Dave's Run - Run to Remember

On Saturday, June 9, we honored the memory of our fallen hero, Captain John David Hortman. I have written about David in a previous post, 

http://pam-thebestlaidplans.blogspot.com/2012/05/blog-post.html.

David was involved, first in high school and then throughout his college and post-college years, with Boys State. In honor of David, Palmetto Boys State, the SC branch, organized the first annual Dave's Run. The run could not have turned out better. It was well-organized, the weather was perfect, the course a good one and most of all, David's memory was truly honored.

Following the race, Stan, our friends, Michael and Adonia, and I provided lunch for David's family and his fellow brothers who traveled to be with us. In preparation for lunch, I made the wreath on the door out of netting cut in to two inch strips, wrapped them around a foam wreath and tied the strips in to knots.

I dyed rice with vinegar and food coloring using the tutorial found http://www.thingsforboys.com/2012/03/rainbow-rice.html. My friends, Adonia and Janice, helped load the Mason jars with the colored rice. We used pint size jars with a candle in the top and placed on each side of a quart jar. The quart jar was layered with rice and we added 4 flags for the center piece on each table. We set up 4 canopies with table and chairs for an outdoor lunch.

David's mom had given Stan David's motorcycle as a thank you for all my husband did for her and the family. Boys State requested he lead the run on the motorcycle. Once Stan made it around the course with the lead runner, he jumped off the bike and stripped down to his running clothes underneath and ran the course.

My daughter,Hanna, husband, Stan, David's friend, Shane, Cody, my son and his girlfriend, Kristin, following the race. They are all hot and sweaty but so glad to have been part of this tribute.

David's friends and Stan following the race.

David's family with Stan. His mom, Brenda, sister, Jill, and niece, Kenna.

Stan with Doug, one of Boys State staff and a force behind the race. Doug has become a dear friend to us over the last 9 months. He and David met when David was in high school and Doug was starting his role as staff.

Lunch time.

Boys State had a ceremony to open their week on Sunday evening. Part of that ceremony was a tribute to David and a revealing of a memorial flag that is being flown all week.

If you are interested in learning more about the Boys State,

http://palmettoboysstate.com/.http://palmettoboysstate.com/

Sharing:
http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/06/whatever-goes-wednesday-121.html
http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/06/wow-me-wednesday-55.html
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/06/wow-us-wednesdays-70.html
http://www.happyhourprojects.com/2012/06/happy-hour-friday-0615.html

http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/06/party-time-60.html
http://www.craftionary.net/2012/06/friday-fun-party-and-features-146.html
http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/06/linky_party_92/
http://www.fivedaysfiveways.com/2012/06/feature-friday-free-for-all-24.html
http://www.joyinthejumble.com/2012/06/pomp-party-22-features.html
http://herecomesthesun-kelly.blogspot.com/2012/06/fabulous-friday-30.html
http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2012/06/show-and-tell-saturday-061612.html
http://www.countrymommacooks.com/2012/06/link-and-greet-21.html
http://my1929charmer.com/sundays-best-35-par-tay/
http://www.504main.com/2012/06/tickled-pink-no-102.html
http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/2012/06/creative-me-link-up_17.html
http://www.flourmewithlove.com/2012/06/mix-it-up-monday_17.html

Crafty Sheep's May Color Challenge

Crafty Sheep is giving a color challenge each month for any type of craft. I wanted to practice a few embroidery stitches and found this fabric in my stash that matched perfectly. This was my first time embroidering on the print of a fabric. It was easy, fun and I love the colors. 

Check out Crafty Sheep's blog for June's color challenge and join us this month.

http://www.craftysheep.net/2012/06/04/may-color-challenge-wrap-up/

sharing:

http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/06/wow-me-wednesday-54.html

http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/06/wow-us-wednesdays-69.html

http://www.doodlesandstitches.com/

http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/06/whatever-goes-wednesday-120.html

http://howtonestforless.com/2012/06/11/just-a-party-with-my-peeps-18/

http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/2012/06/creative-me-link-up_10.html

http://www.flourmewithlove.com/2012/06/mix-it-up-monday_10.html#more

http://my1929charmer.com/sundays-best-34-par-tay/

http://www.craftionary.net/2012/06/friday-fun-party-and-features-76.html

http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/2012/06/uncommonly-yours-link-party-32.html#.T9fUpbWJd2A

Pay It Forward

Tilda's Twisted Life was hosting her first Pay It Forward. It sounded like a fun way to meet a few people who love crafty goodness and be an encouragement to others. Who doesn't like to get a special handmade gift in the mail?  I would love for you to join me in my Pay It Forward. I need three people to join me. Please read the rules before committing to make sure you are willing to follow through.  

