Wahoo Fall is here!!!

Well Summer went out like a Lion!  The heat, humidity and hurricanes.  GOOD RIDDENS!

Have you watched any of the new Fall shows?  My favorite new shows are 

                             A Million Little Things

                             The Cool Kids

A Million Little Things has drama, comedy and such a great story line.

The Cool Kids will make you literally laugh out loud!

Two shows you don't want to miss.
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The weather in NC is gorgeous.  We have ups and downs in temps through October but we are enjoying this now.

The NC State Fair started a day late due to Hurricane Michael but they should have record year if this weather keeps up.

With the good weather comes progression of our home.

The porch is framed. The front door is in, the back door should be in tomorrow.  Hopefully the siding will be done by the end of the week.  The rough ins should all be complete by Monday the 29th of October.  Assuming that all goes as planned we hope to insulate the first week of November. 

I still keep hoping and praying we can spend Christmas/Chanukah in our new home.

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For those that didn't see on Facebook - I took Tucker and Kaylee to see Jordan (one of our friends from their daycare), at the Pumpkin Patch.  They were very inquisitive and Tucker found some kind of animal poop that he decided his head needed to be rubbed in.  We took a picture in the hay pile that was set for photo ops.  I was not planning on the photo but wanted to get a picture with the furry kids so I jumped right in with them.  Thanks Jordon for take all the photos.  This was the best of them.

We also brought home a white and orange pumpkin for Daddy! (aka my husband Keith) who loves Halloween. He loves to greet the kids at the door and hand out candy.  A few years back a 3 year old little boy just came right in to see the dogs we had then like he lived here.  The little boy's dad was mortified but we just laughed.  

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Last week I received a wonderful surprise from a friend

She is an upcoming and new designer.  Mary has created these beautiful three patterns. 

The Dogwood Mat

The Travel Pillow

And 

Circle Party Pinkeep

Patterns $10 each 

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So...........have you ever been "Boo'ed"?

We were today. 

I came home and on our chair near our door was this.........

In there was this note.......

What a cute idea.  

So now I have 2 days to "Boo" two other people. 

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I had a busy bowling week.......last Saturday I bowled in a 3 6 9 tournament.  You get a strike in the 3rd, 6th and 9th frames.  We each bowled six games in about 2 1/2 hours.  The fact that we got 3 strikes per game would make one think there is no way they could get less than 100??????  LOL....I did.  I am still so NOT consistent  I bowled 147, 148, 90, 112, 139,188.  I did however win a side bet of $16 for the handicap.  It was fun. Thanks Annette for talking me into it.  

I am now going to bowl for a good cause next Wednesday.  The bowlathon is actually this Sunday but I cannot make it so I am going to use my league scores on October 31,2018.

Here are the details:

Quilts for Kids

if you are interested in sponsoring me please email or text me the following no later than 10/30/2018 at 5pm.  I will be playing 3 games, 10 frames.  You can pledge a flat amount or base it on score, pins???  For example if you wanted to sponsor a penny a pin and I bowled 150, 100 and 125 that's 375 pins or $3.75.  Thanks in advance.

This is the form I need to complete:

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And a great recipe. Low Carb Bagels

They were surprisingly amazing.  

Be sure to use the Fage Yogurt.  The thicker the yogurt the better. 

Skinny Bagels

Everyone have an amazing week.  I hope to have positive updates on the house soon.

Let me know if you would like to sponsor me for Quilts for Kids Bowlathon.

Stacey 

Zippity Doo Dah --- Where is Mr. Bluebird?

So unless you are living under a rock, you are aware of the chaos going on in our government.  I am not going to discuss it but brought it up because I thought - what a better day to blog and try to divert the attention of the massive storm occurring.

I went to two places this morning and it just amazed me how the "Political Storm" is creating havoc like a full moon.  People are short tempered and unkind.  I have valued and instilled the values in my kids - "You treat others how you would want to be treated".  This is not a difficult task.  We all have bad moments or days.  We never know what someone else is facing.  We cannot control others but we can control our own behavior.  If everyone can try a little harder maybe "Mr. Blue Bird" shall land on your shoulder.

Ok, that was a bit intense but I just don't understand why people have to be so ugly!!!

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New Home Update:

We spent all day last Saturday with our electrician finalizing the rough in.  I'm sure I have missed a light or switch but we do have a lot. So it is what it is.  The framers did not show up but they are coming this Saturday - (so I was told).  We had a beam of steele installed for the porch yesterday before the rain. Once the framer gets his part done a lot more can happen.  FINGERS AND TOES CROSSED!!

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I was reminded by a friend "Linda W" about a situation that occurred about a month ago.  It's actually a Public Service Announcement.  I had to learn the hard way.  So here is what happened.............

