How to insert HTML Code into your Blogger Layout.

After several attempts, I finally figured out how to insert some tracking codes into my Blog. I've really been enjoying seeing how many visitor stop by, and where they are located. In response to requests on how to do this, here's a step-by-step on how to add an HTML Gadget to your Blogger Page.

1. Create an account with the service you wish to use (my global tracker is www.feedjit.com and my counter is www.amazingcounter.com). You could also use a search engine for "free online counters" or some such search. There are MANY options out there!
2. Set up the service options you want (format, colors, etc.)
3. Copy the HTML code from the service.
4. Log into your Blogger Dashboard (type www.blogger.com, then enter your user name and password).
5. Click “Layout” under the Blog you wish to modify.
6. Click “Add a Gadget” on the area of the page you want to have the item located (side bar / bottom / etc.)
7. Scroll down the list to “HTML/JavaScript” and click the PLUS SIGN (+) beside it.
8. If you want, give your gadget a TITLE.
9. Paste the HTML code from the service in the CONTENT field.
10. If you would like, you may drag and drop the new gadget to a different place in the layout of your page.
11. Click “PREVIEW” near the top of the page.
12. If you like what you see, then click “SAVE”.
13. Go check out the new functionality on your page! :D

Let me know if you add something to your page!

Recipe - Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

I was reading a blog requesting muffin recipes. So far I've only tried one, but we are LOVING IT! Here is my HIGH ALTITUDE Adaptation of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins with High Altitude Adjustments
Oct 2008

Regular Ingredients	High Altitude Adjustments
4 eggs	4 eggs
2 cups white sugar	2 cups LESS 2 T sugar
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin	15 oz can pumpkin
	2 T water
1-½ cups vegetable oil	1-3/8 cup oil
3 cups all-purpose flour	3 cups PLUS 2 T flour
2 teaspoons baking soda	2 t baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder	1-¾ t baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice*	1 t pumpkin pie spice*
1 teaspoon salt	1 t salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips	1-2 cups chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (410 degrees F). Lightly grease two 12 cup muffin pans, or line with paper baking cups.

2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, and mix in the sugar, pumpkin and oil.

4. Blend flour mixture into the egg and pumpkin mixture.

5. Fold in the chocolate chips (I use about 1 to 1½ cups). Transfer to the muffin pans.

6. Bake in the preheated oven 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove muffins from pans, and cool on a wire rack.

* To make your own pumpkin pie spice equivalent to the 1 tsp the recipe asks for add: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, and a pinch ground cloves.

If you try this, please let me know what you think.

Freemotion Quilting

I was just reading a comment on Amanda Jean's Blog, Crazy Mom Quilts, and it got me to thinking about taking classes to learn things. I've never been big on taking quilting classes... mostly, I figure it out on my own, with books, the internet, or for a while from Videos of Simply Quilts. In a nutshell, here's what I think about what you need to "do" to learn how to Freemotion Quilt.

• Lower your Feeddogs (if you can, if not, cover them with something like a piece of plastic).
• Be willing to play with your tension to "get it right"
• A stippling foot (either clear plastic or metal shapped like a letter "C") will help TONS!
• A pair of gloves with Rubber Grips is VERY HELPFUL.
• Get your brain past the fact that you have to rev your sewing machine engine, but move your hands slowly.

Maybe take some junk fabric and do some practice pieces, and then donate them to your local animal shelter... the biggest thing about machine quilting is PRACTICE!

That's all I can think of. Does anyone else have any ideas on Freemotion Quilting, or Tips that Help Them? Do Share! :D

Road Trip - California

So, Tom's doing some training classes (for Work) in California for two weeks. We drove over last weekend, spent this weekend sight-seeing and will drive home next weekend. During the weeks (two) the boys and I are exploring and enjoying all sorts of activities. We're in Dublin, California, about 30 miles east of San Fransisco. There is just SO MUCH to see and do here! We're actually WIPED OUT from all the running!

