Summer is behind us...

Can you believe we turn the calendar tomorrow- yet another month gone by. Autumn is in the air, for sure... The trees are starting to turn, some are even dropping their leaves already. I have spent a little time in my garden the last few days.. I always feel sad to say "goodbye" as the blooms fade and falling leaves start to cover the earth. It's time to start cutting back some of my perennials. I thought I should share a few more photos with you, of summer blooms.

What is it about quilters and gardening? Have you noticed that many of your quilting friends are also gardeners? Is it the color that we love? In summer we have the bright colors of our gardens full of blooms, and when the gray days of winter set in and snow blankets the land, we can turn to our fabric stashes to give us our "color fix"... Or is it the design element? Some design their gardens as carefully as they design a quilt, paying very carefull attention to what blooms when, what plants to put together or side by side for complimentary colors and foliage... I'm afraid my gardens are more random. But I do wish I had more time and space to do a little more "designing".. maybe now that I have more open space next door......

There are so many different aspects of gardening that appeal to the quilter- color, texture, design, balance, shape... but it seems most of us are drawn to color. Even with this single element there are so many things to consider beyond just the color of the blooms - leaf color and variegation, color of berries and barks, the visual "weight" of colors - ie hot bright colors advance, soft cool colors recede, whites and pastels brighten up shady dark areas- so many principles that apply to quilting as well!

Just as quilters have their "likes" and preferences, so do gardeners.. Some quilters specialize in certain areas- hand applique or art quilts, landscapes or miniatures. Gardeners too have their "loves" - shade gardens filled with hostas, rose gardens, cutting gardens or water gardens. Isn't it wonderful that we live in areas where we have at our disposal, so many resources for our hobbies, be it quilting or gardening, or whatever. I feel truly blessed, and so fortunate to be able to pursue these wonderful pass-times - and to share them with you!

I hope you have enjoyed having a peek at my gardens occasionally.. not that we're done yet.. but the days are numbered. I am always sad to put the gardens "to bed" but I can't wait to be spending more time quilting and stitching. I'm itchin' to be stitchin'.....

Piece,

Linda

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date." ~ Shakespeare

Apple Jelly...Mmmmmmmm...

I was busy this weekend, finishing a double batch of jelly! Isn't it pretty? This is my Grandmother Kelly's recipe for Spiced Apple Jelly. It's a family favourite; we eat it with roasted chicken or turkey. In fact, we just can't have the chicken unless we have the jelly to go with it!! So, since we ran out of jelly a few months ago, I knew I had to make a good big batch this fall. I give some to my brothers as well. I use a combination of apples and crabapples, and make an apple pie or two at the same time, so I can throw in the skins and seeds from the Gravensteins too for lots of natural pectin.

I didn't get my usual pickling done this summer, but sure am glad I got my jelly done! It gives me such a sense of accomplishment to carry those 48 jars down to the cold room.... :)

I love the fall with its rosy apples hanging on the trees. I guess since my Dad was an apple farmer, they hold a special place in my heart. I cherish memories of apple-picking outings with my children when they were small. They each learned the cutest verse when they were in pre-school; I can still see them doing it with the actions:

Way up there in the apple tree, (pointing way up)

Two little apples smiled at me. (making smiley faces)

So I shook that tree

As hard as I could. (Shaking motion)

Down came the apples. (falling motion with hands)

Mmmm , they were good!! (rubbing tummy)

Piece,

Linda

Anyone can count the seeds in an apple; only God can count the apples in a seed..

Two down, three to go!

The wedding is only two weeks away now..Eeeeek!! I still have to find a new pair of shoes... I hate shoe shoppping. I'm at the stage now, that comfort is more important to me than looks... I figure who's going to be looking at my feet anyway, right? I'll just do my best to keep my feet tucked in, under my floor length dress....

