Of snowstorms and projects...

Had a huge snowstorm north and east of us. We got a smidge..little or nothing and melted next day.  We are so blessed here. I LOVE looking at Pike's Peak with a new coat of snow up there.  And I say "Up There" because I would like it to stay UP THERE!

Worked on a small log cabin quilt for my uncle in New Mexico.  Have a slip up on it but till I realized it, too far into finishing to pull apart and fix.  Won't fall apart...all secure...warm...finished. If you are looking at it from the back of a running horse, you will never notice it.  In the mail tomorrow.

Skip's mom had pneumonia this week but is markedly improved. Dodged a bullet there.  Was actually in the activity room playing Scrabble yesterday!  What a blessing and answers to prayers.

Sunshine and blue skies today.  Went to Church on the Ranch...always a blessing to go there. GREAT people and great down-to-earth Biblical teaching.

Talked to "the kids" back in PA and MD yesterday. GREAT to hear their voices. Miss 'em!

Blessings to all.

End of January...

Been a roller coaster week or two.    Dad's surgery was successful and he's fit as a fiddle. Will keep an eye on him and monitor him every few months.  Uncle Alvin was back in the hospital for another bout of pneumonia but is back home and recuperating....

Skip had some issues and was in the ER for a bit and a days' stay at the hospital....seemed like a cardiac event but turned out NOT to be, thank you, Lord!!!  Now going back and forth to docs for a diagnosis.  Glad he's ok though. Was scary for about 24 hrs there..did enzymes and stress test in the hospital and all negative..so that is a good thing.

Finished a log cabin quilt for a friend and mailed it.  He got it one day and the next began having major medical issues...which we expected at some point this year.  Hoping and praying he can overcome his vascular issues and have a good 2012.  Hope the quilt gives him warmth and comfort.

Started a new quilt for a friend who has a birthday in March. Will be done sooner than that but what the heck! Always an excuse to sew!  She likes greens and lavenders so this is a log-cabin-ish quilt with applique' in the middle.  Hope she likes it. It's on my project area and I have to walk by it and look at it several times to see if I 'like' it or it will grow on me.  The pattern is all neutrals and soft earthy colors I love....translating it to her more vibrant colors doesn't have the same effect on me.

Working with two other gals tomorrow to sew, darn, mend clothing for people who live in a lower income housing area.  One of the gals made contact with a couple who does this kind of ministry....collects money for plugging the washing machines and dryers for them, things like that.  This is the first time they've tried this so we will see how it goes.  We'll pack up our sewing machines and a 'traveling' sewing kit of threads, needles, patches, etc. and see what comes of it.

In the midst of all this, reading "Inheritance" by Christopher Paolini.  Part of the Eragon dragon series..the final installment. Can't believe there won't be more dragon and rider stories forthcoming!  "Eragon" was a movie and I got hooked.  There was a decision to not make further movies...what a bummer!   Just my crazy likes and disklikes!

Well, that's it for now.   Lovely day outside so gonna enjoy it!

Blessings.

January 17

Well, today is my brother's birthday, and Mohammad Ali, too.
Dad is having surgery tomorrow for recurrence of his bladder cancer.  All are praying and concerned.
Uncle Alvin is back in the hospital with pneumonia again.  His battle continues and he gets weaker as time goes on.
Working on a quilt for another friend back East who is ill....should be able to finish it in a few days.
Finished a table runner tonight and used my GO! Baby cutter.  Loved it.  Went so quickly and the applique' shapes are perfect...

If you read this, please pray for my dad and Unle Alvin. Thanks.

Happy New Year!

We left here 12/16 for back East to see the kids, grandkids, family and friends. Had a wonderful, wonderful visit.  Stayed overnight with my dad on the way and on the way back here...good to be able to do that!

