New Door, New Day!

It finally happened!

And it happened so early (8am) that I wasn't even there to see it done.

Hubster Dave and Son Jeff were on hand during the long-awaited installation process, but I was here at home tapping on my keyboard getting yesterday's post out.

It's in!  The new back entry door is finally in!

"Oh, but you should have kept it original!"

No.  No we should not have.  The old door was warped, heavy, cracked, drafty and wouldn't close right anymore.

Besides, I have a feeling if we asked the original owners of the house which door they'd prefer, they'd say this one!

It opens and closes with a whisper.

It lets in the most gorgeous of filtered light.

It matches the door in the kitchen that leads out to the back porch.

It's perfectly wonderful, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Color explosion!

The Flame Azalea escaped being completely flattened by the snowcrete episode in February. Only a few branches needed to be removed.

The one next to it?  Looking a bit straggly, but it will recover I think!

The third bush over hasn't bloomed yet, but is THRIVING and I am expecting it to bloom soon.  So many buds,,,

And then there is this Little Engine That Could:

It lost a bunch of limbs through the winter -

But it is blooming like no tomorrow!

This one has never been this productive - and yet it is the saddest looking excuse for a rhododendron.

There are some new shoots coming out around the base and I think when those are stable enough, we'll trim the straggly bits back and hopefully it will thrive with new growth.

But not until these blossoms are done.  It's putting forth such a huge effort to bloom.

Memorial Day decor time!

I didn't even remember that it is Memorial Day weekend coming up until folks were starting to arrive - but a couple of quick small table toppers were brought out and I'm considering it done.

I love this apple core flag made for me by a friend from recycled shirts. It's in the Hen Den on the scalloped coffee table.

I made this Triple Irish Chain many moons ago.  2003?? But it's a classic.

Close up of quilting and the revolutionary war scene fabric.

Sewing: it's all fun and games until you have to mend sheets!

 
It took less than 5 minutes, why did I put this off for 2 months?

 
The hardest part was changing the bobbin and top thread to white!

This was pretty much all of the sewing that got done yesterday in between getting the house ready for the Quilters of the Night.

Some days are just like that.

Still working with Flash.

Instead of giving him a handful of treats.  I'm now tossing one at him from fairly close range - one at a time and having him look at me and wait for me to give him the next one.

I can't get too close though.  I've got scratches on my hand to prove just why....he is quick with a swipe of his claws and right on target.

But I think he is getting more and more comfortable as time moves on.

Another great thing about visiting retreaters?  They bring you produce!

Denise brought bags and bags of fresh asparagus from her garden.  Yummy!

Driveway hiking is still happening - 2 times yesterday, the evening round was a bit sprinkled with rain, but I made it back before the sky opened up and thunder roared.

The actual quilting time that happened was with feet up during some TV watching.  It's getting there.  I'm maybe 2/3 the length that I need for this final border? 

There are still some motif blocks to make but I have those for upcoming travel. 

We leave for Romania in a bit over 2 weeks! Can't wait!

 
There are a few spaces left in our Christmas Market tour including Switzerland, France and Germany! 

Come with me! Click HERE for more info.

Yes, that's Ivy on my leg. She prefers to be ON you, not between my knees with just the quilt under her, but over my leg. As if I'm a log.
This morning I'm headed to Boone for my once-a-year exam with my macular guy. Eye dilation, here I come.
Hubster Dave is driving - and even though I'll be blurry, I said "Take me to lunch, I know what I want - no menu needed!"
This is what we consider to be dating now!

I am so excited that YOU are so excited about the release of  Crackers & Jam, Did you get your entry in on the Gift-Away on my 5/15/26 post?

If not, head on over and get that entry in!

I'll be drawing for two winners who will each receive a Crackers & Jam PDF pattern from me and a Notable Neutrals fabric roll from  Cotton to Quilts!

Drawing happens Wednesday, 5/27/26.

The fabric rolls are such a great way to enhance your stash with each roll containing 20 pieces each 8'' X 22".  These especially are how I keep my neutrals fresh and fun with lots of variety.

Check out their other color rolls too!

Paper Piecing Fun!

This two-block quilt is a paper piecer’s dream with simple shapes, printable templates, full color photos and step-by-step instructions to make the most of your scrap stash with fabulous results.

Quilt Size: 78’’ X 78’'

Introductory Pricing:  I've placed Crackers & Jam in the Quiltville Store at 25% off with no coupon code needed. Discount applied at checkout and good through 5/31/26.

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Anyone else completely rejecting things that keep you out past 8pm?

 
No? Just me?

Hopefully my eyes will be back to normal by hexie stitching time tonight.

Have a terrific Thursday, everyone -