Adjusting Priorities

"Desire is the starting point of all achievement,

not a hope, not a wish,

but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything."

Napoleon Hill

I need to adjust my desires.Some of them are off the mark.Sometimes these darn quotes make me ponder so much, I cant write! I'll come back tomorrow and try again.

I'm thankful for friends who pull a chuckle out of me when I need one the most.

Pandora Charms (5)

Speaking of being "hooked" on things.........................

My newest obsession in accessories, my Pandora is growing!My Sissy brought me the platinum sun from the Bahamas, ( my sissy went to the Bahamas and all I got was this charm?) And Jake and Stephanie gave me the Murano glass Cheetah in Idaho! I need Jakes birthstone... I think Walts... and whatever else that makes my head twirl! Im hoping that when its filled its worth the price of a new car or something... lol
Linda and I met a lady in a jewelery store whose Pandora was upwards of 20K!!
I started my Sis on a bracelet, she loved it, opened the box and squealed "U went to Jareds???" LOL
I think its going to be a Christmas gift for many from yours truly!

Anyway, my wrist makes these European charms look great!

Pioneer Woman Meets Food Network!

One of my favorite morning reads 

(after my cat laugh)

is The Pioneer Woman.

Now.... she will be on TV!

 GO REE!

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Last year she had a "throwdown" with Chef Bobby Flay and she won!!! Go Ree!!

Last year, Ms Heather and I had the pleasure of meeting her in SF at her latest book signing there. GO ME!!!
 Ree is going to have her very own cooking show on Food Network! GO Ree!!!

The show is slated to start this Saturday, August 27th. Check out the link to her show for more information and check your local listings for the time!

Go Ree!!!!

PS: Ya think this PLUG will finally net me my all time wish to win designer colorful kitchenaid mixer from Ree? COME ON REE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!It's so me!!!

Guess Who Finally Watched...................

How To Make An American Quilt? I see you shaking you're head. WTF was I doing in 1995 anyways??? Why am I always behind in movie views??This one takes the cake though..I mean really G..... No wait.. I think it took me longer to see The Joy Luck Club! LOLOL

There's much more to a quilt than fabric and thread .But we quilters already knew this eh? Each  design has its own unique story (or stories) to tell. All the sorrows, joys, longings, sufferings, and loves of these women are sewn into their quilt and, as their bittersweet memories are given life, one young woman applies these lessons of the past to her own uncertain future.
"Where Love Resides":::SIGH:::( Best line)
 How to Make an American Quilt presents a distinctly feminine perspective. The "chick flick" to beat all chick flicks. The "quilting bee" consists of seven stitchers. Sisters Gladys (Ann Bancroft) and Hy (Ellen Burstyn); Sophia (Lois Smith), a woman known for scaring kids; Emma (Jean Simmons), the timid wife of a perpetually unfaithful ( read: P.I. G.) man; Constance (Kate Nelligan), who has been having an affair with Emma's husband; Anna (Maya Angelou), the leader of the group;( Or at least the one who points) and Marianna (Alfre Woodard), Anna's daughter. The project they're busy with is the wedding quilt for Hy's granddaughter, Finn (Winona Ryder), who is about to enter into wedded bliss. Or not. She's spending the summer with Hy and Gladys, and away from her fiance, to decide whether a lifelong commitment is really what she wants, and whether it's better to marry a friend or a lover. ( I loved that question)
One of the greatest pleasures I had comes from watching flawless performances by a most impressive cast. The costumes and period settings were so exciting!. From Winona Ryder, Ann Bancroft, Ellen Burstyn, and Maya Angelou to minor players like Claire Danes, and Kate Capshaw,and this hunky guy I dont know the name of... this film is oozing talent. In fact...... There are probably too many characters. So, instead of really getting to know a few of them, we are presented with quick glimpses into a defining event in each of their lives. We learn about the resentment between Gladys and Hy, and are told the reasons why Emma stays with her husband and Sophia is so "pissy" all of the time. There are other episodes as well: the love of Anna's life, Marianna's never meant to be soul mate, and a look at the reasons why Constance had an affair with her friend's husband. ( remember the p.i.g.) The reason for these tales is meant to provide the answer for Finn's cold feet questions: whether to go forward with her marriage or fool around with a six pack smoldering hot Latin hunk.
I personally was left wanting much more of each woman's story.Sequel?
It made me smile inside validating every one of my sentiments on what a quilt is really all about. The story each one tells.Where love really does reside.
Totally inspiring to go in there and fling fabric everywhere trying to design the perfect story Quilt.
PS: I am almost certain that I was born in the wrong generation.

