Thoroughbreds and Threads

In Loving Memory....My Beloved Father

2009-02-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

Francis William (Bill) Richard, Age 76, of Aniwa, WI found peace with our Lord on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 after a courageous battle against intestinal disease. Bill was born July 10, 1932, in Argonne, WI to George and Hellen (House) Richard. United in marriage to Dixie (Holmes) Richard on September 26, 1959, they would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this fall.
A machinist by trade, a craftsman at heart, Bill retired 10 years ago from L&S Electric in Schofield, WI.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Dixie, his daughters Diane (Antonino) Ippolito of Caddo Mills, TX, Lisa Halsey of McFarland, WI and his grandchildren, Talia, Marcello and Giampietro Ippolito, Alanah and Rachael Halsey, five sisters, including his dearest sister Mary (Robert) Misfeldt of Antigo, two brothers and numerous nices and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.
To honor Bill's life, the family plans a springtime memorial service for friends and family.

He labored hard for those he loved, then left us to remember. We trust he's gone to his reward.

A Tisket, A Tasket

2009-01-10T13:54:00.000-08:00

Bunny Hill Designs unveiled the first block of the 2009 Free Mystery Block of the Month. It's really sweet. I'll be looking around for just the right fabrics. Jump on over to Bunny Hill and see for yourself the new basket block!
http://www.bunnyhilldesigns.com

My Favorite Things

2008-05-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

Edelweiss

The Sound of Music

"And then I don't feel so bad."

"When the bee stings"

"Silver white winters that melt into springs"

"Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes."

"Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes." by Sophie

"Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings."

"Doorbells and sleighbells"

"Cream colored ponies"

"Brown paper packages tied up with strings"

"Crisp apple streudels" by Michelle

"Warm woolen mittens"

"Whiskers on Kittens"

"Raindrops on roses"

I've been discussing a swap I did about 4 years ago. I only know the names of the makers of two of the blocks. The theme I chose for my Birthday Blocks was based on the song, "My Favorite Things" from the film _The Sound of Music_. Each swapper chose a line from the song and designed a block to match. I haven't finished the additional blocks needed for a few of the lines because I wasn't able to find anymore of the background fabric. I have a lead on a few pieces now!

Don't Forget Daisy!

2008-05-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

This little girl can't keep her nose out of anything! While out taking photos of some flowers and Andy, she demanded to get in on the action. She is almost a year old now. She will be getting a friend soon, we have a kid waiting to leave her mama and join our menagerie.

Hollyhocks

2008-05-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

I bought a package of Hollyhock seeds mid-summer of '07 and planted them between some tomatoes. They really took off this spring, most are over 8 feet tall now and bursting into bloom. The fuscia ones are particularly striking. I bought two more packages to fill in some more boring areas around the yard. They plants thrived through the winter and several frosts, never even turned a brown leaf.

Our Winner

2008-05-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

As Big Brown races his way into hearts around the world http://www.bigbrowntriplecrown.com/ we join those cheering that he will become the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years. He's an amazing horse! Remember to adopt an off-track Thoroughbred, they are desperately in need of loving homes. Here's my champion, Awesome Dude 6 years off the track.

Summer Blooms

2008-05-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Here's one of the Mother's Day cards I made. I missed taking a photo of the other, and mailed it off to Wisconsin. I have hollyhocks growing in the identical shade as these flowers.

Spring Fling

2008-05-04T11:56:00.001-07:00

Here's the dishtowel I appliqued for my partner in the Spring Fling Swap. My swap partner has a yellow kitchen, and since I have a great afficiondo for tulips, what else could I do?

The Frog on my Blog

2008-05-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

I have long been considering going to the pond store and purchasing a frog for my pond. This spring, a frog just "showed up". This frog is quite shy, and difficult to locate. Sometimes a week goes by without a frog spotting. One night, the frog came out and enjoyed a rain shower. Tony managed to get this shot of him while he wasn't paying any attention. It seems the frog does not care for paparazzi, he hasn't been seen since!
The frosting frog is from G.P.'s birthday cake. He shares my humor and is always on the lookout for frog things with me.