Came home and unloaded the car and crashed the first night. Smelled gas smells outside on Friday morning and called the utility company.  Had to evacuate the house for almost two days while they cleared the gas main break that had pumped natural gas into the soil out around the house.  Seeped through the foundation into the house.  We couldn't detect it inside, as the odorant they added had been filtered out by the soil and brick, so the house had high levels of gas. We could have exploded when the heater fired up or the hot water heater came on, flipped a switch, anything that generated a spark. God and His angels were looking over us for sure.  We thank Him so much.  Spent Friday and most of Saturday in our car out front waiting to be let into the house by the work crew. Overnighted at our neighbors' place...they were so gracious to give us a bunk for the night.  Quite an ordeal and we are not complaining one bit.  Could have been much worse.  Yard is torn up a bit but the utilities guarantee that when they are done in a month or so, no one will know where the holes were dug and we'll have a brand new up to date service installed. Right now we have temporary lines running across the front yard till they can finish the job.  Again, no complaints here!

Visited friends in MD and DE while we were back. Will be working on a lap quilt/throw for one fellow who is not doing well healthwise.  He made several bird boxes for us...feeders and nesting boxes ...and gave us a birding book....we are kindred spirits in that realm. We both love to dig in the yard and plant things to watch them grow and enjoy birding.  Hoping his 2012 is better than his dismal 2011!!!

My dad has surgery for a recurrence of bladder cancer. Praying about that.  Uncle Alvin in New Mexico had quite a scare with a perforated hernia and pneumonia but seems to be on the mend.  Skip's mom is doing well...as is most of the other members of the family.

Looking forward to 2012 and all it brings...both the good, the bad, and the ugly.  All part of this wonderful ride called, "Life".

Been busy...

I found a cute little gift bag pattern on a blog the other night.  So easy and fast...Had to grab my strip box and try it out...how fun!

They are so quick and easy. Might dig around in my holiday scrap pile and whip some of these up for the coming  season...which is fast upon us!!!

A friend's daughter has been experiencing a 'high risk' pregnancy. Everyone's been holding their breath. The mom has lost two other little ones previously, so this one was 'iffy' for them.  Now in third trimester, the family is allowing themselves to get excited for the arrival of little Levi!   Grabbed the stash and whipped up a baby blanket for him...The binding and a few other little things need to be done, but overall, done.   THANK YOU Bonnie for the .pes files for my Brother sewing machine!  Love the little bears, planes, footballs, crayons and of course  'SAM' and his varied antics.

Having great crisp Colorado weather of late.  Waiting. Just waiting.   Will be traveling over the next month and crossing our fingers for good weather.

Got to get those Christmas cookies baked this coming week.

Hope you have a blessed Christmas season.

Baby! It's cold outside!

On Thanksgiving, we had the windows and doors open. It was over 70 degrees.  Fast forward to December 4...and it is subzero, quick surprise white out snow for an hour or so and no electric for like an hour and a half.  December 5 is more of the same....lots of sun in the afternoon, but frigid temps.   Wind chill of -24 anticipated for tonight.   Ok, I'll take the 70's from Thanksgiving, thank you very much!   Brrrrrrr.

On a brighter note, attended two ladies' teas this week.  One I had attended last year and was invited back again. It was amazing.  65 tables of 8 ladies on each table and every single table was decorated in a different theme.  Was so fun.    The second tea was at our Church on the Ranch, at the Flying W Ranch assembly hall.  About 68 or so ladies enjoying fellowship, great food, yummy tea and door prizes.  Just a fun evening complete with a cookie exchange....yum yum!

Skip's fighting bronchitis.  On antibiotics. Hoping like crazy he's well enough for our drive back to PA, MD, and DE mid-December.  Been looking forward to it for months now.....getting gifts all together and things ready to take East and see the kids and grandkids....

Well, off to make sure everything is closed up, battened down, and ready for this brutal cold.

Blessings for the season.

It's December!

Whew....it's officially Christmas season, December 1!!!   Had a great two weeks with Dad and now he's back home in MO and we are gearing up for our holiday trip to see family and friends...will see him on our way across.

Had some snow today but nothing to think much about.    It IS December in Colorado, after all!

Working on table runners, hot pads, and "pockets to go" organizers..which are too fun!

Later....