MY FIRST ANNIVERSARY..

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY NEW FRIENDS,,MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING YOU LOVE,HOPE, AND JOY.......

Cookie Day with My Granddaughters..

Today was our day to bake spritz cookies,, It became a tradition long ago and I look forward to it year after year.. This year we cut it pretty close and almost didn't get to have it, but alas it was a fun day.

The cookies are easy and go fast with the electric gun,, not so many years ago it was done with a press and oh my, your hand would get so sore.. Also they can operate the gun now and  I just watch.. How special this time is for me..  They are so beautiful............and feisty..

Have a beautiful Christmas...............

Another Snow

Well it was barely in the forcast but we have another2-21/2 inches.. Just getting in another mode here this morning so I thought I would share my SANTA COLLECTION.. One Belsnickle, one Russian (my son-in-law) brought back from Moscow, one carved by Mr. Couple,the one all the way to the left hanging a Victorian Santa was given to me by my little sister, pewter by Michael Ricter,Jim Shore, just love his creations but they are getting pricey these days. I used to make Santas and had one published in a magazine years ago..Maybe I will share him too someday.To all my wonderful blog friends we wish you health,love, happiness and wealth in 2011.. Thanks for being a friend......

See ya next year....................

I Am A Winner

I won this cutest ever bag from HARVEST MOON PRIMITVES..  I have wanted one of her bags for the longest time. This time I won and was so pleased.Soon as I get it ,up on my front door to great my family on Christmas.. Such a generous person.. Hop over to her blog and visit, you won't be sorry,, She has so many pretties..

On another note  I must tell everyone that my Son-In-Law, Greg had a scan this week and the tumors have shrunk 50%.. We are all amazed and thanking God for his amazing love,,

We are iced in and not going away with this cold.. Looking forward to having all my chicks home on Christmas..

Merry Christmas To All................

A Peek at my Christmas

First of all my snowman shelf..

Then my wonderful prim tree with my treasures from THE RUSTY THIMBLE.  I took one picture at night then the other one in the morning because we have snow.. Also you can see  my ornaments better..

Then outside to my sled that was Mr. Couples.. He is 74 so you can figure how old that sled is..

 My time worn bench with my flour sack teddy I made some years ago and a slab of wood I painted..

My saltbox houses Mr Couple made me that I love.

Then my wheelbarrow with holly and evergreens and another Santa that I painted long ago. Thanks for visiting and I wish each and everyone of you the Merriest Christmas ever. I have enjoyed this last year so much meeting all of you.

A Post of Not Good News...............

Hello all my lovely bloggin' friends.. I can't believe how wonderful it has been just meeting all of you.. I love hearing about your lives, so heart warming and what a giving  group.. I have not had the words to express all that is going on in my family but have decided to try.. My #! DD's husband has been diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma,, B-cell.. He has been out of work for 18 months , no insurance and then this.. We are hanging on to our faith now and hope that this chemo will work.. It is a new drug with of course, side effects,, like shutting down your kidneys.. and many other things.. They have 3 teenage girls that are just devastated but holding on to their belief in God and His healing powers.. I would be so thankful for any prayers or whatever Spirit that fills your soul for a healing here. Also strength for all of them.. I know out there many of you too are fighting this horrible disease and my prayers have been going out for you too. It just isn't fair..I am so emotional now and everything makes me cry,, I don't like that and trying to hold on.. They will be coming on Wed for Thanksgiving, haven't seen them since June so it will be joyous for us all. Thanks for being there for me............

Pumpkin Time....It's Really Here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been working on this table runner and have it finished.. Thought I would share it with you before the season is over.. As you can see the little crow sitting is from Brenda at THE RUSTY THIMBLE. She is a special artist that I admire. It really is going fast but I have my decorations and pumpkins and mums.. Scarecrow and wheelbarrow full of color.. Only thing these mums I bought early and now most of the blooms are gone and it has rebudded.. Hope they bloom soon?

