Fellow Quilters,
Another great issue of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks (#11!) is hitting the newsstands this week, and once again I am participating in the blog tour for the launch.
I really enjoy participating in these tours. I usually scan the issue, searching for designers who are also part of Northcott’s pattern design team, or blocks that feature Northcott’s fabrics, and recreate these blocks in the collection that Northcott has advertised in the issue. There are 7 blocks in the current issue that fall under this umbrella, including my own block – a big Woo-hoo! Because I have a block in the issue, I have been invited to blog on Thursday as well, so I shall do “my usual” on Thursday’s blog – please come by then and check out the blocks to choose your favorite for a chance to win a copy of 100 Blocks Volume 11. For this post, however, I thought I’d share a bit of something more personal.
The collection that Northcott has advertised in this issue is Stonehenge Celebration 2, perfect for Independence Day, with waving flags, stars and fireworks. That got me thinking about the things we celebrate. As I write this post, I am sitting at my kitchen counter, with the tantalizing fragrance of peaches wafting through the kitchen. Now, I live in Canada, and peach season is still 3 months away. For the month of August, I buy basket after basket of juicy peaches, eating them for breakfast, dinner and night-time snack. My favorite thing to do with them, however, is make peach pies – from scratch, including the pastry, with a lattice top. Yum!! You need in-season peaches to make pies. The ones you buy in the middle of winter just don’t cut it. When I was a kid, my mom would pack my brother, sister and I in the car and drive to the Niagara region about 2 hours away to pick baskets of peaches for preserving. Yes, I know it was child labour, but there is nothing better than eating a just-picked peach warm from the sun while filling your basket.
I spent the past week in Florida, getting my mom packed up from her winter home, and driving her back to Canada. As we travelled up through the top of Florida and into Georgia, we passed billboards announcing PECANS. Hubby’s ultimate favorite pie is pecan pie – gooey and thick with pecans. After passing several of these signs, I suggested to Mom that we stop and get some. We pulled off the freeway to a roadside stand. Right beside the pecans were baskets of peaches – golden nuggets of Georgia sunshine. They lured me. The young guy manning the stand knew how to sell. “Would you like a taste of one?” he asked, and handed me a wedge of deliciousness. It tasted just like the ones I picked when I was a kid. “They’ll be ripe in 3 days or so,” he said. Our journey is a 3-day trip. “Sold!” I said. The basket of peaches went into the back seat, and the heavenly fragrance filled the car for 3 days. We enjoyed them when we stopped to stretch our legs, and there are just enough left to make a peach pie for Mother’s Day this weekend.
Mom and I shared lots of laughs, good times and great meals over the past week. It was a rare treat to spend an entire week with her, and I have much to celebrate on Mother’s Day. After I dropped Mom off, I arrived home to a spotlessly clean house (even the windows were clean!) and dinner on the table. I guess I’ll be making a pecan pie too.
What about you? What have you celebrated recently, or will be celebrating in the coming weeks? Post a comment on my blog by noon on Tuesday May 5th for a chance to win a copy of 100 Blocks Volume 11 and a packet of Stonehenge Celebration 2 fabrics. Enjoy the blog tour (http://www.quiltmaker.com/blogs/quiltypleasures), and see you again on Thursday!
Cheers,
Patti
pattispatchwork-blog.com 
How great to have time with your mom with lots of laughter! I will soon celebrate my 50th birthday, lol! and my brain is busy on thinking of the how. I would love to invite my closest “girls” (family and friends…) and have a fun time together.
I celebrated my birthday last month.
I am celebrating a new sewing room floor and reorganization project! I am very excited to once again sew and quilt after 2 weeks of flooring and painting. I look forward to Quiltmaker every month and I was excited to see the newest issue of Quilt Blocks released. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Celebrating my grandaughter’s college graduation this month as an accountant after four years of hard work.
I had two friends celebrate their retirements recently. I made quilts for each of them. Thanks.
My sister is only 55 years old, but she is able to retire this year. I am rather jealous, but very happy for her too and look forward to celebrating with her when I visit in a few weeks.
I will be celebrating having some big work projects completed and going on vacation!
Congratulations on the block in the magazine! What an accomplishment! This weekend we will be celebrating the marriage of a niece. The wedding quilt is done (a big yahoo!) and ready for wrapping. Just need to polish the dancing shoes and I will be ready!
Our family is celebrating my brother’s 80th birthday on May 8th. I feel so fortunate to have the best big brother — and a great sister-in-law as well.
