tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52756140036034051712024-03-13T09:22:11.659-04:00Random Thoughts of AMWAMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.comBlogger281125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-929948428354407502013-03-11T12:29:00.001-04:002013-03-11T13:11:35.500-04:00Cinch Sack Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hi! Remember me??? Yeah, I'm still around... Mostly hanging out on Facebook and Pinterest. I had a friend come into town a couple weekends ago to go to the Mid-Atlanic Quilt Festival, and boy did we have some fun!</div>
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After she left, I found my way back up to my craft room, and made something that I desperately needed for the show. A cinch sack backpack. They are so easy, and I texted her a picture, and she said she needed to learn how to make them. Since it was so easy, I thought I'd make another one and take pictures along the way to make a tutorial.</div>
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Nothing like jumping back into the blog-o-sphere with a first time tutorial, right? I'm sure there are other ways to make these, but this is how I made mine. Well, the second one. :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln7Nk1Avr1g/UT35VgKMuOI/AAAAAAAACY0/xFcGHWHQSKM/s1600/IMG_3509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln7Nk1Avr1g/UT35VgKMuOI/AAAAAAAACY0/xFcGHWHQSKM/s320/IMG_3509.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I cut a piece of fabric to 18x 32 and squared up all the edges. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InY-_-UfOZw/UT35VK9K16I/AAAAAAAACYo/xXAo94oM_6w/s1600/IMG_3511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InY-_-UfOZw/UT35VK9K16I/AAAAAAAACYo/xXAo94oM_6w/s320/IMG_3511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I turned each raw edge under between 1/8 and 1/4 inch and sewed it down. Not a necessary step, but later on, it makes for a much more finished look.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9o0fhwUOs5Y/UT35VXFSNMI/AAAAAAAACYs/u5AxrNiDsTw/s1600/IMG_3510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9o0fhwUOs5Y/UT35VXFSNMI/AAAAAAAACYs/u5AxrNiDsTw/s320/IMG_3510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I did all four sides.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDjDnX3BXAk/UT35jM7xb2I/AAAAAAAACaA/7JA1Y6tMLrc/s1600/IMG_3521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDjDnX3BXAk/UT35jM7xb2I/AAAAAAAACaA/7JA1Y6tMLrc/s320/IMG_3521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I measured 2 inches from the short edges...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2cDGr05Z0jY/UT35k6y0bVI/AAAAAAAACaI/t07-_Ws1xMc/s1600/IMG_3520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2cDGr05Z0jY/UT35k6y0bVI/AAAAAAAACaI/t07-_Ws1xMc/s320/IMG_3520.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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marked both ends....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-62B-ezjfCEM/UT35nNMzdKI/AAAAAAAACaU/swOghvBjprQ/s1600/IMG_3522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-62B-ezjfCEM/UT35nNMzdKI/AAAAAAAACaU/swOghvBjprQ/s320/IMG_3522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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...folded it over....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf_RPEQocbE/UT35m1o1SqI/AAAAAAAACaQ/gW9U3GZb5Js/s1600/IMG_3523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf_RPEQocbE/UT35m1o1SqI/AAAAAAAACaQ/gW9U3GZb5Js/s320/IMG_3523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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...and pressed it down.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qv-0VPqI8zA/UT35qvc0u5I/AAAAAAAACag/O5lAZjvzWmA/s1600/IMG_3524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qv-0VPqI8zA/UT35qvc0u5I/AAAAAAAACag/O5lAZjvzWmA/s320/IMG_3524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I sewed it down over the existing seam.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oY8Gp7GqIp8/UT35XnbMdxI/AAAAAAAACZA/TzXLk4xtUFQ/s1600/IMG_3512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oY8Gp7GqIp8/UT35XnbMdxI/AAAAAAAACZA/TzXLk4xtUFQ/s320/IMG_3512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Temporarily set aside your main piece, and cut another piece 2.5x6. (Yes, mine is 10" in the picture, but 6" is just fine.)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dwoJmw0-Ow/UT35XwbzCMI/AAAAAAAACZI/4Vw64bYrHZI/s1600/IMG_3513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dwoJmw0-Ow/UT35XwbzCMI/AAAAAAAACZI/4Vw64bYrHZI/s320/IMG_3513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fold in half lengthwise. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ru9Xp_racm4/UT35ac2Ew3I/AAAAAAAACZQ/iGck5mIrszk/s1600/IMG_3514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ru9Xp_racm4/UT35ac2Ew3I/AAAAAAAACZQ/iGck5mIrszk/s320/IMG_3514.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sew a scant 1/4 inch to create a tube. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMJ992OccvY/UT35bbckKvI/AAAAAAAACZY/42xVeGUq6V0/s1600/IMG_3515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMJ992OccvY/UT35bbckKvI/AAAAAAAACZY/42xVeGUq6V0/s320/IMG_3515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Turn the tube right side out however is easiest for you... </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_V4L7ZakJo/UT35cUyhV0I/AAAAAAAACZg/xnAo3hXeUO0/s1600/IMG_3516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_V4L7ZakJo/UT35cUyhV0I/AAAAAAAACZg/xnAo3hXeUO0/s320/IMG_3516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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...and press. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2lySRr7GuY/UT35dn2W-PI/AAAAAAAACZo/3iTVOHlBuUY/s1600/IMG_3517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2lySRr7GuY/UT35dn2W-PI/AAAAAAAACZo/3iTVOHlBuUY/s320/IMG_3517.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cut the tube into two 3inch long strips. Fold in half raw edges together and press. I'll refer to these as "tabs".</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e9fFnf6BMTI/UT35eHxQqlI/AAAAAAAACZw/49gQ7A9x7yk/s1600/IMG_3518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e9fFnf6BMTI/UT35eHxQqlI/AAAAAAAACZw/49gQ7A9x7yk/s320/IMG_3518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's where it's difficult for me to describe. Fold your main piece of fabric, right sides together, short ends meeting. At the fold at the bottom, tuck in your "tabs"so the raw edges are between your layers, and facing the outside edge.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eXzzL9cV5M0/UT35i8I9iNI/AAAAAAAACZ4/JbfjIktdy0U/s1600/IMG_3519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eXzzL9cV5M0/UT35i8I9iNI/AAAAAAAACZ4/JbfjIktdy0U/s320/IMG_3519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Pin your "tabs" in place.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67DOacyzLEI/UT35qw3VLkI/AAAAAAAACak/_5ZddVAW3Yc/s1600/IMG_3525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67DOacyzLEI/UT35qw3VLkI/AAAAAAAACak/_5ZddVAW3Yc/s320/IMG_3525.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Starting <u>just below</u> your folded over edge at the top your cinch sacks, sew down the length of each side... </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-50BJz_tW3CA/UT35rzfvAsI/AAAAAAAACaw/BArvklKcYfY/s1600/IMG_3526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-50BJz_tW3CA/UT35rzfvAsI/AAAAAAAACaw/BArvklKcYfY/s400/IMG_3526.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...<span style="text-align: center;">re-inforcing your stitches over your "tabs".</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8ter-ySMPc/UT35udllzHI/AAAAAAAACa4/2HrCTW4yZT0/s1600/IMG_3528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8ter-ySMPc/UT35udllzHI/AAAAAAAACa4/2HrCTW4yZT0/s320/IMG_3528.