Something Very Important! "VOTE!"

 Less than a month ago, (I think), I saw something in someone's blog that really caught my attention.  I thought I would remember whose blog it was in, but not only can I not remember whose blog, I can't find it again even though I've searched for several minutes!  So after I describe what I saw, if it was in your blog, please let me know in the comment section below.  I'm truly sorry I'm such a dunce!  

We often see pillows with the letters LOVE, rearranged with the VE pieced below the LO, like a 4-patch.  In the blog I can't locate now, the letters were in that 4-patch position, but the L had been changed to a T, and re-arranged.    (Now, does anyone recognize what I'm looking for?  If so, claim it if it's yours below!)  

As you can see, with the one letter changed and re-arranged, the block would say (read one letter at a time):  VOTE.

Somehow that blog post grabbed my attention, and I couldn't let it go, except I can't remember whose blog.  I thought I knew, but I still can't find it.  

Anyway, I could not stop thinking about how important those four letters are, particularly for the upcoming election in just a few days, November 3, 2020.  True, I have my mind made up how I'll vote, but I'm not trying to tell anyone how to vote.  I'm just saying emphatically, VOTE!

I decided to piece the same letters, but arrange them differently from the 4-patch arrangement.  I'm trying to learn to use my quilting rulers, and I decided this would be a great project for some practice with the straight ruler.  I didn't do very well, but the project really was just a whim for my own enjoyment, so it doesn't matter that it isn't perfect.  What IS important that everyone practice what it says!    

So here's my idea of the word.  

Now, just for fun --- those of you who have been reading my blog for several years will recall that I love to watch the squirrels in my yard.  You may remember seeing Mr. Friskie.  Well, I think this guy must be one of his great-grandsquirrels!   He is totally inside the feeder!    (Please don't look at the climbing rose bush behind him.  I haven't been able to even go out in my back yard this year, and my son mows regularly, but he doesn't do flower beds!)

Had two doctor visits in different towns yesterday.  A new therapist in Mansfield that I really think may be able to help my vertigo; I surely hope so!    Then back in my hometown, I saw a doctor that I think will be my new primary doctor.   The one I had been seeing for several years is leaving her clinic and opening her own place, and taking her three nurses with her from the clinic I had been going to!  I always saw her P.A. and just loved her.   In the new clinic, they will not be accepting MC nor my insurance!  I had a big cry, and found the doctor I think will be just fine for me.  I had gone to her years ago, before she pulled out of that clinic on her own, but now she's back.  I really think I've found some good ones that will help me.

Please join me in praying for our nation --- first the pandemic, then the hurricanes, the fires, the protests, political unrest, and the election.  What a year with problems 2020 has been so far.  Let's ask the Lord to heal our land!

---"Love"

Added Oct. 2, 2020:

I finally found out whose blog I first saw the "VOTE" block (that I re-arranged the lettering).  I found it on Cynthia Brunz's September 9, 2020, blog "Quilting is more fun than Housework".  I just wanted to give credit where credit is due with this update.   ---"Love"

A Quick Update: My Special Quilt was Delivered Yesterday!

 With weather reporters telling us it will be raining here most of the week, (at least to some degree---hasn't started here yet but clouds are everywhere), I was thinking about calling my quilter/church buddy who is my driver regularly; I wanted to ask if she could take me and the Cancer quilt to its destination.  Just as I picked up the phone to dial her number, she called me.  She was thinking the same thing I was and was wondering if I felt like getting out to deliver the quilt.  Of course, I said yes immediately! She agreed to call and ask if we could come for a short visit, and was told she and her husband would be glad to see us.  She was here within 30 minutes.  (I had to smear on a little makeup for the first time in weeks!)  

Neither of us had ever been to her home, but of course, I had the address from the church directory, and within just a few minutes we arrived there.  They have a beautiful home in a really nice area of town.  He greeted us at the door and invited us in.  She looked at me and asked if I were afraid of a hug (because of the Covid-19); I said I wasn't, and she said she wasn't either, and then she grabbed me with a big hug.  We sat down for a nice visit a few minutes, and then I gave her the gift box.  She quickly opened it, and immediately teared up a bit, just for a minute, and then she was full of smiles.  She stood up and read every word on the quilt.  I told her to wait  until after we were gone to read the long letter I had enclosed.    I asked her husband to help her hold it up so I could get a picture of them with the quilt, but I don't want to post it on my blog.  But I can honestly say she was thrilled!   She told us about her 10 year journey with her cancer.  She said the doctors had given her 4 years, 10 years ago, and they cured what she had then, but a new cancer came up, and they don't give much hope for curing it.  Yet she is determined to hold on so she can see her grandchildren grow up.  She does say, however, that if she dies, she knows she will be much better off than she is now, so she's determined to endure whatever comes, and still look forward to a greater after-life.  She said she is in a no-lose situation --- here with her family and grandchildren, or there with the Lord!  That was so good to hear her say.  

