Saturday, December 25, 2010

What a Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all of you!  Ours has been just awesome.  Last year, for a couple of reasons (2 of the boys were not here, my mom had an awful wreck on Christmas Day on her way to my sister's house while on the phone with me) Christmas was just not that great.  I cried all the way through the Christmas Eve service at St. Margaret's (everyone thought I was just very sad about the retirement of our wonderful priest and I let them go with that) and I barely got through Christmas Day.  I have not had very many not-terrific-Christmases.  I love the season.  I love the gift giving.  I even make (yes, in the kitchen) fudge in several batches.  I am so thrilled that Baby Jesus is born in my heart over and over again.  I am a Christmas fan!  While last year was not very good, this year was one of those years when it was just outstanding in many ways.


Ashton's quilt has tools all over it.
Ayden's has aliens on it.
The gift giving for me began last week when Ayden and Ashton came over with Morgan and Des for Sunday night dinner.  Hollis made enchiladas and rice and we bought some tamales.  I gave the boys the quilts I made for them and they were a big hit.  Ashton grabbed his, crawled up in my lap to watch Toy Story 3 and fell asleep.  It was so nice to have a sleeping angel in my lap (although, as with most kiddos, he doubles his body weight and triples his body temp when he dozes off).  We also gave them a pop up indoor tent and some books.  I do love to shop for kids!  

Then we moved along the week to some great Christmas events.  Tuesday after work, my dear brat who moved to Pittsburgh last summer came to visit and he and I ran around New Braunfels getting some shopping done and deliveries made.  It was awesome to spend just a couple of hours with him and he even volunteered to go to San Antonio for me on Wednesday to pick up one of Hollis' gifts.  I love that Brock-guy and I sure miss him.  

Curtis
Clayton
Wednesday after work, Desiree and I went to Kyle for some more fun.  We met Mom at the Texas Pie Company where I bought some more gifts and then the 3 of us had a fabulous Mexican seafood dinner in a little place called Pisces.  Mom was headed to Fairhope by way of Vinton so in addition to her gifts, I was able to send some for other Englishes as well.  With Mom and Currie off to Fairhope, Alabama, Steve and Rachel in Vinton Louisiana and Kathy, Lane and kids in Red River, New Mexico, I think this is the first time all four of us have ever been in four different states for Christmas.   



Desiree and Morgan

a super family photo - thanks Daniel!


Hollis and me
All of our boys are here in the area, probably for the foreseeable future.  They were all waiting for us along with Desiree and Morgan's friend Daniel when we got home from church Friday evening.  Hollis made stir-fry for dinner and then we opened the gifts.  Much, much fun!  Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and then they went out to play.  Hollis made his amazing hot chocolate for Des and me and we chatted for a while before she left.  Clayton and Curtis took Daniel to nightspots in New Braunfels and Harris went over to watch Morgan and Des get everything ready for Santa's visit to Ayden and Ashton.  When they were all gone, Hollis went to bed.  I was tired and I wanted to sleep but I was just so filled with contentment that I didn't want it to end.  I stayed up in my quiet house and just replayed the evening in my mind.  Then, I got a text message from my mom that she LOVED the jacket I gave her.  More good news!  Kathy posted photos of her family skiing.  More fun stuff and it wasn't even Christmas Day yet!

This morning, Clayton, Curtis and Daniel returned from their adventures and once Harris got up and we heated up the chili Hollis made, we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's house.  Daniel held down the fort (more specifically, the sofa) while we went for Christmas Dinner.  More scrumptious Mexican fare for lunch and then more gifts.  Just when I thought I could take no more, we decided to go see a movie.

Harris
Clayton, Harris, Curtis, Hollis and I went to see True Grit.  I had concerns about seeing this movie because I am a big fan of the original (a really big fan - I quote it often) so I had to be gently convinced by reviewers and interviews with some of the stars to get myself to say yes.  Let me just say, I have no regrets.  It is a wonderful movie.  A little more graphic in the violence than the original but it is true to the story line and not even a little bit disrespectful to the original.  I look forward to recommending it to people.  Then we went looking for dinner.  Whataburger had the audacity to be closed and since it had won the popular vote in the Suburban, that was a bummer.  We had to come home and make do with leftovers.  That is, until I remembered the salmon fillets Mom had given me Wednesday evening.  Curtis and I pan fried one whole filet in some seasoning and butter and toasted bagels to go with.  Hollis had leftover chili and tamales and the other 4 of us pigged out on salmon.  

