THINK

I woke up this morning in a panic because I realized HOW MANY QUILTS I need to fill that mini mansion down there!!!, Lets do the math shall we?
12 beds ( 8 rentable)
16 rooms, well we wont need one in the laundry will we?
I have a hard time these days finishing one in a week! WTH am I going to do here? THINK.
OK, Rome wasnt built in a day eh? I still have 12 quilts in the hopper to get out before we leave, and one more coming in on Saturday. RUT RO!!! The girls are coming in tomorrow evening and they dont even know that thier rooms are deshelved with boxes!! I have been busy with marketing ad menu development, so I tell ya... I need to clone myself for at least 30 days!
Ok... just morning madness right... need a plan,no, need more coffee, or not? Wait! I think I'm having an idea! Its coming!
What if.... some of my talented quilted friends should like some advertisement? YES! Just think about it, YOUR quilt can be hung or on a bed with your famous name and contact information on it! Next to Clark Gable!!!
BRILLIANT!
Who wants to start? Send me your best creation, queen, king ,throw,or artwork for walls, and I'll sell ya! your label strategically placed for the tourist to get one of their very own!
Think old Hollywood...how about velvet, satin, crazy quilt, bow tie, applique! OMG THINK of the possibilities!! woohoo! think.. hey what patterns were prevalent in those days? Wait! Heres more! You deliver it to see where she will be loved! WOW! Pals coming! I'll need a new list! What do you think? I think I'll think harder while you think with me... we can do this! ( I know...we... sheesh... I see what you're thinking, another Lucy move... well?? How about some Ethel's showing up? Where's my Ethel'sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
I better go calm down.

And I THINK all this has screwed up my eye! I cant see well from it! Swollen, flopped over and dark red! CHIT! NOT pretty!

Happy Birthday

 

Step Out Of The Ordinary

When I asked where life could possible lead me next I never expected THIS answer. Where does one go in her career having been in hospitality her first half of life and then became a machine quilter the second? Never expecting the twists and turns on this journey of mine, ( & you know what I mean doncha?) I had no clue that there would be a third career thrown in there somewhere. Now I ask ya... Could you even THINK up a better position for me yourself?:::::I KNOW!:::::

I have nearly peed my pants on a daily basis wanting so very much to tell you! I am the new Innkeeper for The Pickford House Bed & Breakfast, in Cambria, California!!!! Yep, its a red letter day indeed. If you have a minute or two, go over and check out our new home:) THEN, go and get your calendar and pencil yourselves in for quilting retreats, classes, or hey... just come have a holiday with me! I am not alone either! No! Walt is my assistant! LOL ( He told me he already has a job, but he will help):::::yeah buddy::::

Greta Gammil is happy too, with a new studio home for all the quilting going on! Rudy has a beautiful window picked out, and Ginger will adore being the center of attention as usual. Its very exciting indeed! We will be spending the next month getting moved and settling in. Theres so much work to do its making my head spin. ( in a good way). I am most thrilled with keeping with my European tradition of "Work where you live and live where you work!" The second floor is soley dedicated to our guest rooms. EIGHT of the most beautiful Victorian elegance with an Old Hollywood theme. The likes of Clark Gable, Rudy Valentino, Lilian Gish, and so many others don the halls. ::YOU GOTTA SEE IT!::: I will be developing a blog to enhance our website and have our guests review, complete with photos! Can you just see the quilts? The food? The fun??

I'll tell ya more later, right now I need a bath, its been a long weekend, fun and profitable;ending with a sweet new adventure:)

Night:)

Mini Trip - M & M's

Spending time away at a 5 star hotel, sewing the day away. Nice huh? Walt's in a conferance and I stowed away in his suitcase. ( got a visual on that one?) We have HAD A GREAT TIME!! But, I do have a few blisters from walking so much around town. My croc flops let me down....sad. Beautiful poppies absolutley everywhere! We are in Los Angeles, on our way back this afternoon with a most memorable stop coming near Malibu. (more on that later, dont wanna jinx it) Hope that everyone had a good weekend!




Marvelous Monday gratitudes include:

Time away to think
Good company to holiday with
Time away to piece
Nice hotels
delivered coffee!
things to smile about
no middle of the night phone calls.