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Notice that the top is open at both ends at the top where it was folded over and stitched. This is good.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vOSqWZv7uL4/UT35vpxDBwI/AAAAAAAACbA/eTYOy6aUEtA/s1600/IMG_3527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vOSqWZv7uL4/UT35vpxDBwI/AAAAAAAACbA/eTYOy6aUEtA/s320/IMG_3527.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Turn right side out and press. Notice the tabs a the bottom?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt5ISJcJhyg/UT35v2pRBBI/AAAAAAAACbE/4Qa-YoG47qs/s1600/IMG_3529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt5ISJcJhyg/UT35v2pRBBI/AAAAAAAACbE/4Qa-YoG47qs/s320/IMG_3529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cut two pieces of cording 72 inches long each.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9mp6pFbb_A/UT35w-gAdoI/AAAAAAAACbQ/rwKxdgwJ2hw/s1600/IMG_3530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9mp6pFbb_A/UT35w-gAdoI/AAAAAAAACbQ/rwKxdgwJ2hw/s320/IMG_3530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Attach a safety pin to one end of a piece...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VE5FIfqwPNM/UT35zqcazJI/AAAAAAAACbY/NtQoRjV6aQU/s1600/IMG_3532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VE5FIfqwPNM/UT35zqcazJI/AAAAAAAACbY/NtQoRjV6aQU/s320/IMG_3532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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...and feed all the way around in the top where your openings are to where you started.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wG0Eak5atk/UT350J7zvzI/AAAAAAAACbg/O-7TcVaMkLQ/s1600/IMG_3533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wG0Eak5atk/UT350J7zvzI/AAAAAAAACbg/O-7TcVaMkLQ/s320/IMG_3533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HBo_XFyP-k/UT351OR9X9I/AAAAAAAACbo/Q29ZFnA5so0/s1600/IMG_3531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HBo_XFyP-k/UT351OR9X9I/AAAAAAAACbo/Q29ZFnA5so0/s320/IMG_3531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z-1A-ZPgN48/UT352mQY6jI/AAAAAAAACbw/jyer3ilfjAc/s1600/IMG_3534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z-1A-ZPgN48/UT352mQY6jI/AAAAAAAACbw/jyer3ilfjAc/s320/IMG_3534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Take the second piece, and start at the opposite side, and feed all the way around again to the that starting point. You should now have two raw ends coming out each side that are each part of the same piece of cord. When pulled they should "cinch" the top.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LWlEFSViVZ4/UT353XDV-NI/AAAAAAAACb4/TGwsicckHWg/s1600/IMG_3535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LWlEFSViVZ4/UT353XDV-NI/AAAAAAAACb4/TGwsicckHWg/s320/IMG_3535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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On each end, feed the cording down to the tab...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MC-1XjaftUE/UT354ial0wI/AAAAAAAACcA/aunTpDt5ZVQ/s1600/IMG_3536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MC-1XjaftUE/UT354ial0wI/AAAAAAAACcA/aunTpDt5ZVQ/s320/IMG_3536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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...and tie in a knot.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R75sEoOHUpg/UT356LLb-jI/AAAAAAAACcI/Oi8MdziSQ-o/s1600/IMG_3537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R75sEoOHUpg/UT356LLb-jI/AAAAAAAACcI/Oi8MdziSQ-o/s320/IMG_3537.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And you're done!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--OUk3aiprIg/UT358I5f7II/AAAAAAAACcY/l2bUTKD-o2A/s1600/IMG_3539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--OUk3aiprIg/UT358I5f7II/AAAAAAAACcY/l2bUTKD-o2A/s320/IMG_3539.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The first one took me about 40 minutes. The second took about 30 minutes, but that was with stopping to take pictures. These are quick and easy, and make cute gifts, or just a useful bag to throw a few things in and take off. They are lightweight, and if they get dirty? Just take the cording out, and throw it in the wash.</div>
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Please leave a comment if you make one of these. Or if you have questions about something I posted here.<br />
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AMWAMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-24874229316567587872012-12-05T08:54:00.001-05:002012-12-05T08:54:55.480-05:00Singer Treadle Machine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few months ago, I came across this old Singer Treadle Sewing Machine. I know that there is one in every attic and that most people's grandma's taught them to sew on one of these, but that wasn't the case with me. I've always been fascinated by them, but have never owned one.</div>
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This one was a STEAL.</div>
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Of course, it doesn't work, and needs refurbishing, but it's a beautiful piece of furniture regardless. </div>
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Maybe one day, when I have some spare funds, I'll get it into working order and try it out. <br />
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Do you have an old treadle machine? Have you ever used one?<br />
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AMWAMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-38189579766170797562012-11-27T22:59:00.001-05:002012-11-27T22:59:51.081-05:00Rental PropertyI think I've mentioned on this blog before that I own a rental house. And that it's not been an easy road...<br />
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This past tenant was the worst tenant I've ever had. She moved in in May, and left in October. I think I MAYBE got a total of 3 months rent during that 6 month period. And when she left, she left a mess. One of the worst messes I've ever seen in a rental property.... See for yourself:<br />
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She spilled two candles down the wall onto the carpet. And left trash everywhere. I had to replace the entire carpet.</div>
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There are cigarette butts and ashes all over the bedroom carpet, blue smeary stuff on the carpet, and even a carseat in the bathroom.</div>
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She broke a window.</div>
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The kitchen was a site all it's own. Food everywhere, and really disgusting. The food in the refrigerator was left in there with the door shut and the power had been off. All spoiled to say the least.</div>
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These bags were after two hours of ONLY picking up trash. This doesn't count the bags outside. It was just awful.</div>
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UGH! It's finally cleaned and ready to re-rent. So I can do it all over again...............</div>
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AMW</div>
AMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-86150366126774842442012-11-12T16:20:00.001-05:002012-11-12T16:20:07.825-05:00Halloween Bandana Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm fully aware that halloween was weeks ago.... And that I'm just now getting around to posting pictures of this quilt that was finished right around then. Apparently the blog police are out in full force (you know who you are, <a href="http://fairybreadmusings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SHAY</a>) and <strike>virtually DEMANDED</strike> requested that I share this with you. So now that I've refueled with leftover halloween candy (hey, don't judge...), here you go.</div>
