It's way past time for..

a new blog post.   I have been busy really I have doing what?  Hum... let's see.  The first thing is Thanksgiving.  Rick and I had a nice quite day before heading to Griffin, Ga to the home of Carlton and Serenity.  Carlton grilled some delicious hamburgers and they had spent the day in the kitchen preparing some tasty sides.   Then it was back to work on Monday.  Tuesday and Wednesday I was sick; so sick I stayed home.  I am hoping it was my gum infection or maybe even a bug.  I am having that mean tooth pulled Tuesday and again am hoping that will end the almost constant mouth and ear pain.   Then on the great day of Friday Dec. 3rd I got my cursed Santa blocks for APP's quilt block swap in the mail.  They caused me a lot of agony and just about defeat.  I broke countless threads, at least 5 needles and two perfectly innocent machines. (I do have the machines up and running again)  They just about broke my sewing spirit too. I considered applique' my one strong point but these things beat me down.  My conclusion is that the Heat Bond that I had labeled as Lite was not and it left the needles and threads covered in a sticky mess that wrecked my sewing ease.  The pictures make them look really good but take my word for it they are not.

We are still trying to clean up and out.   So things seem to stay in an upheavel around here.  Fred says he will just hide out in the Christmas cactus for a while until the coast is clear.

IN THE BEGINNING

I love reading blogs.  I know I have stated that more than a few times.  I enjoy going to a blog that I follow and see and read what blogs they might follow.  The link is one I of those I found in this manner. http://wildwoodsartstudio.blogspot.com/  Read and enjoy.

I don't know how to title this one but

they'll be no cute pictures with this post and I know I have posted once today but I have just had a revelation of sorts and I wanted to document it for no other reason than one day I can look back and say " OH yes I remember..."   
 About three years ago I was lead to read the book Ninty Minutes in Heaven .  I thought it was a rather strange book about a man who was in a car wreck and dies.  He goes directly to heaven where all of his friends and family who had died before him greeted him.  He goes on to tell how he never got to see Jesus but instead was wisked back to Earth to suffer the agony and pain of recovering from the car wreck.   A couple months afrer reading the book my husband was rushed to the ER where he died.  Standing over his body I pleaded to the Father "You did it once, you can do it again" for an hour I begged for Him to do a miracle and bring my love and life back but it was not to be.. For months I couldn't understand(as I suppose no person can) why.  I still really don't understand why...Yes I have remarried and I love Rick immensely.Maybe because I have lost two loves to death, I know to cherish love while you have love.  But back to the reason of this post..  I found out today that a dear lady has that wicked disease cancer and has only a few months to live. Instead of lamenting of how terrible it was for her( I know it will be hell for her family) I thought how wonderful it will be when she gets to see her three Js  Jesus, Johnnie and her son Jr.   They will be waiting for her with joy on their faces and open arms.  What a Homecoming she will have. I await my homegoing too.  I'll see you guys soon. Still love you both.

SOMEBODY NEEDS TO...

get busy.  OK I'll admit it.  I spend way too much time on the computer.  I see beautiful things OTHER people have made and think.  Oh that is so pretty I wish.. and there I go wishing my life away when all I need to do is get busy.

There's fabric to cut ... and

Santa quilt blocks to sew... and

babies to love.  Get busy Girl and start living!

Saturday and not a road trip in sight

Ahhh weekend;how sweet the sound.  And yet a bit melancoly(is that how you spell that)   The attic has been emptied and now comes the difficult part  of going through all of the memories.  When you are QUICKLY approaching 60 you have a lot of memories.  The attic is the place where the older ones and possibly best one are stored.  Today the totes and boxes will be gone through and divided among the children.  My sweet son in law will come for the bunk beds and matching chest that allowed a small boy to rest so he could grow into a man.  The man didn't want it.     Rick has been working in the tool room for a week now.  We have so many duplicates of tools and such that it needs a good purging.  I am also parting with my collection of chldrens books.   The preschool teacher in me sees such a treasure in those but the person trying to get her life a bit more simplified sees no reason to keep such things.   Now the one thing to always cherish are people, especially grandchildren.  Aren't my girls the best?  Their smiles light up this heart.  They are always ready to share a hug and a smile.  Love you MM and Z!