 

River City Mural

Well, here are the final pictures of the mural. They still had a lift there but you can see how the children stamped fish at the bottom of the river and the signatures of the artist.. As we come off the Clark bridge you can look to your left and almost see the mural. It is awesome and we are really liking it..

Recently Mr.Couple and I visited Alton , a nearby town to see the mural that is being painted on the side of a building . Alton is the town where we both were born and raised, then we moved to a smaller town in the 70's and have lived there ever since. The mural depicts the town, resting on the banks of the Mississippi.. Settled in the 1800's it has been a town of industries which are  now almost gone. Mr.Couple worked at the Steel Mill for almost 40 years, it closed and now there is a small mill in operation.The mural is finished now and has been dedicated, the artists did a beautiful rendition.One day soon I will go and take a finished picture of the vision.........

UPDATE ON THE RIVER TRIP!!!!!!!

SIL just got back and sent nice pictures of his leg of the adventure.. The first photo is the Piasa Bird, a great legend, another story there and the 2nd is the beautiful expansion Clark Bridge.. Moving on you can see the men manning the boat and enjoying their special time.. The Father is soaking some sun with the Gateway Arch in the background, its an adventure in itself.. the last picture is a little stop for the special at the Blue Owl,, MILE HIGH APPLE PIE.. everyone should try that just once.. It is a feast.. The Father is going on and will be on board until the 30th and I am sure he will have many tales on his return.

Boating the Mississippi

My SIL and his Father are about to embark on a trip down the Mississippi. They are going on this wondeful boat and Captain Johann..My SIL is only going for a few days but his Father will be on the boat for a couple of weeks.. They are looking forward to this wonderful adventure in their lives..

This is my SIL and he is at the helm ready to take off,, ( just joking there) but he will be the chief chef for a few days.. This is my Daughter and her FIL next to her and Johann has his back to the camera, bummer!! We will all be awaiting the stories that will follow when they get back..

FALL IS IN THE AIR??

Wow, I am glad to feel this cool weather.. I am really a sun worshiper at heart but this summer took it out of me.. Couldn't even stay in the garden to get simple things taken care of without keeling over. Now it is ready for winter,, I would like another crop of spinach and lettuce, nothing like fresh greens.. My tomatoes did fairly well and we had so many different salads, it was wonderful.. The zinnias prolific habit took over the whole garden..

Next year they are having a bed of their own because they sucked the life out of the tomatoes..

Each year I learn from each thing that I plant and if I will ever plant it again.. Believe me, this year was

one of those years..I planted this vine called Cardinal Climber and it covered my arbor and wove through the lattice with a vengeance. The base was so thick we (actually Mr. Couple) had to dig the root out.. Check that on off my list..on to new and exciting plants of the future..........Here is snap of its boredom,, just small trumpet blossoms..  Almost invisible unless you are on top of it..

Whew That Was A Long Break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Granddaughter #2 came for end of summer visit and what a great time we had. Shopping day was fun and she tried on so many new things but only found 1 pair of skinnys and 1 pair of shoes.. She is easy on my budget, she will be sophmore this year and what a beauty. We had a most relaxing  visit .

Then it was time for granddaughter #4 to have her special time with us. We shopped and shopped and she loves Claire's, that's when I rest,,lol.. She on the other hand found so many great bargains.. New clothes for school, yeah!!! We did some swimming and trip to the Bread Company for a yummy lunch.. I was having a great time..Maybe we can do this again soon..

IS YOUR COMPUTER DRIVING YOU MAD??

I want to apologize for not leaving comments open, I wondered what happened to my lovely friends.. When the computer crashed everything  was just about wiped out. I was getting so down in the dumps because there were NO COMMENTS.. OH, what have I done? Maybe hurt someones feelings,, I was in a turmoil this whole last week.. Trying everything to see what the problem could be??Hallelujah!! I found out so please excuse my lack of tecno...
Thanks for being so kind and forgiving.