Hooked On Things

"Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip."

– Will Rogers

Good morning:) By the time I was on my second cuppa this H.O.T. morning, I had a light bulb moment about my Ma's lil addictions through out her life. I could never figure out why she got attached to certain things, and they would come and go within several months. During those months she was obsessed with said addictions. It was especially a butt scratcher when I appeared with her latest attachment, only to find that she had moved onto a different one and didnt know WHY I would serve her such a thing. I can (off the top of my head) cite grapefruit, pink, with splenda, cherries, enough to make her ill. rootbeer in the half sizes.Cherry tomatoes with a salt shaker. Barbie sized juice glass with fresh squeezed orange juice. Popcorn nightly in same barbie bowl. ( Mom was hooked on teeny tiny barbie sized things forever)

 This may not seem odd, until you make it a MUST HAVE issue. On a daily basis. Now you might be wondering why the heck I'm chit chatting about this eh? Well, they say that every woman one day wakes up and discovers their own Mother in the mirror. I know you are all grunting right now, me too. For the last month or so I have been eating the SAME breakfast, and enjoying the SAME popsicles for dessert at night.Yep yep yep. Even while visiting family, in each place I ran to the store to stuff the fridge with my current... needs shall we say? Last evening I ran to the corner store for my favorite popsicle becuase we ran out? This morning while arranging my three little peache slices, cottage cheese cup, and peeling my hard boiled egg, all on a paper plate so that I dont have to wash the dang thing.. it hit me. Bingo. Its in the freaking genes Gina!!! Look at you! OCD? no! Ma!!! (Side note...do we blame all things on Moms or what?)

As soon as I complete this post I'm calling my sis and asking if its happening to her yet too!

Why cant I get hooked on excercise????? No... small kitchen gadgets is more my speed...little teeny whips, lemon juicers, garlic tools... yep yep yep... if I wait long enough, the answers come. thanks Ma.



Marvelous Monday, On Time!

"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself."– Andy Warhol

Good mornin`. Yep yep yep, its Monday. One more cup and I'll be on my feet. Which is a good thing since I have much to do! I think I have been Mach three since I got home. This morning Im making THE LIST with a strong cuppa and The Eagles on the stereo. Ahhhhh I sure wish I could see them in concert. Hey! Maybe I'll ask Mufasa for another LV Birthday! They are in my top ten BESTIES.How about you? I suppose while everyone was grooving to Elvis or the Beatles, my choice was Eagles or Elton!

<---hard to be me member?

Okay, so back to Marvelous Mondays.....You know when I get behind in the blog my brain goes a bazillion miles an hour and I cant figure out what to say! I'll say this.... while driving to Idaho was cathardic in that I pondered a great deal,sawbunches of family, and stopped at the resting spots for my Mama and son, I shall fly next time. DAMN! I didnt even see a jack rabbit out there! A whole lot of nothing on I-95 I tell you. Nothing! I am actually missing the kids already, so I need a new game plan for spring. Maybe I should just buy myself a mini motorhome and take off when the bug bites?

Today I'm only road tripping over the hill to my home town of Arroyo Grande.:::sigh::: I wonder what trouble I'll get into?

I have 3 quilt projects going on!! A new restoration, a simple panto, and yes... Jake scolded me for taking so long on the Tee Shirt quilts. I'm on it!!

Marvelous Mondays include:

Safe travels for Me. G!

Squirt gun wars with the baby grands!

cuddles on couches with above mentioned

much needed coffee chats

Home sweet home

a restoration project to re make!

H.O.P.E.



