Sunday morn

There is something peaceful about Sunday mornings for me. The newspaper with a fresh cup of coffee - my dog Frank laying across the back cushion of the couch and snoring in my ear - and watching my recording of "House Wifes of New Jersey". What a great way to start my day! One of those crazy things that you love to do but you aren't sure if you want anyone to know that you do it -for me it is the House Wifes shows. I admit, I like the New Jersey girls and some of the New York gals - but that is it. They have some really crazy girls with crazy lives. Reminds me of how boring and pathetic I wish to remain! Now if someone would like to video tape me and my peeps spending a day around a friends dining room table, sewing machines roaring, diet coke being slurpped, laughter and reckless behavior - come on over. I am sure we could sell it to the DIY network and quilters-crafters everywhere would envy us!!!!! Now that is reality TV.

So for today, I am heading outside to dead head a few flowers and to clean the patio doors, then head downstairs to try to make a path into my sewing room. I have got to have a bit more order in my life - there are too many things out of my control and it makes me useless. Must be productive! later, Kaye

from the last day at the shop to my vegetable garden....

A very bittersweet day at the shop as we closed her down. We had many visitors stopping by to wish us all well and one of our favorite customers - Saundra - came by and bought every last thread of fabric - we love Saundra. I thought she and Zephie needed their picture taken.

Our friend Carrie and her mother who was visiting from California stopped by with hugs.

(Carrie knit the sweater she is wearing)

With the help of many friends and my children, we have cleaned up the shop. The building has been sold and should close in a few weeks. How grateful am I that the buyers wanted the fixtures. I have kept very busy trying to figure out what to do first. Someday I will be able to sew.

Mary, Zephie and I did go on Shop Hop last Friday. We managed to make it to 8 shops - and a great time was had by all. It was fun to see it from a shoppers view, but only a few of them measured up to what we have done in the past!!! I do however, question Mary's driving. Like the bumper sticker reads - "I have brakes but I don't use them!"

Fathers Day was spent with my children and 2 lovely granddaughters. We got in a quick game of Scattergories while barbecuing - dinner was yummy! I even made a lemon creme pie!

Here is 3 month Lilly giving you a wave!

Katy, Rob, Lilly, Winter & Stacy.

If you have waited until this week - as I have - to find a few flowers for your planters, then you know what I mean when I say slim pickins! I wanted just a little bit of color by the front door and a bit on the patio. Zephie stopped by with a grape tomato plant on Tuesday, so I finished planting my garden that night - yes it was dark and I needed the flash! I hope it will grow with my last two flower plants in with it - proven winners - we'll see!

Today, I cleaned my carpets - UGH! Well at least I tried. Somethings just don't clean up like we want them too. Then I thought I would use the hand scrubbing tool to clean my car seats - what a mistake that was. They honestly look worse - its' time for seat covers in the old VW.

So as you can see - I really have kept busy - but I have got to settle down and get to work on the Gammill. After my hair cut tomorrow, I am going to find some lights that will be installed over the machine. Then the machine quilting will begin.

Good night for now - enjoy the summer evenings - Kaye

Final 4

Its' hard to believe, but this coming Saturday, June 12th, will be the last business day for Red Rooster Q & T. This evening I have been sending out emails and posting this blog to let as many folks know that the Final 4 days Sale starts on Wednesday, June 9th - that's' tomorrow!!!! Every last thing in the shop is on sale - cheap cheap cheap! There is still some good stuff left and you need it more than I do. I hope to see as many of you as possible in the next 4 days. Here are a few of the bargains you will find: Fabric $3yard when you buy the remainder of the bolt, remaining books $7, patterns $2, notions 75% off, and more markdowns on the gift items and the store samples.

Thank you - Thank you - Thank you - see you soon, Kaye

uncertainty

That seems to be my word for the day - uncertainty. I know it has different meaning for each of us, but for today it really seems to define alot of things going on right now. Time marches on and it seems to be marching across my face. Words similar to those were spoken somewhere by Dolly Parton and I always liked that phrase. But the combat boots are killing me!!!!!!!!
So while I was working on Quick books this afternoon, I had my itunes playing on the computer - the music seems to help my brain. But I have not enjoyed the Christmas tunes that I have been listening to since I don't know how to separate my play lists. I will have to find a friend who will give me another lesson. Don't you just love smart friends!

