In Memoriam of Dad

On Wednesday, in the early morning, my dear 95 year-old Dad died quietly in bed, in his assisted living apartment. 

From September 28 to October 9, I visited him in rehab and through his return to assisted living. I'm so glad I did. As challenging as those days were, I have wonderful memories because of the time we spent together, generally chatting and visiting throughout each day.

The past week has been difficult, though every person I've been in contact with has been supportive. Just don't be too nice to me, or I will cry more, as I did when my virtual Bible study sisters (we meet weekly on Zoom) at Lutheran Church of Hope (West Des Moines, Iowa) sent this bouquet Wednesday afternoon. So thoughtful, and tear-inducing. 

Though I've felt conflicted about whether to write about my Dad in a blog post, I also want to honor him here because he was a loyal FlourishingPalms blog-reader. When we chatted every Sunday afternoon, he would sometimes remark about something I posted about, and we'd talk about it. Several years ago he told me:

"I know more about quilting than most men!"

Dad, you make me laugh. 

Most often our conversations revolved around books. When his vision began failing, several years ago I encouraged him to get a public library card and begin listening to books. From that point on, he listened to audiobooks on his computer, finishing each title at a rapid rate. I would often suggest titles and authors he might like; he didn't care for storylines that jumped around, like from "now" to "then." He particularly enjoyed two authors: Spencer Quinn who wrote the "Chet and Bernie" stories (about a dog and a detective); and every book written by William Kent Krueger. I think Dad liked WKK books because many take place in an area of Minnesota Dad was familiar with, from his days working in agriculture sales for Monsanto. 

Dad enjoyed watching vlogs (YouTube video blogs) about agriculture and farming, and subscribed to several of them. I sometimes knew more about happenings with the Millennial Farmer and Welker family than I did about our own family!

Having similar political views, Dad and I would amicably talk about politics. He also liked talking about his favorite football team, The Ohio State Buckeyes. Being an OSU graduate, he was a lifelong fan. He only despaired about my lack of interest in the Buckeyes, or any football games. He would often say:

"I don't know where your Mother and I went wrong."

I am the oldest of us three "kids" and have many good memories. As well, I have an insider's view of his entire life, having been Dad's editor when he decided to write and publish his autobiography in 2020. 

This saying rings true, and makes us glad Dad wrote about himself.  

When you're young, your grandparents try to tell you their history, and you don't care because it doesn't interest you at the time. Later on, you wish you'd written down what they said. 

I wrote Dad's obituary. 

After many months of declining health, and him knowing his physical body was failing him (his mind never failed), I am grateful Dad is at peace now.

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest," said Jesus. "... and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29 

I am also imagining the reunion between Dad and Mother, who passed away 23 years ago. Maybe Mother is saying, "I've been waiting for you. What took you so long?!" 

Still, losing him is painful. 

Linda

Away and Back, Again

Once again, I was away for a week, this time to Austin, Texas to visit our son and grandsons.

We watched a little of the grandsons' (ages 11 and 14) scuba diving lessons. When all we could see were their bubbles (ha!), we left. Three of us also did some diamond painting on coasters, and played Rummykub and Mexican Train Dominoes.

Traveling by car, I had lots of "Passenger Queen" time (picked up that term from my Instagram friend Susan @canadianabroad). The trip was the reason I started a rice bag.

From my last blog post, I learned that several of you seemed uncertain about the use for a rice bag. In this case, it's not meant to be filled with rice and microwaved to warm your hands or feet. Rather, this rice bag, called komebukuro, was first used for carrying a rice offering to a shrine or temple. Today its purpose is as a gift bag or to carry personal items.

I used this free pattern, offered by a 4-H executive on the Utah State University website, but my rice bag isn't soft-side. Instead, I added structure.

First, I sandwiched flannel between the pieced top and back. Second, the patches I added are not raw-edge stitched in the Boro style, but rather have turned under edges as with Kawandi.

All my choices compounded to make the piece a little challenging to hand-stitch because of the thickness.

I used size 12 Wonderfil Spagetti thread to hand quilt 43 times - about ¼" apart - along the 24½" length of the piece.

Darn it, I forgot to take a thimble along with me! A soft rubber thimble would have eased how difficult it was to pull the needle through all the layers.

Anyway, I got the quilting task completed going to and coming from Texas. When I returned home last Tuesday afternoon, it sewed together quickly. The pattern's written instructions for assembly are adequate. Photos help.

In case you're interested, when I finished quilting it, I used Deco-Bond 809 to back the exterior piece. That added more stiffness, I also fused a square of Timtex to the bottom piece. Turning it inside took a bit of wrestling, but I'm pleased that it stands up like a box.

My friend Peggy gave me the rope and empty wood spool for finishing. Thanks Peggy!

Now that I've been home for a few days, I'm back into activities and making. This week I knitted another round loom cap.

I tried a different design following YouTube to make the Raindrop Stitch. I'm pretty proud of myself for strategically adding the gray color stripes. If I hadn't added gray, I wouldn't have had enough red yarn to make the whole cap. Happily, I used every bit of the red yarn. No leftovers!

