Sewing lessons

I am going to teach a young lady how to sew, at least I hope I will be able to teach. I have never really done this before. Her grandma talked to me about teaching her this summer, and we are attending her first communion, so my gift will be the fabric, pattern and notions, along with my time, to teach her how to make a simple pair of pajamas. I think it will be fun!



I also had a coupon for 40% off fabric that is NOT on sale, so I always check out what is available. Since I am always thinking ahead, I found this really really cute flannel for my little girls for their jammies for next fall. I already have some John Deere fabric in pink plaid, but two pair is reasonable when it comes to jammies, I just couldn't resist.




I love my little grandbabies, and feel particularly blessed to be able to sew for them. It makes me feel far more connected, especially when I think of them wearing my hugs (in the form of a cowboy shirt, sun dress, jammies or whatever) when I am far away. How can love just keep growing and growing? I got a surprise phone call last night and was able to have a conversation with the older two and a "conversation" with the two year old. What a riot. She just went on and on with her little story. In talking to the oldest, a very imaginative, creative little five year old, he was asking when I was bringing his costume and asked if I would make him a Robin Hood costume. What a great idea. He is exploring being Davy Crockett at the moment. I found a pattern for Robin Hood and will look at it and decide how that will come together in the fall. I already have a fair selection of fabrics and patterns for next winter for most of them. I still don't sew much for the baby, but I am sure there are hand me downs and such for now. I am sure it won't be long before he is wearing my cowboy shirts and jammies.

Coming soon!

April Garden, Vol. II

The bluebonnets are fading, but they are making sure with their seed pods that next year will bring more. Isn't nature amazing?


Our clamatis is starting to bloom.

I have no idea what these are, but they sure make me smile! Like a bunch of little slender dancers, happy to be alive. Reaching for the sky. Even looking like hands in prayer.

The bulb that Lowell gave us came into full bloom today.

Our butterfly plants in pink have come in.

My Downtown

This is our building in the past. The Kirby Lumber Company.


This is our building now. The Kirby Lofts.


This is the view out our window on the ninth floor. The building of the Hines Building. LEED Certified.


Our beautiful City Hall. What a treasure.


From the outside looking in.


From the inside looking out.

April Garden

An older couple in my bible study always brought plants for those in the study to bring home around Easter. This one, we have had for several years and it bloomed yesterday. It is lovely to have something that reminds me of such special people. They can no longer make it to bible study, as they are well into their eighties and recently lost use of their car. It was an old Oldsmobile and it just died one day. No more cars for them. They get rides, so still make it to church, it is always a delight to see them and say hello.



Our garden is full of these, happy little flowers.

Some weekend sewing

I did some sewing this past weekend between company and such. I was feeling like I really wanted to sew and when that happens, the only thing to do is sew, I gotta tell ya. The fabric was recently purchased, in fact just last week. I was looking for a fabric to go with a pink, red and blue stripe for the babies, which I found, and then we ran across a nice retro looking fabric. It called out "hippie" and we are the neighborhood "hippies" as of this year's "Timmy Awards", but that is a whole other story.

Anyway, the dress isn't exactly like those of the 70's, but there are lots of things to consider when making a dress. I feel like I am still learning. My biggest challenge continues to be my shape, an exaggerated pear shape (two sizes bigger on my lower half than my upper half), so all patterns must be altered and I still find that to be a challenge. I have a book that helps, even having a special section on "high hip" which is another aspect of my shape. So I figure, the more I sew, the better I'll get and then I will have plenty of little summer dresses, which I prefer to pants of any type. I have found several patterns that flatter my figure, but after you have made four dresses with the same pattern, you want to try something new. This is a new pattern for me (Simplicity 3557) and I managed to get the shape right for me, and have it prepared out of muslin. I actually really like the pattern and will more than likely turn my black with red polka dot into a dress using this pattern. There is a trim detail that you can use for contrasting fabric, that will be fun to work on.


I am extremely aware that my taste is clothes is very unique to me. I am also extremely aware that I can be self conscious about the clothes I chose to wear at times. I imagine people whispering behind my back because I don't fit into what is seen on 95% of folks. Why is that? I like what I like and don't look at fashion magazines to fit into the days fashion, I enjoy them for the inspiration, the details, and I am always excited when I see women's dresses with COLOR! I like color. I also like dresses and skirts and tops. I rarely wear pants.


