Maureen's Blog

Let's (Not) Bee Friends!!

2009-07-14T17:22:00.004-04:00

A few of you know that a couple weeks ago, I walked into my studio and looked out the window as I always do, to admire the view. My heart nearly stopped as I saw the entire view blocked by hundreds of bees ~ on the INSIDE of the window!! I beat a hasty retreat & got Larry. He tried to open the window for them to leave, but most were dying and the few that left, tried to return. We let nature take its course and cleaned bees up off the floor. We thought that we knew where they might have gotten in ~ but, one thing led to another, & thinking it was probably a fluke, we let it slide. Well ... last Saturday late afternoon, I again went into my studio to get my laptop, and history repeated itself!! There, covering the window, were hundreds of bees! I felt like I was in a bad "B" movie remake of The Birds & bees had been substituted. Once again I beat a hasty retreat & this time Larry was able to watch them enter the room. He sent J and Pat to the store for expandable sealer for the outside of the house while he clear caulked the interior opening. He also sprayed bee killer on them. We let them die in peace as he & Pat fixed the exterior. Monday morning I cleaned up the mess. This was just a small portion of the bees:

Here's a close-up:

How disgusting! But, now we are sealed up tight. I don't care to be friends with these bees.

Total Surprise!!

2009-06-28T22:12:00.009-04:00

Well, this last Friday was my birthday and Larry surprised me big-time! He arranged for Shelley to fly down from Illinois to surprise me. Becca picked her up from the airport and brought her here. As I answered the door & saw Becca, I reached out to give her a hug & caught Shelley out of the corner of my eye. It didn't register at first, but when it sunk in, I almost had heart failure!! That evening, Becca hosted a birthday dinner for me at Fatty & Mabel's.

We had a riot!! Dinner was wonderful, drinks were great, and the tequila shot was superb!! Here we all are: Robin, Shelley, me, Larry & Becca

Saturday morning, Becca arranged a boat excursion for us with her friend "Capt'n Dave". He was a great seaman!! Here is Shelley & I in the back leaving Gulf Harbors.

We went out to Anclote Island & had a few beverages & chatted. We hunted for shells, watched some dogs playing together in the surf & walked the island. Here is Larry & Robin

And Becca & Capt'n Dave

We cooked out on the boat & then headed back in. He took us by our house. This is the first time we have seen it from the water. He got in so close.

We had a perfect day on the water & then went to the New Port Richey celebration. Had dinner at Fitzgerald's (Fabulous Sheppard's Pie) and saw the fireworks. We also had a couple more tequila shots & met some more friends! It was a wonderful weekend. Larry is so thoughtful & caring. I couldn't be more lucky to have him & our friends ~ both the "old ones" & the new!! Thanks to everyone for making my birthday so special!!

Not in Oz ...

2009-06-21T11:37:00.003-04:00

OK, so I know I am supposed to get Jennifer's wedding pics up here & I promise I will ~ BUT ~ 3 days ago we had a wild & wicked storm blow thru ... & I do mean blow!! 65 mph winds with rain and hail. We lost a lounger off the 3rd floor balcony (totaled) as well as a couple of cushions that wound up in the neighbor's lot. A fish by the pool is now IN the pool. :-)

Isn't funny how the wind can do these things?

Gracious Dinner in Yorkville

2009-05-23T19:46:00.009-04:00

Friday night dinner in Yorkville was wonderful. The people and the food were, as always, stellar!! Our gracious hosts, Joanna & Mike, who also let us invade their privacy and stay the week with them as well. We thank them!!

Here is Joanna & Sue looking angelic.

The food was awesome and so was the company!!

Magic Hands! Thanks again!!

So good to be here with our friends.

Every party needs a dancer!

It was a dance move ...

We had a fabulous time!! Florida is wonderful & we are making a few friends here, but we miss our "old" friends too.

April Birthdays

2009-05-23T19:21:00.007-04:00

For quite a few years now Val & Bob, Tammy & Don, and Larry & I have gotten together for the "April Birthdays". Out of the six of us, four have birthdays in April; Bob, Tammy, Don, & Larry. We had dinner at Rock Bottom where they surprised the Birthday-ees with cake & ice cream.

Yummy!

Tammy & Don

The group

Mother's Day

2009-05-12T12:51:00.002-04:00

Mother's Day was spent with Ma & Dad having breakfast at Timber Oaks Clubhouse. They had everything you could think of to eat: biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, omletes, french toast, pancakes, juce, coffee and Bloody Marys! We had a wonderful time!! All my kids managed to check in for Mother's Day & wish me the best. Thank you all!! This picture sums it up nicely tho ... If you are thinking of doing something that you shouldn't ...

Don't You DAAR-RA!! Because Mother Knows Best!!

Ma & Dad's 40th Anniversary!!

2009-05-12T12:37:00.006-04:00

Who would have thunk it?? 40 years??!! And they are still smiling!! :-) Larry and I helped them celebrate their 40th anniversary. Ma wanted to know if we heard the one about ...

It was a really good one!!

We went to Outback Steakhouse and ate ourselves silly!!