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Our local Wally world had bandanas on sale for $1 each. And lots of different colors and patterns. With all of the halloween patterns, we thought it would be a fun one to do.<br />
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So, we snatched some up, I pieced it together pretty quick, and then it was left to decide how to quilt it.<br />
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I thought it'd be fun to try something a little different on this one since I didn't have a ton of money invested in it. My friend with the long-arm had just learned how to use the computerized portion of her machine, so I thought I'd give it a shot. <br />
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If you look really close at some of the blocks, you can see a spiderweb pattern quilted into them<br />
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When it was done, my roommie snatched it so fast, I didn't even get to wash it before she started using it. It didn't get it's initial wash for all of the shrinkage and crinkly goodness for almost a week!<br />
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It was a ton of fun, and I can't wait to do another one of these. Just maybe not in a seasonal pattern....<br />
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AMWAMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-86794194723414408002012-11-09T10:33:00.002-05:002012-11-09T10:33:54.309-05:00Corn Maze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been years since I've gone to a Corn Maze. I remembered that I <strike>got really lost</strike> had a ton of fun, and wanted to go again. So when I found myself going to an event that was very near a corn maze, I decided to go and <strike>torture myself</strike> have some fun when the original event was over. I <strike>conned</strike> talked a couple of friends in to going too, so I had <strike>witnesses</strike>, <strike>accomplices</strike>, people to find get me out of there.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGaAz-GFPCA/UJ0Xcy6cz-I/AAAAAAAACOs/9Ni5War4JZ4/s1600/620661_4884749882889_1164578272_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGaAz-GFPCA/UJ0Xcy6cz-I/AAAAAAAACOs/9Ni5War4JZ4/s400/620661_4884749882889_1164578272_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MsLH3Cb15jc/UJ0Xb3iOoMI/AAAAAAAACOk/LN0a3PnZ95k/s1600/334494_4884696881564_1223359851_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MsLH3Cb15jc/UJ0Xb3iOoMI/AAAAAAAACOk/LN0a3PnZ95k/s400/334494_4884696881564_1223359851_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here are three of the four of us. Lori was taking the pictures.</div>
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xA-AiU-5FYs/UJ0XxThnRXI/AAAAAAAACPo/khFJYyj_3XE/s1600/IMG_3215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xA-AiU-5FYs/UJ0XxThnRXI/AAAAAAAACPo/khFJYyj_3XE/s400/IMG_3215.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's Lori!</div>
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DCgDoi6f6vI/UJ0Xs-KAqVI/AAAAAAAACPU/Yf9rdRygbu0/s1600/IMG_3213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DCgDoi6f6vI/UJ0Xs-KAqVI/AAAAAAAACPU/Yf9rdRygbu0/s400/IMG_3213.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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But first, there was some other fun to be had. There were pedal cars to test out. Chip offered me $5 to test it out. Little did he know, I would have PAID to do it...</div>
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo1VDA9-Jbg/UJ0XlpAjq1I/AAAAAAAACPM/7nNs6RMfXlQ/s1600/IMG_3212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo1VDA9-Jbg/UJ0XlpAjq1I/AAAAAAAACPM/7nNs6RMfXlQ/s400/IMG_3212.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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But, it was BROKEN! The chain was off...</div>
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8poviPoQ3eU/UJ0XbGd7YsI/AAAAAAAACOc/Q1BjxEkYVRc/s1600/177216_4884693641483_1749003231_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8poviPoQ3eU/UJ0XbGd7YsI/AAAAAAAACOc/Q1BjxEkYVRc/s400/177216_4884693641483_1749003231_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, Chip provided the manpower! I laughed and laughed. We had a great time.</div>
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55rPFsX0-UI/UJ0Xd2MbkQI/AAAAAAAACO0/QYbbuW82UzU/s1600/621318_4884707801837_2063287353_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55rPFsX0-UI/UJ0Xd2MbkQI/AAAAAAAACO0/QYbbuW82UzU/s400/621318_4884707801837_2063287353_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then it was time to tackle the maze. Lots of rules to follow. That won't be a problem, right?</div>
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RRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIGGGHHHTTT!</div>
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Here's the start. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPyVdTaO2PA/UJ0XzrYHGPI/AAAAAAAACPw/skgiorjR_LA/s1600/IMG_3216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPyVdTaO2PA/UJ0XzrYHGPI/AAAAAAAACPw/skgiorjR_LA/s400/IMG_3216.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's what the layout in the corn looked like. Keep in mind, you can't see over the corn.</div>
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There were stops along the way and tasks to perform.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PDsHMToSb8w/UJ0Xe-1sVoI/AAAAAAAACO8/jHrpM57L-l0/s1600/664525_4884732042443_891413181_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PDsHMToSb8w/UJ0Xe-1sVoI/AAAAAAAACO8/jHrpM57L-l0/s400/664525_4884732042443_891413181_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And funny looking glasses to see the maps.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChaNeSW-2Ak/UJ0X5eO9uzI/AAAAAAAACQI/Y6PQI-OakYg/s1600/IMG_3223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChaNeSW-2Ak/UJ0X5eO9uzI/AAAAAAAACQI/Y6PQI-OakYg/s400/IMG_3223.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh, and huitelacoche. Or Corn Smut. A fungus that's actually a delicacy in Mexico. Don't believe me?? Read about it <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huitlacoche" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k59jvKDwD4M/UJ0YGNxN4PI/AAAAAAAACQ0/y-r68KYGKsY/s1600/IMG_3232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k59jvKDwD4M/UJ0YGNxN4PI/AAAAAAAACQ0/y-r68KYGKsY/s400/IMG_3232.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yep, still wandering around trying to figure our way out.</div>
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Whew - we can finally see the finish!!! It only took us about 2 hours and a little over 2 miles.</div>
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Finally, the sun was setting as we wandered out. I took this picture through the "red" glasses, but thought it looked pretty cool.</div>
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Have you ever been to a corn maze? Would you do it again?</div>
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AMW</div>
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AMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-63764476235595012352012-10-16T16:52:00.000-04:002012-10-16T16:52:07.931-04:00State Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few weeks ago, we attended the State Fair of Virginia. I was so looking forward to this for several reasons, one of the main ones was to meet a blogging friend! I was so excited to meet Cynthia from <a href="http://homematters1st.blogspot.com/">Home Matters 1st</a> and <a href="http://feedingbig.blogspot.com/">Feeding Big</a> fame, but I'll get to that in a few...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8NT620bFwU/UHywytt1iLI/AAAAAAAACL4/SXj-ZXJ4ecQ/s1600/IMG_3093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8NT620bFwU/UHywytt1iLI/AAAAAAAACL4/SXj-ZXJ4ecQ/s400/IMG_3093.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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There were fun sights to see and just your traditional fair setting. It was a nice warm late September day.</div>