  Z. had just gotten her glasses and was amazed at the sights she was seeing for the first time.  Such cuties.

IF THEY COULD STAY LITTLE

OK so my friend Mark will kill me for posting this but it is a fabulous picture.    Yes, I work at a great place that has made the world's largest jamakin.  Now that I look at the fabric a little closer I guess they had it special made also cause those huge dinos wouldn't fit on one of those regular little garments.

Before Halloween A Show and no Tell

These are the goodies that are in the package that will eventually get to Canada.  I decided that this pic doesn't show a lot of the goodies so if Betty M. reads this blog she still will not know all of her surprises.  I am using the mug rug that I received from Betty as my mouse pad at work.  It is made of such happy colors.

Joy of Joys I figured out how to put pictures on here from the cell phone.  I am a happy girl.  I love learning new stuff that is truly beneficial to me.    Yesterday evening I decided to get industrious and wash the three four footed babies.  However, Ralphie had other plans and when he saw the towels and shampoo quickly let himself out the back door.  He got his later though so all the puppies are/were clean.  It is so dry outside that the ground is one big dust bowl and they will get dirty quickly.  Also, last night, I played with some bubbles.  Rick is a real party pooper though and made me stop just cause they were hitting him and popping.  

My Fun Basket from Carters

Before I deleted the email with the picture of my basket that I won at Carters I wanted to share it with you.  I am still taking goodies from it daily.  Yesterday I removed a bunch of bubble containers in the shape of eyeballs.  AOOOOO!  and a regular bottle of bubbles.  I love bubbles and have always let the kids play with them in the house.  Bubbles are made of some type of soap and soap on the floor equal a clean spot.  No wonder my babies grew up warped.  Love my basket and my place of work. 
Today we have been asked to share a note of thanksgiving with our troops serving out of the country.  I think that is a wonderful idea.  The only problem is I can't decorate the note as I would want.   I can't draw worth a flip so my won't be pretty  But I wiil get them written and I suppose that is the main objective.

Friday was the Great day

Friday was my lucky day; I should have played the lottery but alas I didn't.   This past week at work we had fun day. It's a day that we all take a couple of hours and play games like Bingo and cake walk and such.  Everything costs a dollar and it goes to Leukemia and Lyphoma research.  I didn't win much that day but it was fun and I got to spend time with people that work outside my area.
  But now Friday... they had a drawing for a spectacular Halloween basket.  I wanted that thing BAD.  The drawing was held and I was the happy winner. I can't post a picture of that because I have pretty much torn it to pieces giving out candy and a little Tiger suit. Now I am keeping the socks and stuffed goodes and of course the flip flops.  The coloring book and color crayons (as he says) will go to Pete, my SIL.  He loves to color.
    Then when I got home from work my swap package from Betty in Canada was here. I think our packages must have crossed in the air.   It was so cute and I have swapped out my tote for this most lovely of totes.  You can see all the other presents that were included.  I did forget to include the handmade card in the picture.   I was doing really well though clearing out a spot on the dining room table for a photo.  I always do a good job of hiding my pile of stuff in pics.

This afternoon I cleaned out the dining room drawers and cupboards.  I always find so many precious memories of my past lives.  I still had typed sermons from Johnnie, my 1st husband.  Gee, he's been with Jesus for over 20 something years and he doesn't need them anymore.  Then I found a newsletter from Richard, my 2nd husband, while he was at First Baptist as minister of ed there.(He's been with Jesus over 2 years)  It was telling about the new baby in the house.  It was Trey, the week he asked Jesus to be his Savior and Lord.  He was a newborn in Christ and we took his decision very seriously and raised him as a child of God.   One day I am praying he will return to his Father.  *Sigh* 

Through out lots of used candles and stuff.  Why do I hold on to junk?

