OT: What this group needs is large doses of ativan

Totally agree about the quilting. I quite like doing machine quilting, have enough little gadgets to make it doable - sometimes it seems mesmerizing. The woman I took my first machine quilting technique (not piecing) class from is Lois Smith, who IIRC was the first person to win a grand prize at the Houston International show with a machine quilted piece. She's a fabulous woman, older and amazingly energetic - who includes a bunch of info on custom dying in her book. She told us all about getting involved in that

- and how she was then buying huge bolts of white velvet to dye. Recently we saw the Bernina frame that my machine could fit on (though it's not the longer throat machine which they'd like you to buy/use). Very tempting - if the big girl job comes thru I think that gadget will get a home here....eventually.

WRT needlework, I've done a couple of geometric pieces that are really exercises in texture/stitch effect using variegated thread and complementary solids. Then for my Master Teacher submittal I actually did a "cute" design

- which I hope will be marketable - based on a latte and biscotti. The next piece is a needlebook done as my breast cancer awareness piece - it's hearts and crescents with some other stitches - it was hardest to fit the geometries properly - and then figure a not too busy background. The couple in the works right now are sort of abstract or impressionist takes from landscapes. Essentially I'm doing series based upon landscapes, nature scenes - a series based on Alaska, a series based on the Southwest. And thinking of some architecture pieces. Been doodling with a combination "chrysler building"/NY Beauty type quilt block design. The sketchbook is getting a bit more full of late. But it takes time to turn my photos or sketches to better drawings or paintings to then a stitchable/teachable piece. I also have some painted designs that are in the works - mostly some sports things & some Judaica. I feel like there will be an explosion this winter - but I'm focusing on the glacier piece and a couple of smaller ones for proposals to a couple of seminars/regionals.... We'll see.

Thanks for asking. What about you - quilting anything fab?

Ellice

Ellice

I get a mix at Costco of all places from Penguin natural foods. Best mix I ever used, and has actual full corn kernels in it. So, I've decided it's not worth me going from scratch as this mix is really good. Want some?

Ellice

LOL - we found some frozen soup the other day.

Sure. Beef stew happening tomorrow - no time today to even get it going. Pasta with some sauce instead tonight. He'll be home in about 30 min, so....

Ellice

Uh huh. DH passed his "elite" level ref skating test, and is fairly certain he passed the truly hard closed book. Quite thrilled with passing the skating test - as he thinks there are only 2 other Level 4s in the entire district older than him, and one is the ref-in-chief. So, he's quite hopeful that he will get at least a line slot when we host Tier II PeeWee nationals in the spring. Keep hoping.

Ellice

Could be worse - could be chateau cheapest box around.....

A lot of people don't develop a taste for wine. My dad did, mom not so much

- but give her good vodka....Me, I only drink once in a while, but do really like good wine, and good scotch. Most of the time I'm the one driving the troops, and indulging in good coffee or tea.

Ellice

"Cheryl Isaak" wrote >>

Hey, my parents drank Baby Duck--and instant coffee with evaporated milk in it. If you love it, enjoy it without apology. (Just don't make me drink it.)

Dawne, who has had a far too long night at work and is thinking of cracking open that Aquavit. I know I have some rykrisp and cheese of some sort to made a suitably Scandinavian accompaniment....you all have set me on the road, and this being, my Lutheran friends tell me, Reformation Sunday.. Oh well, since I am unlikely to reform I am adopting Martin Luther's adage: Sin boldly and trust in God's grace.

No, no, no. This is All Saints Day, when, in the Episcopal Church, we sing a rousing round of "For all the Saints, who from their labors rest,......."

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans.

Sigh. You are absolutely right, and I am an Anglican, but have been worshipping with the Lutherans for a while (they did Reformation last week AND sang For All the Saints this morning). If I tell you that the priest of the parish I belong to was observing All Saints with an Evensong followed by sherry and crackers (awful sherry, too--), since it is the parish's patronal feast, and is not actually commemorating the faithful departed until Wednesday night, you will understand why I want to drink that aquavit, and why I have resorted to hanging with my Norwegian friends on Sunday morning.

Dawne

That sounds good! yes - maybe a batche's worth?

Cheryl

LOL! Give me some nice, rich, dark chocolate rather than the wine! That will calm me right down!

Joan

Our local chocolatier has chocolate-covered jalapenos (and green olives and dill pickles....YUM!) that are quite popular with many people (but not me).

Joan

LOL! Give me some nice, rich, dark chocolate rather than the wine! That will calm me right down!

Joan

If you happen to have any left over please don't hesitate to send it here.

I haven't. 'Course, I'm not much for alcohol of any sort, except for fruit daiquiris or this yummy mix from TGIFridays that I had *years* ago that tasted like orange dreamsicles!

Joan

Jalapenos - yum!

Jalapenos--not for me but I used to go to a place that sold little squares of Philadelphia Cream Cheese covered with really good dark chocolate. It sounds peculiar but it tasted wonderful.

Could be very wonderful

Cheryl

I was. I don't think it would be terribly difficult to reproduce such a thing and one of these days, maybe to bring with me to Thanksgiving dinner, I'll try making them.

Any good chocolate could be melted and the squares could easily be covered.

Simply freeze the cheese, then pour over the chocolate.

or visa versa--RD&H