Came across a fun blog recently - aquiltinglife.blogspot.com - check it out. I also came across a website called www.cluckclucksew.com. This website is just a big list of a whole bunch of other blogs for quilters and crafters. Save it to your favorite list. I also liked
snippetsofaquilter.blogspot.com.

Well I should head home to feed Frank and be his support system while he sleeps on the couch. Eyes too tired for much of anything tonight. But I will be here all by myself tomorrow - Zephie has Quilting Coven - I love their name. (have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is playing now-yuk)
Enjoy the weekend - we are going to have good weather real soon! Uncertain but ever hopeful , Kaye

Memorial Day 2010

I thought I would share a little family history with you - if you have ever been through the Logan Utah cemetery , you may have come across the weeping woman. Her name was Julia and she was my great grandmother. She was born in 1859 and died and 1914 - only 55 years old. The story I had been told was that she lost 4 children in 1901- influenza ? - and was broken hearted.

I don't know who gave her the scarf and flower - many people come by to look at her - I talked to 3 different ladies on Mon. that were checking her out. Great grandmothers head stone.

Behind her monument is a grave where two of her daughters are buried together as they had died within a week of each other. The oldest was Emilia - she was born in 1895 and died in 1901. The younger one is Inez - born 1899 and died 1901. I don't know where the 2 boys are buried that died that same year. My grandmother, Margaret was older and didn't get as sick as the little ones.


This is a beautiful photograph that was done of Emilia and Inez just months before they died. This is hanging over my headboard and it really is wonderful. I am so fortunate to be the proud owner. Just think of how difficult those times were - I am so grateful to be living in a more modern world, but it too is filled with trials.

My father and 2 of my uncles served in WWII. My mothers younger brother, Lyle Hoffman, was killed in Germany. His wife Georgia was expecting there 1st baby when he went to war. He died without ever knowing his son, Lyle.
Georgia went on to marry again, had 3 more children. Her oldest daughter - who I had met in the shop - came up to me one day and asked if I was a Hoffman and I said yes - Her mom was Georgia - my uncles widow. How excited was I to finally be able to meet her. On the Saturday before Mothers Day, Georgia and her daughter - also named Georgia, and my Aunt Marj
who was married to uncle Lyle's brother, came for a cup of coffee and a great visit. Georgia and Marj are both in their 90's and doing so well. I was so excited to meet and talk with her - she was delightful. I hope someday I will be able to meet my cousin Lyle - it's never too late.

It is heart breaking to think of all the innocent lifes that are lost every day.

My mothers family has always done alot of grave decorating when I was young. We would get all dressed up and head to the cemetery and meet up with a lot of family members.

I was finally able to bury my brother this past week - it took me long enough but now it is done.

There are lots of thoughts and emotions around the shop these days as we wind down to our last final days. There is still a wee bit of fabric left and you need it much more than I do!!!

Good day for now, Kaye

Memorial Day 2010

too little time

Hi my friends - I have stopped and tried to write on my blog for a couple weeks now - but I never seem to be able to get something smitten or else I start crying or just too many interruptions. So today, I decided to just say HI and let everyone know that things are starting to wind down around here. We do have a little bit of everything left - and it is all 50% OFF. There are still some ready made items that are 30% OFF. At this time, I plan on taking the quilting machine home and quiting for others. So let me know if you need my address and phone #.
As I work upstairs, I can hear Zephie downstairs telling someone about the sale and helping another customer. I have nothing but praise for her - she has been such a loyal and good employee and my friend. I have been wondering how I will start each morning without talking to her.
Do you ever feel like you have let people down - not kept up like you thought you could - and disappointed yourself as well as others in the process? I am wondering about all these things and feeling too old to change and do anything about them. Climbing into a hole seems to be the answer. Enough about me - but part of the reason I mention it is because I have had quite a few people ask me if I am going to continue to blog. Since most of what I blog about is whining - bitching and complaining - I wonder if it is worth it. Maybe now i will have some time to actually have something fun to share !! so - I guess for now I am asking you not to give up on me.

