Tuesday Trial Resumes!

"It is easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them."

– Alfred Adler

Yes, I am glued to the Casey Anthony trial and have been "jonesin" for a few days now! The trial resumes today however Im not sure how much I can take of that grieving grama! I find it so interesting how the defense can present SO MANY confusing scenarios that any jury would be scratching things! Are you peoples watching this all unfold?

Its no wonder they make nasty jokes about attornies eh? I want to put in a nice audio book while quilting, but I cant!!! Its worse than the Scott Pederson trial! Than the OJ trial!

I have much to finish within 24 hours as I will be heading to the FAM for Jackies graduation days. I will be putting on the chefs hat again and going Italian! BTW.. SAY NO to Lasagna for 40 like last year! What a J.O.B.

Ok, I better run... no second cuppa... trial in an hour!

<----twisted

Remember

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand different winds that blow. I am a diamond on the glistened snow.

I am sunlight on ripened grain. I am a gentle autumn rain.

Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there, I did not die.

Marvelous Monday's include;

My memories

Tee Shirt Quilts

Mornin! I made a new tab up there.. ::::look up:::: Tee Shirt Quilts. Since I am getting so many of these going, I thought I'd give some information on them:) I am STILL working on James' quilts... I think I made some headway last week. I need a new design wall! The floor just doesnt cut the mustard. I'm sorry no foodie Friday today. I didnt cook all week? :::can you say leftovers?:::::

I hope that you have a fun and safe holdiay week end, I'm going to try to hit the beach!

LYG!

Tee Shirt Quilts

Turn those loved Tee shirts into a beloved quilt!

Many of us save our kids cherished school days/hobby tee shirts, sweat shirts. Many even collect the college years or Club and Concert Tee's! Its an amazing, comforting memory quilt to love for a lifetime.

Order yours today!

FAQ's

Do I need to cut the logo out?
No, the shirt must be stabilized with interfacing before cutting.

Can I send sweatshirts?

Sure! Be of mind that your texture and thickness will vary between fabrics.
Do you have fabric?
No, however I can order for you at best kept secret costs!
Can I supply my own fabric?
Sure! It needs to be quilt quality 100% cotton.
What is the cost?
The cost is $18.00 per shirt. If you use both the front and back that counts as two shirts.

 Price  includes the labor, thread and fabric, batting, and binding,

and a digital photograph for your records.

If you have add on or embellishments it will reflect on an hourly rate of $22.00 pr hr.
What is the turn-around time?
4-6 weeks except at peak times (Graduation and Christmas).
How many shirts do most people use?
20 shirts make a nice size quilt, however you can go as far as 30!

The shirts will be cut into 12-15 inches squares

(depending on the logos). The blocks have a 2 inch sashing and a border to scale.

(you may opt out of this addition completely if you wish).
How do you quilt them?
With a large open pattern, usually a swirl.
Do you serve coffee with that smile?
Sure! Sometimes a second cuppa!

Order yours today!



Monkey See, Monkey Do

"We were given two hands to hold. Two legs to walk.

Two eyes to see. Two ears to listen. But why only one heart?

Because the other was given to someone else.

 For us to find".
While the kids were here last week they met Lil Simba. Needless to say, they fell in love, went home, and found an orphan of their own to love up on!
Meet the new grand kitten, barely there baby, seal point Siamese, Ming Toi

Ming Toi still needs nursing, so its Karebear and her side kick Avi to the rescue every two hours!

Sometimes, sidekicks and babies wear out....................

Sometimes, so do the nurses:)

Welcome baby grand kitty... you are in good hands:)

Worry

"A day of worry is more exhausting than a week of work."John Lubbock

Why is this one of the hardest lessons in life to learn? IMHO that is. I wake up, go through the day, and fall asleep with this worry sin of mine. I hear there are meds for this right?:::oh chit, Im on them::::

Im not sure I ever grasped the concept of worry being a sin, or 99 percent of what we worry about never materializes. Or... worrying makes us old, quick... all of those rules of thumb. I still worry. No kidding.. If I KNOW better, why is it that I do not DO better?:::another one of those sayings::: It seems to me that I give it all to God, and either he throws it back, or my faith is weak. Ok, so I KNOW that answer, you dont have to tell me.

