A.W.O.L.

Yep.......I have been AWOL from blogging.  I really do have a good excuse so I shouldn't have to feel guilty.  Right?

It all started off when my mom's computer died.  We ordered a new one for her, but in the interim I loaned her my laptop.  I do have a desktop, but that is a little difficult to transport.  My desktop is so painfully slow that browsing is almost impossible.  To do a blog is not my idea of a fun day.  Soooo....I now have my computer back and will be checking everyone out again.

Yesterday I spent the day with some fellow helping me with tech support to set up my mom's internet.  After two hours (most of it having him repeat what he just said - such as "e, like in Tom" ), he told me I would need to get a computer guy to come to the house to check it out.  Hello??????  It turns out that my mom has been paying for her DSL for five years but has been using an unsecured network because she could not get online with her DSL.  Yikes!  Long story short.....after four phone calls and promises that they would return calls (NOT) she has a new cable provider coming out tomorrow to set her up. 

In the computerless time that I have enjoyed (?) I have actually had a wonderful time cleaning and playing.  My ovens and refrigerators are now clean, the garage is cleaned.  Closets, drawers and cupboards are also cleaned.  It is amazing what can happen around here.  One would think I was "nesting" or something.  Thankfully...that is not the case.

May is always a busy celebrating month at our house.  We have two sons, two grandchildren and a DIL with birthdays this past week along with Mother's Day.  Everyone was here last Sunday to celebrate.  The guys took excellent care of us - cooking and cleaning up.  As usual, it was loads of fun and the weather was perfect.

The MOMS relaxing on Mother's Day.

A little sidewalk chalk coloring.

A little sidewalk chalk eating!!!

Is there more on the body than on the patio?????

Now....that's a BIG grapefruit!!!!!

Chasing bubbles.

One of my cacti.  It is stunning when it blooms.

These blossoms are about 8" in diameter.

Along with all the celebrations and cleaning, I was able to play a little in the sewing studio.

Results of the RWB no sew swap that I participated in.  I had a few minor changes due to poor instructions on my part and one fabric that was iron sensitive.

Jelly Roll Quilt along.

As well, I must share with you some of the winnings I have had lately.

This was from Terry.  I love the varigated embroidery floss!   Thanks, Terry.  

I have been eager to try some sashiko and this will be perfect.  Have you seen Joy's work.  It is amazing.

I was lucky enough to have my name drawn in this month's Schnibble project.  It is a signed copy of Carrie's new book and two charm packs to start my next Schnibbles project.  I can't wait.

I will be AWOL again until the end of the month as we have the joy of entertaining houseguests from England.  As I write this they are flying across the pond.  They are our dear friends and we will be enjoying them to the maximum while they are here.  They are looking for a little "sunshine on their backs" as they wrote.  Let's hope we can provide it for them.   I will be checking back with you at the end of the month.  Be good and have fun.....can you do both????