I did get to have a fun sleepover with my daughter and Lilly a week ago- so I had to post this pic of them. Winter was with 'whats his name' for the wekend. I am so serious when I tell you that Lilly is the best baby that I have ever seen!!!!!!! Must be the Neilson blood.

I am headed home to baby sit Winter tonight - I hope she wants ravioli for dinner!
I remain in pieces, Kaye

May Day - May Day

Hooray Hooray - the first of May - A great BIG sale will begin today! Sadly - I must tell you all that the time has come for me to close my shop. I am so grateful for all the support from all my friends and customers. This has been a very difficult decision to make and a very emotional one too. I could go on forever about all my reasons but I won't. So for today, I just want everyone to know that we are starting a sale on May 1st - 40% off all inventory - some exclusions apply of course. We will be here working hard and figuring everything out as we go along just as we always do. So come in and get the bargains - we will talk more later. Take care, Kaye

Pictures from Spring Break Retreat

You would think that by now I could remember to upload pictures in the correct order as to how they will appear on the blog - but NO - I can't. I was too busy teaching and visiting to take too many pictures. So we will start at the trunks show part of the day.....


I was too busy oooing and ahhhing at the quilts to take any pictures!

The reveal of the mystery class.....

...and another color way of the mystery class.

Denise Stewardson complaining about a few pinwheels!!! (too dark)

The prizes that Two Peas in a Pod gave away during the class.....

... and the "Two Peas in a Pod" Connie and Carol. Great friends and great teachers. They had put together such fun mystery with a baking theme.

These 3 darling girls - Rose, Michelle & LuAnn - were in my morning class "Spring Break".

All the ladies in class had great fabric chooses for these blocks and I think some of them even learned something! I had a wonderful time teaching this class.

Another shot from my class.

These 2 darling girls are Deon Richards from Mantua and my crazy cousin Carole who came up from Ogden (she is the gray haired on in the front). They both enjoyed the cathedral window class in the morning and then Deon took the afternoon mystery and Carol took Sandy Workmans class in the afternoon. I didn't get any pictures in that class.

Cathedral window class with Carol Bodily on the left concentrating so hard and the ever smiling Carol Armstong having a great time.

A dark picture but that smiling beauty is Jennifer Ashton.

What a beautiful head of hair in the foreground - why that is my wonderfriend Mariann teaching the cathedral window - she is a terrific teacher. Look at all the happy women!

Another shot of Rose and asst. gals in my class.

Last but certainly not least - me and my darling little granddaughter Lilly - she made a quick appearance in the afternoon so that I could show her off to all the ladies!!! We love each other.

Again - I thank everyone who helped make the retreat a success. I especially need to thank my daughter Stacy who kept everything going - she is amazing. I love you so much Stacy. But sadly I didn't get one pictures of your beautiful face. Next time!!!!!

The sun is coming out and it is going to be a beautiful weekend. Enjoy! xoxoxo Kaye

Life

Here it is Thursday and I still haven't posted anything for over a week - naughty me. I have so many things to ramble on about and my brain is on overload anyway. I think the most important thing i need to share is how overwhelmingly fun our retreat was last Saturday. I must tell you that after all is said and done - it is worth every minute spent in preparation. I first want to give everyone a great big THANK YOU for sharing the day with us. I feel like the classes were all very successful - wonderful teachers for sure - to share their talents. The prizes were well received and of course I have to mention the good food. But of course I am always happy with a meal that I didn't have to plan, shop, prepare and clean up after !!! I truly appreciate every one's participation. I left my camera at home so I will post some pictures later.
I think it is safe to say that spring is here - so many pretty spring blooming things that I love to see - something about the beautiful bright yellows always make me happy. But - my friend has a magnolia tree in full bloom and it always snows at least once each year while the tree is in bloom - we'll see.
I am going to go home and try to put some things away in my sewing room - it is a total disaster! Later - Kaye