Easter Eggs - A Love Story

2008-03-24T07:57:00.001-07:00

The very well camouflaged eggs in the picture were laid in the stone nest on or about Good Friday. As always with the animals that habitate our yard, I came to care for the mother Kildeer that we named "The Drama Queen". She laid her eggs right next to the driveway where cars come in and out, we ride our bikes by, and walk back and forth to our mailbox while Mama always put on her best broken wing show to entice us away from her nest. As we would get closer to her precious eggs, she would come closer to us with her act emitting cries of pain as her "broken wing" caused her to flop in circles on the ground just a few feet from us. I always reassured her we weren't interested in her eggs and she was just wasting her energy with all of her dramatic gestures.

Saturday afternoon, she acted out her drama for a cat, and we rescued her from the cat's clutches. We saved her in time, and she returned to her post and her eggs. I knew that soon, the cat would return for her.

Easter Sunday after Church, I went out to see how she was. As I approached her nesting ground, she didn't greet me. My heart sunk, but I remained hopeful. I checked on the nest several more times, and as the sun set I touched the eggs and was met with the ice cold shell. I knew she wouldn't return.

I made one last hopeful trip this morning, to no avail. I saw again the images in my mind of this mother bird stretching her wings out and sacrificing her life for the eggs that had not even yet hatched. A moment later, the Lord brought a teaching moment into my life and showed me His Son who so willingly stretched out his arms in the same manner, a living sacrifice for millions yet unborn, those never to be born, and all who had come before Him. That amazing sacrifice played out a seemingly small analogy right in my own front yard.

I'm going back out now to get those eggs. That Mama died for those eggs, so I'll not leave them there for a snake or another scavenger. As Christ died for all men, shall we leave even one man for the scavenger? It's powerful, this lesson unfolding before my eyes. The eggs laid out in the frost all night, they'll never grow into the Kildeer, and I don't know what I will do with them. I know that forever Easter eggs will look very different to me.

Card Making

2008-03-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

While browsing in Michael's one day I came upon a book by Martha Stewert titled "Martha Stewart Handmade Card Making". The price of the book was the same as one card, so I picked up the book, a few cardstock and papers, and a can of spray adhesive. The cards I created this morning are from ideas in the book, and it's so much fun and easy to just keep on creating on some basic ideas presented there. I am looking forward to more card making fun in the future! We're trying to vote on the prettiest one to send to grandma, what do you think?

Fractured Swap - Revisited

2008-03-09T19:01:00.000-07:00

Here is my slice of Wendy's "Jazz Drummer". I envisioned a white background that had a purple watercolor effect painted onto it. After a fruitless effort to find a print that fit my criteria, I matched the purple with a Fossil Fern from my stash. I love the way the artist used the dark lines to draw, then filled in with bright colors. I replicated the outlines with a fusible bias, then stitched it down with a zigzag stitch. I had several ideas for the design on the drums, then chose this African print I'd purchased at the IQF in Chicago several years ago. I think that is my favorite part of this slice.

I began by using a Sharpie marker and tracing Wendy's pattern onto a sheet of upholstery vinyl. I needed the left side of my slice to match perfectly with the pattern she'd provided, and the vinyl overly was stitched onto the piece while I worked to insure that I didn't slip up on any of the pieces. It is difficult to see the overlay in the first photo. I drew a line down the left side of the quilt marking the sewing line, and matched everything from the edge of the pattern to that line. Once inside the pattern, it was ok if a piece moved a fraction of an inch.

The black drum stands aren't as difficult to see in real life as they are on the photos. I began enjoying this piece of art work more each time I got it out to work with it. The colors seemed to get richer and brighter and sometimes I think I could hear the music while I worked. This was a very enjoyable project. I loved working through the steps and the design. If you've missed the beginning of this project, go back to January in my blog and find "Fractured Chronicles".

