Back from vacation...

These two lovebirds are standing aboard the Star Princess ship in front of the Sawyer Glacier in the great state of Alaska.  We had a fabulous trip and as a little bonus, we escaped the 100 degree temperatures at home!!  Woo hoo!  More details to come.

Look what came in the mail for me today!

I took part in a "July 4th Mug Rug Swap" on Flickr. My swap partner was Lisa, from Alabama and she does some pretty fantastic work. She tells me she's new at this, that this was her first applique and that she has never done free motion quilting before! Well, she surely has some talent, that's for sure.  Thanks SO much, Lisa!

To the left and to the right are the mug rugs that Lisa received from me.  They look a little "wonky" in the photos, but they aren't.  the one on the left was just an exercise in creativity.  The one on the right is made with the "convergence" design by Ricky Tims.  I made another quilt a while back with his guidance and I do love the way things turn out.  A lot depends on fabric choices, that's for sure.  I do hope Lisa likes what she received from me, too.  (She DID write to me and express her appreciation.)

We did it!

This morning, Akron Walks for Autism had an event.  My daughter Jennifer and I walked in support of the organization.  This photo was taken just after we registered, before the walk.  We had our McDonald's coffee in hand, still relaxing before our 1 mile.  We were going to do the 5K, but Jennifer has poison ivy and isn't feeling tip top.  Anyway, we walked, we enjoyed and we supported!

"Sea Mist"

It's done!  She's been washed, dried and held up for the camera.  She's earmarked for someone special.  I'm off to purchase either a gift bag or box for wrapping!

Gracie

Yesterday Gracie went to the groomer for her spa day.  Gracie doesn't enjoy a spa day as much as I do, however, she got her summer "do" and her bath and her nails done.  (And any residual skunkie scent is now completely gone.)  She also received an adorable girlie kerchief.

We were outside working in the yard today and Gracie was guarding us.  She's so good at that...we weren't attacked while we were outside.  She's VERY good at her job!  She's a sweet girl, very calm and gentle, but if she felt we were in any danger at all, she'd be charging her boundaries and keeping unwelcome intruders at bay.

Help me name this quilt, please.

This quilt is ready for quilting and I'll be starting it tomorrow.  I've done some practicing and am ready to roll.

I always seem to have problems with naming a quilt and was wondering if you could give me some ideas of what you might name this quilt if you were naming it.

Your help would be really appreciated!

Mmmm, delicious!

I (along with my daughter, Jennifer) took Wilton Cake Decorating classes at a nearby Michael's store this last couple of months.  We had a blast (the instructor was great and the group of ladies were super-fun!).  Now, I know you may think..."Wow, that Helen is one fantastically domestic goddess!".  As much as I hate to disappoint you, well, maybe I'll just let you think that.

Here is the cake that I just completed.  Making all those flowers was fun and many laughs and fun times were enjoyed while making them.  When it was time to enjoy the fruits of my labor, I divided this baby up and shipped a little bit off to six of my neighbors.  Not a big piece for anyone, but a treat to be enjoyed that night after supper.  I had rave reviews that the cake was tasty, and I can attest to that fact as I had a small slice myself.

This is Treva!

Last week was my youngest granddaughter's (Treva's) birthday, she turned 2!

Here are a few pictures of us making her cake...his name is Larry Boy from Veggie Tales.  Lots of time was spent creating Larry Boy and our efforts were appreciated, as Treva was delighted with him.  (Plus, for a cucumber, he was one mighty-tasty cake!

This is Jennifer, working on Larry Boy

I'm working on Larry Boy

                                       

Evie in back, Hadley, Nathan, Viv and Anna

Hadley, Jennifer & Treva

Larry Boy