6 More Days!

Christmas is quickly approaching but Hubby and I are totally prepared for whatever excitement comes our way. This week we are relaxing and enjoying the season. The temperatures have been so up and down, I am wishing for a little Christmas snow however it does not look like it is in our forecast. 
Miracles can happen though, right?
Hubby and I went to the movies and saw The Martian. I didn't think this would be my type of movie but actually it was fun and who could not enjoy looking at the cute and talented Matt Damon. 

We had dinner in the city, Kansas City, on the Country Club Plaza. We love to go there especially at Christmas time when all the Plaza Christmas lights on on. We enjoyed a nice little dinner then left to window shop on our way back to the car. Out side the restaurant, across the sidewalk sat a homeless man all bundled up from the cold, it was in the 20s. He was quiet and did not speak to any passerby, just held a box with a stuffed monkey inside and a sign that said please feed the monkey. Usually I have to admit I am somewhat skeptical and we glanced at him and strolled by as most people do. However we did not get far and I tugged at hubbys arm and said I have to go feed the monkey, turned around and made my donation to his box. 
This man reminded me that sugar plums do not dance through everyones head this time of year. Some people are lonely with out family, some face illness, financial burden, the loss of a loved one, or are homeless on a cold night. I hope the monkey gets fed and a warm meal this Christmas. 
Be Merry, and Be kind, I hope Christmas brings you great joy,
Barbie Jo and Daisy

Cookies for Santa!

This week was one spent almost entirely in the kitchen. I made peanut brittle and chocolate dipped pretzels.

Followed by thumbprint cookies.....

Candy cane cookies....

and cut out sugar cookies. Last night cute son and cute Fiancé came for dinner after which we decorated the cookies. Hmmmm... someone was naughty and put 3 eyeballs on some of my angels.

And so my baking is done, all our gifts were mailed to family and friends which is always a big sigh of relief as we have so many out of towners. My house is decorated and so for once I feel all that remains is time to enjoy the season and spend some time back in my sewing room. 

Fa la la la la.... Christmas is coming!

Gobble Gobble!

It's almost T day, time for turkey and family! What is your favorite Thanksgiving Day food? I love it all but I would have to say I adore stuffing.. and gravy!!! I so can't wait! Pictured artwork is from my Grandson Aiden, several years ago, don't you just love it!

My how this past week has flown. Saturday was really special for me. My daughter-in-law to be invited me to her bridal salon appointment to view her search for the perfect dress. How sweet of a moment is this that only happens once, to witness her excitement and the look on her face as she modeled each dress. She looked beautiful in every dress she tried on, but that one, the one magical dress that makes everyone tear up, well you just know that's it and she said yes to her dress! I am thankful for being a part of that day. 

This Thanksgiving we will be spending the afternoon with our new family to be, how nice of them to welcome us to their gathering and feast. I am off the hook with all that cooking, although I know hubby is going to miss those leftovers! I am making an apple pumpkin bundt cake with caramel and pecan icing to take. 
I wish you all safe travels if you are on the road or in the air, and a wonderful Thanksgiving Day...gobble gobble!

Falling leaves

Good morning from Kansas! It is hard to believe here we are 1/2 way through November and enjoying such beautiful weather still. The leaves are mostly gone, as a matter of fact we had a large wind storm last week and it blew most of them away. Here and there a few beauties remain in my neighborhood and I have to sometimes stop and try to capture their magnificent coloring. 

Speaking of color change, my kitchen is finally nearly finished, just in time for the Holidays! We had new counter tops installed, and then Hubby refinished all of the cabinets. No excuses, I guess it is back to cooking for me.

Hubby is glad to be finished, Daisy however is disappointed, she enjoyed helping and found having the cabinet doors off quite fun!

Speaking of Daisy, I released a new cute stitchery pattern called "Naughty Or Nice". With Christmas decorating fast approaching I'm sure you will not need much further information on who inspired this design! Now available on my website and in my Etsy shop.

All my current sewing is on hold for now while I work on a special project with a 

deadline to meet. More down the road on that! Enjoy a wonderful new week!

Be Royal this Halloween!

We are enjoying all the sunny Fall days we can get here in Kansas! This week we are all about the ROYALS! No matter where you go everyone is decked out in their Royals t-shirts and gear, this town is Royals crazy and it's fun to be a part of! Games 1 and 2 won, now we're off to NYC! 
My Halloween candy is purchased for those little tricker treaters. We never know how many to expect, some years we have only a handful, and sometimes a few dozen. A little leftover is okay though right?
I prepared a little Fall slide show for you, from my house to yours, Happy Fall and Happy Halloween!

Slideshow design generated with Smilebox

                                          And Lets Go Royals!

A weekend getaway

Good morning and happy Wednesday or hump day for many people! The rock pictured looks like one large hump, but it is not! This is actually an Oklahoma historical landmark named Rock Mary, a large natural sandstone mound, once a prominent marker on the California road traveled by those brave pioneers in the mid 1800s. This unique landmark is on my son in law and daughters property where we spent last weekend!