Marinated Lamb Chops With Cherry Tomatoes

I have an abundance of cherry tomatoes! I pop em in my mouth all the time! Think of all the good lycopene I'm getting right? Of course right. I think its a "G" popocorn.
I am running out of quick and easy ideas for the little prizes though. Here's tonights pick after I pick! I think I will forever grow cherry tomatoes! Now if only my red peppers would do something for me:(

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4-6 rib lamb chops
• 1  lb cherry tomatoes (a bunch of em!)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Mix together honey, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper and transfer to a large ziploc bag. Marinate lamb, turning occasionally, at least one hour. Bring lamb to room temperature before grilling.

Remove lamb from marinade, reserving marinade. Grill lamb on lightly oiled grill pan over medium high heat, turning once, about 4 minutes for medium-rare. Transfer to a platter and keep covered and warm. (* Can be done on an outside grill or bbq also, but this is quicker for me.)
Cook cherry tomatoes in the lamb roasting pan, covered, carefully turning, until softened and just beginning to split. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over tomatoes, turning to coat, then cook, uncovered, until vinegar is reduced by about half, about 2 minutes.

Bring reserved marinade with any lamb juices accumulated on platter to a boil in a small heavy saucepan, covered.

Drizzle lamb with reserved marinade and serve with tomatoes.

I'm serving this atop Israeli Couscous, my personal pasta fix:) I'll get a pic for ya tonight!

Manja!

Say No To Shark Week!

There are things six year olds should NEVER be allowed to watch on the history channel! Shark week being one of them.While Aviana was visiting we learned all about several species of sharks. She spoke quite knowledgeable about them, citing lemonheads, great whites, tigers, bulls, etc....Lil Miss larger than life didnt seem to be frightened in the least about the creatures. Just a bit obsessed eh?

So one day while Emily too was here, we ventured over to Avila Beach for a day trip. It was then that I put my foot down about her shark education.

 Both girls played happily the day away and loved especially wave jumping with Pappa.Sharks were never mentioned or given a thought to.Until..............

 While hopping around on the waters edge and Nonni only steps away, Aviana lets out the most blood curdling scream I have EVER heard come out of her lil body!She is running in circles flaling her arms, and my eyes NOR legs couldnt even keep up with her! I gave chase to a child in circles while I noticed Mothers pulling thier children out of the water in just as fast as a foot race as I was in. This was all happening so fast that no one understood what was going on, we were all just frantic. Except Pappa whom out of the corner of my eye was shaking his head. Emily, who had been building a sand puddle was oblivious to it all because she was focussed intently on where the poured water was vanishing to in the sand. ( Nonni told them it was on its way to China).
I caught my lil drama princess and finally made out her screams...CRAB! CRAB! CRAB! She was white as a ghost, tears POPPING from her eyes, and pointing to the surf.
Side note: Thank God I took my blood pressure pills this morning!
I planted Aviana next to Pappa and ran back to see the dick dastardly creature that scared my Lovie....
Here's a picture of the big meanie... Its a pair of burnt orange short pants, washed up and wrinkled in the sand.
As I looked around in disbelief I noticed felt burning eyes fixed on me. Every Mother on the beach wanted to smack me? I think little kids hated me.........so because poop runs down hill, I wanted at that moment to smack my dear daughter for allowing Shark Week to be viewed. Ya know what? Nonni thinks swimming pools with squirt guns are much more fun! As for my lil Lovie... she forgot all about the big bad crab, and went BACK in the water!!

We ended our day with Avila Barn, a petting zoo that we could feed and touch nice lil goats and ponies. We enjoyed hot dogs and some ice cream... A much safer stroll for a worn out Nonni!

Hi Honies! I'm Home!

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe."– Anatole France

Are these the cutest kids ever? I know!

This is whereyour bad blogger hasbeen.

I did a road trip by myself to I.D.A.H.O.!!!!!! yep yep yep... I done did it. I am so glad that I did! An ever so grueling 2000 miles, but well worth the trip! I'm sorry I have been AWOL, thank you for all of your caring emails. I have a HUGE list of things I wish to accomplish by years end. ( very goal oriented here) I just knocked a BIG one off my list!

