Bloggin' it out . . . . . . .

Holiday display at Shaw's Garden in St, Louis

2012-01-23T18:30:00.001-08:00

Just a few photos from Holiday show at Mobot loved it this past year so nice and colorful. Can't wait for the orchid show.

New year 2012

2011-12-31T10:35:00.000-08:00

May 2012 mark the beginning of a Tidal Wave of Love, Happiness and Bright Futures.

And to those who need someone special, may you find that true love.

To those who need money, may your finances overflow.

To those who need caring, may you find a good heart.

To those who need friends, I am still here for you. Don't forget it!!!!!

Have a safe and happy new year!

SSCS....................

2011-12-31T09:54:00.001-08:00

This what I received from Lizzie from Australia in Chookyblue's Christmas swap. Thank you Lizzie as I love the colors you chose for the wall hanging. Bright and cheerful just what I like.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T18:12:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos of Christmas Eve at my brother Randy's house.

Grandma's Apple Cake

2011-12-25T18:05:00.001-08:00

This recipe belonged to my maternal grandmother. This was such a family favorite my brothers would fight over whose cake it was when my mom made one for family get togethers. My mom died 4 years ago so I decided to make one for Christmas Eve.

A beautiful fall day in Calhoun County .......

2011-11-27T15:08:00.000-08:00

On October 22nd, a friend and I went to a quilt show in Calhoun County Illinois. The show was spread out among five small towns at various churches in Calhoun County. It was a beautiful fall day for a drive up the Great River Road which runs along the Mississippi River. The small churches were lovely and the ages of the quilts spand well over 100 years old to modern.

Flirty Apron Secret Santa Swap....

2011-11-19T19:01:00.000-08:00

What are your hobbies? quilting, sewing, knitting, photography, painting
What are your favorite colors? purple and yellow also hot pink and lime green
Do you collect anything? snowmen and purses
Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? no
Do you have any pets? yes 2 cats and 2 cocker spaniels
Coffee, Tea, or Chocolate? chocolate with nuts and teas
What do you like to read? ebbie Macomber, Jennifer Chiaverini and non-fiction/fiction
Do you prefer Cookies or Candies as a sweet? candy
What is your favorite holiday treat? truffles
Describe your favorite holiday tradition. special breakfast on Christmas day
Did you believe in Santa as a child? yes
When do you open presents? Christmas Eve
Do you put up a tree and when? If not, how do you celebrate? no tree decorate with snowmen and winter theme quilts
Does your tree have a theme? no tree
What has been your favorite gift to give? to receive? gift certificates

I joined in

2011-10-04T13:30:00.001-07:00

I have joined for the fourth year for me. Can't wait tomstart.

9/11/11

2011-09-11T20:33:00.000-07:00

Remembering the past and embracing the future . .....
I have my story to tell of living in NJ at that time.

Summer blooms..............

2011-08-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

Some summer blooms and a summer sunset. I'm doing ok with treatments about 2 weeks left and I can't wait to be done with it.

Quilting retreat

2011-08-04T15:48:00.001-07:00

Here are few photos of quilting retreat that was held in London Ontario Canada. We donated 25 quilts to the local cancer center.

Alton IL and Fast Eddies

2011-08-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

This is the Piasa Bird that is painted on the bluffs outside of Alton on the Great River Road that runs along the Mississippi River.

A great place to eat is Fast Eddie's Bonair great eats at very reasonable prices.

The ugly C word.......

2011-07-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

I have just found out that the lump that was removed was cancerous. I see the Doctor tomorrow to find out where I go from here. I am a fighter and will get through this also.

Looming surgery

2011-06-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

I am scheduled to have a needle biopsy on June 22nd. We are very optimistic that it is not cancer. Stay tuned for update............

Got the news every woman dreads......................

2011-06-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

I had a lump on my mammogram and now need a biopsy. The surgeon is very positive that it is probably not cancer. My surgery is scheduled for early next week. Wish me well that it is not cancerous.

New dog

2011-05-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

I lost my boy Miche at 17.5 yrs old but have a new boy named Odie. He loves Megs and me. I love cocker spaniels.

Ruth

Swap package

2011-05-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

This is my package fromr Connie from Shawnees Flirty apron swap. Just wonderful.

Ruth

2011-03-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

It's my special day and I've been celebrating for the past two days. Happy Birthday me I'm the same double digits mentioned in a Sammy Hagar song.

