Wednesday, May 18, 2011

I'm Baaaaack . . . , Again . . .


I'm back, does it seem like I've been gone for just forever? It sure seems that way to me, I don't think I've ever spent so many consecutive days away from home, ever!

Where to begin, how about the beginning . . . .

My first stop was in Indianapolis for a little 13.1 mile race around town.

Here I am with 30,647 of my nearest and dearest running buddies.

13,945 folks crossed the finish line before me, but 16,702 finished behind me, so I think that's pretty good. Additionally, I had a new personal best record of 2:16:34. I was hoping for a time closer to 2:10, maybe next time.

Following the race I accepted my finishers medal, took a shower and jumped on a plane for Salt Lake City, Utah.

I never tired of looking up and seeing these beautiful mountains. Where I live, it's flat, very flat, which made me appreciate this view all the more.

So this is why I flew to Salt Lake City,



Wild Air.

Isn't she a beauty! Those little flying geese surrounding the center squares and in the border are my favorite part of the quilt, I just love all 656 of them.

This is a new pattern by Carrie Nelson for Miss Rosie's Quilt Company.

The Corn Wagon Quilt Company in Springville, Utah hosted two Carrie Nelson classes, I took them both and had the best time.



Here's Carrie with a block from a fellow student who's using Bliss, I think it will make a wonderful Wild Air. There was also an Eventide version, Fig Tree version, French General version and 16 other versions that escape me now.

I'm going with Annandale by Jo Morton for Andover Fabrics.


Here's the flying geese block. The pattern calls for the outer corner squares to be a different fabric from the center, but I'm thinking about going with the same fabric for the center and outer squares. Several other folks in the class were thinking the same thing. I'll just have to make a few blocks each way, then decide.

Yes, I only made the one flying geese block in class! It was a social group, by the time we got set up, introduced ourselves, and listened to Carrie's instructions and information regarding Wild Air, it was time for lunch, which was delicious. This was the most friendly group of quilters I've ever had the pleasure of taking a class with. The majority of the quilters knew each other and participate in BOM or other classes regularly. There were a few of us new to the group, be we were all warmly welcomed.

I decided I would take advantage of meeting new quilters and spent the majority of my time socializing. I have a whole summer ahead of me of alone time in my sewing room, it felt great to chat and visit with fellow quilters while I had the opportunity.



Here's my one class block with my alternate blocks. This color is a real change of pace for me. My first fabric choice for Wild Air was Barbara Brackman's Civil War Reunion, but after I cut it all out, I just felt the colors didn't work my alternate blocks, so two days before class I changed to Annandale. I'm still not 100% confident this is a good fabric selection either, time will tell. It sure is different from the look and feel of the pattern quilt.


Here are a few ladies who drove from Idaho for the class!!

Wild Air is one of 3 new full size patterns that Carrie designed for market. It finishes at 76" x 76". This pattern is just now making its way to quilt shops near you but I have one that I'm giving away, plus Carrie was kind enough to personalize it.

I haven't blogged for 10 days so to be eligible to win this pattern leave a comment telling us something that made you giggle over the last ten days. I'll announce the winner Saturday.

For tomorrow, class two and another pattern giveaway, don't miss it!


Official C n D disclaimer; I purchased the pattern Wild Air, Carrie Nelson did not ask me to blog about this pattern or promote this pattern. If I never blogged about a Carrie Nelson pattern she would not see a difference in pattern sales, she does just fine without any help from me.

68 comments:

  1. I got to spend a week playing with my two year old grandson. He kept me entertained, needless to say, many laughs. It was fun watching him cuddle up in the train quilt I made him. It is so sweet and warms my heart when he gives me a hug and kiss and says "Oh, Gram-ma".

    You are so lucky to get to take a class from Carrie! I hope sometime I get to take a class from her. Maybe my quilt guild will have her as a speaker? Thanks so much for sharing with us.

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  2. Welcome back! Something that made me giggle. My husband. By day, a serious professional, at night at home, total goober! He always makes me laugh and I am so lucky to have him!

