February 2018 - New Book and Crazy Cat

 Just a note to say this cat is crazy (like cats are). She will celebrate her 14th birthday this year, but she continues to act like a kitten.

And - The Research Methods book is published! It was work, but I'm so thrilled to see it in print. I'm hoping people will really enjoy it and find it useful.

January 23-24, 2018 - The Ladies Dinner - Houston for my Mom's event

 flew to Houston and barely made a big event due to travel hassles. If there was a hassle, I got to experience it. When I arrived, I was frazzled beyond believe. But I made it to Galveston.

This trip was so frustrating because it was supposed to have happened a week before. Weather in Houston! wrecked it as ice and snow was a problem there and not here. I had to cancel because I couldn't get out of Denver, and then mom and to cancel in Houston. Happily they were able to hold it soon after.

Mom has this sign in book that she uses and every event. She decorates it for each event. So pretty!

So why the event? In 2018, my dad is Potentate of the Shrine, and my mom is First Lady. The event I went for was the Lady's dinner.

As is my bad habit, I took no photos. I pulled some off of Facebook to share here, but wish I had more.

Although there aren't any photos to show, it was a very nice and well-attended event. Mom made all the ladies bags and other goodies.  This photo is not from the event, but it's too good not to share!

And I received a Bonnie Bucket bag mom made with a photo of Dayle on it. I carry it everyday.

January 2018 - This face! Seriously - so Cute!!

Just a reminder that this little rascal is adorable (like all of them). Dayle's foray into Instagram has been really fun and rewarding. Lots of people out there who really love their pets and love the others they see. I thought it'd be amazing if Dayle ended up with 100, then 1000 followers. To date, he has over 17,000 followers.

Yes, you read that correctly - 17,000+. With an adorable face like this, how can I be surprised?!!?

Jan 11 to 14, 2018 - Sewing Retreat in Phoenix/Scottsdale with Lori

January had an extra treat in that Lori and I headed to Phoenix for a bag retreat! This retreat was led by Debby Hunker from Canada. It was amazing! We had such fun! We spend so much money! We made SO MANY great friends! And I got exactly zero photos of us at the actual retreat sewing.

But we did get a photo of Lori and I in the Denver airport en route to Phoenix.

The retreat was held at the 25th Avenue Fabric shop and it was a terrific venue. The room was spacious and being in a huge, well-inventoried store was a treat.

Yes, the sewing was fun, but the best was the people we met. First, Kelley from Scottsdale who was responsible for much of the logistics. Plus, a really giving, friendly and loving person.

< - - That is Peggy and me!

There was also Peggy (who I feel I've known forever), and Cary, and Kelli, and Marlys, and Chris and so many others!

< - -Kelley and Kelli

Plus I know I'm forgetting to name names of some fun folks. That's a function of memory, not caring.

< --Peggy and Marlys

The pictures I did manage to get was of us driving (I was proud to be Peggy's official co-pilot at we drove to/from the venue from our hotel in Scottsdale), and some dinners.

<- -cary="" and="" p="" peggy="">

It was such fun, that Lori and I both ended up buying a new sewing machine (Juki 2200 QVC to use and travel with). And we signed up for another retreat in a few months!

< - -Kelley and Kelli

And of course - my favorite partner in crime - Lori!

Jan 8 2018 - New Research Methods Book Almost Completed

The Research Methods book I've been writing for most of 2017 gained a collaborator in December. Tim Hart, a friend and former colleague from the Department of Justice joined with me. Happily, our deadlines will be made. While the book is so much work (SO MUCH WORK) I'm thrilled to share the author's photo in it: Dayle and me!

January 1, 2018 - Happy New Year

Happy New Year! This year to celebrate, I made some super scrumptious Bloody Marys for breakfast.

We hope your 2018 treats you well!

Where did 2018 Go?

Hi all! To my horror, I see that we haven't posted for nearly a year. It's been a busy year to say the least. I will be backfilling in the next few days to share what we've been up to. There have been work changes, travels, a couple of new books, and even a move.

So, apologies, but I'm getting on top of it now!

Callie