The Last Lap

 December is upon us.  It's time to wrap up 2023 and prepare for 2024.

I am amazed it is nearly 2024!  And, a lot has happened in the world in the last 24 years!  HERE 
Y'all remember Y2K?  Remember it was supposed to be the end of the world as we knew it!?
Not only did we survive Y2K but here we are 24 years later, thriving!  

One example of thriving, the world of computers and electronics in a BIG way.  

There've been many changes in my own life, as well....becoming a grandmother, two major moves across states, losing both my parents. Being introduced to Quilting by my Quilting Auntie Nyla and then losing her. And don't forget learning to play the Ukulele!  Yes, life is always changing.

But the converse is also true "the more things change, the more they stay the same."
Especially with Quilting.  There is always another beautiful quilt to create...and ALWAYS, always UFOs to finish up! 
I swear they multiply in the night when no one is looking.

As I RACE toward retirement*...yep, I said the "R" word...more than ever I want to finish up UFOs! 
It is TIME!! 

Finish 'em up or pass 'em on!

That is my new motto for 2024!

*Retirement is still a couple years off.  But, I'm making my plan.

Give Thanks

We have our Thanksgiving Traditions....every year we say "I am Thankful for...." 
But how thankful are you, REALLY? 
Or how much do you take for granted?

The day after Thanksgiving, seven years ago all was well.  I spoke with my mom on the phone. (She and my dad lived in Kentucky near my sister and her family; I was in California.)  She talked on and on about my sister's family who were all in town and the food and her pies.  And like most daughters who hear the same every year, I only half listened....taking it all for granted that I would be hearing it again for many Thanksgivings to come.  

The VERY NEXT DAY, my mom passed into glory.  One minute she was fine, then next minute I was getting a call from my sister..."You better come right away...."

 

None of us is guaranteed tomorrow. We do not know the moment of our passing....but God Does.  Job 14:5   

Every person is a sinner....every person, there are no exceptions (Not even Billy Graham.) Romans 3:23

When we pass from this world, each person will stand before God and give an account for their life. 2 Corinthians 5:10.

A sinner cannot stand justified before a Holy God!  Romans 3:23 tells us this.   Because we are ALL sinners and we cannot save ourselves, what can we do?  Who can stand for us?  How can we be right before a Holy God?
Are we doomed to spend eternity in Hell?  

In God's mercy, He provided a way for sinful persons to stand justified before a Holy God.  John 3:16-18; John 14:6

Here is a podcast by Ray Comfort that is worth the listen.  Hell's Best Kept Secret.  

Don't take for granted that you have "lots of time" to make these decisions.  My mom did not know that that very night she would pass into glory.  Thankfully she was a Believer in Jesus Christ and when she left this imperfect world, she passed into heaven to stand justified before her Lord and worship at His feet.   Where she is to this day and for all eternity.

If you pass today, where will you be?  Worshiping at the feet of Jesus or in agony in Hell?  

It will be one or the other. 
There is a Hell:  Matthew 10:28; Matthew 13:42; Matthew 25:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:9
There is a Heaven:  Matthew 25:46; Philippians 1:21–24; Romans 1:16-17

Miss Molly

The Pattern

Water Color Quilt Kit by Whims
Labrador Retriever

 

The Picture

Miss Molly - Faithful Companion - 2007 - 2023

The Finished Product

 

 

I used thread painting to give Molly definition.   A new experience for me.    I watched several YouTube videos (of course) but I found this one the most helpful because she got right to work and just showed the technique.  HERE    I'm not 100% happy with my effort...but happy enough.  Now that I've done Thread Paint once....I'll do it again.  I'm not afraid of it any more.  It's a lot easier than you might think.

 

 

 

American Patchwork & Quilting UFO Challenge number for November is NINE.

This was my number Nine! 

Time Waits for No One

 HERE

November is nearly half over!  Nearly.....Today is Saturday and I have a list of things to accomplish around the house  ...  Finishing the Miss Molly wall hanging is on that list!

But before I sign off and get dressed and start my Stay-At-Home Saturday I do want to show you something fun.  

Missouri Star Quilt Company's Flat Chuck*.  MSQC's marketing person is a genius.  Sometime back this cute little paper duck started popping up on the MSQC Facebook site.  People were randomly receiving these as part of their order.

Originally I didn't pay too much attention.  I try not to collect.  If I start, I have to have them ALL!  So, it's best not to start.

In the mean time Chuck has become SOMETHING.  People were posting pictures of Chuck in the sewing studio, watching TV, sitting front-and-center on the family RV dash taking a road trip.  He was becoming the Quilter's version of Flat Stanley.
And, while I found it amusing I still was not tempted to own one of my very own.

And then IT HAPPENED!  I had ordered a pattern** from MSQC and a few days later I ordered some batting as part of the
Daily Deal (50% off). That I might receive a Flat Chuck had not even occurred to me.

And What To My Wondering Eyes Did Appear?  Flat Chuck!  Not one, but TWO!

It was so exciting!  Remember, these are randomly added to your order, so you never know if you'll get one.  

The bug has bitten me and now I check the MSQC's Daily Deal every day to see if I absolutely NEED that deal
(secretly hoping for an added surprise in the box should I decide to order.)  

I told you...MSQC's marketing person is a GENIUS! She/he deserves a raise!

You'll be happy to know I am keeping my wits about me and not ordering anything I don't truly need (wink, wink.)

*Flat Chuck is not a special Ukulele strum. HERE

 

 

 

**This is the pattern I ordered.  Brightly by Cluck Cluck Sew.  It says it is Fat Quarter Friendly and I have two FQ bundles that need a pattern:  Barbie and Spooky and Witchy.

Comfort Food and Spooky Nights

The time of year when all you want to do is stay indoors where it is warm and cozy...and eat comforting food...and maybe drink some yummy wine....or hot coco....or something like that.

Today From the kitchen of " My 'Ol Kentucky Duplex":  Introducing my new best friend, Will Yeung of  Yeung Man Cooking on YouTube.com  HERE

 Today's Show is brought to you by Hamburger Helper, Cantonese Style (fresh - not from a box.) HERE

 

I took dinner to my Baby Sister and B-I-L on Halloween night.  

It was pretty fast and delicious, and not too spicy! It was comforting. I used ground turkey instead of tofu.  Next time I'll also add mushrooms and Greek yogurt and it will be more like a strognoff.  It was a big hit, though.  I did not bring home any left-overs.

Helping sister pass out candy ... It was CANDY for dessert.  (And, I gave out all my Milkweed seeds.)

Even though I'm not a Halloween person, I will admit, it was fun seeing all the kids in their costumes and feeling their excitement.