I was bringing items to a consignment shop and had all the nicely ironed and hung items laying in my hatch back of my Ford Edge. The clouds were rolling in while I was unloading.  I went to get the last load and had the back hatch opened when the rain came down so hard I though I was being sprayed with a garden hose.  So I quickly jumped into the hatchback/trunk and pushed the electric door button to close the hatch.  Once the door closed I had realized I left my keys in the front seat as well as my phone and my starbucks latte. I sat and waited for the rain to let up which seemed like forever but it was about 5 min. I then pushed the button that closed me in the car but to my surprise it does not open from the inside when the door is closed.  Now what? I laughed for at least 2 minutes of my alone time.  Then I looked out the window and realized I can't see the owner of the shop who had come out for smoke and it's getting hot in the car.  So I look to the middle row of seats and unless I could make myself into "flat Stanley" I wasn't getting into the back seat.  This had become a MacGyver moment.  So I decided to take the middle headrest out.  That at least gave me enough space to squeeze myself through, flip over the seat and then open the back side door manually.  I saw the owner and asked her if she was entertained waiting for the rain to end.  She said she didn't know I was even stuck in the car.  So the public service announcement in summary is if you are going to shut yourself in the car make sure you have Keys in Hand!

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I love to share some Yummy Recipes when I find them so hee you go............

I made this with Zoodles this week and loved it.  If you do not know what Zoodles are they are Zucchini strips that look like spaghetti but are zucchini. 

Skinny Chicken Piccata

Have a great weekend everyone! Take time to do something you enjoy and most of all something nice big or small for someone to make them smile.

Hugs!!!
Stacey

I'M BACK!!!

So I decided to Blog again.  I seem to disappear for a year then get the urge to start again. (Looking back at the blog).  I have had quite a few people ask me when I would start posting again.  Time always seems to be the issue with everything.  Time passes so fast and gets away from us so why not take the time.  I am working on making time for things that make me happy and this is one of them
This year has been beyond crazy personally and in this world.  I have chosen to create this as a  place to visit without politics and drama which is why I wanted even more to blog the good things. 

With all that being said we are very happy to see Florence make her exit - our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.  We were very fortunate to only lost power for 6 hours.  We had a glitch with the generator but Lowes was opened and had plenty in stock.  It was an easy fix.  Both our current home and new home appear to be without damage.  THANK GOD!!

During the storm we watched the Black Panther Modern Marvel movie.  I didn't think I'd like it and the movie was a bit different for me but the effects and story were better than I thought.  We also watched Melissa McCarthy - "The Life of the Party".  It was also not the best movie but cute and a current spin of Rodney Dangerfield's "Back to School".

Now we need the rain to take a hike!!! Things to dry out so we can move on with our new home.  For anyone that doesn't know. We bought the land in Fuquay Varina, NC 14 years ago and finally broke ground last August.  Keith (my husband) and I are building our dream home. Here is our current status...

The HOPE is to be in for the holidays.
I will keep y'all posted.
My older son Justin is living with us and is eager for us to move out so he can take over this house we are in.

In the meantime we have these two crazy fur babies. We adopted Tucker (lab/shepherd mix) a year ago Mother's Day and Kaylee (chow-chow/golden - Heinz 57) this past February.  She was a Foster Failure.  I failed.  I  had her for a week and could NOT give her back!

They keep us laughing. 

Kaylee is such a Daddy girl.  She is obsessed with Keith.  Every moment she can she is kissing him  And Tucker is a mama's boy.  

They absolutely adore each other from the moment we brought Kaylee home..  

Do you truly know how to boil the perfect egg?

This morning I wanted to make egg salad.  I however either overcook or undercook my hard boiled eggs.  And then there is the frustration of getting the shell off.  So what do I do?  I GOOGLE how to boil the perfect egg.  And they were truly perfect. 

How to Boil a Perfect Egg

What else has been going on you ask???

I bowl on a ladies Wednesday league.  I started a year ago August.  I was lucky to bowl on average a 70.  Thank goodness for handicaps.  My teammates have all been supportive for the most part.  I was truly frustrated getting more gutters than pins.  I am proud to say things have improved.  No I'm not entering the Pro Bowlers but I have gotten my 90 handicap down to a 73.  (Those that don't know - the handicap is your average subtracted from 200).  I shocked myself and everyone else this week and bowled a 186.  I then went back to reality and bowled a 93 and 98.  Consistent I'm not. But here's the proof.  I had to take a picture.  

I also play Mah Jongg on Mondays.  People think it is  Jewish ladies game but guess what? I'm the only Jewish person  I love the game.  It's challenging and fun.  Of course we have a few of our own rules that would be snubbed at but we have a good time.  We won't tell the Mah Jongg police.  

