I have no problem whatsoever after I first start my computer. My computer brings up our names, I click my name and it goes to the desk top. First I click up mail, and that takes a minute. Then I click on Internet Explorer, and that can take some time. (I think my computer automatically goes through a brief virus scan when I first click on I.E. Once my home page (Roses Forum) comes up, there are no more delays. I move from one forum to the next almost magically. My husband has zillions of I Tunes on our computer, and I think that is the cause of the initial delay. Why don't you call your provider, or ask on our Computer help Forum? I take that back. I just clicked on Preview Message, and stopped it at 30 seconds. I'll try again. Good luck Sammy

Steph, you have some wonderful photos and you've done some great pages with them! I feel inspired just looking at them. I've been thinking mine are boring and need some "revving up". Maybe I'll borrow some of your ideas. Thanks for sharing! Casper

ok...another question. Please. So, I just went to my local quilt store and asked for Kona Black. (for the August block). They carry Kona Bay, and had black. However, is the Kona Black that is being requested for the August block a Kona black by Kaufman?? I'm more than willing to purchase whatever is required, but I guess I need more specific information!

Thank you, Hareball. I usually don't do scrappy. I started quilting last year so I don't really have a stash. However, I did have some red and blue left over from our July block last year. And when I bought polka dots for the May block I went with red and blue to cover both lotto blocks. The solids are just Kona cotton from Hobby Lobby. My Hobby Lobby will cut 1/8 yards (or 4.5" by wof), which works well for the lotto. When I started last year, it took me awhile to figure out how to economically get my hands on fabric for the lotto - - it's all a learning process! As far as the July lotto, here's how I constructed the block: 1) make my HST's 2) complete each row by sewing squares 1 and 2 together to make a 2 patch, then sew squares 3 and 4 together, then join the two 2 patches together to complete the row. 3) once all four rows are completed, I then join the top two rows together, then the bottom two rows, and lastly the final seam across the middle. I find this method works best for me. I also press and square up (if needed) between each step. Another method would be to make 4 four patches and then join together. I'm so glad you're doing the lotto, too! Can't wait to see your July blocks!