HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here in Philadelphia we celebrate the New Year with an age old
tradition -The Mummers Parade. This parade is over 100 years old. It goes on no matter how cold it is here. There have
been a few years it was postponed due to rain or high winds but normally it's a go on New Years day.

In it's inception men were the only participants. Individual clubs would come up with a theme, design their costumes, choreograph the routines, play the music and put on the most spectacular performances. These clubs are family rights of passage. Most clubs are made up of great grand fathers down to newborns just a few days old. They practice all year long just to march down Broad Street and do the Mummers Strut!

After the parade is over the real celebration begins. Many of the
South Philly residents who have participated in the merriment
proceed to 2nd Street and have a party of their own.


Whatever you do to ring in the New Year enjoy, be safe and remember, Don't Drink and Drive.

Create Memories that last forever!

This Holiday season if you have small children you don't really know what will be the one thing of their childhood that will be the most memorable. Of all the gifts I received growing up, I only remember two things my barbie collection and my grandmothers silver trees each year. The tree is the one thing I always think of around Christmas. Back in the 70's this was the rage and if you had the color wheel to make it change colors you had something special.

No matter what you think is the hottest gift or the thing you spend the most money on, your children will probably remember one thing when they are grown.

Wishing everyone a Merry, Blessed, Happy, Safe Christmans.

This is not my actual family tree, it was found on the internet - I don't know what that brown thing in the lower right corner is.

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

It's my birthday!

I'm 47 - WOW! So close to 50.

I look forward to my birthday every year. I enjoy getting singing birthday greetings by phone from family and friends, some of whom I haven't heard from in a year, but they always remember my birthday.

We have a standing family tradition. The entire family gathers for dinner and cake and the meal is picked by the person who's birthday it is. I am allowing my husband to choose the meal, he says he wants it to be special this year.

It's happend again.

The City of Philadelphia has lost another Police Officer. Yesterday we buried the fifth Police Officer in just over a year. As we enter the holiday season, please keep in mind that Police really are there to protect and serve the public.

At least two of these Officers were killed by drunk drivers. They have families that need them as much as you need yours.

Remind your friends and family to drink responsibly and enjoy your Holiday.

To the families of the fallen officers I send them my prayers.

The size of the box!

I went to the mall yesterday to do a little shopping and decided to buy my youngest son and my grandson a pair of sneakers.  When I got home and unpacked the bags this sight struck me as funny. 

 I know my son is a big guy and my grandson is still little and snugly but wow what a difference 14 years makes. 

Enjoy your holiday shopping.

Today started off great. My whole family voted before 8:00am. Last night we planned who would pick up Mom, what time everyone had to be at work today and who would make the coffee. My husband and I, my sister and her husband, their son, my son, my brothers and Mom were split between two polling places but we all made it and VOTED.

Hope you have as much fun as we did, we made it a family event and enjoyed every minute.

The Philadelphia Phillies are the World Champs!

The City of Philadelphia is in a state of major celebration after last nights World Series Win!
Although I am not a serious baseball fan, I have to say anything that can make grown men act like this I am all for it. The Mayor has planned a parade for tomorrow down Broad street and it is expected to be fantastic.

THE GREAT BUTTON HUNT!

Do you have a stash of buttons?  On a recent visit to Mom's, I had my latest issue of Threads Magazine with me and she saw the cover with all the buttons and brought up a favorite family quest we had when I was a child.  The Great Button Hunt.  She had an old tin can (the kind you get 2lbs of cookies in) filled with an assortment of buttons old and new.  When she needed buttons for something she was making, she would get out the can and pick one button and my sister and I would have to hunt through the can to find the rest for her project.  She later told me she got her love of buttons from her mother.  They would visit thrift stores and grandmom would buy old blouses take them home and remove the buttons and put them in her stash.  What a great idea!  Although my button can is not nearly as large as Mom's, I think I might make a few visits to the local thrifts to see what button treasures I can find. 

Hard to imagine

Lately I've been having headache's which are rare for me. Sewing was difficult, reading was pushed aside and I just didn't feel like myself. After two or three days of this I had to see the doctor. Come to find out I need glasses! This was the family joke for a few days, but I feel much better. My son is in full swing at his new High School. The principal met him at the front door and practically dragged him to the gym to sign up for the football team. He was reluctant at first but gave in after a few days of prodding. Although basketball is his first love he is coming around to this football thing. I'll post photos of their first game on Saturday.

Finding Peace

When I find my focus and keep my balance - I find that all is right in my world.

 Summer is winding down quickly.  All of our travels are done and it's soon time to get back to basics.   My youngest son starts high school in less than two weeks.  He is excited and I think I am too.  As many bloggers have said their sewing mojo is not working, neither is mine.  I have been following many of you and your work is beautiful.  I have a few projects planned and picked out two winter coats.  Although I haven't been a member long enough on PR to join the Great Coat Sew Along, I will still post photos of my coats when they are done.  I have a few projects to finish for my sons and DH before I can get on with my own work.  

Sew On!  

Almost up and running!

Since I've started this blog, my old PC became very ill (smile), therefore a new MAC was born into the family.   I'm still getting used to it's features and haven't had much time to sew or set up my page.  Hopefully it will be done soon.

Under construction

I'm new to this site and my blog is currently under construction.