Past 3 Months = Life Changes

   I had thoughts of abandoning this blog (again) but was encouraged by 2 friends today to get back on the blog wagon, so here we are.
   First off, life has made a dramatic change for me.  Much to my dismay, I am no longer serving at the Family History Library.  A new responsibility was given me that requires my availability pretty much all the time.  I thought I could do both at first, but on 2 occasions I was needed at home when I was unavailable at the FHL.  My zone leader fully understood and my last day there was May 12th.  But that doesn't mean I have stopped my research.  In fact, I have found 2 more generations on 4 lines and 4 generations on 2 lines - all in Cornwall, England.
   Have you ever taken a Google vacation?  I love to zoom in on the areas my ancestors are from and "drive" around the countryside and villages.  On the old (1841 - 1881) censuses in England the name of the street, house or farm is even written.  In some cases those names are still in use so I can see the actual homes my ancestors lived.
   Familysearch.org has parish records from Cornwall, some that go back into the 1500s.  I haven't gotten that far yet, but I expect to be able to go back a few more generations.  My family is getting bigger and bigger.
   What else is new?
  I was treated to a So Cal vacation, courtesy of our daughter and SIL.  So much fun I can't begin to tell it all.   Notwithstanding the stingray sting to a grandson, the beach was my favorite.
Besides all the really fun stuff, we took time to track down 3 cemeteries where my Mann ancestors are buried.  Very rewarding.  It was sad to see my grandfather's grave without a headstone so I asked for information on having that remedied.  to be continued.....

   Hubby has decided to re-do the backyard to reflect his vision of convenience and ease of maintenance.  There went my rock surrounded retreat area, my fig tree and all of my perennials on one fence line. In his defense though, I must insert that the weeds were grown up around the fig so high that it was undetectable to the untrained eye.  Nevertheless, I will have to buy all new plants next year. Such is life.

freebies

   Quilts!!!  I went on a Shop Hop with a neighbor and our daughter and had such a fun time.  I won lots of fat quarters (which I gave away) and patterns from the games along the way.

purchases

It goes without saying that I bought plenty, too.
 









Four of my quilts are to be displayed at a local celebration this weekend.  I wouldn't have offered them because they really aren't professional, but I was asked by a friend who is in charge of the art show.  What could I say?
   I am currently working on one that I am not thrilled with but am going to finish by our December QG meeting.  It is a Delectable Mountain pattern that we all chose as our BOM for this year.  Of course, I had to put my own spin on it and that is my problem.  (If I would just follow a pattern it would all be so simple!!) Here is what it currently looks like.  There are 2-3 more borders to go on it.  If you remember a post earlier this year, you can see that this quilt has undergone major changes.



Several more are in the que for piecing and a basket under the table is full of tops that need quilting that I will save for those long winter days when it is too cold to go outside. 





 Cakes -
Here is a wedding cake without the fresh flowers that I made in June.  I always hope I will get a picture from the bride's mom with it all set up at the reception to add to my album.  If not, I have this one.  I just noticed that this photo makes it look lopsided.  It wasn't. 












So, I think this will have to do for today.  Much for my hands to be doing before bedtime.