A little Fun In The Sun

Home again after a little vacation time. Each year Hubby and I make our annual trek to Florida to visit his Dad, I think this makes year #24! We were more than ready to leave behind the chilly weather here in Kansas. And leave it behind we did, our week was glorious and full of sunshine. Afternoons were spent lazily soaking up rays by the pool. We ate out nearly every night and came back to play cards. Grandpa loves cards and he is a master of all games. We so enjoyed our stay with him, and at 91 years old it is a joy to see how blessed he is with good health. 

Next we drove farther south to visit my sister who retired in Sarasota a few years ago. The boys golfed and we sisters enjoyed girl time, something I never seem to get enough of. A little shopping, sight seeing and lunch, perfect! One of our stops was to visit Laura, owner of Cotton Patch Quilt Shop.

The day I visited was Laura's birthday, they had cute cookies for her customers. I was happy to have the chance to see her beautiful shop, and meet her doggies in person! 

At the shop I had the pleasure of meeting Suzi who was working that day. Suzi is an avid stitcher and shared with me one of the blocks she had stitched from my "Annie Loves Christmas" pattern. Well the funny part is she changed the cat in the block to a chihuahua (her pet), we laughed and laughed! Suzi has an Etsy shop called Oh Suzanna. A very pleasant shop visit, stop by if you live in the area!

I have a new pattern release, the "Three Scarecrows" table runner pattern is fast and fun to make with easy piecing and fusible web. It is now available on my website at CleoandMe.com.

I am still catching up from being away, you play you pay they say! Finishing laundry this Memorial Day weekend. Hubby loves to cook out, he made his famous beer can chicken for our picnic of two! 

I sat outside sewing the binding on a wall hanging, another new pattern to write. 

Thankful to those who serve and have served our great country. I hope your weekend was fun!

A Happy Mothers Day

Mothers Day... come and nearly gone now. This morning my son arrived with a basket full of laundry lol... AND and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He had also stopped at Dean & Delucca on the way and brought me chocolate and 3 special dessert confections. How absolutely sweet is that, I'll tell you, I must of raised this boy right! 

He and Hubby then prepared a fabulous brunch. The sun was out and shining, we sat out on the patio for the 1st time this year soaking up the warmth.

Both of my daughters called, you know how those phone calls just make your day so extra special. 

After brunch we went to see "The Great Gatsby". Loved the movie, elaborate backdrop of mansions rich with opulence, beautiful costumes and characters depicting the fabulous lifestyle of a great novel come to life. 

Last but not least Hubby had a special gift for me, charms for my bracelet. Two girls and 1 boy charm, 1 kitty charm for my sweet Cleo who I still miss so very much. 

I am so lucky to have such a wonderful family. I hope your Mothers Day was filled with love and extra special too! 

Over The Rainbow

My sweet Cleo went to kitty heaven this morning, my heart is still heavy accepting her loss. A recent checkup found she had stomach cancer and she was barely eating. Although we could hardly bare the thought of letting her go, we had to keep her best interests in mind. With great love, Jerry and I by her side, she went peacefully.
Many thanks to my family, friends and FaceBook friends, for their compassion and kind comments while I faced this difficult decision. 
Cleo was my constant sewing buddy these past 13 years, she loved to hang out with me while I worked. She had many friends in the quilting community who sent her notes and pictures of kitty friends, we read and enjoyed them all!
In her honor I put together a slide show of some of my Cleo inspired patterns, as you can see she left some very big paw prints on my heart! 

Free digital slideshow customized with Smilebox