Cheers

Jan 2011

2011-01-31T07:07:00.000-08:00

We are under a severe winter storm warning for ice and snow. I have new photos and info to update. Hang in there and I pray that we don't get the ice they are calling for because there are lots of trees around my little bungalow.

Merry.....,,,,,,,

2010-12-24T18:49:00.000-08:00

To all the bloggers out there have a very Merry Christmas.

Got a complete set of............

2010-11-08T09:14:00.000-08:00

New knees getting along good, bought a new sewing machine that drops feed dog capabilities so I can use it for a free motion class I'm taking on the 16th. Our trip went well got to visit my friends in Jersey and we are still working on remodeling the house. I will be doing PT for the next 7 weeks so hopefully I can finally get rid of the cane..............

Happening now...........

2010-10-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

Have been fabric shopping and when I find the camera I will post some pics of fabric bought for some Christmas swaps I am in. I am also getting me left knee done on Octobert 26th and some work done on the house while we make a short trip for vacation. Happy fall!

Updating.....

2010-08-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

Two weeks since new knee installed off the walker and using a cane now since last week. Working on getting back into action and getting my strength back.

It's time....

2010-07-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

I am having sugery on August 3rd on my right knee replacement. I can't wait to finally end some of my pain and get my life back. This has limited my enjoyment of life most of this year.

June .................

2010-06-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

Will finish up school year on June 30th which is Bulls**t since we started on Sept 1st. I got laid off so I'm filling for unemployment and will be getting my knee replacement surgery on the right knee in August so I'm packing and cleaning and getting ready to move again.

Memorial Day .................

2010-05-31T12:08:00.000-07:00

Thanking all Vets who gave the ultimate sacrifice and remembering my Dad who served in WWII and who past away 15 years ago.

Happy Easter and some sewing.............

2010-04-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

I am stuck in NJ instead of being with my family today oh well working around the house and potting two plants. Here is an apron I made for the Easter swap at Pins and Needles and a block for a mini round robin from QATW.

HAPPY EASTER

May Day Swap

2010-02-16T05:52:00.000-08:00

Just signed up for a new swap at aswapforallseasons.blogspot.com. Run on over and join in the fun.

It's snowing in NJ............

2010-02-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

Here are two pics of the backyard since we are under a blizzard warning until Thursday..

Projects

2010-02-02T12:58:00.000-08:00

It seems I need knee replacement surgery so have to lose some weight in order to get that done. I am working on projects and getting my pillowcases ready to sew on the Friday night sew in. Bought the fabric a few years ago when a quilt shop went out of business so now need to use it up.

Come join in ....................

2010-01-27T07:13:00.000-08:00

Join in the Friday Night Sew in on February 19th.................................

Update........

2010-01-25T17:58:00.000-08:00

Thanks to mega dose of meds I am doing better and am more mobile. All swaps are current and in fact mailed out early. Go to see the ortheopedic surgeon on Wednesday to find out if I need surgery. I can at least say I am feeling better...............

I am having serious health issues....

2010-01-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

I am having serious problems with my psoratic arthritis right now. I have limited use of my hands and can barely walk without serious pain. Stairs are a serious problem so I must say that yes I have been late on swaps but it is because I can't cut or sew right now. I need to get my health taken care of right now this has been going on since the end of November.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T07:02:00.000-08:00

Thank you to.........................continued

2009-12-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

First photo is from Fiona from Chookyblue's Santa Swap. Thank you so much Fiona for the wonderful ornaments that are adorning the tree now and the small table runner and Santa wall hanging and the calendar and dishcloth. You do lovely work.

Second photo is from Cherry from Pat Sloan's Secret Elf swap. She made the most wonderful Snowman wall hanging. Since I love and collect snowmen it fits me so well. She included the best tasting chocolates and winter fqs and snowman ornament. Thank you Cherry so much!

What we woke up to this morning in NJ .......

2009-12-20T08:48:00.001-08:00

These is what we had this morning in NJ. The first photo is from the front door and the other photo is the backyard. I still have to go shovel and clear off the car.

Thank you to...................

2009-12-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Alison from Australia for the wonderful calendar, fqs, the Christmas portfolio hand embroidered by her and the handmade bear. I love them all and can't wait to use the fqs. This is from Fionamaries Great Global Christmas Swap.

Giving thanks.............and moving on.............

