The week that was

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

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

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

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.

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.