After visiting just a little longer, my friend took me to pick up my prescription at Walgreens, and then to Big Lots, just to look around and to buy some jelly they have that I just love!  I got four jars, and tomorrow morning I'm cooking biscuits to have with Raspberry Jelly!   Then we went to Braums where I bought our supper, and two cartons of ice cream to go in my freezer!   (Had some of that last night!)

Today I'm moving rather slowly (as usual), but I need to get busy answering comments from several of you.  Thank you so much for all your kind words.  They mean a lot to me, but I'm doubtful I deserve them.  

I'm just waiting on the rain they say is coming, but it's not here yet at almost 2 PM. However, the wind is picking up, and the clouds are getting darker, so I guess it's on the way.  

I'm praying for all you folks who are in the line of all the fires in the northwest.  Maybe He will send a big rain to help the firefighters!  That would be great, wouldn't it?  Keep praying with me.

Guess I'll go try to make myself get busy around here.  Have a great day!

---  "Love"

A Special Quilt I Had to Make, and Updates on Several Things

It's been a long time now, more than a month, since I've posted anything.  Like everyone else, I've had a case of the blahs I guess, but not so much because of the pandemic, but more because of my aggravating vertigo, actually now labeled Meniere's Disease.  I went to a new specialist about a month ago; he put a shot in my right ear, and I haven't been worth a plug nickel since!  But hey, I'm still alive, even if I can't hear or keep my balance!  He's sending me to a therapist in a couple of weeks, I think really just to get me out of his hair!  We'll see; I'm willing to try almost anything to be able to walk again!   Sorry to be so disgusted and write all this for you to read, so now I'll hush and try to be more positive about life.

I did get to go to the quilt retreat the last of July, and got to meet with the same gang that's been there the past four years now.  We had a ball, with lots of entertainment again from the twins and their older sister; they kept us laughing all the time.    I would not have been able to go if it had not been for my sweet daugher-in-law who was determined to go regardless of her health and job.  I wish you could see, in person, what she is working on.  It is a beautiful, huge quilt for her mother that she has been working on since the first year we got to go to retreat.  As you can see, the two rows on the right side of this picture are folded over to keep it on the table,   I don't know what the pattern is, but she said it was in an old magazine I gave her when she first started quilting.  I'll have to get that info from her.  As I said, she started it the first year we went to retreat, and this year was our fourth year to go!  I told her I hope her mother lives long enough for her to get it finished!  Of course, she works a full time job, her mother is in worse shape than I am, and she has had back surgery earlier this year.  It will be beautiful for sure; she is matching every point perfectly, and there are a lot of points!  I'm so proud of her!

I worked on two projects at retreat and got one top all together, and the second ready for borders, which I've been working on this week a bit.  The first on turned out to my satisfaction very well, and it is now totally finished.  I will be giving it to a lady in my church who has cancer; I think she will love it.  I have to tell you, as I'm telling her in a letter with the quilt, that I really didn't want to make another Cancer quilt, but the Lord just would not leave me alone  I wanted to change the label on the one I had made for the church Youth Auction which was postponed earlier this year because of all the health warnings.  However, He convinced me that I had promised that first one to that auction, and He wanted me to make another one especially for this lady.   

I dug in my stash for fabric, and the first thing I pulled out was a large piece (enough for the backing), and inside was a stack of other fabrics, all coordinating, but some as small as 17 inches!  But this seemed to be what He would have me use, and through every step, there was barely enough of each fabric, and when I say "barely", that's exactly what I mean!  I had to do a lot of figuring, measuring, and drawing, but We got it done!  My letter to her explains each step in the making of her quilt, and how I had to really be careful cutting each fabric to have enough.  

Never before have I experienced so much absolute direction from my Lord to make a quilt for anyone!  At first I hesitated, but every excuse I made was met with a direct instruction to make this quilt for this particular lady, whom I really don't know that well.  Really my only connection with her is very slight; when I played the piano at church, as I was returning to my seat, she would smile at me and motion for me to come to where she was sitting, and she would give me a nice compliment and another big smile.  I think maybe that's why the fabric with the music caught my attention.  I feel so sorry that she has cancer so bad, yet she is so dedicated to come with her husband to church each Sunday (before the pandemic, of course).  I just had to make the quilt especially for her! 

Because of first extreme heat, then rain, and my not feeling stable enough for my friend to take me to deliver the quilt, it is still at my house, ready for delivery, which I hope will be one day this week.  Neither I nor my friend who will drive me there have ever really been acquainted with her, so I'll have to call to get an appointment.  I'll be glad when she has the quilt. 

I'll wait to show the other quilt top I worked on at retreat.  I'm having trouble with quilting it; can't decide how to quilt it, and may have to rip out some of what I've done.  It's sort of an experiment anyway.  

Some have mentioned problems with the new Blogger.  So far today, it has gone well with me.  We'll see in a few minutes when I get finished here and start to publish it.  