So there you have it.  One wonderful Christmas!  I am blessed beyond blessed and I know it.  Please Lord, keep me ever mindful of all your blessings.  Never let me lose sight of how much love surrounds me and how much I have to be thankful for.  Show me how to be a blessing to others as I have been blessed and thank you for sending Baby Jesus to us year after year after year.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Sunday Nights and Other Stuff

We have fallen into a really cool routine.  It's called Sunday Night Dinner at Our House.  Tonight all 4 boys, Desiree, her boys Ayden and Ashton and Grandma and Grandpa were all here.  Ayden and Ashton come every other week when they are with Morgan and Des and now Curtis has arranged his schedule so that he can be here on Sunday nights as well.  The grandparents come when the don't have church commitments on Sunday evening.  I am loving it!!  When I know Ayden and Ashton will be here, I try to plan something for them to do.  Tonight we decorated the house for Christmas.  Ayden and Des set up the Nativity set, Morgan and Ashton put ornaments on the tree and I put up the stockings.  My house is ready for Christmas - except for that shopping thing I still need to do - and it looks great.  Since we had so much to do, we ordered pizza.  Normally we cook. Roast is a hit and so is almost everything Hollis cooks.  I'm thinking about chili for next Sunday.  I really enjoy planning it and I love having them around me. 

Clayton will be back in New Braunfels permanently in a week or so.  It looks like he and Harris will be sharing a house right down the road from here.  How cool is that?!?  I see lots of Sunday Night Dinners at Our House as the weeks and months go by.  Maybe sometimes we can eat at their house - we shall see.  Morgan and Des and the little boys have gone home now but the other 3 are in the living room watching cartoons with their dad.  There is a very nice rhythm to it all. Here are some photos from tonight. 

Des and Ashton playing with "the big phone"

Clayton and Grandma



Curtis

Ayden, Des, Ashton and Morgan (with Grandpa in the background

Friday, November 12, 2010

and the beat goes on. . .

Yesterday was Veterans Day.  As I understand things, this is Harris' first year to be a Vet - he was active duty last year at this time.  Hope I'm right about that.  Anyway, it was an emotional day for me.  Harris lost his best friend in Iraq in August of 2007 when they had been in country less than 90 days.  Alun was by all accounts, a great guy.  I've had the honor of meeting his parents and brother and I can only imagine how the hole in their hearts must ache.  Yesterday, Alun's brother posted this message on Harris' Facebook page: Thank you, Harris.  I was very moved.  Lots of friends and family expressed their appreciation to Harris yesterday.  He's much too humble to take it very well.  He just did the job he was hired to do.  I tried not to fuss over him too much but it's hard to be the mom and not fuss.  He had a wonderful smile on his face when I hugged him after work.  I asked why he was so happy.  He said he didn't have a reason.  He was just happy to see me.  What did I do to deserve this blessing?  Clayton also posted an appreciation to Vets for being brothers and for bringing home his brother alive.  Also moving.  I love my sons.

This weekend I have another memory event on the calendar.  My dad, Paul Williams, is being inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.  The induction takes place in Tin Hall in Houston on Sunday afternoon and though I've never been to anything like this, I'm not sure if I'm going to love it or not.  I am honored that he is being honored.  I just so wish he was here to enjoy being honored.  He would really love it.  It's going to be cool to have the sound of his voice where all can hear it.  It's going to be cool to see the photos again.  It's going to be cool to be there with the family.  It's just going to be sad that he's not there.  Love you so much Daddy!