These two are forever wary of the other!! Is that the secret to 40 years together??

Here's to 40 more!!

Larry's Birthday Dinner

2009-05-12T12:10:00.003-04:00

We had a fabulous time for Larry's birthday!! Becca hosted a birthday dinner for Larry at Grille 54 and the food was out of this world!!

So was the birthday cake!!

Captain Candy, Eric, Becca, myself and Larry all had a blast!! (Altho everyone gets a little tired of my picture taking. :-)

Great Food, Great Friends, Great Time!! Thanks again Becca, for making Larry's birthday so special!!

A Birthday Present for Larry

2009-04-22T21:55:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday to Larry!! Here he is arriving home after picking up his birthday present.

A brand new Dodge Challenger 6.1 Hemi 6 speed manual transmission and 2 miles on it when he took delivery. This car rocks!!

It has been his dream car ever since he first heard they were developing it.

Now he is a proud owner!! Happy Birthday Larry!! XXOO :-**

Visits and Birthdays

2009-04-19T19:25:00.004-04:00

Two birthdays have happened: Dad turned 80 and Ma turned 79. We treated them each to their favorite birthday meals ... Pork chops for Dad and Burritos for Ma. :-) Fun times were had by all. Dad was grateful that Larry cooked the pork chops (so was I). I did the burritos, but missed Kevin's assistance w/the tortillas.

Speaking of Kevin; he brought his youngest to Florida to visit Grandma Pat & Grandpa Don. He also came to visit us. We were proud to be voted "Coolest house ever" by Ryan.

Ricky Tims Super Seminar

2009-04-03T13:13:00.003-04:00

Last weekend was the Ricky Tims Super Seminar with Libby Lehman and Alex Anderson.

This seminar was held in Ocala, FL which is only a two hour drive from where I live. I was SO EXCITED to be able to attend this advent!! As my friend Sandi says: BOUNCE BOUNCE!! Here is Alex Anderson signing autographs.

It started on a Thursday afternoon and went through Saturday evening. It was an absolutely phenomenal learning adventure with a free concert thrown in. No sewing ... Only lectures from three of the top Quilters in the business right now. I learned so much, so quickly, that my brain is oozing!

Here is Libby Lehman with me

I had a favorite quilt (or more than one!!) from each teacher, but hands down, my top favorite was by Libby Lehman called "Circle the Date"

Here is Alex Anderson with me

Ricky and Libby graciously signing autographs and posing for photos. The lines were long for all three.

This was the view on a break. Every seat was filled and extra seats had to be added.

Alex's husband, "Captain" John, hard at work promoting The Quilt Show; an online Quilting Community and Show (of which he is a producer and the Captain at the Helm!)

Justin, John, Libby and Alex

Question and Answer time; John, Justin & Alex (3 of the 4 producers of ARJJ Productions) Ricky's picture was had to get, since he is in perpetual motion and they are all blurry!

My bouncing friend from The Quilt Show, Sandi, talking with Ricky and Libby.

A Studio Is Born!!

2009-03-15T15:24:00.005-04:00

Inspiration must have struck while I was asleep, as I woke up with a wild hair itching to rearrange my room.

Stuck?? STUCK??

New Home for my 6600. Much more logical place!!

Now I can actually get to my design wall and see what I am doing.

My adjustable table had to be re-situated. Easier access for cutting without being in the entrance to the room. And while the 11000 doesn't have a view, most of the time you walk away from it as it is stitching.

Shelves & Frame. For storage purposes, the iron and the frame are pushed all the way back. But with minor adjustments, a top can be quilted on the frame here in this area. And, since I have to pay close attention to what I am doing, the view isn't as important for this machine.

Lee Ann suggested this arrangement, but for some reason I had it in my head that the frame was 14 feet long. I am glad that this works!

My new view as I sit at my 6600. Most of my piecing is done on this machine. I love having this inspiring view. (Hmmmm, about that art quilt ...)

!!Voila!! A Studio is born!! (Now, where are my Bayer Back & Body pills??)

Tragedy Struck

2009-03-15T14:24:00.007-04:00

A couple days ago, I came into my (sewing) room to find that tragedy had struck: Several of my shelves had fallen. I guess the weight of my quilting books was too much for the L-shaped brackets that were supporting them. So, off came everything to be sorted and rearranged. The shelves were redone w/different (straight) supporting brackets. Nothing like being forced into redoing and organizing. :-)

Then I cataloged each and every book, and arranged them alphabetically by author (by title within each author as well) and re-shelved them with a better redistribution of weight per shelf. (Can you see my Todd Library experience here?)

Material came next. This was more difficult as there isn't a hard & fast rule. Some are by color, some by design, some by type, some by size.

What a mess. Under all this is an ironing board and my adjustable table w/my Janome 11000.

My 1600 & frame is more of a material stand.

I also cataloged (yes, I truly have a program for this!!) all my patterns & kits to store them on the shelves. I may be ADD, but that doesn't prevent me from being anal about my sewing!!

