We were hit by a chain of windy storms over the weekend, and so we spent two days without power. When the lights came on last night, I sent many blessings to the dedicated Pacific Gas and Electric crews that brought us back to the 21st century. Practically our whole county went dark, and some people, including Michael, still have no power. At his house this is a big deal since he has a well that runs on electricity--so no power means no water as well as no lights at his house.
There are downed trees all over, and this morning we saw a number of downed power lines. I've been meaning to take my camera out to get a picture of an uprooted tree right near the freeway on-ramp. It's huge, and yet it was yanked up roots and all.
So we played cards and board games and played our walkmans and ipods through some tiny speakers that the kids use on their computer. On Saturday Allie went to visit at a friend's who has a generator at his house. Folks in the more rural areas are more prone to power outages in the winter, so they often have them. Everything was closed, including the gas stations, and we were all caught with low gas tanks, which was only a problem because we are feeding the cats of a friend who's out of town. Michael and I were invited for a New Year's Eve dinner party at my friend Susan's, but this has been postponed until next Saturday. I guess it's not so bad to have the holidays extend another week. All in all, we survived and have kissed the t.v., computers, refrigerator, and washing machine many times.
Here are some pictures of what I was doing before the power went out. I finished this black and white quilt for Alex, my 15 year old. I think he likes it, it's even on his bed face-up.
Last week I also made a dent in my scrap drawers by making this pattern from quiltville called Pineapple Blossom. I'm going to add another row to mine at the top before I put on the borders.
And look at this fabulous fabric I found at Joann's. I saw a cut of it that one of the employees has set aside, and then immediately bought 2 yards, without a clue as to what I will do with it. It was just too beautiful to pass up. I seldom do this, maybe once or twice a year, but this fabric spoke to me.
Blessings to all for a healthy and creative new year. Join us at the Quilter's Lounge (follow the link in the index) for a head start on the healthy part.
11 comments:
Wow, that looks like the fabric I bought for Paula Nadelstern's Needle STars class -- seems like mine was an RJR or a Kauffman. I saw it in a magazine first, and had to hunt all over the internet to actually find the fabric. I've never seen it at any of the JoAnn's here.
Barbara, that IS awesome fabric you bought. I like the pineapple blossom quilt too.
A few days ago you asked a question about a friends's quilt you saw on my blog. (the "oh my gosh" quilt). The tiny squares are 3/4" finished. I would have emailed, but couldn't find an address for you. Jen
Thanks Jen. That was an amazing quilt. I thought I had an email link to this blog, but I'll have to double check my settings.
And Pat, yes this fabric definitely has that Paula Nadelstern flavor and I was surprised to see that it was a JoAnn's product. I bought it right away because I didn't think it would last long--there was only one bolt.
Do you think JoAnn's somehow gets the rights (buys them or otherwise?) to the designs for collections of fabric from other fabric producers? I don't know how that works exactly, but I do sometimes eventually see fabrics that I've bought from other manufacturers at the LQS in JoAnn's on a bolt with their own label.
o.k. I must be the only person not making a Pineapple blossom. I have liked all of the ones that I have seen.....
That fabric is So Cool and So You! WOW!
I like the candle holders too (are they from aol or somewhere else??!)
When did you have time to get that pineapple done? You are starting to get ahead of me!
Yes, those "candle holders" are courtesey of aol. They reflect a little light and catch the drips. You know how I hate to throw things away. My daughter is actually "mirroring" a wall of her bathroom with these. They're like free mirror tiles
Cool idea with the CD mirrors!
That black and white one is lots of fun! And that fabric- wow! LOVE it!
That fabric is fabulous, dahling. Lucky you to have scored it. And I like the pineapple scrappy quilt, too. Very nice; love scrappy.
Yeah, what a storm--like El Niño. We got a windy soaking too, not as bad as you up north, though. Gosh--two days without power. Jan 2 was a good day to curl up by the fire, which is exactly what I did. Streets were flooded everywhere. Well, it will be a beautiful spring.
I love your scrappy blossomquilt ! Nice colors
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