Today we are NOT talking about being sick

even though we still are sick :0(

But, on to other things . . . . . . I haven't seen my son in 2 days. It's weird. He's gone to school when I get up, and I went to bed early Wednesday - like, right after I got home from work early! So he wasn't home from school yet. Then the next day he's gone to school before I get up, and there was a thing after school, then he had to work in the auditorium that evening for a concert. I heard his truck rumble in about 9:45pm or so. Then today, again, he's gone when I get up. Strange thing is, I have Bunco tonight, I'll leave about 6:15pm or so. . . .and if he's not home yet . . . .my goodness, I may not recognize him the next time I see him, LOL

The most exciting thing that happened since last we blogged - is the quilt show!! I got to be in the judging room and wow, it was a full two days of learning. The two quilt judges (one of whom looked JUST LIKE HER PICTURE IN THE ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE QUILTY MAGAZINES!!) poured over each quilt. First we read the quilt's name and entry number. Then we held it up so they could see a full-on view. Well, actually, backing up, the quilts in one catagory were all on a table, piled one on top of each other with the largest quilts on the bottom. Then they are folded in half, over each other. So the really first thing is two helpers stand on either side of the table and "open" them back out - kind of fanning them for the judges to see the whole group. Well, it's just impossible to explain without my hands or you having been there - but that's how it starts.

So then after we hold it up, we put it back on the talbe and the fun starts. The judges move in, as if drawn by magnets! They are touching and looking close and talking to each other the whole time. "Ooh, look at these little pieces" "Oh, did you see the points are cut off on the stars" "The quilting stitches look good, how bout on the back" "Oh this binding was handled exceptionally well" and on they go. Questions and answers, observations. Then they will make their "Comments" for the critique sheet. One judge is the "Speaker" for them for each table full of quilts. Then they swap for the next table. Some things they obsessed over surprised me, and some things they didn't look at much suprised me too. I had always heard that on your binding, you want lots of tiny invisible stitches, like 10 to 15 an inch! They never looked much at the stitches there. Just felt ALL the way around the binding to see that it was full and even, and they did look to see that the corners were mitered and perfect 90 degrees. There were only a couple that weren't full bindings, and on the first one the judge actually said she was shocked by it! They hardly ever run across it because most entering shows know it's a biggie they'll look for.

All in all it was tiring , but really fun too. And to hear what they said, and what they looked for, makes me encouraged about entering a quilt next year. Plus, I was a hard worker and volunteered for next year, so that means I can put my poker face on and watch them go over my quilt with their fine toothed combs!

On the other hobby front, the chickens, we have our 10 chicks for spring in a brooder in the living room. They are not quite 2 weeks old. One is quite curious and if he turns out to be a rooster he'll get the name "Curious George" for sure. He'll likely be the first to escape the brooder box by trying to fly over the sides! We also rehomed two of our bigger girls. One was a chick we swapped for last August and had started laying, the other was one of Carly's cast-offs we'd brougth back to good health and laying too. Friends needed more layers and we needed space to keep a couple of these chicks so it was a win-win all around. So a no-name girl and Matilda have gone to a nice family nearby.

Actual quilting hasn't been happening. The next customer quilt is loaded, and has been for at least a week, maybe more. But . . . . .just not started yet. Need to though. It will be custom work and good $$, so maybe my mojo will hit this weekend. So far, not sure if it's the weather or taking away one of the depression meds (or not being 100% healthy) but I could really truly stay in bed all day, every day. Come on warm spring weather and bright sunshine, where are ya?