Imagine

definitition

i·mag·ine
v. i·mag·ined, i·mag·in·ing, i·mag·ines
v.tr.
1. To form a mental picture or image of.
2. To think; conjecture: I imagine you're right.
3. To have a notion of or about without adequate foundation; fancy: She imagines herself to be a true artist.

I had a quick e-mail exchange with Monica about her upcoming retreat. I teased her that I was going to be at the same retreat. Obviously, that's not possible. LOL

I then allowed myself to imagine.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a fun bunch of blogging friends meet in one spot to have a retreat?
We'd laugh, sew, eat, sew, laugh, sew, laugh, sew, etc. We could play games - what's a retreat without some fun games? Sing along with the radio knowing most of us couldn't carry a tune but convinced we sounded like the Supremes. LOL We'd have finished projects, say our good byes (while shedding a tear or two) and we wouldn't remember why we laughed so hard. LOL

There would be some incredible memories - don't you think?

I mean, seriously, look at us ------ aren't we cute????

There is definitely a retreat happening in that picture - wish I was there! :-)

I can only imagine!

Thank you for indulging me.

Enjoy a pieceful day.

In Friendship!

The Rest of the Story

Last week I shared that I had the honor of making a Big Schnibble - "Imagine" quilt for Carrie's (Miss Rosie's Quilt Co) new book "Schnibbles Times Two". You're saying to yourself "yes, we know, enough already" LOL Bear with me while I share my story (with Carrie's blessing, btw)


I was really excited to be a part of this venture and couldn't wait to complete my mission. I finished the blocks, started laying them out on my design floor and instantly struggled - it was too blendy, too muddy, too matchy-matchy. UGH! I did the best I could - finished the flimsy and called Carrie.

Darlene "Oh Carrie, the Big Schnibble is ugly! You're going to hate it, Martingale is going to hate it so I think we need to rethink this and move to plan B. It's blendy, muddy, etc."

Carrie "Oh no, Darlene. Surely it can't be that bad?"

Darlene "I'll send you a picture and then we can decide whether or not you want me to quilt it"

After picture was sent via e-mail

Carrie "I see what you mean but I like it. It has a soft vintage look. I think it will be just fine. Quilt it, I bet it'll look great"

Darlene "OK but I don't think you're going to like it"

I quilted it, sent it to Carrie, she liked it and Martingale liked it, too because it's in the book. And, me - I still don't like it. LOL

Thank you for letting me share the story about my Big Schnibble "Imagine" quilt.

I appreciate your visit - come again soon!

In Friendship!

Schnibblemania

#11

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#11 - Imagine with Nostalgia

This is the one that started the Big Schnibble craze for me. Carrie Nelson, Miss Rosie's Quilt Co (aka Queen of the Schnibbles) asked me to make Imagine with Nostalgia by Moda for the book. I was honored, flattered and downright excited. LOL I won't bore you with all the details however if you're interested you can read more about it here.

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The parade of my silly Big Schnibble self challenge will end tomorrow - see you then.

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In Friendship!

Oh Me, Oh My!

I'm so ashamed of myself - if this post mentions "you" (and you know who "you" are), please accept my sincerest apology!

In recent weeks (OK, months) I've received some wonderful gifts that I have failed to acknowledge - yes I'm hanging my head in shame! :-(

The following is a picture of all the treasures I found in a birthday box from Sharon. Wait, the small zippered tote was a giftee for a swap we did with three others (Wendy, Judy & Carol). The stitchery pattern that you obviously cannot see (my camera skills leave alot to be desired) is called "Rabbits Haven" by Cherished Memories. It's darling and you'll see it better when I start stitching. :-) And, there was another surprise that arrived from Sharon but I couldn't find it to include in the picture. What? The "Square Dance" book - we were chatting via e-mail about the pattern and she ordered it and had it sent to me. I was stunned and shocked when that arrived.
So, Sharon, thank you so much for all my goodies - I appreciate your thoughtfulness!
These goodies arrived from Nan! She went on vacation and while visiting the Hershey Chocolate Factory she nabbed the chocolate candle - YUMMY! And, the adorable scissor fob. I had to go out and buy a new pair of scissors just for the fob. LOL! You should see my collection of scissors - I love scissors - yes, I do! Nan, thank you so much for thinking of me while you were traveling hither and yon - you're sweet!