On that note..............I found this the other day.  SERIOUSLY???? It was pretty funny.  But again -

Seriously?

Automatic Mah Jongg table

I know this was a rather random all over the place post but for the most part I think that brings everyone up to date. 

My goal is to blog at least once a week. 

Ta Ta for now!!!

Stacey 

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!!!

So I knew it had been a long time but not this long........more than a year!  So I'm going to go month to month to bring it all together!

March 2016

Plans for the wedding were well on their way. Invitations being made, addressed and sent as well as final preparations for both the rehearsal dinner and Wedding.  

The rehearsal dinner invite

The inside 

(sorry will take too long to edit )

RSVP Card

My sister Randi and I attended the Prim Society Retreat (cross stitch in Atlanta) 

This is the top of the gift I made for the exchange

I placed it on top of a wood flip top box painted black

tied it with a ribbon and the sunflower is a Needle keep (it's magnetic and 

holds your needle while stitching.)

                        In the Van on our way!!


Then Keith and I headed to Florida for my sister in law Kimberly's 50th birthday.  We surprised her. 

April 2016

Took a trip to San Antonio to visit Marilyn

Miss Addisson showing her treasures...

Her cooking outfit......

A handbag Marilyn and I made together....

Side pocket

Back View

Went Charlottesville to Celebrate my niece Sydney's 21st birthday ....

On the grounds of UVA

Her gift 

The card (blahblah)

The Cute Couple (Doug and Syd)

The Birthday Girl!

Bought my dress for the wedding. 

Hit my 50lb weight loss.....

Got my hat for Rachel's Bridal Shower Tea....

May 2016

The Chupa Went to Cathy Kirk 

for quilting

Had Rachel's Bridal Shower at Umstead in Cary, NC

Adele made this beautiful mirror...

And the "Larson at Last"  

Rachel and her friend Beth Hood

The Tea Cakes

The Salad Bar with Rachel

Opening presents...

Hand Painted flutes for the ceremony

A basket of gifts

Rachel in her Toilet Paper dress

Happy kick

Adele with Rachel's paper bouquet. 

June 2016

THE BIG MONTH

June 18 - Wedding Day

The weather was perfect, The Beautiful Bride (Rachel) was beyond gorgeous, and the day couldn't have been better.  From the rehearsal dinner through the wedding. 

 Then off to mani/pedi for all

before heading to the outerbanks.

Marissa went with the 4th of July theme...

Red/Blue

Beachy theme on her toes...flowers  and gold

 

Sister in law, Kimberly getting her manicure

My sister in law Laura and her husband came as well.  Jay loves Krispy Kreme so we went to the old one in downtown Raleigh, at the outerbanks we went and saw the wild horses on the beach. 

Then off to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota

The street fair in gorgeous weather....

quaint shops

Keith enjoying some Prime Rib

best part- Diagnosed properly. 

July 2016

ROAD TRIP TO HERSHEY, PA QUILT SHOW...

Thelma and Louise in an elevator escapade..

Mary, Amy, Marilyn and I at Hershey

Look what I found!!!

Quick picture before we go!

I can do this!!! 

The best find!!!

August 2016

                        Visit to Cold Moon Farm!

                    

This price was per pound! Yes per pound.

The man in the produce department said people were paying over $30 for a watermelon.

I love this place.......

The vegetable gardens....

The pasture....

The back balcony view...

A visit with my Aunt and Uncle to the 

Restaurant Depot

Yellow Jackets to keep from freezing!

A couple of years ago I found this sewing machine with accessories for $5 at a yard sale in Manchester, VT for my Aunt.....

We finally had time to work on it. 

Her first Rag Quilt with flannels

Accessories that came with the machine.

Tada!!! Done

While I was there my Aunt gave me my grandmother's old dishes.  My treasure.

Love this woman and my uncle too!

I enjoyed time with Sarah. I met her husband and 

step - daughter.

She's so much fun to be around. 

Spent some time with Syd and Randi in Williamsburg...

And went to Adele's bridal shower...

I also started on a bowling league after not having bowled in over 25 years.

September 2016

We took a trip to Disney to celebrate Halloween with Marissa, Kimberly, Marion and Nanni/Nana Daryl....

Husband humor in the gift shop at the 

Wilderness Lodge

Let the fun begin.....

Joining in the fun I decided to get my face painted...

My little princess Marissa riding with me playing laser tag 

on the Buzz Lightyear ride......

...

My mother in law rode with Keith she can barley see but played along...

'

Flower Power

We had a blast.  We ended our day bowling in downtown Disney.