  

Me Doing the Happy Dance

Oh yeah I did it.  I got a package off to Canada this afternoon after work.  What a wonderful relief.  I hope my swap partner is pleased with it.  I had a blast doing this one.  Thanks to Aunt Pitty Pat for sponsering this swap.  I think it was my third swap that I have been in of hers and this one was the best.  Maybe I am getting over the " I can't do this" fear.  

Now to do the Santa blocks for the Christmas Block swap.  Yep, I can do this.

By the way, thanks to my DH for taking me to the post office and helping me mail the box.  I never wear my glasses unless I am at work or sewing so I couldn't read the cutoms form.  I thought where it said airmail it was animal, and now, I am not the brightest bulb in the box, I knew you couldn't mail animals.  Besides things are ALWAYS more fun with him!

I'm So Excited

Although I shouldn't say anything.  Cause it may not come true if I say something..OHWELL here goes.  I am going on a road trip tomorrow.  We, Rick and I are going to Macon.  OK so it's only 45 minutes away but understand I NEVER go anywhere but to work and back home.  I can even get lost in our local Ingles cause I go so seldom.   So that is the reason for my exhuberance.   Probably first stop will be Olive Garden.  He is finally able to eat and not choke so he is looking forward to some pasta.  Me, I'll take the salad and bread sticks; now I won't stop at that point but that is my favorite.  Then we will hop over to the little quilt shop in the same shopping center and get some fat Quarters and thread and perhaps a pattern oh and some fabric for my Christmas blocks for APPs swap.  Oh my heart rate is increasing at the thought of it.  Then we will jump in the car for a ride to Jo Ann's.  I want to look at some cute little Halloween stuff to send with my swap.  After that I will be ready to head home and bond with my lovely sewing machine.  SWEET!

How did you spend the last day of September 2011?

Never a dull moment at the House of Howell.  You would think with only two adults living in the home life would be a little more serene.  But Mr Howell likes to keep me hopping.  He had surgery exactly one month ago to get his tummy out of he's chest.  The surgery went really well and he was able to breathe with not pain and eat the soft foods and actually enjoy the process of eating again.   BUT.... Monday we had ham steaks (he is such a wonderful cook) and the problems began.  Apparantly a piece got stuck in his newly tighten opening to his tummy whick lead to food impactions.  He finally called the doctor yesterday morning and the nurse told him to get to the hoppital as soon as possible.  I was at work and had to come to Barnesville to get him.   Got to the hospital; he had the barium swallow test; couldn't get that liquid past the blockage so they were going to admit him to do the surgery this am.  Then it was decided to do it then.  The surgery was successful and on the way home he had a chocolate milkshake.  Then after getting home he had a strawberry Instand Breakfast. Then declaring exhaustion we went to bed and slept and slept.   I am hearing the pitter patter of little feet so he's up.  A new day to praise God for all of his mercies.

Oh, now I have gone over the edge

                                                                and I signed up for this one too.  I am going to be so productive.  And when I am productive I feel good about myself.

I am beyond myself with giddiness

 YEP that's right I am in and I am so excited.  I tried to use other terms but I can't spell them so I'll just be excited for now.

Wonderful Weekend in Ga.

Today I am posting a pic of the wallhanging/table runner I have been working with.  It was so simple and so easily put together. 
   Also, I finally bit the bullet and signed up for APP's Halloween swap.   It includes a tote and a mug rug and some non sewn items.  I love her swaps.  I has some oh so lovely vests I had hand quilted but never gotten around to sewing together.  What me with UFOs?  So yesterday I got the rotary cutter and started cutting.  I never could understand how those quilters could whack up a beautiful thing to create something else but yesterday I found it quite easy.  I had a purpose for it to be something else so it was cut into pieces with no regrets.  
   Rick and I may be facng a huge life change.  Pray for wisdom in our choices, please.