My major "task" for this wedding is to make the 200 chocolate truffles for the little favour boxes that go on the table at each guests' spot. I'm happy to say I now have two batches done, and two more to go. Well, three more to go, I guess. Four batches total will give us just the right number for the boxes..... but... they are sooooo good, I figured one more batch so we can have a few to nibble on would be a good idea. I'm getting about 55 per batch. You can find my recipe here. I am using Belgian dark chocolate. After checking all around to see what was available, and comparing prices, I decided that this 400 gram bar from, of all places, WalMart, was the best choice, pricewise and flavour-wise. (currently $3.98. That's $1.00 per 100 grams- I haven't found a better price than that...) It is a good quality dark, with wonderful flavour. The other thing I really like about this bar is that each little square is 10 grams so it is very easy to calculate and cut however much more you need for the recipe; i.e. you will need to buy two bars to get enough for the recipe as you need 455 grams. My second choice would have been the President's Choice 300 gram bar of dark chocolate from Atlantic Superstore (Loblaws); it's a product of France and also verrrry tasty.
I have had a few people ask me if these are difficult to make- not at all. They couldn't be easier. Once the chocolate and butter are melted, you just add the egg yolks and flavouring, stirring well with a whisk, and put it in the fridge until it's stiff enough to handle. I have found between two and two and a half hours was about right. Having a second pair of hands is a great help. If one person (who doesn't mind sticky fingers!!) rolls them into balls, and the second person coats them with nuts or whatever, then puts them in their little cups or whatever you are using, this works really well and is much faster. My friend Gail loaned me a little scoop; it was the perfect size, and ensured that each ball was uniform in size. So that's a great tip too - I thought a melon baller might work but it is too small.
Because I'm making three different flavours (plain chocolate, chocolate almond and mint chocolate), I wanted to use three different coatings as well so they would be distinguishable, making it easier when they are being boxed. So, I'm feeling good with the job 40% done. I'll do two batches of mint chocolate early next week, and then get them all boxed and ready for the bride's mother to pick up on her way. The final batch can be done later...

Now, can someone please tell me what to do with 2 dozen egg whites?

Piece,

Linda

Chocolate is the answer- no matter what the question is...

That four letter "F word"... Fall

FALL. It's officially here. How can that be? It seems we haven't had near enough sunny summer weather yet... but the calendar says that September is over half gone, and today was the Autumnal Equinox. So there's no fighting it. May as well give in.... summer is behind us and cooler weather is on it's way. Temps the last few days have been lovely and I'm hoping they'll continue for a few days yet... I still have gardening chores to do... and more pics to show you from said garden.... Maybe I should save them for those minus 20 degree days in January!

It was not the best gardening season. It seemed to be "feast or famine"... With all the wet weather in June and July, then dry weather since, many of my plants have just not been happy. Some were lost to rot. Others just did not flourish like they usually do... a challenging season for sure. The two new Australian annuals I bought did not do all that well; one called "Joey" rotted away entirely. Not surprising as it likes hot dry conditions. I'll give it a try again next year as it was so interesting - the blooms have an iridescent sheen of hot pink and silver and resemble a cross between bottle brush-like and feathery. The Aussies nicknamed it "pink mulla mulla" - now how could you not like a plant with a name like that!! The other one- Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos), I planted in a pot rather than in the ground and it seemed to fare a little better although it didn't grow much. Since it has red blooms I thought the hummers would go for it, but I never saw any around it.... The Gloriosa Lily bulbs I planted did not grow AT ALL. I was very disappointed, but the company were good to their word ("Guaranteed to Bloom") and fully refunded my money. I'll definitely try them again next year, buying the bulbs earlier when they are in better condition.

On the other hand, my hostas flourished with all the rain, my zinnias have never looked better, and other things did well too. So I guess you just have to take what you get and hope for the best! I'll be sharing a few more pics from my garden over the next few weeks, before it gets "put to bed"....

So what does "Fall" mean to you? Maybe it's the teacher in me, but to me it's like the start of a new year. Exciting new beginnings... like the kid with a brand new box of crayons, or the new binder full of fresh clean looseleaf - I always kept my notes so neat and organized the first few weeks.. then gradually the newness wore off... Fall brings shorter days, cool evenings, crisp mornings, glorious foliage, crunchy apples, return to a "regular" schedule and activities, the sound of leaves crackling underfoot, apple cider...Mmmmm.

Much as I hate to see the end of summer, I love the fall too. After living one year on the north end of Vancouver Island, where it rained EVERY day from mid September till mid June, I appreciate the seasons and never want to "be without them" again....

Happy Autumn!

Piece,

Linda

Nod to the sun. Summer is over, fall has begun.