Don't Ya Just Love A Quilt Shop

While on the trip to PRIMITVES OF THE MIDWEST my BFF tooks us to a sweet quilt shop in Kansas..Shawnee Mission.. called PRAIRIE POINT..The ladies there are all authors and love what they do.The shop is packed full of samples and wonderful quilts.. If you are ever close you must go..     You might even have some of their patterns,, Kathy Delaney, Jeannie Poore, Donna Thomas?    

Then on to lunch at DEAN & DELUCA'S, yummmmmmmm..We had a great lunch but unfortunately everything in that place was out of my price range, I am not kidding, I know their products are great but, I'm just sayin'.

This gentleman was giving samples of a thin biscotti that was delicious but $14 a box?? Let's get real here.. We are retired,, ya know , fixed income.. Glad it wasn't fabric I was lookin' at,,ya know what I mean..Gulp!!!!

All said and done the time went way to fast,, Home now to new ideas

Workshop At Quilters Station

The shop in Lees Summit is one of the best I have seen,,The way they have the shop decorated is wonderful and sooooooooooo much fabric, all most overwhelming. Good thing I don't live close. Rita  is a lovely host and all the ladies there are waiting to help you with your latest project. When I arrived I gave Rita one of my Raggedy pinheads as a gift, sorry Rita, I didn't know you closed your eyes.. Pattern from The OldeCountry Cupboard..The shop is full of ideas and many samples.. More to come on the trip soon

HOPE YOU HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN ME?????

I was very fortunate to get to attend PRIMITIVES OF THE MIDWEST this past week. Mr.Couple went with me and we really enjoyed ourselves..If you have never been it is quite the event and you will not be disappointed, I can guarantee. The photo is Jennifer Erbe Keltner , executive editor of AMERICAN PATCHWORK & QUILTING.  She is most entertaining, funny and full of great ideas.. We were privileged to view some awesome quilts from previous issues and future ones too. All of the classed had expert teachers that we all admire and I loved meeting them. My class was with Renee Plains, we did a small wall hanging but only got one block finished.. I didn't even get one finished but I am ok with that, I learned lots, and a new technique. This is photo of my class with Renee in the center, she is so much fun.

I have much more to tell in later post................Glad to be back..

THANKS FRIENDS

I would like to thank all that commented on my computer crash,, I am up and running but not all installed. It has been a process that I hope to never do again. Lost lots of my pictures, had some backed up, thanks to a friend but now it is like starting over?  I really appreciate all of you and look forward each day to visiting.
On Wednesday Mr. Couple and I are headed for  PRIMITVES OF THE MIDWEST, I will be taking lots of photos and posting when I get back.. Thanks for being so patient and understanding.
Love you all,
Maggey

I'M AT THE LIBRARY!!

MY DEAR FRIENDS.
Please be patient with me, I have crashed my computer and trying to get things back.. I'll be back!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maggey

SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS

By Your Hand is having a  SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS, in celebration of the 4th and this is my entry if I can get it to their blog? I am still learning and not too techy yet. And yes, it is out of focus , sorry bout that.. Maybe that is my true color..

SO MANY BLOGS TO READ

I have found so many wonderful bloggers out there and have really enjoyed reading about what is going on. Lynn from PAINTING THYME NEEDFULS has ask, what is your gift?? I love creating but mostly what others are creating, I know that is not my gift but I am not sure what is? I recently visited  THE OLDE COUNTRY CUPBOARD and found some free patterns.It seems like lots of us have been creating Annies?? Anyhow I made a couple of her patterns and here are my finished girls.  I am trying to discover my gift but it is hidden.???Also I ordered some things from THE RUSTY THIMBLE and her work is awesome..I am posting about them soon as I get my shelf ready.. Also she has some fall stuff coming out and it will be here before we know it.. This is Miss Annie with pillow I won at Rusty Thimble.And these are my Annie Pinkeeps..

A QUICK NOTE??

