We had a wonderful week-end of family and birthday celebrations.  Uncle John (my Dad's brother)  turned 100 and his family hosted a family dinner and an Open House for the community.  In the evening we were invited to the "old home place" for supper and more visiting.  His oldest son lives on the home place.  Sunday morning my Aunt Janette's (who I am named after)  family celebrated her September birthday of 97 year at a local lodge.   We enjoyed a wonderful brunch and birthday cake. 

It was a lovely week-end of visiting with cousins and renewing family ties.  These two wonderful people are the remaining two of five siblings.  My Dad was the oldest boy.   The changes they have seen in the last 100 and 97 years is amazing.  They are both in good health and very active physically. 

We are still making hay and the wheat has been combined.  We haven't had rain, but it has been very, very foggy in the mornings.  I think the corn is getting moisture by osmosis. 

Some of my followers, who are face book friends know I purchased a long arm quilter.  It is a 2000 APQS Ultimate 1 with a 12 foot table. It is very plain Jane--no bells or whistles.  I  haven't had much time to play with it.  I have a lot to learn!

It is set up in our old farm house living room--the only place large enough for it.  I quilted a large piece of muslin all over and all over again.  I'm a regular reader of the APQS forum.  I'm making  notes of all the advice about tension, thread, batting, maintenance, etc.  I even bought a CL board from someone. 

 
I loaded some fabric to test out using this template called 7 Treasures of Budda.  This is my first completed project--it's even been through the washer and dryer.

This wild and crazy bright colored monkey fabric makes me smile.  I like how the design goes with the circles.

My main problem was with tension.  I have ordered some different quilting thread.  It will just take some time to learn how to adjust things for the best outcome.  I'm excited to have more time to get acquainted with this machine.  Hopefully this winter I will be able to spend more time.  I'm practicing by doodling every chance I get.

I really had given up on the idea buying a long arm.  I didn't feel like I could justify buying something that I didn't  have a lot of time to use.  After my older sister passed away in January, I've been thinking about what's on "my bucket list".   I had an opportunity to buy this machine and decided to go for it.  It is very gently used.  Although it doesn't have any extras, I think it will serve my purposes.  You probably won't see any amazing quilting, but I hope to complete more quilts. 

DH is off to Dakota Fest (a large Farm Show) today with a neighbor.  I'm looking forward to a day of doing whatever I want to---so many, many choices!

Fun Visit

My sisters and I went to Arkansas to visit my namesake Aunt Janette.  We had a wonderful time and a safe trip.   Aunt Janette will be 96 in September.  Doesn't she look great!  We had so much fun visiting, looking at old pictures and playing Dominoes. 

This is a picture of my Uncle John.  We had a family picnic in the park for his 99th birthday party.  He is shown here with his great grand children.  He was recently inducted into the South Dakota Bowling Hall of Fame.  He also participates in the Senior Olympic games on the state and national levels.

I've gotten to spend a lot of time with my family lately.  My cousin, Peg, SIL Sue and I  hosted a shower for my niece, Erin who will be getting married in September.  It was such a fun evening with lovely gifts and lots of advice for the new bride. 

 

No sewing this month either.  :(   We have been busy mowing, raking and baling every available spear of grass.   Lots to do before we can go to Florida for the DD 2's wedding festivities.

 

Wasn't this suppose to be a quilting blog?

Sister Trip!!

These three wild and crazy sisters are off on a road trip!!  I'll be back next week and tell you all about it.

Long Time No See or Sew

I'm not sure where June went, but it was a blur.   

 There was a beautiful outdoor wedding.  My nephew married a lovely young woman.  Of course weddings mean family times.

It isn't often that all of my siblings (baby brother, little sis and big sis)  get together in the same place.  We had a really fun night celebrating with the bride and groom.

The next party was DH's Aunt Mary Jane's 80th birthday.  What an amazing woman!  She still works at the local nursing home 3 days a week as a restorative aide.  Many of the residents are younger than she is.  DH's sisters and some of his nieces put on a program as Red Hatters.

The calves have all been worked.  The cattle are all out to summer pasture, including "the boys".  It has been hot here and we need rain.  The corn is starting to curl.  The wheat will be ready to combine soon.  DH has started making hay for the winter feeding. 

I decided today that no matter what I was going to sew something.  DD 1 mentioned that she could use some new potholders, so that is what I made.  I have so many UFO's and things I want to make and finish.  It was just nice to make something simple and finish it.   I hope to get more organized so I can get back to working on some things again.  It is usually too hot in the afternoon to do much outside. 

I'm determined to get back to blogging too!

We Will Never Forget

This is a photo of my uncle Bill, who I never got to meet.  Lt. William H. Stimson was reported missing in action October 11, l944.  My Mom's older brother was a fighter pilot and his plane went down over the Pacific Ocean.   We all pause this Memorial Day to remember "freedom isn't free" and we honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.  I pray daily for our soldiers, who currently serve all over the world and the families who support them here at home.

 I'll be back blogging tomorrow.  We had a wonderful time with family this week-end.  The wedding was beautiful.  All of DH's eight siblings were able to be there and get a family photo taken.  Jen  flew home today.   AND I am exhausted--sleeping was not one of our activities.  Laundry and cleaning tomorrow.  :(   Hugs.....................