Happy Birthday Frank

Frank is 12 human years old today - Happy Birthday you good little weeny dog! Frank was my husbands idea. When we first moved back to Logan he informed me that he was going to find a miniature dachshund and my response was " why would anyone want one of those kind of dogs!"
As usual - Rob got what he wanted and he found Frank through a breeder in Smithfield. I have always loved dogs - especially dogs that were fluffy and had a little something you can hold to. Frank is not that dog. But, the first time I met Frank - he was about 3 weeks old and the cutest little thing I had ever seen. He was brought home on Father's Day. Frank was a faithful friend for my husband and especially during Robs' final illness, Frank was always at his side. So now I have this little dog who suffers with separation anxiety and must stay with me all day. He has been a welcome figure here at the shop and I really appreciate most every ones acceptance of him.
So now it is time for me to take Frank and drive out to my accountants office because my taxes are done!!!! Being poor is starting to agree with me - for the second year in a row I don't have to give and I won't receive! YEA!!!!!!!!
This Saturday is our retreat - we are all looking forward to the fun day! Enjoy the sunshine, Kaye

A Easter Lilly

Auntie Stacy put the ears on our Lilly - how precious! Lilly loved her basket from Nanny!


We are busy making kits for the shop - the girls are so good at putting things together with what we have on hand. We are also working on Spring Break - lots to do! I am hearing alot of laughter going on down there today - Zephie and Mary are having a good day! I hope you are too. ttfn, Kaye

Hoppy Easter Happy Spring

Spring Break 2010 - project pictures - yea!!!!
A sideways picture of our store display showing the retreat items. Mine is the unfinished one!


Hospitality- taught by Zephie Mikesell

a Pretty Dresden - taught by Sandy Workman

a few blocks from Spring Fling- kaleidoscope blocks

Aunt Marjs' Cathedral Window taught by Mariann Golich

A Penny Saved taught by Leisa Firth ( I love this )

I was finally able to get the pictures on the blog of the projects being taught at our Spring Break Retreat. The Mystery class and Cathedral Window classes are now full, but we still have some room in all the others. I would love to have more of you get in on the fun!
It has been a pretty slow day here at the shop - maybe because of conference and all the happenings involving family for the Easter weekend. However you are spending you weekend - make sure it is a happy one. I am going home to make Red Velvet Cupcakes to take to dinner tomorrow - hope they turn out - new recipe! I probably shouldn't try new recipes out at gatherings but that is about the only time I do any real cooking any more - keep your fingers crossed! Have a great weekend - Kaye

Needles and Friends Road Trip

On Wednesday, March 24th, Needles and Friends Quilt Guild headed out on a road trip, organized by Angie Peterson. They met here at the shop - starting at 7 a.m. ( yip - I was up and dressed) - as they loaded Le Bus at 8 a.m. they picked up a breakfast of juice, muffins and yogurt parfaits. They were entertained while riding with stories, videos featuring them and some of their husbands, games and treats. They spent the entire day shopping at Pine Needles, Whimsey Cottage, Quilts Etc., Elaines Quilt Block, Material Girls and Whimsey Cottage. A great time was had by all! I was grateful to have been included in their day - Thank you.

My four off spring March 22, 2010

One of lifes greatest joys is seeing your children become parents. Now remember to be careful because " Paybacks are a bitch!!"


Stacy, Winter & Lilly - lovely ladies

Will the pictures work today????

I think that a little help from my friend was what i needed to get the pictures on the blog. I am so excited to introduce my delightful new granddaughter to all. We are all in love with Lilly. I am going to try some other pictures now - will see how my brain is functioning!!!


Lilly Marie Neilson - out new sweet baby! Babies are wonderful.

Katy - Rob & Lilly - first family photo - I love them all dearly.

Friday, March 26th, 2010

What a crazy week - busy busy. I did get to cuddle up with my new grand baby for a few minutes yesterday - the feel and smell of a new baby is the best - I am still amazed at the miracle of it all. I could go on about how I would like to freeze time for a while - for see the future - I can be quite a dreamer - but I am quickly put back in my place with the reality of life. It definitely is what we make of it and I just can't seem to get a handle on mine. Enough!
Today is the day we are making pillowcases for the American Patchwork and Quilting million pillowcase challenge. I hope we can produce a grundle to help with the cause!
Lets chat a bit about blogs. I love reading blogs. Sometimes I feel a little bit like a voyeur- but then it has been put on a blog! You visit a blog and then you can find other blogs from those blogs and it goes on and on. On one of my travels I found this fun blog and it needs to be shared with all of you - http://www.thebeehivecottage.blogspot.com/ . So keep blogging - I love love love it!
Now - lets talk about our retreat - a few of the classes are almost full - yea! I am hoping that we will everything full in another week.
Still having some carmera issues - so many pictures to post.
always in pieces - Kaye