And, last but not least! Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's fame has started a blog La Vie En Rosie (don't you just love that title - lol) and she recently posted a giveaway. Well, imagine my surprise when everyone that left a comment won - yes, we all won! She sent a kit for her Schnibbles pattern "X-Rated", a project bag and a ruler (the red fat quarter is just to show the ruler). BTW, have I mentioned that Carrie and I have been friends for a very long time - I knew her before she became famous. :-)

I hope that these generous ladies will forgive my HUGE Faux Pas! However, please know that I love every little treasure that comes my way!

Thanks for stopping by! Come again soon!

In Friendship!

"Scrap-Basket Sensations"

(my sweet secret - teehee)

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I'm sure you're familiar with Kim Brackett (Magnolia Bay Quilts) and author of the Martingale Best Seller "Scrap Basket Surprises". It's a fabulous book chock full of delightful projects made with 2.5" strips.
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Well, get your 2.5" strips ready because Kim's new book "Scrap-Basket Sensations" is due to be released on Tuesday, January 11. Yes, 18 delightful new projects made with 2.5" strips. YUM!!!!


I'm here to share pictures of two quilts I made for Kim's new book. In the fall of '09 during my huge quilting slump Kim sent me an e-mail offering to help me with my slump - would I be interested in making a quilt or two for her second book. Would I????? Yes, yes and yes! :-) Kim and I became friends through blogging and I'm in constant awe of her designing talent.
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The first quilt I made was easy peasy for me because I used a Snippets Jelly Roll by American Jane/Moda for this sweet quilt. I can imagine this quilt on the back of a white rocking chair or swaying porch swing.


Then I HAD to step out of my comfort zone and work with scraps to make this next quilt. I couldn't use another Jelly Roll or coordinated strips because this book is about scrappy quilts not quilts made with Jelly Rolls. Oh, this was one was super tough for me - LOL! I used lots of different scraps - Civil War prints, Moda prints (French General, Blackbird Designs, Robin Pandolph...), Thimbleberries, etc. I must admit that I had lots of fun making this quilt and felt quite proud of myself when I was finished. :-)

Please visit Kim's blog to read more about her new book. The book also has beautiful quilts made by incredibly talented quilt makers and good friends - Karen from Nanagirl Quilts and Mary from Quilt Hollow.
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It was an honor for me to make two quilts for Kim's new book - "Scrap-Basket Sensations" - thank you, Kim.
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And, thank YOU for stopping by to visit; I hope you'll run to your favorite quilt book source this week to purchase Kim's new book.
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In Friendship!

I ‘heart’ fun mail :-)

Yesterday I received some wonderful ‘fun mail’ – teehee! On Friday, Wendy told me that she mailed a package to me via air mail so I knew that the package would arrive some time this week. Can you imagine our surprise when it arrived yesterday – from Canada. I believe it was on an airplane that broke the sound barrier. My goodness it got here in true record time.

The first picture is the outside of a bag that Wendy made for me for my punch needle supplies. Remember my first punch needle project from a few weeks ago – Wendy made the bag and then added my finished piece to the front. Isn’t it adorable – I love it! And look at the next picture – the inside of the bag – she really captured ‘me’. There’s an adorable vintage graphic of a girl stitching and the words underneath say “she spends hours in the sewing room” – yes that would be ME. And, there’s a button with the letter D; laces, buttons, beads and wonderful prints. Isn’t it beautiful? By the way, this is Wendy’s pattern and you should see her workmanship – what a talent!

And, that’s not all that was in my box – look at my new sewing bag; now I can replace that tacky plastic pencil box that I’ve been using. That bag was a total surprise – the zipper pull is a fob with a bead and sewing machine on the end. Love it, love it! And, she included some cute fabric and one of her wool strawberry pin keeps. Wendy made the sewing bag, as well – she’s a true talent. You know I’m very bag phobic - LOL

Last but not least is an adorable card – the front says “life’s garden should be full of friends like you…” with a grandmother’s flower garden quilt on the front. Perfect card – again capturing ME.