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There were Lions and Tigers and Bears, OH MY! Well, not really, but there were tigers. They were beautiful. But this one in the middle picture was pacing in the cage the entire time. I was so sad for him.</div>
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And there was food. Yummy, yummy food! We had FRESH potato chips, sweet tea, Pork Parfait, and fried reese's and fried ho-hos. The fried reese's and ho-ho's didn't make it for the picture, but the rest did. </div>
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The pork parfait has become sort of a tradition. And it's SO good. It's layers of pulled pork, mashed potatoes and barbeque sauce. In a sundae parfait cup. YUM!</div>
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And if that wasn't excitement enough, there was a DEMOLITION DERBY! Fixing up old hoopties just to bang 'em into each other to see who'll be the last one standing? Sounds like fun to me!</div>
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And of course, there was the quilt show. This was where I got to meet Cynthia! She was smart enough to get a picture of us, so I'm "borrowing" it and posting it here. I look drunk, but seeing as how it was really only about 11:00 in the morning, I'm pretty sure I wasn't. Pretty sure!</div>
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Not all of the quilts were hung this year. Some were folded and some were across racks or bars that held other quilts. My friend Cindy entered the Black, White and Yellow quilt above. It's actually a queen sized quilt and quite stunning.</div>
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Here are my two. One on a quilt rack and one on a bar between some hanging ones. Kinda bummed that they weren't hung up for everyone to see, but at least they were there.</div>
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The highlight was definitely getting to meet Cynthia!</div>
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AMW</div>
AMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-35441417788633448442012-10-11T14:59:00.000-04:002012-10-11T14:59:33.366-04:00What's new?I was thinking of things to post about (I have no idea why that's sooooo hard!) and I thought maybe I would post pictures of quilts I had finished since the last time I was on a blogging spree. But as I was going through my albums, my ego was quickly deflated as I hadn't finished nearly as many as I thought I had. Oh, I've started plenty. My UFO's are piling up VERY quickly. But finishes total a whopping two. YEP, 2! That's it. <br />
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But they both had a lot of meaning to me.<br />
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First up was a wedding quilt. My roomie's nephew was getting married on the beach in NC, and we hadn't figured out what to get them. I had started a pinwheel quilt just to see how it came together, and as I looked at it, I thought it'd be a nice gift for them. Little did I know that the colors in the quilt would match their wedding colors quite nicely.<br />
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The next one I finished was just as special to me. One of my dear friends who lives in NC was diagnosed with cancer. It hit him (and all of his friends) like a ton of bricks. I don't get to see him as often as I'd like, but this news hit me in the gut and I wanted to do something to let him know I was thinking of him.<br />
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I had a panel of "What Cancer Cannot Do" sayings, turned it into this:<br />
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Tim is a former Marine, and is fighting this thing with a ton of gusto. <br />
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So there you have it. Two whole finishes this year... Guess I need to get busy!<br />
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AMWAMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-15409266041706378972012-10-01T19:28:00.001-04:002012-10-01T19:28:03.316-04:00You know what they say.....Absence makes the heart grow fonder.... Right? So you all should be MADLY IN LOVE WITH ME now.<br />
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Right?<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">crickets....</span><br />
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I mean, it has been a reeeeaaaalllly long time.....<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">crickets.....</span><br />
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Oh wait. I use the wrong cliche!<br />
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It's "Out of sight, out of mind".<br />
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I've been hanging around Facebook and Pinterest. If anyone wants to find me there, send me a private message, and we'll be set.<br />
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But I'll also try to pop in here once in a while and post a random update. <br />
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Random enough that you'll still miss me, but won't forget me... ;)<br />
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AMW<br />
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PS - Thanks, Cynthia, for the nudge....<br />
<br />AMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-82964893500480046452012-05-02T09:37:00.000-04:002012-05-02T09:37:12.238-04:00Oh the things we learn...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A long time ago, when I took my very first quilt class, I met some great people. I'm not telling you quilters out there anything you don't already know. And you know we are all eccentric to some point, too, right? Yeah, whatever... Deep down, you know it's true...</div>
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Anyhow. I met a lady in the class that could do just about anything. Over time (and I can't remember how or when or why it came up), she taught me how to "rush" a chair. This isn't like rushing to the grocery store, or rushing a sorority. It's an old form of creating a seat on a wooden chair. She taught me how to do this on an old rocking chair that has long been gone.</div>
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Where am I going with this? </div>
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Every Sunday morning, my roomie and I go to her mother's house for breakfast, and the family gathers. The chairs were taking a beating. To the point where cheeks were falling through... One day, I mentioned that I had learned how to re-do these kind of seats years before. Maybe I could take one home and give it a shot.</div>
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SkGRJNugvFc/T6EzTvc-KjI/AAAAAAAACD8/zTEmYyfFMr4/s1600/Chairs+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SkGRJNugvFc/T6EzTvc-KjI/AAAAAAAACD8/zTEmYyfFMr4/s640/Chairs+Before.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So one at a time, over the last year or so, I've brought them home. Here is how many of them looked.</div>