Our whole little family was invited for a get together here for the weekend. What fun it was to see all the grandsons together! Climbing the rock is a must of course and it is larger than you might think at 60 feet high.

Some pretty scrubby floral. Not so pretty are all the little pricker balls that attach themselves to your clothing and shoes though.

Our three wonderful children and our soon to be daughter in law!

Last post I told you I was working on a special little sewing project. Many years ago I made a bedspread for our oldest daughter. It was made from pieces of her old clothing. Long before the days of quilt stores, rotary cutters and such, actually long before I knew anything about quilting. I could hardly call it a quilt by todays standards, but it was squares pieced together with tulip shapes appliquéd on top of some. I backed it with a printed sheet! Anyways, it had been hanging out here for a long time, used as a picnic blanket and stowed away in the garage. Last month I came upon it and thought, it should really go to our daughter, so I yanked it out and washed it. Some of the fabric squares were worn thin and torn. I replaced those and added new binding. Here she is sitting on top of her bedspread with all her dollies!

I brought it with me to Oklahoma to give her, and here she is today trying to recreate her childhood picture lol! 

Our Oklahoma kids fed us well and we had a wonderful visit. The night before we left Erin, took this neat family picture, the timing is just right as you can see, the sun receding on top of the hill silhouetting our bodies, isn't it great! 

And so now it's back to normal here! The kitchen is still 1/2 finished, the Christmas clock is counting down, my sewing room beckons, lots to do, lots to do!

Fall Frolics

Boy we are having a beautiful weather this week here in Kansas! Sunday hubby and I took advantage of the pretty day and visited Dunn's Cider Mill. It seems we were not alone with that thought, it was packed with everyone craving the same thing....cider and apple cider doughnuts! Oh those doughnuts, they were making them fast and furious but could hardly keep up with the demand..... they are soooo delicious! 

After getting our doughnut/cider fix, we drove further out to a store we had not yet explored- the AT Home store. My son refers to it as Home Store on steroids, and right he was! Good grief this store is gigantic! Looking for Halloween?

How about some Christmas inflatables for the yard... 

Perhaps a new tree? Every year hubby says he is going to get one with the lights already on it!

Awwww, who doesn't love this guy and the Frosty The Snowman movie.

Back on the homefront, I have not spent much time in my sewing room lately. The new kitchen counters are in and fabulous. Now we are painting the walls and hubby is refinishing the cabinets. Lots of work!! 

At night I am sewing the binding on a special gift for a special little girl. 

And then there is Daisy trying on her new Halloween hat lol! 

Next I'm getting ready for a fun adventure this weekend, I'll tell you more about it next time!

Happy October!

Happy October! Temperatures are up and down here in Kansas, the heat went on this week and I put an extra blanket on the bed. I have a new design for you, "Fall Blooms Basket" was stitched in wool and looks perfect on my sideboard this time of year. You may find it on my website:http://www.cleoandme.com and also as a instant download in my Etsy shop under pdf patterns at:http://www.etsy.com/shop/cleoandmepatterns?ref=hdr_shop_menu

I will be spending the better part of this week in my sewing room. We are having some remodeling done on our kitchen and it's pretty crazy in there. Poor Daisy is confined to the laundry room and not so happy about that. Well maybe she can do a few loads of laundry for me lol! 

Enjoy your week!

Barbie Jo and Daisy

Celebrate!

I don't know if you feel like me but isn't it hard to believe today is the 1st day of Fall! This year has flown by me and next we we'll be this thinking about you know what! Christmas! It's time to put your pedal to the metal... sewing machine pedal that is! I have a new design to get you started, "Christmas Candles" is my latest table runner pattern. Easy to piece, a touch of appliqué, this project is fast and fun to make. You can find it on my website: http://www.cleoandme.com and also in my Etsy store:

Http://www.etsy.com/shop/cleoandmepatterns.

This past month I have been busy adding pdf patterns to my Etsy shop. For those of you who want it right away, you can download and print the pattern at home.

This month has been so exciting! Our son asked his beautiful Emily to marry him! 

We are beyond thrilled and excited as you can imagine. We are looking forward to all the fun and upcoming preparations to celebrate this happy time. 

And last but not least I have a birthday this weekend. I get to celebrate with these two love birds, 

yay, what a happy year!! 

Gone Fishing!

Gone fishing the sign on the door says. It seems we have been out to sea for a long time, this summer has been full speed ahead and here it is September 1st already! 

August was a very busy month. We had the pleasure of having our Oklahoma Grandsons for 9 days! 

Each day with them was full, from swimming to a Royals baseball game and countless other activities in-between, we enjoyed our Nana and Papa time with them, it went so fast!