This is my cubbie with my Janome 6600. I don't like facing the wall as it is uninspiring. The next day, after all the sorting was completed, I loaded some design programs and spent quality time on the phone upgrading my digitizing program. This saved a lot of money and I went to bed pretty pleased with myself!! (And, I might add, made my husband very pleased as well!!)
I had every intention of waking up yesterday and teaching myself the new program ...

As Promised

2009-03-15T13:28:00.002-04:00

As promised, here is the completed look. Larry did pretty well with getting everything back in its place. Except for the sound. (A little minor thing!!) So, we had to call in an expert who fixed it right up.

Isn't it pretty?

Our New Addition

2009-02-26T20:11:00.003-05:00

Our latest edition to making our house a home: The new entertainment center.

Watch later on for a more completed look! Meanwhile ...

Say a few prayers for Larry, who has been re-hooking all the different components back together.

Fat Tuesday Dinner

2009-02-26T19:56:00.003-05:00

Ma & Dad invited us for dinner w/Bob & Kim.

We had a blast!!

The wine was wonderful, the roast was the best I have ever had, and the company was exceptional.

Speaking of Sewing ...

2009-02-20T22:56:00.005-05:00

We were, weren't we? Speaking of sewing ... Here is what I currently have on my design wall:

And this is my WIP (work in progress):

I just love lots of perfect four patches!! It is truly the simple things in life that please me!

Florida State Fair

2009-02-15T18:13:00.007-05:00

Being a big fan of the Sandwich Fair (Sandwich, IL), Larry & I could not pass up the FL State Fair ... It was different, but still fun. You would never see a sign like this in IL!!

We tried the new food rave of the fair:

(Yep, you saw that right!!)

It was really rather good ...

if you closed your eyes & didn't think about what you were eating.

We have never seen such a wide variety of rides!

This was the best part of the Fair: The People Mover.

Here is the view from up top:

This got my vote for most imaginative advertising. A local law firm really got thru in a most visual way.

We returned home tired and a little pink around the edges. A very fun day!!

The Latest

2009-02-09T01:22:00.005-05:00

Here is the latest: I started on the TQS block of the month quilt ~ which is far more complex than anything that I have attempted before. Here is the January block, completed, and while it isn't perfect, it is pretty good. Good that I finished January by February 8th! :-) I'm early!!

Madge, June & Britt have been having it tough. I sew ~ they sleep.

It is truly a dog's life.

We had a great time at our Super Bowl party. The food was awesome!! We had so much,

thanks to all the contributors! Here's to new friends & to old friends & family as well!!

Good times ~ Great people!!

Super Bowl Weekend

2009-01-31T13:40:00.003-05:00

Well, hey Everyone!! It is Super Bowl Weekend. It is a down-right shame that the Bears didn't make it ~ But I guess that happens only once in twenty years. :-) But this looks to be a good game. Miss Britt's boyfriend, Aristotle Topaz (better known as Stottle) is all geared up

and ready to play should he be called upon to be a back up quarterback. Enjoy the game!!

Breakfront = Fewer Boxes

2009-01-23T20:45:00.003-05:00

Here is the little gem that will reduce the number of unpacked boxes in my home. The answer to my prayers. The perfect spot for the family dishes. :-) Happy Happy Joy Joy

The Listellos are here!!

2009-01-18T18:34:00.004-05:00

Whoooo hoooo!! I feel like jumping up & down for joy!! The listellos are here & soon Jay will come and install them. When that happens, the tile will be officially complete!! I am ecstatic!! No more cardboard by the front door!! No more tripping on "spacer" tiles!!

Aren't they wonderful?? We have been waiting for these since last July. They are just the ticket for a home on the water!

On a different note: Here is a picture of the incredibly large full moon a fewevenings ago.

W I P

2009-01-12T21:45:00.002-05:00

Here is my latest WIP (work in progress). This flamingo was a class project taught by Sharon Malec. I took this class about a year and a half ago but did not finish it. Now all that it needs is an eye and to be quilted. I'll hang it in the new bathroom. What should I name him/her?

Maria & Gary

2009-01-12T21:18:00.002-05:00

Maria & Gary came for a week. We all had a relaxing time ... so relaxing in fact, that I must have forgotten that I own a camera!! The only proof that I have they were here are the Boxing Day pictures. They stayed until New Year's Day when they had to return to the frozen wasteland of IL. We are missing them.

New Year's Eve was great!! Our neighborhood had a Progressive Party. It started at our next door neighbor's house with hors d'oeuvres, progressed to our house for Italian beef and sangria, then to the other side of our neighborhood for Bananas Foster and the last stop was champagne and fireworks. Roughly half of the neighborhood participated as well as quite a few guests. We had Maria & Gary, Ma & Dad & Becca. Ma just LOVED the sangria!! :-) It was a great way to get to know our neighbors as well as them getting to know us. Everyone loved the house redecoration. That made us feel great!!

Last week we went to Tiki-land. It is a fabulous place that has everything; water, TV, Music, a comfy bar, fridge, great people ... & the best part is that it is right next door. Jim & Sherry had us over along w/Bob & Sue. We had hors d'oeuvres in Tiki-land. Their hospitality continued indoors w/a great dinner. Jim & Larry watched football. :-) It was a really good evening.