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  3. So good to see you back Thelma...I missed you! Seeing all the new fabrics and displays over the past week posted by those who attended Spring Market has made me giggle and be giddy with anticipation....there are some absolutely gorgeous new fabrics coming out !!! Would love to try out Carrie's new pattern and the disclaimer...that made me laugh even though I understand why you wrote it!

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  4. You totally impress and amaze me with your running ability!! I think I need to aspire that one day. I feel it in my gut! Love the quilt what better reason to fly to Salt Lake City than a class with Carrie Nelson. The quilt is a beauty.

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  5. My almost 6 year old daughter makes me laugh everyday. Thanks for the chance to win. Carrie has such wonderful patterns.

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  6. Love hearing about your trip and reading Carrie's "Louisa and Thelma" version. Trying to get our local guild to have Carrie for class and program. Maybe one day. Oh gosh, I think I'll avoid those tiny flying geese. Not my favorite block:) Cooper must be glad to have you home. Great race!

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  7. While you were away, I had the pleasure of taking a class with Kim Diehl. It was a great 2 days of learning invisible machine applique, food and lots of laughter. I would love to take a class with Carrie someday too.
    Your Thelma and Louise post made me laugh.

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  8. Welcome back! What a cool way to spend your ten days!! I love the Annandale line; of course anything Jo Morton usually tickles my fancy. :-D My son is a runner, and he completed a 5K this past weekend. His time was not what he hoped but better than his best friend! :-D Their rivalry makes me laugh -- only boys could have such intense competition and remain the best of friends!!
    Blessings,
    Mary Lou

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  9. Fun time away!! I will do market someday. I'm so jealous!

    The new pattern is yummy. How many geese? Eek!!

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  10. My giggle is I have a wonderful new job. I am so excited!

    Your trip sounds wonderful. Happy quilting!

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  11. I flew all the way to Calgary (I live in Toronto) to take a class on Cracked Pots with Carrie, and I loved every minute of it. I'm still working on the top - there are a zillion pieces!

    In the past I would have shied away from a pattern with so many flying geese, but thanks to someone showing how she used the Fit to be Geese ruler on her blog, I purchased one and am now the queen of geese! That is one reason why I read blogs - to learn things from other people without having to try everything myself.

    Something that made me smile in the past 10 days was finally watching the movie "The Blind Side" and remembering that there are still a lot of people with good hearts.

    I don't comment often, but I read your blog faithfully!

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  12. Your quilt is going to be gorgeous, Thelma, and I think you are absolutely right about not using a different color for the corners. Thank you for the opportunity to win the pattern. Last night I giggled and giggled as I played and replayed the video of my younger son swooping around the highchair to make his one-year-old son laugh hysterically.

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  13. Welcome back, Thelma. I love Wild Air! Glad you had a good time and I'm anxious to hear more about your trip.

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  14. Wow congrats on crossing the line for the marathon!! What a great accomplishment. And I love your block!! The pattern with the blue insets looks awesome. My SIL was telling her granddaughter Alana that she carried her daddy in her tummy. Alana looked at her grandma and told her "Oh NO Granny, it was your tomb!" My SIL told Alana, well actually it was my womb. Alana looked at her and said "Well I got the ooom part right". We really had a laugh over that. Thanks for sharing about your trip and fun class. Glad you are back online.

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  15. The other day my cockapoo had a sneezing fit. He is so cute when he sneezed it makes the whole family laugh to watch him.

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  16. Welcome home, love your choice for the quilt. Something that makes me giggle is getting together with friends for coffee, and discussing the woes of the world. With the different humour's at the table, we always end up in fits of laughter. It is a highlight of the month.

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  17. Wish I could have met up with you at the conventions center! For some reason I wasn't hearing the ringer with all the noise...by the time I called back and left the message you were probably gone?

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  18. I found how to make dimmensional flowers from adapted circles on LizzieB Creative. So I made my sample and had to giggle at the "strings" from the hot glue on my fingers, connected to the flower pieces, and all over the counter. It did however, out nicely.
    O.K. it's not a quilt, but I love my last creations and wouldn't giggle over them.