A new Blog to check out

My friend Gail and I have started a new blog together - for our Guild. The Fredericton Quilters' Guild is in it's 28th year. We've tossed around the idea of having a website over the last year or two, but no one seemed interested in getting it up and running. So this summer, Gail suggested we do a blog. We have only just begun, as the Carpenters sang.... We have great plans, for posting pics from monthly meetings and Show and Tells, Shows and so on. There isn't a lot there yet, but do go have a look and leave a comment to tell us what you think. Click here .

The main purpose is for info for our own members, but there will be some "eye candy" for you to enjoy as well. For our first meeting last Tuesday we were very fortunate to have a very talented group of ladies from Moncton do a presentation for us. They have done some very interesting projects together, to stretch themselves and "work out of the comfort zone".. so to speak. Their work is very impresssive and they gave us such an entertaining evening... thanks Sistas! So check out the new Blog to see the works of "The Divine Stitchers of the Yo-Yo Sistahood".

Piece,

Linda

Sisters are different flowers from the same garden.

The Tenth Gift

I have another wonderful book to tell you about - just finished it last night: The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson. The story links two young women of different eras. Quoting the back cover, "In an expensive London restaurant, Julia Lovat receives a gift that will change her life. At first glance it is a book of exquisite seventeenth-century embroidery patterns belonging to a woman named Catherine Ann Tregenna. Yet in it's margins are the faintest diary entries; they reveal that "Cat" and others were stolen from their Cornish church in 1625 byMuslim pirates and taken on a brutal voyage to Morocco to be auctioned off as slaves. Captivated by this dramatic discovery, Julia sets off to North Africa to determine the authenticity of the book and to uncover more of Cat's mesmerizing story. There, in the company of a charismatic Moroccan guide, amid the sultry heat, the spice markets and the exotic ruins, Julia wil discover buried secrets. And in Morocco, just as Cat did before her- she will lose her heart." This is another "difficult to put down" book.. you keep thinking "just one more chapter"... I highly recommend it... You can read an excerpt here.

Another week has passed, with lots going on. The demolition occupied a lot of time this week; Hubby has now finished up all the outdoor "clean-up"- raking , sweeping the driveway (lots of shattered glass) and so on. He has decided not to seed the area now, as the fill may settle a bit over the winter. We'll wait till next spring. I was looking at tulip bulbs today; I'd like to put in a new bulb bed, but that may wait till next year too depending on the temps and weather in the next week. I'm still dealing with the "piles" - still have a few book piles to deal with; tonight DH assembled a shelving unit in the basement and I loaded it with all the piles of kitchen things... I figure in another year or two, Laura will be going into an apartment and she will be pretty well set, for dishes, pots, pans and basic cooking equipment.

We had planned to go downtown tonight and walk around the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival- it's always a good time with excellent music. However, it's quite cool and rainy, so we decided to stay put. I went up to a nearby farm to get some crabapples tonight, so I can make spiced apple jelly next week. Last year I waited too long and then couldn't get the crabs, so I'm ahead of the game this year! Jelly is a lot of work but sooo worth it!

I can't believe I forgot to take my camera to the KVQG Quilt Show on Wednesday, but if you visit my friend Karen's blog here, you will be able to see her photos of a few of the prizewinners.

Piece,

Linda

Book lovers never go to bed alone.

Busy Days....

Much has happened since I last posted. First of all, I have finished a small piece of CQ - and it's been a long time since I've shown you any stitchery at all, so it's time! This is just a small block which I have mounted in a frame card. I am trying to get some new samples done, for the classes I will be teaching at Quilt Canada 2010 in Calgary next April. One of these classes, called "Victorian Noteables" is a quick intro to CQing; the resulting small quick blocks will be mounted into notecards by day's end. I am also teaching this class for my own Guild in January, so am working away at getting some new ones done so the students will have lots of ideas and inspiration. I much prefer rich deep colors but decided I should have some lighter ones as well, so here is a pale green one. Once I've done a few more of these small pieces I will get back at a larger piece - I find if I "warm up" a bit first, my stitching improves and becomes more even...

Yesterday I travelled to Quispamsis to judge the Kennebecasis Valley Quilters' Guild's 29th annual Quilt Show and Sale. I have great admiration for this Guild, putting on a big show every year. This one will not disappoint... many beautiful quilts and smaller pieces await your viewing pleasure!