Here are our activities so far:

Friday 19 September - Play date, Final Pack and Load of Van, Nutcracker Auditions
Saturday 20 September - Drive from Wyoming to Lovelock, Nevada, Stride Rite Outlet
Sunday 21 September - Leisurely drive to Dublin, California (missing our freeway turn and thus getting to see the Ocean for the first time on the visit), Stride Rite Outlet, Fry's Electronics, Mall (Dinner), Grocery Shopping
Monday 22 September - Target, Dentist (Suzy - Teeth Cleaning), Goodwill (silverware and dishes for room, small side table)
Tuesday 23 September - Planning, Optometrist (Frank & Suzy), Shopping, Dentist (Tom - Teeth Cleaning), Yarn Shop
Wednesday 24 September - Joanns Superstore, Fry's Electronics, Jelly Belly Factory Tour (45 miles away)
Thursday 25 September - Oakland Museum (30 miles away) via BART (Electric Train), Laundry
Friday 26 September - Target, "Knit This, Purl That" Yarn Shop, McD's (1 hour playtime), Quilt Shop (the first on the trip), Kohl's, Dentist (Tom - Filling), Yarn Shop, Kohl's
Saturday 27 September - Bay Bridge, San Fransisco (2 Hobby Shops), Golden Gate Park, Nudists (run-away!), Golden Gate, Muir Woods, Tilden Valley Steam Trains, Spaghetti Dinner (about 100 miles round trip)
Sunday 28 September - Fry's Electronics, Northern California Renaissance Faire, Mimi's Cafe, Barnes & Nobel, Target (about 160 miles round trip)
Monday 29 September - Laundry, New Tennis Shoes (Suzy), Rest, Optometrist (Suzy, check contact fit), Dentist (Suzy, touch up to cleaning), Groceries

Still Planned:

Tuesday 30 September - Errands, Get ready for Birthday, Tires (Order)
Wednesday 1 October - Frank's 6th Birthday!
Thursday 2 October - Aquarium? Monterey Bay? Other?, Laundry
Friday 3 October - Pack, Load, Reno?
Saturday 4 October - Driving
Sunday 5 October - Arrive back in Wyoming, Unpack

Is it any wonder we're exhausted?!!? I'd wanted to go to the Winchester Mystery House today, but the boys and I are all wiped out and they've been acting up, so, I've been ditching the big outings and doing smaller things as well as spending more time in the hotel room.

I've been quite ponderous while I've been in the city. Perhaps I'll find a moment to blog about it soon.

One thing of note. You know how when you travel and you just want to go home? Well, right now, I have a sense that I just want to go and rest... in Arizona! Even though we've been living in Wyoming for 15 months, when I'm at my most tired, and people ask where I'm from, I'll instinctively say "Arizona" and when they ask for my zip code, I give them my Mesa one. If I'm coherent, I'll say "I'm from Arizona, but I've been living in Wyoming the past year now." I just can't transition to being "from" Wyoming. Somehow, I doubt I ever will.


Post Script: No providers accept our dental or eye insurance in our area. We've actually been told "there's a shortage of doctor's here; we don't need your buisness." This was in defense of not adjusting their bills to match "usual and customary" insurance charges. So, annual eye exams, glasses, and teeth cleanings happened at the beginning of our trip. Cheaper and just plain easier here. Not to mention, we received superior service and choice of frames. :D

Exploring Blogland

When I first started my blog, I didn't know much about them other than my friend enjoyed her's. I began writing for and TO my friends, through my blog. Then. I wondered how to attract other people to my blog... I still wonder about that.

Now, I have people I know personally, and those I know through a few swaps / give-aways. I have other people that I know just from comments... on their blog or mine. Basically, I've found I enjoy "meeting" other people though their blogs.

Generally, I'll be reading something I enjoy, and see a link, or read a comment on a post, I'll like what they say, and follow a link and find their blog, then, *viola*, I have another blog I enjoy reading. Today, I think that happened when I discovered PinsandThimbles.

I was reading Anne Brumley's post that was basically about finding our focus in life, and I thought I'd share my response:

I too have a million things going at once. Recently, I’d “slowed down” and wound up being bored and miserable. In the past few weeks, I’ve started picking up the pace and getting “more involved” and I feel invigorated and excited by life!

My Aunt, who’s in her 70’s and I’m in my 30’s, advises me that “to every thing there is a season”… there was a time when she was REALLY busy, but these days, mostly consist of her, a few pets, taking her mother to town, and LOTS of quilting. Her home is quite and calm, as is her life.

So. I guess what I’m saying, is that it’s important to do what motivates and excites us. It’s also important to accept where we are in our lives and know that one day things will be different, so, enjoy today and look forward to tomorrow!

Here's me reminding you to Enjoy Today and Look Forward to Tomorrow, with JOY!

Pay It Forward Challenge / Offer

Now that I have the Benevolent Birthday Bonus out of the way, here's the chance for those of you who didn't win to STILL get a little goody from me. It's called a Pay It Forward Challenge.I've made this offer before, without any takers. :P

What I need are people who would like to receive a little hand-made something from me.