You Ever Fish For Minced Fish?

I had to do Smart & Final... I perused the frozen fish section, cause I like da seafoods. I was shocked at the amount of MINCED fish packages for sale to restaurants. Afterall, Smart & Final boasts restaurant supply right? Yes, right. Who eats this? Who catches a fish already minced? Is it like bologna, hamburger or wieners? Minced WHAT? Is it fatty fish like herring or mackerel? It scares me like all the other processed foods. I was frozen in the door, hot breath fogged the entire section. I really was stuck in there pondering the whole minced thing. Do they take all the lesser quality fishes and grind em up? Is it only unwanted parts of? OMG Does this frighten anyone else? Have you ever fished for minced fish? I didnt think so. Maybe this is why I have never liked Hamburger meats. I have no bloody idea what the hell its made of. I may not want to. I do like to visit the butchers shop and have them sell me ground sausage cause he tells me whats in it. Maybe its like the fog... ya just dont know whats in there. Out there. At any rate, I have never caught a minced fish, so I'm not buying any, or eating any. :::Unless I mince it up in my own kitchen:::: Then I would need new tools... hmm.. a bone separator? a grinder? Sounds like too much work to me. I better stick to the whole fish. Baking stuff might be a better idea. Close the door Gina, people are staring, and its freezing!

I really should stop pondering these things. My forehead feels wrinkly. Damn. Whats in Botox? I thinks its poisons... hmmm.. Oh well, ya cant live forever I suppose.OMG STOP ME!

American Idol, Season 8

I'm here, I'm hooked. I voted! ( scuse me while I relish in one little familiar part of life returning)

I started with day one, and I am going the distance. However painful to my ears. I especially enjoy texting with the kids, and neice & nephews during the performances just to HOWL together. It does a heart well eh? I hurried to finish a panto yesterday , just to fix a late dinner and plop on the sofa with baldy ( ginger, not Walt::snicker::) to snuggle up for the show.

I voted for Danny, #12. Last one for last evening. Who did you vote for? More importantly, Do you think that Tatiana from Puerto Rico is a PLANT? Hmmmm Every season, a plant I think. She is darned annoying, no matter what. Tonight is round 2 of the groups of 12. I will reserve my right to change my mind, but for now, Danny is it.

Tall Ships, Ginny, and M & M's

The tall ships have made their yearly landing here in Morro Bay! People come from miles around to board and witness an honest to goodness pirate ship battle at sea. Walt and I did this last yaer, and he is whining for me to do it again, however, it scared the beejeezees out of me! We sat in the back,,,ah...ah....Stern of the ship, yeah, stern.. And I tossed several cookies while children on the Bough ( front) were happily jumping up and down with every swell. I agreed to this trip as a birthday gift to Walt... Please tell me I dont have to do it again....grunt. BUT, I must say that it was fascinating, impressive, and COLD! I rather fancy sitting at home by a warm fire being entertained by Russell Crowe in Master & Commander. HBO THANKS. I know I know... boring. Walt loved it, and I swear half of California comes to see too, they cant all be wrong now can they?
We didn't do much this week end but photograph the hoopla going on on the Embarcadero. I've been a bit under the weather, and speaking of weather, its been sucky here for days! read: More of the Gail forced winds, rain and hail! I hear tell its snowing in the valley...WOW
This up coming week I have a bunch of quilts to do and hopefully a little trip next week end... we shall see. My lil Ginger had some matt issues this month so her beloved groomer is no longer beloved. SUPER GRUNT. Poor dang pup is embarrassed to be shaved all over her body, not to mention freezing!

She wouldnt stand for the lil hat that matches her sweater, and the pom poms are noticibly working on her last nerve. She does however appreciate the sweater:) Thank God hair grows back. Happy Monday, dont let rainy days and Mondays get ya down:)

M & M's

* Cute sweaters for dogs and moms with a complex

*Happy customers

* caring friends

*grand valentines

*LQS Owners who care

*Rudy's vocabulary

*tulips

Happy Valentines Day

And if you just cant get enough and wish to melt your heart further..............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W2Rpe9lJI0





And the most hauntingly beautiful arrangement..........



