Things I Like Thursdays Jul 26

Greetings!

Well, things are almost back to normal after being so sick for a month.  Still have to do breathing treatments 4 x day which I'm grateful for, but have to take with me to my daughters house while taking care of my grandson again 3 days a week.
Today, he goes to the high school for picture ID day.  It will be his first time there. All those kids will be quite a shock but he is excited to see what we are talking about.
 Also, my daughter got him a "Gizmo" phone which is for young kids (contains a GPS). We  have 2 weeks to teach him how to use it and learn to communicate where he is and what he's doing in case of emergencies. It's a watch which is on his right arm (which he does not use due to a stroke at 2 weeks old). But, he can use his left fingers to push a button to call mom, dad or me which is pre programmed. Technology is so vital for special needs persons. I'm in awe.
 I hope this works well for him as we are all so concerned for his safety in a public high school. He was in kindergarten through 8th grade in one public school where everyone knew him all those years. This will be different for him.  He will be in one classroom for the 4 years, tho. Just wanted to share an insight to our little world.

In the meantime, I have a few other "likes" this week:

1. Chocolate banana ice cream.  The recipe is at joybauer.com.

Very easy,healthy,  made mostly with bananas and can be dairy free if you use alternate milk products. It was very tasty.

2.  Backing for the "Patched and Squares" quilt. I did not have any backing that "fit" so I went through my leftover layer cakes from projects over the years and barely made a backing big enough:

I laid out 30 layer cakes and just sewed them together.  THAT was pretty easy and used up stash. I'll share a finished project later.

3. Bicycle place mats.  I still had some scraps leftover from the Bicycle quilt, so I made some place mats to match, but I wish I'd made them bigger.

 I think they're about 11 x 15 inches- too small. But, they're awfully cute. Talk about a "squirrel" project.  I had the leftover fabric pieces still on the cutting table.  I dropped everything and sewed 2 place mats. done. I still have fabric pieces left.  Maybe some more  will be made in the future, but not right now, when I'm so busy.

That's it for me this week, gotta get ready to leave.  Please join us at Lee Anna's post:Not Afraid of Color for more"likes".

Stay cool friends!
mary

Things I like Thursdays Jul 19

Greetings!

Hope everyone is keeping cool.  This has been a crazy summer of weather for sure. We are in the throes of monsoon here so the humidity is high which is playing havoc on my breathing.  But, I have several "likes" to share with you this week:

1. My new DASH machine.  So I went to Bed Bath and Beyond for a weight scale on sale and ended up with this little 4 inch electric griddle.  I can cook an egg on it, a large chocolate chip cookie, grilled cheese English muffin, etc.  But, what I wanted it for is making small Parmesan cheese snacks.

Yes, another kitchen appliance, but I've used this several times already in just a few days. And, no turning the oven on to heat up the house!  Here's a photo of my Parm chips:

Just fresh grated Parmesan cheese-cooked in a minute.  I also made some combined with cheddar but I liked the Parm better.

I ate more than I stored in an air- tight container for snacks later. They are about 50 calories with 4 grams protein. They are a little chewy but good.

2. My Lulu Lane finished quilt.

It's 57 x 57 inches made with  the Charms on Point pattern from MSQC. here's the backing:

Doesn't it look like a pieced backing?  It's from MSQC (on a great sale) called Spring Bunny Fun by Stacy lest Hsu for Moda.  I wish I purchased more of this fabric. This will probably be a donation quilt 'cause it'so cheery.

3. Egg roll in a bowl. This recipe can be found at tiphero.com .  So, so easy-basically browned pork sausage with shredded cabbage mix and a simple Asian sauce. Just like the insides of an egg roll.

This was so good I ate it right out of the pot! I love Chinese food but can't have soy sauce;  so I made my sauce with the substitute Coco Aminos which turned out perfect.

My health is gradually improving so I'm back to sewing and enjoying my days more.  I couldn't care for my grandson for a month.  Next week I return to taking care of my him  3 days a week, so I'll be busy.  Luckily, he is a joy to tutor and play with. I can't believe he starts high school in 3 weeks! This will be such a dramatic change in his life.  I will be meeting him after school at home this year for the first time, so that will be new also. Life is always changing. ( I'm so grateful for a good lung doctor and meds to improve my breathing). Life is good.

I hope you will join us at Lee Anna's post: Not Afraid of Color for more "likes" which we  need to affirm during these really disturbing times in our American history. I'll just leave that there for now.

Anyway, all of you have a great day and please leave comments - as I enjoy them!
mary😏

Things I like Thursdays Jul 12

Greetings!

Happy July.  Besides the fact I am still laying low mostly cause I can't breathe, I have several things to share with you that I like:

1. Air conditioning .  I know, pretty simple- but the summers here really are brutal:

I don't know if you can see it in this photo but this was at 8 AM last Saturday. Since I have emphysema and now bronchitis, it is vital I keep the temperature cool and dry  now that we are in monsoon season. Luckily it rained Monday night but then the humidity was actually higher than the temp.  This means the A.C. is running non stop which in turn costs me 150% higher per month. But, I couldn't live without it. So thankful it has not failed. Must be a well-built one.

