"Beads, Cake, Pets and Carol Ann"

Well, I've survived the last week with the two Richards...or, maybe they survived the week with me. At any rate, we are all tired, but wanting to get back to our normal routines. The brother-in-law is home safe, the old navy man has his tv back and I am back in the Nest. We're set.

Last Thursday, I did manage to escape from town and go to my friend, Carol Ann's house in North Little Rock. It was the August meeting day for our little group of beaders, quilters, knitters, etc. There are eleven of us.

I hadn't been in the house ten minutes when I spotted one of Carol Ann's latest creations. It's this pincushion, or pillow, or whatever she wants to call it. The pincushion/pillow/whatever it is, is about six inches square, the beaded fringe varies in length from about 1 inch long to five or six inches long. The fringe is thick with beading and it's heavy.....and gorgeous....and very tactile. I couldn't put it down. I LOVE IT!!! I lust after it!!! I am inspired to start one of my own.....just to add a few beads to every once in a while in between other projects. Thanks, Carol Ann, for letting me hold it nearly the whole time we were there...

Amongst her other talents, Carol Ann is a really good cook! She made a pound cake for us which you see here. I went into the kitchen before everyone knew there was a cake in there and snapped this photo. It was a beautiful cake!!! Bear in mind that I am not a 'sweets' person. So, if I tell you this cake was irresistible....then you must know it really was. Beautiful and irresistible....double whammy! She also made homemade chicken pot pie...a huge one....another 'over the top' item. Thank you, Carol Ann!

Carol Ann is quite creative and always busy. I don't think she sleeps. You can see her here showing me her fabric closet. The latest tip she gave...using large salad containers from Sam's Club to house her fabric pieces. A really neat idea. Rest assured, there is fabric in a few other places too. She makes things that require MANY beads, MANY yards of fabric, MANY yards of thread, etc. Like me, she likes some things that are tedious. She thinks they are simple...so 'no problem'...others think her work is too tedious for them to do...until she shows them they are wrong. I identify with her in that regard. Of course, they won't all have her drive to finish so many things, but they can do a version of some of it. She does all her quiltmaking on a longarm. That's where we differ. I admire her work very much though and wish I had her energy. You can check out Carol Ann's blog HERE.

There are pets in the house at Carol Ann's.....Mac, the huge dog....my friend. I don't know how big Mac really is, but I'm guessing he weighs in around 125 pounds or so. He's really big. And sweet. And he loves to be petted. So, he comes to me. I like him a lot. You can see us here.
Me and Mac....friends. There is another dog, Thelma. I didn't get a photo of her and she is more aloof, not so interactive, but she is a nice dog too.

There is a beautiful cat living in this house. At this very moment, I can't think of it's name...I always call it 'kitty.' Isn't this a beautiful cat? I love petting 'kitty' as lots of cats won't let you, but this one does. It's fun to be an 'animal person.' Well, ok, I don't think I would pet a snake or something like that...but dogs and cats...yes!

Thank you, Carol Ann, for a lovely day shared with our friends in your home! A good time was had by all......next month we meet at Brenda's......can't wait!!! take care out there...pat