Although it was scheduled for last week, my parent's home next door was demolished two days ago. I must say, it was a bit emotional for me. My brothers and I watched as it came down- the fellow doing the work sure knows his stuff and it only took about 15 minutes. They started hauling the debris away immediately, and now two days later, the "hole" is filled in and levelled off - you would hardly know a house stood there for 66 years. It certainly seems different but I guess we'll get used to it. I'm going to fill the days ahead with lots of time in my studio, and taking the advice of a good friend, each time I look across to that vacant lot, I'll be thinking of all the good memories. I was so blessed to grow up in a warm loving family in that cozy little house.

Peace,
Linda

Cherish your family for they are your treasure. A storehouse of riches...wealth beyond measure.

Long Lost Friend...

Today I got re-acquainted with my sewing machine! I'm sure it was wondering who I was.. it's been so long... the machine felt like a long lost friend- I wanted to hug it! lol Actually, truth be told, our time together was way too short, but I have made a solemn promise that we'll be spending alot more time together, on a daily basis.
I spent most of the afternoon answering questions via email AND phone, from my two kids - Laura was having major laundry difficulties and Mark was trying to cook a meal... (I'm just biting my tongue and smilin' to myself...) but I eventually did make my way to the studio and got down to working on a small project.. the first of many which are patiently awaiting my return. Can't show you what it is, as it's a gift for someone, but I promise a CQ pic very soon!
I did promise last week to share the Truffle recipe with you, so here goes:

Chocolate Truffles

1 pound good quality semi-sweet chocolate (16 oz. or 455 grams)*
1 cup butter, melted
6 egg yolks
6 tablespoons flavoring such as dark rum, amaretto, peppermint schnapps etc.
OR 2 teaspoons extract - vanilla, almond, peppermint, etc.
finely chopped and toasted almonds or other nuts, chocolate sprinkles or cocoa (alone or mixed with icing sugar) for rolling

In a double boiler, melt chocolate and butter together, stirring often. Remove from heat. Add some of warm mixture to the egg yolks to warm them up, then stir egg yolks into chocolate mixture. Add flavoring, stir well with a wire whisk until smooth. Refrigerate for about an hour or so, until stiff enough to roll. Roll into small balls, and coat in nuts, cocoa or sprinkles. Refrigerate to set firm. I've been told these will freeze well in a tightly covered container. Makes 50-60, depending on how large you make them. Thanks to Susan Tilsley Manley for this recipe.

*I used Lindt dark chocolate for my first "trial" batch and they were yummy.... Susan told me she uses Cadbury Premium Dark (purple wrapper with 1842 in a gold circle). Just make sure you use a good quality chocolate. Note: You will have to buy enough bars to give you 455 grams...
Another suggestion I would make - if you have another pair of hands "available", I think it would be easier to have one person rolling the balls, and a second person doing the "coating" in cocoa, nuts or whatever. Your hands tend to get pretty chocolate-y as the warmth of your hands softens the cold mixture, and then it's hard to do both jobs - gets kind of messy! Not that I would EVER complain about being covered in chocolate ..oh bliss!
See a photo of my Truffles here
Piece,
Linda

A nice box of chocolates provides your total daily intake of calories in one place. Isn't that handy?

Up, Up and Away.....

I have always wanted to attend the Sussex Hot Air Balloon Fest.. you might say it's been on my "bucket list".... it's only just over an hour's drive away, but it seems every year, there is a conflict and I've never gotten there. Well, this year - now that we are "empty nesters" - we decided that we would go. It was a beautiful day, sunny and not too hot, a great day for a drive. We wandered around for the afternoon, strolled down Main St. and checked out some shops and had a quick bite for supper before we headed back to the launching field. They launch at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. IF conditions are right- ie the air is relatively still. Hot air balloons cannot fly in the middle of the day due to thermal activity which makes the air unstable. We have heard that there have been many years when few if any of the balloons even got off the ground, so it seems we were lucky and picked the right year to attend.