I worry so much that now I'm worrying about what worry is doing to me. Crap. Where's Ma when I need her?

Real Definition:

Worry is thoughts and images of a negative nature in which mental attempts are made to avoid anticipated potential threats.^[1] As an emotion it is experienced as anxiety or concern about a real or imagined issue, usually personal issues such as health or finances or broader ones such as environmental pollution and social or technological change. Most people experience short-lived periods of worry in their lives without incident; indeed, a moderate amount of worrying may even have positive effects, if it prompts people to take precautions (e.g., fastening their seat belt or buying fire insurance) or avoid risky behaviours (e.g., angering dangerous animals, or binge drinking).
Worry is the misuse of your imagination. It is thinking vividly about what you don't want to happen in the future or dwelling on an unhappy past event.
Excessive worry is the main component of generalized anxiety disorder.

Thats so NOT me! I mean it IS me, NOW.. but its SO NOT ME!  Say it isnt so!
Well... THATS enough to make me ponder more positively eh? Maybe turn on a good book and stick my nose in a quilt? Oh dear... I wonder if that equates to sticking my head in the sand as not to face things.
And I thought I was such a tough cookie... Ppffttt!
I better get busy and do whats possible not to worry about all of these IMPOSSIBLE things around me.
Wheres the second cuppa? Who's got a cookie?

Hello Monday!

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible,

and suddenly you are doing the impossible."– St. Francis of Assisi

What a perfect monday beginning!

Hi... Im late again, I know... I cant get a dang direction to save my neck! I have much to do before my neice graduation nxt week, so I'm on the move it move move it mode!

I am cooking for the reception, its my side job you know:) This weeks finish for a Bestie(Linda) is affectionately clled Japo...lol WHY? Hmmmm

I am onto to her Central Coast American Beauty! :::Then I'll cook::::

Heres a pic. Admittedly I need a new camera. I am patiently waiting. Also, I need a better picture!!!

Marvelous Mondays include:

Besties!

Quilts to quilt!

Lotsa hot tamale candies!

Hammock chair swing for 5 bucks!

Adeles new CD!

Not Simba scratches:(

Miss Em Already!

Empty Nest Syndrome?

Think he qualifies? Little brat !!

This is the only way to tame an insane Kitten!

Swaddle him!!

He fell asleep this way and the kids are giving me a hard time, but hey! It worked!

"Be present in all things and thankful for all things"

 

Blog Quiet Not House Quiet!



“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.”

Because the kids are here!!!
Sorry I have been awol. Karen and her BFF Becca, and the kids, surprised us Monday night with a visit. WOW! Too bad its so rainy here. The kids want the beach and its sad that they cant have it. Try as I may, Nonni visits arent as good without beach time for them. They have taken well to the new kitten. A few scratches and lots of playing house, I think they bonded. Heres a WTH picture from Simba getting "played" with.

So while I'd like to stay and chat, pancakes are calling me!
See ya tomorrow!
LYG

MM Afternoons

"Everything you are against weakens you. Everything you are for empowers you."

 Dr. Wayne Dyer

Afternoon! Sorry I'm late:) Already iced tea time! Wine 30. I was speed racer as soon as I came down the stairs. Much to do on a Monday! I think I should set Mondays up for a permanent day off myself. Errand running, housekeeping, etc. I hate that guilt feeling of not quilting or not housekeeping! All this running around and STILL I didnt drop off my domestic machine to be serviced. Grunt.

I am so close to being done with my Japo quilt I can taste it!:::why do I crave won ton soup now?::: Then I have beauties to attend to! New York that is! Red white and blue at that! Ill put up pics asap.Its a serious stunner! One of my BFF's is a perfect piecer and this one shows her off well!