For Thanksgiving this year we are staying home and inviting people in.  I am really looking forward to that.  Mom will come to help cook.  Hollis will deep fry the turkey (this has to be his best dish - but I say that about most of the stuff he cooks).  Guests are bringing other dishes and all my boys will be at home (did you hear me, Clayton?).  I don't have a hard time being thankful.  I think it would be irresponsible to not be thankful.  I'll let you know how my November adventures go. . .

Sunday, October 10, 2010

A Whole New World

Shelley at work
The machine at work
Look what I made!

 

We got this pattern. . .

Just a close up. . .

and this pattern. . .

Didn't get this one. . .

but sort of wish we had.

Definitely got this pattern!
A little over a week ago, I opened an e-mail from a San Antonio Quilt Shop and advertised there was a 2 day workshop for this weekend.  I recently purchased a new sewing machine that I intend to devote solely to embroidery and here was a 2 day event to show me all the magic at my fingertips.  Shelley (close friend, fellow quilter, owner of an identical machine and general partner in crime) and I decided very quickly that we could probably get a tip or two out of this so we signed up.  Oh My Goodness!!  We had no idea what we were about to be exposed to and it was just a spectacular two days.  The workshop is sponsored by Brother sewing machine and Anita Goodesign embroidery manufacturer.  There were 90 people at 9 different tables each with 2 $5,000 Brother embroidery machines.  The presenter would show us a method of embroidery and then each of the 5 people at a machine would take a turn making the sample.  Shelley handled the cutwork design.  I made a small stocking.  The machines made amazingly beautiful stitches.  We each bought some embroidery patterns and remained grateful that we couldn't even entertain the notion of buying one of the machines.  What we both want and need now is a clear path to making a business out of what we love so much.  There were 90 people in that room, some of whom came from quite a distance to take this workshop and a handful of them purchased not just the $5,000 machines but the multi-needle professional machines that can hold up to 10 different thread colors and sell for $14,000 to $20,000 each!  I am so looking forward to the next few projects that are just now forming in my overwhelmed brain.  Last night I personalized 2 projects for Desiree's boys to help me finish when they get here in a few hours and today I emboridered a bluebonnet on a beautiful piece of linen - guess I'll make a purse out of that.  I am convinced that the world is my oyster and I am limited only by my own creativity (oh, and my job, money, laundry, family, etc.) and I am ready to get busy!  

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Reflections on the Grand Time in Galveston

The Whole Group (minus Chelsey)
We have been home from our Grand Time in Galveston for over a week and I am still just basking in how much fun it was!  Kathy and I began planning this not long after Daddy died.  Would we really be able to get all 7 20-something grandkids who live in 3 different states, one high school cheerleader who lives in a 4th state and all the parental units together for an entire 3 day weekend?  We didn't even know that for sure until the Sunday before when Morgan checked his schedule and found out he was getting Saturday and Sunday off.  I told Kathy just before she picked the condos that pulling it together would be somewhat of an act of faith as far as getting everyone there and that if it was supposed to happen, it would happen.  It so happened!  Mom's birthday isn't until October 6th and we knew we couldn't surprise her with the entire trip - we all talk to each other too much to keep that a secret, but we did want the fact that this was her birthday party to be a surprise.  We managed to pull that off for sure.  We waited until every grandchild was present on Saturday and then we told her.  She was a bit floored to say the least.  After that announcement, it was time for the beach.  Kathy got us great condos with a private beach and the grandkids all headed for the water.  The Wooldridges were a party of 8 with Desiree and Chelsey in our group.  I volunteered Hollis to cook.  It is the one thing I am fairly safe in volunteering him for almost any time.  He grilled burgers on Saturday night and then after Steve and Rachel got some spectacular shrimp fresh off the boat Sunday morning, Hollis put together a Cajun shrimp, potatoes and corn on the cob boil that was way beyond spectacular.  There were jigsaw puzzles and football games, a movie night and some serious partying, beach combing and pool swimming and a few people took too much of the sunshine home with them.  The 20-somethings all agreed that they would contribute to making this an annual event and I will do all I can to make that happen.  They had so much fun!  I love that I have over 700 photos of the event on my iPad.  With my memory card connector, I was able to put all of Kathy's, Mom's, Desiree's and my photos on the iPad.  Pretty cool!  I uploaded them to Snapfish and shared them with the family.  One of the surprises for Mom was that Kathy arranged to have a photographer come on Sunday morning for some family photos on the beach.  Photos of her and all of her kids and grandkids are something special for all of us.  We had so much fun.  I cannot wait to do it again.  An annual Labor Day Family Reunion - super good idea!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Awww Man!

