Introducing Maxwell!

These are the first photos of our new addition, Maxwell. Since he is only a month old, he is still living with his momma and Cathy Kirby in Virginia. He will get to come home with me in June after the Scottie convention in Cincinnati. In the bottom photo, he is the puppy on the left of the brindle. He has 6 brothers and sisters. I think he is a real cutie-pie and can't wait to hold him!

Sweet Dreams Little Buddy

It is with great sadness that I tell you that our Grand Old Gentleman Scottie Fraser went to the Rainbow Bridge today to be with his pals Angus & Abbey. He worsened overnight and there was nothing more the oncologists at the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital could do for him. I would like to thank Dr Abbo, Dr Knapp, Amalia, Patty and all of the others who took such good care of Fraser during his visits. He always seemed to enjoy "going visiting" at the hospital. He was much loved and will be greatly missed. Sweet Dreams Buddy -- I love you & miss you.

A Grand Old Scottie

This is a recent photo of our 12-1/2 yr old scottie Fraser. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in August 2006. Until recently he has been doing very well with his chemo treatments. Unfortunately, it appears that he is developing other health issues with his liver. He is a wonderful "gentleman scottie" and still likes a good meal and treats!

A New Hobby

Last month I bought a BabyLock Embellisher machine, which is basically a needle felting machine. I tried a friends machine at our monthly Fiber Arts group meeting and liked it so much I had to have one. Here are some samples that I have made with my new machine. Also a photo of the machine. I am hoping to get inspired for a project making use of these samples. The are made with wool felt, yarn and other odds and ends.

Rona gets Groomed

I took Rona to be professionally groomed yesterday - she is just too much for me to handle by myself. She was pretty nasty to the groomer, but as least she didn't bite her! (but not for lack of trying!!)

Before photo above -- after photo below

Spring at Last!!

Spring finally made it to Indiana -- our flowering crab apple is just beautiful!! The lilacs are overloaded with blooms too.

Earthquake - Midwestern style!!

At approximately 5:36 a.m., we felt the effects of a 5.2 magnitude earthquake that was centered near Salem IL. I was still asleep, but it sounded like a herd of raccoons playing chase on the roof! A few hours later, we had an aftershock from a second earthquake that registered 4.5. I still think we are having earthquakes in the midwest because Texaco shut down their oil drilling & refining operation in Lawrenceville IL. But, I am not a geologist, so who knows for sure!

Chicago Quilt Show

Pam, Mary & I getting ready to shop 'til we drop at the International Quilt Festival at the Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL. Lots of beautiful quilts, and lots of fantastic vendors who helped us strengthen the economy! haha

Snow - Again!

Another 3-4 inches of snow Thurs & Fri - just enough to be annoying! I am really ready for spring to arrive!!

2008 Scottie Collectors Convention

Cincinnati Scottie Friends are presenting the 2008 Scottie Collectors Convention "25th Scottie Family Reunion - Scottie Celebrations" to be held June 18 - 21, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Eastgate, Cincinnati OH.

Four non-stop days of scottie everything! Room hopping/shopping begins after wednesday evening check-in and reception. Thursday includes Show & Tell and the highlight is the Auction with Leighton Turner, auctioneer extraordinaire! Friday is the scottie Extravaganza Sale -- load up on collectibles!! Saturday is the Old Display - where it is possible to see scottie treasures beyond your imagination~ Saturday evening is the banquet and the infamous Fashion Show, which must been seen to be believed!

A great time is had by one and all!! For more information, please contact Cincinnati Scottie Friends at cincinnatiscottyfriends@fuse.net I promise if you love scotties, you will LOVE the convention!

The obsessive collector!

70 pair of scottie socks -- I do buy duplicates in order to "save" a pair and wear a pair, but only one of each are counted in this picture. Just wait until I upload the 100+ pair of scottie pajamas!!

Close up of quilting machine

These are close ups of my Weekender 10-inch throat quilting machine. Still working on that practice fabric! I plan on loading a panel to practice on this afternoon!

Star baby quilt

Star baby quilt made for a co-workers "new" baby, who is almost 4 years old! Hey, I never said I was fast!! Machine pieced. Long-arm quilted by Ruthie using the "popcorn" panto with King Tut variegated thread. This quilt is 48 x 48.

"Leaf Summer Behind" quilt

This is my "Leaf Summer Behind" quilt from the 2006 Illiana Shop Hop. Machine pieced and appliqued. Long arm quilted by my friend Ruthie with the "autumn oaks" panto and variegated autumn colors Star thread. This quilt is 65 x 65.

My new quilting machine & frame

Weekender 10-inch throat quilting machine and Hinterberg regular frame - poles are 72" in length. Practice fabric loaded -- still need lots of practice before tackling a real quilt!!