Today is Thursday

Today is Thursday, September 22nd.  Thirty five years ago today I gave birth to my 2nd child, Serenity Patrice.  She is as pretty as her name, although the name hardly fits her for she is far from serene.  She is and always has been so full of life.  Happy Birthday sweet Serenity; you are and always have been my afternoon delight.
   Also, today is my MIL 75th birthday.  God has blessed me by having her son as my husband and her as my MIL.  Happy Birthday Maxine in Finger Tn.

If you too are interested in giving a little back to the quilting blog community and/or receiving a little handmade present from me, then please read on.

Rules (sorry, but it must be done):

1. I will make a little something for the first 3 people (or one or two… if that is all that love me) that comment on this post.  It will be a surprise and may arrive at any time in the next 365 days (yes, a year).

2. To sign up to receive a gift from me you must play along too.  Share the giving love on your blog by promising to send a handmade goodie to the first three people who comment on your blog post.

3. You must have a blog.  Sorry my darling non-blogland friends.

Hurray and I am not techy

Rick is feeling so much better. We had a marvelous weekend until he (as usual) overdid activities and his tummy was in pain.  Me, on the other hand caught a tummy bug and was sick Sunday and Monday.  Before I was totally into the bug however I cleaned our room. I will admit I am a collector of magazines and stuff (hoarding is such a negative word) so I cleaned off every flat surface and dicovered killer dust bunnies under the furniture.
  On the other topic of me being technically challenged...  This blog is so frustrating!  I want to do it right so it is fun and normally I can read the directions and achieve the desired results but on this thing I sit here, read the how to do it and say HUH?  or that button is not on my blog.
   I started a wall hanging/table topper last week.  It is turning out very good because I am being very diligent on making sure of the seam widths.  What a difference that makes.   Also, I found a sew along quilt project ( to the right) and I really want a sew along because of my competitive nature I seem to get a project done in a decent amount of time.  

Pay It Forward

TODAY

I AM JUST TIRED. 

A Real Need for an update

It seems I do the same thing every day so I don't feel the need to post but one day I will look back and wonder about the empty block of time so here you go Cathy.  Rick has just not been himself lately.  He is exhausted all of the time and sleeps.  We went to the gastro dr Wed. and ended up disgusted and a resolve never to see him again. Then yesterday we were at the PCP and I was ready for him. I am so tired of no answers that I was probably going to be " the arguementative one" as described by the gasto dude.  But the PCP didn't give me an opportunity to spring because he came in sat down and started asking numerous questions and offering just as many suggestions.  Rick has extremely low blood pressure and is taking a new med for that.  I pray that will help his energy level. Of course there is still the hernia and Mr Rick slept through the appt for the upper gi this morning. I trully don't know what to do... I tried calling him several times to no answer to make sure he was awake to go to this appt.  I can't stay out of work to take him to all of his tests and appts.  OH Well.  And there is the 50% blockage in one of the smaller arteries. But it seems that is minor and since he gives me other things to worry about I won't be concerned with that at this time.
  My nose is healing very well.  Oh have I not mentioned I got it pierced last Friday?  I am sure it was one of those feel sorry for Cathy moments because she is turning 60 in November and her husband is sick.  It hurt like a mother to have it done and probably wouldn't have done it if I had known it was that painful but luckily I didn't.
Haven't heard from any of the kids since they started school. Or from the one that is not in school.
OH WELL typical.  BOY am I pissy now I know why I haven't posted  I don't like this side of me. So I will stop complainng and do something constuctive like wash the dishes or I could dream over other ladies blogs that actually do someting awesome.

Really different day same stuff

Rick got out of the hospital yesterday after a 4 day visit.  Went in through the ER with chest pains.  Got admited on observation. Praise God no heart attack but he does have a 50% blockage - heart cath- in one whatever.  The main discovery was a large hernia that is causing the acid ftom his food to irritate his esophogus and or not allow the food to his tummy at all. Also, his red blood count is half what it should be.  Hummm  what else?  It seened we were getting all the tests that should be done but no clear answers of what could be done to make him better.  Friday after yet another test- endoscopy- they said he was going home....OH NO WE AREN'T   we need answers.  So quiet little Cathy threw a fit and although still not happy with treatment I understand the situation a little better.