Hope all of you have a happy and safe Labor Day holiday.  I'm hoping for a quiet day.  I don't think I'll even set my alarm clock!

---"Love"

My Son's Quilt Gifted, and A July 4, 2020, Report a Little Late!

Last Wednesday night my son and his wife stopped by for a few minutes to do a few necessary things for me, and I was debating whether to give him his quilt since they were in such a rush.  I really wanted to give it to him under better timing, but finally decided to give it to him.  He was almost in tears as he read each block, and really about all he could say was, "Thank you, Mom!" as he gave me a big hug.   In just a few minutes they were gone home, but in a few minutes more he sent me a very sweet e-mail telling me he would treasure the quilt just as he has all the other quilts I've given him.  I think he was just overwhelmed when he first saw it, and didn't want me to see him with tears in his eyes.  You know men, right?  I'm sure he will love it.

Thursday I waited all morning for my quilting friend and her son to come.  I didn't want to get into dragging out all my patriotic things, and then they didn't show until mid-afternoon.  Then just as they were getting ready to leave, another friend stopped by without warning and stayed until evening, so I didn't get anything accomplished all day, except put away my grocery order at 11 AM.

Friday morning I decided it was time to take that stack of nine big quilts off the back bed, and re-arranger their order, so I could put those two hand-written patriotic beauties on the top.  Because I have to depend on my cane and/or walker with every step, that took me a long time, and I was exhausted, but I got them all straightened and in order.  The one I named "America - Founded as a Christian Nation, And By God's Grace, So Shall It Ever Be", I kept on the top of the stack to enjoy the next few weeks.  It's mate, "Wise Words of Our Founding Fathers -- As True Today As They Were Then", is second in that stack of quilts on my guest bed.   I made both in 2010, and the quotations in both are still appropriate for today.  As I read every quote, I had tears in my eyes, and just had to have a little prayer meeting with the Lord, asking Him to heal our nation, in every way, and bring us back to Him.   You can read about the quilts  here.

I also wanted to sew on a couple of little patriotic things Friday, and here's the result of that.

Gift for friend's son

Just showing quilting

"Recalling My Patriotic Fabrics from the 1990's",
like we recall fabrics from the 1930s.

Then I began dragging everything R/W/B out of the cedar chest!  I managed to get some of it in place, but decided I needed to shuck 12 ears of corn so I could cut it off the cob Saturday morning for the freezer for next Christmas dinner!  I was worn out, so I went to bed earlier than usual.

 Saturday morning I was up early and got busy.  I got the corn cut off the cobbs and got it to cooking so I could package it for the freezer that night (which didn't happen until Sunday).  However, I did get all my patriotic things out and all in place except four wall hangings I wasn't brave enough to try to hang.   I was just too tired to even think about getting on the ladder to do that.  (A very foolish idea anyway for this old lady!)  Son can do it when he comes next Wednesday to take me to the doctor. I hated that idea of not having the four most important wall hangings up for July 4th, but I had no choice.   Again I was bombed out by the time I headed for bed, after watching all the July 4 celebrations on TV.

I almost forgot:  I did have my traditional July 4 meal; I had a hot dog for supper!  Ummm--good!

I slept in Sunday morning a bit and can you believe, all day Saturday and Sunday as well, my phone did not ring except my son's one call each day to check on me.   And it's hard to believe, but no one came to my door either!  Two days alone?  That's rare!

Today after watching my church's service online, and a couple of my other favorite preachers, I got brave, and decided to try to hang those four wall hangings.  Just as I was stepping on the ladder to hang the fourth one, my son called.    Needless to say I got a good chewing out from him!  But I asked him to hold the phone while I got on the ladder, and I did get it done!  I'm sure I haven't heard the last of that yet!

I took a few pictures around the house, as usual, and have just relaxed the rest of the day.  I'm still weary from all the activity, but I wanted to get this July 4 recorded just for me to remember in my blog.  It's been a hectic past few days at my house, but now I can sit back and enjoy my labors of the past for a few weeks.

Daddy was a postman; Sheet of George Washington Stamps

"Wave Salute"

Love Seat in my den

Couch in my den

Half-Inch squares; sits on my piano

My new front door mat; gift from quilting buddy

Fractured flag; I never considered when I made this that it could ever be a literal occurrence possibility.

After preparing all this, I'm saying, "And I thought I was a Christmas decoration freak!  Now I'm thinking maybe I'm a patriotic freak!"  Nothing wrong with either idea, right?  Aren't you glad I didn't show every piece I have out?

I hope all of you had a wonderful July 4 and then today, Sunday, too.

Good grief!  I was going to bed early; it's almost midnight!  -- Bye, bye!

---"Love"

Finally A Finish for "I Love to Fish"

I finished quilting my son's quilt Tuesday and got the label and binding finished Wednesday night.  That's when I got to wondering what I would use for a box to present it to him.  Then I remembered that big Whitman's Candy Sampler box that held 74 pieces; he and his wife had given it to me for Christmas.  I knew where the box was in the garage, so I went and got it.  Sure enough, if I fold the quilt just right it will fit in that box.  So that problem is settled. 