The first three comments will be in, and then I'll do a random drawing on the rest of the comments for an extra fourth person. Leave your comment by 4:00 pm (PST) Friday August, 15th. I'll draw the random winner next weekend.

Then, you make a post on your blog, and within a year, you send out something you make to three more people.

Is there anyone who would like something fun made by your's truly?

Ready. Set. Go!

Calming Winner

I have calmed down SIGNIFICANTLY since Wednesday where I discovered that I have a very treatable case of a little arthritis in L4-L5-S1 and also a little narrowing of the nerve passages.

On Thursday, I met with the Physical Therapist (whom I liked a great deal). Our meeting went very well. He put my fears at ease and answered my (many) questions. The long and short of it is that I have a series of "micro injuries" over the years, specifically from child-birth, weight gain, lack of muscle strength (see first item about delivering HUGE babies), age, and genetics. Basically, with a little focused work, I'll be feeling significantly better in "three, maybe four weeks." The fact is, I'm *extremely* flexible (to a fault) and I'm motivated, so, a few exercises twice-a-day, add back Yoga, next week introduce Hydro Therapy (pool time) and so on, and I'll be on my way to feeling better than ever!

-------------------------------------

For the Benevolent Birthday Bonus, there were 20 people who submitted by the deadline, and the Random generator chose...

Number 10. Let's see who the Lucky Lady is...


So, Charlotte of Owl Love to Stamp, please send a comment with your snail mail info (I won't publish it) and I'll get your goodies sent off!

Thank you all for playing along in my first (successful) blog-gift-giving session!

Benevolent Birthday Bonus

My best birthday's always seem to be the one's where lots of people calling or sending well wishes. Today has been full of surprise visits for me.

• My Mom drove up from Chandler, Arizona.
• My Father-In-Law flew up from Phoenix, Arizona.
• My neighbors have been stopping by.
• My Grandparents drove two hours from Lander, Wyoming.
• A big surprise, my cousin and his family stopped on their way through town from Portland, Oregon!
• I've also had phone calls from friends in Gilbert, Arizona and Amesbury, Massachusetts.

Oh! And I've been having fun wearing the crown (Crown Me Queen pattern from StoryQuilts.com) that my Mom made for me last night, along with my "Heart of The Ocean" from Tom last year!


And yes. I really dislike posing for pictures... especially one's I'm taking of myself! :P Maybe I'll have Frank take a better one in a little bit...

In honor of this being My Birthday AND my 222 Blog Post, I thought I'd follow the lead of SO MANY others and do a little gift giving. I recently dug out this little sample/teaching piece:


This is just a string quilt made to demo some techniques. It measures about 14 1/2" square. I'll probably throw some other things in with it, but I'd like to at least offer up this little quilt for you. If you'd like a chance at it, please leave a comment by 5:23 pm Mountain Time on August, 8th. The winner will be chosen by at random. In your comments, tell me what makes a birthday great for you!

Musings about Blogging

I just made a very LONG winded comment to a post by Melissa at Sweet Seredipity and thought I'd share it with you...

Woah! Put the brakes on kid!

Between being a wife, mother, and home-educator, you've already got A LOT going on! So, I'd figure out what it is about the blogging that you get the most out of, and try to make room for *just* that.

Me? I like writing. I kept a pen-and-paper journal for over ten years (starting at age 15). It helped me TREMENDOUSLY, both emotionally and as "a writer"... I'm not published or anything, I mean just being able to communicate effectively with the written word.

I started my blog because my friend had one and kept raving about it. Then, I moved away from that friend and started writing weekly to keep in touch with family and friends. Then, because I enjoyed writing, I started doing it more. For me, a daily habit (in the evening, as my means of unwinding) is generally the easiest to keep up with.

Through out the day, I'll "write" my post. Sometimes I go on a writing spree, and I'll "schedule" the posts to go out on different days to spread it out. Other times, I blog only when I feel like it.

Personally, I like to know other people read what I write and I appreciate their feedback (ie: comments and phone calls), but I've come to realize that even when I don't get it, I still benefit from and enjoy the actual writing.

Lately though, I've been reading and commenting more than writing on my own blog. I've been nursing an injury and just don't feel like much is "going on". Also, I recently made a post that generated a lot of political debate in my comments... actually more comments than any other post, and yet it wasn't exactly "happy", so, I've noticed I've backed off a bit.

Basically, I don't beat myself up over keeping or maintaining my blog, I just post when I feel like it, and I enjoy the act of writing (can you tell by this MAJOR run-on thought stream?)

