A UFO checked off the list

Finally, after 4, 5, I don' know how many years I have finished one of my most favorite quilts. I started it with no particular recipient in mind. It was my vacation project at my friend Mary's house. She has a machine that I could do the embroidery on. I got all the blocks done there and maybe even the top done. I don't remember that long ago. My #3 (in age) niece was visiting and asked what my latest project was. I showed it to her. She immediately fell in love with it and asked who it was for. I just said for a special baby. She assumed it was intended for someone already. I decided right then and there it would be for her baby whenever that time would come. Her dad told me that last summer she commented to him about the quilt and wondered if I would make another one like it. I won't have to. I have decided to give it to her when she graduates from her Master's program in May. She can put it in her hope chest. Or who knows, maybe she will want it hanging in her home. One of my prayers for her is that one of these days she will meet her Prince Charming, they will marry and have one or more babies who will enjoy the quilt. Now I worry that I might have to make something similar for her brothers when they begin having kids. Maybe I should start real soon.

Shutterfly and me

I love using Shutterfly. I've used it for calendars and gifts using my photos. Tonight I made a card to use to encourage (I hope) friends of mine who are going through tough times. Check out the above card link. Try one for yourself some time.

Time for more pictures

Just a few I like. I need to get out more though.

The butterflies are blooming

Every year at Meijer Gardens in March and April, the butterflies bloom. I love that time of the year. I head out there several times even if it is only for an hour or so (memberships are great). These didn't pop in exactly in the order I wanted but it really makes no difference.

This little guy seemed really intent on letting me take his picture. I think I took about a dozen.

I've only had one person be able to tell me what this is. I know. Do you?

Pretty cool flower. I think it is something new out there.

I tried a new "filter" on this one. It is called Posterization. Sure changed the original photo.

This one is probably my favorite one. It has gotten the most comments for the folks at work.

I have all these photos cycling through on my screens. It is so much fun to share my photos with others.

Where is the year going?

Can you believe that it is almost the middle of March already? We've had an easy winter -- so far. Only 70" of snow. And this last week we've had temps in the mid to high 50's. Not bad. Course they are saying more snow the last part of the month.

I made a quilt in the last week. It is for the baby of the son of a friend of mine. They are having their first... a little boy. This is the first quilt I've made in over a year. It may be the last. Oh boy!!! What could go wrong did. Well, a couple things went right. I had all the fabric in my stash. I didn't slash the fabric when I was ripping out quilting. I do like the way it turned out. I think the little guy will like it. The baby shower is tomorrow afternoon. I was sweating the finishing of it. But I have time to spare.

I've been doing some photography and was going to upload some tonight but the pictures I wanted to upload are in the bedroom and I am too lazy to get up and get them. So I'll save them for another post, which hopefully won't take as long to do.

The Halls Are Decked

This is the first year in ages that I've really decorated my livingroom. I've put up maybe a few but no tree for over 15 years. I have to thank some friends for some of my decorations. They have spent hours making them and I truely love them.

The above tree wallhanging and potholders were made by my friend Mary out in MA. The barn wallhanging that is on the right is also a gift from her. Mary has made me so many things over the years we've been friends. What a blessing she is to me.

Here's my tree. I splurged last year on New Year's Eve and bought this pre-lit tree. Three of the decorations on it are shown below. They were cross-stitched by my friend Karen in NJ. She's given me one each year since we've become friends. They are a treasure as is she.

I have this thing about snowmen and Santas. And bears too. The hanging Wedgewood is new this year. It's from my friend Mike. No, he didn't make it, but I love it anyway. He has really good taste.

2008

2009

2007

A new lens

For a few weeks months I’ve been wanting to buy a new zoom lens for my camera.  I finally was able to purchase one.  (I sold my old d-slr.) I bought a 70-300 zoom.  I think my first shoot came out pretty good with it.  I had some willing subjects and some not so willing.

 

 

 

 

 

I found a spot overlooking Grand Rapids that is great for taking pictures.  I’m sure I will return many times.