This dress lent itself well to some buttons my mom gave me when she began to struggle with her sewing due to loss of eye sight. She was generous with her leftovers, of which she had much. There were so many buttons. These buttons echoed the small floral pattern on the fabric design. I like them. I have four down the front and one on each sleeve detail.

A reaction to a news story on NBC

Dear smart enthusiasts,

Many of you may have become aware of a recent crash test study performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). You may have even seen some of the crash videos on the news. We’d like to take this opportunity to share with you some additional information about the tests and to clarify any questions you might have regarding the performance of the smart fortwo’s safety management system.

The overall purpose of the IIHS test was to demonstrate that small cars do not perform as well as big cars in high impact crashes. Therefore, the IIHS crashed three small cars – a Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, and smart fortwo – into three larger cars – a Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Mercedes-Benz C-Class – respectively. In its press release announcing the results of the test, the IIHS stated that all three smaller cars performed poorly in this particular test, despite the fact that all three cars had received “Good” ratings from the IIHS in previous standard tests.

The IIHS’ non-standard test is rare and extreme and unlikely to occur in real world crashes. In fact, federal safety regulators do not require this type of testing because the likelihood of an accident within these test parameters is so rare: fewer than 1% of all accidents can compare to this type of crash.


>> The smart fortwo is safe.

The most important thing to note is that the smart fortwo meets or exceeds all federal government crash test standards, including a 5-star side crash rating. It also received the highest scores for front and side crashes from the IIHS.* The reason for these excellent results is the incredible safety management system of the smart fortwo. The vehicle is equipped with advanced crash avoidance (active safety) and crash protection (passive safety) systems that come as standard on all models.

The most notable of the active safety systems is electronic stability program (esp®). According to the IIHS, cars equipped with esp are 20% less likely to be in a fatal accident with another vehicle and 51% less likely to be in a fatal single-vehicle accident.** Additionally, the smart fortwo is the only vehicle in its price range to offer esp as standard equipment.***

In the event of a crash, the safety management system of this amazing vehicle will work hard to protect the occupants. The passive safety system, featuring four airbags and a collapsible steering column, is highlighted by the tridion safety cell – a steel safety cage reinforced with high-strength steel similar to a NASCAR roll cage.

smart has a proven, real-world track record with over a million cars on the road in 37 countries over the past 10 years. More than 30,000 smart fortwos have been sold here in just over one year of being on sale in the United States.

To learn more about the incredible safety management system of the smart fortwo, visit www.smartusa.com.


>> www.safeandsmart.com

At smart USA, we have received emails, letters and phone calls from owners who have shared stories with us about how their smart fortwo protected them and, in some cases, helped to save their lives.

smart USA has also recently launched a new website called www.safeandsmart.com. On this website, smart owners and drivers from across the country can share their own real-life safety stories, read about how the smart has protected others and learn more about the smart’s safety features.

We encourage you to visit www.safeandsmart.com today and share your safety story, whether it be about how the smart fortwo protected you in an accident, or helped you avoid one.


>> smart is changing the landscape of American highways.

As smart owners, reservation holders and enthusiasts, you know that we as a society are trending towards smaller cars. People are choosing the smart fortwo for many reasons: environmental consciousness, fuel efficiency, urban mobility and economic value. All in all, less consumption, more conservation in a package that is both safe and fun. That’s what smart is all about.

We trust this information has helped you to better understand the IIHS’ recent test, and assured you of the safety technologies that make the smart fortwo one of the safest small cars today. Should you have any additional questions about the test or the smart fortwo’s safety management system, please call smart USA’s Customer Care Center, at 1.800.smart.USA (762.7887) or visit www.smartusa.com.

Thank you for your continued support of the smart brand.

Kind regards,

The smart USA Team

Lissie's first birthday

Yeah, Lissie is my Smart Car.

When I'm not sewing . . . .

Checking out the park.


On our way to our seats we have a Smart Car sighting.


Everybody's excited about opening day, even the ushers (especially this one).


The snack man cometh.


NOT my idea of a snack.


Our view from the outfield upper deck.


The son-in-law, daughters and hubby all together enjoying opening day.


We got a fly over by the Apache helicopters, very cool.



The beautiful clouds and buildings of H-town.



Hunter Pence is very serious about warming up and stretching before the game. Looks like he's the only one.


Lyle Lovett sings to us. Then it's "play ball". The CUBS win the opener, bummer.


We returned the second night to strike revenge and WIN!


Whats this???? In reality a CUBS FAN??? Look ashamed!