So. You have to ask yourself, what is it that you enjoy about your blog, and how can you do more of that?

Hope this helps! :D

Post Script: Keep your eyes open THIS SATURDAY for a very special and exciting post from your's truly! ;D

Quilt Update - Happy Hour AND What I do with my hands.

27 more Happy Hour blocks finished, 14 to go.

My back is feeling OH-so-much-Better! Today was my first day without extreme pain and or medicine to assist me. I wore "regular" clothes (as opposed to "sick" clothes), but I also kept myself in check. I didn't go any further from my home than six doors down the street, and I didn't do any chores beyond sorting one VERY small box of stuff (like 4" x 12" x 10" little box) and simple meal time preps. On Sunday, Tom made something like eight meals and froze or refrigerated them so I could just warm things up and let my back rest. My boys did the daytime dishes, and Tom washed this evening. One of my friends heard about this and said "Good for you!" That made me feel better about not "doing" things all day.

Actually, I did do some things. I posted 22 auctions to ebay. We could REALLY use some extra cash right now because we've depleted our reserves with the move and my recent back care, so we listed like 50+ WWII 1/72nd scale models that Tom's been meaning to sell off (he also has a pile of 1/35th scale, which have more detail, that he's keeping). I too have things to sell on ebay, but this was a good start today. If your interested, my ebay name is "SiouxzQzz".

Today I also helped my new neighbor. I met her in May and showed her the neighborhood we were about to move into. Well, today their family moved in six-doors-down. So, at 9:00 I walked (the boys ran) down and invited her to send her kiddos (DD7, DS5, DD4) down. They were here off and on from 9 to 4. I also visited with her a few times when she'd come down for a break.

This is where the "what I do with my hands comes in." I'm just SO used to doing something that I found it very odd to just sit and visit... without being in the kitchen cooking, or teaching a sewing / quilting craft, or doing some sort of handiwork (ie: crocheting or knitting). I tried to crochet the other day and the muscle relaxer just made my head spin to follow the hook and yarn visually. So, I just wanted to say that today, I sat. I visited. And it was really weird not having my hands busy. I grew up with my Mom telling me two things that I still think about weekly, if not daily:

Busy Hands are Happy Hands

Idle Hands are the Devil's Workshop

Are there any phrases you grew up with that you often think of or repeat? What little pearls of wisdom has your family passed down?

Quick! POP QUIZ! Stand up. Walk away from your computer. Grab a piece of paper and a crayola (pen, pencil, whatever). Write out your computer keyboard's main numbers and letters. Then, come back and check your work.

My son's have been making "computers" out of folded pieces of paper. Frank usually draws keys, but today Jack gave me one and I was suppose to put my own keys on it.

So. I gave myself the test I just gave you. I wrote the numbers and "Esc" across the top, then I proceeded to try to fill in the alphabet and : ; , . symbols... without pretend "typing". Just from memory, I forgot the Caps Lock (I included Tab and Shift), and I had the B and U in the wrong spot (which I knew something was "wrong" with both of the areas I'd stuck the B and U.)

What about you? Did you walk away from your PC write out the keyboard correctly?

I want to think this is some sort of Mensa test or something, but also, I just want to know if you can do it, or if you'll miss something like I did.

Quilt in the Works - Happy Hour Update

So. Here's what's been happening with the quilt I recently started:

Monday 7th - Made two test blocks. Calculated cutting dimensions. Cut Pieces from WOF strips.

Tuesday 8th - Cut more pieces from WOF strips that were directional.

Friday 11th - Cut pieces from FQ and whole squares (VERY directional fabrics).

Monday 14th - Finished cutting last few blocks.

Resulting in this pile of pieces:


I know it would be "easier" to just have one set of cutting dimensions, but I prefer to get the most use out of my yardage, that and I just plain like doing the math! Doing several different cutting scenarios also wound up breaking the cutting into more manageable bites... I cut 81 blocks (80 for the quilt and 1 for me).

Tuesday 15th - Next up, matching the fabrics into their blocks:


Just about every fabric will have two blocks backgrounds in the quilt. There are three "windows" of one fabric, and a few fabrics will have one window.


There were just a few fabrics that didn't want to "work" with this quilt, they were almost all batiks. It would have been a little easier if I'd had a few more lights in the quilt. I prefer to have good contrast in my blocks, but I had enough medium and darks that not all of the blocks have the best contrast.

Wednesday 16th - Starting to sew some of the blocks. 26 done, 55 to go.