Welcome to Earth - little miss Lilly Marie Neilson

Saturday, March 20, 2010 was a wonderful day for my new grand daughter was born at 3:14 p.m. weighing in at 7 lb. 2 oz, 19" long, a head full of dark hair and as healthy as can be. How blessed are we!!!!!! Katy (the proud mom) had some tough times but came through like the trooper that she is. I am so amazed at the miracle of life - seeing this little person arrive after only 39 weeks- I wonder if I have done anything constructive in the last 39 weeks. I can't seem to get my camera to upload today - but I have taken some wonderful pictures. I will share them with you a.s.a.p. I just came to the shop after visiting with them today - I wish I could just hold her for the next few days- wouldn't that be the best thing ever! I wish for her a happy life, an open mind and a grateful heart - and to always know how much her Nanny Kaye loves her. xoxox

Happy St. Patty's Day

Any lucky Irish men or women out there! Have a fun day!
Tomorrow would be the anniversary of my marriage to Rob - it would have been 27 years - yikes! The night before our wedding we went out with friends and family that had come in to town and we all ate corn beef and cabbage and had green beverages - what a crazy fun night.
Isn't it nice to have this wonderful sunshine - I hope it lasts and soon I will be adjusted to day light savings time - am I the only one that struggles with the time change?? Must be an age thing. T T F N - Kaye

Don't forget to change your clocks!

I forgot to turn the clock ahead at the shop and I figured it out at about 6:45 p.m. tonight - Not one customer took advantage of this extra hour! So I was looking at another blog and came across a picture and so I am going to do a test and see if I can post it- I smart like tractor!!!!

I am finalizing the retreat plans - should be worth the delays - I hope.

I will have a green treat for all you lucky Irishmen on Wednesday - and for all non-Irishmen and women too!!!!!! Don't forget the green or you may get pinched - do people still do that or would that be considered sexual harassment? !

Well I am going to try to upload this picture from my youth ( I am the one with the cleavage) - I hope it works. good night - Kaye

Today is Wednesday -

What a great name for today's blog - that is about as creative as I am feeling. One of the many joys of aging is how slow my brain recall is - and today I mean slow. It took me so long to remember how to upload pictures - so I have included some from the Peace by Piece quilt retreat from 2 weeks ago and then some from the baby shower we had for my son Rob and his Katy. They were showered with the most delightful things for our new little girl - she will be the most well dressed, clean, diapered, fed hip & educated child ever born!!! Of course all of us Nannys' feel that way! Rob showed up just in time to unwrap the gifts. We had yummy food, a couple really FUN shower games (we all love shower games) and many laughs. I made Katy and the baby matching quilts from the Eva line of fabric that Moda had out last year - she loved the plum , green and pink. I have loaned them the wicker bassinet I had bought when I had Rob - made a liner and sheets to match the quilt - it really was sweet.
I hope you enjoy the pictures - I wish I were a better photographer - but I can't do everything!!!! But I can do some work today - have secured a couple of teachers for the retreat----- "Two Peas in a Pod" will be coming up from Bountiful to teach a fun mystery class in the afternoon. I have local wonders teaching in the morning and I am still trying to find a few more classes before everything is posted. I am slow but sure - as usual. Well I best get something else done - to all my peeps ( i don't mean those nasty marshmallow guys) out there - have a great week - and enjoy the bit of sunshine we have today. as I remain in pieces - Kaye

"Bee my Baby" -

Rob and Katy - he showed up just in time for the gifts!

Mariann and Krista in a few years ! Just kidding - my Aunt Marj (92) and my friend Alice (81

These 2 are really amazing.

The most beautious best friends a girl could ever have - Mariann and Krista - I am so lucky.

my friend Carrie - she is a quilting mad woman and Annette Rose too.

Barbara Campbell and her wonderful basket quilt.

Teresa is the one who wanted me locked in the closet!