                                                              


  Here are the rules:
1. I will create a crafty gift for each of the first three people who comment to this post. This is a surprise, and will arrive to you anytime within the next 365 days.

2. In signing up for Pay it Forward, you are committing yourself to the project...someone pays it forward to you, so you pay it forward to others! Just post this, or something similar so others can get involved. Basically you will create your own post where you create gifts for 3 people as well.

3. You need to have an active blog of your own...{or some way to post up your PIF info like a flickr, pinterest, or Facebook account. Basically you'll need a place to announce your own PIF and to post some pics of the process.}

4. After commenting on this post, post something similar on your blog...so you can spread the pay it forward love. I will email you asking for your mailing address {and the online address where you are posting} so I can get your crafty treat in the mail. Please make sure your email address is visible on your profile or leave it in the comment.


I am looking forward to seeing who signs up!

Two little kitchen towels.

 

Memorial Day Weekend Camping Trip & A Little Stitching

One of my daughter's favorite foods is mac and cheese. When I spotted this embroidery pattern on Flikr's mindboggld account at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mindboggld/4675675423/in/pool-54411636@N00/

I knew I had to stitch it up for her. I decided to crayon tint the cheese, heart and macaroni. I love how it turned out. It is stitched on a kitchen cotton towel and was stitched while camping.

We camped on Thursday night until this morning at the beautiful Black Forest Camping Resort. (http://www.blackforestcampground.com/)  We headed to NC as soon as Stan was home on Thursday evening. We set our tent (the one with a light switch and a raised queen sized air mattress and yes, a portable air conditioner) up and two pop-up covers for our kitchen area and picnic table. We added a little decorating for Memorial day and relaxed.

Stan enjoying lunch Friday before hitting the pool.

Very few campers came until Friday evening, that meant empty pool for Stan and me!

Our friends, Adonia and Michael, came on Friday afternoon. We enjoyed relaxing at the site. Stan cooked steak on our cast iron griddle, potates, salad and bread. I made a cake in our toaster/convection oven. Yummy.

The White Squirrel Festival was happening in Brevard, NC. Lots of craft booths, food, live music and derby car races. We stopped our meandering to check out the race.

This was our first time seeing a derby race. 

We packed up and headed home this morning. It was a very relaxing weekend. 

As always, we are so grateful to all our military and their families. We know personally the sacrifice that is made by so many. May we never forget our fallen heroes.

Sharing: 

http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/2012/05/too-cute-tuesday-linky-par-tay-86.html

http://todayscreativeblog.net/diy-craft-projects/

http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/05/show-me-what-ya-got-76.html

http://shwinandshwin.blogspot.com/2012/05/link-party-22.html

http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/05/wow-me-wednesday-53.html

http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/05/wow-us-wednesdays-68.html

http://www.cloverandviolet.com/2012/05/summertime-adventures-on-go-linky.html

http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/05/sticker-party-and-giveaway-time.html

http://www.herecomesthesun-kelly.blogspot.com/2012/06/fabulous-friday-28.html

http://www.fivedaysfiveways.com/2012/06/feature-friday-free-for-all-22-party.html

http://www.craftionary.net/2012/05/friday-fun-party-and-features-22.html

http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/06/mop-it-up-mondays-19.html

http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2012/06/overflowing-with-creativity-62.html

http://myturn-evelyn.blogspot.com/2012/05/freedom-fridays-4.html

http://www.504main.com/2012/05/tickled-pink-no-100.html

http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/06/linky_party_90/

http://my1929charmer.com/sundays-best-33-par-tay/

http://www.askannamoseley.com/2012/06/weekend-warrior-link-party-55-clean.html

http://www.flourmewithlove.com/2012/06/mix-it-up-monday.html

http://www.serendipityandspice.com/2012/06/manic-monday-linky-party-21.html

http://anoriginalbelle.blogspot.com/2012/06/make-it-yourself-monday-31-link-up.html