Monday 21st - Finished 14 more blocks and started another pile.

Already I can see some of my "favorite blocks" coming together. Isn't it true that every project has some units you just love more than others!

The project is moving MUCH slower than I'd hoped due to the fact that I hurt my back and after four weeks of trying to "ignore it", I've realized I need to rest and ice and drug it. As a result, I'm pretty loopy much of the time. When I'm honest about my pain level, sitting at the sewing machine isn't easy. It actually makes me cry (literally) though, because I want to be sewing and "doing things" instead of sitting, A LOT. Anyway, that's why I've not been bloging... not much is going on, and I'm loopy from the medication, and typing on the PC winds up hurting my back too.

Okay. Enough whining! Here's a picture of one of my "helpers" to lay out the blocks... Zagawuki.


Jack also was helping to pick fabrics to go together. At first, he kept putting the same fabrics together, then I got him mixing them up a bit.

Quilting - A Blog that Inspires Me

This week I discovered a quilter, Lynne of The Patchery Menagerie, who absolutely inspires me! I ADORE so many of her projects and am quite grateful for her many tutorials!

I just wanted to share Lynne and her work with you. Here are a few of her pieces that I especially like:

Wonky Alphabet

Wonky Butterflies

Chessboard Leftovers

Seminole

You can click on any of the above pictures to go to the blog post about them.

Repercussions

I'll apologize now, because I think this post is going to be disjointed and "all over the place!"

Repercussions, as defined in Merriam Webster Online:

Main Entry:

re·per·cus·sion

Pronunciation:

\ˌrē-pər-ˈkə-shən, ˌre-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Latin repercussion-, repercussio, from repercutere to drive back, from re- + percutere to beat — more at percussion

Date:

1536

1: reflection, reverberation2 a: an action or effect given or exerted in return : a reciprocal action or effect b: a widespread, indirect, or unforeseen effect of an act, action, or event —usually used in plural

— re·per·cus·sive \-ˈkə-siv\ adjective

Tom had a headache. A very bad headache. It lasted for MANY hours and was so intense! Noise and light became unbearable. He thought he was experiencing his first migraine. Upon further inquisitions, I discovered that all the pain and trouble were on the right side of his head. I said "it doesn't sound like a migraine, it sounds like a tumor" ... because it sounded like pressure on his brain causing the trouble. Then. I thought about an injury from last Monday.

While in Riverton, he walked into an open door (one on his truck that lifts up, but couldn't go all the way up because of an awning or something). When he hit the door, he knocked himself to the ground... not an easy thing for someone who's 251 pounds (he's lost 25 pounds recently! YEAH TOM!!!) Afterwards, he reached for things that weren't there and stumbled about until he found the cab of his truck. He laid his torso down on his seat and left his feet outside. He says it was "ten minutes" before he could see again. Of course, since he couldn't see, who knows how long it really was. He'd cut himself right at the hairline on his right temple. The next morning, he said it felt like someone'd been kicking him in the head... since I'm sure he's had this happen in Bar Fights, I believe he wasn't exaggerating.

So. I thought back to this walking into something (again... he'd hit the same part of his head about a week earlier, though not quite as hard) and all the pain he was having and decided he must have a concussion. He was in A LOT of pain. I'd called around and got him an appointment
the first thing the next morning with a Chiropractor.

That night the pain in my hip / thigh / sciatica / lower back returned with a vengence (thanks to my FINALLY starting a garden with the boys...

ALL I did was dig and rake a SMALL bed for the corn. REALLY! It was just 4' x 6'. That's seriously a small amount of gardening!!! Of course, I've been having trouble for the past three weeks since grading the front yard for sod... so, my body still wasn't healed. But REALLY we have a VERY short growing season here, and I wonder if these will even beat the frost... the corn should be productive by the 12th of September. We still "need" to get the carrots in the ground. All they have are corn, and marigold seeds mixed in with the strawberry plants (which I don't expect any production from until next year).

Anyway, my left hip/back was hurting, BAD! So bad that when I tried to lay down and go to sleep, I **literally** jumped out of bed to "get away" from the pain. I wound up on the couch. Standing doesn't hurt it. Sitting doesn't hurt. Just laying down. I've been completely deprived of sleep the past three weeks and Tuesday night was THE WORST!!!

Tom fetched me from the couch around 2:30 am. His head felt better and he wanted me to go to his appointment in the morning. I poo-pahed him. At 7:55, when he got up, he came downstairs and told me to get myself ready, because I'd be going to the Chrioprator.

