Oh My Stars Quilt

My final finish for 2021 - “Oh My Stars”, named for my SIL’s favorite expression, which I love.

This one is 62x76”, made from flannel and cotton, with a super soft flannel back, and it’s all mine! (I may have splurged a bit on the backing, but it’s so pretty and soft!)

I started this kit quilt in February (here), and made a bunch of “mistake blocks” (here) after I goofed up one block and decided I liked it better than the original. 

 “Mistake” block

Sent it for long-arm quilting in March (here) . . . and it’s been sitting ever since, waiting for me to make the binding. How embarrassing.

 My new single-feed-dog walking foot made especially for sewing bindings is awesome!

I was determined Stars was going on this year’s “completed” list, so I sat down this afternoon  with my new (non-exploded) walking foot,

a box of iron-on sewing tape and got it done. Taping it felt like cheating but I’m much happier with the results.

A quick trip through the laundry and I’ll be sleeping warm in the new year. Happy 2022, y’all!

Winding Down

Had dinner tonight with the Airman (Airperson?) before she heads back to VA to complete her training.

Such a lovely way to wind down the holidays. 

And I received my Christmas gift from Leia. 

She knows Pop dislikes flamingos - and I love them - so almost every year she gets me one, then laughs and laughs at Pop’s reaction. Poor Pop. 🦩 

Roar!

Donovan’s new dinosaur quilt was a big hit at Christmas- 

and that was before he saw the Power Rangers on the back (that story is here). 

Its hard to see the quilting on this 

but my pal Debbie found a pantograph of dinosaurs 

and stitched it in orange thread so it would be more visible. 

So perfect! 

Go!

The girls are out of school this week and, according to weather reports, it’s supposed to rain every day except today.

So we - and apparently everyone else in the county, judging by the sold out time slots - hightailed it to the SB Zoo for a few hours of breezy, chilly sunshine. 

 Baby Pauline is almost as big as her mom now

I was afraid we wouldn’t see much of the animals since they are more active in the morning (our time slot was noon-30). Maybe it was the cooler weather or just plain luck, but we saw lots of animal antics, 

 Marta is behind mom, getting a bath

including Baby Marta running up the tree-walk after mom. I was too entranced watching to get photos in time. So cute!

 Giraffe, with gratuitous lion b*tt

The girls fed Audrey -

actually Leanne fed her while Jac watched, 

Jac’s still a little intimidated by the giraffes;

we saw the Kookaburras (my favorite of the zoo’s birds) and Tawny Frogmouth getting fed in their spacious new exhibit;

and the girls got to admire “their” Axolotl for the first time since they became its Foster Feeder. 

Who knew a salamander could bring such joy??

The end. 

Pajama Day

What to do on a rainy Monday after Christmas?

Leanne made another batch of zucchini bread (I love that she can do this on her own, with no input needed from me)

and Jac did art at the kitchen counter because it was too cold in my craft room, even with the portable heater running full blast. 

 Jac’s favorite people

Jac was annoyed that she misspelled her name, 

so I did a little grandma magic 

and **abracadabra**, no evidence = happy Jackie. 

That’s A Wrap

Such a fun day. Light rain, warm fireplace, and lots of laughs, food and presents. Hope all who celebrate had a joyous Christmas. 

Organized (?) Chaos:

 Donovan’s dragon from Auntie Rachel - big hit!

 Dino land

 She fits, so she still sits 

 The Batcave is almost as tall as he is



 D-man liked his new quilt



 Kids and cats like boxes best

 My first ever sports jersey

 The Batcave has an elevator!

The Food:

 Christmas china

 These took forever but sooooo worth it!

Fancy Pictures:

 Leanne, Jaclyn, Donovan, Leia and Naia





 Matt, Gary, Pop

 Mary, Donovan, Naia, Leia and Matt







 Gary and Shelley



 Leanne, Jaclyn, Scott and Marie







 Pop and me. That’s all, folks!