Reading and Quilting

I'm reading this book in order to find help for all my health issues. They seem to point to the thyroid. The author's website is here. In chapter two "Are You at Risk for Hypothroidism" under the section "Risk Factors for Hypothyroidism" it lists Supplement and Iodine as a risk factor. It says, "Certain supplements also increase the risk of thyroid disease. If you are taking too much iodine or iodine-containing herbs such as kelp, bladderwack, or bugleweed, then you may be creating an increased risk for hypothroidism. Note, too, that many multivitamins, glandular support formulas, and combination products contain these supplements as well." I've been taking iodine and a glandular supplement for quite a while, so I'm wondering if I've unknowingly contributed to the problem. I hope there's more explanation to come.

I've also been putting together quilts. Here's the Christmas one. I found the main panel in Omaha for 50% off. When I got home I bought a little of the others to make the striped border. The collection is Merry & Bright by Sandy Gervais for Moda. It's a fun line.

This second one is doll-sized made from stash. I love this collection Celebrate Spring by Sandy Gervais.

And since we're in great need of good news...I received an email from my favorite fabric store saying I'd spent $500 so now I'm entitled to a $50 gift card! I really don't think I've spent that much, but maybe. Anyway, I'm very happy.

And since I need a book escape I'm just starting this twaddle (no insult intended).

Puzzle and Pond

This one was missing a piece and had two extra from a different puzzle. (It was an ebay purchase.) The two extra happen to go with one of the other puzzles I bought from the same seller. Maybe I'll find the lost piece in one of the other boxes.

This is what our pond looked like this morning.

It was a long night of wind and our bedroom seems to be the loudest place in the house.

U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child

Senator Boxer Asks State Department to Expedite the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child
February 9, 2009
After Ambassador Susan Rice’s inability to make an “iron-clad commitment” for immediate ratification, Boxer will ask Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for U.S. support of the UNCRC.

The U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which opponents say could destroy American sovereignty by imposing international rulings on American law, could reach the Senate within 60 days. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) says she wants a 60-day timeframe for the State Department to complete its review so the Senate can move toward ratification of the UNCRC. During the Senate Confirmation hearing between Boxer and UN Ambassador-designate Susan Rice held on January 15, 2009, Boxer told Rice the UNCRC would protect “the most vulnerable people of society.”

Opponents vehemently disagree. Under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI) of the U.S. Constitution, ratified treaties preempt state law. Since virtually all laws in the U.S. regarding children are state laws, this treaty would negate nearly 100% of existing American family law. Moreover, it would grant the government authority to override parental decisions by applying even to good parents a standard now only used against those convicted of abuse or neglect.

In the hearing, Rice promised to review the treaty but noted “challenges of domestic implementation.” Rice also resisted a strict timeframe: “I don’t have a sense of how long it will take us, in light of the many different things on our plate,” she said.

Calling it a “complicated treaty,” Rice expressed her commitment to the treaty’s objectives, but when Rice concluded that she could not meet the Senator’s strict timeframe, Boxer said they would take it up with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Say no to the stimulus

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=88178

This week

In spite of being sick all week, I've managed to get some things done. I got all my errands done (except I forgot to go to Walmart), got laundry done, cleaned a little (never too much), made this quilt top, finished another puzzle and....I knitted 3 whole rows on a dishcloth that was in progress. They were decrease rows, but still, there's hope.

This is the finished top. I have to say that I like the one I saw in the store better. They used the blue option of the fabric choice while I used the red. The blues blend better together. However, I do like this one and I happy to have this much of it finished. I'm going to attempt to machine quilt it. Since I've never done that before I'm a little nervous about it. It's about 55"x40". I used this book as a guide.

Aren't they cute!

The latest puzzle.

The trip

Here are a few pictures from the zoo.

Amy took this one.

We did enjoy our time with my family and Amy's birth family. We probably spent a little too much time watching HGTV and TLC, but it was relaxing.

My parents & I went to the new quilting museum in Lincoln. We weren't allowed to take pictures in the galleries, but here's one of the doll quilts made from yo-yos.

After our museum visit we went to Ashland to the Willow Point Gallery. Gene Roncka is one of my favorite artists, so when I can I like to go to his gallery. This time I met his wife who was very helpful. I came home with two of his works. One is the last one on the right at this link. It was already framed and 30% off! It's framed size is about 8x10. The other one I bought is Grandpa's Place. I didn't see it on their website and I didn't find it online anywhere, so until I take a picture of mine you won't be able to see it.

That day dh & Amy went shopping with her Old Navy gift card. She found some great deals!! They also went to the zoo's IMAX and the Family Fun Center.

We also got to play a 70's version of Family Feud. My sister's dh bought the board game on ebay for Christmas. That was fun.

On our way home we stopped in Michigan City, IN at the Hannah Andersson outlet. They had three racks of women's clothes for $5. We found several things there. We love a bargain!

Our weather was good the entire trip. But while we were gone it snowed around 12" here. I felt sorry for the people watching the dog. They had to shovel their way to the door and a place for Sadie to take care of business. When we pulled into the drive way we got stuck. The van would not go anywhere. I'm thankful that was the extent of our weather issues.

Now I'm glad to be home, sleeping in my own bed.

I'm back

We're home from visiting family. I've been off line for 7 days! I did get on very briefly two times, but that's it.

More blogging later. :)