Do you know its raining again? WTH? I had to go and make Chicken and Dumplins again just because of it! I should be grilling!( or someone should eh?) I want one of those Santa Maria BBQ style grills. The kind that burn nice aromatic oak wood. Ummmmm There isnt much that I dont want for the patio, for sure. I'm working on it. The plants are so gorgeous in bloom, and I have 14 pea sized lemons on the dwarf tree!!! Can ya believe it? One poor cherry tomato on that bush. It needs more heat me thinks. I have the most fun window shopping the nurseries right now. Wish list in tow. Oneeee good lottery ticket, thats all I need.

OK, I better make some dumplins... thanks for the chat, hope your Monday was marvelous!

LYG

G

M & M's Include:

I hate it when I dont feel gratitude's right away! dang it!

Ok, hang on....

A great stitch n Bitch night

Lots of UFO's to tangle with

the lemons!!!!!

NOT the scratches all over me from the insane kitten

So much thread, so little time.

the new HVAC Unit!

Almond crossaint sneaks.

sigh... I knew I could do it!

Roasted Chicken Made Easily

“The idea is to write so that people hear it

and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.”

Maya Angelou

Mornin`. Did everyones blog go away from yesterday or just mine? Hmmm

Ok, so moving on:) Here's dinner tonight! Easy Peasy, slap it together and go quilt while filling the house with Bella Noma's ( good smells). Know why I make roasted chicken? Its because I detest whacking a chicken for the pieces! (Mufasa job). Its so inexpensive though, I cant resist!

TIP: If you would like to pump up the volume on this, and have some extra time ( and money) substitute the Italian seasoning for sprigs of fresh Sage, oregano,rosemary and thyme:)

@Blima: Someday I'll find our truffle butter:::sigh:::

Ingredients

Herb Butter:

4 tablespoons butter, softened

3 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning

Kosher Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp butter

1 Tblsp Olive oil

1 onion, cut into 1/2 " thick slices

1 (4-5 pound) roasting chicken, rinsed, dried and giblets removed (cook these for the pets)

2 lemons sliced thickly

3 large cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Herb Butter

1/4 cup white wine

1 can chicken broth

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

For the herb butter:

In a small bowl, add the butter, Italian seasoning and mix together. Set aside.

On the stove top melt butter and oil together in a large cast iron skillet. ( the combo resists butter burn)

Lay onion slices down on top of the oil.

Season the cavity of the chicken with salt and pepper, add lemon slices, Italian seasoning, and garlic cloves.

Using your hands, gently lift the skin from the meat of the breast. Evenly spread the herb butter on the meat underneath the skin. Use remaining butter and rub the skin of the bird. Season the skin with salt and pepper. Tie drumsticks together using kitchen twine. Place the chicken in the skillet, on the top of the onion slices.

Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast uncovered until the skin is golden brown, 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the oven. Transfer to a cutting board, tent with foil and let rest. ( 10 min)

Spoon off as much fat from the pan as possible. Place the pan over high heat and add white wine. Scrape down all of the bits on the bottom of the pan. Add chicken broth and let reduce to about half, 5 minutes or so. Strain out the onions. Keep gravy warm.

Remove the twine and carve the bird.

Pass the potatoesJ

Croc Cat

This isnt Master Simba, however I know NOW why I chose an orange monster!

 It was already in my mind photo memory bank!!!

This insane spawn of satan :::ISOS:::is a hoot!

He makes me laugh so many times a day that its ridiculous! I mean belly laugh! He is non stop hunting, fighting, flipping, YOWLING. If he isnt with his humans or at least Ginger, he is screaming his lungs out to find one of us! What good medicine belly laughs are. I almost forgot. The laser light toy was three dollars well spent. Simba will chase this thing as long as my thumb holds out. Its cool because while we watch evening TV, we can excercise the cat! He can scale a wall, leap tall shelves in a single bound, spaz out in every direction and I think he is having a seizure! And just as quickly he will pass out on your lap. Beware I say, I may be becoming attached to a ..............CAT?