Next up, a Geisha Girl. I am searching (once again) for the perfect Japanese inspired print to use in her kimono. I'll post it later this week. The weekend is over and back to reality!

Counting the Days

2008-03-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

To Spring Break!!!

Playmate Quilt in Redwork

2008-03-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Last night I finished Block #4 in the "Playmates Quilt" designed by American Jane. I'm hand embroidering the redwork. All twelve blocks are children playing based on an early reader primer from 1934 and Ruth Caroline Eger's illustrations in those books. There are 2" and 4" pinwheels and an occasional appliqued circle that work as sashing in between all the blocks. I've been collecting 30's repros in red for about two years. The blocks remind me of the primer I learned to read in, and of a time when children's toys were simple and running and playing were the norm. The whole quilt can be viewed at:
http://www.quilterswarehouse.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=AJP122#

National Quilt Day Sew Along Retreat

2008-03-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

Pat Sloan is hostessing a three day online retreat weekend to celebrate National Quilt Day. The retreat occurs the same weekend as the Dallas Quilt Show! I'll be at the Quilt Show and sewing too, what a great way to begin my Spring Break! (should I sew in my swimming suit and pretend I'm on an island someplace warm? crank up the heat, light a fire??)

Pat is encouraging us to make a charity quilt. I'll be working on a quilt to raffle to help send my kids on a mission trip this summer. I'll be posting my progress as the weekend progresses. Stay tuned! To see details on the Sew Along Retreat visit Pat's blog: http://patsloan.typepad.com/

Horsing Around

2008-02-28T06:55:00.000-08:00

I won't be trying this stunt!

Kitchen Window Meme

2008-02-17T16:55:00.000-08:00

My friend Sophie http://sophiejunction.blogspot.com has a blogspot that always interests and inspires me. She recently had a post sharing the view from her kitchen window that was linked from another blog http://www.lulusbay.blogspot.com. I found it so interesting to see the different views that I had to jump on this one! Lulu will bring it up again in the summer so we can see the view from the perspective of another season. My view is a work in progress. If you look hard, you'll see Miss Daisy in the top view with her front hooves up on her goat house. She's been trying to figure out how to get up on that house for months. We've offered her a plank, but she's not brave enough yet. Her pen and house are temporary, and once we've gotten our barn underway our backyard will once again become our own backyard. You'll also notice a temporary firepit, with temporary seating (planks!). We have materials set aside for a real firepit, and that is another project on hold while the more important barn goes up. I only photographed the view from two angles out my kitchen window, the third view would only give you an 8 foot high fence to see.

Roses in February

2008-02-17T16:43:00.000-08:00

My husband and I have been married for nearly 18 years. About 16 years ago, we mutually agreed that Valentine's Day was too commercial and we would not celebrate it by succumbing to the "expectations" of the holiday. We skip the pricey cards, flowers, restaurants, and just enjoy a nice dinner at home and find other unexpected ways to show each other appreciations.

This year, he broke the rules. Our teenagers put pressure on him, and since the economy is in so much trouble he bought roses. They are pretty to look at, particularly after a rainy and very muddy weekend.

Andy on Ultium

2008-02-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo of Andy, after being on 100% Ultium for a month. I think he looks just right! I always manage to photo him on the opposite side of his mane. We started the switch about 6 weeks ago when he started becoming quite "hot" when we did a feed increase. I felt he was looking too ribby. He's his sweet old self again and looking very healthy! I love the way the Ultium makes his coat look.

Sassy

2008-02-02T15:58:00.000-08:00

Here's the new girl in the pasture, Sassy! Sassy is a 17 year old Quarter horse. I was so excited to ride her today that I barely got my shoes changed into my boots to get on! She's a real sweetie, very responsive and does only what you want her to. I got a closer shot of her head while Tony rode. Her mane is a bit rubbed off at the top, the former owner had a round bale holder and his horses had all rubbed their manes off on it. She's a very experienced trail horse, been everywhere and done it all.