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I removed the old seats. Sometimes, the rush had been glued down, and it was a mess under there. But back to the basics, and the chairs were still good and solid.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JhrCTC1YosE/T6EzNhUWngI/AAAAAAAACD0/PoEQzWw8YXQ/s1600/Beginnings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JhrCTC1YosE/T6EzNhUWngI/AAAAAAAACD0/PoEQzWw8YXQ/s640/Beginnings.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It requires a good amount of strength, so there have been times over the past year I couldn't muster it, but I'm slowly getting them done.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFRd41sD0TU/T6Ezcb5wuLI/AAAAAAAACEE/4tP0XRWXM7E/s1600/Done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFRd41sD0TU/T6Ezcb5wuLI/AAAAAAAACEE/4tP0XRWXM7E/s640/Done.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
One of the biggest problems, is once I get it done, I forget to take an "after" picture. So I have a TON of before and during pictures, and only these two of a finished chair. One chair. Out of 5 done so far.<br />
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And I can tell you from Sunday morning experience, that while these may not look like they were professionally done, they sit VERY well.<br />
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Do you have any "hidden talents"?<br />
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AMW<br />
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<br />AMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-49757618762833240692012-04-25T12:02:00.000-04:002012-04-25T12:02:42.095-04:00Called OutOnce again, I was called out for not updating my blog. I hadn't realized it had been so long. I knew it had been a while, but didn't think it was THIS long.<br />
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Where've I been??? (That's actually what she asked me when she also pointed out I hadn't blogged...)<br />
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I guess I've just been laying low. I've been lurking in blogland, though, and have read most of the posts that my bloggy friends have written.<br />
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We did go camping over Easter weekend, and it was lovely! The first camping trip of the season, and I hope there will be MANY more.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBZfInQ91DA/T5gaq5GPTMI/AAAAAAAACDc/BPYYHvF2AcI/s1600/fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBZfInQ91DA/T5gaq5GPTMI/AAAAAAAACDc/BPYYHvF2AcI/s400/fire.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Campfire of the Season!</td></tr>
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And we did see the Baltimore Oriole's take on the Norfolk Tides (their farm team) and Harbor Park.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Major and Minor League all in one.</td></tr>
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We snuck in geocaching day trips to the Eastern Shore and the Outer Banks - two locations that we love and that are just BEAUTIFUL!</div>
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And in the midst of all that, the roomie tweaked a muscled in her back real bad, and had oral surgery. Luckily, she is recovered from both of those ailments.</div>
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And lastly, we had to say goodbye to our beloved dog. I've started a post countless times about her life and her passing, and just can get through it. I really want to do a post to honor her here, but I can't yet. And so I let that block all the other posts....</div>
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I've found that sporadic works best for me and this blog, and I'm pretty consistent at being sporadic. So stay tuned sporadically for updates!</div>
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AMW</div>AMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-59196961536952710432012-03-05T12:25:00.001-05:002012-03-05T12:25:42.318-05:00I need your adviceOh, hello... Remember me? The one who blogs sporadically? At least I'm consistently inconsistent...<br />
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I've been gathering polka dot fabrics for the last several years, and have just started the cutting process based on how I *thought* I was going to make this quilt. But then this weekend, I had a *brilliant* idea! (It's always brilliant when you first think of it, right????) So this morning, I decided to lay it out and take some pictures of some different options.<br />
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This is where you come in!<br />
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I'd love to hear your thoughts on the layouts below, and either what you would do, or what you think would look good, or what you think would look hideous. Generally, any thoughts you have.<br />
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The background squares are 6.5 inches and will finish at 6inches. The entire quilt will be queen/close to king size. 96x96.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--63eLc17z3c/T1Ty2w9rG-I/AAAAAAAACCo/x5Zjkl0ONv8/s1600/IMG_2154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--63eLc17z3c/T1Ty2w9rG-I/AAAAAAAACCo/x5Zjkl0ONv8/s400/IMG_2154.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Option 1. This was my original design thought. Raw edge circles on each 6 inch square.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcOoLC6WgDE/T1TyzqeAmRI/AAAAAAAACCY/Cdd8D6gwArk/s1600/IMG_2152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcOoLC6WgDE/T1TyzqeAmRI/AAAAAAAACCY/Cdd8D6gwArk/s400/IMG_2152.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Option 2. This was the *brilliant* idea over the weekend. Instead of a circle on each square, one over the seam.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZBektP_hDc/T1Ty1AjWokI/AAAAAAAACCg/pVuLflqisAI/s1600/IMG_2153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZBektP_hDc/T1Ty1AjWokI/AAAAAAAACCg/pVuLflqisAI/s400/IMG_2153.JPG" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Option 3. Similar to option 2, but with a larger circle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N23B-8S4aT8/T1T08VwMsoI/AAAAAAAACCw/Z9RzUG9_MCQ/s1600/IMG_2159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N23B-8S4aT8/T1T08VwMsoI/AAAAAAAACCw/Z9RzUG9_MCQ/s400/IMG_2159.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Option 4. The thought was to stagger the larger and smaller circles. To be honest, I don't really like this one at all. But hey - I thought I'd throw it out there...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SeXGocq-Zb0/T1T1JgCk_rI/AAAAAAAACC4/4Igor2Ka3qo/s1600/IMG_2162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SeXGocq-Zb0/T1T1JgCk_rI/AAAAAAAACC4/4Igor2Ka3qo/s400/IMG_2162.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Option 5. Yes - it's similar to option 4, but the circles don't cover EVERY.SINGLE.INTERSECTION.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nRUo9YBabqU/T1T1LROGguI/AAAAAAAACDA/WPlOnUZnJ5o/s1600/IMG_2164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="383" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nRUo9YBabqU/T1T1LROGguI/AAAAAAAACDA/WPlOnUZnJ5o/s400/IMG_2164.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Option 6. This is similar to option 5, but uses all the same size circles over the entire quilt. </td></tr>
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What would YOU do? What option do you think is the most "pleasant to the eye"?<br />
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Can't wait to hear what you think!<br />
AMWAMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-31199719156288316162012-02-05T16:46:00.001-05:002012-02-05T16:46:14.878-05:00Precious GiftI love penguins. I have collected them for many, many years. In my collection, I have literally all kinds of penguins. Made out of many different kinds of mediums. From wood, to metal. Ceramic to brass. Glass. Plush. A penguin made out of LEATHER. And a lot more. (Including a penguin tattoo!)<br />