I had (secretly) thought it would be nice to go up for a ride, but when I saw the cost ($160.0 per person) I quickly put that out of my mind. Then we found out there is a long list of potential "riders" and you have to put your name in a few days ahead, so I was out of luck in any case!! I think the view is nicer from the ground anyway, looking UP at the balloons. I've decided if I ever do it, I'd like to do it over "foreign land" - ie somewhere where the view is much different from "home territory" - so you would really enjoy the scenery.... like over the desert in Arizona or New Mexico - I hear there is a BIG balloon fest in Albuquerque - maybe I'll go there! haha

It was exciting to see them go up- of course it takes a few minutes for them to inflate the balloon, then they start warming the air with high powered propane burners. The burners ignite and heat liquid propane that is aimed into the balloon to make it rise. (The burners create 30 million BTU's of heat ! Ouch! In comparison, a home barbeque creates 30,000 BTU's...)

The balloons cannot be steered but travel in the direction (and at the speed of) the wind. A "chase crew" follows for pick-up. The balloons are made of rip-stop nylon, much like that used for winter ski jackets. They were very colorful, and it was hard to pick a favourite. I guess I'd have to say I liked the very first one to launch- with those big red Canadian maple leaves!!

Piece,

Linda

"Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you are right." ~ Henry Ford

The Purpose of Life?

Once again, I'm home from Halifax. I'm glad to say it was a successful trip. My cousin had her cataract surgery and all went well. I must say, I was impressed with the VG Hospital. She has been there for several eye surgeries and knew the ropes - we were in and out in no time! She could see some improvement in her eyesight within a matter of hours - amazing what they are doing with medical procedures these days!

While she was in the OR, I took a stroll and ended up in a lovely little gift shop within the hospital. One of the things which caught my eye was a wall plaque which stated "The purpose of life is a life of purpose". That really got me thinking about "where I am" right now.. I'm starting a new phase in my life. For the first time in almost 21 years, there are no children at home. Hubby and I are now alone, and will have a little more time to do things of our own choosing. My role as "mother" will change. I'm now a mother "from afar"..? I've done my very best to raise my children to be caring and responsible individuals. Now that they are living on their own in another city and trying out their wings, I see our parental roles as being mainly "supportive"- financially and otherwise, instead of "hands-on". Perhaps the "purpose" of our lives is shifting... No doubt my community involvement will continue if not increase. I really look forward to more time for other things... more reading, more music, more time with good friends, and more time helping others. And most importantly more time for hobbies, especially stitching.

I guess as we get older, with each year comes wisdom, and we realize just how precious life is, and how lucky we are to have our health. We never know what's around the next corner (probably a good thing) and we should live each day with purpose. September always seems to bring "new beginnings". So, while my daughter begins her new life as a University student and my son begins his Junior year in his first apartment, I look forward to tomorrow- the first day of the rest of my life!!

Peace,

Linda

"Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible". ~ St. Francis

There and back...and there again...

We're home again after a busy weekend of getting both our kidlets settled in their new "homes". Mark is moved into his apartment which he will share with four other young men. I must say.. it "took me back to my youth"... such memories of student apartment living.. I had prepared myself by not getting my hopes too high, which turned out to be wise... Don't get me wrong - it could have been MUCH worse!! It wasn't actually too bad, and the summer sub-lettors left it much cleaner than they found it in April, thankfully. After a thorough scrubbing of his bathroom (they EACH have their own bathroom!) and around his bedroom window, which was pretty scuzzy, we felt that at least HIS area was habitable. I know their housekeeping standards will be "a bit" lower than mine, I accept that. And I have promised myself that I will NOT do any major cleaning or "interfering " any time I visit. I also don't think I'll ever spend a night there... unless I'm really desperate! lol Ah, to be young again.. it's all a wonderful adventure to them.. and they'll have lots of fun together, for sure... I'm sure they'll all learn a lot this year, and not just in the classroom... Last night - the first phonecall : "Mum, do you know HOW MUCH my groceries COST me today?" I just chuckled to myself...

Saturday was move-in to Res day for Miss Laura Frosh... Again, it took me right back to my move-in day as a Frosh. Music was blaring out across the Quad as families scurried to and fro with luggage, laptops and laundry baskets. The music was great- obviously chosen with the parents in mind- it was Beatles, Elton John, Michael Jackson... We arrived early enough to be first in line for Registration. We whipped through, picking up her room key, Frosh pac, Academic gown, Student ID card and so on. By the time we got back to her room, Dad had the car unloaded and everything was in her room. By noon, all was organized and put away. She even had a few pics up on the wall! After a BBQ lunch for all in the Quad , and info sessions for Frosh and parents, we said our goodbyes. I was proud of myself- I held it together and didn't shed a tear. I think knowing that Laura is very ready for University, and to be away from home, helps alot. She is mature and has a good head on her shoulders, and is happy with her decision to be where she is. I know she's going to make lots of great new friends and have lots of fun. I'm going to miss her terribly, but I'm also very happy for her.