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  19. Congratulations on your "best" time. That is awesome. I like your fabric choice of Annandale but I am a big Jo fan. My youngest granddaughter took her first steps last week. It is so darn cute to watch you can't help but laugh. What a joy! Thank you for the opportunity to win a great pattern. You are so lucky to have another "Carrie" live experience.
    Mary

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  20. Finished a top just to realize that one of the center blocks was rotated in the wrong direction, almost cried but decided to laugh instead. Decided to leave it that way. Now the recipient will have proof it was handmade! Patty E

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  21. something that made me laugh...swimming with my kiddos in the backyard pool...ALWAYS fun!

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  22. oh, how fun to take a class with Carrie...my last giggle was just yesterday. I got to pick up 3 grandchildren after school, feed them dinner, give baths, supervise homework and then we all snuggled in to watch (according to the 3 year old) "Miss Mary Poppins"...

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  23. Heee. I am pushing my limit to speed walk a 10K, so I'm really impressed that you can run a half marathon!

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  24. Laughing... I love to laugh.... my Mom had an accident at home.... she is 82. She fell and cut open her arm and needed to go to the hospital. I need to get her dressed and she was auditioning clothes to wear to the emergency room... I knew she would be fine because of this. It was 12:30 in the morning and she wanted to wear something nice. I went in my p.j.'s and running shoes. My brother who drove us also stopped and got dressed also. I did decide that I could not wear these p.j.'s ever again and threw them out. It still makes me giggle... Emily Gail Wyett

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  25. make me giggle reading Carries post about the car ride and the wrong airport !!!!!
    How I wish I could have taken the class with her too!
    ok going to be dreaming about the wild air geese all day now!
    Kathie

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  26. Something that made me giggle? My cleaning lady came today. That always makes me giggle with pure joy. :)

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  27. Ohhh...I love flying geese and I love Carrie's patterns! :) Thanks for the chance to win! I had lots of giggles this week as I was at an annual quilting retreat with some very good friends. So much fun!!

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  28. btw you should be very happy with your time
    thats amazing! congrats!
    Kathie

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  29. I love flying geese! What a gorgeous quilt, and I think your choice of fabrics will work brilliantly. Dalai Lina makes me laugh all the time! http://dalailina.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/excusez-moi-but-my-calamari-appears-to-have-eyes/
    Thanks for a chance to win!

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  30. Wow! What fun to take classes from Carrie Nelson!! Her "Thelma & Louise" blog was sweet and funny--although I seriously doubt you were laughing during the Garmin crisis! My last giggle was over sharing a childhood memory of my sister with a friend who was helping me expedite paperwork for the closing on my dad's house 2500 miles away. That day the choices were to be really mad at the legal office and their time-related demands or to laugh because they were going to have to deal with my sister and THAT would be a sight to see!! (She does not suffer fools gladly)!! Jan

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  31. I have to admit I had a giggle moment, but when I read Emily Wyett's comment about her mother trying to figure out what to wear to the hospital, it made me laugh--my mom did the same thing--and it was when she was having a heart attack! She's fine (it was five years ago), but she still like to get new clothing, even at 85. I watched that Jewel video (where she does undercover karaoke) and I laughed at that. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmv1VhrtYRo

    I just have to say, your race sounds so impressive! Congratulations!!

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  32. Last Friday evening we got to babysit our 9 month old granddaughter. While giving her a bath in the kitchen sink, she decided it was time to splash her granddad and she soaked the entire front of his t-shirt, while she sat and grinned at him! Thanks for the chance.

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  33. Welcome back! What a fun time you've been having.
    My son is a silly boy. At 23 he likes to pretend he's a full grown adult. Last Thursday he was my driver as I had just had my eyes dilated. He was good, trying not to drive my car too fast even to the point of being slow. So this weekend when he was having a tantrum about there being no "mac & cheese" in the house. I think it was too much too soon. He needs to age gracefully. Of course I had to laugh at him!

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  34. So glad you are back safe and sound! Missed your posts for the last 10 days. Your classes and adventures sound like so much fun!

    What makes me giggle? My 17 year-old daughter played the part of the evil crow that worked for Maleficent in "Sleeping Beauty" this past Saturday night. She was hilarious with her caw-ing, black wings, and her orange beak!
    *sillysally*

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  35. Everyone giggled and cheered when the final 1121st person walked across the stage at graduation and she threw her hands up in the air to celebrate!