I did. I've been going to Chriopractors since I was eight. Every one has their own unique approach and touch. Usually, I feel a little "tightness" or a "pull" in the area(s) worked as I'm walking out. This doctor did a different approach AND I felt better when I left. Relaxed. No pain. The true test came at bedtime though, when I was able to sleep without pain in my left hip!

This turn of events was good for me, but, the doctor whom I'd spoken with the day before, wanted to know where my husband was. I described things and he too thought a concussion might me the culprit. The doctor STRONGLY urged me to get Tom to a doctor. In fact, I was on the phone making the appointment when the doctor came in to see me. He realized whom I'd hung up with, handed me my phone, told me to call back and make the appointment before he'd treat me, then left the room! That's pretty amazing (to me). That a doctor would thank you for hanging up, but ask you to call back.

So. Yesterday afternoon, 10 days after the injury. Tom went to a doctor where a concussion was confirmed. His right eye-lid (unnoticed by us) is still droopy. His right eye is having trouble tracking. And of course, all the pain he's still having, all on the right side of his head. The doctor wanted to order a CT Scan as a CYA procedure. Since it's been so long, he's not too worried about more complications... just need to let things heal up. Rest and Time.

I'm still concerned though. And, quite honestly, tired of listening to all the "my head hurts" every afternoon and evening. So, today Tom had to drive back to Evanston, about 1 1/2 hours. I told him I'd take him. So he could rest and his head wouldn't hurt so bad. I thought it would be a good test to see if it would help, him being able to relax and sleep while riding instead of having to focus while driving. It also would be safer than him continuing to drive with this obvious pressure in his head.

Well. His lead found out that we were with him and why. Then, not an hour later, his boss called. We were headed to another call at the time, but, we got sent home. Apparently, my driving him is a liability for the company... because if we got in an accident, la-la-la... So. Even though Tom can do his job and I can drive him to-and-from his job. We're not allowed to because of the risks to the companies legal department. I understand. I get it. But really, I think of Tom and I as a team. He's hurt (a little) and I can help. Why shouldn't I be able to? If your spouse / friend drops their vehicle off at the shop for the day, you can drive them to work, right? Their boss usually appreciates them getting to work. Especially when there have been LOTS of personnel conflicts about coverage in the past few weeks. It should be okay that a wife A) wants her husband to be seen and treated when he's hurt himself, and B) wants to help him continue to do his job.

I feel sad that our society has disjointed it's members to the point where all the parties of a family are suppose to report separately to work / school all day, every day, and aren't "allowed" to help each other out.

[Okay. End of RANT. It's safe to come out now!]

So. About thirty minutes from Evanston, I discovered that the "fix" was likely to take ALL day... like five or six hours! In the past, I've always gone along for the drive, been there 20-30 minutes, then headed back. So, the break and stretch would be nice, but I hadn't "planned" to be gone ALL DAY.

After dropping Tom off, we headed out to find the Chamber of Commerce. On our way to it, we found several photography worthy old buildings, but this really caught the eye of our camera...


I tried to explain that phones use to be fixed objects, not mobile devices. I'm not sure if the message got through. I'm also not sure the boys saw the humor of my wanting to pose with my cell phone against a phone booth...


EVENTUALLY (EIGHT) photos later (many of them more of the sidewalk than *ME*) Frank took the one you see above (well, I did tweak it with Pioneer Woman Adobe Photoshop Actions).

Back to playing in the booth...


I did warn you that this post was bound to jump around a lot, didn't I? I don't think I mentioned that it would probably turn into a book though!

One more shot to show you near the phone booth. Not because it's such a great / clear shot, but because it'll show you my haircut. I had my hair cut last month. First "new" style for me in... EIGHT YEARS!!! I *always* get an undercut, all-one-length cut. The length fluctuates slightly between my chin and my shoulders. It gets cut every six weeks - religiously. So. My first NEW STYLE in eight years and NOT ONE PERSON notices or pays enough attention to comment. Here. you can see the layers falling around my face...


It's a slight layer / stack at the back, but still pretty much all the same total length. I'm enjoying it, although my round brush broke and so when I do blow it dry, it's just been with a flat brush. Anyway, I know My Mom wanted to see it, and I thought I'd share with you. I had my hair cut differently and *no one* cares! Boo-hoo! :*(

[And now for something different...]

Frank and I trotted on over to the first Farmer's Market of the season. It looked promising to start...


