Now that Christmas is over, I hope you had a wonderful time with family or friends. We had a very quiet Christmas but it was a lovely one.

Now I'd like to say, Happy New Year! May this be the best year for you yet! Thanks for stopping by to visit.

This is my quilt challenge for the local quilt shop. The shop gave us the patterns and each person made the quilt as she wanted. I made mine into a table runner. Here is the result. BTW, I love scrappy quilts! This is just a top, I still have to quilt it.

New sweater

This is my new sweater I just finished knitting. It was fun to work on. The picture was taken on the screened porch and there are shadows on it, but I think you can see it ok. Enjoy!

Christmas Cactus

This is how my Christmas Cactus looks today. It is supposed to bloom near Christmas but I guess it just couldn't wait. Maybe it is telling me something...hurry up and get ready!

Lovely gift

Just a sweet gift from a special friend. The flowers are so lovely!

Socks in the making

These are socks that my friend, Teena is knitting. She joined me at the beach for a weekend of knitting, watching chick flicks, hunting for shells of the beach and of course, eating great seafood! I just had to show you her socks. So nice!

Morning Glory

This is what is blooming today in my garden...Morning Glory. I also have the ever popular Marigolds still blooming. Such a lovely sight to see while we go into Fall.

Let's not forget

Today we are remembering the tragedy of 9/11. Let's not ever forget all the people who lost their lives and the many brave people who tried to help them. We will always hold you in our hearts. This picture is just a reminder of the Firemen who responded to the disaster, along with Police and others.

Found treasures on the beach

These sand dollars were found on the beach in South Carolina many years ago. They have always been a favorite of mine. The gold looking ones were placed beside a container of sun tea being made outside. Nice reflection, don't you think?

Watermelon time

We were at the grocery store today and bought a watermelon. Not knowing how they will taste but anticipating a nice, sweet, juicy taste, we couldn't resist. So this is why I've put up my watermelon wall hanging. Just think about that cool, juicy, sweet taste when you see this picture. Hope you too can enjoy a slice soon!

Our little friend

This lizard is now our little friend. He/she is always near this tree looking for something to eat. He keeps the bad bugs at bay. I love his color, being green is a plus, wouldn't you say?

Liriope

This little plant, Liriope, is growing on our front porch and doing well. The plant doesn't get any sun but seems to prefer the shade. We have a guest also. Look at the close-up view of the plant in the lower left hand corner to see the guest. Charming, isn't he?

Birthday cards

Recently I had a birthday. My sweet hubby and I long ago started regiving cards that we've given each other through the years. This recent birthday he gave me some that I received from him before we got married. The card with the little blue flowers is the earliest one from 1966. We were just beginning to date in high school. The pink card is the second one he gave me. We just celebrated our 40th anniversary. The little pink note you see was with the early birthday card and is so sweet. Happy memories.

Landscaping view

This is how we look from across the street. It is in the morning sun, the sprinklers are going, and I think we finally have the landscaping right. Home sweet home!

New picture of Hyacinth Bean Plant

This is a new picture of the Hyacinth Bean Plant taken this week (July 20, 2011). It really did grow like "Jack and the Bean Stalk".

Hyacinth Bean plant

This is a Hyacinth Bean plant. I planted it out by our mailbox and it is doing very well. It is an annual. You have to soak the seeds overnight before you plant them, but it takes off like "Jack and the Bean Stalk" fame.

Happy Birthday America

This is my own design of a patriotic quilt. It also has some summer theme items going on in it as well. Double duty, don't you think?

Is it the 4th yet?

Is it the 4th of July yet? I am ready with all my patriotic quilts out. Here is another one I love. Simple, yet catches the eye.

Wave any flag

It's almost the 4th of July. Get out there and put up any flag to show how much you love our country!

Red white and blue

I love to decorate for the 4th of July. There will be more pictures in the next few days. Enjoy!

Family time

This is a picture of a cousin of mine. We were attending a family reunion. Her Mother and my Dad were siblings. Family reunions are always fun!

40 years ago today

This is what was happening 40 years ago today. Happy anniversary Honey!

New project

I've been busy sewing. My favorite local quilt shop, has a challenge going on for 10 months. Each month has a different block to make. I'm not making mine as big as the pattern calls for. The blank row you see in white will have a checkerboard design in it. This is just a "rough draft" of what I'm making. I love a challenge!! Enjoy!

Azaleas

Azaleas are now finished for the year except for some that will bloom again this summer or in the Fall. This is what one of ours looked liked this Spring. I just love the color of this one. Enjoy!!

Memorial Day

I hope you are flying your American flag today. Our flag stands for our freedom. Many men and women have given us this freedom by giving their lives so we could be free. Today we honor those who gave so much, and for those who are now serving or who have served this great country. Thank you!

California Poppies

California Poppies are blooming in my garden. Planted from seeds last year, they are doing well. They self sow, so I should have lots more next year.

Blooming in my garden

This is what is blooming in my garden now. It is an Amaryllis. I had heard that in NC you could get them to bloom in a garden, but I never expected it to happen for me. I love being back in NC!!

Oxalis

This has become my favorite "new" little plant. It's an Oxalis. It does very well here in the humid South and blooms most of the summer. It is a rugged little plant that only gets about 6-8 inches high. Lovely!!

Cross Vine

This is the Cross Vine we planted last Spring. It has finished blooming but I thought I'd show it so you could see what it looks like. Humming birds like it. It easily grows up anything.

Visit to Charleston SC

Recently I made a visit to Charleston SC with my sister and two cousins. We had a lovely visit with a horse drawn carriage ride. The horse's name was Cooper and he knew all the best places to take us for a garden home tour. Come join me for a few pictures of this visit.

Blooming bulbs

This is what is blooming at my front door. These bulbs were planted last Fall and have done so well. I'll see if I can keep them in this pot for next Spring. A nice bit of blue for Spring!

Spring is finally here.

This is my garden and how it looks this time of year. The Bleeding Heart is blooming, the Daffodills are just about through and more things are coming up to bloom later. I love this time of year.