Matchmaker Me?

Good morning. Hows your coffee? I'm on my second cuppa and feel chatty... alert the media!
Want to hear my latest Lucy move? Ok, First of all, I have wanted a red Standard Poodle for many years but I have not been stable enough to manage this. I thought that i would find myself a mini golden doodle half the size and be happy there. MONEY is a huge issue with bringing a new family member in eh? So... what did I do? I got a freebie kitten. WTH is wrong with me? Now we both know that there is a void never to be filled, however Mr. Wizard does think that new fur babies to nuture is healing in its own way. ( COOL! PERMISSION GRANTED!) While Simba the lion kitten and I have become fast friends, still I search for a Ginger clone. SHE has got to be the best dog on the planet eh? Everyone should be so lucky to have such a little devoted love in their life.
One day, one sappy feeling day, I found the perfect teddy bear doodle. Red, smallish, fuury, and 2,200 DOLLARS. 
<------idiot

Now, I'm trying to become stable, rebuild, reboot, re do... and I have secured a designer dog? NO! Where's an Ethel when I need one? I spent 5 days trying to get out of the mess that I had made, and then it hit me. If what I would like is a Ginger clone, why not find a fiance for her? She is now 4 years old, and this would be the latest that I would allow her to carry a litter. But. Who in the world would be good enough  for her? I realize that i am a bit bias on the subject, however she does have a beautiful pedigree and like I said, you cannot beat her temperament, healthiness, and poodle confirmation. So... off I go to find a stud. Yesterday, brought victory!  Meet Ginger's Fiance` Sir Rico Suave!

Rico has an outstanding champion pedigree and is well suited to our Gin. I showed her his photo and she licked it. Approval. We sang Matchmaker matchmaker and danced around the patio.

::why yes, I am certifiable, thanks::::

They will meet ::::& marry::::: in August. In October we will have little Ginny's running round! By Christmas, I will be able to give Aviana her very own poodle to love. (ssshhh) Now I must speak to Ms Gin about delivery dates so she doesnt mess up my MQX Portland conferance in October! Happy Birthday is a comin!

(please you peoples do not allow me to keep them all ok?)

 Im not thrilled with new pup training in winter as its a big enough job as it is without adding rain in the mix. I remember the days of teethering her to my side and spending every 45 minutes in the mist, potty training miss priss.

Mini Poodles are hearty and husky. Unlike Toy poodles. Someday, my Standard will come. maybe five years. We will see. For now, A new mini will be a blessing:)

Remember this? Four years ago

...........sigh.................

What a ride.

Post Mother's Day Wishes

Happy Mother's Day Belated peoples:)
 I was hiding out. Who makes up these commemorative holidays anyway? I think they are designed to freak people out myself. Everyone really, from the restaurants to the Husbands and Fathers, to the Mothers who have holes in their hearts. Even the adult kids scurry to "do the right thing". Seems like those little kids have the most fun loving up on Mommies eh? Sure, there are some good ones (Holiday) in your lifetime, but there are some bad eh? Anyone keeping track? I have had several of both and do not wish to keep track! LOL
I felt bad for the servers at a local brunch that we went to yesterday. A noticeable Mother herself, panicked and worn out. Her boss? Equally as unnerved. I remember those days too. Every Mother on the planet wants ( expects) to be queen for a day and its just not realistic.
I wonder if some churches have it right when they say they will not go out to eat on Sunday because it makes other people "work" for them. Hmmmm I think I want to move on. Click
So its Monday. Guess what? Taking yesterday off has doubled my Monday workload! Oh snap, Im not discussing that anymore am I?
I am still working on my Japanese beauty quilt. I must admit that I have been dragging my hands on it. No clue as to why. Well, maybe. I was pre occupied getting ready to participate in the sunken gardens event on Saturday. It was fun, and it is done. PHEW! I think I got too much sun because my face is broken out and itchy! Grunt.
I need to make my list and move my behind. Its funny how we strive to get to the week end all accomplished..... to do?????? 
Have a great work week dear blog readers:)
LYG
G

M & M's include:

One lonely Pandora bead from my Avi who didnt remember giving it! LOL
Sunken Garden day.
MQX planning!
Montreal wishes.
That stupid kittens purr.
Gingers adoring eyes.
Mufasa support for the above M & Ms.