My friend Fred

This is my friend Fred. He is my friend because he always has a sunny outlook on the day. He has a caring look on his face at all times.  He listens to my every word. He tales care of me by holding my needle for me when I am hand stitching.  Fred is a good friend; I wish I was more like Fred.

Happy Birthday America

Today, the actual birthday of my home country is being spent in quiet.  We had weekend company, the first for us.  I guess I hadn't had any company since the homegoing of Richard.  My sister Katie and her family and another teenage boy came and we had a super time.  They arrived about 9pm Friday,much earlier than I expected since they didn't leave their home until noon.  We left for the local Huddle House and they ate a late supper.  It seems my sister doesn't stop except when the car is hungry so you better not have any sudden urges when traveling with her.   The next morning was spent swimming and then off to Atlanta.  First stop Varsity, where I found the slaw dogs are amazing.  My memory of them did not do them justice just because I had always gone with a church youth group so I probably had eaten while walking from table to table checking on kids.  Then off to the Braves game.  It was hot as Moses but then the sun went down and it became bearable.  Then God sent a storm through and we really got cooled off. Katie and I were so brave to sit in the rain until we heard thunder and then we high tailed it for cover. The storm didn't last long and we all settled back into our comfy seats to see the Braves win. Then came awesome fireworks. Then home, i love home.  Sunday we had swimming cooking roasting weiners and marshmallows in the chiminea(sp). Then more swimming and a small birthday party for the guest of the guest.  He turned 14.  Yummy cake and ice cream. After that all left for the fireworks at the local VFW club with the exception of the old people and we stayed home and I did a minor clean up on the kitchen and went to bed.  I love my bed.   Today was goodbye day for my sister and family and the big house is quiet again.. maybe too quiet.

My Days

As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of  myself. I've become my own friend.. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before  they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer  until 4 AM or sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish  to weep over a lost love .. I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with  abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful.  But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I  eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not  break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken  hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will  never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have  my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever  etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about  what other people think. I don't question myself anymore.. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I  like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could  have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert  every single day(if I feel like it).

This weekend I have

enjoyed myself so much!  We git Netfkix last week and although I am not not ever will be a watcher of the box we settled down in the den and watch Don Juan de Marco (the greatest lover of all times)  Yeh I own the VCR but..   Then yesterday we uncovered the pool. I know I said we weren't going to but it might be fun..  Thanks to Pete and Tammie;  that just isn't a two man job.  Then Tammie suggested we go to Olive Garden and believe it or not I jumped at the idea.  We don't go out alot.   Had the worst server in the world but the food was great and the company fun.  Then,stand back, Tammie suggested we go to JoAnn's.  Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit, I go a skirt pattern and some lovely fabric. No,of course, I can't remember the name of it, but it has the prettiest daisies on it.  I got one of those 1 hour patterns. Why I did that I will never understand.  I have always had a terrible time with the simple things and I had to lay it aside a little while ago.   My wonderful husband went to the market a little while ago and brought me back some cotton candy.  I was having one of those strange cravings and so I am a most happy girl.  Now he has brought me my supper of a grilled hamburger. YUMMY!

OK so why can't I post?

That is the question.   Granted I had a very boring post last night but it was part of my life and I couldn't post.  I guess I put the blogger dude to sleep.
  Since yesterday was the longest day of the year I thought I should do something.  After work and before Serenity and Carlton got to my house, I drove over to Tammie's to get my sunglasses that I had left there the day before and to take Zoe's birthday present.  I gave her the beautiful little purse I had made and put some goodies in it for her. Stuff like hair ribbon, lip gloss hand sanitizer (she's going to camp this week)  some pads of paper and a pen.  She seemed pleased and MM loved the purse too.  I guess one for her will be made  soon.  They I scooted home and the other daughter (her husband) came to work on the desk top since it had no internet access.  I think it does now but it was past my night night time when they left and I leave for work before the crack of early I didn't have time to play on it. 

