PUTTING THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER

2009-04-07T12:25:00.000-07:00

Ok...I know it has been a long time since I enter anything on my blog, so here goes. Actually, I am procrasting to keep from doing all those things I should be doing.

April is here and so are the Bluebonnets. They are simply beautiful this year. Everyone was worried that they wouldn't bloom because of the drought we have been having, but even the old timers think this is the best year EVER!

This field was just acre after acre of flowers. There were so many people pulled over to the side of the road taking pictures that it was difficult not to get them in my pictures. Everyone here tries to get their kids picture in the flowers every year.

I have been trying to get some quilting done, but have been busy playing with my new machine (embroidery) and software. So much to learn, but it is so much fun. No telling what I will end up with. If it isn't nailed down, it might get embroidered...lol.

2009-02-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

Ok, those of you who know me, know that I am not a big sports fan. (Ok, I am big, but not so much a sports fan.) Well, all that changed last night. The Texas A&M Women's basketball team, ranked 12th, played the Oklahoma Women's team, ranked 2nd. It was a big promotional game...tickets, hotdogs, drinks, popcorn....were $1:00 each. Three of my quilting buddies and I went to the game, and what a game it was. The Aggie Women beat the Sooner Women 57-56 and won in the last seconds. The game was broadcast on ESPN (did you get to see it?) and was said to be one of the memorable moments in Aggie sport's history. http://www.aggieathletics.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/022309aaa.html There is so much tradition at A&M and the arena was rocking before the game was over. Guess I will be going to more games next season!

2009-01-20T09:44:00.001-08:00

I just realized that my last entry might be misconstrued. I only meant that there may be some changes coming to my blog....not to anything else. Be looking for some new pictures, new entries, etc. That's all.

2009-01-16T17:26:00.000-08:00

Change is good....change is coming. Be watchful.

Birthday

2008-07-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

Today would have been my Dad's 82nd birthday! I wonder how we would have celebrated, if he was here.

Happy Birthday, Dad, we miss you and we love you.

Just back....

2008-07-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

...from Florida where I visited my kindred spirit, the Charleston Yaya, and her family. What a great weekend it was. Her daughter, Kaiti, and Grandson, Collin, were there too and what a time we all had. Collin is 6 months old and just the best, cutest, baby. Kaiti is such a good Mommy and of course, Aunt Kelly is the greatest too.

Here is Collin, all dressed up for church on Sunday. He seemed to change and grow everyday and he learned something new everyday.

He loved playing with his toes and discovering new

toys.

It was such a joy for me to finally meet him and to spend time with him. Of course, it was GREAT to see the rest of the family too. Aunt Kelly will be headed to South Carolina the week after next, where she will be attending Charleston Southern University and will be in the nursing program....way to go Kelly, I am so proud of you.

Kaiti and Collin will be headed back to North Carolina next week. They will be anxiously awaiting the return of Collin's Daddy, Capt. Robert, US Marine Corp pilot, now on deployment in Iraq. While I was still in Florida, Kaiti got word that Robert had the privilege of flying Sen. Hagel of Nebraska, who was part of Obama's group touring there.

We are all praying for safe travel for the family and for Robert's safe return in October.

Mid-July already!

2008-07-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it is the 15th of July already! Where does the time fly off to? This has been a busy few weeks. My quilt guild had their summer retreat the last week-end in June. There were 24 of us at a really nice retreat center near Independence, Texas (http://www.heartlandcountryinn.com/buildings.html). We had a great time and accomplished alot. We each were asked to make a block from pink and white fabric. One lucky winner received all the blocks to make a quilt with. My friend, Linda, was the lucky winner, and she is shown here with the retreat committee. I was able to finish my July "button-up" which you can see in the side bar.

We were given a project to do. A block had been made and we were to add borders to it and the finished quilt will be donated to the Cancer society. I was part of the first group and here we are examining the center and deciding what we will do with it.

And here is the finished product. Pretty good looking, if I do say so myself. You can see our pictures at

http://www.bbqg.org/photos.html

Fourth of July found me visiting my son in the hospital. He had another attack of pancreatitis. He was not happy to be in the hospital, but fortunately he caught it early and was only there until Saturday morning and is fine now. He just needs to watch what he eats.