2.  Mini Meatloaf from my mini crock pot!.  I had defrosted 3/4 lb hamburger and couldn't use the oven because it's too hot. I have a huge crock pot I leave on the counter all the time cause it's too heavy to move and use it all the time but this week has been way too hot to run that one.  Then I remembered my mini crock pot (like maybe a quart size). I made a mini round meat loaf:

It is fantastic and took 2.5 hours on high, no heat in the kitchen. I still got 3 meals out of this.  It's the little things, people.

3.  My new "Vortex Scrap" quilting. I have been so miserable with breathing issues, have to stay home for 4 days on meds,  I haven't felt like sewing but I missed it and knew that scrap sewing would be easy on me so I set up my spare machine in the kitchen:

For those of you who follow Amanda Jean at "Crazy Mom Quilts" you will remember her "Vortex Scrap" quilt.  I thought I would try it- so I pulled out most of my scrap bins, turned a movie on and started improv sewing:

First, I just sewed groups of 2 in small sizes.  This is just 2 hours worth and made 100 pieces. Talk about "no think" sewing. It was fun and a great escape from my woes. Then I sewed a hundred more the next day! Finally on the third day I started joining those duals into blocks:

I have 6 blocks already ( I'm gonna pull that pastel block and make a mug rug or something).  This was such fun to use up scraps and be creative with no joined seams. When I've used up the scraps that I've pulled for this small project, then I'll press the blocks, square them to 10 or 11 inches  and join them.  Who knows what that will become.

4. A 'GREAT HEART".  Doesn't that sound nice? As most of you know I have been getting progressively worse with my health since April.  So, as usual, the doctors went crazy ordering tests and letting me "visit" specialists. One of those was a cardiologist. He had me run the Nuclear Stress Test (treadmill) and I got an Echo (ultra sound) of my heart.  After waiting a week for results (and worrying of course), I went for the follow up.  I kid you not, the doctor walked in the room and said " You have a great heart. I see you finished the treadmill, too".  I said "thank you". A great relief.  I just found it funny that he entered the room that way.
What was not funny was the fact it took 5 full minutes for me to catch my breath after the treadmill test. So, it's a pulmonary issue I'm dealing with after all.

5. Thai Cave Boys safe and sound.  I am so very happy to see those 12 boys, their coach and the rescue teams all out safe from that nightmare of a cave. What a miracle rescue.  It was so sad to hear that a diver lost his life there trying to help.
 Today, I noticed the boys in the hospital are looking antsy to get out and home.Typical teenagers.


I hope you all are enjoying the summer and please join us at Lee Anna's post: Not Afraid of Color for more "likes".

Keep cool! It's 167 days till Christmas. Just sayin.
mary🎄

Things i Like Thursdays Jul 5

Greetings!

I'm posting this on Wednesday as I will be busy on Thursday. I hope all of you are enjoying summer and of course, here in the U.S., Independence Day. Here are a few of my likes from this week:

1. Being American: Even though I am not proud of the behavior of many Americans lately, I am proud to be a part of this country:

Happy Independence Day!
There was a new Gallup poll this week:

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This Fourth of July marks a low point in U.S. patriotism. For the first time in Gallup's 18-year history asking U.S. adults how proud they are to be Americans, fewer than a majority say they are "extremely proud." Currently, 47% describe themselves this way, down from 51% in 2017 and well below the peak of 70% in 2003.

How sad.  I don't have solutions for the actual state of affairs we have ourselves in and certainly do not want to turn this post political, but I must hope this is temporary.

On a happier note, here is a salad I made for the 4th:

It's Refreshing Watermelon Cucumber salad at allrecipes.com. I omitted the cheese and onions as we don't care for them.  But, this salad was really good, easy  and refreshing. You're welcome.

2. French Toast with Peanut Butter.

So, many of you may already be aware of this delicacy, but this was a first for me. Yummmm.

3. Blogger site improving.  It's not fixed, but at least I'm getting comments notifications in my email.

Unfortunately, several comments are "no reply blogger' on my email so I am trying to reply individually on that post instead. 

4. The Martin Auto Museum in Phoenix.  We took Thomas to the auto museum and he was so happy.  The staff are so inviting and helpful- they even let him sit in an old Studebaker:

It was the cutest moment. He will remember this for a long time.  

Unfortunately, it's time  to start chores so I can drive to daughter's home later for family fun.  Hope everyone enjoys this day!

I love to hear your comments and also hope you will join us at Lee Anna's post for more likes:Not Afraid of Color.

mary🎆

Things I like Thursdays Jun 28

Greetings.

Hope you all are having a great week.  I'm STILL having health issues with no relief so have another lung doctor appointment today.  I am really annoyed but do have some likes to share with you:

1. This red bell pepper from the Netherlands!

I cannot believe we can't grow red bell peppers here in the U.S.! In the summer-really??
I purchased this at my local Safeway -in a hurry-just needed one-never looked at the sticker till I got home and cracked up laughing.  BTW- it was good!

2. Fairlife Milk.  My daughter found this at a hotel in San Diego while on vacation so I got one at Safeway- $4.99!!!! Say what?