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  36. Talked to our 8 year old grandson who will be coming for a 2 week visit in June. He asked if I made gi-nor-mous meatballs. They were the size of a tennis ball. He assured me that he could eat 2 of them. So, guess I'll honor his request. Thanks for the chance to win the pattern, it's a great one.

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  37. My 2 1/2 year old chasing his slightly younger cousin around with arms wide open saying "hug hug" with little response from his cousin. It was pretty funny.
    I like your Annandale fabric choice. Love them and think it will look great.

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  38. I'm not sure we giggle around here. We outright LAUGH! This morning it was over my remake rendition of Eleanor Rigby, picking up rice in the church where the wedding had been, then cooked it up for supper....

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  39. So happy for you--both for the marathon and taking a class from Carrie--one of these days! I did a happy dance on Monday after one of those awful procedures from a doctor. I am good for another five years! YEAH!

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  40. I missed you! Glad you're back and that you had a great time away!
    Great new project to jump into!
    One of the things that made me laugh this week was when my Mom visited my sewing room, looked at the quilt I had just finished, screwed up her face and said "is it menopause that is making you sew these quilts that are so hard on the eyes"?!?!? Nope...it's just my crazy self!

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  41. Our Guild, the Hawaiian Quilt Guild, here in Honolulu had our yearly show. I "sat" the show twice, but a friend and I laughed because we did not "sit" the show, we stood, searched, and scolded! (We had to gently ask people not to touch...) I met some wonderful people, including three ladies from Austalia, and we laughed over a quilt challenge they were doing--they made it so challenging that no one completed it!

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  42. I giggled last week while watching my grandson who was home sick from school. He's a cute little 9 year old and says the sweetest things! Love me some Miss Carrie!!

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  43. I worked with Dr Jones yesterday and every time I would think of his name I would smile as it reminded me of Indiana Jones and his little oriental helper always calling him "Dr Jones, Dr Jones". It is not as funny when you write it tho... :)

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  44. Welcome baaack!!! So missed reading your post :( I had to go searching for other blogs to fill my void and read Rosie's blog about Thelma and Louise, too funny!! It gave me a Thelma fix :) Love your new fabric choices and think you should keep them. I have some of that Jo Morton fabric too but don't have the cream background for the variable star, is that another line? Glad to have you back :)

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  45. It's my youngest son's 17th birthday today and he's standing by me licking the cake mix for his birthday cake out of the bowl - and yes he has got some on the end of his nose!

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  46. What made me giggle today was hearing about a football player called Fitz Hall - his nickname is One Size!

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  47. You have been busy - and productive. Congratulations! I guess you have a Long Tall Sally to show us as well.
    My sons always make me laugh. They're all grown up but 3 of them are still at home for some reason and do make life interesting.

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  48. Congratulations on your time with the race! And it looks like you had a wonderful time. What made me giggle this week - well, it's something that made me cry too - my son asked a girl to the prom. I was so excited for him and the way he asked her made me giggle like I was schoolgirl herself. He gave her a teddy bear holding a rose with a note asking her to go to the prom. But it made me cry too - my baby is growing up!

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  49. Congrats on the race..finishing is a huge accomplishment, let alone ahead of all the others! Your disclaimer made me giggle...love it!

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  50. As an addition to my son's graduation (Master's Degree) card, I inserted a picture of him from the kindergarten Easter parade wearing a bunny hat with hundreds of cotton balls glued on it. Pretty funny if you ask me!!

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  51. Yesterday morning, on my way to work, I saw a woman walking two dogs. One was a small little mixed breed of some sort. The other, a very regal standard poodle who had obviously just been groomed. The poof on her head was a beautiful silvery color. The large poof surrounding her chest and back was bright hot pink, and the poofs around each foot were bright purple. I giggled all the way to work. It was a real doggie fashion statement.

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  52. Welcome back...oh your vacation sounds beyond wonderful...love the quilt. Congratulations on a great finish!

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  53. Yeah! You're back! And your disclaimer made me laugh!!