After I finished the last stitch on the binding, when I was doing the experimental folding, I realized there was red blood on the label!  I knew a pin had stuck me, but I didn't realize I was bleeding to death!  Sure enough, blood was in several places, front and back!  I panicked, of course, but grabbed the bottle of Peroxide from my sewing closet and doused each spot of blood I could find.  Fortunately, the next morning, there was no sign of blood anywhere except one place I had missed.  So it got doused with Peroxide, and it disappeared too, with no damage at all to the quilt, thank goodness!

Here's several pictures I took this morning while the sun was out.  It measures 62" x 52", perfect for use in his recliner.  (The words are from a panel from Home a la Mode, Denison, Texas.)

Perhaps the pinkish squares look a little feminine, but they match perfectly with the pink in the fishing lures.
He works at Academy in Fishing Dept., in addition to his frequent fishing, so I think he will love the fishing lure fabric.

I decided to put this strip on the back so he will see it when he pulls his quilt up in his chair.
Label is also in the corner to the right of this strip.  

The backing worked out much better that I had predicted.
It started out perfectly centered, top and backing, but by the time I got to the other end,
it was off center 1/2".  It barely shows in the row of fish I quilted in those two narrow outside borders.
I can live with it, and so will he.

Now I'm having to wait until he has a day off from work so I can give it to him.  I hope he will like it, and I think he will.  All of the sayings in the blocks express my feelings for him precisely!  I love the two in the last line:  "You are my Sonshine. my only Sonshine; You make me happy when skies are gray.  You never know, dear, how much I love you.  Please don't take my Sonshine away."  We used to sing that together when he was a little boy, and he is 57 now!

Needless to say, I love my son with all my heart!

---"Love"

A Different Kind of Backing

Have you ever seen a backing with nine strips, full length, on a quilt?  I've never done it before, but today I did one; yes, with nine full length strips!  Weird!  It may look even more weird when I get the quilt quilted!  Looks like a dull old bedspread, doesn't it? 

I had no choice but to do it like that because I can't drive myself to the fabric store anymore, and my friends went yesterday before I realized what a fix I was in for this backing.   I hope I have enough fabric left for the binding.

I hope to get the quilt sandwiched tomorrow, if my legs will hold me up.  I had wanted to finish this quilt for my son for Father' Day, but that won't be happening.  I had lots of company drop in the last ten days, and my son also made some unexpected drop-ins, with a phone call only a few minutes before his arrival.  I had to hide the pieces of the top in the closet in a hurry;  I was working on it when he called from a few blocks away!  He is scheduled to be off work Thursday again, so I guess that will be another day lost for the quilting, lest he catch me working on it. 

If my day goes as I'm hoping, I should get it sandwiched tomorrow afternoon.  I have a big grocery order being delivered in the morning from HEB; it will take a while to get that all put away. 

Catch you later.

---"Love"

 

Butchered Trees and a Little Stitching, and a Request

I don't always have the prettiest things to look at in my back yard, but I have always enjoyed my neighbor's huge live oak trees in her back yard.  They provide morning shade to my back yard.  Then in the afternoon, the yard is shaded by trees in my other neighbor's yard on the west side, also a huge live oak tree.

Wednesday morning, June 3, when I came into the sunroom, there was a man in my back yard, looking up at the trees.  I knew right away what he had on his mind.  He was from the tree trimming crew under contract with the electric company that provides my electricity.   So I grabbed my camera to get a picture of the beautiful tree.  Double click and you will see the power lines weaving through the branches.

In just a few minutes, there were six or seven more men with their equipment, and soon two were climbing the trees, with their long ropes that they tied to the limbs, with their long saws attached to long poles.  Soon her back yard was covered with branches, which were then tossed into my yard.  They do the same thing every year, because it's easier to get the limbs out through my gate and out to the street where their grinding machine was parked in front of my driveway.

It always makes me sad when they do this, but I know it is necessary for the neighborhood to have power.  I couldn't resist taking pictures from inside my sunroom as they climbed higher and higher, and the ground crew dragged the limbs around the side of my house.  Notice the progression of the limbs removal in the pictures as they cleared the lines.

The tree with white blooms is is my yard; in the path too!

See the two snails near the top of my window?  Ha, ha!

There's a third man on the right in the light green gear lower down.

They didn't remove that center lower section here.  Looks funny from my window.

They took a lunch break and ate their sack lunches in the shade under the tree in my front yard before grinding up the mess they had dragged to my driveway (with my permission).

Here's the beautiful (?) site I have to look at for the next year or two!

Quite a slaughter, wouldn't you agree?

