Bargello Heart Quilt

I finished the bargello heart quilt for a friend a few days ago.  I took some quick pictures before it went home.  It is hard to see the stitching due to the lighting, but here you go:

Next up is a 3-D pinwheel quilt.  I’ve lost count on how many of these I have quilted.  I want to make one for Jack.  Other quilt news, the Gold Bug Quilters Show is later this week.

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I’ve been promising updated Jack pics, so here he is now at 8 months.  He crawls, stands up, and loves to explore.  In the first picture he is checking out his new car seat:

More Woody the Redneck contractor stories as he is coming back to actually work today!  I’ll be sure to keep track of all his “Woody-isms” and share with you.  By the way, I told Woody I write about him on my blog and he thinks it is funny.

Yesterday, I received unsolicited firearm lessons from Woody on how to “address” an intruder if one breaks into my house.  He even demonstrated where to position my body so I don’t miss.  Where else can you get construction work plus practical safety information?? LOL

Enjoy your day!  Carla

Woody is Back!

Remember Woody the Redneck Contractor??  He’s the colorful character who helped build my house.  Anyway, Woody is back on the jobsite finishing some chores around here and yes, finally completing the infamous Woody Gate.

In true Woody fashion, he sees me and yells, “CARLA, HOWTHEHELLAREYOU??”  and “Come here and give me a HUG!!”  He is pretty much the same funny guy, but he did mention how the California construction economy is really hurting right now.  He asked me to see if any of my quilting or blog friends needs a good contractor to do any work….   Lynn, you need some help at your house, right?  LOL!

Today, I spent the day visiting Faith’s home studio and working together on class related work.  Thanks, Faith, I appreciate your hospitality, friend!  I almost finished a jewelry piece today and even got to use Faith’s new soldering torch.  Pictures to follow!

Keep watching for quilt pics, also photos of Jack.  Hugs, Carla

Woody Gate- slight glitch…

After I waxed poetic about my stone mason in my last Woody Gate post, I was checking their work last night and immediately discovered an issue that will need to be re-done. It might not be noticeable to most people, but I spotted it right away.

Background on Woody and the Woody Gate is found HERE and HERE.

Here are some photos of what I am talking about:

Left entry gate wall:

Right side:

Do you see it?? I am paying the big bucks, so it is important to get it done right. If you scroll down, you can see the photos where I point out what needs to be re-done.

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If you click on it, you can see where I drew a straight line on the first picture:

I already tracked Woody down to discuss this. Turns out he already mentioned it to them, in Woody’s words he said that “you better fix that! She’ll spot it right away and nail you on it.” LOL, of course, if you add a few cuss words, then that more accurately reflects what Woody said.

Keep you posted on this. Other news… Youngest son has come home for a visit, tomorrow my niece graduates from the CA Maritime Academy, more quilts to share…

Enjoy your weekend! Hugs, Carla

Stone Masons and Entrance Gate

Last time I posted about the Woody Gate, Woody disappeared once again.  He does this from time to time.  He did organize having Robbie, my stone mason, to start rocking the wall for me.  I am using the same material that I used on my house- a product from El Dorado Stone.

Here is the scratch coat and how far they have gotten to date:

and a close up:

That is going to be some gate, isn’t it?  There will also be an electronic panel, video camera, communication system to keep out the riff-raff-…um, I mean cows.

This weekend, Joe and I planted some more in our vegetable garden.  We picked up about 10 new heirloom varieties of tomatoes, plus we needed to replace plants from when the frost got them one night.

I decided to take a few hours off from gardening on Saturday and learn how to do a beadweaving stitch called a Russian Spiral.  I’ll take some pictures to show you what this stitch looks like.

Hope your weekend was productive!  Regards, Carla

Let’s Catch up!

Time to catch up with all the goings on here on the ranch.  First up is the ever present, “Woody-Gate.”  In case you are curious about the history of this gate, see here .  My favorite Redneck Contractor, Woody, is taking his sweet time in finishing this gate.  That’s OK when Life is on “Woody-Time.”  LOL!

We saw him and the stone mason crew for a few days, then they have disappeared once again.  Here is the progress made:

Not sure when we will see him again, he called yesterday to say that the rock facing and stone cap were now on order, also that we need to cut a check.  I already have my lights for the gate pillars, they will go on top of that stone square shape above.

