And then there was LUNCH

My sister Ellen insisted on going to Tony's. What a hoot this was - they had all sorts of things to eat, "slaw", hot dogs that could be ordered "all the way" (onions, mustard and chili) something called "lover mush" and the like. Everyone who walked in the door was friendly and accommodating. Here are some fun ph0tos of the neon ice cream cone, the menu and the very cool clock!!!!

Interesting Menu and novelty items~~~

Look At All That Fabric

Check out all this fabric - this is about one fourth of the store!!!

Mary Jo's - You Gotta Go There

Here are some pictures of the "approach" to Mary Jo's. Mary Jo is an awesome woman who began her business around the age of nineteen. I was at her very first store some forty years or so ago. She was kind of enough to pose with me for a photo - how awesome is that???

Fabric Dyeing Photos

These fabrics were dyed just having fun doing this and that!! I felt a 60's flashback when I took out the first one!! What fun we have had!!








Here are a few more!!

More Dyed Fabric

Seagrove Adventure

With these hands he threw three jugs while we were there. He was making them for Special Forces for a special recognition. How awesome was that???


This was the proprietor of Turn & Burn Pottery in Seagrove, NC. I tell you what - he had traveled all over the world doing missionary work, but had never been to California. His work was awesome and I got a beautiful piece of pottery. I apologize for not remembering his name!!

Ooh - What is this???

Mary Moon Guerrant snuck a picture of Ellen & I trying to get just the right shot at Jugtown in Seagrove, NC. The wisteria was awesome as was most of the day!!

Kari's Happy Quilt

My daughter Kari is a happy go lucky young lady. I found this quilt pattern and immediately thought of her. It took a very long time to finish, but it was delivered to her and enjoys a special place on Grace's bed. I went to California Quilt Makers in Turlock, CA and quilted the quilt myself. This doesn't do it justice, but it was gorgeous!!

Joan Baez - Fifty Years and Going Strong

The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

Tonight I was able to relive a blast from the past. Joan Baez appeared in concert in Monterey, CA. My dear friend Kay Scannell's wonderful son gave her four tickets and she picked me. We relived the 60's and enjoyed Joan's fifty of entertainment. She ended the concert, after two encores with "Amazing Grace" in accapella. WOW is about all I can say. I'd post a picture, but can't find one.

Thanks Kay for an absolutely awesome evening!!

A Day To Celebrate

My niece and nephew - Matthew & Suzie Guerrant - photo credit Ellen Guerrant

I remember January 20, 1993, I received a call that a heart for Matthew had been found. I sat by the telephone waiting for the call that the surgery had been successful. I did get that call and my sister said, "the heart started beating on its own". I was so happy and cried and cried - we had received a miracle. I love my nephew and to me he's a hero. He's endured more than most kids at his age, he's never asked why - simply tackled each challenge head on and with strength and courage. I love you Matthew. Matthew and Suzie are so in love - you can see it in their eyes and in their actions. Many could learn from their example.

I'm so looking forward my visit to North Carolina in April. I just can't wait to see everyone!!

Thank you Matthew for leading by example and allowing me to be your Aunt!!

Three Cheers for Union Workers

Who would have believed a twenty ton airplane would not only land on the Hudson River, but all aboard would come out alive. Three cheers for pilot Sulley!! His quick thinking and experty pilot savy saved the lives of one hundred fify five passengers. Union workers played an important role in this effort. Airline Pilot's Association, US Airline Pilot's Association, Association of Flight Attendants - CWA, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Seafarers Internation Union, Patrolman's Benevolent Association, and Uniformed Firefighters Association and Uniformed Fire Officers Association (IAFF locals). Three cheers for Solidarity!!

Best Friends

Grace and Aiden have been best friends since nearly birth. They hold hands, love to play together and are attached at the hip. I'm certain they are solving the problems of the world as they sit on top of the pile of dirt. Best Friends Forever!!!

Ride Em Cowgirl

Growing up as a small child in Illinois was wonderful. We had two ponies named Honeybun and Janey. I hitched Honeybun up to the pony cart and did a wide range of exciting things. I used to go down the road and visit with Yaganis everytime I got in trouble. I sold potholders and went to visit all the neighbors. I wasn't allowed on the highway - but did sneak along the side to get to the Kochers. They had five boys and Don was a really great draw. So seeing Grace enjoying a ponyride is really exciting for me. You go GIRL!!!

Kari says Gracie told her to get away so she could be a cowgirl on her own. Miss Independent - no doubt. I miss you all!!

A Sample of the Quilt

This is a sample of all 121 blocks in the Civil War Diary Quilt. I doubt I'll get all of them made - but there is a good chance at least half will be made. These blocks and their stories are remarkable. I just can't imagine living during that time.

Civil War Fabrics

These are samples of Civil War Era fabrics. After 9-11 I travelled to Charlotte, NC to visit with my sister Ellen. We went to Mary Jo's (you must go if you have not) and bought Civil War Fabric. She was checking her stash and sent me this picture. How cool is that???? They should load in a picture if I've done things right!!

Civil War Diary Quilt Project

Nine special people have embarked on a quilt making journey. We chose Rosemary Youngs book, "The Civil War Diary Quilt" as our guide. We've each chosen two or three blocks to exchange with each other. We will have our first big exchange on March 18th!! I can't wait.

Kari Gets To Meet Michelle Obama

Kari headed over to the College where Grace attends preschool to see if she could get in to see Michelle Obama. Low and behold she was not only able to get herself in, she was able to get upfront and personal. No matter which side of the voting machine pleased you - it's fun to meet someone like that. I guess for Kari - it was "yes we can" and yes I did!! You Go Girl!!!