Thanks for humoring me:) Lora's Name was drawn from only 7 correct answers! Yes blim and Karen you were in there...sheesh.... I used the Random number generator. Send me your snail mail:)

Foodie Friday- Arrabiata Bruschetta

The word bruschetta is pronounced "broo-SKET-ta,' not "broo-shetta. It hurts my ears when I see commercials here muddying up an otherwise beautiful language. GRUNT.

I love things that pair well with wine!!! (Like you didn’t know this?) I have many ways to play with Bruschetta. I may be posting more of them along the way. We'll see. In keeping with the whole valentines week, (AND THE SONG) I'll stay on THEME.

Bruschetta is an almost instant dinner depending on your choice of toppings. Most people use as an appetizer, however, it really can be your meal. ( throw avocados on it and VOILA, it IS A MEAL!! LOL

This is a basic recipe, very quick & easy. We love the BAM effect of the red pepper flakes! Sometime I dont even bother toasting the breads... we just come in dipping into the bowl! bad girl...bad.

Happy Birthday Sheena! Have a wonderful day and I hope that you are treated as special as you are!

Arrabiata Bruschetta

8 ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 tbsp finely minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice ( ½ of a lemon)
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp finely minced fresh oregano
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 baguettes, cut in 1/2-inch-thick slices
6 cloves garlic, cut in half

In a bowl, mix all ingredients except bread and garlic cloves. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside, unrefrigerated, 3 hours.
Heat oven to 350°F. Toast bread on a baking sheet.
While HOT, rub cut side of garlic on each slice; top with tomato mixture.

Whats The Plan Stan?

If you didnt know me, I could tell you that I miss my boy, and you wouldnt know where he has gone to. He has gone away. Many a Mothers son, goes away. To school, to work, to war. Some never come home.

I miss so many things on a daily basis that many take for granted, and I did too, and never will I take it for granted again. The mumble mouth "I love You Ma" most of all. Jamie said those words often, but always in a shy mumble, as if the MAN that he was wouldnt allow it in public. Yet he told me anyway. I miss those beater tee shirts that he couldnt wash properly making them dingy and causing he and I to squabble. How stupid is that? I miss so very much all of the different kinds of music he enjoys, much like his Mother. Almost daily he would share a new tune with me, then follow it up with a call for a MOM review:) . I could never put my finger on his favorite genre, and always smiled because many people think the same of me. We just love music.

Because he has gone away I will never fly him home again, or find family to get him out of a scrap. I wont be cooking with him, nor will I hear his raves when he sees me whipping up one of his favorite dishes. We wont be arguing over cars, speed, sand dunes, seatbelts or girls, and I'll miss that too. I'll wonder where my peacemaker is when a sibling is too full of themselves to share love, just for the sake of sharing. I 'll miss those tender talks we have for no reason at all about his plans for the future. A woman, a daughter, a home of his own, and his beloved dog at his side. I 'll miss watching the love pour out to his nephews and neices while he secretly prepared for his own flock. I will miss loving up that flock. I sometimes daydream about what they would look like, act like, and then I realize that I am only torturing myself.

I miss my boy. I miss the little guy who always wanted to do well, for me, his Dad, his teachers,his friends, his God. Those years cause the most pain. I miss the tears over his headgear and dental visits. His tender way with all animals, his gentile spirit. The incredible pride he had in being a boyscout, and the honesty in his eyes no matter the ordeal. Missing his eyes are too painful to speak of, as I see them in my minds eye at all times. I know too that his father must feel pain each time he looks in a mirror, for those eyes, are his. Sometimes In odd places, I hear him call my name.

In writing this, I discovered that I miss parts of me. The part that was he.

If you didnt know me, you wouldnt know that my son is gone forever. You would feel empathy for me, but to what degree? You wouldnt know that my son is really dead. His quarter of a life, ended, one year ago today. A senseless ending to a beautiful boy's life....and parts of every person he touched. I cant say goodbye enough, because it keeps happening like a groundhog day. I miss my son, and I always will.

I am forever determined to be OKAY. Jamie would want me that way. I am forever different. I see it, feel it, but I am still a happy me, and I deserve to be. How this is possible, I have no idea.