Trying again

I wrote yesterday that we had done nothing over the weekend. Then posted some of the things we had done. I amounted to cleaning out a kitchen cabinet, and working on a marriage. Not that the marriage was in trouble but Rick and I both realize that a good union of a man and woman needs lots of attention may I even say work. We had the best time talking and talking and laughing and just being with each other.
I have been reading other blogs this morning and notice how people keep saying how they are blessed. I too am so blessed. I forget it so often and I get caught up in the " I wants" and I forget about the "I haves" God has given me a wonderful husband, and two wonderful husbands before him. So many women don't get the joy of having one good marriage and I have had three. I have three super children. All are so different but yet each a blessing to me. I have six, yes I still say six, perfect grandchildren. I have not been allowed to see two of them for many years but I am looking forward to the day I will see them and make up for the time of missed hugs and kisses. My Mother is still living and as I speak is moving into a townhouse with her husband. She is in WV so I don't get to see her that often. I have two sisters who live in the same area as my Mom they are a blessing also. Thank you God for my family! My cup runs over in love.

This weekend I have

Good News

LOOK MA NO CAVITIES! Rick and I both went to the dentist this morning and had wonderful check ups. My ugly tooth with pocket is holding it's own and no mention of the cavernous hole hiding in the tooth behind it so I, of course, did not mention that little demon. We got our new tooth brushes and toothpaste and I got a sticker just cause I always head to the sticker rack and get one. The staff is used to it now.

No sewing the last couple of days. Heck, I can't even get in the craft room to get to fabric or the machine cause I left it a big mess Sunday evening. I need to get busy though cause my plate of projects needed to get done is a little full for me. I will try to do something tonight and have a positive post tomorrow concerning the sewing.

The exersizes Rick is to do for therapy are hurting his back so I "gave him permission to not do the leg ones today.

It's a bit cooler in the tiny town and I can stand to be outside for more than the time it takes to get to the car either from work or the house. Those are basically the only two places I go. I live a very quiet life; no I did not say boring I said quiet. YAWN!

Thought the attached picture was interesting and true when I first saw it posted on FB a couple weeks ago.

This weekend was so calm; no excitement whatsoever. I finished the "bag" I was working on. Hurrah! Then I started decorating a brown bag. I used to decorate those and coffee cans quite often but got out of it just like I did everything else. Well, I'm back and enjoying those moments of creativity.

Rich had a not so good weekend. His energy level is quite low and it is a struggle to get his therapy exersizes in every day, but he does and I am so proud of him working so hard.

I tried to clean out the closet in the craft room but once I started I discovered too many memories and I can only handle just so much of those. Now I can't even see the floor of the craft room much less get any fun stuff done so I will have to make several trips to the dumpster this afternoon and get rid of that stuff. Most of it belongs to children so if they didn't want it I shouldn't... Right?

Just two more please and then I'll come chat

The bag I am working on..isn't it too cute?

Two more of my goodies. I am having such fun!

My Bumbles I really am pleased with these.

Added Pics of Creations

I needed to add some pictures of the fun things I have been making. I really don't like the word " Create" because to create you need to start from nothing and only God can do that. First is the Beautiful Quilt and the next is the Garden Gayle doll from the magazine Create and Decorate. I am working on a bag now and since I had Word at work I could download the diagrams which made the whole process a lot clearer.

Welcome Home

OK so this is a little tardy in posting but this beauty fell right behind Black Baby about 10 minutes after we got home from the rehab center. Blessed is what I am because all I lost in this freak fall was the pot you see laying in front of the branch. I call it a freak fall because we have had some high winds here in tiny town and all we ever lose is a a few leaves. But a totally calm day and BAM. It sounded horrible but as I said earlier I am blessed.

New Stuff

I finished Garden Gayle, my doll. She is a cutie. But the bestest news is that my dh is home! Wonderful calming stress reducing post. I am always better when he is home. He has come home from 7 days at rehab and is on a walker. But I figure that is temporary. He can get around the house great including the 14 steps up to our room. His speech has completely returned. And along with the weakness in his left leg is the weakness in whole left side.

