Tuesday, July 01, 2008

I did it… My goal was to get caught up on my Block of the month projects by June 30th and I did it. I even had a few hours to spare. My house sampler has 6 months together now--- The neighborhood is growing.
I love every thing about it-- The fabrics, their colors and the ease at which this piece goes together.

Summer is in full swing now. Here is an early morning photo of a perennial in my garden.

The flowers close up every night and reopen during the day. I just love the yellow.

I didn’t share it at first because I was too upset. Then it got to the point where in the grand scheme of things it really didn’t matter. But now I can talk about it. We’re going to say someone borrowed my bike and forgot to return it. Don refuses to let me throw a tantrum and scream someone stole my bicycle. So we are going to hang onto the premise that it was borrowed. I was crushed. It had been a birthday gift and while it wasn’t the most expensive bike on the market, it wasn't the cheapest either. For a couple weeks after the discovery I road Chelsey’s bike and decided I’d mourn for a year and possibly replace the vehicle in 2009. After all, we can only ride about 4 months a year. Well, Don came home from the store one day---“I found something you need…” We went and looked….he said---“Mel, it looks just like you…” I was in love. It was a boy’s bike, less than $100 bucks and it came home with me. The borrowers did not need my basket so after a red spray painting it has been attached to it’s new home. Now having over 100 miles across the wheels—I’m sharing a photo…My New Bike….


Chelsey has now described me as a “Cute Dork…” She’s probably correct, but man--- it’s a great bike…One speed, pedal brakes, and a basket…..

26 comments:

Stina Blomgren said...

Love the bike!! I can see you biking down the hills with the wind blowing in your hair!! *S*
6 months...catch up...
congratulations...and the quilt is gorgeous...oh...I really need to start that one too..
Well done!

Judy said...

Very cool bike! The BOM is going so well! Love the houses!

Unknown said...

Love the quilt, congrats on catching up, and that bike, what a beauty. A good way to look at it is, that perhaps they needed it more than you. Although at the time it's rather difficult to think like that.

Carol said...

Mel your "neighborhood" is just wonderful...how fantastic to have 6 months caught up...YIPPEE! Love your new bike...it is just perfect!

Anonymous said...

Oh I love the houses! They are beautiful and congratulations on catching up on the BOM. Your beautiful red bike will serve you well :o)

Anonymous said...

Oops and I forgot... I love yellow primrose! They are a hardy returner every year. :o)

Sara said...

Such a cute new bike! I know having something taken that way can make you feel very violated, but good for you for trying to have a good attitude about the situation! Love your quilts and stories about your family.

Anonymous said...

Such a pretty quilt and flowers too. Cool bike...wish you were in my neighborhood so we could ride together. I got a new one last summer...still looking for a basket that will fit.

Karen said...

Love the house quilt! And your red bike. You are brave. I'd be crippled after 1/4 mile on it.

Libby said...

Great job - all your goals met with time to spare . . . and they look darling, too *s*
Looks like you came out smelling like a rose with the new bike - very you and not dorky at all!

Saar said...

I Love it. I still have my bike that I got for my birthday 41 years ago. Then my very dutch father put blocks on the pedals so I could reach them. My family want me to get a new bike so I don't look like a dorky 51 year old. But I refuse, my bike has a basket on the front and the dog (Bichon) fits in just nicely. I don't care if they don't want to ride with me......... The dog does......
Cheers
Sarah
PS Think I might get mine repainted - Hot red- like yours!!!!

Tazzie said...

Well done getting caught up on your quilt, I love it. And the bike is adorable, it's really you.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Leanne said...

I bet that bike goes really fast just because it's RED.
Love your quilt.

Finn said...

The quilt is looking beautiful Mel, just as I knew it would. Love your flowers, evening primrose maybe?? If so, they multiply with abandonment!
And my 3 cheers for the new bike. I'm sure it seemed like a negative at the time, but when the Universe has something to give us, it requires "opening" up a space for it to come into *VBS*
I'd say you're very 'retro' 50's. Now roll up your bluejean legs to look like modern day capri pants and pedal happily, you lucky girl!
Big hugs, Finn

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Love the bike...just what yoiu want....simplicity! Hope you cover a lot of ground with it.

Love the house blocks..well done for reaching your goal.

The Stricklands said...

That is the cutest bike ever! I might like riding bikes if I had a wonderful red bike with a basket on the front. I also love your quilt! I have so many BOM that I have purchased and never even started :( I really, really shouldn't even think about buying any more, but.......

Have a wonderful day on your wonderful new bike!

McIrish Annie said...

YOur bike reminds me of my first bike which was blue and had the balloon tires. I think it's grand! here's to many many miles with this red rover!!

Judith said...

Your BOM is looking great.

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

Fabulous bike! Makes the muted green one I got for Christmas look very staid!!
I could nearly live in that "neighborhood" quilt! Lovely, Tracey

tincanlily said...

What kind of pleasure could someone get out of riding a "borrowed" bike? Sad. You semed to have handled it very well though. Your knew bike looks great. Love the basket!
Love the houses!
denise

Claudia said...

I love your bike. It reminds me of my youth - How fun! Your quilts are beautiful!

Juliann in WA said...

What a fun bike! And you neighbood stitching is beautiful. Sounds like a good summer for you.
Enjoy

Journeying said...

Great bike!
And your neighborhood has Mr. Rogers's song going through my head - about a beautiful day in the neighborhood . . .

Paula said...

Love the house sampler, and the bike!

Evelyn aka Starfishy said...

Congrats on your new bike - it looks really spiffy! I love the basket on my bike - when my sister rides it she puts her little Shitzu in there, LOL! Your neighborhood is looking great - always a good feeling to be caught up!
Cheers!
Evelyn

Texan said...

I love your new bike!! How fun!!!