The Stovall family reunion was held at my cousin's house near Brownwood, Tx last weekend. There were about 40 of us (not nearly as many as there could have been). We always have a great time...lots of food, visiting and Bingo. We also cleaned up around Dad's grave while we were there. It was a sad time.

I leave on Thursday to visit my chosen family in Tampa and see my new adopted grand-baby.

Isn't he the cutest thing? Can't wait to see him, his Mom, Aunt and Grandparents. (His Daddy is serving our country as a Marine aviator stationed in Iraq.) See what the baby is up to in my blog list under "LimaBean." I will tell you all about it when I come back.

I have been tagged.

2008-07-01T17:41:00.000-07:00

Ok...I guess I have procrastinated enough and have to play the game, or my BFF with give up on me all together.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago? This is pretty hard, because I don't even remember what I did yesterday, so 10 years was a long time ago. I was living in Summerville, SC, working at an elementary school in Berkeley County...as a Library Media Specialist. I had just gotten my Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina a couple years before. My son was in the Army and may have been stationed in Bosnia then, but if not, he was at Ft. Hood, Texas in the First Cav. I had been a widow for six years at the time. I was very involved with the LowCountry Emmaus Community and Chrysalis of the Low Country. I had no thoughts of retiring and moving to Texas, but look at me now!

2. Name my five favorite snacks: Well, since I like most everything, I guess I would have to say: 1. ice cream, 2. cheese sticks, 3. Sonic peach tea (does that count as a snack?), 4. chips, 5. cheese balls and crackers. NO, chocolate is not one of my favorite snacks. In fact, it would be WAY down the list ... yes, I know, I am weird.

3. Five things that were on my to do list today: 1. Go to the sewing room and work. 2. Do some laundry. 3. Catch up on the reading for my Bible study. 4. Go to the visitation of one of my Dad's coffee drinking buddies who passed away this week. 5. Finally complete this tag.

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire: I would pay off the Family Life Center at Stallsville UMC in Summerville (my church here seems to have plenty of money, and I know Stallsville doesn't). I would tithe to my church here. I would buy my son a house, and of course, pay off this one. I would hire a housekeeper, because I hate to clean the house. I would give lots of money to Water Missions International so that they could provide clean drinking water where ever it was needed. AND I would take lots of trips to see my adopted grandson Collin and his family.

5. Five jobs I have had: I have worked in Libraries most of my life, whether it be the public, junior high, college or elementary school library. I tried to sell World Book encyclopedias one summer, and Sarah Coventry jewelry another. I was part time assistant property manager for my apartment complex in Dallas and was a baby sitter for a company in Charleston.

6. Five bad habits of mine: The worst one is being the great procrastinator (therefore, one of the reasons it took me so long to do this). Starting too many projects and never finishing them. Not exercising or eating healthily. Gossiping. Taking people for granted.

7. Five places I have lived. Kenmore, NY. Munich, Germany. Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Tonawanda, NY. Newfane, NY. Syracuse, NY. Olean, NY. Angelica, NY. Huntsville, TX. Dallas, TX, Memphis, TN. Summerville, SC. Bryan, TX. Oops, you only wanted 5 didn't you?

8. Five random things people wouldn't know about me: Most people wouldn't know that I have 5 sisters and 3 brothers. I love visiting San Diego, California. I have a niece that was in the Marine Corps and had two tours of duty in Iraq. I miss my yaya terribly. I know, that is only 4, but I am such an open book, I can't think of any others.

9. Five cds that I'd have to take on a desert island: All I would need is my IPOD. I have a whole bunch of electic stuff on it. Of course, I would much rather have books than cd's any day.

Whew, this has been a chore. I am so glad it is over. Yaya, I hope you are happy now!

2008-06-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

I know...I know...I have been tagged, and I am it, but you will have to wait until after I come home from quilt retreat to see my answers. Look for them early next week.

The Wedding

2008-06-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

Pam (my sister who lives near Austin) and I just got back from Maryland where we attended the wedding of our nephew Ian and his bride Jessica. Mollie (mother of the groom) met us at the airport and took us to the resort where the wedding took place.

It was a beautiful Golf resort in the hills just outside of Baltimore. We rested a bit and then left to meet some of Ian's (the groom), Megan and Dylan's relatives (sister and brother of the groom) and their Dad for dinner near the harbor in downtown Baltimore. We ate at a neat little restaurant called One Eyed Mike's. http://www.oneeyedmikes.com/Home.aspx The food was excellent and the company was so much fun.