Wendy, thank you so much for your generosity and for sharing your talent with me!
!
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I finally convinced my boss to let me take some time off from work – she’s a real witch and doesn’t allow much ‘play time’ (btw, I’m self employed – teehee). I’m taking most of this week off to just play. In fact I’ve declared today an “Official Play Day” – I’m going to put my goodies in my new bags; I’m going to see about tracing more stitchery for my Quilter’s Journey project; I might see about tracing and prepping some hand appliqué – I’m just going to play! Sigh – I’m in need of serious play time.

Part of my playtime will include prepping some 'fun mail' packages that I plan to send.

Friendship Blessings!

The following goodies arrived in the mail from Nadine several weeks ago! The totebag with the bluework bunny on one side (I'll share the redwork side later) is adorable. Look at all the other goodies - I snickered when I saw the "Cuppa Candles" - Nadine and I exchange e-mails titled "having a cuppa with you". My friend, thank you so much for being a friend! I feel very blessed to call you my friend!

You may have seen the picture of the adorable pillow on Wendy's blog several weeks ago - I was the lucky recepient of this cutie. Wendy and I have been exchanging 3" nine patches since August and she enclosed these treasures in my November package. Thank you, Wendy for your friendship! You are a blessing!

If you visit Kim's blog you know that's she incredibly talented! She shared her talent with me - look at that adorable Gingerbread Man on the towel. He looks very cute with the other 'men' adorning my kitchen! Kim, thank you so much for being such a fun blogging buddy! I appreciate the blessing of your friendship!

FedEx left a small package by my front door recently. I was a bit perplexed because I wasn't expecting anything that had been shipped via FedEx. Imagine my surprise when I found this beautiful ornament nestled in a box of tissue from Nan. She was compelled to send this beauty because she was troubled that all my Christmas ornaments and such had been stolen. It was such a wonderful surprise. This treasured ornament will have a special spot on our tree for many Christmas Seasons. Thank you, Nan for sharing your friendship with me! You've truly touched my heart with this blessing!

Thank you for visiting my blog and I hope that you'll stop by again.

In Friendship!

JAM or
Prim Style times Two

I do enjoy the primitive style stitchery patterns by JoAnn Mullaly - available at The Country Loft. I'd love to own every stitchery pattern that she has designed and my dream is to visit The Country Loft and hopefully meet her. Can you imagine the serious shopping I could do. Oh my! Could happen - dreams do come true! :-)

I spent a few days doing the stitchery on "Here Comes Santa" and I'll do finishing touches this week. Need to applique three stars overlapping the open area and borders and those shouldn't take long. Some simple quilting, binding and done.


And, I've finished "The Four Seasons" stitchery quilt that I've had the pleasure of enjoying this year! Yes, another JoAnn Mullaly pattern. I've received and enjoyed lots of block of the month patterns but this one had me captivated from the start. I was diligent with this project. My envelope would arrive every month from The Country Loft, I'd immediately get the stitchery done and assemble the block and then wait patiently to repeat the following month. :-)

I hope that you and yours had an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday week end. My little family and I did. I can hardly believe that November is now over, soon Christmas will be here and gone and the year will come to an end, too. Where does the time go?


Thank you so much for stopping by to visit with me and my little blog. I appreciate it more than I can ever express via the written word.


In Friendship!

Inspiration!

I've often referred to the blogging world as my International Quilting Guild. So much inspiration, friendship, advice, etc can be found in the blogging community. So, my international quilting friends I thank you for your opinions regarding how to set my sweet basket blocks. It was an overwhelming majority vote for an "on point" setting. :-) I'm going to set them on point and share my progress as I stitch along - stay tuned.