2009-11-28T15:54:00.000-08:00

I was so grateful to be able to go home for this week since it has been over 90 days since I was home. It was nice to see my family and take care of closing a life up. I put down Jingle Bells on November 27th. She was 17 years old and lived a good long life. She was the last tie to my dad who died in 1995 of cancer. Rest in peace Jingle Bells and run and play over the rainbow bridge my friend...................

Got to get the mojo back.............

2009-11-01T16:56:00.000-08:00

It has been over a month since I have been around here. Last weekend I joined Weight Watchers and at my first weight in I lost 7 lbs. Y*I*P*E*E!!! I am off to a good start and it wasn't a hard week just some minor annoyance at work.

Swaps.....

2009-09-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

Here are two swap projects that I completed recently.

Slow mo this summer.....

2009-08-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

My where has the summer gone?? I have been sick and very lax this summer but I have to get it in gear since it is back to work in a little over two weeks. So here are some photos from this summer so far. The shots are from the Missouri Botanical Garden and the famous ketchup bottle in the town I live in in Illinois. The day lillies are from my back yard.

good byes and new beginnings..............

2009-06-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

So sad to loseFarrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson this week. I grew up on Charlie's Angels and Michael Jackson's music. School is done and I am heading off for my summer vacation and new adventures. In the fall, I am moving to another school and will be an inclusion teacher in a general ed classroom. Looking forward to new adventures.

Cheers,

Ruth

Dolls ......

2009-06-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

Just had to show pics of the dolls I have received in the Annie Swap #2 and the round-headed dolly swap. Cyndi made the first fairy doll for the round-headed doll swap. She did a fabulous job thanks Cyndi. Carlotta made the second doll for the Annie #2 swap and she even had a little quilt too. Thank you Carlotta! Both are fab!

19 days and counting....................

2009-06-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

Only 19 more days of school and I am homeward bound. I am so ready for this school year to be over with................will June 26th ever come?????

Workshops by..........................

2009-05-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

On Saturday May 16th, I spend the day at two workshops given by Lisa Shepard Stewart of Cultured Expressions. On class was a bead making workshop using fabric and the other class was a bangle purse. I had such fun and got to create two new items and work with different fabric from Ghana.

Rant...........

2009-05-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

I have been doing a lot of swapping lately, but what really gets me is the swap partner that does not even acknowledge getting the package. I spend time making items and paying postage mailing the packages. Is it so much to ask that you acknowledge the package and the contents. Even if you do not like the items that I have made or spend time picking out could you at least email saying you received the package. I am so disappointed in swap partners lately that do not have the common courtesy to acknowledge the swap package. This is just my rant and the sole expression of my opinion.

With that said once I complete the last two blog swaps I'm in, I am done swapping for a long while.

Easter Swap................

2009-04-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks Jeanette for a wonderful basket & wall hanging. The wall hanging is so precious.

Orchids.

2009-04-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

I was at Home Depot looking for cork tiles for a bullentin board for my classroom and they had fabulous looking orchids. So I couldn't resist this deep purple one.

A little bee in the garden

2009-04-08T05:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of a quilt I made for one of the swaps I was in.

Orchids.............

2009-03-28T18:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of the Orchid Show that was at the Missouri Botanical Garden earlier in March. Enjoy

Swapping...........

2009-03-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

I love to swap and have done these two projects for swaps on Swap-bot. But I have been greatly disappointed in getting stiffed on two swaps especially the one for March birthdays. So here is what I made for my partners:

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!!

2009-03-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday and I had a wonderful day spending time with friends and quilting.

Quilt Show Photos

2009-03-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from the NJ Quilt Show on March 5th that I took. The seals quilt looked like a real photo and was great.

Lime green.....

2009-03-06T14:10:00.001-08:00

Here is the purse I received in the Amy Butler Bag Swap. Judy S did a fabulous job on it and got it in my two favorite colors.

Happy Days.........

2009-02-11T12:20:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines Day everyone..........I'm headed back to Illinois for a quick four days. Can wait to see my family and friends again. Hearts, Hugs and love!!!

Pay it forward!