On Saturday we went into Ellicott City (http://www.ellicottcity.net/) for a little sight seeing and shopping but the heat and humidity drove us back to the resort.

The wedding that evening was beautiful. Everything went off well and the staff and accommodations were fantastic. It was the kind of reception where nobody left until it was over (most of the guests stayed at the resort) and even then a bunch of us went to the bar and partied even longer.

Spent the rest of the time just sitting around visiting and catching up. I don't know when I have laughed so much....my sides still hurt.

Came home yesterday and can't get motivated to do much. It is just tooooooo hot. I haven't sat at the sewing machine in a week....I am having withdrawal. Oh well, tomorrow is another day and maybe I can get something done.

Mother's Day, Birthdays, oh my.

2008-05-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

I decided this Spring that I was not going to host all the "celebrations" that the family does together. Dad always insisted on having everyone "home" for these special days, but I think that was just because it was easier for him not to drive. Now we can share the wealth and get together at the homes of some of the siblings.

Pam, in Round Rock, had everyone to her house for Mother's Day. Mom and I drove over on Saturday and spent the night, which is another new adventure for us. We had five us, four Grands and two and a half Great-Grands, plus in-laws, etc. We had a great time and lots of good food.

Mom's 84th birthday was celebrated in the woods, at my brother's house. Pete and Lee leave on the lake, five miles from the paved road on a dirt road. It is a great place, very peaceful and quiet. Unfortunately none of the other kids could make it, but we had a grand time.

I have been busy doing some quilting. The picture is of the June button-up that I made. I will have one for every month. The panels button on to a background quilt, and are fun to make. It looks a little cock-eyed in the picture, but that is because I couldn't get a very good shot of it. I am tryiang to organize my sewing/computer room, but I think it is a lost cause. I have too many projects and not enough time. (sound familiar?)

Who says you can't....

2008-04-12T15:39:00.000-07:00

Last year someone (I think it was a SIL) told my Dad that lilacs wouldn't grow in Texas. Now, all my life I have been told that when my Grandmother needed to reprimand one of her kids she would send them out to the lilac bush to cut a switch. AND, if it wasn't big enough, you had to go get another one. I guess Dad had to cut many a switch for himself, 'cause he sure did like to tell us that story.

Anyway, Dad went all over town looking for a lilac bush, but none were to be had. I was looking at Southern Living magazine on one of the many trips to a doctors office, and there was an article about lilacs and which variety would grow in our part of the state. I ordered one and it came while I was in SC last summer. Needless to say, Mom and Dad planted the little thing in the middle of the front yard (not my choice of locations, but oh well) and durn if it didn't survive the winter and is now in bloom. It is not a very big thing, but it is blooming...Praise God.

On the other hand, Sean and I tore out the vegetable garden in the back. I am going to decrease the size of the bed and plant some kind of flowers there. It is against a chain link fence, so I think some kind of vine would be nice. Some perennials, so that I don't have to mess with planting every year. I am just not the gardener my Daddy would have liked me to be. I think I will also do some upside down tomatoes, so that Mom can pick them without having to get into the garden. (She fell in the squash last year and Dad couldn't get her up so she is not allowed in the garden any more.)

Tomorrow some of us are going to the Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill. I will let you know all about it later.

2008-04-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

It has been ever so long since I have written here. I mean to everyday, and then just don't know where to start, or what to say. So, I guess I will just start from the beginning.

DAD - We had to put Dad in the hospital the weekend before Christmas. He had pnuemonia again, and as the week passed, he just got weaker and weaker. We called in the family and finally had to say "Good bye" on New Year's Eve. We know he is in a better place and is with out pain or infirmities. The funeral was here in Bryan on Friday and we took him to Zephyr to be buried in his family's plot. Here is the tribute I gave at the funeral...it will tell you a little about our Dad.