Speaking of inspiration! A long time ago I purchased a set of 12 notecards (four of three different designs) and I've been coveting them waiting for the perfect opportunity to use them. Earlier this week I took four to Kinkos and had "Inspiration Journals" made. They cut my cards on the fold line and I had them use graph paper for the pages of the journals. They are 5" x 7" and should fit nicely in a purse, totebag, etc - handy - because you never know when inspiration will strike. Now that I know that they look adorable and will work wonderfully I will take the other eight cards to Kinkos and have more made. There are so many wonderful note cards available and in the scrapbooking section of a Joann's or Michael's the possibilities are countless. Can you imagine the adorable inspiration journals that can be made?

These first four journals are going to four people who have provided me with inspiration on a regular basis since I started blogging.

Thank you for your popping in - come again soon!

In Friendship!

Ho-Hum!!!!!

(still lazy)

I've visited so many blogs in recent days where the hubbub of Christmas sewing is happening. So many are making holiday mug rugs, hot pads, tablerunners, placemats, quilts, wreaths, etc. No holiday sewing going on here - the laziness continues! :-(
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Oh I had BIG (really BIG) plans and they look wonderful in my mind's eye but alas they remain in my mind's eye. LOL Oh, I was going to make something sweet for you, something cute for you, something adorable for you and something special for you. I guess it still could happen but.........
HMMM - how tacky would it be to assign my friends a month in 2011 and send them a little something for Christmas then? I mean, seriously, can you imagine receiving a Christmas gift in June? That would definitely be tacky. Well, it was a thought - LOL
Wait, may be you would enjoy it - pick a month. LOL

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Every January I tell myself that I'm going to make lots of somethings for Christmas so when it's time to decorate I have all kinds of wonderful things. So, it's almost December and there's NOTHING!
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If you're doing some holiday sewing I bow down to you and if you're in my camp - welcome! LOL *

Happy Holiday Sewing

One & All :-)

Bits and Bobs! A little post with Bits and Bobs -----------------

Friday brought lots and lots of 'Fun Mail' - oh how I love 'Fun Mail'. teehee

These are goodies I received from Miss Finn! She had a fun give away recently and my name was drawn. She asked for my address and I told her that she really didn't need to send anything to me and to feel free to send the goodies to someone else. Well, she didn't listen and sent the treasures in the picture. There are two redwork stitcheries, some feedsack fabric and a wonderful C & H Sugar sack. Finn you are a true delight with an incredible soul. I thank you!

A couple of weeks ago I won a package of charm squares from Sharon's personal stash (she cut these herself) and I was expecting the package from her. However, I was a bit surprised when it was a much bigger box than I anticipated. Inside I found little birthday surprises - the pattern that's upside down in the picture (I'll post a new picture later - lol) and the cute ME slipper pincushion. I can't remember how many squares are in the little mini stack but it must be a squillion and they are all different (no duplicates). I must find something to do with these treats very, very soon. Sharon, thank you so much for adding more fun to my birthday!

Walnut Litter - this is what I use to 'stuff' my pincushions. The first time I bought a 7lb bag and went through that very quickly. Recently my DH dropped me off at the pet food store so I could run in and grab another bag - imagine his surprise when I walked out with this 25lb bag - LOL. All he said was "WOW". :-)

I use crushed walnut shells because it's a good solvent for your pins and needles (removes oils and such).

Thanks for stopping by; you know I love it when you do!

In Friendship!

Christmas Through The Year

 I have not nagged you about making a Christmas gift (or two) in quite awhile. ;-)

I hope you're beyond thinking about making gifts and starting to do your sewing because this jolly guy is coming whether we like it or not. 

Can you imagine sitting back a few days before Christmas relaxing with a nice cup of hot cocoa, tea or coffee knowing that all your gifts have been made? 

The Christmas Through The Year train will be pulling into the next stop on October 31.

Cheryl and I hope you'll be aboard with a few gifts completed. 

If you're stuck for ideas you need to visit Cheryl - she's been posting so many incredible tutorials.

Enjoy a pieceful Monday.

In Friendship!