High Dining

2008-01-24T18:13:00.000-08:00

We took our dining experience 750 feet over the heart of San Antonio this past weekend. The revolving restaurant gave us a 360* view of the city. It was a memorable experience. We planned our reservation so we'd get back in time to see the Green Bay Packers' heartbreaking loss. It was a beautiful afternoon and though the kids wanted to see the panorama by night, I think it was pretty to see by late afternoon sunlight. The website offers a panoramic 360 view if you're interested in seeing it: http://toweroftheamericas.com/360.html The tower is the second largest of it's kind in the United States. It has interesting history, having been built and opened in time for the 1968 World's Fair: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_of_the_Americas

Fractured Chronicles

2008-01-22T07:23:00.001-08:00

I received Wendy's "Drummer" in the mail. Here is a photo of her original as well as the part of the pattern I will work on. I'm waiting on Carrie's "Geisha" and hoping it will be in my mailbox today!

Chronicles of a Fractured Quilt

2008-01-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

Carrie in Delaware, and Wendy in Colorado are joining me in a Fractured Quilt Robin sponsored by Pat Sloan's online quilt swapping group. We have each chosen a photo or picture to be divided into 3 parts. Each of us will take one part of the photo and transform it into quilt art! I'm going to chronicle this journey on my blog, and of course I'm bringing Throughbreds and Threads together!!

For my piece, I've chosen a photo of the late great John Henry. He's a legend in the race world and there are many websites out there if you're curious enough to look into his background.

The first order of business was to transfer my photo into pattern form. I actually used a different version of the photo above that my friend Sophie cropped for me. I went to a copy shop with the photo and had them make a transparency overlay. I used an overhead projector and enlarged my piece to 33x26. I used a gridded posterboard to make division into 3 parts easier.

I learned some things in the process, and needed to change a few elements on my pattern. I decided to omit the lead chain off the halter, it seemed that it might be too complicated/challenging to ask someone to do. Perhaps she'll add it in, but the overall appearance is good without it. I was able to make some good divisions that will make sewing the three individual panels back together in a coherent design easier.

I'm really looking forward to beginning and will post when I get my partners' photos and patterns! Stay tuned........

What's Old Is New (or when you least expect.....)

2008-01-16T15:54:00.001-08:00

I saw this old potting shelf laying out in someone's yard for trash pickup. I had commented to my daughter that I'd like to have it, and then thought nothing more of it. I came home from work yesterday to a nice suprise. My daughter and her boyfriend went back and asked the owners if they could take it. They loaded it up in my Suburban and brought it home one afternoon. They painted it, finished up the wood on it and set it out on the back patio for me! The picture is crooked, thanks to my hasty photography. The shelf stands straight and true! It was the nicest surprise I've had in many years!

Good Morning Miss Daisy

2008-01-14T04:39:00.000-08:00

Before the coffee is brewed, while it's still dark out and my brain is still foggy with sleep, Miss Daisy will call out her "Good morning!" followed by, "Where's the food?". She's as constant as the sunrise and sunset. She hears stirring in the house and she'll start each day. She has a sweet and very playful personality. She loves to tease the horse, tease me, and runs around excitedly while the boys jump on the trampoline. Contentment is found in this goat.

Logan, the Sky Angel Cowboy

2008-01-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

With over 5,000,000 hits on this YouTube clip, I suppose I am the last person in America to listen to this message from a 13 year old boy in a small town in Nebraska. If you haven't already experienced this, I highly recommend it.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zCdZwitrNoY

I think you'll also enjoy this message from Logan's mother:

http://www.ksbj.org/eblogs/morningShow/

It is very moving, I learned a lot from a clip just over 2 minutes. Let me know what you think!