http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2012/06/inspire-me-monday-hi-there.html

http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/2012/06/welcome-to-75th-masterpiece-monday.html

http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/2012/06/made-with-love-link-up.html

http://www.sewcando.com/2012/06/junes-first-craftastic-monday-link.html

http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/2012/06/creative-me-link-up.html

http://howtonestforless.com/2012/06/04/just-a-party-with-my-peeps-17/

May Stitch Along, Dancing Veggies Flour Sack Towel

I participated in the May Stitch Along with New Embroidery with Vintage Patterns on Flikr. The options were so varied. The month of May is host to many national days and we could choose from any of the following: Dance, BBQ, Salad or Flowers. I chose to combine the dance and salad combination with my Dancing Veggies pattern. I found the pattern on Hoop Love Vintage Transfer by mmaammbr. The link for the pattern is  http://www.flickr.com/photos/29529717@N04/6330079313/in/set-72157612501164047 if you would like to print it off for your use. 

I printed the pattern and the traced it with a Clover Transfer Pencil.

After tracing the pattern, turn pattern pencil side down on to the surface that you want the pattern to appear and iron with a hot (no steam) heat.

The pattern is transferred lightly on to the fabric.

When deciding which pattern to stitch, I was looking for one that would be easy to crayon tint. I have never done any tinting but I had seen little dear tracks tutorial, http://littledeartracks.blogspot.com/2010/06/crayon-tinting.html, and loved the effects. It was easy and I loved this new 

technique.

I then followed little dear track's instruction and lightly colored the areas I wanted to tint. I then placed a clean piece of white printer paper and ironed the wax off. This set the tint but removed the wax. Easy peasy.

I finished the flour sack towel by ruffling a 2 1/4" strip of fabric. I had the fabric in my stash. I followed the directions from Made By Lex, http://www.madebylex.com/2010/12/how-to-ruffle-fabric-with-your-sewing-machine.html, to make my ruffle and then sewed down the middle seam to attach it to the towel. 

I love how my little kitchen towel turned out. Aren't the veggies cute? My son was visiting last night and said they were creepy! LOL. 


Sharing:
http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/2012/05/too-cute-tuesday-linky-par-tay-85.html
http://todayscreativeblog.net/make-something-creative/#more-10792
http://www.tipjunkie.com/homemade-projects-522/
http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/2012/05/one-project-at-time_22.html
http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/05/wow-me-wednesday-52.html
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/05/wow-us-wednesdays-67.html
http://thediydreamer.blogspot.ca/2012/05/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-17.html
http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/05/whatever-goes-wednesday-118.html
http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/05/party-time-56.html
http://www.craftionary.net/2012/05/friday-fun-party-and-giveaway-with.html
http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/28/made-by-you-monday-102/
http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/2012/05/creative-me-link-up_27.html
http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2012/05/overflowing-with-creativity-526.html
http://www.flourmewithlove.com/2012/05/mix-it-up-monday_27.html
http://my1929charmer.com/sundays-best-32-par-tay-giveaway-winner/
http://www.happyhourprojects.com/2012/05/happy-hour-friday-0525.html

Stan's Assault on Mount Mitchell & Recipe for All-Natural Energy Drink

Stan is riding in The Assault on Mount Mitchell ride today. He left Spartanburg, SC at 6:30 and will be riding 102.7 miles with 10,357 feet of climbing! This is his third try and he made it to the top both of his previous efforts. This is Stan, bright and early this morning.

Lots of bikers warming up before heading to the herd of a line.

They arrive by the thousands from all over the nation.

A little plug for this beautiful park. This was taken from ncparks.gov site.

There are a few places in the world that still stand apart from the ordinary. Rising more than a mile high, surrounded by the gentle mist of low-hanging clouds, Mount Mitchell State Park is one of these extraordinary places.

In the crest of the timeworn Black Mountains lies the summit of Mount Mitchell, at an elevation 6,684 feet it is the highest point east of the Mississippi. For those who ascend this mighty peak, what looms in the horizon is a feast for the eyes—breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling ridges and fertile valleys. Forested and forever misty, 1,946-acre Mount Mitchell State Park will provide you with some of the most tranquil moments you'll ever experience.