Bistro Style Short Ribs

"The power of imagination makes us infinite."– John Muir

Mornin`! I think that tonight I will make some hot dogs or something cause lately I've really washed entirely too many dishes! Not to mention cutting into quilting time! grunt. Speaking of cutting, I would give my right pinkie for a GO! Accuquilt cutter! Dang I need accuarcy! My add a pinch ways get me into SO much trouble! Oh wait! Thats not really Foodie Friday Speak is it? Whatever.. I NEED it!

This short rib dish wont disappoint. Its divine!

* Adapted from a 2007 recipe from Tyler Florence

3 Tblsp  (plus) Olive Oil
4 lbs short ribs ( 8)
Kosher salt, ground pepper
1 medium onion chopped
2 carrots,chopped
1 large tomato, quartered
3 celery ribs, chopped
1/2 head of garlic, peeled
1/4 bunch fresh thyme
1 1/2 cups dry red wine ( Zin or cab)
2 cups beef stock
4 tblsp Italian parsely chopped ( garnish)

Warm up a stove top grill pan. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, drizzle a little EVOO and sear ALL sides of meat.
Place onion, garlic, celery, carrot, and tomato into a food processer and blend until you reach a smooth pulp like consistency.
In a large dutch oven over medium high heat, add 3 tblsp evoo and the thyme. Add vegtable pulp and cook down about 10 minutes.
Pour in the wine and stock and bring to a boil.
Add seared ribs in a single layer. Liquid should just cover the ribs. Cover and reduce heat to simmer and cook 2 1/2 hours.
When the ribs are just about finished, remove 2 cups of the liquid, strain into a small saucepan. Over medium high heat reduce the sauce to desired thickness. ( about 5 minutes)
Plate ribs and drizzle a bit of  reduced sauce atop.
Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, remainder of reduced sauce and a good moppy bread:)
( and I steamed some fresh broccolini! Do you just love Broccolini? A tad bit sweeter than  broccoli florets. I just love `em!)

An Acceptance of Authenticity

"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

BE NICE or GO HOME!

This lil Lady Rules in the kitchen. I do so love her.

We all have our own shtick eh? Good, bad, and ugly.

 I accept authenticity with kindness. What about you? Accepting of people who are genuine? Understanding of ones "self" as long as its true?

Own a BS radar?

I suppose with all of the hulabaloo in the world and in personal relationships around I feel this way.

Does all the BS surrounding Osama/Obama really worthy of increasing our stress levels?

I'm already sick of it, and I consider myself a very good American.

There just isnt enough kindness in the world.

Not at the grocery store, not on television, nor internet.

Not at the gas station, the nail salon, nor on the streets of any city.

Damn I feel like Rodney King just now... "Cant we all jis get along?"

translated= STFU

 My home is my sanctuary. My work is my serenity.

My wants are endless while needs are few.

I hope that I dont become a hermit?

I have had such a block lately. I am trying hard to break it:)

LYG

Introducing A New Family Member (I THINK)

Not sure Ginger has total acceptance yet.:::or me:::

Meet Simba!

 Son of Mufasa!

( I see you shaking your head with a chuckle on the side!)

D.O.B. March 8, 2011, Cambria, ca

First born of 7 lovely alley cats.

A very little tyke!

He has huge paws and pretty green eyes.

I personally wanted a Persian, or no! A Savannah! A Serval! 

But my wallet said free is better.

I wanted to name him Simon, however he is quite a little lion and Simba suits him well.

Rules

He better be as smart as he is wild.

He better always know where his "go go" box lives.

He better be kind to my Ginger.

He better love everyone after his kitten time.

