Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!

That's what the word of the day was on Wednesday when PTM and I went over to see out friend Cori (of Crazy quilt Girl's online fabric shop). We are fortunate to be her friends IRL!! I can *finally* talk about this, whew, I was burstin'! On our last FNSI, PTM was working on a super cute item for our friend, Cori. We went over to pick up some things we had ordered and I brought my camera to capture the big reveal. (Sorry the first one is a little blurry, but oh so funny!!)

So PTM made Cori apron!!! She also gave her a darling cupcake book.

I love that photo of 2 of my BFF's together!! Rumor has it that Cori has not taken the apron off yet! True?? They are both two of the most wonderful, caring and generous people I have the pleasure of knowing. Love you guys!!

Then PTM and I went to Wed night quilting. I wanted to get a lot more than I actually ended up getting done, but isn't that how it usually goes? Several wanted help and I am happy to help. I did, somehow, manage to get my next block in the LCAL finished. I like this block in the series.

My blocks don't have the high contrast pizzaz some other do but I like how this is turning out and think the finished quilt will be beautiful. I did cut out PTM's block for her too, but she wouldn't let me sew it for her. Too bad too, cuz I was on a roll of matching things up pretty darned well too. Maybe she will let me do it at her house. I did manage to snap a photo to show you though.

I love how her pinwheel just POPS!! I need to work on my next JRQAL block too so I am at the same place with the two of them. I am hoping to get some quality sewing time in this weekend. I hate not being able to share with you guys but I can't share this one, not even a peek until I get the OK. Just know that it will be amazing and well worth the wait, ok?

I may just have to go over to PTM's this weekend to help her photograph her tutorial that she is planning on putting up at Stash Manicure! Oh, I guess that means I need to work on mine too as I will be back there in February too!! Anyone know how to get more hours in a day? Anyone??

I just have to share this with you all though. On Thursday morning when I was on the U of Mich. campus driving to work, as I was winding down a hill, there was a whole herd of deer. Not one or two but 18 does!! The campus is in the city. Crazy but kind of cool, huh?

I went to the gym last night, came home, ate, cleaned up the kitchen, threw in laundry and proceeded to make a pumpkin cheesecake for a birthday present for my friend, Karen today. I finally figured out a way to keep it from cracking. I put 2 bread pans, filled with water,into the oven as the oven was heating up and then continued to bake it leaving those in the oven. It seemed to work. This one was beautiful! She loved it!! She is ready to have a baby any day now too!!!

While that was baking I made chicken pot pie to bring to DD2's place for dinner tonight. I'll just bake it there. Washed up the dishes, cleaned the kitchen again, fed the animals, put the clothes in the dryer and dropped into bed!!! I m looking forward to seeing DD2 tonight. I hope you all have fun, productive weekends, whatever you are doing!! XOP