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This year, as part of the Make My Christmas, a friend of mine drew my name. She remembered this tidbit about me, and here is what I got from her:<br />
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She did a pencil drawing of a penguin for me and framed it!</div>
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Isn't it amazing?</div>
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A few years back, she visited Africa, and in her travels there, they came across a colony of penguins. She took a bunch of pictures, so she made a collage of those pictures and put it on the back of the frame!</div>
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<b>But she didn't stop there!</b></div>
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She recently had a milestone birthday, and a bunch of us went down to the OuterBanks for a birthday weekend celebration. Unbeknownst to me, she was finding driftwood pieces on the beach, and collecting bottle caps at her party.</div>
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And out of that, she made me THIS:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IO2Zr8y-Hbc/Ty5yE6zgwxI/AAAAAAAACBY/wP4ghKHOpnQ/s1600/IMG_1880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IO2Zr8y-Hbc/Ty5yE6zgwxI/AAAAAAAACBY/wP4ghKHOpnQ/s640/IMG_1880.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Iyrq4q5Rko/Ty5yFwK9EsI/AAAAAAAACBg/1zhM6qTKTms/s1600/IMG_1881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Iyrq4q5Rko/Ty5yFwK9EsI/AAAAAAAACBg/1zhM6qTKTms/s640/IMG_1881.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The bottom of the body is a piece of the license plate from when she owned a motorcycle.<br />
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Isn't it GORGEOUS!?!? So innovative, and so much fun! It is hands down the most creative penguin I own. And the best handmade penguin I have in my collection!<br />
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I can only imagine the time and thought that went into this. And then I realize that's what I do when I quilt. I try to capture the recipient in the fabric. I think of them the entire time I work on it. I hope it shows, and I hope they can tell it was made with love. Just like this guy above was!<br />
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What's your favorite handmade gift that you've received?<br />
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AMW<br />
<br />AMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-10784317123449749512012-02-01T21:52:00.001-05:002012-02-01T21:52:18.047-05:00Busted...Well, I got busted big time. Here is a text I received last week:<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"So no random thoughts since Jan 4. Whats up with that?"</span></i></blockquote>
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LOL! Don't you hate when your friends are RIGHT!?!?<br />
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So since KDF was the one who busted me, I thought I'd feature her in this post. See, she was the name I drew for Make My Christmas! <br />
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You may remember how worried I was after <a href="http://amwrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/12/what-week.html">THIS</a> post. I went to talk to her the morning of the party, and she was amazing, and it all worked out.<br />
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And I got it finished and delivered to her... Wanna see it? Here ya go:<br />
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<br />
I'm not sure if you can tell, but she's a big football fan. Specifically, a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. (I know... hard to tell....)<br />
<br />
And I think she was pretty happy with it. In fact, the day after I gave it to her, I got this picture sent to my phone:<br />
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But don't tell her I'm using this picture, k? She doesn't like it... But since it will be MONTHS before she checks this blog again, I think I can get away with it.<br />
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And then she posted this one on Face.Book, so I guess it's is safe to use, too...<br />
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<br />
I adore this chick, and was THRILLED that I drew her name! Keeping the secret was BRUTAL!!! But the payoff of giving her this quilt made it worth it.<br />
<br />
Love ya girl!<br />
AMW<br />
<span id="goog_1839133776"></span><span id="goog_1839133777"></span>AMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-13432287444028032632012-01-04T12:03:00.001-05:002012-01-04T12:03:44.834-05:00Brrrrrrrrr......I've been reading all the "year-end" posts, and the "New Year" posts. <br />
<br />
This isn't one of those posts....<br />
<br />
I started the new work year off with a new attitude, really hoping this year was going to be different, but no such luck. It started out on the rough side.<br />
<br />
First thing, it's cold! It was 28 yesterday morning when I came in, so that made the lobby 61 degrees.<br />
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With a shot of 28 every time one of the four side doors open. It made for a VERY cold day. I sat with my full length wool coat and gloves on.<br />
<br />
Then, my "deskmate" (the security guard and I share a workspace made into two desks) proceeded to once again go on a cussing/swearing rant at a game he was playing on his phone. This is not the first time. It's a regular occurrence for him, and I've been listening to it for the last year. I guess I finally had enough, cause I kind of exploded on him. (We'll blame it on the cold and being less tolerant in the new year....)<br />
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Now, I'll say, that I am not his boss, not his co-worker, not his superior in any way, nor do I answer to him in any way. We share space. He sings regularly (not well), talks to himself, makes comments about people under his breath as they go by, talks over me, and so much more. (Can you tell I'm not a big fan of his???) But I'd had enough. And it had been building up for quite some time. And I could tell from the shocked look on his face, that he wasn't expecting that from me. Brought the new year in with a bang, I guess...<br />
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Today, I got in, and the lobby is now 59.9 degrees. With a blast of 29 with each door opening.<br />
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Brrrrr.....<br />
<br />
I'm cold!<br />
<br />
Here's to a better 2012.<br />
<br />
AMWAMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-30788624281931676082011-12-21T09:17:00.000-05:002011-12-21T09:17:01.640-05:00Holiday Observation at workI'm in the service industry. <br />
<br />
Throughout the work year, I provide services to my clients, and don't accept any gratuities. Yes, there are service fees for some things, and others are done for free.<br />
<br />
At the holidays, my clients will sometimes give me a cash "thank you" for the year. Others give actual gifts.<br />
<br />
And as to be expected, that has dwindled over the last couple of years due to the recession. Times are tough!<br />
<br />
Here is what I realized today......<br />
<br />
Some of my less prosperous clients have given me MORE this year. In some cases, more than they've given me in the past. <br />
<br />
And some clients (especially one who I know for a fact has done EXCEPTIONALLY well), gave me markedly less. And these are the clients that people would consider more successful (Lawyers, Executives, etc...)<br />
<br />
Now, don't get me wrong - I'm not being a grinch. I appreciate ANY time a client remembers me at the holidays. It just struck me as odd, that the ones who typically have less to share gave more.<br />
