Block of the Month Nitty Gritty

yesterday I posted some pictures of the progress made on my Block of the Month quilt under the PROJECTS tap at the top of my Blog. I thought that some of you might be interested in how this whole "mystery" block of the month works.

On the designated date each month I attend a little "block reveal" meeting at my local quilt shop. If I bring the completed block from last month with me, I get the kit for the new block free. If I haven't finished last months block then the new kit cost $6.oo.

The kit looks like this. It contains fabric and directions.

I cut out all of my pieces

using these amazing templates

and this tiny little rotary cutter.

When I'm done cutting I end up with a tiny little pile of scraps. There is not a lot of extra fabric provided, so you have to be very careful cutting, unless....

You buy Block of the Month insurance. A fat quarter of each of the fabrics used in the quilt. I bought the insurance, because I like to play it safe. Knock on wood I have not had to use it yet. I do like knowing that it's there.

I don't know it that helps explain everything, but maybe it gives you a better idea of how I'm spending my time.
Sally

Happy Blogaversary!

I can't believe that I let the one year anniversary of this Blog go unmentioned. It was last July 15th that I started this little piece of myself, and honestly I never thought that I'd still be doing it. It was going to be something to keep me busy until I found a job. Who knew that I would enjoy documenting almost every little detail of our lives so much? Oh, maybe all of my scrapbooking buddies knew. Well, it doesn't really matter. What started out as a way to share our new home with family and friends has turned in to a little bit more than that. Thanks to all of you who tune in regularly to catch up with us. I'm always a surprised when someone mentions having read the blog. It's a happy surprise, just like the happy surprise that arrived in the mail last week. Barb and Jorge, off on their summer vacation thought of me and sent this adorable vase and coaster as an early Birthday gift. They want me to use them on my deck, which I would gladly be doing if it weren't 100 degrees and raining outside. I have the greatest friends ever! Thanks guys, can't wait to give you both hugs in person.

Sally

Producin'

Boy did we make out big time at the farmer's market on Saturday. Our $20.00 allotment went a long way this week. Some of the above actually came from my garden, the beans, carrots and little tiny onions, everything else we brought home from the market.

Peaches, tomatoes, corn, eggplant, bread and goat cheese. Not bad for just $20.00. Alan says that we actually had another 50 cents to spend, but our bag was full and it was time to go.

We had a fun, busy weekend catching up on chores and projects. Grace and I took Alan to see the last Harry Potter movie. We ate popcorn for lunch and then tried to balance that with a salad for dinner. Hopefully when they weigh me at the Doctor's office on Tuesday all of my summer workouts and healthy eating will have paid off.

Sally

Weekend In Chicago

Grace and I spent the weekend in Chicago with our good friend Jacqueline. I didn't take many pictures, but I can tell you that the weather was perfect, we did a lot of shopping and eating of wonderful food.
The reason for the trip was to pick up Grace's visa for Spain. Apparently these things can't be mailed and MUST be picked up by the person they are issued to.
It all worked out perfectly. Highlights besides visiting with Jacqueline were
a trip to IKEA, watching the new Harry Potter movie in the fanciest theater I've ever been to and eating and "touring" the Bass Pro Shop. Hey, don't knock it till you try it. We had the best seafood and wonderful service because Jacqueline's sister and brother-in-law work for the company.

If it weren't for the 5 hour drive which turns into 6 hours because of all of the traffic, I'd be visiting Chicago on a much more regular basis. It's such a beautiful city with so much to see and do.

Now we are home and getting ready to deal with a massive heat wave. The good news is that my tomato plants are loving it.

Stay cool, I'll get back with you soon.

Sally

A Lite Little Dinner

I know that you know that it's HOT. Too hot to cook. My solution to that is just don't. The other night we enjoyed some bruchette and a tomato mozzarella salad with a big bowl of the sweetest, juiciest cherries ever. That's how we stay cool Louisville.

Sally

Baby Giraffe

Saturday was Giraffe Day at the zoo. We were all so excited to get to see the new baby. This is the first time he has been out while we've been there and even though he's 8 feet tall already, he looks so tiny next to all of the grown ups. What a cutie pie. We don't know his name. The middle sized looking giraffe was born last year and his name is

Oliver. What funny animals.

Sally

Cool Snack For A HOT Day

It's July and it's HOT as blazes here and just about everywhere. I'm beating the heat with pink lemonade and the best zucchini bread ever.

Oh, and I added a little honey walnut cream cheese because we had some in the fridge and I didn't want it to go bad. I hope you are staying cool. Let me know if you have any great ideas, that don't include spending a ton of money.

Sally

PS The zucchini bread recipe is under the I Love the Taste of tab at the top of my blog.