I’m told that in 2 wks I’ll be able to move back into my condo! That may not sound like much, but had to move out last May into a smaller unit w NO sewing space. Not only will I be back w my neighbors into a “reconditioned” unit, but I’ll have my sewing room back! Big YEAH!
Enjoyed reading about your special time with your mom. I recently celebrated my 70th bday. It was so special to hear my two year old and three year old great grand sons sing Happy Birthday. Thanks for chance to win a copy of the latest 100 Quilt Blocks. b.j.day68@gmail.com
Great story, now you’ve got me looking forward to summer peaches! Many years ago, my husband and I discovered Donut Peaches at our local Farmers Market so I hope to celebrate the start of the FM season soon. Hmmm, maybe I’ll get to make a quilted market bag this year too!
Thanks for the story, I enjoyed it, time with mom is always special. We are celebrating my daughter’s internship, not only did she get one, but it’s close to her home so she doesn’t have to move across the country for just one year.
This month of May we will be celebrating my mom’s birthday, Mother’s Day, my son’s birthday and our wedding anniversary. Plus the start of summer with the opening of our cottage. Whew, will be a busy month.
I wish my Mom was still here to spend time with. You are truly BLESSED!!! Pat
What a wonderful story of your week with your Mom. That was a special early Mother’s day present for both you and your mom. My parents 65th anniversary is in two days. Something special to celebrate.
P.S. Congrats on the block being published !!!
This weekend we will be celebrating my Great, Great niece Olivia’s birthday. My daughter (who is her Godmother) is coming home this weekend for the party – can’t wait. That being said, wish my Mom and Dad were here to see it:). So this weekend since my daughter is home we will also get floral bouquets (silk) ready to give Mom and Dad for Memorial Day. The Stonehenge is beautiful!
April had 3 birthdays – mine and two of my grand cuties. Yesterday my son in law placed second in a golf tournament. Would love to win your lovely fabric, that would be a great celebration. Drhodes9@cox.net
I have been celebrating the arrival of Spring (looks like it has finally arrived and winter is gone).
Patti, thank you for sharing your experience with your Mom. It is truly something to treasure. Congratulations on having a block in the magazine.
We’ll have a huge July 4th week-end as all our family will be here, children and grandchildren. It will be wonderful to have everyone together!
It is like Christmas II around here in May. My two sons were both born in May. It is also my Dad’s, Sister’s, Brother in law’s birthdays, and two in early June, so lot’s to celebrate!
I will be celebrating my birthday tomorrow – May 5. Thanks for the chance to win.
Sounds wonderful! Fresh peaches and a week with your mom.
I hope to celebrate the finish of a quilted item soon. It’s been a long time since I actually finished anything. Thanks for the chance!
We’re celebrating Mother’s Day along with my husband’s birthday, my niece’s birthday, and my great nephew’s birthday, one right after the other! Such fun times!
Celebrations? We just had our 21st wedding anniversary. We also are currently having an “open house” for this month and the month of June to celebrate the almost completion of my room (converted attached garage). I’m sure there will be more “celebrations” in the coming months ahead! 😀
This week I hope to celebrate the completion of two quilts for our show next week.
We celebrated my husband’s birthday last week, we are also celebrating Cinco De Mayo this week.
I am on my way home from wintering in Arizona. Your time with your mother sounds wonderful. Road trips are great for talking and remembering. I look forward to reading your blog and being inspired to begin a new quilt.
We are celebrating our 53rd wedding anniversary!
First of all I celebrate life every single day! But..coming up are my 2 oldest grand-babies graduating high school – wow – where have these years gone !!! And of course Mother’s Day on Sunday. Thanks so much for the chance to win 🙂
Debby E
samtaylorcjsmimi at yahoo dot com
Retirement and lots more quilting is my big celebration. Thanks for sponsoring 100 blocks.
Celebrating my nephew’s wedding this summer. finishing a quilt for them as a wedding gift.
hi ! just yesterday our families came together to celebrate my youngest grand kid’s communion..thank you for the giveaway….marta
How fortunate I am to be the mother of 6 wonderful grown adults….This weekend, I’ll celebrate just that !!
With Mother’s Day next weekend, my daughter and her friend(my third daughter) surprised my husband and I, upon our arrival home from a trip to SC, with a beautiful yard, They worked for two days cutting, trimming, sawing, etc and it is so beautiful. So I will celebrate Mother’s Day, wishing mine were here to enjoy it, and counting my blessings for daughters who are such treasures.