I'm promising myself I'll return to quiltmaking this week (my Pick-a-Decade Challenge quilt won't make itself!) though diamond painting continues to call me. I'm about one-third done with my 20" X 20" ocean scene. The sea water is sparkly beautiful.

Between the trip to Kansas City in early July, and the trip to Austin last week, I'm now well-stocked-on two of my favorite things: popcorn and coffee.

Hy-Vee (Midwest grocery store) popcorn is the best when it comes to kernels to pop yourself... which I always do. In fact, it was "dinner" for me last night! You can see I'm impartial when it comes to white or yellow corn. Ten bags should last a little more than a year.

As for coffee, I really like the flavors H.E.B. (Texas grocery store) sells, and the fact that most of their specialty flavors - with names like Texas Pecan, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio - are available in regular and decaf. I like to mix my own half-and-half regular/decaf combo to make individual cups. Nine bags should keep me for a few months.

When we go to/from Austin, we stop at all the Bucee's (four stops this trip!) and stay two nights in a motel. Coming home, we decided to treat ourselves to a balcony room at the Hampton Inn on Mobile Bay, in Daphne, Alabama.

We faced west, and though it was hot (like 94℉), we got to see a beautiful sunset.

The highway going across the bay is I-10, and that's downtown Mobile in the background.

Linda

Time Flies

Time flies when you have company! Days whizzed past last week when our son and two grandsons from Texas came for an almost-six day visit. I love having them here.

Three extra people meant turning my sewing room into a bedroom, and that's a good time for some deep cleaning. Dust and fibers were vacuumed off the blinds and design wall, baseboards were wiped down, and every surface was generally decluttered and swiped clean. As we know, it won't last, but it's nice to have a refresh. 

Our timing for their visit wasn't the best. Between the high heat and Tropical Storm Debby we were kept from outdoor activities. It can be a little challenging for 10 and 14 year-old boys to find indoor things to do. Anticipating their visit, I bought another Lego flower set - Flower Bouquet. Both boys made flowers - roses, poppy, aster, lavender, snapdragons, daisies.

I've added them to the Wildflower Bouquet they during their last visit, so it's pretty impressive. Best; they never fade.

We played Rummikub, Uno, and Concentration; saw the movie Twisters; went to a local flea market; played indoor miniature golf, and bowled. But one form of entertainment that has been the most enduring, is playing with empty Publix yogurt cups! Who knew?!

I saved yogurt cups about ten years ago, thinking they'd be good for toddlers. And they were! Surprisingly, they're still popular!

Luke stacked 55 cups, and then, going from the top down, he quickly made stacks. He even had fun sorting them by types and flavors! Easy, free entertainment.

 

During down time, mostly while watching Olympics, I hand stitched (with #8 perle cotton) all of the third wedge of the modern potholder quilt, Pot Luck.

And since returning my sewing room to useable status, I sewed labels on two quilts - Prudence and Satisfaction. 

I also made blocks for the Like Totally BOM being offered through the Seattle MQG. August blocks are three inset circles.

Though I've made many inset circle blocks, I tried the new-to-me method offered in a tutorial. It involves freezer paper, a glue stick, and Elmer's school glue, and worked very well - a nice, precise way to ensure a circle sews perfectly into a hole. The inset circle tutorial is by Louise Wackerman @imfeelincrafty who also designed this Like Totally BOM. 

Book Recommendation

I was on a waiting list to listen to Ruth Ware's new book One Perfect Couple. For the second time, Ware disappointed me. 

The premise for this long story is that a producer is making a TV series based on five high-profile, unmarried couples - social media successes - who meet on a tropical island to face challenges that lead to determining which two people are most perfect as a couple. 

Lyla is unwillingly along for the ride, so to speak. She's a scientist and it's her boyfriend, Nico, who has aspirations of being a successful actor. One Perfect Couple is his big break; Lyla anticipates she will be kicked out within two weeks. What no one expects is a tropical storm that knocks out power and the island's desalination facility. The turmoil and anxiety that follows involves food and water rationing, and nine (remaining) distinct personalities, each one selected by the producer to create strong opinions and entertaining dissension. 

While the story itself is good, I was overwhelmed (again) by the foul language. My rough mental tally heard 87 uses of the disgusting four-letter word. Why? Also, narrator Imogene Church sounded too familiar. While she's good (according to the Internet, among the top five audiobook narrators) I've heard her too often. 

So, for the story I'd give this book a 3.6; for the language, I give it a big fat zero.

Linda's score: 3.6/5.0

I was also on a waiting list for Shari LaPena's book What Have You Done? This one was definitely worth the wait!

From the moment I began listening, I was hooked on the story of Diana Brewer, a 17 year-old whose body is found in a field near the small community of Fairhill, Vermont. Diana's boyfriend is devastated, but quickly becomes a suspect, as do several other men, enticed by Diana's beauty. While teenagers and parents try to understand who would murder such a popular, well-liked girl, secrets being kept by several people may have prompted her death. 