Boxing Day

2009-01-12T20:52:00.008-05:00

Due to everyones hectic schedules, we decided to do our Christmas get together on Boxing Day. This turned out to be a great hit. So much less stressful ... Except on the kids!! They wanted the presents NOW. :-) Here are Logan and Nadia trying to be patient.

Chow time. Dad, Maria & Gary fill their plates. We were so happy to have them with us!

Josh & Eden waiting their turn at the food.

Jason is actually smiling! I think he is thinking of turkey!

Brandy is enjoying the day.

Chow time for Brandy, Josh & Larry.

Doesn't Eden look happy? This is before shse found out that she & Maria were washing dishes!!

Logan "striking a pose"

The presents were great and everyone had a wonderful time.

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-24T13:35:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas to all ...

And to All

A Good (& Safe) Night ..

It was supposed to be a simple fence ...

2008-12-16T17:33:00.009-05:00

It was supposed to be a simple fence ... easy ... just for a dog run. But, Larry asks the never ending question of "Why Us??"

On the very last fence post of the "easy" job, they struck ... the pool water lines.

The return, to be exact.

Oh Dear, What Can the Matter Be?

Total distruction of the sidewalk, a patch job and an overnight glue fix.

It's Getting Better All the Time.

The fence guys finish up and leave the fixers behind to complete the job and repair the sidewalk.

TA DA!! The fence that will make my life easier and more fun.

And the Girls LOVE it!!

Pool View

2008-12-14T21:20:00.003-05:00

For those of you stuck in the colder climates, I thought you would "appreciate" seeing the view of our pool.

It is a little chilly here for swimming ... about 70 or so ~ but we could always crank up the heater.

I must say that it is difficult to get any sewing done with this view!!

Grace Pinnacle Frame

2008-12-09T13:29:00.005-05:00

My Sweetie spent the better part of yesterday setting up my king size Grace Pinnacle Quilting Frame.

This sucker is huge!!

Now I have to hook up the Stitch Regulator and practice, practice, practice!!

Tablescape Series

2008-12-08T10:45:00.003-05:00

Kathi's creations ~ Tablescape Series ~ Our kitchen is so bright and cheery now!! For more of Katherine's work, go to www.katherinemichael.com

Crown Molding

2008-12-08T10:32:00.002-05:00

Friday, the crown molding went up in the library. It looks great. Now we wait on the ladder, which is "in production". Hmmm

The library is coming together!!

It's a Squirrel Thing ... You Wouldn't Understand

2008-12-08T10:25:00.005-05:00

For Lori's Mom, Ruth Hoffman 3/1/23 - 11/21/08

Library Update

2008-11-30T14:03:00.004-05:00

The day before Thanksgiving we were hurriedly stuffing books into the mostly completed shelves.

We do have a couple of books between us!!

These are all the empty book boxes!!

It is beginning to come together. The crown molding will (hopefully) go up next week and then all we will have to do is wait for the ladder.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T21:49:00.007-05:00

We all had a wonderful day. It's so great to be w/family!

Ma, Dad & me

Nadia

Brandy & Jay

Logan & Dad

Jay & Dad

That was a really funny joke!

It's a counting game!! It was truly a great time!! We have so much to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!

2008-11-27T09:11:00.002-05:00

A beautiful Thanksgiving sunrise for you all!!

Day One of Library Shelving

2008-11-24T21:38:00.004-05:00

Day one of library shelving.

All bookcases were built off site and brought in thru the ground floor to either the living room or to the balcony. That was the only way into the library since the hall doorway was too narrow and short for the shelving units.

All these boxes are books waiting for their new home.

Here is the first wall. Electric and ductwork also had to be moved.

Tomorrow they will be back!! Maybe the books will be unpacked by Thanksgiving!!

OMG!!

2008-11-23T15:39:00.003-05:00

My goodness!! It is starting to happen!!

Two rooms with no boxes!! It is a miracle!! (Especially this bathroom!!)

And tomorrow, the library shelving arrives ... Could this be the beginning of the end of the box nightmare??!!??

Early Morning Mist

2008-11-21T18:17:00.005-05:00

At 7 a.m. this was the view from my back door.

It isn't hard to take the dogs for a walk when you have something this great to enjoy!

Try, Try Again

2008-11-19T23:43:00.004-05:00

I wanted to try this again. It lost something by being one on top of the other. This was the view that I saw as the front was rolling in. Phenomenal.

Progress is a good feeling

2008-11-19T23:27:00.005-05:00

More progress. I am feeling so good about this. :-)

One bathroom started as storage for picture boxes (pics, mirrors, glass, etc.) and knick knack boxes. As you can see, it is overflowing!!

This is what it looked like day before yesterday: (You could, at least, get in the door)

And this is what it looks like this evening. Yeah!!

The bookshelves are arriving on Monday. Thanks to Pat who moved all the boxes of books.

They sure are heavy!!

The goal is to have knick knacks out, pictures up, books shelved and sewing room functional by Thanksgiving. And still have dinner!! Who wants to place a bet??