2009-01-30T18:32:00.000-08:00

I have decided to join the "Pay It Forward" fun with Julie at Julies' Blog, so if any of you would like to join me, the first three leaving a comment on my blog wanting to join are in. Below are the rules and the button to copy and put on your blog is above. Come and join the fun!! Here are the "Pay It Forward" rules. The first three people will be chosen to participate if they leave a comment on this post asking to join. They are agreeing to post a similar announcement on their blog, and Pay It Forward to three more people, who will in turn agree to Pay It Forward etc. What does it mean? Julie is going to send me and her other participants one handmade item sometime in the next 12 months. I, in turn, will send one handmade item to each of the three participants who signed up with me, withing the next 12 months. You, in turn, will send one handmade item to each of your participants, and so on.

Whose your inner rock chick?

2009-01-28T06:23:00.001-08:00

Who's Your Inner Rock Chick? - http://tinyurl.com/2qjn3p - You Are Sheryl Crow! #blogthings

First Project 2009

2009-01-19T18:21:00.001-08:00

I just completed this bag over the weekend. I have to work on the pattern since I wasn't quite happy with the way this one turned out.

Gardenland Show at Shaw's Garden in St. Louis

2009-01-03T07:22:00.000-08:00

Photos from holiday show at Shaw's Garden in St. Louis.

Graceland

2009-01-03T07:10:00.000-08:00

Did a little side trip to Memphis over Christmas and went to Graceland on the 26th. It was alright because I grew up on the music of Elvis. My aunt was a hugh Elvis fan in the 60's so we would play records on the back porch and dance to the music.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone out in blog land. Just a short post have more pics to post from Memphis and Shaw's Garden in St. Louis. It will be back to reality in 5 more days. Back to the kids and reading and writing and classes for me. I am moving and it will be a great change for me. Hopefully I can really get serious about getting my health in order this year.

Swaps, Swaps and more swaps

2008-12-28T07:36:00.000-08:00

Since I got home so late on Christmas Eve and left on Christmas day to spend a few days in Memphis, I did not get a chance to post and thank the people who had my name for some swaps that I was in. So here goes:

WILDCRAFT FARMS CHRISTMAS SWAP
The snowman quilt and door hanger were from Cindy R for this swap. I love snowmen and she did a wonderful job on this. She also included a pattern for an angel (another favorite). Thanks Cindy. (4th photo)

Becca's Blog from the Left Coast Christmas Swap
The scarf was from Brenda S from Becca's Blog from the Left Coast Christmas Swap. It is wonderful and has all my favorite colors in it. It is handmade also. Thanks Brenda S.

THE QUILTPOCKET WINTER SOLSTICE SWAP

Thanks Sharen for the wonderful swap. We had 8 items when had to include in the swap package and what we incuded was up to our interpretation. This is from an online quilting group I belong to. (3rd photo)

TARA AT THE WELL ROUNDED WOMAN STOCK SWAP

Thanks Lady Jane for the stocking swap. She included all kind of goodies including earrings which I wore on Christmas Eve. (1st photo)

I have one more thing to post and will do that after I meet my cousin for Dim Son this morning at Lulu's in St. Louis.

Off to my other life...

2008-12-20T19:21:00.000-08:00

It is about break time from school and I am off to my other life 900 miles away for Christmas and family time. Have packages and cards waiting for me to open on Christmas Day. Hope to make a hop to Memphis to see Graceland for a couple of days. Merry Christmas - Peace out!

Quilting...

2008-12-14T17:32:00.000-08:00

Today I spend the day with my friend who owns a quilt shop and here is what I got done. This heart quilt is for Karen in Australia and the little bag is for Denise in Maine. The bag pattern is from www.lazygirldesigns.com. I just have to make a tablerunner and 2 more purses and I will be caught up and done for Christmas.

Chookyblue's Christmas Swap............

2008-12-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

Since I will be celebrating Christmas in the great corrupt state of Illinois, I decided to open my Christmas pressie from Australia. It was a wonderful package done by Lurline. She made a wonderful tablerunner and the little fabric basket. Got a snowman dressed in purple and everything else. Thanks, Lurline.

Happy Thanksgiving..............

2008-11-27T16:39:00.000-08:00

It is time count our blessings ..............and wish everyone a happy holiday season.

Someones having a give away on their blog!

2008-11-06T08:26:00.001-08:00

Christine C is having a give away on her blog. So pop on over and enter the drawing.

http://onceuponaquilt.blogspot.com/

Also still time to pop on over to www.swap-bot.com and sign up for the New Year New Handbag swap until 11/15/08.

Ruth

New Swap!!!!

