August 30, 2011

• September's Quilt

  Well, I am here again, trying to post yet another blog.  As usual, my mind isn't really in gear to put together a nice interesting post.  I'll try my best but am not going to guarantee anything.  I do hope that I don't bore you.

  Since I knew that we were planning a trip to Guatemala next month, I thought I'd better be cranking out my September's Quilt this month.  So, I grabbed the last kit that I'd cut.  This one is called "Scrappy Stars" from A Treasury of Scrap Quilts by Nancy J. Martin.  I decided to do a lavender and purple version of that one.  The original was 60" x 60" but I used 3 and 1/2" squares instead of 2 and 1/2" that the pattern called for.  Also I did 20 blocks instead of 16.  Now, I have a queen sized quilt.  It went together very fast and I got it done in 3 days.  As usual, Vernon and I disagreed on its beauty.  I love scrappy quilts (which is a good thing since I have all those scraps left over from the store and our dresses) while he prefers only 2 or 3 fabrics in a quilt.  He thinks this is too busy.  I had thought it wasn't too bad since I only used lavender and purple.   Oh well, we do agree on the comfort of the the quilts after they are finished and on the bed.

  

  Vernon announced yesterday that he wants to leave on Monday.  I am glad to finally have a tentative date to shoot for but suddenly I feel a little panicky.  There is so much to do before then. 

  Our neighbor gave me 6 Walmart bags full of cucumbers on Sat.  I started a batch of the cinnamon ring pickles but that takes nearly a week from start to finish.  Today, I did a batch of relish but decided there was no way I could do them all so called Gary Bear's girls and asked if they could use them to sell at Farmer's Market.  So glad they did. 

  Now our older girls and Jonny are picking the apples on the next lot.  It is an old tree that belongs to the village.  When we moved here I thought they were crabs but the children assured me they were sweet and delicious.  We have been pruning the tree and making applesauce for the last 4 years.  This year, Vernon sprayed it and that took care of the worm problem.  I plan to thin the fruit and see if we can end up with bigger apples.  This year they are slightly larger than golf balls.  Some folks probably wouldn't bother but we really like the flavor of the applesauce it makes.  And the apples are free so that is a plus too!

  Our Concord grapes are starting to ripen but will not be ready to pick for canning juice until after we leave.  I sure hope that Melisa will be able to take care of them for me.  I would hate to lose this crop.  I have been trying for 30 years to have my own grapes and finally I have some only to be gone when they are ready for harvesting.  I am sure there is at least 2 bushels of grapes hanging on.

  I have started a list of things that need done before we go....that should help me stay focused.    We plan to be gone most of the month.  A Mexican bought a semi cab and is hiring Vernon to drive it to Mexico.  Our son who lives in Guatemala has a load of farm equipment to take down so we plan to take a loaded trailer on down for him.  

  Today is Kendra Lily's 22nd birthday.  Wish we were already there to help her celebrate.  Our family's tradition is to have pizza, Root beer, Mt. Dew and Pringles for our birthdays.  I sent a can of Pringles, a small bottle of each of the pops with someone from Guatemala that was up for Mark Andrew's wedding.  At least she can have a Taste of Home for her birthday. 

  Well, until next time, may God keep you all in His care.  Keep looking up!

  • 5:52 pm
  • 7 Comments