Just celebrated our friends’ birthdays yesterday with a turkey dinner and birthday pies. Since we don’t get to see each other during Thanksgiving or Christmas or their birthdays we have the get together in the Spring! We had such a wonderful time.
We are celebrating Mothers Day of course and several family anniversaries this month.
Hopefully my sewing studio will be finished soon!
We will be celebrating my nephew’s graduation and a couple of other birthdays soon. However, no mother’s day celebrations here, as I am single with no children and my mother passed away several years ago. Thanks for the chance!
dragonfly9716 at yahoo dot com
I’ll be celebrating a milestone birthday – 60…Eeekkk.
Loved reading about your time with your Mom. My Mom just turned 92yrs. She has dementia and is living in an assisted living facility. But, we have so many wonderful memories of our times together that thankfully she still remembers,even tho she sometimes thinks I am her mother! I recently became great grandmother to 2 new great grandsons and have been busy making quilts for them. I am trying to make quilts for all my children,grandchildren and great grans., also nieces and nephews. Thankfully I am blessed with a wonderful husband who understands my need to make memories for our family.
My husband and i just drove up from FL to CT. All those signs are so tempting! But next week is the local MDOG dine around. For a small ticket price you get to eat at 25+ restaurants. Part of the ticket price goes to raise funds for a local dog park. Lots of food and free transportation for a great cause.
My husband and I will be celebrating our wedding anniversary this month.
I will be celebrating my sons marriage on the 23rd of this month! So excited!
How fun for you and your mom to have a nice trip and memories to share together! I hope your hubby enjoyed that pecan pie!
April was our busy month with lots
of birthdays. Thanks for the giveaway.
Wow, sounds like a wonderful week with your Mom! We celebrated this past Christmas with a trip to Hawaii. A wonderful winter getaway!
I just celebrated my birthday last month 😊
Your trip north sounded wonderful…especially that peach!
Thanks for the giveaway.
I am celebrating that is is finally “spring” here, i wasn’t so sure we were going to get a spring at all this year. It was a very long and snowy winter and still some snow hanging around, but the sun is shining brightly today and for the last several days. I am busy starting some seeds for my vegetable garden! Hope springs eternal!
Hubby just retired and we relocated to our forever home in southwestern VA 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity!
We celebrated our 49th wedding anniversary on Jan. 29. Today we celebrated spring by getting some planting done, It is nice to see bright colored geraniums out front after a dreary winter!!
My youngest son’s 21st birthday this month!!
Just celebrated my granddaughters 9 month celebration. She is a darling and I am loving sewing for her. Thanks for sharing your most wonderful fabric
We will celebrate graduation on Saturday which marks the beginning of summer vacation. More time to read and to sew!
After being cooped up all winter, I am just happy to celebrate Spring!!
I will be celebrating the birth of a new granddaughter when we travel to Italy next month to see her for the first time. What fun and excitement! So enjoying that 100 blocks is coming out again!
I will be celebrating Memorial Day weekend when all 3 of my children, their spouses, and our 4 grandchildren come for a visit at our new home in Florida. It will be great to have everyone together again.
A group of us celebrated with a friend on his 60’th birthday.
I will be celebrating Mother’s Day on Sunday…poolside BBQ with family!
My son’s 11th birthday and Nieces graduation are this week!
I’m celebrating the beautiful May weather, flowers and gentle temps we are having now, after a challenging winter. Some pecans and peaches would be a treat.
My son’s birthday is coming up later in May so we’ll be having a family birthday party for him!
Okay Patti ….how did you get the peaches across the border?????? Enquiring minds want to know. I’m celebrating the completion of last years $10.00 Quilt top, which by the time I get it completed as quilt will be well over $500.00. With a little bit of luck I will be able to celebrate it’s total completion as a quilt and ready to put it in our guild’s next show ….in two years!!! It is too bad that it isn’t a “Snail’s Trail” pattern.
TTFN Betsey
We will soon be celebrating my granddaughter’s sixth birthday. Should be a hoot!
We just celebrated a HUGE family milestone two weeks ago – my grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary – so my mom, aunt and I made a king-sized quilt: Dresden plates with family photos in each centre. We had a big party and brought some pigma pens along so everyone in attendance could sign the quilt! A great memory!!
In addition to Mother’s Day this month where I will spend time with my son and DIL, I will attending a wedding the week after that. I am looking forward to both events.
I will be celebrating my birthday in about a month. I’m always glad to make it one more year!