He must be a dedicated & devoted entertainer.

There will be no kitty long arming allowed.

Thread is off limits. Its MY stash.

Parasites and hair balls will not be tolerated.

I hunt for him daily. Yesterday time lost, 2.5 hours.

 It would seem he is an up and coming quilter, as he was found in the batting roll.

This behavior is not normal as he is usually speed racer, claws out, razor sharp teeth in everyones body.

I should have named him :::Spawn of Satan::::

I threaten him hourly with going to live with Aunt Kelly who is a cat lover. In fact, I call her hourly for tips on how to handle this little lion beast of ours.

One of my books suggests one of many ways to deal with change/stress is to introduce a new family pet.

 I want a Golden Doodle. See above reasons why the heck I cant have one. I have a goal. Next spring.

Know what? If I had caretakers, I think I may have a Noahs Ark! No really! I would have a red rooster, some chickens, a Nanny Goat, a couple horses... A peacock, and an entire bird sanctuary!

Bad girl.

I much prefer the 30 minute hunt of this morning to find him snoozing on Mom's Sewing basket. Yep. He's a quilter. He may be able to stay.

PS: Ya thought I was kidding the other day about whats next kittens and chocolate?? LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qit3ALTelOo&feature=related

Don't Let The Road Called Someday Lead To A Town Called Nowhere

Wordy... but at least its not about Osama. Or Obama!

Marvelous Mondays is nothing more than an attitude of gratitude.  Capturing the moments of magic ( and they ARE there) I actually only list 7 every Monday, where everyone Im sure has 50 or more. It simply keeps me humble, grateful, and proud. The bucket is half full dear friends, and I plan on filling it up!
Why? You ask am I discussing THIS as opposed to Osama's death? Well two reasons.
1. It doesnt matter where you turn you can hear that message in any form. Good, bad, or sceptical. PASS.
2. I've been receiving very nice emails regarding the win in best in show recently, and also my determination to be O.K.A.Y. It would seem that many of you think I should be crying in my beer 24/7. Not true. I have a choice, and again I say, so do you.
I betcha it was Ma that did it. Second only to God that is. Even though she succumb to the hopelessness at the end of her life, she didnt always feel that way. She taught me that change is ever changing and that it was entirely up to me to deal with the cards that had been dealt. :::Yes she liked Poker:::
Here's a positive spin on change. It keeps us sharp enough to stave off Alzheimers or the like! Involvement in life ( as opposed to checking out::: might keep me at the 50 mark. ( work with me here K?) I much prefer to stay up on current trends than to lose interest and tune into the Game Show Network for the rest of my life. It might be tomorrow, damn... how did I spend my time yesterday? Did I challenge myself to be a better Woman? Did I love well? Was I loved well? Did my DQL hold all that I wanted it to, despite any curve ball thrown at me?
Adaption isnt always easy. Not by a long shot. I believe it necessary for good mental health. Lord knows I have fought that change a time or two:::or ten:::, I even have many blocks of real time still blacked out. I work on this daily. I pray about it constantly. I KNOW that I will be O.K.A.Y.
Thanks, as always for your messages cheering me on. And no worries, I will always be in your corners too!

Marvelous Mondays Include:

You know................ Best in show!!!
A wonderful walk through the seven sisters quilt show with Linda
Mufasa's help in retrieving my blank memories of horrid days.
Matt & Jackies caring love across the miles
A surprise See's Candy gift of Molasses chips! (grunt)
Purring. more on that later.
Daydreams of wellness.

Do it NOW, then celebrate= capture the pride u feel. What have u done today to make u feel proud?
I think I will quilt divinely!

Happy Birthday First Born O` Mine!

May 1st. What a day! It ALWAYS, without fail makes me older! ( cause I am?) Happy Birthday Karebaear, I hope you have a wonderful day today! I hope you got your package. I will be at the quilt show thinking about ya!I love you!
Talk to you soon!

<---I swear she looks like Carrie Underwood, not me?