Kangaroo Paw plant 08-14-10

Kangaroo Paw plant is one of my favorites. This is the 'old-fashioned' yellow variety. I showed a newer red variety in my post with pictures from Sherman Library and Gardens:

http://delquilts.blogspot.com/2010/05/kangaroo-paw-05-07-10.html

I'm gradually learning how to use my Droid (when I type it I can hear the sort of gong-like, echoing sound they use in the TV ads), but if you call me, be patient because it takes lots of rings for me to answer! Leave a message - I WILL find it and open it and call you back!!

Another resting day 08-13-10

It was a gorgeous California day and only 84F here in Placentia. This image was taken from the car while we were in line at Starbuck's drive-thru.

I used the excuse of the dental surgery to do a lot of resting today. Sort of cheating because I don't have any pain and not much swelling. I iced it a few times this morning and, of course, I have only been eating soft foods - soft boiled eggs, carrot/squash soup, milk, soft cheese, slightly toasted bread. And then Corky and I drove to Starbuck's for a Caramel Frappachino. I always have them put the caramel drizzle UNDER the whipped cream, because I don't want Corky to have rotten teeth. He only gets the very top of the whipped cream - a very special treat.

He has been a very loving companion and even did some more snuggling while I was "icing". I told his mommy that I wished I had a video camera just to record his antics when he wants his dinner. He starts with sneezing two or three times and follows that up with whining, barking, choking as though he has something stuck in his throat (he doesn't), moaning and 'warbling'. It is an entire routine - he should take it on the road. Letterman? Oprah? His mommy advised that with my new Droid I have the ability to take videos. Not yet - I'll put it on the bottom of the list of things I need to learn about the Droid. First I would like to just be able to hang up a call without shutting the thing down completely. Woe is I!!

Another Learning Curve 08-12-10

A new computer and now a new cell phone. I made this same double 'curve' about six years ago, you would think I had learned my lesson, eh? I've written about the computer problems I have been suffering, so the new computer is understandable. But I haven't said anything about the trouble I've had keeping my cell charged. I could, of course, buy a new battery and it may yet come to that.

For those not familiar with the very latest technology from Verizon, this is the up-to-date Android. The Poodle Parents both bought Droids in May and they are already out-of-date. Mine is the very latest model. . . until next month, I suppose. The PParents frequently change phones, so I thought they would be able to help me learn a new system. She went with me to deal with the slick dudes at the Verizon store and she was a big help - I would probably have dissolved into tears without her intervention.

The problem is that they live in Long Beach and I live in Placentia (about 30 miles). I finally figured out how to call out, but ran into a problem trying to hang-up. The first three people I called received a "Del echo" when I accidentally redialed their numbers when trying to get back to the contacts list. Worse than that, I had deciphered the method to add a number to my list and successfully added it. Later when I was trying to call someone else, the phone dialed that number and I was connected with the woman's husband - very difficult to explain to him what the heck I was up to. At least he recognized my name. I thought I would send the wife an e-mail explaining what was going on, but gave up because as I wrote I began to sound as if I had escaped from a padded cell. So, Sharon, if you read this you'll know that your husband was telling the truth about the crazy lady who couldn't control her cell phone.

The dude at Verizon told me there were lessons available on the website to help people (he didn't say ssllooooww people) learn to use their Droid. There is an instruction book in the box - about 3"square and 1/4" thick, containing both an English and a Spanish version. For my eyesight a very strong magnifying glass is necessary and even then it is a strain. I've looked at the website a bit to find a lesson or two, however I have been busy doing other things. Like having dental surgery today to put in the post for my imitation tooth. This is such a long process that I'm surprised that so many people opt to have the procedure. Tooth pulled in February, impressions taken in June, post inserted in August and the new tooth goes in mid-November - all to the tune of about $3000. I am supposed to recline a lot today with an ice pack on my face and repeat this tomorrow. I've done fairly well, but couldn't resist the call of my computer. Fortunately, I am not alone - Corky is here until Tuesday morning. He knows something is different and actually laid next to me on the bed and snuggled. Corky is a very special guy, but under normal circumstances he is not a cuddly guy. So, it is a comfort to know that he cares!

Wordless Wednesday 08-11-10

Good speaker - Susan Axelrod 08-10-10

Surfside Quilters Guild met in San Clemente this morning, it was a good meeting. The speaker was Susan Axelrod from Poway, CA who loves to hand applique, but sometimes will do it by machine - she leaves her options open. She does beautiful work and is an organized, interesting speaker. I know she spoke to many members who love to do handwork. It was always my favorite aspect of quiltmaking, but my arthritis limits what I can do these days.