Turns out. This was one of TWO produce vendors. There were also TWO bread makers and ONE Salami. The rest of the TWENTY or so vendors were all arts and crafts and wares. This is okay and everything, but shouldn't it be called a "Craft Show" instead of a "Farmer's Market"? I'm just sayin'!

We came home with this patehtic lot.


I mean, I'm sure they'll TASTE good, but the price? They lot of it was $21. The cantaloupe fits in the palm of my hand. The asparagus is pencil thin. The beans and potatoes are nice, but they were $5 each.

I guess we're just spoiled by Lander's Farmer's Market at Sprouts in Lander last year. They had eight to ten produce vendors each week, just one jewelry vendor and the price was 1/4 to 1/3.

Anyway, we enjoyed going, but we'll probably go to our Sister City's Farmer's Market next week, but I doubt we'll go back to this one. Maybe in a few weeks, to see if some other vendors come.

So. There you go. No posts and then THIS! The Mega-Post from hell! Enjoy!

Fun for Nothing Challenge

I was just reading a post on Waldeck Dry Goods about a new flickr group challenge created by Sew Liberated to encourage and share ideas on providing good "clean", cheap, free fun for our kids.

Since this is all about my line of thought these days, I thought I'd share with you...

Quilt in the Works - Happy Hour

Amanda Jean, of Crazy Mom Quilts, recently made this quilt for herself...


The pattern is Happy Hour from Atkinson Designs.

I'm planning to make my own version from these fabrics:


Which I picked out yesterday.

Since I don't have the Atkinson Designs book, but the design is so simple I just calculated yardage yesterday on my own. I can get two 9" blocks out of each 5 1/4" WOF strip I cut. So, with this assortment of 42 fabrics, I'll have 84 blocks. Enough for a twin size quilt.

Now. I'm on the hunt (in my sewing room, the local clearance racks, and online at Marshall Dry Goods and eQuilter for some backing.) I'd like to use my own fabrics to do Bonnie Hunter's (of Quiltville Fame) method of 10 1/2" blocks for the back, BUT since many of my fabrics are still packed (I actually had to open my purple and green boxes to find the fabrics for this inspired piece), I think finding some fabric cheap will be my better (quicker) option.

I'd like to have this quilt top done by Wednesday and quilted Thursday or Friday... will have to see when I can get an appointment on the local long-arm machine.

Can I do it?

Make a quilt (and paint a bathroom (also on my list for this week)) by the end of this week?

Our United States Flag

I just saw a bit of advertising where a US Flag was draped on the swimsuit-clad models as if it were a common beach towel. I didn't like it. I know that The Flag is being misused (both as wearing apparel and in advertising). I promptly sent an email to the company that included excerpts from the United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 - The Flag.

Here, I thought I would include the complete code on Our Flag.

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Flag Code

The laws relating to the flag of the United States of America are found in detail in the United States Code. Title 4, Chapter 1 pertains to the flag; Title 18, Chapter 33, Section 700 regards criminal penalties for flag desecration; Title 36, Chapter 3 pertains to patriotic customs and observances. These laws were supplemented by Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations.

United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 — The Flag

§1. Flag; stripes and stars on

The flag of the United States shall be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white; and the union of the flag shall be forty-eight stars [Note that sec. 2 which follows provides for additional stars. Today the flag has fifty stars representing the fifty states — Webmaster], white in a blue field

§2. Same; additional stars

On the admission of a new State into the Union one star shall be added to the union of the flag; and such addition shall take effect on the fourth day of July then next succeeding such admission

§3. Use of flag for advertising purposes; mutilation of flag

Any person who, within the District of Columbia, in any manner, for exhibition or display, shall place or cause to be placed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing, or any advertisement of any nature upon any flag, standard, colors, or ensign of the United States of America; or shall expose or cause to be exposed to public view any such flag, standard, colors, or ensign upon which shall have been printed, painted, or otherwise placed, or to which shall be attached, appended, affixed, or annexed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, or drawing, or any advertisement of any nature; or who, within the District of Columbia, shall manufacture, sell, expose for sale, or to public view, or give away or have in possession for sale, or to be given away or for use for any purpose, any article or substance being an article of merchandise, or a receptacle for merchandise or article or thing for carrying or transporting merchandise, upon which shall have been printed, painted, attached, or otherwise placed a representation of any such flag, standard, colors, or ensign, to advertise, call attention to, decorate, mark, or distinguish the article or substance on which so placed shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $100 or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both, in the discretion of the court. The words "flag, standard, colors, or ensign", as used herein, shall include any flag, standard, colors, ensign, or any picture or representation of either, or of any part or parts of either, made of any substance or represented on any substance, of any size evidently purporting to be either of said flag, standard, colors, or ensign of the United States of America or a picture or a representation of either, upon which shall be shown the colors, the stars and the stripes, in any number of either thereof, or of any part or parts of either, by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag, colors, standard, or ensign of the United States of America.