For today,the anniversary of the worst time in my life, everyone has given the advise of making a plan. So I made many. Busy mind, busy hands. There are many good things about to happen around here. I need to focus on this. I also want to speak to my son. Grunt.

Its important to say thank you to all of you who recognize, and are still going through the fire with me & mine. With all of my being, thank you so much for your calls, emails, snail mails, etc. Wrapped in the arms of much love, we're going to be OKAY.

My Jamie # 2 Valentine

Here they come! Valentine pics of the grands! I Love that! Look she has some TOOFIES!!!!! She's so beautiful! ( & a striking family resemblance!) I think this age is the MOST fun eh? 8 months...Its heart warming to have some happiness coming in, in an otherwise crappy time. I tell myself on a minute by minute basis that its really all going to be okay... (a year later she still says it! grunt.) Its just more proof that the Heart of Life is truly good, no matter what. I am still in denial about these grands moving to Idaho... but whats a Mother to do? ( believe me I have a few ideas, but I cant say:::evil snicker:::) I want only happiness and success for them really, but dang I miss them so! Jake telephoned yesterday... from a Chinese restaurant in Washington, near Canada. A long haul load. He was sipping on hot n sour soup, remembering............ Aw Jake... I love you. I'm trying VERY hard to stay "up", so try not to worry too much. I'm so very thankful for high tech toys, what in the world would I do without them!

Defining Valentines Day

For me. For you, For anyone who needs to.

Love is the only house big enough for all the pain in this world. Know what? We dont need a commemorative day to say so. Be so. We just need a big enough shack. Or do we already have one? As I have said many times in the past I am truly blessed with many loves. Maybe its all of those loves that house all of this pain? Just thinking. No matter, I am a grateful soul. Maybe the loves systematically relieve, delete, if you will, the pain. ( too bad it remains in the history trail eh?) Loves the only house big enough for all the pain in this world.

Get some love, delete a pain, Give some love, delete a pain...hmmmmm its an interesting concept. Giving love is such powerful medicine, and getting love so warm and soothing to ones soul. It really matters not what "kind" of a love it is either, as long as its happening. Children, Grands, friends, family, yourself, pets,and yes, your lifes partner.

I want to share one of my all time favorite songs with you. I'm going to post the lyrics, and you tell me the song K? No fair Googling it either! I'll be drawing a name from the correct answers, and sending them a valentine, with love. ( my DearWalt, you can comment, but you cant play, Ill send you a valentine anyway!)

I want very much now to learn to play it on a piano. Yep, I have always wanted piano lessons. Any teachers? I have been in search of a music box playing this tune for years.... ( yes, I like those too) I have never found one, so I just sing it alot...lol In my love shack...

Speak softly love And hold me warm against your heart

I feel your words The tender trembling moments start

We're in our world 'Our very own

Sharing a love that only Few have ever known

Wine colored days, warmed by the sun

Deep velvet nights, when we are one

Speak softly love So no one hears us but the sky

The vows of love we make Will live until we die

My life is yours And all because

You came into my world with Love so softly love

Speak softly love So no one hears us but the sky

The vows of love we make Will live until we die

My life is yours And all because

You came into my world with Love so softly love

Happy Valentines WEEK, to you and yours, remember that LOVE is the only house big enough for all the pain in this world. What does your love shack look like?

Marvelous Monday Rain Or Shine

Let me tell you its pouring again! WOW! I was up all night just watching hail THE SIZE OF WALNUTS & wind driven rain! I have enough trouble sleeping without adding that eh.... We need it, so I wont complain. Mondays are Marvelous in more ways than one! Thats all I have to say about that.
M & M Gratitudes include:

* Really cute red shoes to wear to an important appointment
* Friends who let me be the crazy lady caller in the early morning hours
*A working stove, fridge and dishwasher!!!
* Fresh Sushi houses nearby
*more than one email address...dang outlook
*Nimble fingers for tricky quilt repairs
* quilt repair jobs!