But, I did find it for $3.32 at Walmart which is much more effective for this specially fortified milk.


3.  Re-do of Pyramid Game Show.  ABC tv has provided a Sunday alternative to many depressing dramas.  It's celebrity Pyramid.  We've been enjoying this comedic alternative.

4. Petunias in 110 degrees.  This is crazy but my petunias are still blooming in this awful heat:

I have been so busy with childcare I haven't remembered to trim them so I just took a quick photo last night before chopping them off. I usually trim them every other weekend. The color is much faded but so delicate looking.  I think it must be the seaweed fertilizer I used that has kept them alive this long.

Well, gotta run- stay cool!

Don't forget to join us at Lee Anna's site: Not Afraid of Color
mary

Things I like Thursdays Jun 21

Greetings!

Hi there. Except for the fact that I do not like what's happened with Blogger emails, I do have a few "likes" to share with you this week:

1.  My FREE, I said FREE glucose meter and supplies from my medicare insurance carrier CIGNA.  We are still trying to figure out what is going on with my blood sugar as I have these "attacks".

Having no experience in this area, this is all a little overwhelming. But, after 2 weeks I've got a system going that works to get a record of my blood sugar for my return visit to the doctor later this week.  I'm just so grateful I don't have to spend a fortune on these supplies  as some of my friends do.

I should say I saw a Cardiologist today who is ruling out  heart issues also. Later this month I'll take those tests just to be sure.

2.  2018 RSC blocks year to date. 

Aren't they pretty?  I don't have June done yet which is turquoise/teal. I didn't think I would like this project - but I do now.

3. My new Patched +Squares top.  I was organizing my scraps buckets and came across these 4 x 8 bars I sewed together one afternoon from scraps in 2016. I put them on the design wall:

Then, I cut out 8" squares from Bell Porcelain and sewed them into rows, alternating the bars:

I love it! It only took one afternoon sewing in the kitchen watching a movie! Unfortunately, I went through all my stash and can't find a backing, but- we'll see. This was so easy and so fun to put this top together. . It's 48 x 53 inches. I don't think I'll add a border. This will probably be a donation quilt. As usual, my Iphone photo doesn't do the colors justice.

I hope you are all enjoying this summer!  Here in Az, we have plenty of time to sew since we can't go outside so I'm taking advantage of this time on my days off from child care.

Please join us for more "likes' at Lee Anna's post: Not Afraid of Color.
Have a wonderful day!
mary

Things I like Thursdays Jun 14

Greetings!

Well, another week has gone by and I'm crawling thru. (some weeks are better than others).  But, I do have some stuff I'm grateful for and would like to share with you:

1. Rebooting my wifi.  Ok, to some of you this is a no-brainer but since retirement, I'm not as confident as I used to be with my hardware skills on my computer.  I had seen several notices online news to reboot my WIFI due to hacking all over the U.S. I also changed my password just in case. just sayin. This all required crawling under the desk, separating a thousand cables and praying I didn't disconnect the wrong one. Luckily, it all worked.

2. Coconut water-that tastes good.  My son was telling me about the benefits he's noticed from adding coconut water to his diet, so I decided to try it. I really like it cause it's got pineapple in it. Coconut water  prevents dehydration! I don't like "flavored" water so this is quite an improvement.  But, I would not recommend the plain coconut water- it's an overpowering taste.  Give this new one a try and let me know what you think.

3. My new "Lulu" quilt top .  Here's a shot of the original top made from Charms on Point pattern from MSQC, the charms are sewn into 6 piece rows with 12 rows . Then you cut it up into these weird triangles and reattach into a square which produces the "on point" design.

This was so easy once I repaired an incorrect cutting! My LQS owner helped me rearrange the cut pieces and I sewed it back together in a 1/8th inch seam. Then we watched the tutorial again on You Tube and made the correct cut. The final square only measured 38 x 38 so borders were in order.

The fabric is "Lulu Lane" by Corey Yoder which I paired with Bell Solids White 88. I added a Bella Solid green border and then JR strips from "Baby Jane" by Julie Comstock. it looked boring- so I removed the last border of low prints , added white instead.

I hope you can see the difference in this photo by separating the colors with white. I then reattached the Baby Jane strips which now makes the top 49 x 49,  I then added one more white strip  and then a yellow border. Luckily, I don't do much seam ripping- thank goodness;  'cause,  it took me 2 hours to remove those first JR print strips! It was hard on my tendinitis thumbs.  I'm so glad I did, tho.
Here is the final top

It finished at 57 x 57. I usually make rectangle quilts so this will be interesting to quilt on my machine, such a big square. It's bright and cheery for the summer. Sorry this photo seems a little blurry.
  I wonder what this pattern would be like made from layer cakes!  Hmmmm. I wonder  if the cutting instructions would be different.

As you can see, I finally had some sewing time while my pumpkin was on vacation in San Diego.  It was fun to sit and sew. . I hope you are having a nice summer too!  Please join us at Lee Anna's post for more likes: Not Afraid of Color

Have a wonderful day
mary 😄