Tomorrow I'll show the "storage" garage. Jay and Pat worked hard to organize it ... and to keep Larry from lifting anything. Stay posted!!

This Morning's Weather Front

2008-11-15T21:01:00.002-05:00

This is what came in this morning as I was having a cup of coffee. It was so beautiful that it almost looked fake.

Further Updates

2008-11-15T20:34:00.007-05:00

More progress has been made. The Bears Wall part 1 is complete.

The Bears Wall part 2 is in progress.

The outside got a shave and a haircut.

It sure looks better!!

Madge is doing her impersonation of a Ship's Captain heading out to sea.

First Sewing Lesson

2008-11-11T11:55:00.003-05:00

My "niece" Katie is having her first sewing lesson from Grandma.

Dad (Kevin) is really "into" the lesson.

Very intent. It will be a pink print pillow with bling-y fringe.

Progress at Last

2008-11-11T11:35:00.006-05:00

Things are starting to come together now ~ Even tho it seems slow. There are so many things to go through. Here is our new bed.

This is 'Tea & Biscotti' by Katherine J. Michael. It is a 30" x 30" original oil. Kathi is David & Bob Morel's cousin and a VERY talented lady!!

The perfect spot!

Quite a bit of progress in Larry's Lizzard Lounge. And a big part of the progress has been Patrick, who has schelpped boxes.

The guest bedroom is starting to take shape.

It Feels Like ...

2008-10-30T21:28:00.006-04:00

... An explosion happened in our house!!

We had it looking pretty neat and then the second wave happened!!

It feels like we will never be unpacked.

It seems as if we have gotten back to square one.

But you can see progress . (Or at least I can :-)

Madge, Britt, and June approve of their new home.

Happy Anniversary to us!! We went out for dinner to our favorite Mexican restaurant and Frank & Lee Ann treated us. Great company!! Great food!! Great evening!!

Ready for Wave # 2

2008-10-28T08:03:00.006-04:00

It has been a few weeks since my last post, but we haven't been idle. Quite a few of the boxes that came from IL cannot be unpacked until our things from our FL home come in. That move date has finally been scheduled for tomorrow. So, in preparation for that, a little more maneuverability had to be achieved.

The new "bathroom storage facility" were all boxes w/nick knacks, pictures and mirrors must stay out of the way.

In the sewing room it went from this:

To this. Crammed full and only partially organized, but safe and out of the way.

One of the sewing tables.

Larry's prize Striped Marlin finds its place of honor.

Now we are ready for tomorrow.

Illinois Arrives in Florida

2008-10-07T10:53:00.008-04:00

Bright and early (7 a.m.) on the 3rd of October, all the IL things arrived

They appeared to have a new driver

Near and dear to my heart; one of my sewing tables going into the new room

Boxes, boxes, boxes, and more boxes ... Everything was off the truck & inside by 3 p.m.

Worn out

A Few Friends

2008-10-07T10:34:00.005-04:00

Here are a few friends ...

Sue ~ Support Team

Diana & John are support team too, but Diana is notorious for not allowing a picture. :-)

Gary ~ No problem (I had an "expressive" pic of Sheila, but she would have shot me if I posted it!!)

Spencer ~ Always eager to help and a big Bears fan too

Lori ~ Eagerly supportive as always
Larry ~ Tired to the bone, but happy that another step has been completed.

Leaving Sandwich Behind

2008-10-07T10:06:00.006-04:00

The moving van came at 7 a.m. on the 29th of September. It was a very wet start.

Dave and Johnny B knew their business!! There was another man helping them for the day whose name was Patrick. It was surreal to think that Johnny B and Pat were moving us. :-) Johnny B's name is on his cap.

This is their guard dog. She rides with them.

The fish is returning to the state where it was stuffed. :-)

It cleared by evening. These are the last few things due to be loaded.

On the road to Florida by 7:30 p.m. What a long day!!

Group Dinner

2008-09-28T20:57:00.006-04:00

Saturday night was dinner with Diana & John, Susie & Dick, Joanna & Mike and Kathy & Jim at Mio Amore Restaurant in Plano. This is Gary & Sheila's new restaurant.

Joanna & Mike and Kathy & Jim enjoying drinks at the bar

Mike was on a roll

It took all night, but I finally got a picture of Diana

John

Susie & Dick

Joanna & Mike

It was a great evening ... even if we were so exhasted that we could barely hold our heads up.

Last June

2008-09-28T10:19:00.004-04:00

At dinner last night, I realized that I had been remiss in not blogging about the wonderful cookout that we attended last June at Joanna and Mike's home. It was a terrific time with wonderful friends and great food. Diana played golf

Kisses are so SWEET!!

Mmm-mmm good!!

First annual bike-a-thon

Time with Friends

2008-09-27T11:38:00.003-04:00

We did take time to spend time with Tammy & Don and Val & Bob. Dinner in Sugar Grove. Hospitality at Tammy & Don's. Fabulous and Fun time as always. We miss these people so much!!