Amazing, isn't it?

Mark Sisson, Primal Blueprint and health guru, has an all natural energy drink that Stan swears by. Stan has tried many powdered and liquid purchased drinks but this recipe gives him more energy that last longer and keeps him hydrated.

All Natural Energy Drink

11.1 ounce coconut water - Costco is our source but we have found it at Walmart and most grocery stores have it in stock.

3 dashes sea salt

2 tbls honey - we buy local

2 tbls blackstrap molasses - we buy ours from Old Mast General Store

Slightly warm water in a pan on top of stove. Remove from heat and mix rest of ingredients.

This makes enough for one large athletic water bottle.

 Stan makes and refrigerates until needed. He usually multiplies this by 6 and stores in a sealed glass pitcher or jar.

Sharing:

http://www.serendipityandspice.com/2012/05/manic-monday-19.html

http://anoriginalbelle.blogspot.com/2012/05/make-it-yourself-monday-29-link-up.html

http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2012/05/inspire-me-monday-and-promise.html

http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/2012/05/welcome-to-73rd-masterpiece-monday.html

http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/2012/05/made-with-love-link-up_20.html

http://www.sewcando.com/2012/05/promote-your-projects-at-craftastic.html

http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/2012/05/creative-me-link-up_20.html

http://www.flourmewithlove.com/2012/05/mix-it-up-monday_20.html

http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/2012/05/tempt-my-tummy-tuesday-garlic-chicken-orzo-pasta-and-a-watermelon-margarita/

Wild Olive Hoop Swap Extra Addition

Mollie over at Wild Olive blog hosted an embroidery hoop swap. For whatever reason, some participants weren't able to fulfill their commitments and that left some not receiving their anticipated swap item. Mollie posted about it and asked if any one would like to do an additional hoop knowing there would not be one received back. I decided to let Mollie know I would be happy to participate, if needed, because I had enjoyed the experience of both giving and receiving. And it really is true, it is more blessed to give than receive. I was excited to make up a new 4" hoop with the colors and motifs suggested by my new partner. I found these beautiful threads in her desired colors and a fun pack of iron-on embroidery patterns. I hope she enjoys her little hoop. I loved making it and getting it packed and sent out on Monday morning.

DMC thread colors used for embroidery was
733, 3808, 3809, 3810, 3813, 3819.

When I completed the embroidery, I removed it from my plastic hoop and placed it in the covered wood hoop with it backed with the above fabric. I trimmed around the edges, hot glued the edges down then glued the rick rack on the outer edge and the inner side of the hoop to hide the raw edges. I like the finished look the trim gave it.

Sharing at:

http://www.countrymommacooks.com/2012/05/link-and-greet-19.html

http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/05/party-time-55.html

http://www.craftionary.net/2012/05/friday-fun-party-and-features-20.html

http://www.happyhourprojects.com/2012/05/happy-hour-friday-0518.html

http://www.livelaughrowe.com/live-laugh-linky-10/

http://thediydreamer.blogspot.ca/2012/05/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-16.html

http://www.fivedaysfiveways.com/2012/05/feature-friday-free-for-all-20.html

http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/05/linky_party_88/

http://www.simplyklassichome.com/2012/05/simply-klassic-sunday-and-features.html

http://www.iheartnaptime.net/sundae-scoop-link-party-29/

http://my1929charmer.com/my-1-year-blogaversary-continues-sundays-best-31-and-giveaways/

http://shakentogether.blogspot.com/2012/05/whats-shakin-link-party-9-party-faves.html

http://www.serendipityandspice.com/2012/05/manic-monday-19.html

http://anoriginalbelle.blogspot.com/2012/05/make-it-yourself-monday-29-link-up.html

http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2012/05/inspire-me-monday-and-promise.html

http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/2012/05/welcome-to-73rd-masterpiece-monday.html

http://sewchatty.blogspot.com/2012/05/made-with-love-link-up_20.html

http://www.sewcando.com/2012/05/promote-your-projects-at-craftastic.html

http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/2012/05/creative-me-link-up_20.html

http://www.flourmewithlove.com/2012/05/mix-it-up-monday_20.html