<br />
Oh, and here's a non-work observation.... Our petsitter (who we'll be using after Christmas, and plan to give her a little extra "thank you" gift) sent our dog a Christmas card. Not only that, she included a gift card to the local pet store! AND - thanked <i>us</i> for letting <i>her</i> watch our dog! Completely BACKWARDS! It's those little things that really mark the holiday season.<br />
<br />
Have you had any special things happen that have that certain holiday charm?<br />
<br />
AMWAMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-51503170244703184342011-12-15T21:36:00.000-05:002011-12-15T21:36:04.441-05:00Occupy Norfolk visits my work<this and="" just="" a="" an="" blog.="" by="" event="" from="" is="" means="" my="" no="" not="" observations="" political="" post.="" this="" yesterday.=""></this><br />
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Wednesday afternoon, the Occupy Norfolk protest group was scheduled to come and protest at my building. About 50 of them showed up.<br />
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One of our state Senators holds an office in our building, but has only been here for visits a few times in the last couple of years. This is not his home, or his normal office.<br />
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But they wanted to to be heard by him, and wanted him to come down and talk one on one with them.<br />
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Wasn't going to happen. In fact, the police had a serious presence there, as it had been widely publicized and was planned to get "rowdy".<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 12px;">"Wednesday's march will be in great need of supplies, as always- Urgent items include markers, signage, t-shirts, American flags, musical instruments of every sort, especially horns, drums, and guitars. We also need donations of 2 sets of Army style fatigues and 4 sets of prison style jumpsuits.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 12px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> Please. Most importantly, bodies will be needed. Everyone who can make it should be there for the noon r......ally and the 2pm march. If you can't make it please send items.]"</span></span></span></i></blockquote>
<br />
We (the building staff) were also informed that they planned to "push" things and have arrests.<br />
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It was certainly interesting to watch as things unfolded, and at some points, it was seriously entertaining. <br />
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This officer pictured above was apparently well-known by the O.N. group. His name (and YES, it's his REAL name) is Sergeant Lovely. At one point, all the women protesters of O.N. started chanting -<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Hey Sergeant Lovely - You're Sexy, Your Cute, Why's your vest, Bullet proof?"</i></blockquote>
Several times. <br />
<br />
And then the all yelled -<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>Hey Sergeant Lovely - How about you OCCUPY MY HEART!"</i></blockquote>
I wasn't expecting either of these, and I bust out laughing. So did all of the staff members that were there keeping an eye on things. The other police officers were unfazed. Must have heard it before.<br />
<br />
But one of the officers had been video taping the protest, probably for their own protection.<br />
<br />
He walked up to Sgt. Lovely and said, "Got it. You haven't seen the last of these...." As he walked away with a smirk. My guess is that if the recording doesn't show up at the next staff meeting, it will show up at his bachelor party, or retirement party, or someone equally embarrassing.<br />
<br />
<br />
It wasn't long after that, that things went south. Five people purposefully walked up to the sculpture, banded arms together, and sat down. They knew they were trespassing, but did so willfully. The officers patiently warned them that if they didn't go back to the sidewalk, that they would be arrested for trespassing. I saw one of them get up, and go back. The other four were peacefully arrested after about 5 minutes of warnings.<br />
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All of the other protesters just yelled that this was an injustice, and how could we let this happen, etc, etc.. But let their friends get taken away anyway. I'm not sure I understand all that.<br />
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This last picture I included, simply because the officer in the picture was a member of the State Police. There were a couple of them supporting the city police, and we heard that there were plenty nearby waiting to show up if there was a need. But mainly I included the picture cause he was super nice, and kinda cute too.<br />
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I wish I had thought to bring my real camera to work. All of these were taken with my phone.<br />
<br />
Certainly made for an interesting afternoon at work....<br />
<br />
AMWAMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-69640308269278437262011-12-14T11:33:00.001-05:002011-12-14T11:33:51.769-05:00Holiday CheerI think I mentioned already that last week was a tough week. And it has continued a little into this week as well... (If you see a post titled "Rental Property", then you will want to either skip it, or settle in, because it will be a RANT for sure...)<br />
<br />
So, in the midst of this week, we were shopping in Target. We went by the frozen food section, just to pick ups something quick. And Ice Cream. Cause we always have to have Ice Cream in the house.<br />
<br />
There was a young teenage boy (my guess is 13 to 14 years old) shopping with his mother. Instead of the typical attitude you would expect from a boy of this age who is shopping with his mother, the young man had a different approach to dealing with the monotony of shopping.<br />
<br />
He was singing the 12 Days of Christmas!<br />
<br />
When he got to the 4th day, he was trying to remember the lyrics. His mother joined in and helped him out. (We were secretly smiling at this point)<br />
<br />
When he got to the 5th day, we joined in! And sang through, and then again at the 6th day. By the "7th" day verse - we were all laughing at the spontaneity of random people caroling in the frozen food section.<br />
<br />
The best part was that the young man didn't get embarrassed and stop singing when we joined in. He just kept going. <br />
<br />
And gave us all a little bit of holiday cheer!<br />
<br />
Have you ever experienced some randomness like this???<br />
<br />
AMW<br />
<br />AMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-18343311334558733282011-12-11T21:51:00.001-05:002011-12-11T22:10:41.905-05:00What a week...Well this week has been full of challenges. Lots of them. Big ones and little ones.<br />
<br />
