Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Wednesday's Words and Pictures

Gosh...it's been two weeks since I last blogged so there is lots to share.  There has not been a lot of sewing as we have been away for a bit.

We had a delightful trip to Florida.  This is a time when I normally meet up with a fellow friend and blogger, Midlife Mom, but it was not to be this year.  Her father had fallen off of a ladder and was in the hospital so she was staying with her mom and getting things sorted out.  I am glad to report that he is doing much better and is now home in Maine with Louise.  I did miss our chats and will have to make up for them up next year!!!!

We were staying near Key Largo and this year we made the drive down to Key West.  It was a fun and interesting drive.  I always love the colors that you see in that area.  I am sure that we would be fined by our HOA if we were to paint our home one of the luscious colors that can be seen.   They have such a tropical feel to them.





Of course I love seeing the flowers - especially the orchids that are planted on the palm trees.  I would love to be able to do something like that here, but I would worry about a freeze.





Can you imagine doing a topiary like this on your house?  The entire house was done like this and this is only a small section of it, but I found the rats very interesting.



During our stay we enjoyed a fun concert with KC and the Sun*shine Boys.




We returned home for two days - long enough to unpack, do laundry, shop and repack for our annual trip to the Sierras with the children and grandchildren.  The snow pack was nothing to write home about, but we did find some good areas for sledding and, of course, the skiing areas were open for those who ski.  We all had a fabulous time - snow or not.



The techy group.


Birthday boy.











Dinner in shifts!!!


Sun rising on the mountains.


While we were away several wonderful packages arrived in my mailbox.  Some wonderful Valentine fabrics arrived from Annie.  Aren't these fun fabrics?  I think I see a valentine quilt coming.



From Pat a package came with a glue stick and another pretty piece of fabric.  I will use the glue stick for the paper piecing that I do.  I tend to go through it quickly so I am excited about trying this new brand.  Thanks Pat.


I joined up for the Year of Mug Rugs and the February mug rug arrived while we were away.  Jeanne also included some fun charm squares in the package.  I have enjoyed using my seasonal mug rug!


Also from Jeanne, I received fabrics that I won from the Blog Hop.  Aren't the colors pretty?  They remind me of the Florida Key colors!!!




As I said, there has not been a lot of sewing going on as we were away.  I did manage to finish up my heart quilt for the auction next week.


As well, I made the doll school uniform that I make each year for the grandchildren's school auction which is in a couple of weeks.  It feels good to have those both finished.



It's a rainy day here so I am heading in to my sewing room for some fun.

Added later.......

Is this new word verification driving everyone else as crazy as it is me????  I simply cannot read some of those words.  I notice that I am leaving fewer comments due to it so thought I would add a hint as to how to get rid of it on your blogs. 
to turn word verification off:


Go to dashboard, then  settings, then comments, scroll down this page until you find word verification- fill in the NO bubble. Click "save settings" at the bottom of the page.

25 comments:

  1. That is sure a colorful neighborhood.
    I am so glad to hear about MM's dad.
    He is in my prayers.
    I sure did enjoy the family snow trip.That looks like quite a crowd.
    How many are there on the family trip?
    Your sewing projects are sure beautiful.
    Hugs

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  2. I always love seeing your photos of the large family gatherings! And the FL photos have such wonderful color. Enjoy your rainy day of sewing!

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  3. The colour of the water in Florida looks beautiful along with the houses. Sunshine and snow, a wonderful way to spend time with family.

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  4. Beautiful photos and what a change of weather! Looks like you had a wonderful time with all the family! Looks like fun!

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  5. Great post! I loved the orchid in the tree, but the rats on the house? shudder! The happy colored houses were cute, but I don't think they'd fly in my neighborhood either. Looks like you had a wonderful family trip! Congrat's on the wins! Have a happy week!

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  6. You've been SO busy. Your vacations sound and look like so much fun. It's wonderful to spend time with family. And then to return home to your beautiful mail packages. Your mug rug is so cute. What an exciting time you've been having. I'm happy for you :)

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  7. Love hearing about your busy and fun trip. Time with the family is always a treasure - Hugs Nat

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  8. You have had the most wonderful busy two weeks. time spent in both the sun and snow.
    I just LOVE seeing all your family having so much fun together.
    What a lovely lot of goodies to come home too.
    How cute is the tiney little uniform. Love it.