They left the two lower portions that hang over the fence into my yard.  At first, I wished they had gone ahead and removed that too; then I decided that would be the only place I could enjoy watching the birds and squirrels.  So far, I've seen only a few birds there!    I miss the morning shade!   A friend reminded me they weren't trimming trees for the homeowners' satisfaction; they were trimming them for the power company, who didn't want to pay to make the trees pretty.

Oh well, at least the wind and any ice next winter won't take out my electricity, from that side anyway.  They still have to do the trees on my west fence line!  Don't know when yet.

I made this little book for my DIL's year-old granddaughter, and will put a note with it when they come to see me Saturday, that says "Maybe you can get your big sister, who is 7, to read it to you."
This will be the front and back when folded.  I couldn't go to get a gift for her birthday a couple of week back, so I dug in the bottom drawer in my sewing closet and found this book panel, dated 2009, can you believe?

This week I've been working on a throw for my son with words from a panel by Home a la Mode.  I've really enjoyed working on it, and hope (ha, ha) I can finish it by Father's Day.   (I've had company every day this week, and a doctor visit Monday for severe right thigh pain.  I'll see a specialist for that the 19th.)  Here's a clue to the throw.   He loves to fish.

If you are still reading, I have a request of you.  Please join me in prayer for our nation!  First for the COVID-19 problem to be stopped, then for the family of the recent police brutality incident, then for all the rioting and senseless property distruction to be stopped.  I totally agree the four policemen were very wrong, and I do agree that people have the right to protest, but it needs to be done in an orderly way rather than destroying our cities and communities.  I pray that as a nation we will reach out to the Lord for healing and forgiveness for all our wrongs, each one of us,  so that He then can forgive all our sins and heal our land, just as He said in II Chronicles  7:14.   Pray with me; won't you?

---''Love"

Another Table Topper from the Past

Seems like I'm having a difficult time getting settled into a new project!  Old things just keep jumping up in front of me!  And, it's happened again.

Yesterday I looked at the quilt rack in the sunroom that is loaded down with unfinished items.  There I found a pretty table topper that had, for the most part, been quilted.  It even had the binding and a label, finished in 2013.  Well, the quilting was almost finished.

I could see blue ink (or pencil) markings in the pale yellow areas, some quilted, some not.  I seem to remember that I borrowed a marker from the church group to mark this quilt.  Then at church quilting, we discovered that if a hot iron hits those marks, they become permanent.  I'm not sure that's why I gave up on this little quilt, but it might be.  Anyway, the marks certainly looked permanent to me!

I really like the fabrics and the pattern, but I thought I'd never be able to use it on the table, so I just decided to use it for a practice piece for ruler quilting.  If the marks come out, fine!  If not, no great loss!  When I finished the quilting today, I decided that rather than hitting those marks with a hot iron, I'd just throw the piece in the washer with some Blue Dawn and see what happens. 

Well, much to my surprise, the marks, for the most part, came out, and the quilt is now usable and on my table.  Granted, the quilting is not the best, but that washing hid more sin than blue marks!  My poor stitching, most of it, is hidden in the laundry crinkles!  It will be pretty under the large basket of roses given to me at my piano recital two years ago. 

Today was a cloudy day, so the picture is hardly worth posting, but here it is.

 

Later this afternoon, I washed some fabric to be used in  a quilt for my son, but I'll be taking it slow on that I think.  I just hope I don't get sidetracked again.

Tonight I watched the National Memorial Concert from Washington, and truly enjoyed it.  I always get tears in my eyes when I hear those last words of the National Anthem --- "Oh, say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave?"

I pray that so shall it ever be, and I hope you'll join me in that prayer!  Have a blessed day tomorrow.

---"Love"

A Lesson Learned Back in 2016!

Last week while looking through a mess in my sewing closet, I came across a sandwiched 19" square of 2" blocks.  I pulled it out and realized it was made with the same fabrics as my 2016 Civil War Challenge quilt, which you can read about  here and here too.  (I do hope you will read those two links, particularly the second one.)  I had no memory of making this 19" block!  And that's probably a good thing; at least there was a good reason why I never finished it!

I looked at the square that had already been quilted and all it needed was the binding and a label, so I decided to do that this week.  I couldn't believe how I had quilted it!  I went immediately to the big quilt to see how I had quilted that quilt.  Thank goodness, I did not quilt it the same way this little block was quilted!  No wonder I never finished this block so it could be used as a table topper, or maybe a big pillow.   Well, maybe it could be used; the top really doesn't look too awful.

Then last Sunday while deciding whether or not it really was worth saving, or if I should just put it in the trash, I realized it could be saved as a learning experience, one that could show how NOT to quilt circles!  So I finished it and named it "An Example of How Not to Quilt Circles!".   Just look at all those individual circles on the back!  How on earth did I do that?  Better yet, why??  Can you imagine me quilting that big Civil War quilt like this?  No wonder I stuffed the block in the closet!  Probably should have put it in the trash back in 2016, but now I've decided to keep it just for laughs, and a lesson to new quilting friends.  I'm glad I learned how to quilt the circle effect in a much easier way for my big quilt!

