GOLDIE'S VET VISIT

Took Goldie to the vet today. She's gained a ton of weight lately (she's normally a Skinny Minnie) and she also lost a tooth last night. My regular vet no longer works at the practice so we saw a new guy today. He seems competant. He said Goldie appears healthy based on his inital exam. He took blood for a work-up. He wants to x-ray where she lost the tooth (right fang) to see if any surgery is necessary to clean it up so it won't abcess. Goldie was cooperative, but did growl a bit. Overall it was a good visit. We get the results from the blood work tomorrow. Below I've posted a some pictures of Goldie and her kids, Kurt, Oliver and Katie. Nice family!!

Goldie (rear) and Oliver

Goldie and Katie

Kurt in the kitty condo.

JUST LISTED - PINK

I Just listed a pretty rag quilt and burp cloth set along with a cool summer tote bag.j

Check these out on eBay or Etsy.

MY GRANDSON

Yesterday way my grandson's 10th birthday. I can't believe it's been 10 years since I held that tiny, red headed baby in my arms for the first time. What an emotional time that was for me. I didn't get to know my granddaughter until she was three because that's when my son and I were reunited. My grandson I got to know from the beginning.

It was so emotional for me as I had given my son up for adoption when he was born and never got to hold him. Being able to hold my grandson was such a gift. His mom and dad even left me alone with him! Can you believe that? I was in heaven.

I haven't been able to spend nearly enough time with him. When he was three I made an emergency trip up there because his dad was having surgery. My grandson, daughter-in-law and I went out to lunch and he still remembers everything about that day, right down to the jello he had.

My grandson is good and smart and loving. I'm so proud of the young man he is becoming. My grandson was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome a couple of years ago and has made incredible progress. He's now in regular school classes and doing quite well. What amazes me the most is his musical ability. He certainly didn't get that from my side of the family. Most in my family couldn't carry a tune in a paper sack, but there are some exceptions. My grandson is also into stick figure animation and even has one posted on YouTube! He even composed a sound track for it. Is that great or what?

I'm one lucky grandma, that's for sure. Through sheer luck and perserverance I found my son and we have forged a good relationship. Add in a beautiful, talented granddaughter and a handsome, talented grandson - what more could I ask for?

IDEA OF THE WEEK

I just found the greatest idea for a quilt design wall at the "Quilting on a Budget" blog. It's a great idea for those of us who just don't have the wall space for a permanent design wall. You can read all about it at http://quiltingonabudget.blogspot.com/2009/04/design-wall-for-every-quilters-budget.html

I bought a vinyl tablecloth with the felted backing to use for quilt layout and now I have a idea on how to put it up and where!! Now all I need is a tension rod and I'm good to go!!

Today is Sunday and it's supposed to be my lazy day, but I think I'd better get out and mow the grass before the house gets swallowed up in it! With all this rain you can almost see the grass growing before your very eyes! At least I can mow the dry spots. Hey, the exercise will do me good. And it's supposed to rain Monday and/or Tuesday, so now's the time to get to it.

I also need to seriously think about replacing the faucet and all in the master bath bathtub. Ugh!! I've done a lot of minor plumbing around the house - replacing kitchen and bathroom faucets, commode repairs - but this is a bit trickier. There's no separate water cut-off for the bathtub so I'll have to turn the water off for the whole house. I'm just worried that I'll get into some sort of situation where I won't be able to turn the water back on until someone comes out to straighten out the mess I made. Oh, well. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say!! Geez, I love being a homeowner!!! lol

I hope everyone reading this has a great Sunday! TTFN

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong." Ella Fitzgerald

It worked for her, didn't it? Have a great day, everyone!!

COMPUTER "CUSTOMER SERVICE"

What a long, strange week it's been!! It was late Saturday night when I came back to my computer and it was dead in the water. I had just left it for a few minutes and wham!! I poked and prodded and may have even given it a gentle kick, but to no avail. It was not working. Period.