Not Exactly the Weekend I had Planned

and the reason I don't plan.. I arrived home Friday after work and my sweet husband had worked very hard on the front yard and was asleep in the lawn chair by the driveway. I thought it strange that he didn't react to the dogs excited greetings to momma. Then I thought man he is really tired so I looked at a few plants around the yard and then went back to the chair. After calling his name a few times; I resorted to pouring a bottle of water on him. NO REACTON! uhoh So I smacked the fool out of him and he woke up with a start. I noticed immediately he was different and after the stroke in Nov. '09 I know the signs. I rushed him to the hospital although I don't know why because they certainly weren't in a hurry. I am thinking what's all this about every second is so important? Anyway he is in the hospital and don't know when he will be going home. He is eating puree'd food as of this afternoon and speech is better. Who can tell about his thought process cause we both have half a brain. He can barely walk with a walker but I expect that to improve also. I have an infected tooth( I think that I am not familiar with) if it is not better I will go see the dentist in the morning and then head to work. Ahhh, this too will pass. and I hope get better.

Starting New Things

and not completing the old. Should be working on some unfinished projects but I like to start things( just ask Rick). This evening I have begun my first doll. She's not an Annie and that's ok because others can do those and one day I may but not today. I had a good Mommie's day with communication with all three of my wonderful offspring; yes even the itty bitty baby boy. The girls went together and got me a goodie I had been wanting for a few months and wouldn't get for myself. I can usually justify getting fabric, sewing accesories, and sewing machine attachments but not this. It's a good thing, I didn't decide to go get it because it would have been gone. They are diligent about listening about me drone on and on when I think something is oh so cute and if I get the picture here you too can see how adorable it is. She was painted by my good friend Cathy Batchelor. Sadly she lost her home and all material possessions on the morning of our tornadoes. She co owns Creekside Crafts in Barnesville. She,her husband and granddaughter escaped with no injuries and the dog and cat are doing well also. I will close for now and get ready for my bed. It likes me so much.

The News

Why haven't I updated? I really enjoy blogging but I seem to want to do other things, but if this is going to be a memory for me I must be more diligent.
Oh mercy sakes; the most important thing is tada I finished my postage stamp quilt. It is so beautiful. So full of little mistakes also but hey this is my first one so I will not be so critical of myself.
We went to Tn. to see Rick's Mom accept her award for being the oldest living charter member of First Baptist Church of Finger Tn. Later

National Quilting Day 3/19/11

Saturday was National Quilting Day and like any other diehard fabric stash collector I was really pumped. I had planned my day for a week (and for me that is preplanning at it's best). I showered,put on makeup; whoa; and headed out. Please understand this is a BIG undertaking for me because I have just about become a hermit. Anyway, first stop Slices, one of the local pizza joints in our tiny town. My granddaughter works there and I had the best calzone I had ever consumed. Didn't get to spend any time with GD but admired her as she went about her task of serving the crowd. Always had a smile. Next, I headed across the street to the craft store owned by two of my dearest friends. Picked up a couple of items of cuteness there and started the major part of my day. Be still my pounding heart. I headed south on I-75 to Macon. We don't have a great selection of stores in our town so you go to Atlanta or Macon and I chose the lesser of the two evils. Once I hit the interstate my heart began to pump normally and I rather enjoyed the sunshine and quiet ride. Arriving in Macon I ventured to Joanns. I practically ran inside the store with great anticipation similar to a kid on Christmas morning. What exciting things were awaiting me inside on this National Quilt Day.... I grabbed my buggy and inquired about coupons and/or sales for this special of special days. NOTHING. nothing on national quilting day? They didn't even realize what the day was much less have a coupon dedicated to us quilters. BAH HUMBUG! anyway had a super time at my party of one getting some needed and not so needed items. Then I headed back to the house. Alot of excitement for this old girl for one day.

How Happy Can I Be

I received my goodies from CJ for APP's Easter Mug Rug swap! OMGoodness!