The whole gang

Wedding #2

Quinn and Adele

November 2016

 Went to Quilt Festival after Quilt Market in Houston, Texas with Marilyn
We took a basket weaving class.........

Look Honey I bought a long arm.......JUST KIDDING!

We had Thanksgiving at our house with the Berkowitz, Meinel, Yao (Quinn and Adele) family and Gabbie.

December 2016

What a busy month........

I started my month at the Primitive Gatherings Retreat Center with my Wisconsin family.  I always love spending time with them....Lot of fun and laughter along with amazing food.  

Made a bag for Amy

Saw some snow

Wouldn't be Wisconsin without cheese curds and Cow Pie

Back from Wisconsin on Sunday and Wednesday 

flew to Puerto Rico to meet up with Les and Annette for a Cruise.........

Got back and tried to find a real Christmas Tree but nope we were too late.......

So thank God for Amazon!!!

Went to dinner one night and rode next to this cab.....

Surprised Syd on Christmas Day with Doug arriving....

Keith got a bigger towel from Marilyn's loom. 

January 2017

BIRTHDAY, BOWLING AND BAKING...........

BAKED Cinnamon Rolls, Empanadas and Donuts (Fried those)

BOWLING

BIRTHDAY - 

We celebrated Gabbie's Birthday at an Indian Restaurant 

Everyone enjoyed.

February 2017

Went to the Mancuso Quilt Show in Hampton, VA.  Helped Lisa from Prim Gatherings as well as Amy and Al and enjoyed time with them and Mary.

The only pictures I could find is my amazing Steam Station .....

Lisa's Liberty Quilt that I am doing as a block of the month...

And Lisa in front of one of her quilts....

Another Kit I haven't started but love!!

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I went for the first and LAST time to Waffle House aka awful waffle....

SO GROSS!!! NEVER AGAIN

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My friend Joyce finished her Harry Potter Quilt that was all paper piecing. 

It came out amazing. 

And we celebrated Sharon Stewart's 60th.

March 2017

                           We celebrated my friend Nancy's birthday 

She's an amazing quilter.  If you zoom in you can see this is all English Paper Piecing....for those that don't know what that is, they are pieces of paper in various shapes that are covered in fabric, the template is removed and the each piece is sewn together. 

Another amazing job Nancy!

Went to Staples and this goose was parked on this car....

I threw him some crumbs but nope he wasn't moving. 

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I signed a contract for the SecondxTreasures Craft Consignment Sale in September at Hope Chapel in Apex. 

For more info go to 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/274551819636422/?ref=bookmarks

or email me at secondxtreasures@gmail.com

Here's a view of the room

obviously the chairs will not be there.

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I found a nest in my herbs...........

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Made a visit to San Antonio

Found this awesome Starbucks tote in the airport

Bluebells

Went Quilt, Cross Stitch and Antiquing with Marilyn and a mutual friend.

April 2017

Florida bound for Marissa's First Communion

Took Keith's mom who can't see to Target.  

We needed to get in and out so we set her in the kiddie cart.

We spent some time at the pool with Tayden, Erica and Aunt Laura.

Uncle Keith brought lots of candy -

Tayden decided to eat the huge tootsie roll.

Then s'mores at the poolside.

Keith and I on First Communion Day.

May 2017

BUSY BUSY BUSY BUSY.....MONTH!!!!

P.S.S. (Prim Stitch Society Retreat) - Columbus, OH

Randi (my older sister in Virginia) and I go each year to our extended Prim Society Retreat..  it's so amazing.  It's like a yearly reunion.  We thought next year was going to be the last year but they surprised us with 3 more years. Wahoooo.....

My exchange gift to a participant... 

One of the attendees' sister made these for all of us. 

My stitching / walking / b**ching buddy

Miss Jan from San Antonio - another buddy

Miss Joyce - San Antonio buddy

Beth

Sister Randi

The Exchange gift I received.

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Then Austin's girlfriend Gabbie graduated from NCSU and is headed to Minnesota for their DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and PhD program. 

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Then Sydney's Graduation Celebration Weekend

At the Winery #1

Selfie - Keith peaking in

The Arbor together at Winery #1

Then To Hard Cider 

Dinner Downtown

Congrats Syd!!!

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For Mother's Day I got......... 

This Cutie.........

Tucker Cole

He is a lab/Shepherd mix 

Such a good boy!

Sits; potty trained, shakes his paw and lays down.

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We also closed on our lot in Crooked Creek!

The permit is up!

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I joined project produce - Austin and GAbbie already belonged but because they left to find a house in Minnesota I had an abundance of veggies........

so...................I had to get creative!

Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Broccoli; 

Banana choc chip scones.......

Zucchini Bread

Stuffed Zucchini

Yellow Squash Fritters, and more.