Knitter to the left of me, Quilter to the right!

You are not going to believe this but my new friend Ruthie, who lives on the same road I do is a knitter. She is very good. I go with her on Tuesdays and Saturdays to a group of women who are wonderful knitters. The first night I went with her we met the others at a coffee shop. There were seven of us and it was great. Each of us is at a different skill level and Ruthie goes around helping each of us when we need it. They are a friendly group and love living on the mountain. I haven't been to the quilter's group yet but I am sure they are going to be fun as well.

On a not so happy note, Jay and I have had a blow dealt to us regarding our new home. We hired a chimney sweep to clean the chimney, only to be told that we cannot use the fireplace or the woodstove. The fireplace sold us the house and is absolutely beautiful but right now we are feeling angry and not terribly excited to be hear. Considering the fact that we were depending on wood heat to keep us warm. We will be taking steps to correct the situation but the whole ordeal has made it difficult to get motivated. On a happy note, our neighbors are wonderful and very supportive. They have kept our spirits up and have more than welcomed us to the mountain.

CATCHING UP AFTER 10 DAYS

Wow!!!! Time is going by way to quickly. I am in my studio that still isn't painted. I am grateful though and I want to take a minute to express how much hope I have for all of us in these trying times. Like many of us, my money is very limited so I am going to use whatever I currently have. And, like many new homeowners, we had a couple of surprises that have us scrambling for extra money in the budget (that isn't there). It will all level out in time. But I am not only grateful for whatever I have but am also grateful for all of my family and friends who have believed in me and continue to believe in me. The joy of moving to a new home is the ability to make new friends. So far every neighbor on our road has stopped by to say hello and I found out that a new quilt shop is opening in about a month. I met the owner and she has asked me to teach classes there. It is a beautiful old NY house that has been in her home for years and she is restoring it. I also met some other sewers and knitters, some of which I will be joining this evening in one of their homes. I hope someone out there is reading this. I plan to take you with me each and every time I go.

THE SERGER SURVIVED!!!!

It has been over a year since I have seen my serger because it has been packed away. Right now I am looking at it in disbelief because it is finally out. All of my sewing machines are finally out. I decided that I am going to make the right half of my studio the sewing room and the left half my knitting room and video education room. Despite the excitement, it has been hard on us emotionally. Lots of money going out and very little coming in. It will change and we are definitely counting our blessings. Jay and I have much to be grateful for and it never goes unnoticed. I can say that throughout it all I have missed my sons the most. Where ever you both are, know that the day never closes where I don't think of you. Speaking of which, I have grandchildren I need to make Christmas presents for so I had better get going.

THE MACHINES HAVE LANDED

It is hard to believe but it is true (pinch me and tell me I am not dreaming). We are finally in our new home and loving it. The studio is going to be up and running today (after we stack some wood). The rest of the house is beginning to take shape. Thank you to our family and friends who gave up their time to help us. Without them we would have been SEW in trouble. Once it is up and going I will take pictures and post them here.