I have to ask to.. How did you get peaches across the Canadian Border??? Eat a lot at the last stop???? Love the Stonehenge fabrics. There are lots of ways I could use it. MOstly for the next quilt I have to do for a teenage grandson!
What a great trip with your mom. I will be celebrating my daughter’s wedding this month.
I envy your road trip with your mom and I can just smell those peaches. I made a trip to Florida with my mom for her 80th birthday many years ago. It was a great time for us both.
We celebrated my son’s engagement on Saturday! So exciting! Now to plan a quilt for them, thinking about a signature block.
we just celebrated that my daughter & her husband purchased their first home!
We will be celebrating the wedding of the flower girl from our wedding this weekend. Doesn’t seem like she should be old enough to get married already!
We just celebrated the birth of my second grand daughter on March 31st. Then there will be Mother’s Day, birthdays, Father’s day, anniversaries and so on lol. Love everything Stonehenge!
celebrateing my daughters college graduation! thank you!
Hi, Patti. I am celebrating warm weather! And traveling on a quilting bus trip.
Christine from Ontario
I celebrated my mother’s 88th. birthday recently and will be celebrating the birth of a new grandchild next month. Yay!!
My husband got to spend time with our granddaughter that we have not seen since she was about 2 years old.
Celebrating selling my house and building a new one–if I survive it all!
Quality time spent with your mom making new memories and reminiscing about memories past. And so close to mother’s day! Glad you enjoyed yourself and made it home safely and to a spotless house, to boot! We have lots to celebrate this time of year – our anniversary, our daughter’s anniversary, our son’s birthday and son-in-law’s birthday all in the span of 6 days.
Sounds like you had a great time with your mom. I have memories of peaches from my childhood also. Our neighbors grew peaches to sell and we always went over to pick fresh peaches and I remember eating them for breakfast on many summer mornings.
I recently celebrated my 60th birthday AND my 35th wedding anniversary!
I celebrated my son’s birthday and got to see my grandson!
We just celebrated a good friend’s 75th Birthday. Quite a party. She truly deserved it and everyone had a wonderful time.
It sounds like you and your mom had a wonderful trip! I’ll be celebrating Mother’s Day with my mom by going out to breakfast. Thanks for a chance to win.
We will be celebrating my sons birthday in a few days.
We will be celebrating our oldest granddaughters high school graduation AND acceptance into her college of choice. We are so proud!!
My daughter is graduating from college. She definitely needs a quilt for her new apartment.
We are celebrating the college graduation of our youngest daughter this Friday, and then off to a special resort in the Orlando area for a family gathering!
Even though we live far away my baby brother is having his big 4 0 this month, so we have been teasing and laughing about what a huge milestone this will be for not only him, but our mother too!
Celebrating my daughter’s first year of school, who would think that when she was just born 6 years ago?
We will be celebrating my father’s 89th birthday soon!
Celebrating a son’s birthday this week and a husband’s next week.
We are celebrating my grandsons birthday today. He is all of 6 years old.
We had a quiet celebration for my birthday 2 weeks ago.
In my family there is a birthday every month of the year so there is always some celebration.
We will be celebrating my son’s 13th birthday soon. Yikes, a teenager!! 😉 Thanks!!
Our big celebration month is February – but this month we are celebrating PLANTING SEASON!!! (finally!)
Hi Patti! Make sure you check out the blog tomorrow since I submitted a quilt using Northcott that should be featured! We will be celebrating birthdays in June!
Awesome Stonehenge quilt, Karyn!
We will be celebrating my nephews 10th birthday this weekend.
i’ll soon be celebrating 35 years of marriage!
We are in the midst of “birthday season” in my family. It’s even more fun now with a niece and a nephew in the mix.
My husband is a firefighter, and his department just had their annual awards banquet. I was finally able to attend with him this time; a great dinner date! Even better: I got to celebrate, because my husband received an award for Community Service! He wrote and put together a 90-minute multi-media presentation for the drivers’ education students at the high schools located in fire department’s city. He has taught this presentation four times now! In his presentation, he teaches students the laws about driving around public safety vehicles, what to do and how to act (pull over to the right, etc).
I’m so proud of my hubby!
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com
Of course Mother’s Day is fast approaching. More than that, my sister will be here and she hasn’t been home in 16 years! So, it is a double celebration for us. Would love to win so I could make something sensational to celebrate the occasion.
So exciting… this is my favourite magazine!
I am celebrating my “notiversary” this weekend 🙂