2008-10-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

I am hosting a New Year - New Handbag Swap on http://www.swap-bot.com/. So check it out. Swap deadline is January 15, 2009. Come on and check it out. I love getting new purses and handbags. The swap is posted under handmade, fabric or handbags.

Ruth

Linda's Bag/Bucket Swap!!

2008-09-19T17:20:00.000-07:00

I received a wonderful tote bag from Rachel in Australia. It is done in batiks and is fabulous. A very big thank you Rachel for the wonderful bag.

The winner is .................

2008-09-12T18:29:00.001-07:00

The winner of the bag is ............................................

................................................. Karen please contact me with your snailmail address.

I have had a very easy week for the first week of school. I only have two students and they have only attended about 2 1/2 days because of transportation problems with the bus company. Off to quilt the entire weekend can't wait.

Ruth

The time has come......

2008-08-31T07:08:00.000-07:00

Well it is time to hit the road back to NJ today. I hate to leave and go back to work but my other life is calling and it will be great to get a paycheck again and see my new students this fall. After a family BBQ, I am on the road again. Don't forget to sign up for my end of summer give away will be drawing a winner on September 5th.

Ruth

Give away for the end of summer

2008-08-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

It is almost the end of my summer vacation time and I will be heading back to NJ Sunday Aug 31st and then it is back to work on September 2nd. I am doing a give away of a very nice corduroy bag so leave me a comment between now and September 5th and I will choose a winner then. I am off to enjoy the rest of my summer and do some housecleaning at my little bungalow in Illinois.

Ruth

Butterfly House in Chesterfield, MO

2008-08-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

My SIL and I went to the Butterfly House in Chesterfield on Monday. I took a few photos to share with everyone. It is really a nice way to spend a few hours.

Summer gardening

2008-08-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

My siblings and I are in the process of trying to sell my mother's estate in Edwardsville, IL. Once we do that we can settle up everything. I dug some daylilies from one of her lots and moved them to my yard.

Camping....Cabelas...........

2008-08-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

I went and bought a tent and sleeping bags today. My brothers and sister-in-law and me are going camping in two weeks. Once we sell my mom's estate I will be able to get an ATV to ride with them. We are going to Mark Twain National Forest. Can't wait to swim in the Black River.

Quiting Treasurers Trunk Show

2008-07-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

Some photos from trunk show from New Berlin, NY quilt show on July 20th.

Purse

2008-07-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of a purse I made during a class in March. I love bright colors and batiks.

Bag/Bucket Swap and vacation.

2008-07-26T08:46:00.001-07:00

This is the fabric that I bought for my swap partners bag. It is going to be a fall theme. I have about six weeks before I return to work again after Labor Day. We went on a little vacation to New Berlin, NY for a few days and to Atlantic City, NJ. This is a picture of the Preferred Manor where we stayed in New Berlin. It was built in 1831.

Projects

2008-07-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

I have purchased three more projects to try and finish this summer. I spend a lot of time hanging at the Quilters Cottage in Allentown, NJ and a lady had brought in her finished projects and one of them was a blue anf yellow quilt. It was fabulous and since I found a kit at Sweet Annies in Troy IL I had to have it. Above is a picture of my red, white and blue quilt from a swap from Quilting around the World group I belong to.

Its summer time and the quilting is easy.....

2008-07-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

Finally have reached summer vacation and now I can get some quilting done. Just bought a blue/yellow lap quilt kit yesterday and can't wait to do it. I'm going quilting at church on Thursday to. Had some bad news about possible cancer scare so hopefully that will turn out alright.

It's been awhile

2008-04-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

Update, I have started going to the local quilt shop on the weekends to sew and have actually made some progress on projects. I may even teach a class!

Ruth

More fabric......

2008-02-24T12:11:00.000-08:00

The crime of it all started cleaning up yesterday and found more new fabric and projects. Guess I will have to purge some of this fabric and still have more in storage. So went shopping and got some shamrock fabric for postcards today from Joanns. Less than a month to spring break now and a quilting retreat. I am so looking forward to this break. We have state testing in about three weeks and my kids I teach don't handle testing that well at all. So looking forward to spring now it can't get here fast enough and also my birthday on Easter Monday.

Ruth

Welcome to my world....

2008-02-17T07:39:00.000-08:00

Here I go hope this helps me to finish up some of my UFO's and I have quite a few of those. I my went to quilt store to sign up for a purse class and ended up buying another table runner to add the project list