I am thrilled to be home,thrilled to have seen my baby grands, thrilled to have school starting!

Time to get busy! Christmas is coming!!! 

Big Red Quilt is On Her Way! MM

"Failure seldom stops you.  What stops you is the fear of failure."

– Jack Lemmon

LOOK!

Not only first place, but Judges specialty award too! I am so very tickled!!!

A serious boost to the confidance department:) It was so worth all the mind boggling pebbles!

Marvelous Mondays include:

Pretty ribbons saying I am good enough!

"People usually fail when they are on the verge of success. So give as much care to the end as to the beginning."– Lao-Tzu

I think more often than not some of us do set ourselves up to fail. I wonder why? Why would we be afraid of success?

 I'm quilting today. Happy Sunday:) My cousins were here this week end. Sisters on a roadtrip! I want to go on one of those real soon too! Here is a tired shot of us at Madonna Inn for dinner. Joanne and Virginia from the Terranova side of the family. Utah and Colorado. See! I need a roadtrip! Imma gonna talk my sis into it.

For now, I am trying very hard to get to Idaho, Montreal, then Oregon. Yes, she likes to drive. Grunt.

Maybe I will pick up my baby grand girl and haul her around with me. Do you think there are any great quilt shops in Boise???? Hmmmmm

Freaky ( not foody) Friday!

"Victory is won not in miles but in inches. Win a little now, hold your ground, and later, win a little more."– Louis L'Amour





Look closely! Yes it IS my lil grand girl Aviana! The little dare devil!

Wasnt she just two years old yesterday? Time is moving at an alarming rate of speed and I do not like it!I know what my Mom felt like when I was young evil Knevil with my motorcycle. I also KNOW that it skipped a generation because Avi's mom was NOT a dare devil. A swimmer yes, but like Aviana? Nope. She was far more careful at this age. Me? I thought that I was immortal until I had children of my own. At that point, pigs would have had to have flown before I did anything scary. I hope that Karen keeps her blood pressure under control! LOL

Its warming up over here. I would love a fair day today but I'm having company. No playing in the earth for me. No Midway corn on the cobbs either. Grunt. My cousins are coming and I cant wait to see them! I suppose I better get a second cuppa in me and move my butt. Have a great week end, and no high diving you peoples!

LYG!

G

Coming Soon To A Hoarders Episode Near you!

My nails! My nails! My nails!
Is there a 12 step program for planting an unusual and eclectic garden? I cannot stop! I just seem to find the perfect plants no matter where I go! Friends! Nurseries! Side of the road???
Its really cutting into my blogging quilting time I tell you. I will take pics of the entire Eden when I can....Here are some photos of my recent finds. ( ok, and Walts recent inventions too) He is great, I point, he builds! What a team!This rope pot thingy we saw in a nursery for a hundred bucks... pppffftttt! The redwood planters... 40 and up! He is a bit handy. I may keep him yet.
I gotta go quilt make dinner.

LYG!

Where Is She? Maybe At The Fair?

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." 

e.e. cummings

I know, I know, I'm SO sorry!

<---bad blog girl.

It's summertime!! Just when you think its safe to love summer, ya go and marry a teacher and have another 12 year old under foot! (no offense Babe)

No routine, no lists, no IDEA of whats gonna go on next, so yep yep yep... the blog suffers. (amoung other things).

I can only laugh. It gets me through it. Sometimes, it not only gets me through it, but its kind of fun. interesting. curious. Something.

Things that I find hysterical this summer.

Angry Birds.

Swamp people

The climate differance from here to Arroyo Grande. ( not)

Words with friends

Two and a Half Men

Ginger in the pool

A fake dead cat in my garden

Squirrels snatching the bird seed ( and torturing Ginny)

Walt hunting down a new commuter car

And the funniest, happiest, tickle this summer so far....................

Linda B and Me

SCORING

THREE  count em THREE BLUE RIBBONS

AT THE STATE FAIR

 WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Red White and Blue

*Oriental Bliss

*Coffee and cream!

And a lovely SECOND place for Houses!~

GO SEE EM!!

Something To Do.

"There is always something to do.

 There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well.