Earlier in the week, we took a limo to the United Center with Bruce & Rose Palmer and Gary & Sheila Capps to see the Eagles in concert. They were FABULOUS!! But ~ sorry ~ no pictures from that. Let's just say that we had a wonderful time!! And I am sure that both Bruce & Rose and Gary & Sheila did too. It was a much needed treat.

Packing Up

2008-09-27T11:25:00.004-04:00

Packing up our home in IL has been a daunting task. Everything had to first be sorted and then designated and (if chosen) packed.

Here is Larry's Lizard Lounge

And the Playboy Room

My poor gardens. But Diana and John Doll are kind enough to be coming in to pull weeds and make the front, back and sides of the house presentable. Many thanks to them!!

No More Dust!!

2008-09-27T11:23:00.001-04:00

Brandy did a wonderful job cleaning. Everything sparkles.

All Done!!

2008-09-19T10:14:00.004-04:00

The last of the flooring is down.

Now the cleanup begins!!

World Alzheimer's Day ~ September 21st

2008-09-17T18:12:00.004-04:00

http://www.alzquilts.org/

Final Floor!!

2008-09-13T09:38:00.005-04:00

Here is the beginning of the end!! It is looking like a floor!! Once this floor is in, we can start moving!! (After cleaning up and making room for everything)

I just love the way this looks next to the cabinets.

Fridge on the move ...

Equal time for Pops' butt :-D

Insuring the water for the fridge is on.

This has taken two months (so far) with more to go. It has been a long haul. Kudos and thanks to everyone that has helped!! Now, onto IL to retrieve our furniture. :-D

The Latest

2008-09-10T21:27:00.004-04:00

Here are the newest updates:

A blue bathroom ~ I cannot paint the inside of the door or the trim until the light fixture arrives. Hehehe

The library floor. It is going to look wonderful with Larry's desk. The library shelving is not due to be complete for at least seven more weeks. The good news is we can move in before they are done.

And the beginning of the last floor to be laid!! Hooray!! This is the kitchen/dining/laundry room floor in natural maple.

On the Ike update there has been quite a lot of coastal flooding. Fortunately, this is all that happened with us. Of course, there is always tomorrow. We just feel lucky that a bit of our grass got wet.

Scenery

2008-09-06T10:53:00.003-04:00

Here is a dragonfly that was hanging around last week. Isn't he/she cute??

And this was the breathtaking sunset last night as viewed from our master suite balcony.

Major Progress!!

2008-09-06T09:57:00.008-04:00

Major progress this week!! We are so much closer to a move in date!! Brandy rolled the ceiling, but poor Larry was stuck doing the trim since he was the only one tall enough to reach the light fixture!

Sewing studio acquires a floor and the 1/2 bath has fixtures and flooring.

Shelves going in for my sewing studio. I wonder how long it will take me to fill them up?!!?

The a/c is now working in the Lizard Lounge. This is such good news for everyone working there and in the sewing studio!!

More worker bees!! Brandy and Nadia are hard at it!! Here's Nadia:

And she even has a BIG smile when she is working!!

Brandy is doing the bulk of the painting of the sewing studio, in spite of Nadia's assistance!!

These ceiling are 11 feet tall. I am happy her balance is as good as her painting skills!!

And here is my little project: Replacing 20 handles and 56 knobs in the kitchen. I can be so anal at times!!

Polka Dots and Cooler Air

2008-08-30T18:24:00.003-04:00

Today was the day for polka dots!! This is my sewing studio today. Yesterday it looked like a cheer room for the Reaper Nation (that would be Plano, IL's purple & white school colors); but today it looks like it has the measles!!

Also, today the A/C unit went up on the new platform seconds before a huge storm rolled in. It's up there, but not hooked up.

Here also is a ground level view of the patio and pool about 15 minutes before the storm rolled in.

Outside

2008-08-29T22:11:00.005-04:00

Not only have I been remiss about the front of the house, I have also been remiss about the rear ... So sorry!! Here are a couple of shots of the back.

This is a side view.

And the pool.

What a Sunshine Day!!

Hard at it!!

2008-08-29T21:57:00.004-04:00

What a difference a little bit of grout makes! Here is the living room before grout.

Here is the same tile with grout.

J and John hard at it.

Construction dust ... and the hardwood floors haven't even begun to go in yet.

Rebirthing!!

2008-08-25T17:50:00.005-04:00

Here (at last!!) is the beginning of the rebirth of Larry's Lizard Lounge!! Everyone attending will be cooled (or heated) via the wonderful exposed duct work.

It also has been brought to my attention that there aren't any front views of our new home. Sorry to be remiss.

Construction Update

2008-08-24T19:22:00.004-04:00

This is the update on the house as of last Friday. The master bedroom is complete. The grout is in.

The sewing studio and half bath has been drywalled and taped.

The guest bedroom floor and the hallway are more than 75% down.

The front door will have a surprise.

I am sure that I will have more pictures to post tomorrow, as quite a bit was completed on Saturday when I wasn't there. I'll keep you posted!!