Animator vs Animation

2007-12-29T13:31:00.000-08:00

http://alanbecker.deviantart.com/art/Animator-vs-Animation-34244097#

Here's something different by Alan Becker. He designed an animation that is a lot of fun to watch. A stick figure in the flash interface tries to get back at the animator using all the tools he can find, and he ingeniusly finds ways to use the eraser tool, arrows, and other icons. Go see for yourself, you're sure to get at least a small chuckle out of this!

SeaTac Jet

2007-12-28T09:19:00.000-08:00

What happens to a racehorse when he can't race anymore? There are not enough homes for retired race horses. Finding a new job for an off-track Thoroughbred is a full-time job for the owner of the Second Chance Ranch in Elma, Washington. SeaTac Jet is living his second chance here. For a moving story about the Ranch, and a blurb on Jet please go here and read about one woman's hard work and determination to better the world: htp://seattlepi.nwsource.com/othersports/344102_secondchance19.htmlFor more on the ranch and updates on Jet visit here:http://secondchanceranch.org/about/news/index.html

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Luke 12:16NIV

Our Christmas Bloom

2007-12-24T11:48:00.000-08:00

I found this beautiful broccoli plant quite by accident this morning! It was hidden away behind my Butterfly Bush. The Butterfly Bush is large, and takes up a lot of space in the garden. The broccoli plant grew quietly behind it, until it became nearly two feet tall. I noticed a leaf peeking from behind, and when I moved the branches of the Butterfly Bush I found the broccoli, strong, green and vibrant. We don't know how it got there, but it's a pretty Christmas surprise! It reminded me that our blessings often come hidden behind the large and beautiful things in our lives. I hope you will find something beautiful this Christmas season. "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

A Horseman's Christmas - by Doris Eraldi

2007-12-23T15:56:00.000-08:00

It's the night before Christmas, we're out in the barn
Blanketing horses to keep them all warm.
They're eating their dinners, tucked in cozy stalls
Not aware that it's Christmas, or any special day at all.

They can dream of spring pastures from their pine-scented beds
No visions of sugarplums dance in their heads
But we people are thinking of merry parties and such
Maybe feeling a little sad at missing so much.

This season is special but the horses don't know
We've got work to do before we can go.
We finish the chores and head on inside
To get ready for dinner and our own yuletide.

It's nearly midnight, the carols are sung.
I remember a story I was told when I was young
How at midnight on Christmas Eve
the creatures of the barnyard can speak to us with ease.

I am called to the barn, I wade through the rain.
I know I must go, I can't really explain.
I slide open the door, pause for awhile
Then slowly walk down that dimly lit aisle.

A nicker from Casey, a wink from JD
Sleepy old Alibi waking to see
Tucker rustling his bedding, a snort soft and light
Each horse gave a greeting as I walked through the night

I thought about parties bright lit and warm
The ones we don't go to 'cause we have the barn
And vacations and holidays that we don't get
When we're working long hours for bills to be met.

Walking all the way to the end of the aisle
I stop to stroke Bonnie, it brings me a smile.
She snuffles my face, hot breath on my skin
It starts me thinking about my horses, my kin.

I could be at parties with laughter and mirth
But where I am right now is the best place on Earth!

Introducing the "Awsome Dude"

2007-12-23T11:45:00.000-08:00

As my blog name suggests, we're owned by a Thoroughbred officially titled Awsome Dude, aka Andy. His pedigree can be seen here: http://www.pedigreequery.com/awsome+dude That is the famous Secretariat right in the middle of his pedigree, his great-grandfather. Owning this big boy has been a learning experience and we've become pals for life.

Threads have been in my life since I was a young girl. I taught myself to embroider using stamped embroidery kits and the love of working with fabric and fibers is forever stamped in my heart. I began quilting and applique about 16 years ago. Putting threads and fabric together into a quilt for someone to love seems to be the perfect finish.