"There are so many stories about our Dad, Grampy, Great-Grampy, I am not sure where to start, because we could be here for several days, if we told them all. Growing up with our Dad was, at the very least, an adventure. As we have sat together the last few days and shared our memories, most of them come back to the many excursions we took over the years. They weren’t fancy trips, although Mom, Dad and five kids piled in a car one December back in the 50’s and drove to Texas to visit the relatives for Christmas. We were so excited to meet our aunts, uncles and cousins, to see the farm where our Daddy grew up and where so many of his stories had come from and to see “real” cowboys (anyone who wore boots was a “real” cowboy to these Yankee kids and several of our uncles fit the bill). But most of the time, we would just pile in the car on a Sunday afternoon. We never knew where we were going or how long we’d be there. It could be a picnic or a dip in the lake, or maybe just a drive down a country road that he thought we should take. Back when the “older” kids were growing up, Dad would sometimes find a back road to our Grandparents house in New York. We wouldn’t have a clue where we were going, until we saw the “black bridge” and then we knew and he would laugh as though he had really played a trick on us. With the younger kids, he would find a berry patch and we would pick buckets full for Mom to make jam or maybe we would pick melons out on the A&M farm. But, whatever the destination, Dad would make it an adventure.
He was always building something, or planting something. If there was a patch of ground, he would put a garden or fruit tree on it. I have never had a green thumb, but very soon after I came back to live with them he wanted a garden. Of course, he wasn’t able to do too much of the work, but ok, I thought, I would handle a small garden. BUT NO!!!! Our garden had to take up most of the back yard. My back hurt for days, but we loved the fresh vegetables. I thought we had a huge garden until Mike told me the other night about a garden they once had with 107 tomato plants, plus corn, squash, green beans, lettuce, beets, etc. I guess I didn’t have it so bad after all. (But, if you need any green onions, please let me know.)
Dad was so proud of our achievements. Graduations, weddings, grandchildren, he loved it all. I think a moment that really shows this was when one of the grand-daughters went off to Marine Boot Camp the day he had his second open-heart surgery. Three months later Dad and Mom flew to Charleston and off we went to Paris Island for her graduation. He was like that for all his kids, grandkids and great-grands.
There are several “Dadisms” that we remember well….
“get that hair out of your eyes”
“close the door, were you born in a barn?”
“I cut my upper lip worse than that and went on whistling”
“I walked 5 miles to school, bare-foot, in the snow, up-hill both ways.” (He went to school in Texas, for goodness sake!)
But, the greatest lesson he taught us was to have love and laughter in our lives. If you had been by his room in the hospital these last few days, you might have wondered what was going on, because we were cutting up so bad, but we were sharing that love and laughter that he cared so much about. He would be lying in that hospital bed, sound asleep, or so we thought, and as we talked, joked and laughed, you could look over at him and he was chuckling and smiling along with us.
And talk about love! Who would have thought that that cute young girl, who found him on that street corner oh so many years ago, would still be around today? Mom and Dad’s love knew no bounds. Oh, Dad loved to pick on Mom, but she would just give him “that look” and go on. The last thing he said on Monday, when Gerry told him that Mom was coming to see him was “I love her.”
And, Dad loved each of us un-conditionally. No matter what kind of trouble we were in, or how much we messed up our lives, (and Daddy would say “you know who you are”) we always knew that Dad and Mom loved us and that we could always come home again. And some of us did. We might have stayed for just a while, or moved in permanently but we were always welcomed. Daddy always said “We may not have much money, but we’ve got a hell of a lot of love.”
So Daddy, we will miss you and all the lessons still untaught. But we will never forget the love, the laughter and the great adventures we encountered along the way. And we will always try to make you proud".

SEAN - Just a couple months after that, Sean's girlfriend broke up with him and he and his two dogs moved in with us "temporarily." He is exploring his options, which include job changes and new living quarters. Who knows what the future will bring there. It is a joy to have him here and I think Mom is really feeling more secure with a man in the house.

ME - I have been able to do somethings for myself. I was able to attend our Guild's quilt retreat in February. It was a much needed get away and had lots for fun making new friends and expanding my skills. I also got to go to the Dallas Quilt show in March where we saw many beautiful quilts.
There was even one of Middleton Gardens in Charleston, done in tiny circles (like a digitized picture). You couldn't recognize it unless you were far away from it.

A couple weeks ago, two of my quilting friends and I went to the Tyler Quilt show by way of Georgetown and Temple (about 150 miles out of the way). We participated in a Shop Hop (the reason for going so far out of the way) and managed to visit 4 quilt shops, plus the show. We also were able to "do" the Azalea Trail in Tyler. I had no idea that the azaleas and dogwoods would rival Summervilles, but they did.