Ma's Pillows

2008-08-24T18:59:00.005-04:00

Ma wanted two pillows for her guest bedroom twin beds. I know that she loves hydrangeas, as they are the Cape Cod favorite. When I found this material, I knew that this would work in her room.

These are the pillows in progress.

Two close ups. I am really pleased with the piecing.

Here is the back.

Here is a good picture of one of them.

I hope that she enjoys having them as much as I did making them.

Family Time in Cabo

2008-08-20T18:47:00.009-04:00

As most of you know, part of our family went to Cabo San Lucas with us last June. Here are some of the highlights:

First day ~ Deann, Robin and Allysa

A group picture of all of us (minus Larry, who was behind the camera) at Cabo Wabo. Front row = Allysa; Middle row = Robin, Maddy, Deann, Me, Paul; Back row = "Little" Roger & Roger

Siblings ~ Sorry that they are sideways ... It just refused to rotate. Hmmm I am not a good blogger yet ... Great pic anyway, even if you do have to look at it lopsided. :-)

Tequilla Tasting 101

Taste Test Time

And our favorite!! Rattlesnake Tequila ~ Yep, that is really a dead rattlesnake. Yum!!

Welcome to the Hotel California ... Such a lovely time ...

And the Mission with its working bell.

All in all, a lovely time was had ... by all.

Working Hard

2008-08-18T19:30:00.005-04:00

On Saturday everyone was working as hard as they could!! Here is my studio with the insulation up.

This is Dan "the Man" and his son Jason hanging the purple drywall. This is a moisture and mold resistant kind. Great color!!

Here is John preparing the tile for grout.

The living room floor has been started. Nick (Jason's friend & main guitar buddy) came in to help out. He also does tile for a living. It is so much faster with two people laying the tile at the same time.

When I left late Saturday afternoon, Jason & Nick were moving right along. They continued into the evening, but this is how it looked when I left. I am really excited.

I haven't been there since Saturday afternoon. Today Larry went down & he & Jason & John prepared the house for the hurricane. I stayed here & shopped for supplies. I am hoping that it will be gentle. :-D

On my next post, I will post some photos from our family vacation in Cabo San Lucas last June. TTFN

Favorite wildlife at the new homefront

2008-08-16T13:35:00.004-04:00

Here are a few of our new friends here in Harborpointe: Dophins and a couple of bird's eye views.

New Homefront Cont'd

2008-08-16T13:07:00.007-04:00

Continuing on with our updates: Here is the guest room green and below is the pale terra cotta on the master bedroom walls.

Here's Pat!! All of our family has a hand in our projects!! Here's Pat working for Jason.

Too bad that I was so tired when we arrived from IL and unloaded the UHaul. I should have taken pictures. EVERYONE was hard at it; Joshua, Jason, Patrick as well as Eden, Brandy and Brandy's brother and his girlfriend!! (If you look hard, you will also see John (Brandy's brother) working hard on the tile. Speaking of tile: Here is the "Tile Staging Area".

And here is the new room that is very close to my heart ~ my sewing studio. Larry will be glad to get me out of the living room!!

A room with a view ... I wonder how much sewing I will complete with a view like this??!!??

Progress on the New Homefront

2008-08-14T21:48:00.008-04:00

We have been busy trying to cover up the dark olive green that the former owners favored. The first thing that we did was hire our painters back and have them cover up the olive green that was everywhere. And I do mean EVERYWHERE; closets, ceilings ... even the doors and trim were a lighter shade of the dark olive. Larry said that it depressed him. I felt like I was in the middle of an Army camp. So ... 80 gallons of paint later (somewhat like the scene from ET)

We managed to get it white. :-) And we removed all the laminate flooring and the fireplace which did nothing but get in the way!! So now Jason is busy trying to keep up with our ideas. We are doing the kitchen/dining in hand scraped natural maple (which is still on order) and the library in hand scraped elm (you guessed it ~ not in yet) and tile for the rest of the house. The master bedroom tile has a simple patern that of course I had to make more difficult by setting it "on point".

Larry picked out this pattern for the main floor which will include the living room and guest bedroom. Jason is ready to pull his hair out over this one!!

Before any tile or hardwood could go down, cement underlayment had to fitted and nailed down to firm the floor.

And before I forget, we did put color on the walls. :-) Here is the kitchen.

That's all for tonight. I will post more over the weekend. So nice to be back on my blog again!!

Where to start??!!??

2008-07-25T07:37:00.002-04:00

Oh my goodness ~ Where should I start? So much has happened since my last blog! Just before we left for IL, we looked briefly at a home that we fell in love with. While in IL, we put a bid in (that's right ~ Larry had only seen the home once!) and just before we left IL we heard the counter and we accepted that. :-) We are so happy. So ... Long story short; we closed on the 16th, funded on the 17th and started remodeling right away. So far we have had the walls primed white (thereby removing all of the very dark olive green that was thruout the house, closets & ceilings) and all of the laminate flooring has been removed as well (which would be all the flooring except for the three baths). Already it is looking so much better!! Or, shall we say, more to our taste?