I am very sad to report that when I went check on my baby birds this evening, I found the nest to be completely empty.  They had just started growing feathers and having their eyes open when I went out there and I am seriously bummed.  Hollis speculates that it could have been a snake or perhaps a rival mama bird who got them.  I just know they are gone and I am going to miss them.  We knew that "out in the open" thing was not Mama Brids' best decision. . .

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Observation

Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
   One of the benefits of buying a house that was built in 1972 is that it comes with all sorts of old-timey appliances.  Behold the one in the back yard (see photo 1).  I know Hollis uses the wires between this one and it's mate for hanging up the dog blankets but I like the alternate uses we have found for the t-posts.  It holds the rain gauge and a bird feeder.  The bird feeder is a metal cage-like structure and we put these bricks of bird seed in them.  Well, some genius Mockingbird built a nest in ours.  This concerned us for a couple of reasons.  One, it's sort of low and unprotected.  Two, it is right out in the open - no shade anywhere.  I went out to take a look.  Here's what was in the nest (see Photo 2).  They were so beautiful!  Now we had a new concern.  It just didn't seem possible that 3 eggs in the August, afternoon, South Texas heat could possibly do anything but cook.  I kept going out every couple of days and taking photos but we were sure they were doomed.  Here's was I found on Wednesday, August 11 (you guessed it - see Photo 3)!  This is how I know it's a good thing that God is in control and not Hollis and me.  We were wrong to doubt!  Now, of course, all these guys have done so far is hatch.  They pop their heads up for dinner every time I go near them and I even shot a video of that but I'll spare you that right now.  They are not a bit cute.  They were much prettier in their eggs but I'll keep taking photos of them and see if they get better looking.  
   I always feel blessed by practically any kind of wildlife interaction.  I still love seeing deer and rabbits in the fields around our house.  We have a barn swallow nest on our front porch and every year we get a couple of batches of baby barn swallows growing up in it.  I love watching the adults swoop in and out of the nest over our heads while we are on the deck.  It's just way up high and I don't get to see the babies until they are big enough to sit on the edge of the nest.  The new Mockingbird babies are right where I can see them change day to day.  I am really tickled about that.
   One more thought.  It's supposed to be "really easy" to put my photos where I want in the "new blog editor" but I'm not having much luck with that.  I will try to master that on the way to my next post. . .

Sunday, July 25, 2010

C'est Fini!

The 2010 NBAQG Holiday Magic Quilt Show is in the history blogs - or at least it will be once the organizers tie up several hundred loose ends.  Our show has 3 co-chairs and when you sign on, it's for 3 shows.  We have our shows every other year so it's a long term commitment to say the least.  These 3 women co-ordinate the renting of the facility, set-up, take-down and everything in between and our guild members as well as the general public contributes the quilts for the show.  We had over 200 quilts this year!  From 8"x8" miniatures to large queen sized bed quilts, all were constructed by the artists who showed them.  If you are inspired by such things, you would have been just that at this show.  I know I was.  I showed 3 quilts.  Because I have sold quilts and taught others to make things, I have to show my quilts in the category "Master Quilter."  I hardly consider myself a master quilter - I keep trying to refine my work, but I'm no master quilter.  Rules are rules, however, so I just enter my quilts and hope for the best.  No ribbons for me this year.  Maybe 2012, we shall see. . .

Here are my entries:
Fiesta Animals - I designed this one.

This one is called Holiday Yummies.
This one has the fuzzy back.  Fabulous naps are guaranteed!
The back of Holiday Yummies.