My own Power Plant!!   The solar is finally in, connected to the grid and turned on!!  Here is a picture of the solar panels on my roof:

Next up is the animal life here on the ranch.  These guys come by my back door about 3 or 4 times per day.

It wouldn’t be life on the ranch without the cows.  Being springtime, there have been lots of new baby cows including this pair:

And, while the “aaaaahhhh” factor is high, here is another visitor to the ranch this last Sunday:

For frequent blog readers,  that is baby Jack above, now 11 weeks old.  He continues to be cute as always!

Enjoy your day!!  Hugs, Carla

Artistic Goals & WoodyGate

It is time to update my current artistic goals. I like to reflect on my long-term goals and short-term goals (which are smaller goals to attain the bigger ones).

I’ve decided it is time I learn how to paint on canvas. I briefly took up oil painting in my youth, as I’m reminded every time I visit my parent’s house and walk by my early work hanging there. I have always wanted to work with a variety of mediums- with the exception of chalk because the texture and feel of it makes me cringe.

Anyhow, starting new month, I am taking 2 classes on painting with acrylics. I will give you more info about this class as it gets closer. I am excited to take a class as I am mainly self taught.

I am also thinking of taking art classes at my local college. I had hoped to sign up for metal arts this semester, but the class filled before I could register. Perhaps I should improve my drawing ability by taking a drawing class. Since I like to draw anyway, it would be helpful.

What are your artistic goals?

Woody Sighting!!

Lynn will be jealous to know I have been spending quality time with Woody the last few days. The Woody Gate is coming along nicely, today I ordered the 4 light fixtures that will hang on each gate pillar. Woody spent alot of time explaining to me why the gate needs to be HIGHER… I just think its a redneck ploy to make the gate as “bitchen” as possible.

I still have to order my flat screen monitor that will be next to my telephone in my Great Room. The system works like this… Car pulls up to our “bitchen” Woody Gate and presses a button on the keypad control that is mounted flush to my rocked entry gate. This rings the house and give us the ability to see the person on the monitor by way of a minature color camera. We can then open the gate and let the person in- or not if they are simply lost.

Family members and emergency personel will have a special code they are given to gain entry. Joe and I will have special electronic gizmos on our vehicles so it senses when we are nearby and opens automatically.

Fancy system to keep Rancher Ed’s cows out, don’t you think??

Plans this weekend include Easter Hill, putting in my second garden, and hopefully a visit to see Jack on his first Easter. Oh… btw, if anyone can help me in my last minute search for a Parsnip Pete Chocolate Easter Bunny, please HELP!!! It just isn’t Easter without Parsnip Pete!

Hugs, Carla

Woody the Redneck Contractor

How many of you long time blog readers remember Woody from the build of my new house? Well, Woody has been back working on finishing the Woody Gate. I introduced him to Lynn (while she was here) and Lynn got to experience the true flavor that is Woody.

Woody was colorful as always. In true redneck fashion, every 7 out of 10 words cannot be repeated here on my blog. In case you think I’m exaggerating, Lynn will vouch for this.

During the build of my home, I wanted to share a picture of Woody on my old blog. I asked Woody to smile, and he promptly turned around and pulled down his pants and mooned me. I kid you not! I have the picture….
So I reminded Woody about this event. Lynn cracked a few jokes with him, and next thing you know, Woody is offering to moon Lynn, too!! Thank goodness that he didn’t ACTUALLY do this on the spot. Whew!

Woody liked Lynn, I could tell. He came back today to talk some more before Lynn left, then even hugged her goodbye!!! Perhaps I can blackmail Lynn with this?? LOL!!

Hopefully, Lynn will share her impression of Woody, so you all can see whether or not I exaggerated in my previous description about what a character Woody is. He sure is one in a million!!

Speaking of rednecks… this is the funniest redneck website I have ever read!  If you have ever wanted to know what it is like to have a true redneck-neighbor-from-hell move next door, then this site is for you!!  Start at the top and read it chronologically, though.  LOL!!  I have posted about this site before, it continues to be one of my favorites.  My only complaint is that the site stopped being updated.  Dang!

Take care, Carla