While in IL, we sorted and packed our little fingers to the bone. :-) We returned to FL with a 27 foot UHaul that was towing my PT Cruiser convertable and a fully packed Aspen including (of course) "the Girls". What a trip home that was!! We have since decided that Larry & I are far too old to attempt to move ourselves and the rest of our stuff will be handled by the professionals. This will be something that our kids will appreciate as well, since they are the ones who were stuck offloading all the boxes and the few (but heavy) pieces of furniture that we did bring.

Today we are off to pick our flooring and then to meet an A/C guy at the new house. Also, our Realtor Becca will be coming over to see our progress. I hope that she is amazed!! Now that we are DONE buying houses ... we hope that Becca transsitions from being the "Realtor" to FRIEND!!

Pictures to follow in a later post. Everything from a family vacation to Cabo San Lucas to pics of the house ... All when I get a spare minute!!

TTFN

Closing up the house

2008-05-13T20:33:00.002-04:00

We have been doing the last minute things necessary to close the house. We decided to delay our trip a couple days to (hopefully) let the weather that we would be driving thru get past. And since we had some extra time, we decided to go and look at a couple of houses that Larry found on the internet. One of them is wonderful, but who knows?? Today Larry was sick, so we won't leave until Thursday. I dread the drive. And the packing after we arrive!! Oh dear!! I had better start taking my multi-vitamins. :-)

I'm Back!!

2008-05-11T11:36:00.005-04:00

After the horrible crash of my old laptop with nothing that could be saved, here I am again with my new laptop and programs. I am ready to try this again!! We are packing up and getting ready to leave W.W. and make the long journey back with the three dogs. Larry is busy fixing up the outside of the house and I am working on the inside. I dread the trip and all the work ahead. But it must be done. Here are pics of the curtains and the wall hanging that I did for Josh & Eden's new home. I will post a couple now and more later, as I am waiting for her pictures. These are the few we had. The top left are the 2 story curtains. The top right are the stacked curtains (yes, curtain hanging on the top window!) with Josh & Larry working hard to complete. The last one is the wall hanging. I really like the way this turned out. Can you see the little buttons in the middle of the circles??

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

2008-02-14T22:32:00.002-05:00

Madge would like to wish EVERYONE a wonderful Valentine's Day!!

Morning in Weeki Wachee

2008-02-11T10:11:00.000-05:00

The sun is rising and the birds are singing. Mist is rising off the pool. It is all so peaceful here.

CURTAIN TIME!!

2008-02-11T09:59:00.000-05:00

Least anyone think that it is all fun and games here, check out the curtains that are "in the process." Does anyone know how long it takes to sew a seam that is forty plus feet?

Tammy's Happy Pillow

2008-01-25T22:54:00.000-05:00

Here is a pic of "Tammy's Happy Pillow"

Pine Island Beach

2008-01-25T22:45:00.000-05:00

Here is a little beach that is close to our house. As you can see, Joe is flying in for yet another family reunion!!

He needs to be careful!!

Landscape Progress

2007-12-27T10:38:00.000-05:00

As some of you know, we have been working our little tails off since we have arrived in sunny Florida!! Here are two pictures of the curbing edging that we had installed on the 22nd of December. This yard was a jungle when we arrived!! We had many plants ripped out, as they were dead or overgrown. Weeds had been allowed to grow unchecked for over four years. The original owner of our home stopped by to ask if the path that she & her late husband had built still existed. At the time, I knew there was a small path leading into an oval garden. But after the crap was cleared away, we found a beautiful path winding its way all through this garden. This path just begs for its own garden bench!!

Larry has spent five days (so far!!) on his stomach trying to replace, redesign, and upgrade our old landscape lighting. No small feat!! To date he has used eight boxes of seven lights and still has more to go!! This, of course, is not counting spot lights for the beautiful palms or replacing & upgrading the transformers to carry the additional watts. All the old lighting was black plastic over 15 years. It was crumbling. The new lights are metal and have more watts than the originals. It would have been easier on Larry had the landscapers not cut through all the lines (multiple times!) for the lighting when they were doing the clean up. Of course, this wasn't really their fault, as no one knew all these lights existed!! They had burned out and the excessive follage had covered them completely. The same thing had happened for the irregation as well, but that will be discussed at a different time. (Hehehe) It is so beautiful here now.

Christmas 2007

2007-12-27T01:29:00.000-05:00

Christmas has come & gone. We had a wonderful day. Patrick was here. Jason came with his girlfriend Brandy & her daughter Nadia. Our granddaughter Logan made the trip as well and Santa was good to all the kids and grandkids ~ real and "adopted". Dinner turned out great, but was late. I had forgotten how loud a housefull of people are on Christmas day. :-) Josh and Eden stayed home. The dogs hid behind furniture until dinner was served. Then they appeared for their snacks!!

Today has been a day of rest. Even the dogs were tired. I am glad that Christmas is over for another year!!

First Blog Ever!!

2007-10-03T17:56:00.000-04:00

OK ~ Here it is ~ My first blog EVER!! I am not really sure what I am going to do with this, but it should be a great tool for sharing. My DIL will be ECSTATIC!!