Ok, I guess that about catches me up...I promise I will try to do better from now

The week that was

2007-11-11T11:51:00.000-08:00

Whewwww...I am glad this week is over! Dad was in the hospital from Saturday until late Wednesday afternoon, which of course meant that Mom and I were there most of that time too. He had anemia and a GI bleed, again. He received 4 units of blood, but his white count was up, so they pumped him full of antibiodicts too. He was scheduled for a lung biopsy next week, but they went ahead and did it while he was already in the hospital. He is feeling much better, but his legs are VERY swollen and uncomfortable. The good news is that he is off the coumidin, which is a blood thinner and the probable cause of all his bleeding. We have several doctors appointments in the next couple weeks, and should find out about his biopsy tomorrow. Here's hoping that it is not too serious.

Quilt Show

2007-10-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

The Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Show was held this past weekend. It was amazing to see a show from start (when the drapes are put up and the quilts are hung)until the finish (when the quilts are taken down and the drapes are folded up and put away. What an undertaking. It was a tiring weekend, but the committee did a great job and the quilts were beautiful, as you can see in the pictures.

To my amazement, my "Wild, wild Women" quilt won a 2nd place in the viewers choice for the challenge quilt division. We were challenged to make a quilt using a specified fabric (bandana print) and following the theme of the "Wild, wild West." The quilts were hung at the show and the public chose their favorite. (These quilts were not judged by the judges.) The quilts will be given to charities, except for the top three, which were auctioned off. I hated to see my quilt go, but I hope the person that bid on it will enjoy it.

Quilt show time

2007-10-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

My quilts are finely finished, sleeved, labeled, and "in the bag" ready for the quilt show this weekend. This is the first time I have entered anything in a show, and I am excited about it. It is also the first time I have done anything "behind the scenes" at a show....oh yes, I have been a white glove lady, and sat at the reception desk, but I will actually be helping to hang quilts, etc. tomorrow. Should be very exciting.

Off to the doctor's office with Dad. He is having severe breathing problems, along with some other things. He had a CAT scan and ultrasound early this morning, and hopefully we can find out the results of that. I know he would just like to find out what is causing him to feel so lousy. UPDATE: We are back from the Dr. There is still a spot on the lung, which is about golf ball size. This may still be from the pneumonia he had last year, or it could be another spot of cancer. Dad was given some meds to help him breath better, and a nebulizer, which should help too. We go back to the doctor in 2 weeks, to see if the breathing is better, then they will do a needle biopsy to see if the thing is cancerous. They will not do surgery again (he had a lobe removed 4 years ago) but can do radiation.....so, say a prayer that it all comes out right. Of course we know that whatever God's will is, is right.

If you are in the area....come by the Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild show on Friday 10-8 or Saturday 10-5. See you there.

Catching up on this and that

2007-10-06T18:19:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I haven't posted anything in a month. So much has happened, I don't know where to begin.

I was asked to serve on an Emmaus team here in the Brazos Valley. It was very strange serving with a new community, but wonderful to connect with Emmaus again. I was the Speaker's Prayer Chapel person, and was able to meet some really great new Christian friends. The Community here does a good weekend, with a few favorings that I wasn't used to, but all in all, it was a very good weekend.

I have been finishing up quilts for our show, which is next weekend. My "Wild, Wild Women" turned out really cute. I will have to post a new picture of it. I am also entering my Charleston quilt and a vest. Just have to do a few finishing touches. I am really anxious to see how this show goes.

Dad and Mom continue to do alright....not as good as I would like, but still maintaining. Lots of Doctor's appointments keep me busy each week. At least my annual physical came out with flying colors.

Yesterday I had the great privilege of keeping my son's girlfriend's 4 year old. He is a very inquisitive smart little boy and was so much fun. He kept us laughing all day.

Late yesterday afternoon I went with a quilting buddy to a retreat at Camp Allen, which is the Episcopal Retreat and Conference Center here. It conjured up memories of Camp St. Christopher and the great retreats put on by the Cobblestone Quilt Guild. No, there wasn't a beach, but the food was great! The theme of the retreat was "Parties that point the way to Jesus." It was an interesting spin on The Word, and a lot of fun. We had a costume party this morning, and one of the oldest women (she was in her 80's) came in looking pregnant...a robe with a pillow under it. She was the hit, and after our "parade" of costumes, she slipped out and came back with a "baby" wrapped in a blanket....what a riot!