So, I called customer service at Dell. I didn't want to, but it was the middle of the night and Best Buy and all wasn't open. I was already pretty sure that the power supply was the culprit, but, not being very tech savvy, I called for confirmation. My computer was already out of warranty (of course) - I bought it in 2006. They charged me $49.95 to talk to a "senior technician." Senior technician indeed. Now I don't blame the person I was talking to for not being a real technician. I do blame Dell. Using some book or computer program she led me in a stroll through the innards of my computer. I did have trouble understanding her from time to time and she was very patient. However, when I didn't understand the instruction, she could not reword it so I could understand. She just repeated the same thing. After about 30 minutes of this we finally determined that is was, indeed, the power supply. I was told that I could buy one from Dell and I felt that was a good idea. She transferred me to the "parts department" and I was promptly cut off. I called back, was transferred again and found out that the "parts department" had closed at 9 pm Central Time ( it was around midnight at this point). Why didn't the "senior technician" know the working hours of the parts department?

So I called the parts number after the opening time on Sunday morning and talked to a nice young lady right there in Round Rock. What a delight! She found my part, placed the order and I got it on Thursday as it had to come from Ohio (?). I installed it and now, as you can see, I'm up and running.

I understand why companies outsource their customer service to places where wages are cheaper, but it's not providing good service to customers like me. It's frustrating to talk to someone who probably doesn't have anymore real knowledge about computers than I do. They plug in the problem and up pops a script for them to follow. I remember 10 years or so ago when my workplace got some new Dell laptops and we had some problems with the setup. I called Dell and spoke to some nice young men in Round Top who explained exactly what to do in language I could understand and helped us get things going. I miss those days.

It was very interesting being without a computer for nearly 5 days. I didn't realize how much time I spent on the computer and how much stuff wasn't getting done in other areas. While I was computerless I cleaned out the garage, recaulked the bathtub in the master bathroom, got out the summer clothes and put up the winter one, mowed the front and back yards, took a Jeep load of paper and cardboard to the recycle, helped my neighbor get started on putting up a replacement fence and took time to do more sewing. Now I know that I need to impose time limits on my computer usage. I guess we'll see how long that lasts. lol

Anyway, it's been a learning experience, but I'm glad to be back!!

I'M BAAACK!!

Just a short note to let all my followers know that I didn't fall in a hole somewhere. The power supply went out on my computer and it took a few days to get a new one. I'll write the whole weird story tomorrow or the next. Anyway, I'm very glad to be back online!!

STILL RAINING!!

Still rainy and stormy this morning. Nothing big around here, but it's been a lot worse to the northwest - average 6" - 8" of rain and lots of wind. We've had about 1.5" of rain in the last 24 hours, but we've had light rain since I got up this morning. I'm hoping it moves on out so I can make a cat food run. If I don't I may be on the news "Lady Eaten By Cats". lol

We made it to the "Celtic Woman" concert last night and it was fantastic!! All the singers have beautiful voices and the harmony is heavenly!! And their "fiddle" player - wow! Such energy and in high heels, too!! My only complaint is the long line at the tshirt and CD table! I did get my tshirt and CD, but missed the first set of the second half. And I love their purple bags for the merchandise!! A nice lady gave me hers so I have one that's in pristine condition. The other with my stuff got a bit scuffed during the performance because of being stuffed under my seats. Speaking of seats, I must say that I did a great job of picking the seats. They were a ways back, but directly in line with the stage. I'm so glad the rain cooperated so we didn't get wet. There was a bit of rain on the way home, but nothing bad. All in all, it was a nice evening.

I'll be finishing the pink quilt this weekend and will try to get a picture tomorrow when we have some sun (sun, I've almost forgotten what it looks like! lol)

I hope everyone has a great day and a great weekend!!

IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!

It looks like it's going to be a rainy Friday. I usually wouldn't mind that, but a friend and I are planning on attending the "Celtic Woman" concert tonight at the Toyota Center and I would hate to get wet on they way in. Nothing more fun than sitting thru a concert soaking wet!! I'm hoping the worst of it goes on thru before we have to go. I'll fill ya'll in on the concert tomorrow. It should be good as I love their performances.

I'm hoping to get my latest quilt finished before the end of the weekend. I got everything cut out and have about half of the rows sewn together. It's composed of 4-patch blocks of assorted rose prints and squares of beautiful, soft minky that I won in one of my group's bingo games!! (Thanks joeysquilts for the fabric!) I did do one block with two squares of minky and two of rose fabrics. I may try that for all the squares in my next quilt.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY: "Each moment of the year has it's own beauty . . .a picture which has never been seen before and which shall never be seen again." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY

It's a Wonderful Wednesday 'cause I found this great giveaway on a blog by somewhat voluble http://somewhatvoluble.com/2009/04/07/blogoversary-giveaway/ . The giveaway is for an awesome handmade journal by Etsian Kreativlink. Go check out the blog for all the details.