While I don't expect you to save the world I do think it's not asking too much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those whom you call friend.

 Engage those among you who are visionary and remove from your life those who offer you depression, despair and disrespect."

Oh man when I read that I heard my Mama say

" Tell me who you're with and I'll tell you who you are". How about.... "If you're bored, you're just boring, go find what there is to do for someone!....LOL

And I smiled at her comfort. Isn't it so true that we just dont have the room in our hearts for those who wish to ruin the WORK of a happy journey through life? Isn't it also as true that when around those who are encouraging if not visionary, we too become motivated?Isn't it  so comforting to do for others and relieve yourself of your own little pity parties?

 I miss you Ma. I wish to pick of the phone and yak your ear off, make you laugh, and be scolded. I wish to tell you of my sorrows and listen to yours.

I suppose she has none now eh? I'm happy about that.

Ok, so I have no idea why I am on this brain wave.. I suppose it was reading the above quote today...lol
Today is a quilting day. Finishing up a Christmas quilt, then hopefully loading Avianas treasure for her Dad. Hoe Hope... Im having difficulty with this quilt as it has many layers and the joining seams incredibly tough! I have now gone through 3 needles ( sz 18). Maddening I tell you! Remember its what I believe jumped the timing last week. Today, I WILL win.
Have a great week end, and I will too:)
LYG
G

Dreams

"If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces,
 never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again."

I think Mr. Wizard must have written that. Or Heather. Not a clue. But I do it daily.

You peoples dream much? I am a dreamer. Literally. Good, bad, ugly, funny, wierd, I dream. I dream about quilts, patterns, ideas. I dream about homes and everything in them. I dream about baby grands and smiles.

I also dream unspeakable monster dreams. Lately, I've been trying to analyse when which ones occur, so that I may manipulate them accordingly. I fail miserably. Try as I may I cannot force myself to have the dreams that I enjoy. It escapes me. I'll try harder. I wish to dream what I love, and love what I dream.Click.

I'm still working on my friends Christmas quilt. I cannot for the life of me figure out why oil is getting onto my thread as it goes through the hook race. Its maddening. White thread, white fabric, black crud. ACKKKK. Its making this a not so fun project. What could be wrong? We timed it last week ( the machine) and ever since, the oil is appearing every so often, and then you KNOW what must happen next right? Frogging!!! Grunt.

I must get Aviana's quilt finished and this one just wont go away! lol Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes, you're the bug. This week, I am a pretty Narley Bug.

Anyway, so that I dont take yall with me, have a great hump day, and I'll see ya when I see ya:)

G-OUT

The BEST Part

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
– Aristotle

I did it again. I'm not happy about it either. I have cornered the market on doing dumb things with my smart phone. It dead. It got wet. My pants pocket has proven to be a very dangerous place. This time it was the potty. Yes, I am a dumb ass. GRUNT. I am already missing Words with friends and I wish to know WHY its on phones and Ipads, and I cant have the app on my PC. I wrote a letter to the developer. We shall see.

I had a fabulous week with Aviana! She had a blast too. Three play dates with her cousin Emily, and lots of one on one time with Nonni. I bet she misses me too:) ( or Pappa cause he seems to be more fun). I asked what was her "best"part and without hesitation she exclaimed FROGGIES! Come on... the kiddie store in Cambria? Sheesh. Not cuddling or reading with Nonni? Not swimming or quilting with Nonni? SHOPPING????  (must be in the genes). Now if only I could get lil Jamie over here! Maybe I should just roadtrip to Idaho?

Truthfully, I must get back to quilting. I find that if I dont keep my hands in motion, my skills get a bit jiggly. According to the above qoute, I am correct. My hands in motion is by far my best habit! I pray never to lose it.I have been trying to figure out how to make a little sewing station upstairs here. I cant handle idle hands while watching TV. I just cant? Humming machines seem to be the most relaxing technique that I use. It must stem from childhood. All of the machines in my parents shop just humming away still play in my mind. I guess its my turn to plant that sound in the grands minds :)

Have a marvelous Monday peoples!

Love yer guts!