Later in August Hubby and I drove to Western New York to visit my Sister in the pretty little Village of Warsaw. While there we spent an afternoon at Letchworth State Park. This park won USA Todays Readers Choice award for best State park 2015. Also referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East, the views are spectacular and we enjoyed them on a beautiful sunny NY day! Sissy stuffed us full of home cooking before we continued on our journey.....

into Buffalo where we stayed with long time friends. The 1st thing we did was go to Andersons for a Beef On Weck. Food of my dreams lol, it was so delicious!!
The next day my friend Patty picked me up and we had lunch, Buffalo style pizza (the best!) and then off we went antiquing. After working up our appetites once more, we drove 
to the village of Lewiston NY. The drive along the Niagara River is dotted with lovely vintage homes and lush gardens, an enjoyable afternoon trip. We bought goodies at a wonderful bakery followed by a fabulous Italian dinner before heading back to Kathys.
The next morning we were up and at em, and off to Niagara On The Lake Canada for the day! While the boys attempted to get some golf time in, Kathy and I enjoyed high tea at the Prince Of Wales Hotel.

I'll tell you, this is one special spot for high tea, elegant, so pretty and delicious. Here are a few items from our tea.

And don't you just love scones with clotted cream and jam, I had to show you!

Heading back towards Niagara Falls we stopped at the whirlpool gorge, we were going to take the cable car across but changed our minds lol! We bravely moved onward to the Casino for a bit before dinner at a Greek restaurant, and it was fabulous, the best I have ever had!

We spent 2 afternoons on their sailboat, sailing of course.... wheeeee! 

After sailing another food wish was granted.... a haddock fish fry right on Lake Ontario. Oh my gosh, it was so fabulous. Living in the midwest and being pretty land locked, we don't get anything like this. You must be thinking all we do is eat lol!

Only in Buffalo do they turn old grain silos in to beer cans, we enjoyed another fun dinner here by the water.

Our last night was spent at one more fine restaurant... Chefs, Italian food at its best. 

Our dear family and friends made sure all our favorite Buffalo food wishes were granted, they call it getting "Buffaloed" lol! Our time spent with everyone was precious and so enjoyed. The next morning we rolled home on our two day journey swearing off food for at least a week. 

We were anxious to see our little fur child again. And here she is, does your kitty beg lol?

Back to work here, new pattern coming later this week! 

4th of July Fun

What a fun week we had with Hubbys Sister and Husband! They arrived bearing food gifts from Pittsburgh.... my favorite Italian bread and Sarris chocolates. Boy they sure know the way to my old Pittsburgh heart! Yummy!!!

The boys golfed, we girls did a little shopping, and we ate out a lot! The evening before the 4th we met our Son and his cute girlfriend in town (Kansas City) on The Plaza. The Plaza is known for all it's fine dining and shopping. We sampled apps at several restaurants...

ending a beautiful evening with a roof top view at the Sorella Hotel.

And then it was home to add the finished touches to our 4th of July dessert, aren't they cute! Only I put the cashew beaks on upside down, the sharp end should have been sticking out. What can I say... it was a long night!

We had an early picnic at our Sons new home... hash brown casserole, hot doggies  and treats! The evening ended with a beautiful local fireworks display.

Last night we went out for our last meal together, barbecue, a Kansas City must for all guests. As we left the restaurant the tornado sirens were blowing. My poor sister in law... it is a frightful situation and sound when you are not used to it. Rain came down in torrents with an impressive lightening display, fortuneately no tornado touch downs here! 
Today they are on their way home and back to their busy life, we will miss them.. until our next visit!
I will return to my normal routine for awhile and hopefully spend more time in my sewing room, until our next summer adventure!
Happy Summer!!

June wrap up!

After the quilt show Patty and I relaxed with some stitching. We each made a little picture from wool using a Lori Smith pattern, I chose cats of course and Patty made a snowman scene. Mine is framed and ready to hang. A fun little project!

Mid week we made a little day trip to Jamesport Missouri, a cute town in the heart of Amish country.

Our 1st stop was for lunch at Gingrich Dutch Pantry followed by some shopping.

I was on a mission to buy our son a mega 300 hour burning candle at the Farmhouse Collection shop, they hand pour 100s of fabulous candles on site. He had envied mine from last years trip and so I had to purchase one for his new home!

One of the most unique items I came across were these metal water fountains where water came out of the birds mouths.

You can better see how they work in the little video I took. Loved them, I think I will regret not bringing one home with me for my summer garden.

And yes our son bought his 1st home! What an exciting milestone in ones life, we are so proud and happy for him! We look forward to many good times there. I could decorate the guest room "my room" ha ha, and of course bring dinners! 

Patty is now home again and getting back to her busy life. She brought me this adorable tea towel, the eyes need finished but the kittens look just like Daisy!

And speaking of Daisy, she is just as cute and fun as ever. Not a day goes by when I don't marvel at her funny little ways and cuteness :) She has easily accepted the comings and goings of our company, and if they play with her, well, they will be best of friends!

Speaking of company, we are getting ready for round two. My sister in law and her hubby are coming for the 4th of July weekend, all the way from Pittsburgh! We are so excited and looking forward to spending a fun long weekend with them. 
Wishing you all a safe and happy 4th of July and God Bless America!