Do you ever keep your mistakes (if you ever make one) just for laughs or lessons?  Probably not; I'm probably the one one who got a giggle from this crazy mistake.  I really prefer to call it a learning experience!   And it is finished and labeled!

So there's your laugh for the day!  Hope you have a good week-end!

I put my two little American Flags on my porch this morning to honor all our heroes of the past and present times.  Do remember their sacrifices so that we may have our freedom!

---"Love" 

A Cute Little Quickie Block for a Friend

Last week while helping a friend with her quilt, another friend dropped by for a short visit.  She watched as we were laying out blocks on my bed, and later, just before she left, she asked me for a favor.  She asked,  "Sometime would you make just one block for me to remember you by?"  (She is not a quilter and is about 20 years younger than I am; I guess she thinks I'll be gone soon, and she may be right.)  Of course, I told her I would be glad to make a block for her.

She loves patriotic things, and she loves pink, lacy things, and she loves growing flowers.  Well, I had no idea where I was headed ---R/W/B or pinks, or what?  I opened the drawer in my sewing closet, and the first thing I saw was a printed fabric that I don't even remember ever having.  I guess I must have made something with it in the past, maybe a vest, or whatever.  Anyway, I pulled it out of the drawer, got my 15.5" ruler, and yes, it would be perfect!  Then I looked for pink for the binding, and yes, I found that too!  What's even better, I got to practice using my ruler foot and straight ruler.    I quilted the top Sunday afternoon and finished the binding last night.  Here's the result.

I hope she will like it!  She will be surprised when she comes again for a visit; she always just drops in; no warning.  I'm sure it won't be long from now that she will be here.  She is so good to me and calls me a couple of times a week just to check on me. 

I am so blessed with so many friends!  The one I'm helping with her quilt just called and needs to come this afternoon so I can show her how to do her setting triangles.  We always have fun too!

Hope you are blessed with lots of good friends too.

---"Love"

There's Been A Hanging!

My son came by last evening just to hang my pink floral panel that I showed in my previous post.  I'm here to tell you that no one has a more attentive son anywhere!

Nothing else new for now, but here it is, hanging over my vintage embroidery crazy quilt.

It seems to be a bit overwhelming for the quilt, (neither the panel nor the quilt are in their true colors in this picture), but when Fall comes, I'll put the quilt away, and then my regular bedspread will match the panel perfectly. 

Anyway, it is hung, and has already had several lookers today.

Now I've got to decide what to start on next.  I really don't know what that will be.  I may just play around with some ruler practice or whatever.  Anyway, I'll be back someday with something.

Stay safe, don't get angry about the lockdown, and to calm down, listen to this link:
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jWOfi5wA9Y

Enjoy!

---"Love"

Wow! What A Free Motion Challenge for This Old Lady!

The pink floral panel, given to me for my 82nd birthday by a quilting/church friend, is finally finished, complete with label and hanging sleeve!

As you probably know, I haven't done much free motion quilting in the past, so this panel was really a challenge for me because I was determined to do free motion on it, even if I ruined it.  I'm sure some of you will think that's what I did, but I did my best, and it's good enough for me!  I do admit there are lots of mistakes, but I can live with them. 

It measures 52" x 34", and will be hung over my bed because the big pink rose is the same color as my bedspread, (which I might add is now covered by my vintage embroidery crazy quilt; I decided to use it myself rather than leave it for someone else to enjoy or sell someday).  (How's that for a run-on sentence?)  The panel is about the same width as my bed's headboard, and I think it will look great there. 

I'm not sure just when it will get hung, because I'll have to wait until my son has time to do it for me, and he's working lots of hours every day now.  It should be relatively easy to hang because fortunately, I have one long "Hang It, Dang It" rod that will let it hang with only one nail.  I love those rods, but I've never used my long one, only my shorter ones, so that may be a new experience too.  I'll have to remove a pretty flower arrangement picture and six little china rose plates, but that's where I want this new panel to hang.   I'll show another picture when I get it hung. 

Now, promise not to laugh when you look at these pictures, okay?

Don't look too closely!   And stop giggling! 

Now that's a LOT of free motion quilting for this 82-year old lady, who is basically a beginner  in free motion quilting!  I'm just glad it done, and I'll be happier to get it hung, hopefully next week.

I had a quiet Mother's Day because my son had to work all day, but he and his wife sent me some beautiful pink flowers that I've really enjoyed. 

I've made a couple of masks, one for my neighbor, and one for me, which I'll probably never wear because I seldom leave my house, and right now I don't have any definite doctor appointments, can you believe?  My doctor's nurse did call today just to check on me; I though that was nice.

I haven't fallen in almost three weeks now, but I'm really holding on to my walker and/or cane with every step; I just cannot walk without those. 