Much Better Now.

Today is Friday and I have been home with a very sick hubbie for two days. Actually he probably didn't need me as much as I needed to be with him. If history repeats itself; I didn't want him to leave earth. Not that I can stop it when the time comes (know this by experience x 2) but I just wanted to be with him period! Anyway he is much better and I am very relieved. Maybe those jokers at the er did know what they were doing but I certainly didn't want to bring him home Wed night. Enough of that..
I have been dragging out stuff in the craft room and it has been a delight. I love to rediscover treasures I have long forgotten about. Patterns, fabric,buttons, pictures and clothes. Yes, that room is a mess and it might take me years to get it organized but by jove( whoever that was) I will. Still working on my Easter Mug Rug for APP's swap. How do I know when a project is finished? I just keep thinking of something it needs. I guess I better wrap it up soon cause mailing deadline is fast appoaching.

Not March already

Today is the last day of the second month of the year. The day each month I ask myself " What have you accomplished this month Cathy?" Usually I shrug my shoulders and answer with an"eh nothing" but this month I am rather pleased with myself. Now for the fanfare TA DA I finished my postage stamp quilt top this weekend. I am so proud of it! I took it to work today and showed it to all that I thought would appreciate the work involved. I would add a picture to the blog but sadly enough I haven't learned to do that yet I need the book blogging for dummies. I keep looking at different sites and saying "What?" Yes, I talk a lot to myself. Also, I finished a chair pad that I needlepunched. I added a homespun back and some ties. Now to find the perfect chair.

What's going on

Today is Wednesday Feb 23,2011. Yesterday was spent in the Atlanta Urological (sp) Center with Rick. He had a stone blasted. Took my ipod and listened to the soothing sounds of Josh Groban since I didn't have any handwork to do and I certainly don't want to start another project. Oh. Sunday evening I made postage stamp quilt blocks until the cows came home. I think I have 10 more to do. The Awesome fabric is soo pretty and I think I have figured out I love oranges and greens. As God as my Witness..That quilt will be finished! (sorry Scarlet it was so passionate when you said it). Also, found out the famous Cathy McNabb will be my swap partner in APP's Easter mug rug swap...oh my how can I meet her expectations? EWW I just tasted a little throw up in my mouth. I am thinking about joining the APP quilt block swap too. Seems simple enough as long as I am patient and take my time to get those blocks perfect. Hmmm 40 more squares. I can do that!

Maybe I wasn't meant to be a blogger

So much sickness in the family that I have lost contact with the blog( and the postage stamp quilt). DD is better; slowly returning to work and normal activities. DH ; well I have yet to figure out. He was having spasms in his neck last week and that is gone. This week two new kidney stones... one will pass on it's own the other will have to be blasted. Waiting on a date for that. My little Black Baby(car 2003 Ford Focus) needed a new pair of shoes and so they were ordered;but before they came in a tire decided to go flat on the way to work Friday. Blessedly Rick was driving so he got to change it kidney stones and all. The mechanic also found she needed new brake shoes on the front and a baring in the rear. What? She gets two different kinds of shoes and I get zero. OH WELL thank you God for keeping us safe. I have been working on the quilt a little at the time. I got so far behind when DD was in the hospital and once I get behind I lose the competitive edge so it isn't as exciting to me. I have joined APP's Easter Mug Rug swap and have been searching the web for cute ideas and of course I have kept every "Create and Decorate" magazine I have ever received so I have lots of resourses. I have decided I will wait until I have the mug in hand for this one so they can tie in a little better. Guess this will be all for this post.

This weekend I have

I joined a quilt along sponsored by"Fat Quarter Shop" This is the first of any such endeavors undertaken by me. After searching frantically for the blog Thursday, I discovered I was behind. I had ordered and received my jelly rolls but the group had allready sewn their strips. OH MY! DH helped me sort the fabric into the sequence to be sewn. Yesterday I sewed 16 strips consisting of five LONG strips of fabric. I have ironed half of them and will finish the other eight today. I will not be left behind!