It's also a Wonderful Wednesday 'cause the sun is shining and the breeze is just right. Great day!!

QCG RED TAG SALE

It's Red Tag Sale time again!! Be sure to go to ebay and search "QCG Red Tag" for some amazing bargains. I have relisted all of my totes at HALF PRICE!!! I also have a couple of other items in case you're not in the market for a tote bag right now. Anyway, go check out all the sale items. There's something there for everyone!!!

And check out the Rag Queen Quilters blog. I just posted an entry about the history of feedsacks and how they were used, not only in quilting, but in many useful items. Printed feedsacks of the 30's and 40's are very collectible today.

RAIN FINALLY

Well, we finally got some rain. No storms, just a bit of distant thunder and about .75" of rain. Now the sun is shining and the birds are singing. Just like in the old cartoons! lol

Just heard that the ship captain that was being held hostage has been rescued and is not injured! Way to go, US Navy!! It all happened like it should have.

I am trying to get blocks together for a pink rose quilt with some pink minky. Can't wait to get started on it.

TOO MUCH EXERCISE

Tomorrow it will probably be difficult for me to get out of bed without groaning. Today I cleaned out the gutters. That means going up and down the ladder upteen times in addition to toting the 16 ft extention ladder all around the house. At least it's done now. It better rain tomorrow or I'll be pissed!! I also mowed the front and back yards as a cool down. Didn't get much else done after that! lol

My dear grandson called this afternoon to thank me for the money that enabled him to get "Guitar Hero" for his new PS3. He's not usually very talkative, but today he was really excited about it and almost talked my ear off. That's a good thing!!! My dear grandson will be 10 on the 26ht of this month. I can't believe it's been 10 years. I remember when he was born. I was able to go up and visit not too long after his birth and it was one of the greatest times of my life. I got to hold him and feed him (which I wasn't able to do with his father whom I gave up for adoption when he was born). Anyway, he's turned into a wonderful young man who loves his Grandma Barbara very much. Almost as much as she loves him.

I'm off to bed now, but not before downing a couple of Tylenol in hopes of fending off some of the muscle pain I know is coming.

FINALLY FRIDAY!

What a crazy Friday it's been. I have friends in Mena, Arkansas, where the tornado struck last night. Luckily they are ok and the house and cars and the cat are all ok. They have a house there that's about 100 years old, but it's still standing. They lost shingles and both brick chimneys, the garage and the shed. A tree fell on the corner of a storage building. The worst is the loss of trees. They lost a bunch of pecan trees and a 100-year old oak tree. Part of the magnolia tree is gone, too. My friends' two sons are coming from out of town to help with the clean up. I think the worst is being without electricity - I know it was for me during and after Ike. Without electricity you are virtually cut off from the outside world. No TV, no computer. Thanks goodness they have a corded phone.

I love Mena - it's such a pretty little town, or was, anyway. Being a small town, I know the people there will work together and help each other out and they will survive. I still want to move there and I will - as soon as I win the lottery!!

HECTIC THURSDAY

This is going to be quick. It's getting late and I haven't had supper yet. Hunger makes me type faster (if not better). I had a great day at Jo-Ann's, buying lots of flannel on sale and some fabric for a tote and a fabric swap with some of my online friends. This afternoon I had fun buying some clothes at Walmart for a couple of kids that really need some.

It seems that they were an emergency placement with foster parents and came with nothing - no clothes except what a doctor had given them. I don't know the whole story and I don't want to. Some of my online friends brought this to the attention of one of my groups and I just wanted to help out. It's been so long since I've bought any kids clothes. It was fun! It took me longer to pick out four outfits and underwear than it did to finish grocery shopping! I've found out that one of my online buddies has sent lots of girls clothes that her daughter has outgrown so I want to get more boy clothes. I'll stop by my favorite resale shop in the morning so I can get the box in the mail tomorrow. I like helping out individuals in need and foster parents have my sincere admiration.

So, I'll catch ya'll tomorrow.
Anyway, it's been a busy day and I'm starving!!

BEAUTIFUL WEDNESDAY

It's a beautiful day here; we had a cool morning, but the sun is shining with a bit of a breeze. I know it won't last and it will be in the 90's with 100% humidity, but it's nice now.