BOM Rehab and Christmas Through The Year
:-)


BOM Rehab - another block from the 2011 FQS Mystery BOM Thank you, Sinta! :-)
I really enjoyed this block because it represents my favorite flower. AHH tulips!!!! :-)

Hello, Christmas Elves. I hope you're making progress with your Christmas gift making! Looking forward to the end of the month to see all your beauties.

Participating in the Christmas Through The Year club (no sign up - just play when you want) will, hopefully, help you have a stress free Christmas. Imagine having a day or two to put your feet up with a cup of your favorite hot or cold beverage feeling wonderful about your hard work through the year. Bliss! :-)
Play along in April and you'll have an opportunity to win Cheryl's sweet, sweet bow tie small quilt. Wish I could win - LOL
Don't forget to visit Cheryl today, she has some fabulous tutorials.

I'll see you tomorrow - I have more to share! :-)

In Friendship!

Can you believe half of January is gone?

I hope you've started working on your January Christmas Through the Year gift project.

In case you haven't I'm here to offer a little motivation - teehee!

I managed to squeeze in some 'me time' this evening to piece the January giveaway project. I'll quilt and bind it later this week so I can show you next Monday! Remember your name can be in the hat to win if and only you complete a gift this month!

Before


After


I'll be back with Christmas Through the Year next Monday to show the project finished and a surprise!


Remember no pressure, no stress - just fun with great results next Christmas! Imagine how good it'll feel to have 12 projects ready to give - so start sewing for Christmas!


Cheryl will be posting tutorials and such on the first and third Mondays please stop by to visit with her for more motivation and ideas.


In Friendship!

My Lazy Summer Daze

I didn't accomplish much during my vacation week. I did manage to take some short and long naps; finished a book; traced some applique; assembled some of my Quilter's Journey pieces parts into whole blocks; lots of laundry (how do two people go through so many articles of clothing?); played a few games on the computer; lots of time on the computer however I haven't been very good about leaving comments or responding to e-mails (please forgive my laziness). I have been reading your blogs and enjoying your inspiration. :-)

Guess what? My boss has decided that I can have another vacation week - WooHoo! There is a small caveat but I'm willing to do just about anything to have a few more days to play. I have to work tomorrow and then my time is mine till next week. So my 'Lazy Summer Daze' will continue for a bit longer. I'm not sure what I will accomplish this week but I'm hoping it will be more than last week. I'm going to take a look at the numerous projects I have started and hopefully finish one or two. Assemble more Quilter's Journey blocks (I'm really enjoying the embroidery) and look at prepping lots more hand applique projects. BUT, no pressure and/or stress is allowed! It's all about me for another week. LOL

I must RANT - please bear with me!!!!!!! You are all well aware that I live on the Surface of Sun - it's been sizzling hot here. Imagine stepping into a HOT oven and attempting to breath and walk - UGH!!!! It's really not good to be a menopausal woman living on the Surface of Sun. OMG, I had some rough nights last week - yes we have the A/C cranked down and the ceiling fan full blast and small fan blowing directly on me. I'm still HOT!!!!!

TTFN

Slightly Tarnished Project - Found

When I opened the stash closet door I was prepared to spend a few minutes (or longer) searching for my 'slightly tarnished project'. 

Imagine my surprise when I spotted that 'diamond in the rough' - it was sparkling and taunting me.  :-)

 

I discovered four Honey Buns of Happy Camper by American Jane for Moda. 

 I had enough background fabric so it was obvious to me; it was meant to be. 

 

Back in 2010 Carrie of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co introduced a pattern called Short Line using these fabrics. 

Who am I to argue? LOL

 I pressed my background fabric and one Honey Bun and got busy. 

 

I'm sewing miles and miles and I'll be ready to show some progress tomorrow. 

 

I hope you consider digging through your stash in search of a 'slightly tarnished project'. 

Pieces parts of my Postage Stamp quilt. 

I'll be working on another section this week end, as well. 

 

One more thing - September is coming - do you know what that means?

teehee!

 

I'm off to enjoy another pieceful day - I hope you're doing the same.

 

In Friendship!

It's Coming!

Before I post my April goals for the Charming Guys & Girls Club I need to share a little tidbit.

