The anticipation begins

A group of us are going on the guild's retreat next month at Blue Licks Park in KY. We're already discussing drinks (alcoholic, of course), projects and what to bring. Imagine - four solid days of no home responsibilities - just sew, eat, drink and sleep a little.

My sewing room regained, I loaded a Halloween quilt onto the frame last night and made two passes before the bobbin ran out. I tend to stop once a bobbin runs out and start working on something else for a while - sort of gives me a break from free-motion quilting. I'll get back at it tonight. Trouble is, I can't find my sidewinder. I put it somewhere in the mad rush to get the room tidy for our guests and I can't remember where it's gone! Same goes for my seam rippers stand. Bought some backing material for several projects to go on the frame within the week. With the retreat coming up, I'll concentrate on getting quilting done on the frame and leave the piecing projects for the four days in Blue Licks.

Did you see that there is a new Nickel Quilts book? It's the third one by Pat Speth, called "Amazing Nickel Quilts". I have the first two books and love them - made one project so far from that series. I'll have to give DH some strong hints about the new book because my birthday is coming up soon and the man is totally clueless when it comes to presents.

Got some cross stitching done last night as well when I watched a little television. Biggest Loser is on tonight - one of the few shows that I watch on a regular basis. So, I'll get some cross stitching done tonight too. I think I'm about half-way done with the 2008 Prairie Schooler Santa.

Andrea's going trick or treating on Friday night with her friends and they're all coming to our house afterwards for a sleep-over. Instead of ordering pizza from Donatos (YUM) I'll make little individual pies and each girl can adorn their pizza the way they want - then I'll pop the pizzas into the oven. It's always so maddening to try and get home on Halloween night after work, get dinner first, then scoot the kiddies out for begging. Since it's the end of the month, we're expected to stay late at the office (ugh) until all the payable business is processed. Then everybody and his brother are on the highways struggling to get home just like me. So, I'm trying to go about it a bit more intelligently this year. The kids can eat their dinner AFTER the candy gathering. They won't starve and sometimes they're so pumped up before going out, they don't eat anyways.

Our visitors from England were amazed by the Halloween decorations in our house and how other folks in our subdivision put lights out, have blow up creatures and displays. I guess it's not as big a deal in the UK as it is here. I love Halloween - great holiday for kids. Forget all that stuff about witchcraft, pagan celebrations, evil spirits. I know that's what the date used to be. Today - it's a good time for kids to pretend, have fun and provide business for the dentists. The only truly scary bit for me? I met my ex-husband on Halloween. ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a good one!