Here is an array of her quilts on stage as she started her program. In the background on the left is a pieced miniature quilt from a design by Sally Collins. The two "holders & folders" are showing an applique quilt that Susan made from a Pearl P. Pereira pattern.

This is one of my favorites, also a Pereira design. I don't remember who did the machine quilting on this one, but Susan has two expert, dependable long arm quilters who do her quilts for her. She would rather devote her time to the applique.

If your quilt guild is looking for speakers you might look into having Susan do a program. She doesn't have a website that I can find, but if you need a contact for her, just post a comment or send me an e-mail. I think any guild would enjoy having her as a guest speaker.

MORE Fabric? 08-09-10

I keep saying I won't buy any more fabric, but I always 'fall off the wagon'. Sometimes I think I am more a fabric collector than a quilt maker! Avoiding any shop that sells fabric is about the only way to not be tempted. I suppose that my lust for fabric is similar to that of a lust for new shoes or purses or... whatever. When I heard of a fabric sale practically around the corner in Anaheim I resisted for weeks, but finally found myself parking in their lot.

Soft Expressions is an online company, owned and operated by Sharla Hicks, that serves all quilting interests - traditional, innovative, art and computer. Their office and warehouse is located in a light industrial area about a mile from my house and it is open to "walk in customers". Full of fascinating merchandise the facility is crowded and confusing, but oh-my-goodness do they have amazing 'stuff'. If I am looking for fabric ink, paint, or almost any surface design material this is where I look first. It is also a good source for fiber related books.

www.softexpressions.com

Currently Sharla is discontinuing her fabric inventory. It is getting pretty depleted, but there are still treasures to be found. Prints are $4.50, metallic fabrics are $2 (as I recall!) and other types of fabric are equally discounted. These are the choices I made. Of course, I had to have the hat print - can I draw faces for each hat? Most of the other fabrics were chosen to go into the fat quarter box that I take to Empty Spools each year. I like to have a student list from those five day classes, so I pass out a form for name, address, etc., and number the forms as they are returned to me. Starting with number one each fellow student can chose a fat quarter from my box of about sixty fabrics. Since I usually take Ruth McDowell's class I try to have fabrics that might fit into someones class project. There isn't always something appropriate, but all quilters welcome a gift of fabric - it might go into a baby quilt or a guild project. I particularly like the third print from the bottom, it does depict stones and sand (I think), but cold be used any place that texture is needed. The fifth fold from the top is a good one to use in landscapes with lots of foliage - Ruth always points out to her classes that trees are not solid green, but reflect light from the surface of the leaves creating irregular white spots. And irregular white spots on fabric are difficult to find.

Not all of these fabrics are available because I bought the rest of the bolt, but if there is something you would like, let me know and I will go shopping for YOU. She does have a very large selection of colors in illusion netting - I don't remember the sale price, but it is very inexpensive. I'm thinking I need to go back!

Computer generations 08-08-10

Jesse, the computer guru, was here most of the day setting up my new Dell laptop computer and moving files from both old laptops to the new. The only place to do it, with enough surface space, electrical connections, light, etc., is in the family room/breakfast room.

The table with both ends extended is just large enough to accommodate three laptops, one auxiliary monitor, two printers, two mouses, a mouse pad and an external backup.

The auxiliary monitor goes with the 2006 Dell laptop whose screen rarely lights up. In front of the old Dell is the defunct Fujitsu (what a piece of junk - new in June 2009). Lit up in front is the new Dell and then there are the old Epson (which I will still use) and the new Epson complete with FAX, memory card slot and who knows what else.

This Dell has a "softer" screen which seems to be easier on my ageing eyes. After I took the photos and went to download them I discovered that there is no memory card slot on this new Dell and only three USB ports - all occupied. Guess I will have to get something that provides extra slots. It's always something, eh?

No quilt from TCQC until next Sunday. I need to get the files reorganized and maybe take some pictures of quilts I have had for years, but have never taken digital pictures.

Wanderlust haunts me 08-07-10

I'm still looking through back Picasa files. These images are from 2005. How I do love those open roads - there is an exultation about being in wide country with a sky filled with clouds and a road that pulls me on and on. I yearn to be out there somewhere.

This is in Wyoming on I-80 west of Rawlins.

And further east in slightly higher country, the snow fences like zippers across the rolling hills.

Heading home now - westbound on I-70 in Utah. How I admire the engineers and workmen who did this work.

Several people have comment that I could always fly to my destination. How could I? I'd miss the drive, a large part of why I go anywhere. Road trips are wonderful.