§4. Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.", should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute. [See Congressional Notes re use of "under God."]

§5. Display and use of flag by civilians; codification of rules and customs; definition

The following codification of existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the United States of America be, and it is hereby, established for the use of such civilians or civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments of the Government of the United States. The flag of the United States for the purpose of this chapter shall be defined according to title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1, Section 1 and Section 2 and Executive Order 10834 issued pursuant thereto.

§6. Time and occasions for display

1. It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
2. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
3. The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.
4. The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on

• New Year's Day, January 1

• Inauguration Day, January 20

• Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, third Monday in January

• Lincoln's Birthday, February 12

• Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February

• Easter Sunday (variable)

• Mother's Day, second Sunday in May

• Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May

• Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May

• Flag Day, June 14

• Independence Day, July 4

• Labor Day, first Monday in September

• Constitution Day, September 17

• Columbus Day, second Monday in October

• Navy Day, October 27

• Veterans Day, November 11

• Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November

• Christmas Day, December 25

• and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States

• the birthdays of States (date of admission)

• and on State holidays.

5. The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution.
6. The flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on election days.
7. The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse.

§7. Position and manner of display

The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.

1. The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff, or as provided in subsection (i) of this section.
2. The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
3. No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.
4. The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag's own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.
5. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.
6. When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's right.
7. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.
8. When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.
9. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.
10. When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.
11. When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.
12. The flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony of unveiling a statue or monument, but it should never be used as the covering for the statue or monument.
13. The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any State, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff, and the same authority is provided to the Mayor of the District of Columbia with respect to present or former officials of the District of Columbia and members of the Armed Forces from the District of Columbia. The flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of the President or a former President; 10 days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. The flag shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. As used in this subsection —

1. the term "half-staff" means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff;
2. the term "executive or military department" means any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5, United States Code; and
3. the term "Member of Congress" means a Senator, a Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.

14. When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
15. When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended vertically with the union of the flag to the observer's left upon entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the north, when entrances are to the east and west or to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the east.

§8. Respect for flag

No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.

1. The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
2. The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
3. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
4. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
5. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
6. The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
7. The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.
8. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
9. The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
10. No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
11. The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning

§9. Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag

During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Aliens should stand at attention. The salute to the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes

§10. Modification of rules and customs by President

Any rule or custom pertaining to the display of the flag of the United States of America, set forth herein, may be altered, modified, or repealed, or additional rules with respect thereto may be prescribed, by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, whenever he deems it to be appropriate or desirable; and any such alteration or additional rule shall be set forth in a proclamation

United States Code Title 36

§301. National anthem; Star-Spangled Banner

1. The composition consisting of the words and music known as The Star-Spangled Banner is designated the national anthem of the United States of America.

2. Conduct during playing — During rendition of the national anthem—

   1. when the flag is displayed —

      1. all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;

      2. men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and

      3. individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and

   2. when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

§302. National motto

"In God we trust" is the national motto.

§303. National floral emblem

The flower commonly known as the rose is the national floral emblem.

§304. National march

The composition by John Philip Sousa entitled "The Stars and Stripes Forever" is the national march.

§901. Service flag and service lapel button

1. Individuals Entitled To Display Service Flag.— A service flag approved by the Secretary of Defense may be displayed in a window of the place of residence of individuals who are members of the immediate family of an individual serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during any period of war or hostilities in which the Armed Forces of the United States are engaged.

2. Individuals Entitled To Display Service Lapel Button.— A service lapel button approved by the Secretary may be worn by members of the immediate family of an individual serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during any period of war or hostilities in which the Armed Forces of the United States are engaged.

3. License To Manufacture and Sell Service Flags and Service Lapel Buttons.— Any person may apply to the Secretary for a license to manufacture and sell the approved service flag, or the approved service lapel button, or both. Any person that manufactures a service flag or service lapel button without having first obtained a license, or otherwise violates this section is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $1,000.

4. Regulations.— The Secretary may prescribe regulations necessary to carry out this section.

I would encourage you to contact people and companies when they do something that moves you. Be it criticism or complements, corporations and individuals need to hear from you!