But one of the most frustrating ones has to do with Make My Christmas this year. If you aren't familiar with MMC, it's<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;"> similar to a "Secret Santa" gift exchange, but you MAKE a gift for the person whose name you draw. And in return, you get a handmade gift from whoever draws your name.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">This is my third year participating, and I've had a blast! Of course I made quilts, and the first year I stressed about getting it done. The second year, I enjoyed it more and had little stress.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">But this year is different.......</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">I've got the top and back and binding ready.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">I reserved the long-arm for tomorrow.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">And then I got a call that the machine is down, they are waiting on a part that they HOPE will be in Wednesday, and hopefully the machine will be back up and running by Thursday or Friday. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">And MMC is due Saturday.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">Saturday.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">I really have no idea what I'm going to do. I've got calls out to several other shops to see if they rent or know of other rentals. But no luck yet.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">I really like this quilt, and don't want to try to do it at home, just to get it done. I won't be happy with it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">I can cross my fingers and hope for the best. But if not, then I don't know what to do.....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">Not go to the party? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">Drink a little?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">Go, and give an unfinished quilt (in front of everyone!)?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">Drink moderately?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">Visit the recipient ahead of time and explain?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">Drink heavily?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">What would you do?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 21px;">AMW</span><br />AMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-34987637313579238212011-11-27T17:33:00.001-05:002011-11-27T17:48:56.499-05:00Valiant EffortWell, I gave it a shot, but didn't quite make it through the whole month of NaBloPoMo. We had no internet access this weekend, and unless I posted a picture of our fire each night at the campsite from my phone, I didn't have anything to post.<br />
<br />
That's what we did almost all weekend. Hung out and relaxed. The only major exception was Friday night. We met my folks for dinner and then drove the boardwalk in Virginia Beach for the lights. Here are a few pics from the drive...<br />
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It was an enjoyable weekend of camping. Even with the lack of internet! Or maybe because of it... Either way, it was great. <br />
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AMWAMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-53722867091913193322011-11-24T18:19:00.001-05:002011-11-24T18:23:05.983-05:00Thanksgiving<div><p>And this is how I'm winding down the day...</p>
<p>By the way, I'm trying out the blogger app for my phone. So if you don't see a picture, then I screwed up!</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0nyOuVWESxU/Ts7ROONt_eI/AAAAAAAAB8I/rNTA46Bvza8/1124111819.png' /></div>AMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-69643416726570925282011-11-23T17:58:00.001-05:002011-11-23T18:12:31.937-05:00Amazing SunsetToday started off dreary and rainy. It was forecasted to be this way all day, and for the most of the day, it was.<br />
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We ran errands, and did stuff to get ready for our camping trip over the next couple of days.<br />
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In the yuck...<br />
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The hardware store was out of the wing nuts we needed, so I begrudgingly went back out this afternoon.<br />
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I came out, and saw this:<br />
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I thought, "That's kinda cool! The sun came out, and it looks neat reflecting off of the trees as it's setting..."<br />
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Then I drove home, and I could tell that it was looking even better, so I drove past the house, just a couple blocks, to the water. And THIS is what I was rewarded with!<br />
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I should have stopped by the house to grab my regular camera, but I was afraid I'd miss it. So these pictures came from my camera phone.<br />
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But I didn't want to miss it! What a WONDERFUL ending to a dreary day! IT was absolutely stunning!<br />
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AMWAMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-9759297273185195642011-11-22T18:02:00.001-05:002011-11-22T18:07:22.142-05:00Our Christmas TreeI know there are a few days left until Thanksgiving. But we were working around the house today, and I decided to go ahead and put up our tree.<br />
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Luckily, it didn't take very long, as we still have a lot to do around here...<br />
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Yes, it's our very own "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree"! And even plays the trademark music... <br />
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Let the holidays begin!<br />
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Do you "deck the halls"? Go all out? Or are you a minimalist like we are this year?<br />
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AMWAMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-65979688549877198142011-11-21T15:16:00.001-05:002011-11-21T15:25:29.567-05:00Vacation aheadStarting at 5:00 pm I'll be on vacation for a week. After yesterday's post, you can tell that I need it.<br />
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What's planned? Some house work, Thanksgiving dinner, and CAMPING! Don't know how much internet access we'll have, and have never tried the blogger app for my phone. So it will truly be a miracle if I can keep up this every day pace through the weekend. But I'll give it a shot!<br />
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Also, visiting a new campground near the oceanfront that we've not been to before. Really excited about that.<br />
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AMWAMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-79401921511813705692011-11-20T20:44:00.001-05:002011-11-20T20:50:37.134-05:00Frustration is the word of the day...I got some frustrating news today and have been spending time processing it. So have had NO time to think of a post today. <br />
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Definitely have some sorting out to do, and figuring out some alternative options.<br />
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How do you handle life changes, and choices, and stress?<br />
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AMWAMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5275614003603405171.post-67252786112877541402011-11-19T18:29:00.001-05:002011-11-19T18:40:18.346-05:00Odd SquirrelThe other day, there was a squirrel under the AC unit of the neighbors house. He wasn't moving, and even as walked by, he just hung out. I came back in and grabbed the camera, and went back out and he was still there....<br />
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And stayed for a bit.<br />
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I was starting to think he might be ill, as he let me take a bunch of pictures.<br />
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And then finally, he took off. And then kinda hung out on the wall for a few minutes for some more pics.<br />
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I think he was bored and wanted someone to talk to, so I happily obliged.<br />
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AMWAMWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12376435576902454455noreply@blogger.com2