Here is my last posting of old pictures for the time being - until I can get the really old stuff scanned. I have a tintype of my mothers maternal grandfather in his Civil War uniform that's amazing. I'll get that up as soon as I can get it scanned. Meanwhile, here are a few pics from my dad's side of the family.

This couple is my dad's maternal grandparents, Sarah Abbie Greenfield Darnold and William Jackson Darnold. I think this is where the "shortness" in the family comes from. And some of the Irish blood. The picture was probably taken somewhere in western Iowa.

And this couple is my dad's parents Lillie Ettie Darnold Galentin and George Dudley Galentin. I don't know when this was taken, but they look fairly young here and it was before grandpa had his stroke - so maybe circa 1920? This was taken in Nebraska, probably Omaha.

And this is my dad, his sisters and his cousin. From the left is Lanora Galentin, Florence Brewer, June, Beatrice and Harold Galentin. I think Lanora got her height from grandpa - dad was the oldest here! Lanora died of rabies at age 13, not too long after this picture was taken I think. (Interesting fact - Florence married Edwin Alfred Grenville Manton in 1936; he was one of the founders of AIG! She did pretty well for herself, I think! Both are gone, now, though. I'm sure Sir Edwin is rolling in his grave over what has been done to his company. ) This was taken in front of the house in Omaha that my grandpa built and my grandma lived in until she died in 1971.

I hope you are enjoying these pictures half as much as I enjoy telling about them. I've always loved family history. If you look at where your family has come from it's like seeing history come alive. My family pretty much started on the east coast in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania before the Revolution and have migrated west with everyone else. There are some amazing people in everyone's family and finding them is like finding a jewel.

"MORE PICTURE" TUESDAY

By popular request (ok, a couple), I'm posting more old pictures. I got finished with the 124 photos on my flash drive so my next job is to use my flatbed scanner to scan in some tintypes and some framed pictures that wouldn't go through the rapid scanner.

Here are a few pictures tracing my maternal line - my grandmother and my mother.

This is a picture of my maternal grandmother Georgianna Miller, on the right, with her big sister, Rebecca Miller. I'm thinking Georgianna was around 5 when this picture was taken which would date it about 1870.

This pair is my maternal grandparents, Lewis Cass Mobley and Georgianna Miller Mobley (yes, that's her in the picture above). The occasion is Lewis' 79th birthday on 21 Feb. 1930.

This is a picture of my parents, Harold Ervin Galentin and Nellie Mobley Galentin, probably taken right after they got married in 1928. Cute couple, huh?

RAG QUEEN QUILTERS BLOG

Go check out the Rag Queen Quilters' blog today. I posted another "Go Green Tuesday" blog with links to some great sites for ideas on green quilting and crafting. I'm also having a giving away a vintage fabric fat quarter for the best comment with a tip or idea on recycling/reusing in quilting or crafting. The RQQ bloggers will vote next Tuesday so go read and comment at http://ragqueenquilters.blogspot.com

I'll be back later to post some more old pictures.

MONDAY, MONDAY

It's windy and cool this morning, but it's going to be a beautiful day! Slept a bit late, but feel really rested and refreshed. Show's what a good night's sleep can do for you!!


Yesterday I started on a project of editing and naming 124 scanned old photos. I did make a dent, but have many more to do. It was fun walking down memory lane and also trying to determine who some of these people were and when the photo was taken. I wanted to post a few here just because I can. I'll be working on them more today since I can't get started on the family history "book" for my son until the pictures are done. And now, since I'm in the genealogy mood, I want to do more research on my dad's paternal grandmother's family. I recently found what I'm pretty sure is her family and I want to try to find more info to confirm that. I love solving a mystery!!

This is my mom's family taken in 1918. My mom is the smallest girl and she was 10 at the time.

This is me and my mom in 1954, strolling down Central Avenue in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Please note the "scarf on the wrist" fashion statement!

This is my mom and dad with my paternal grandfather and grandmother. I think it was taken in early 1947, before I was born. Grampa had had a stroke many years before, but died a few months before I was born. For some reason, mom doesn't look too happy in this picture. Maybe morning sickness?


If you want to see more, I'll be glad to post them. I know some people won't find them nearly as interesting as I do!

SUNDAY, BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY!

