Gotta Complain About Something!

 

Antique Baby Blocks

 I've made a geometric Baby Blocks by machine, using a 'cheaters' method. (Use the same fabric, more than one seam, and it blends into one diamond.) It wasn't simple, even then. (This method is easier.) The pattern, though a classic, is not for a beginner...unless you're willing to stumble a bit, and learn as you go. 

Now this 19th century photo shows up on Ebay, most probably done by hand. The maker must have pieced this quilt for years! 

No wonder she's so proud of it.

Go here for more.

The photo's pricey...but amazing.

Monday Stuff on the Way to Other Stuff: June Bugs

     The flies are out...and the moths. They've had a great time flying around our faces. Maybe it's the heat that's brought them out. At any rate, Tiger enjoys snapping at them...the other dogs pay no attention. Our dear Buck, our Weimaraner, used to really go for moths and spiders -- maybe they were "spicy" to him. 

     Still plugging away at various tasks. The lights for the back steps have arrived, and the Brick is busy hanging them up. 

Meanwhile:

A postage increase is on your doorstep! The dears at the U.S. Post Office are planning on a nearly 5% increase for first class, as of July 12 or 13. They already snuck in nearly 9% increase on priority mail back in April, arguing that production and transportation costs had gone up. Well sure, but...we don't get a discount for driving there, or our time spent mailing things. (I know -- picky, picky, picky.)

     The moral: buy your Forever stamps NOW, and save in the future.

How an unusual marketer turned 'ridiculous ventures' into moneymakers. Another lesson in not following (or necessarily believing) the crowd.

An Alice in Wonderland mural is back on display -- a WPA wonder from the Depression era.

People who think they experienced a time warp.

George Washington's "small beer" -- now you can get it (or a version of it) for the Fourth.

A day in the life of a Colorado campground host.

Ten 'hidden' architectural and other gems to see in New York City.

"The Bag Lady of Castle Rock" -- a very odd person that hangs around my old neighborhood. She has her own Youtube page -- not that she appreciates it, I'd guess, because it messes up her scamming abilities. But hey...

A rather funny anniversary of Home Free - and sea shanties!

Butter chicken -- yum. This India dish is a favorite of The Frugal Girl.

Dozens of historical treasures worth admiring. Including, of all things, Greek octopus coins.

The best hot dogs on the market... according to this reviewer, anyway.

What does the Trump family-- especially the President -- love to eat?

Yellowstone Park's "lake music."   No one knows for certain what it is -- and how it's caused.

Queen Elisenda lives!  Well, sort of...

Have a good week. And if you say something -- mean it. 

Another (Weird) Reason to be Afraid...

 ...of your printer. Trust me, ours does some pretty strange things sometimes.

Maybe they talk to each other. (I hope not.)

Flawless

 Thank God.

I'm here...but trying to finish up a few deadlines. This is one of my very favorite videos - it reminds you of the wretch you are without God's cleansing power. I'm so grateful for that transformation!

Enjoy.

It's Happened Again!

 In 1973, the Who were performing at California's Cow Palace. Keith Moon seemed a little 'off' -- but hey, that happens when you mix horse tranquilizers with whiskey before the concert. He slumped over his drums and eventually had to be dragged offstage

     And that's where 19-year-old Scott Halpin stepped in.

     'Can anybody play the drums?' Pete Townsend asked the crowd. Halpin volunteered -- and played the last three songs of the concert. Did a good job, too.

     Wow.

(Here's Moon, when he was (sort of) coherent -- an amazing version of Pinball Wizard.)

Sometimes you're in the right place at the right time. And that happened again recently. The symphony was playing in Sydney, Australia, along to the movie La La Land. Everything seemed normal -- until the conductor stepped out during intermission. 'The pianist is ill. Can anyone sightread -- and play piano?'

    And 21-year-old Sterling Nasa could -- and did.

     Also Wow.

Sightreading - i.e., playing music when you first saw it moments ago -- is not easy. Playing with a symphony is even more difficult -- especially when you have a solo or two.  

Gutsy to volunteer -- incredible to actually accomplish it.

    Nasa is actually an international studies student at the University of Sydney, but plays piano, organ - and the bagpipes. Hmmm... what if a Scottish movie performance needs a helping hand? 

    "Not bad for a Saturday night," added Nasa.

Nay Neigh...