I got my air conditioning unit checked yesterday by the nicest service man that's ever been to my house, bar none!  What's even better, he said my unit was working fine, and didn't even need any freon.  First time that's ever happened I think!  I just hope it holds up through the summer.  They've been telling me for three or four years I better be saving my nickels and dimes, because my unit is really old!  But I always have it serviced every Spring and Fall, and I also change the filters often.

I made some chocolate chip cookies today, so I think I'll hush here and go eat a couple before I get ready for bed. 

Stay safe, stay well, and most of all, stay happy!

---"Love"

Guess What Came Early This Afternoon!

I promise this post will be short, but very sweet!

About 3:30 PM I just happened to notice a FedEx truck parked in front of my house, and then saw the driver get back in the truck.  Of course, I hurried to see if he had left a package on my porch, and sure enough, he had left a big box! 

I couldn't pick it up, crippled as I am, but I rolled it end over end to get it into the living room.   Yes, it was from Walmart, so I hurried to get the scissors to cut the tape.  Inside was another nice big box!  It was easy to open, and under almost a roll of  brown paper for packing. 

Inside that box was my new shower chair parts, having arrived a day early!  Can you believe it?  Of course, my son had been here this morning and mowed my lawn, picked up my meds at Walgreens, and brought lunch from Jack in the Box.  He left right after we ate so he could get home and mow his lawn, this being the only day he will have off this week. 

I have to say I was excited that my chair was here, but a little disappointed that it might be several days before he could come back to put my chair together.  Then tonight about 7 PM, he called and said they had to come back here to pick up his meds that weren't ready when he got mine this morning.  It's about a 23 mile drive here from where he lives, and I was just tickled pink that he and his wife had to come get his meds, and he said they will stop by to put my chair together tonight!  YEA!!!----------  They even brought supper! 

The chair literally was a 'snap' to put together, except for screwing the legs in.  I probably could have done it myself.  Took less than 10 minutes, and he had me sit down in it to try it out.  I loved it immediately!  He then carried it to the my shower, adjusted the legs to sit level, and told me to get in it again.  I really like it, but decided I wanted to turn it just a bit to make it easier for me to get in and out of the shower.  It fits perfectly!  He had to adjust the legs again just a bit for it to set level at that angle.  It is going to be so much safer for me to take showers with this.  I'm too tired to try it tonight, but tomorrow, I'm sure I'll be testing it out!  Did I already say I love it?  I just know I will!

Here it is:

This will make it much safer for me to shower!

I did quilt a bit today, but that will have to wait for a picture another day.  I may stay in the shower all day tomorrow!  *giggle* 

---"Love"

What a Great Day This Was!

After sleeping really good all night, I managed to get myself up when the alarm went off at 8 AM.  I always dress and make the bed before I go down the hall to the kitchen, but decided to wait on that until after breakfast.

Last night I had decided to have pancakes for breakfast, made with Bisquick, which I had never done.  The box suggested that for something really special, to add some baking powder, Crisco oil, an egg, and a teaspoon of vanilla, in addition to the milk.  Sounded good, so I tried it, and it was good, though the vanilla did distract a bit from the maple syrup, to me anyway, but I did eat it all!  (I used just half the recipe --- 1 cup mix instead of 2, 1/2 cup milk instead of 1 cup, etc.)  I'm glad I didn't go for the full amount, or I'd be eating pancakes all week!  Anyway, it made for a good start for the day.

It is my habit to read my Bible every morning while eating my breakfast, and I enjoyed reading more about King David and a lot of his wars.

By then, I was feeling more stable than lots of morning, so I decided to take my shower and shampoo my hair before dressing.  Some days I just don't feel steady enough until later in the day, but today was good!  I didn't waver one time in the shower, and it felt so good to get my hair shampooed!  I don't do that with every shower for fear of falling; I've learned to live with twice a week for a shampoo.  And today was that day!

Of course, I always have to check my e-mail and new blog posts, which I always enjoy!  I received a couple of funnies about the mess our world is in.  Here they are.

   "Quarantine has turned us into dogs.  We roam the house all day looking for food.  We are told "no" if we get too close to strangers.  And we get really excited about car rides."

    "2019:  Stay away from negative people.  2020:Stay away from positive people."

  "The world has turned upside down:  Old folks are sneaking out of the house, and their kids are yelling at them to stay indoors."


Next it was time to listen to my church's morning worship service on line, and it was such a blessing.

Yesterday I had sandwiched the pink floral panel wall hanging, and had also gotten my machine all set up for free motion -----which I haven't done in a long time!  So today I practiced a few minutes, and then got brave and started on the panel.  I got maybe a third of it done before it was time to watch the evening church service.  (I really miss going to church, but I'm so glad I can enjoy it online.)  My stitching isn't perfect, but hey, it's for my own bedroom, and I can live with it.  Here's just a glimpse of one corner, not yet quilted.  It really is a pretty panel, gifted to my by my quilting buddy for my birthday. 

I have quilted the white flower.