M & M's:

Seven different activities with Aviana, the "best" part, sewing!

Grilled Artichokes With Garlic Aioli Sauce

"It's never too late to be who you might have been."
– George Eliot

Who might that be? I wonder. How about a great novelist under a pen name? How mysterious would that be? LOL You never know.........................It could be Ms Chef extrodinaire...Naaaaa too damn much work. I'll stick to quilting, thanks:) But I have been obsessed about these artichokes for quite sometime now. I first enjoyed them at the Hitching Post in Solvang. Since then I have been wanting to steal  perfect the recipe. I just LOVE them for an appetizer! ( They pair well with wine:) But its a great side dish to any grilled meat. I'm doing them again tonight with Pollo Asada! I think I 'll be making myself sick on these things! LOL

For Aioli:

• 4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large egg yolks
• The juice of a half lemon

In a food processor, pulse garlic, salt, cayenne pepper, and 2 teaspoons oil until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add yolks and lemon juice and blend until smooth. With motor running, very slowly add remaining 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons oil in thin, steady stream, blending until aïoli is thick, about 2 minutes. Refrigerate until ready to use.

For artichokes:

4 Atichokes

1/4 cup Olive oil

3 minced garlic cloves

 Cut off stem and top quarter of each artichoke. Bend back dark green outer leaves and snap off at artichoke base.

Steam artichokes until tender, about 20 minutes. Cool and cut in half. Remove any purple-tipped leaves from center of artichokes.

Prepare barbecue (medium-heat). Stir olive oil and minced garlic in small bowl to blend. Brush garlic oil over artichokes. Sprinkle artichokes with kosher salt. Grill artichokes until slightly charred, turning occasionally, about 8-10 minutes, brushing occasionally.

Serve with Aioli.

Can You Stand More Grand Quilt Pictures?

With one day left to spare, Aviana completed her first ever quilt top! A birthday gift for her Daddy she says:) Its not perfect, or even straight, but it was done by her alone:) She is now an experianced frogger! (she loathes this btw)
After a long day in the shop, her reward was dinner out in Cambria and of course a trip to FROGGIES, her favorite over stimulating kid store. She shopped for what seemed to be 2 hours and came out with a new dress, pixie dust, hair bobs, and body glitter... sheesh... I kept my mouth shut and my wallet opened... ( what else could I do?)
By the time we finished dinner, Nonni's Pandora store was closed:( sniff sniff.
Today we are cleaning our huge mess and then off to a matinee. Enjoy the pics! Karebear, please do not show Daddy.

So SHOCKED that she did it!!! Priceless photo indeed.

RELISHING IN HER ACCOMPLISHMENT

Wrapped in Love

Her reward at Madelines. Sea Bass with slipper lobster on top. She was in heaven. Who needs pizza? lol

Busy ----HOT----Days

Okay, U.N.C.L.E   Thanks for all the caring emails, I'm really okay, just busier than a one armed paper hanger?
Aviana has me hopping?
We had a great time on the beach for the Fourth of July, Until........................Walt had an accident on the way home. He is fine, the car is not. It was a dramatic night, ( after the fireworks) and we all made it through with flying colors. ( no pun intended).
I am able to jot down a few lines now only because the lil early riser is still asleep! WOOHOO!!! She is having a few play dates with her cousin Emily and between the two of them, guess who is worn out? Yep, yep, yep...They have done the pool, the park, zoo, swimming, beaching, and on Thursday will storm the theatre! lol Ahhhh playdates.....
So, how are you peoples? Did everyone else enjoy the holiday? Hey! I have to type up a great recipe for ya .. I have been obsessed with grilling artichokes, and I think I've got it! Stay tuned:)
On the quilting front, I am doodling on a Christmas quilt while Avi pieces her first top. Its going well! No blood yet! I have but two days left with my lil squirt, as she is demanding to see her Mommy already. GRUNT. Here are a few pics, and I'll see ya when I see ya!!!
LYG!
PS: What will I do now that the O.J. Trial is over?

M & M's Include:

Absolutley blessed to have Walt walk away from that wreck.
Baby grand visits
A quilting buddy
cool ocean breezes