Hello everyone – do you have a cup of tea or coffee ready? I have so many piled up thoughts in my fuzzy brain, it may take a while to sort everything out. They will definitely include some quilty thoughts!
My spirits are rising again as our sunny day reaches into the 50’s. Most of the snow is gone which has got to be a first in many years…mid March, bare ground and daffodils poking up through the mulch – what a sight. There is a soft warm breeze from the south and I have a few windows open in the sunroom. You can hear the trees moving in the woods in our upper field and the sound whispers – Spring is on the way…be patient. Large surface cracks are appearing on our pond which announces that ice will be breaking up soon. The first geese have arrived and are scouting out possible nesting areas. Is that “Fred and Ethel” returning as in the last 3 seasons…and recently spotted – a breathtaking pair of eagles roosting in the trees.
My knee rehab continues and I have received permission to use a cane – “in moderation” – what does that mean? So much easier negotiating around the house instead of with a walker…moderation…smoderation…let the games begin! Hoping the miserable back spasms I have experienced are on the way out. They were worse than the knee surgery. I am ready to celebrate like someone left the gate open (words on a recently received card.) Speaking of cards, I just have to share another card from a dear stitching friend…she has a real fondness for Sock Monkeys and is aware that I own a vintage version (1960’s?) Can you find the tiny little guy in the card?
Being a quilter also, she so thoughtfully included exquisite pieces of reproduction fabrics – so dear to both our hearts and a true prescription to aid in healing…
Also recently received is this gorgeous book from my good buddy, Connie…what an added treasure to my quilting library. Jinny Beyer just personifies all that is classic in quilting. There are enough inspiring blocks to last 4 lifetimes!
My Mom’s birthday pillow is ready – hope she likes it! It was nice to use some of my squirreled away pieces of lace and old mother-of-pearl buttons.
And Block #4 in our Liberty Ladies group project is complete…this is the same one that I labeled “Drug-Induced” applique…even Mary Ellen Hopkins would admit to needing a jet plane instead of a galloping horse to say “it looks good from here.” On to #5 and hopefully better results…
I invite you to visit a new blog – a very special young lady, Jena, has just started her photography related site…her images are from the South Central part of Wisconsin and she also has started to share some of her favorite quotes. See her at Nature of Jenagraphy. We look forward to seeing new images from Alaska next month as she will be visiting our son, Dave. Welcome to Blogland, Jena!
Thank you for sticking with me through these pieced together thoughts…I must share something that has touch our little rural community in the past week. I have frequently mentioned how we are blessed to have many Mennonite neighbors around us. A young couple who lives just up the road from us had the joy of welcoming their first son into the world in November. Shortly after his birth they received the devastating news that he had Spinal Muscular Atrophy and would not live beyond a few months. Sadly, little Alex passed away last Saturday morning. My neighbors and I were able to visit with him and hold him for a while back in February. He had a smile that lit up the world and I truly believe he touched so many lives during his brief journey here on earth. Please hold his parents, their little boy and all of our babies gone too soon in your prayers. If you have the opportunity, go to www.smafoundation.org to learn more about this disease and what is being done in the way of research.
I wish you a good week ahead, filled with sunny days and soft breezes – give your children or grandchildren an extra hug and tell them how much you treasure them. They are such a gift.
Pat
Thanks for sharing – and don’t be so hard on yourself. The applique looks lovely – better than I could do!
Happy spring! Chris
Hi Mom –
Ironic, don’t you think. You’ve always told me that you don’t like primates… yet you still love those sock monkeys! 🙂
The pillow is beautiful, so is the block. It is good to hear you are able to be up and about more.
Yep Dave you have me on that one!But this little guy doesn’t fly as in the Wizard of Oz…those primates are scary.
Love the pillow !! you do beautiful work!!
Glad to hear your doing better!!
Alway love reading your blog!!
You have a lovely blog! Have added it to my Google Reader list. Thanks for stopping by mine and your sweet comment. Hope your knee rehab keeps coming along. Dad had one done a couple years ago and didn’t regret it, says he should have had it sooner. Of course, now he needs the other one done and he’s procrastinating again, ha. If you get your french press, be sure to let us know how it works. I debated about buying one for DH for Christmas and didn’t, but it could be a Father’s Day gift. Cheers!