Excellent narration by January LaVoy, Jorjeana Marie, and Barrett Leddy made the story very entertaining.  

Linda's score: 4.2/5.0 

  

Linda

Grandies

We had a really nice visit with our son, and grandsons, ages 9 and 13. In anticipation of their visit, I went to Target and bought the Lego Wildflower Bouquet, thanking that would entertain them for a day or so. Ha!

They finished putting it together within a couple hours. I love it. 

While Austin shot a bow and arrows for an hour or so... 

...Luke and I visited a nature preserve. We hoped to see an alligator, but no luck. Moorhens were the most exciting critters we saw. 

We spent time playing table games, with Rummikub and Mexican Train Dominoes being favorites. 

We also played boccé.

Though the visit was short, it was great seeing them!

My sewing room reset, to a guest bedroom, lasted three days and three nights. Now it's back to this, ready for playtime. 

Linda

From 2021 to 2022

I haven't posted for a while because between December 26 and January 1, seven extra, very special people were at our house. Unaccustomed as we are to spending holidays with family, it was a bit of happy chaos to have them here from Kansas City, New York City, and Austin (TX). 

We rented a second golf cart, a four-seater, so everyone had a chance to enjoy our most popular form of transportation. 

Golf-carting was the only way to go when it came to geo-caching, which we did on several occasions. 

Our four grandsons love geo-caching!

With temps in the 80's every day, pool time was another good outdoor activity, along with shuffleboard and boccé ball.

Indoors, finding treasures in our bin of toys is a fun activity.

In particular, 58 empty yogurt containers, saved since 2012-2013 (yes, I ate every single one of them, and do so daily) are age-resistant entertainment. 

There were also games of UNO, Bingo (for dollar bills!), Rummikub, and puzzles. This is a 1000-piece one that I received in our Central Florida MQG Chinese gift swap.

"50 States Quilt Blocks" by Cobble Hill

In anticipation of the family's visit, my sewing room, which has been known to look like this... 

...had to be "torn down" to reconfigure into a bedroom with air mattresses. It's fun to choose quilts for each bed. On my design wall I pinned up a Christmas quilt embroidered and made by Jenny Renolds of Queensland Australia. I was the high bidder on it in 2011, in a fundraiser for Bush Fire Relief. It's a special quilt to me.

Even the guest room was reconfigured for another air mattress and quilt. 

The only social media thing I did while family was here was manually tally my most-like Instagram posts from 2021. Oddly, the #1 most-liked post, with more than 1100 likes, was an unfinished Kawand! I sure don't understand how that happens, especially when the same finished Kawandi received less than half as many likes, and placed third in the most-popular order. 

Otherwise, all three of my quilts that have been accepted into QuiltCon 2022, appear in my "Top Nine," with my QuiltCon reject (#4) and my Zing quilt (#9) also making appearances. This is always an interesting review. 

As much as I'd like to join the crowd of quiltmakers who have posted their 2022 quilt-y goals, I'm not participating. When it comes to quiltmaking, I've never been a goal-setter because I don't like the pressure I put on myself to achieve those stated goals. Failure isn't an option so I stress-out myself, trying to accomplish them. 

Rather, I enjoy the freedom of choosing to work on whatever I want.

Possible projects include basting and quilting the Finger Paints quilt top (left) I finished in November;

continuing this improv play (right) using solids and African waxed prints;

 

"Sea Glass" by Exhausted Octopus

making a Sea Glass quilt on the order of what Allie of ExhaustedOctopus makes;

starting a lap-sized Kawandi;

and braiding a rag rug for a Texas friend who, early last fall, sent me a large box of fabrics with which to braid a rug. 

I have several teaching and speaking gigs in the upcoming months (listed on the "Programs and Workshops" tab on my blog home page) that are always enjoyable for me, as well as QuiltCon 2022 in Phoenix coming up February 16!

So, to start in good order, once family left on New Year's Day, I've set my house to rights. Re-building my sewing room was a high priority. That's because on Sunday afternoon, for a couple hours, I attended Sherri Lynn Wood's free virtual workshop: Abstract Piecing Scrap Play

I pulled out the same fabrics I had used in an October 2015 in-person workshop with Sherri Lynn, when she taught in The Villages. I'm not any happier now with my results than I was then. This 15" X 18" piece isn't to my liking, but I plan to try again.

If you think improv is easy, I'm pretty certain you haven't tried it yourself. There's more than a knack required, and practice definitely plays a big part in being successful. In spite of taking workshops with a half-dozen (or more) improv instructors, I haven't mastered it. Perhaps I never will. But it's good to be challenged. 

By the way, I don't have a book review yet because I've got three days to finish listening to 156 chapters of Go Tell The Bees That I'm Gone by Diana Gabaldon. I'm on chapter 124. 

I hope, wherever you are, that you're having a lovely transition into 2022 with sewing and quiltmaking that's satisfying and fun. Linda