Wedding, family and much more.

2007-09-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

Spent last weekend in Austin getting ready for and attending my niece's wedding. It was her dream wedding and was really beautiful. Her 5 year old daughter was her flower girl, and got to say "You may now kiss the bride." Too cute. All 6 sisters were there (Mollie, from Maryland and her daughter flew in) and one brother. It was nice to be able to spend time with the family. The wedding took place at an old plantation house, under a gazebo, and dinner was served under a big tent lighted by twinkling fairy lights. Very pretty, and only the humidity got anyone down.

Dad was put on oxygen this week. He seems to be sleeping better, and we hope it will increase his stamina.

I have spent a good amount of time with Berni and Ken....have my "Wild, wild women" almost finished. It just needs a binding. Have to get that one, and the Charleston quilt ready for the show in October. I am also working on a care quilt for our guild...to give to a charity. Just getting practice in piecing and machine quilting.

The week that was!

2007-08-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

What a week. Spent a couple of afternoons in the Sewing Room working on quilting my "Wild Wild Women" quilt. It is looking pretty good, if I do say so myself. I am proving to myself that I can quilt my smaller quilts myself, on my machine. I am doing this one on Ken....because it had already been started there, and I am not ready to tackle Berni and the BSR yet. I have completed a couple projects on Berni....two cute little bags for two of my nieces.

We got a call Thursday evening that a cousin in Brownwood (about 200 miles from here) had passed away. She had been in a nursing home for several year suffering from Alzeheimers and was in really bad shape. She had lost an enormous amount of weight and could no longer swallow. Really a sad, sad disease, but she did die peacefully, with her family around her. We drove up there Friday and returned after the funeral yesterday (Saturday). A really long way to go for such a short time, but Dad and Mom wanted to get back to their own comfort zones. It was nice to see my two aunts and all the cousins, but isn't it sad that we see each other only at sad times. To make the trip even longer, Mom left her purse at the restaurant where we stopped for dinner last night. I had to drive back up there after church this morning and retrieve it. Luckily, it was only about 50 miles away.

On a happy note, we have a BIG wedding next weekend. My niece (Pam's daughter) is getting married to a really nice young man. They both work in Emergency Management in the Dallas area, so we are praying that no hurricanes pop up (especially since they are honeymooning in the resort areas of Mexico that were just missed by Dean) and no emergencies take place. This will be a happy time that family is together. Can't wait to see Mollie and Megan who are flying in from Maryland.

Playing with Ken

2007-08-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

Today was playing with Ken day. My Kenmore sewing machine that is. A group of dear ladies has invited me to join them in their sewing room. They have rented a small space in an office building downtown (you have to remember that Bryan is rather small....downtown is less than 5 miles from my house). They have a huge cutting table, sewing stations, ironing board, etc. etc. Kinda like KK's sewing studio, only not as nice. Anyway...they have invited me to join them, and I moved my extra (since Berni has arrived) machine (a Kenmore) to the sewing room. I can go there any time I want 24/7 and sew to my hearts content. I worked on quilting my "Wild, Wild Women" quilt, since the show in in less than 2 months and I have entered it in the challenge division. There is plenty of space to spread it out, which I don't have at the house, so it is nice to have a place to sew, and a place to escape when I need it.

Erin blew into Texas this week. Lots of rain and flooding in Houston and San Antonio, but luckily for us, just some heavy rains. It has managed to cool us off some, which was so needed. I just don't like those 100+ temps.

Sister Pam is coming over tomorrow so we can shop for an outfit for her daughter's rehersal dinner in 2 weeks. It is going to be a beautiful wedding. Can't wait to see some of the family I haven't seen in a year.

That's all for now....off to play some with Berni.

Playing with Berni

2007-08-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

I have a new love in my life! I bit the bullet last week and bought myself a new, fancy "sewing computer," as Bernina is calling their machines. I think it must do everything except cut out the fabric. I have been playing all weekend, discovering new stitches and things the machine will do. I have almost finished two bags. There is so much new they give me 8 hours of free lessons just to learn! My niece bought one too, and her mother (my sister Peggy) will be taking lessons with us. She will probably end up buying one in the future. Just need to clean up my sewing/computer room so that I can do some of the projects that I have planned. (Like a baby quilt for little Lima Bean.)

