Backsplash Progress

We're moving right along with the backsplash. We chose 4 x8 tumbled travertine subway tiles in antique white which we will enhance and seal today. Arn's getting really good at tiling....I think he needs his own tile saw!

Tip - we found out that when you do tile and then change the sockets from white to almond that you need to put in an extender box (spark ring). This wasn't done by the builder or who ever put up the last tile backsplash. It was hard at first (after we had to redo them all) but got easier with each one. Pic to follow. Maybe we were the only ones who didn't know this??

Road Trip - Field Trip

Last week Mom and I went to Pueblo for the day. It takes about an hour to get there. I had wanted to show her the riverwalk but it was being repaired and had no water in it. We checked out the quilt store which had a good sale going on and has a great selection of batiks.

After lunch at Magpies on the main drag we toured Rosemont. The house is a beautiful private museum which used to be a private residence. It's 24,000 sq. ft. of Victorian elegance. Beautiful!

What do you want for dinner ?......Pheasant!

Arn's been answering 'Pheasant' for many years when I ask him what he wants for dinner. This Christmas he, Tyler, and Tim received pheasants from Eric (and Val)! We decided to fix them together this past weekend when Tyler and Lauren were here. We don't have much experience with wild birds or game so decided to grill them the way Val and Eric prepare them (with fresh jalapeno and bacon). Yummy!

Life Wisdom

This is a simple little trick that costs nothing that I learned from my mom. I've also seen it on Pinterest (cost free and very helpful). Have you ever had trouble finding the end of a roll of tape....this solves the problem. Just stick a plastic bread thingy at the end of the roll and you'll have an easier time finding the end the next time you use it.

Updating the kitchen!

We've been thinking about getting granite for quite some time. We finally found a slab we both liked and took the plunge. We chose a slab with some movement and it's beautiful. It's called Supreme Gold and the edge is a pencil edge. It's a black with brownish cream veins and swirls. I'm so glad the pinkish tile with the dirty grout is gone. Of course we had to also get a new undermount sink (went with one basin in black) and a new cooktop (finally one that's suited for high altitude.

Now we're in the midst of choosing backspash tile which will probably be a neutral subway tile. Then on to all of the bathrooms.....

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

3 or 4 leaf clover....shamrock?
They are two different plants.
A shamrock is a plant with four-lobed leaves, naturally. The lobes are shaped like hearts, so you have four little hearts in a circle--the plant has little yellow flowers, trumpet-shaped, not many-flowerettes, like clover.
A four-leaf clover is a mutated three leaf-clover that accidentally has four lobes instead of three--the lobes are rounded, not heart-shaped. They're lucky because, since they're a mutation, they're rare.

What do the leaves symbolize?One leaf is for FAITH... The second for HOPE...The third for LOVE... And the fourth for LUCK!
In Irish tradition the Shamrock or 3-leaf Clover represents the Holy Trinity: one leaf for the Father, one for the Son and one for the Holy Spirit. When a Shamrock is found with the fourth leaf, it represents God's Grace.

Emergencee

This little packet gets me thru the winter cold season each year. At the first sign of a sniffle I start forcing fluids and Emergencee. I also take it when exposed at work to people who continually think they are so needed (even when sick). I can't believe the way some people come to work when sick and expose patients. Gma takes Ester C every day and Emergencee when needed. She hasn't had a cold for several seasons. It's my opinion that antibiotics are grossly over used and decrease a person's natural ability to fight infection.

Craftsy Block of the Month - February

These are the Feb. blocks of the month.

I used all one color for the 'Chunky Chevron' block and like it better. Notice the little bluebird.......
A whole quilt with this block would be cute.


The block to the above is the 'Balkan Puzzle' block. I will probably won't make it again because all the half square triangles are on the bias which makes it a little more difficult to work with.

Craftsy Block of the Month - January

I swore I wouldn't start a new project until I'd finished some others but Val and I are doing a block of the month via Craftsy. I'm venturing into 'modern' quilting which seems to me to be somewhat loosely traditional with newer colors and patterns. The first two are the January blocks. I'm enjoying the colors and am trying to use colors I don't normally use. Plus, I'm learning a few new methods and the anticipation for each month's blocks is fun. The purple and white one is called the 'Asterisk' block and the one below is the 'Wonky Pound Sign' block. I really like the 'Wonky Pound' one and will probably make it again using the same block for a baby quilt.

Movie Recommendation!

Akeelah and the Bee is a cute family movie that sends a great message. I've seen it a couple of times.
Gma and I watched it again last week after picking it up at the library. Enjoyable.....It's about a little girl from LA (gangish neighborhood) who is very intelligent and overcomes her environment by participating in the spelling bee. I remember participating in the spelling bee at school (it wasn't my thing).

Cy's Drive In - a little bit of nostalgia

Today Gma and I stopped at Cy's Drive In on Uintah Ave. in Co.Springs. It is loaded with nostalgia, has great burgers, and great ice cream too. It's been around longer that McDonalds. They get their meat from Ranch Direct (hormone and antibiotic free, grass fed, and locally sourced). It was established in 1953 (my yr.). It's packed most of the time. The next place we're going to try is BJ's Velvet
Freeze and The Drive In.

BBM's @ PWH

We're in Crested Butte with Mike and Meg and Meredith turned us on to Bacon Bloody Mary's @ Paradise Warming Hut. They really hit the spot about mid morning.