I know I have been out of the loop, busy with one and only grandson graduation and gardening but just had to post my latest creation. She is pattern of Renee Plains called THE NEIGHBOR LADY and in honor of  a very sweet lady that lived next door to us I named her Liz.. Doesn't she look bossy? Well Liz now has a cat, not just any cat but the creation of RUSTY THIMBLE..I joined Brenda's sale blog and she had the most wonderful sale and I went nuts.. I am  posting my  primies in a later blog so you can see how wonderful they all are,, it was like Christmas here yesterday and even Mr. Couple was impressed..Also will get back with grad pictures and party is today.. Pray for sun, it is outdoors..OUCH!!!

I Really Have Been Working

The last was the bad hail and how it destroyed my garden, well, things are growing and some of the plants have come around. Mr. Couple never liked my sweet autumn clematis growing on my arbor because it was so aggressive that it was pushing it over.Sooooo we dug it out and put in 2 roses called NEW DAWN. P ALLEN SMITHS recommendation. They are small but in three years they should cover the arbor.. Then with that gone my rain barrels stuck out like snowmen in summer, so he had to build some lattice to hide them.. Now I have to plant some annual vine to grow in the meantime. I will certainly post some pictures as I can see you are not getting the picture??

I really have been sewing and here are some of my finishes  First a prim doll, (pattern by Renee Plains ) named Millie. She had a heart in the pattern but I gave her a crow. I love crows.. only the stuffed ones. I am working on The Neighbor Lady now (another Renee pattern and will post her soon as she is dressed..

Then another jean bag out of some fun fabrics.










Then a pillow(not stuffed yet) pattern in  QUILT SAMPLER , CrabApple Hill Studio. It is going to be a long one too.

SMALL VILLAGE USA!!

 I live in a very small town and when something is happening ,seems like the whole town shows.. We have an ice cream place called the Dairy Barn and today they had  a happening.. All the local farmers brought their animals to show the city kids and let them touch and hold. All the little ones enjoyed this event and  then the local dairy had ice cream and lunch specials.. All was good and Mr. Couple and I enjoy the food. Who doesn't like a strawberry shake??Here are a few shots and yes you can see Mr.Couple strolling across the food tent. This is lunch out and we love that.

STITCHIN BY THE LAKE,YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS?

Sweet P Quilting and Creations is having this giveaway and  I really need these wools, lol.. She dyed them herself and aren't they fab...?? Get in on the comments and YOU  COULD WIN?? 
Have a great Wednesday. Get some sewing done today.

TALKING BOUT MAKIN' MY DAY!!!

Oh, today I got my winning from PIGTALES AND QUILTS . What a nice surprise and even better than I imagined.. Do you believe she sent me a clock, a sweet apple flowered one that I have put by my tv .. It looks really nice and I LOVE IT!!!!
The little quilt is awesome and really done well.Her quilting was fab and the writing really nice.. You can click on it and see more details..She is a very thoughtful person and you must visit her soon..

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY FRIENDS

First of all I want to thank God for giving me such a great family. And the head of that family is my Mother..She is a wonderful Christian and a very giving person. She has lived with Mr.Couple and I for 30 years and he has been a devoted SIL..He even calls her Mom. His Mother passed in 1975 and we still miss her. Mom has always been there for our family through everything, She still does dishes for me everyday ,her own laundry and takes care of herself. Her memory isn't what it used to be but who's is?? I have really enjoyed this new world on the net and love reading of other great Moms out there. Have a blessed day Mom....................... This is her on her 90th..

I WON A GIVEAWAY!!

Oh, I was so surprised when I got the message that I had won. It had been awhile so I had to refresh my brain..It was in February, you know how you try to read everyone and comment on each one even if there isn't a giveaway, thats just a bonus.. But then I remembed it was about my Dad and her Dad.. Thearica at PIGTALES AND QUILTS does awesome work and this little quilt is just that, AWESOME.! Love that the background fabric is printed with the town of Bethlehem..I will have a special place for it, and go visit Thearica, you will love her blog too. Well this couldn't have come at a better time because I have been so down. The other evening we had a hail storm that destroyed all my gardens and my big pots I had planted. It made me sick but at least we were safe and nothing happened to our house. I have never seen anything like it, just shredded everthing in its path. I am having to do my garden all over again. Wish me Gods protecting hand.