Happy Birthday Patrick !

Big day here today - my little baby has reached the grand old age of eleven. Patrick has been so excited this year about his birthday and has been counting down sleeps for a while.

We are planning a surprise party for him tonight. Only close family but he does not suspect. As tonight is Bonfire Night here in UK the plan is for his big sister Jess and her boyfriend to take him to the local firework display while I get everything ready. As you see I have made him a cake and have spent most of the day in and out ( mainly in ) the kitchen cooking and preparing.

As I've said before he is a real sweetie. Very kind and considerate, sensitive ( a bit too much sometimes ) and very, very polite. One of his teachers remarked that Patrick was the politest person he had met in his life - lol !! He takes a real interest in my quilting and loves reading through the blogs with me. He loves Karol-Ann's blog because he likes to see what her boys have been up to. Earlier this year him and Jess were called to the Crown Court as witnesses to an incident that had happened last year. Everyone in the court couldn't believe how well he did and what a "star" he was. We're all so proud of him - so happy birthday mate !

Actually Patrick is responsible for the next photo. He has been nagging me to put a photo of myself on my blog. He said that all the rest of the family have had photos on so I should put on one of myself. Now I am not a good candidate for having my photo taken. In fact I will do anything to avoid it. I never seem to look normal on photos !! Don't know what it is.... I think because I have black hair and quite pale skin I always look washed out - like the bride of Dracula - lol !! Anyway just for Patrick......

In between cooking chicken drumsticks and sausage rolls etc this morning I have made a start on the baby quilt for that little premature baby I spoke about before. My mum has asked me to do this and wanted something small and simple. Now simple I can do but small I have a problem with. My quilts always seem to come out much bigger than planned somehow. It is a bit of a standing joke at my quilt group. I have done this so far.. I was planning pinwheels but after all those triangles I was craving squares and rectangles - lol!!

I love the fishy fabric. I actually don't think I will put on borders as I like it as it is. Also because the baby is in intensive care in an incubator I don't think anything bigger will be practical. Will try and start quilting this tomorrow.

One last thing - got some more nice fabric from the warehouse including this. I love it but haven't a clue what to do with it yet - it just made me smile. Which is what quilting is all about I think - having fun !!

Take care now !