!

A Great Lady with her Great-Grandchildren

While Corey’s dad is no longer with us his spirit lives on through his children and their children and grandchildren!

Aunt Iris is also no longer with us – but her family is strong and so enjoyable to be with.

Aunt Carol’s family travels from Idaho to join in the festivities and they are a FUN bunch!

Here are a few random photos of the generations as we celebrate being family!

My niece, Chandler was in charge of activities for the first evening – she had gathered all of the items necessary for some really fun family games. Both of my grandchildren agreed this was one of their favorite parts of the trip!

And the games begin - Kaylene was really getting into it! — And the games begin – Kaylene was really getting into it!

Kids of all ages enjoyed putting nylons on their heads and knocking over water bottles

This game was geared to the adults due to difficulty. Did not deter Mr. B!

Rejoicing in a WIN! (and sporting a beautiful bracelet made by Little Toot for all of her family!)

The cookie game - Aunt Linda, Little Toot and the young man that shares my birthday! — The cookie game – Aunt Linda, Little Toot and the young man that shares my birthday!

And the winner is..... — And the winner is…..

My husband - I haven't seen those moves in a long time! — My husband – I haven’t seen those moves in a long time!

Christy is always fun to be around - those are tea bags on her hat! — Christy is always fun to be around – those are tea bags on her hat!

Trying to get the tea bags on top of the hat!

Walking with a ping-pong ball to the cup is not as easy as it sounds - but it is a really fun game to watch! — Walking with a ping-pong ball to the cup is not as easy as it sounds – but it is a really fun game to watch!

And this young man was so kind to my grandson who adopted him! Following him EVERYWHERE!

We plan our family reunion around the 24th of July, which is a BIG holiday in Utah. It is Pioneer Day and there are parades, carnivals and rodeos as well as TON’s of fireworks! I must say that there are actually too many fireworks, they go on well past midnight in many neighborhoods!

Little Toot made sure I took some good photos of the perfect ending to a perfect day!

More to come on our adventures at the Green’s Family Reunion – 2014

Dee

Modern Conveniences

Published on September 18, 2014 by hollydeequilts2 Comments

Tuesday I ventured out to the home site. This included dropping Corey off at work around 6:30 am and then heading west. I arrived at the site just before 9:00 am. Our driveway had been poured on Monday so it was very exciting to see that!

Yippee! We have a driveway! The team from Keystone Concrete did an awesome job with the design and installation!

Then I noticed our front door had been put in place!

A little bit of stain and some trim paint and it will be very inviting. You should see the doorbell - it is a Texas star too! — A little bit of stain and some trim paint and it will be very inviting. You should see the doorbell – it is a Texas star too!

My reason for the trip was our appliances were to be delivered. A received a call from the builder that we were the last stop on the delivery list but I was already in route so I continued. I had brought along some errands to run. I mailed a package to my niece from the Luling Post Office. Then I headed to Lockhart to ship a box and check out the little quilt store there. As I was returning to my car from walking the Lockhart town square the builder called and the appliance truck was 20-30 minutes from our home, so I headed back to the site.

At the front gate I escorted a trade to a new neighbors future home site – he is their pool builder and I was able to meet Penny. We had met her husband a couple of weeks ago. Lots happening in the Settlement.

By the time I arrived at our home the appliances had been unloaded and the installers were having a couple of issues. The propane line for the stove was too high. The drain for the ice maker was to far forward. Luckily the plumbers showed up at that point and they were able to get to work. Unfortunately the appliance installation will continue another day as we do not have power to the house yet. The good news is – all the appliances were correct and they look GREAT!

Where the ice maker will eventually go - once the floor drain is moved! — Where the ice maker will eventually go – once the floor drain is moved!

The plumbers also installed the fixtures for the bathtub. I hope that faucet reaches the tub – Corey asked that question when I showed him the photo – I need to check that next time I am out there. (Hopefully the plumber confirmed this!)

The ceiling is all in place in the great room, all they need to do is stain it now. A little back story here – the painters came out an pre-stained the ceiling so only minor touch ups would need to be done – BUT they stained the wrong side! DUH!!! So our ceiling will now be stained in place!

The center beam has been covered in cedar - love! — The center beam has been covered in cedar – love!

And to finish it off…….

ALWAYS take time out to enjoy the little things! This beautiful little flower bush is blooming the middle of our sand pile!

About 10 miles into my long ride home I encountered a major rain storm. I finally pulled over in Schulenburg for about 20 minutes before I could see to get back on the road. Still had rain but everyone on the I-10 was playing nice and being considerate so we were able to continue. THEN…I hit Katy – my gosh the traffic was horrendous; between the weather and it being 5:30 pm it was a mess! I finally got to Corey’s work about 7:00 pm, about 2 hours later than anticipated. But safe and sound and that is what is important!

May your day be filled with lots of little things that make you smile!

Denise

Small Enclosure – i.e. a Booth!

Published on September 11, 2014 by hollydeequilts2 Comments

I am so excited to be a vendor with the Coastal Prairie Quilt Guild this weekend. Today was setup day and with a lot of help from my mentors, Cynthia England and Ivy – I think we did them proud. When Cynthia found out I would be vending a few months ago she immediately offered the use of some of her metal panels to use in the booth. Ivy took over from there and found pieces and parts that might be helpful to me in setting up my first booth. She also checked to be sure I had the proper items in my toolbox.

My trusty side-kick Marilynn had offered to help with the show and setup – she and I are so compatible! She has been helping me in the quilting room for several years and we just get along!

Well here are a few photos of the booth – let me know what you think! If you stop by the show at the Stafford Center be sure to say HI! Also – check out the quilts in the show with quilting by Karen Shively – AWESOME!!! There are several other awesome quilters represented in this show and you will also get to see a few Judy Niemeyer Quilts, some of which even have ribbons! Maybe I will get some time to photograph those over the next 2 days!

Also of note: Winnie Fleming is the featured artist for the show. Winnie and I will both be teaching on a cruise next year!

I have patterns by Cindi McCracken, as seen in Keepsake Quilting! Books (autographed) and Kits by Cynthia England! And of course a plethora of Judy Niemeyer patterns!

If you are unable to stop by the show – I hope you are doing what you love!

Denise