I have also had the pleasure of sitting for one of my Grand-puppies this weekend. She is an English Coon Hound and is named "Annabelle." And, guess what! I have seen no evidence of 'coons or pack rats in the yard. Could be that we just might have taken care of the problem. I hope so anyway.

Pack rats, snakes and raccoons, oh my!

2007-08-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me, know that I could do without some of God's creatures. Snakes and rodents in particular. Oh, I know, some of them are beneficial, but I could do without them.
I was sitting on the patio the other night talking to my kindred spirit in Tampa when I saw something moving at the edge of the garden. Looking at it from a distance, it looked like a large mouse. (At least that is what I wanted it to be, because they are not quite as bad as rats.) The next morning I looked out the window, and there he was scurrying around under the big pecan tree just outside our kitchen window. Dad decided it must be a pack rat. I must admit it was shorter and rounder than other rats I have seen, but I still don't like it. A dear friend suggested that I put some cheese way down inside some steel wool, and that would take care of it. SO, off to Lowe's I went to get some steel wool. I laid my little trap where I could tell that it had been touched, and sure enough, the next morning the steel wool had been moved, and torn apart. AH HA, I decided that I had done the critter in, but looking closer (out the window, you understand) there he was digging around under the tree again. Ok...the exterminator was due and surely he could help get rid of this critter. He put out a HUGE spring trap and some rat bait, and said that should take care of it.
In the meantime, he was looking at the garden and said there was a snake in there. OH GREAT, I thought, but went to look, so I would know what to look for. It was a green snake with a dark green stripe running the length of it's long body. The exterminator guy said it was the largest garden snake he had ever seen (and I bet he has seen lots of them.) but it was not poisonous. It might bite, but it wasn't poisonous....great news, huh?
So, this morning I just knew that I would have to dispose of a body in the back yard. Great surprise....I looked out the window and the trap had been sprung and the critter was busy under the tree again! If you have any great ideas for getting rid of pack rats, I wish you would share them.
Raccoons? Well, they visit our yard every night. The man across the street has trapped and carried off 60 of them in the last 2 weeks, and the folks next door have trapped several also. I can tolerate the 'coons, except if they become rabid, but I would like to get rid of the other critters. May have to borrow my son's dogs....lol.

My quilts

2007-07-31T14:58:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you about my quilts. The "Wild Wild Women" quilt is one that I did for our Guild's annual challenge. We had to use a recognizable amount of the red bandana fabric (the border) in the quilt and it had to use the theme "the wild, wild West." I saw this in a magazine and decided that instead of French "Ooh LA LA" I would make it wild Western women.

The South Carolina quilt is one that the Ducks (my splinter group from the Cobblestone Quilt Guild in Charleston) did for me. A couple of years ago, 26 of us decided to make 26 of the same block (something that depicted South Carolina) and have a swap. This is one of only two of the quilts that have been finished. The other was done for my good friend Ann, when she was having bone marrow transplant. I am very honored to have this quilt. Both quilts are being entered in our quilt show to be held in October.

Happy 81st birthday Dad

2007-07-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, today is my Dad's 81st birtday. We are taking him out to dinner (again....we already celebrated with some of the family on Friday and more on Saturday)tonight to celebrate.

Mom had her first injection for her macular degeneration treatment. She has a big patch over her eye, just as a precaution, and has to use drops several times a day. This is the first of 3 injections and then they will do a laser treatment again.

July 29th

2007-07-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

After weeks of trying to log back into this blog, I have finally figured out what is going on, and can begin to post again, which should make several of my friends very happy.

The trip to South Carolina was wonderful (gosh, it has been a long time since the last post). Sean, my son, and Andrea, his girlfriend and I spent a total of 4 long days in the car together and came back still speaking to each other, and liking each other. She is a wonderful girl and so much fun. Sean had a great time showing off all the sights, and I had a great time just vegging on the screened in porch and visiting with my Kindred Spirits.

Got back late Saturday afternoon and had to put my Dad in the hospital on Sunday morning. Another bout of internal bleeding and anemia. After 3 days and 2 units of blood, he was a new man and was able to come home. He hasn't seemed to bounce back as well as normal, and I am worried about him. He has a hard time catching his breath and is very tired all the time. The doctors don't seem to know what is causing the shortness of breath and we are looking into that again this week.