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  9. Looks like you have been busy and had great trips. So lovely to be all the family. I love the heart quilt!

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  10. Sounds like you have had a wonderful couple of weeks. Loved your FL pictures they brought back memories of a trip I did down to ththe Keys decades ago. Lots of fun with the exception of being bitten by sand fleas when we went to visit Bahia Honda Key State park.

    Love your heart quilt, it's a nice non-traditional heart design.

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  11. Two wonderful and quite different trips! I love that your family is able to get together and spend time!

    I love the colors of South Florida!

    And each time I see one of your quilts, I think you can't possibly make one to top it, but you did it again! Love the heart quilt! And the doll uniform!

    And yes, I HATE the new word verification. Going to see if mine is on now! Thanks!

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  12. Oh I know you missed Midlife Mom on your annual trip. Looks like you made up for it when you got all the family together! Looks like you had so much fun!

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  13. what wonderful pictures....Key West is a must visit!!

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  14. I've only been to Key West once but remember well how gorgeous it was. And yes, word verification is defeating these aging eyes. I've given up commenting on blogs that use it. Blessings, Marlene

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  15. WOW! looks like a wonderful time!!! I love Key West! We went once on our cruise Neat place! loved the palm trees too you posted:) ahhhhh love that warm feeling I get:)

    GREAT photos of everything!

    KC and the Sunshine band really??? I am SO jealous! would have loved to seen that!!!!

    glad your home safe and sound! looks like great family time! Sorry you missed out on your visit with Midlife Mom! better luck next year I am sure!!!

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  16. Great pictures of your snow trip! So glad you do this every year, I really think all kids should get to play in the snow!

    Your heart quite is very pretty! Hey, I have been sewing today! YAY! I'm working on the new Christmas quilt. It's easier then I though so should work up really fast.

    I can't believe we have to wait till next year to have our gab fest! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

    I saw my mug rug on one of your earlier posts! Thank you so much again!!!

    We had a good day today. Two nurses but that's all so it was quiet and peaceful. R is over visiting his father and my folks are watching tv after dinner. Sooooooo I am going to go do a few more blocks! xoxoxoxox

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  17. You always seem to have so much going on! I love the colors of those houses. And that has to be the bluest water I've ever seen! It's beautiful! :0)

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  18. Great vacation trip! I hope I can take day off from my day job and spent sometime with my family somewhere out of town... :) maybe I should plan one right now.
    Enjoy seeing your valentine love quilt.... :)

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  19. Both vacations look so much fun and so opposite of each other. I love your valentine quilt. Did you design it yourself? Great job.

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  20. Sounds like oyu had a great time. Love the cute doll's uniform.

    I have had a week off from reading blogs - the new verification thing-y will also prevent me from leaving as many comments as in the past!

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  21. Thank you for the comment regarding my grandmother. She was a blessing and we were blessed to have her so long! This is such a great post. Key West, I want to go, so beautiful, the rats were crazy, I would love to see that at night. I just love your doll school outfit, would you mind sharing your pattern name? I am working on a doll for my daughter's bday.. she wants it to have a school uniform, like her. This is well done!

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  22. We were at Key West last March and loved it. We are definitely going to return ... and stay longer. We visit southern Florida every March (for spring training), so it won't be too far out of our way to go back.

    How blessed you are with 23 grandchildren! I have 4 ... I only had 1 child :-(

    I'm glad I found your blog - and am now your newest follower.

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  23. Yes, I have already turned Word Verification off. It drives me nuts.

    Well what can I say - I hope your grand children and quieter than mine!

    Looks like everyone is having fun.

    That ocean in Florida - heaven.

    Nearest I got to Key West was when we had to offload second mate from the ship when he cut 2 fingers off
    Remember the medical boat asking for payment before they took him!

    Love that little grey outfit.

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  24. Lucky You! I love the keys and DH wanted to sell the house and move done there just after vacationing there several years ago.
    Looks like great family times. Cute uniforn done for the auction at school. Jane

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  25. I love your heart quilt...it is so unusual and fun!
    You have been busy! from the sun and little pink houses and palm trees to snow.....wow!

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