According to Martingale (aka That Patchwork Place) a long awaited book will be released on April 13. Which book??? "SCHNIBBLES times two" (aka the BIG Schnibble book) by Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. Take a minute or two to visit her blog to read about the book and some of the quilts featured. She got by with a little help from her friends! And, I helped (did you get an image of the little girl in the Shake & Bake commercial from oh so many years ago - yes I'm old - LOL)

She invited me to "play" - my BIG Schnibble assignment was "Imagine". Sometime I'll have to share my story about this quilt. :-)
I think it's going to be a hit so you want to make sure you own one.

Thank you for letting me share! I'll be back later to post my April goals - what to do, what to do? LOL

In Friendship!

An Award!

Thank you, Sharon, for giving me this award recently! You really made my day and made me smile. :-)

I've been perplexed about who to give this award to. If you read my blog and enjoy it then you deserve this award. Consider yourself awarded. :-) You make my day everyday!

I do want to present this award to one special person in my life - my Sweetie, Ron! Ron makes my day everyday - it's his personal goal to make sure I'm happy in everything I do. I usually refer to him as my personal cheerleader. He encourages me to find JOY everyday. He tells me to buy all the fabric I want and think I need, to quilt, to blog, to take a nap if I need one, to sit and do nothing if that's what I want to do, etc. I could go on and on but I think you get the idea. We will be celebrating our 31st anniversary in a couple of weeks and I can't imagine life without him. Thank you, Sweetheart!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you've found JOY in your corner of the world!

In Friendship!

DREAMIN'

I've been dreamin' about being in Norway with Hanne and May Britt taking classes from and listening to Leanne Beasley of Leanne's House. Can you imagine how much fun they are having? Sigh! :-)

I had BIG plans to do a ton of handwork prepping this week end and all I managed to prep was block #8 of my Journey of a Quilter project (this way I could pretend I was in Norway - LOL)

I think it would be so much fun to take a trip to Australia to spend time in a workshop or two with some of the incredibly talented stitchery designers. Yes, more dreaming! :-)

Wait, I did manage to get 20 3" 9 patches completed for my exchange with a fellow blogger. I was sewing away and kept thinking that something was wrong with my blocks but couldn't put my finger on it. Well, duh - they were suppose to be 3" finished and I was making them 4" finished. So, I had to put my trusty friend, Sir Seamripper to work. All is well - 20 blocks are done and will be in the mail TODAY.

Today I was suppose to be on the road heading to Fall Market in Houston but unfortunately life forced me to cancel at the last minute. Big Sigh!

Enjoy your Monday and thanks for stopping by to visit!

In Friendship!

I'm Late, I'm Late.....

I may be late but I have finally arrived. 

Where? 

I'm finally doing the Swoon.  :-) 

Everyone has been doing the Swoon for a long time except me. 

What's the Swoon? 

Well, it's Camille Roskelley's pattern....Swoon. 

It took the quilting world by storm when she released it a year ago. 

I purchased it as soon as it was available but kept putting off working on it. 

Only because I couldn't decide what fabric combination I wanted to do. 



Block #1 - eight to go

Today I pulled out my Swoon pattern and decided it was time to make a fabric decision.  I've had a second fat quarter bundle/tower of Aster Manor by Three Sisters for Moda sitting on a shelf for a very long time.  I pulled it out and while looking through the fat quarters I could imagine my Swoon quilt in the pinks, brown, reds and golds.  I had one problem - I didn't have the required background yardage.  Sigh! 

And, then I saw it -

 there it was up high on a shelf in a bin -

big folds of fabric -

could it be enough for my Swoon quilt -

pulled down the bin allowing the lid to hit me on the head (I didn't care - I was on a mission)

immediately measured three different cuts of the fabric -

the angels sang and I swooned...it was more than enough

It was meant to be!

 After a quick outing with Mr Daze I was home and ready to start pressing, measuring, cutting & sewing. 

The design wall is no longer bare - woohoo! 

I have pieces/parts cut for the next two blocks - stay tuned.  :-)

Enjoy a pieceful Friday and I thank you for popping in to visit with me.

In Friendship!