Mom is having the unpleasant experience of having injections in her eye starting this week. She have been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration. These injections will, hopefully, stop any further damage. Please pray for her.

I have been busy finishing up a quilt top, which I am entering in our guild's quilt show in October. It will be the first time I have entered anything in a show, so I am kind of excited. I am also volunteering at my church one morning a week as a receptionist. It is really great to finally be able to do some things like that. Also am involved in a Beth Moore Bible Study on the Book of Daniel. Wow, what a wild ride that has been.

I promise to try to do better with my postings. Keep an eye on the blog, you never know.

2007-06-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

I am seeing more and more why I am back in Texas. I don't know what my family has done without me....Just Kidding! A couple of weeks ago, I was with my sister-in-law while my brother was in the hospital having Prostrate surgery. (Be sure to have all the over fifty guys in your life get tested.) Yes, Pete had cancer, and they removed the prostrate. We will know in 7 weeks if he will have to have chemo or radiation treatments. Please keep him in your prayers.

Over the weekend, I had the privilege to attend the Zephyr, Texas High School reunion/homecoming with my parents. Dad graduated from there 65 years ago. There were only 12 students in his class...only 3 of which were guys. The 3 guys were the only ones able to make this year's reunion. It was quite an experience, and a lot of fun. I don't think too many of us get to attend the 65th reunion of our parent's graduation.

This week, I am dog sitting for my sister Pam and her husband Jack. Jack's Dad passed away last Thursday and they had to fly to New Jersey. My 12 year old niece, Dani, and I are in Round Rock taking care of Nick, who is a large collie.

I will be home Wednesday evening, have Thursday to turn around and Sean, Andrea and I leave Friday morning for Edisto Beach, just outside of Charleston, SC. I can't wait to see all my great friends that have been so supportive of me for so many years. I know that the Charleston YaYa needs this time at the beach so much more than the rest of us....and the rest of us need time with her. It will be a great time of rest, relaxation and good times.

Another incredible gift

2007-06-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

God has given me another incredible gift. My bestest friend, "Charlestonyaya" received news today that the masses on her liver are not cancer. This is fantastic news, because just last Friday morning the doctors were sure that the masses were hard and probably malignant. But, the power of prayer was at work and they were not the hard masses that were expected and are not cancerous. We just have to find out what is going on with her liver, but in the meantime she/we will have a wonderful week together at Edisto Beach in South Carolina. I am so excited to be given this wonderful news, and the gift of our time together. I have a lot to do in the next week to get ready, but that is ok.....

Mom, Dad and I are traveling to Brownwood, TX this weekend to attend the 60+ (I can't remember how many) reunion/homecoming for Dad's high school. There were only 13 in his graduating class because so many of the guys had already gone off to war. 4 years ago all 13 were still living. I think that is just amazing because I doubt many of us can say the same about our high school classes. I hope they are all there again this year.

The garden continues to grow and grow and grow. I picked the first tomato this morning. The squash that got squashed the other day are ok, and so is Mom....just a little black and blue.

2007-06-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful gift I have been given by my very dear friend. She is the one who talked me into starting a blog, and then she had it designed for me. I just wish I lived closer to her, so that I could be there to help with all the "stuff" she is going through. She knows I will pick up and go, if she needs me.

This has been a crazy week. My brother was diagnosed with Prostrate cancer a couple of weeks ago. He had surgery on Wednesday, and I was able to be there for him and to help his wife. Being able to be there for my family is one of the many reasons I have moved back to Texas. In the meantime, my above mentioned friend was going through all these medical tests, and not knowing what was going on. I am so grateful for her tremendous faith, and the seeds she has sown to make my faith grow. This week was also the 15th anniversary of the death of my husband. A real roller coaster of emotions went by this week.

God is so good. I had not been back home for more than a short time when I received word that my Mom had fallen in the garden. (I was at Walmart getting my brother's prescriptions.) Thankfully, she only bruised her elbow and a couple of squash plants. I guess we need to keep her out of the garden.

So, you can see, that I have been putting the pieces together all week, and entwining them with my faith in God to protect us all.

First Post--Blog Design Day!

2007-05-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

This blog is a gift, from one friend to another. Friends, wanting to keep in touch, support, share, and extend networks of friends.

Maggie of www. 5purposedriven.wordpress.com is writing this post, in order to do some blog work. Thanks for viewing!