Frost Nixon Matinee Review

In order to De-stress ones self, ya might try an afternoon matinee. I wont say that it worked..lol I'm still stressed! I was going to boil some eggs or make another soup or something, but decided getting out was a better idea. So we went, we saw, we had a bite to eat, we even hit a few favorite shopping holes for Valentines day!And now I'm entertaining a bubble bath.... grunt. ( somethings gotta work)

The movie? Well... Riveting! Awesome movie, and I'd like to see it again!

FROST-NIXON... Frank Langella.. wow... A great performance and so believable! It all boils down to 2 men, and a great dialog, confrontational, competitive, and REAL.

Foodie Friday-Stuffed Zucchini w/Ground Beef

Hows that for a weekly recipe? Story? Restaurant review? Lets run with this shall we? We will just add Foodie Friday to our Blog constant content. Feel free to suggest away.

Last evening I made Stuffed Zucchini for 2, as an Entree. Now, no self respecting Italian would be without this dish in her cookbook, but I needed to make it healthier for myself. My DQL (daily quality of life) is at stake here. Walt and I are eating very little these days, he is losing a gazillion pounds, I unfortunately, am finding them. Chit. Must be the wine. Anyway... while playing with this to make it more figure friendly, I reduced the cheese, butter and omitted the cooked rice. I found that I didnt miss it a bit, and they came out wonderful! I would have loved a slice of garlic toast with it, but I passed, and again, I didnt miss it a bit! The recipe can be easily doubled. Also, in years passed I have made this meatless and cut in half diagonally serving as an appetizer. Just in case ya need one for wine 30 or somepin.....::wink::


Stuffed Zucchini W/Ground Beef

2 medium zucchini, rinsed and sliced in half, lengthwise
1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup diced onion
1 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup diced mushrooms
1/4 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup diced red pepper
1 tablespoon dry white wine (just splash some from your own glass, why measure?)
8 oz lean ground beef
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
----------------------------------------------
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

carefully scoop out the insides of the zucchini halves with a small spoon and reserve in a separate bowl. Set aside the cored halves.
Heat the oil in a large saute pan. Over medium heat saute onion and garlic for 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the mushrooms and saute for 2 minutes more. Add the celery, red pepper and the reserved insides of the zucchini and continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the white wine and cook it down for 1 minute. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, maybe 5 minutes. Stir in the seasonings and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat, place in a bowl, and allow to cool.
Once the mixture has cooled, blend in the cheese, egg, butter, salt, and pepper. Fill the cored zucchini with the mixture.
Fill a baking pan with 1/4 inch of water. Place the filled zucchini halves in the pan and bake for 40 minutes at 375 F (preheated), until golden brown. Remove the zucchini carefully from the pan to a warm platter, spooning the juices from the pan on top of them, and serve.

Manja!


I had some mixture left over and baked in ramikins on the side. ( good freezer fast food!!)I also put a few strips of my red peppers I had in fridge on top for presentation. ( pre dieting, I covered with cheese!!!)

Back in Kitchen Business! Almost!

OK, so still short a microwave & toaster, but guess what?? By 12:15 we have lift off!!! Who the hell ever thought that being able to do the dishes and cook a meal would blow up my skirt? Sheesh...... Its really amazing to me how attached we are to our modern tools of the trade. I say this only because I have the travel channel on babysitting Rudy, and they are in Nicaragua.. they gots NOTHING there! I dont think its on my list to travel to.. however, Costa Rica, nearby, IS. I cant wait to someday see the birds free flying there! I'm sure that Walt would love all the Tarzan human flying that they have. Now, Where was I?...oh! The tools...

They aren't state of the art, but Baby? They wont shock me anymore!!! I think I'll celebrate and go cook something...............How about some stuffed Zucchini's? Oh man! I should bake a cake to see if the temp is perfect! No wait, ZOUPA! Hmmmm I feel like split pea..... THIS is definitely going in my M & M's file for the week! While I'm cooking, I will start mentally "calling" the rest of the blow out electronics!

LYG

Thinking Towards Valentines Day.....pondering.....

I have no idea what I will be doing. I may have company, I may be out and about, I may be working. Here's just a few of my Valentines...................I have been blessed with many:::WINK:::

Thanks Ms Heather for some awesome memories:)

Caution! Quilt Content!