My favorite day of the week is still Sunday. Even when you don't work a "regular" job, Sunday has a special "do what you want" quality. At least it does for me. I have a more leisurely breakfast of pancakes and sausage or bacon. I read the voluminous paper and start on the Sunday crossword. Sometimes I stay in my jammies a while longer than usual. And I don't feel pressed to do anything "useful". Many times I do "work", creating a quilt or tote or doing some sort of household or yard chore.

Today I have the windows and doors open and the breeze is nice. The cats are all gathered at the doors and windows, inhaling the outside air and taking in the outside smells. It's so springy today that I can't believe the forecast is for temps in the 30's on Tuesday morning. That's ok, I'm certainly not ready for summer quite yet.

Just a heads up for all you bargain hunters. It looks like the eBay Quilters' Corner Group's (QGC)Red Tag Sale will be starting on the 14th this month. Be sure to check in for some out of this world deals. I'll be listing a number of totes and quilts at HALF PRICE!

Today I'll be working on some long-postponed genealogy projects. I was able to get a lot of old pictures scanned into my flash drive and need to get them on the computer and identified. I want to do a family history book for my son and grandkids and pictures are essential. I may even post some of the more interesting ones here in the blog.

Have a great Sunday!!

FEATURED IN RAG QUEEN QUILTER'S BLOG

Guess who's in the "member spotlight" on the Rag Queen Quilter's Blog? Why, it's me!!! It's such an honor to be only the second one honored so far on the blog. Check it out at http://ragqueenquilters.blogspot.com/

VET VISIT

We made it to the vet on time today, though it was beginning to look doubtful. We had to wait just a bit, but it was quiet except for a couple of cute dogs so that was ok. Dr. Herman was happy with Buddy's progress - the pressure was down in both eyes. We are to keep with the same regimen of pills and drops twice a day plus the ointment once a day. He said to come back in THREE MONTHS!!! That's good news!! I think Buddy was happy to hear that, too, but with cats it's sometimes hard to tell. I know he was happy to get home. His right eye is still much larger than the left, but he still has vision in both eyes and that's a good thing, to quote Martha.

My neighbor dropped by to look at the fence and we decided to do the part that's on the side of the front yard first, since that's what everyone sees, then do the backyard part later. Fine with me! He's going to Home Depot tomorrow to see what the supplies will cost and get back to me. Unless it's more than a couple hundred, which I doubt, I want to go ahead with it. That broken down old fence is a real eyesore!!

Still working on my green strip quilt and I have done 11 of 20 blocks so I'm more than half-way done. I'm getting some pale green flannel for the back. Too bad I couldn't have had it done for St. Patrick's Day, but . . . . I can't wait to start putting it together.

APRIL FOOL'S DAY

Well, my computer seems to have come through the "worm scare" unscathed. But, then, the worm doesn't seem to have actually reared its ugly head, yet. I've done everything recommended and have been able to access the Microsoft website and the sites of other security providers so I think I'm ok.

I have a small rant. I went to my local WalMart Superstore for groceries and had to stop by the fabric department. I found some lovely Tutti Frutti fabric there for less than $2.50 a yard. I picked out a couple of coordinating fabrics and waited by the cutting table for service. There was no one in the area when I was ready. I did see one of the workers walk thru when I already had the bolts in my cart so she should have realized I would need to have it cut. Maybe they should put in a self-service cutting table like the self-service check out. That would be interesting, wouldn't it? Anyway, I finally walked away leaving the bolts on the table. Oh, well, it's not like I don't have fabric!! lol

Tomorrow Buddy goes back to the eye vet for a recheck. I had put the appointment down for next Thursday. Luckily the clinic usually calls the night before as a reminder. Here's hoping the pills and eyedrops are keeping the pressure down in his eye. (Buddy has glaucoma in his right eye, but still has vision. Surgery is not a good option so we are trying different meds to see if we can bring the pressure down and save his vision.) I will let ya'll know what the doc says.

I love the vet there. He has the cutest little mustache that curls up on the ends. And he's very good - explains everything and always answers my questions without talking down to me. I appreciate that very much.

My neighbor is coming over tomorrow to look at the part of the fence that Hurricane Ike took down and let me know how much the materials will cost to put up a new one. Hopefully it won't be too bad and I can get it done soon. It looks sooo awful right now. Here's a picture taken right after the hurricane. The fence is now propped up, but is all askew. I'll post a new pic when it's fixed.

Nothing else of significance to talk about at present. I hope everyone has had an uneventful day.