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  54. When we met you didn't tell me you had just come from running a half marathon! Congrats on that achievement! It was so wonderful to finally meet you in person. I hope we get a chance to do it again.
    I was reading Carrie's version of your adventures and I just couldn't stop smiling. What a wonderful time you gals had!
    Your quilt promises to be a beauty.

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  55. This is the first time I read your blog, really glad I found it after reading Carrie's description of your time together. My 2 yr old granddaughter made me giggle yesterday. We were watching Toe Sorey (Toy Story), she looked at me, said I was a sweetie and her bef fen (best friend). I LOVE her!!!

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  56. My family consists of hubby, myself, son, 17, daughter, 15, and daughter 13. We actually sit down together and watch The Middle on tv and we laugh and laugh. And it's absolutely wonderful that we all laugh together. I'd recommend watching The Middle if you don't already!

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  57. Awesome new pattern! That is so nice that you had a great group of women at your class... even if you only got one block finished, I count it as a success if you learn something, meet someone and share some laughs.
    I'm not a YouTube junkie but DIL showed this to me and it makes me laugh. You will want to share this "story" with Cooper.

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  58. I went to see "Bridesmaids" with 2 of my girl friends this afternoon. Actually we did more than giggle-we laughed and laughed. It's a good chick flick. I've missed your blog this past week but figured you were at market.

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  59. First of all congratulations on your Indy run! So awesome! Your time was smokin fast! I can promise you I would've been in the group of the 16000 that finished after you!! Second, very cool that you took another couple of classes with Carrie!! That's on my to-do list. Love your Wild Air with Jo fabrics. I think it's going to be a stunner! I think that reproduction fabric in that pattern with all those flying teases is perfect.

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  60. My 4 cats and 1 dog make me giggle at least once a day. I had to laugh this evening when I lay down to do some crunches and one of my cats thought it was a good opportunity to climb on my stomach. It really makes the exercise that much harder to do! Congratulations on finishing the race!

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  61. Thelma,
    Welcome back! I enjoyed hearing of your trip activities. Great job on your race, I am impressed. How fun you were also able to take in two more of Carrie's quilting classes.
    This week I read on Amandajean's blog "crazy mom quilts", the cutest story that gave me a chuckle. Amandajean's latest quilt finish is an applique quilt. Her young daughter ended up "inadvertently" naming the quilt "Apple Cake"--her very own word for applique. Isn't that precious? I loved it.

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  62. Sounds like you had a lot of fun, Thelma! I do love reading about all your adventures. To be honest, I don't think I have laughed over the past ten days as I am helping my husband settle my mother-in-law's estate and disposing of her personal effects. Just one of those sad times we all have to go through.

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  63. I would love to join you and the others in a Carrie class! And Wild Air is an awesome quilt! As for giggling, I regularly check www.wimp.com, which is a website that posts positive videos. Some are funny, some inspiring, and some with really cool information. We've had some good laughs at some of the videos on there in the last 2 weeks.

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  64. I could never tackle the pattern on my own- SEW ALONG Thelma!!!!
    Congrats on the mini. I signed up for my first half marathon a couple weeks ago. Walking, not running.
    I've chuckled a lot over the last 10 days. Most from stories from my nephews and niece.

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  65. It was fun hearing about your race, and the first class with Carrie Nelson. Beautiful pattern!
    The best giggle I've had lately had to do with one of our cats. Cats, just like people, all have their own personalities, likes and dislikes. This cat loves canteloupe melon -- so much so that she jumped up on the counter and ate a big hole into the canteloupe melon sitting there, just purchased from the grocery store. She wasn't there when I came into the kitchen, but she left clear evidence. What could I do but laugh.
    Debbie R.

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  66. My grandaughter makes me giggle. Love your quilts.

    Judy

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  67. So glad you're back. I've been checking for your updates daily! My 3 year old dropped a marshmallow on the floor the other day and said "marshamallows on the loose!" I couldn't stop laughing - where to these kids come up with these things?

    Glad you're back and blogging!

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  68. i giggled when i read your disclaimer ... and then i read what Carrie Nelson wrote on the pattern and NOW i need a new keyboard cuz i WAS drinking a cuppa sumpin and it is ALL OVER the keys!

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