We travelled home yesterday; Ollie was so glad to see us. He clearly does NOT like to be left behind! Today I tried to catch up on laundry, groceries, and some tidying...because.... guess what I'm doing tomorrow? I'm driving back to Halifax! I have to take a cousin down for a cataract surgery on Wednesday. If all goes well, we'll be back Thursday. And... I found out this afternoon, that the house demolition is scheduled for Wednesday. So I won't be here for it- maybe that's a good thing... What a week- losing my two babies (!!) and my childhood home all within a few days... So - no stitching to show you for a few more days... Some days I feel like a rat on a wheel... when will it stop???

Piece,
Linda

"There are only two lasting bequests we can leave our children: one is roots, the other, wings."

~ H. Carter

We're ready!!

Well, the laundry is done, the truck is loaded, the car is packed. We are ready to roll! Oliver knows something is going down....
Last evening, Laura and I met her new roommate and her parents, we had a lovely dinner with them at one of our fav. restaurants- The Blue Door. They are travelling from Toronto, sort of making a vacation trip out of it.. and ending up in Halifax in time for "move in day" on Saturday. What fun that will be- I remember it well, when we moved Mark into Res. his first year. Bedlam for a few hours, to say the least!
So...we are ready! Laura is so excited about moving on to the next stage in her life, and Mark is envisioning all the fun he and the guys are going to have in their first apartment.... I am looking forward to lots of sewing time - I have a long list of projects waiting for me....
We have a very busy and exciting weekend ahead of us...Needless to say, I won't be blogging for a few days...
I'll be back soon, and yes I'll post the Truffle recipe next week... they're delicious, by the way... :)

Piece,
Linda

"Some days there won't be a song in your heart - sing anyway." ~ Emory Austin

One Word Wednesday...

Mmmmmmmm.......

Piece,

Linda

Have you ever noticed there are no recipes for leftover chocolate?

TWO more days and counting.....

Yes I AM counting! I'm starting to feel the pressure now, although I'm working through my list, and accomplishing things each day to put us closer to our Friday goal of the big move.... Here's an idea of what my days are like lately:

Today's Checklist

1. Write and submit provincial report to CQA for quarterly newsletter, The Canadian Quilter. Check (I wrote it last night, but discovered today I didn't save it (Duh!!) so had to start all over..)

2. Tidy up studio. (This took several hours.. should I admit that?) Check

3. Vacuum. Check

4. Clean bathroom. Check

5. Iron top and pants for #6 below. Check (What to wear? oh, what to wear? My wardrobe sucks!)

6. Interview and photos with city newspaper reporter, for article on our Guild. Check

7. Grocery shoppping. Check

8. Make large pot of homemade Turkey Vegetable Soup. Freeze in containers for Mark. Check

9. Make supper, tidy up, do dishes. Check

10. Shop for new jacket for Laura, socks, boxers, etc. for Mark. Check (Even found a nice jacket on sale!!)

11.Submit several more short articles for Guild newsletter. Check

12. Make phonecalls (probably at least 8). Send emails (so far, 22. Day's not over yet..) Check

13. Proofread first draft of Guild newsletter. Check

14. New Blog post. Check

Well, thats most of what I did today, I won't bore you with the really mundane stuff. Now you can see why I'm not getting any sewing/stitching done.... One job I meant to get to, but haven't yet.. I guess it'll be on tomorrow's list: Our eldest son Ian is getting married in October. I (foolishly?) volunteered to make Chocolate Truffles for the little favor boxes for each guest. I promised the happy couple I would make a trial batch this week so I could take them to Halifax this weekend for them to sample and approve... I have to make approximately 200 for the wedding, so that will be 4 or 5 batches. No doubt I'll be sick of truffles by then... OKay, those of you who know me well can stop laughing now... You're right- me- sick of chocolate? It'll never happen...

Piece,

Linda

I'd give up chocolate, but I'm no quitter!