I'm not sure what exactly is going on with me, but my quilting time is sorely missed. I have (as I already told you) many irons in the fire and sometimes find myself going in a couple dozen directions. The Electric company alone is taking much of my time. I am finally getting a stove and dishwasher installed tomorrow! :::You have NO IDEA how awful it is for a cook to be without a stove::: The microwave isnt so missed...but it WAS a smoking hot do it all Cusinart! We are still trying to repair large ticket items, and using our cell phones for alarm clocks. ( works amazingly well!) I also miss my OTT LAMPS and shop heaters immensely!! Let me also say that THIS crap isnt easy in these "trying" economic times.

OH!! I forgot I started with quilt content, didnt I? K.......

I bought this book at RD2CA last month and I want so much to start this Poppy quilt. Its Hot ribbon applique. DO you remember when the only sticky ribbon we could find was black to resemble stained glass? GONE are those days! LOTSA colors now oh boy! Anyway, I met this designer and would love to have her come for a teaching retreat. ( more info on that later, Sheena, I'll expect you). The designer happily agreed, so now, I stuck THAT iron into the fire too! These quilts are seemingly alive with the addition of Swarvarski crystals popping out of the stems like shiny seedlings! I would like to swap out this blue for another complimentary color... What ya think I should do? Heres a few pics, if you get the chance, pick up this book, then make plans to swing by my place to learn how to:) Have a great Hump Day... Tomorrow I may have food content due to a new stove in! WOOHOO! Hey!! I should make a day for it, like M & M's huh?

M & M Belated!

Sorry? I drove a lot? Wow.. What a weekend! Its so very difficult to see and do everything that I need to in such a short amount of time, but I did it! I had a wonderful visit with my parents, my sis and family, our daughters, and of course I got my grand fix! I even had a few hours with Heather which included a mini photo session! You MUST go see the first few pictures rolling in!! She looks Mahvelous too I might add, and feeling great! Here's my favorite, altho our together picture may be...I dunno???
My daughter and I also had the task of going through Jamies clothes. It wasnt so easy, but then again, a bit cathardic. I have many tee shirts for quilts, some dating back to boyhood. Thats all I can say about that right now in order to thwart off an addditional meltdown.

Then.........................theres a few of y amateur shots??? LOL Here is my Sissy at PF Changs for dinner

My beautiful niece Jackie...............

And Pappa feeding Emi steaks?And I just couldnt figure out how this lil angel could sleep through the superbowl yelling and screaming????All in all it was a wonderful Heart Food filling week end. It has to hold me awhile because I have many irons in the fire! ( to be announced later) I am off to clean a messy house, ::read Rudy::finish binding a quilt, and begin another.

Marvelous Mondays include

* Heart Food

*Comfy car for long drives

*A photographer in the family Woohoo!!

*SLO downtown SAFE walks in the night

*Tee Shirts

*Gingers good nature, cause Aviana is a rough buddy!

*Coming home

Chips~N~Dips!

Oh Wait! Nobody tell my battle Buddies for weight loss K? K....

I'm with my kiddies... its total chaos here. I have concerned myself soley with marinating meat and chippin and dippin... Ok, and wine. Whats on the menu you ask? Hmmm

Baby back ribs with a BAM! Chicken thighs, A hot artichoke dip, cream cheese with a raspberry chipolte sauce over top. Petite Puff Pastries ( for me), The standard Jalapeno poppers, and taquitos. I think I need to park a wheel chair out back for those that cannot move in a few hours. As far as I am concerned, I cant wait for the commercials!! I am not a football fan, but the commercials really give me a tickle. I have chosen a team anyway, I was forced into it. Now... Walt is a Bear fan, my Jamie was a Packer and 9er fan. Jake a raider fan.. but no one is a fan of todays game?? So why we celebrating? I have chosen the underdog. It has NOTHING to do with the fact that they are birds. Go Cardinals!! My Grand Justin isnt happy with me for this pick. Grunt. :::I'll let him eat more crapola and he will get over it:: I have rules you know....

"If Mommy says no...ask Nonni!!!"

I hope that everyone is safe and having a good time with those you love. I'll be headed back to the coast tomorrow, Check ya later!!