As I was unplugging my machine for the night, I noticed something, and just have to share this giggle with you.  I had been quilting most of the afternoon, free motion --- with my ruler foot!  *giggle*  I think I'll just keep it that way.  You might want to try it sometime; it worked great!  I didn't even have my rulers out! 

I just hope I can get it finished this week.  I see some of you who finish two or three quilts in a day, and I just can't envision such an accomplishment!  I'll be really happy if I get mine close to finished by next Sunday!  It's not that big or difficult; I'm just slow!  (Remember I'm an old crippled lady!)
But hey, I have not fallen again this past week!  Some close calls, but I hung on until I could sit down.  Yea!!!!

I was in the house all week, except for Thursday, when my friend I'm helping with her quilt, called and said she needed to go back to Gibson's in Weatherford for more fabric for her son's quilt. (If you've ever been there, you know why we go there; if you haven't, you definitely should check it out!  Lots of fabric at good prices, and lots of other 'stuff' too!)  Of course, I was delighted just to go for the ride.  After we got her fabric, we picked up lunch at Sonic and went to their City park.  We found a nice table under a beautiful big shade tree, and just watched kids playing in the park for over an hour before starting the drive home.  It was about 70 degrees, and no wind; just such a wonderful outing! 

So---in spite of my griping a lot, the latter part of this week for the most part has been good.  For that I'm thankful!  Today was beautiful outdoors; lots of sun, no wind, and no rain!  Wish I had felt like pulling weeds in the rose garden!

Hope the coming week will be ever better --- for all of us!

---"Love" 

Cleaning Day and Then A Wasted Day!

Here it is 5 PM, and I've had the blahs all day except for a few minutes this morning.  I enjoy seeing pet cats in blogs by several of you, but I don't have any 'tamed' pets.  I feed lots of wild birds, often as many as 50 big white winged doves, and of course, squirrels..  If you've followed my blog for several years, you know that I really get a kick out of watching the squirrels.  Well, this morning they were putting on a show, and I got some cute pictures of what I'm guessing might be  "Frisky's" grandson, but he is carrying the name forward from today.  I haven't made any progress on the quilting mess from last post, so I thought I'd share some Frisky antics from this morning.  Hope you enjoy!  (I keep forgetting to change the date on my camera; it is one day behind!  These pictures really were taken today!)

I made the stretch, but a challenger is coming!

I'm NOT letting go, even if I am upside down!

Eating while hanging upside down saves me climbing the pole again! 

One leg on pole again, and two challengers coming!

So now you know what I've done this morning; I've just sat and watched the squirrels!
.
My two cleaning ladies came yesterday; got here at 8:30 AM.  Believe it or not, I was up, dressed, and had eaten my breakfast.    They brought in all their equipment, etc. and got started right away.  One , using a vacuum, swept the hard floors in the bathrooms, back bedroom, kitchen, and sunroom.  The other one vacuumed my bedroom, the hall, den, and living room.  They each used those little Swiffer dusters with handles to dust everything, but in my house that had not been cleaned in at least two months, that just didn't get the job done.  Not once did they wipe a furniture surface with a rag and Pledge, not my piano, organ coffee table, or dresser!    So today my house still looks a mess, but at least the floors are clean.  I need to make myself get the dusting done!  I had to ask them to move the furniture to vacuum (couch, love seat, coffee table, tables, chairs, sewing machine cabinets on rollers, but not the beds).  They did clean both bathroom really well.  They were here 2.5 hours, and  said I could pay either them or their boss (who had been highly recommended to me by friends).  They gave me a price more than he had mentioned, so I decided it best to write my check to their boss, and I gave them a small cash tip each.   I thought maybe their boss would call to see if all was okay, but haven't heard from him yet.  Probably won't, until he thinks its time to send them back.  I'll have to think about that a bit.  Yes, it does feel really good to walk barefooted over the carpet and kitchen floor, but to be honest, I was disappointed in my first hired house cleaning day!

After they left, I did a little bill paying and bank work, but just couldn't get in the mood to sew, or anything else really.  I was in bed by 9 PM, and I hate to admit it, but I didn't get up until almost 10 AM this morning! 

This afternoon I decided to call to get an appointment in June or July with a vertigo doctor in Fort Worth that had helped a friend of mine.  Of course, I didn't think to get my insurance card before I made the call.  After giving the receptionist my name and birth date, she asked for my insurance carrier and  number.  When I got up to get it from my purse in the bedroom, a vertigo attack hit me, and I almost fell, before I gave up and told her I'd have to call back.  The problem went away in about 30 minutes, enough for me to try again.  When I did call again, I had to leave a message, and I'm still waiting for a call back.  Hopefully she will return my call tomorrow; it's now too late to expect it today. 

Except for one thing this morning, I've just had the blahs all day.   Think I'll go watch the squirrels again!  Oh, and then, I'll go to bed early!  Maybe tomorrow will be a better day for me.  I promise to try!

Hope your days are going better. 

---"Love"