Hollis and I love the Fiesta Animals.  They will be hanging on the wall in the living room as soon as I have time to put them up.  The pink one needs a home.  It has micro-plush backing so it is a a very cozy nap quilt.  I hope to sell it.  The Christmas quilt needs a home too.  The back of it is just amazing - guess I'd better find a photo of that too.


Mr. Tom
Alexis Anne, an unidentified friend and equally unidentified pup.
Then on the other quilt front, I have two new satisfied customers.  Tom picked up his quilt last weekend when he was in town to hang with the cousins and Katelyn went to Fairhope this weekend and delivered Alexis' quilt to her.  Wanna see the pix?  This is why I quilt - how can you go wrong wrapping those you love in something warm and beautiful.  I may not be a master but I sure am happiest creating, making, finishing and presenting my quilts.  Next up is Mr. Kagan - he wants plaids - not a problem.  I'll take some photos along the way.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Thank God It's Monday?

Okay, we've all had them - weekends so chocked full of activities that we begin to look forward to Monday so that we can get some rest.  Mine started Thursday!  I went to see Toy Story 3 in 3D with Morgan and Des and the boys.  One boy was entranced, the other, not so much but we did see the entire movie and the credits!  I mention the credits for 2 reasons.  The first is that all Pixar movies have something fun during the credits.  Sometimes it's outtakes.  I love the irony there - they take the time to generate incorrect lines and miscues to make an outtake reel - cracks me up!  The second is that this particular movie kicked my emotional butt!  I would have been bawling had I not been in the company of two young men who had only ever seen me one other time and I really didn't want to freak them out by sobbing in the theater.  It's a rough last 20 minutes or so for this one - don't say you weren't warned!  I was glad to have the credits to cheer me up before the boys could see that I'd been crying. Then on my way home, a friend asked me to help her alter a bridesmaids dress that she needed for a wedding on Saturday.  We worked on that until about midnight.  When she left, it fit - mission accomplished! 
I managed to remember all my contributions to the pot luck at work on Friday and since said pot luck was my idea, the pressure was great to show up with some main ingredients.  Mission accomplished!  Hollis and I ran an errand after work and grabbed some dinner but I knew Saturday was full to the brim and I was beginning to stress about my last show quilts' completion so when we got home, I set about to finish it.  I had to bind it, sleeve it and label it and PTL, I did!  Mission accomplished!  About 10:00 or so, my whirlwind child arrived.  He came in in filthy clothes, introduced me to the buddy he brought with him, showered, ordered his buddy - Cody Smith, by name - to shower, and the two of them were off to find a Friday adventure in New Braunfels.  They were both "asleep" in Clayton's truck on Saturday morning so I guess we can call that - Mission accomplished.
Saturday morning I had my monthly quilt guild meeting.  Everyone seemed calm.  I guess I was the only one who finished her last show quilt the night before - we turn them in for the show next Wednesday.  Next on the agenda was a facial.  Of course the card I got in the mail for $10.00 off my facial, was on the dining room table at home so I had to grab some drive thru lunch, drive home, get the card and drive back to New Braunfels to be at the spa by 1:15.  I was on time, the esthetist was running late.  I got my facial and a fancy hair do for the evenings event - Chris and Casey's wedding!  I've known the groom since he was in 8th grade and he and his lovely bride had a wonderful, traditional, beautiful wedding and some really great bar-be-que at the reception.  I am so happy that they included Hollis and me on the guest list.  Hollis and I wish them all good times and happiness in their life together.  3 events on Saturday's calendar - mission accomplished!
Sunday, I kinda dropped the ball.  Didn't make it to church but did get something else done.  Clayton and Cody's good buddy Garnet will be a dad next month and Clayton asked me to make a quilt for a baby boy.  I commenced gathering materials and then this morning, I decided to go ahead and get started.  Funny thing happened then.  In spite of having Harris (who lives here all the time) and Clayton and Cody and Tom (nephew from Houston) and Barrett (another of Clayton's pack) moving in and out of the house all day, I managed to FINISH the baby quilt top!  Baby Rhett (whom Clayton has already nicknamed DoBro) won't arrive for a few more weeks but when he does, I will embroider his name and birth date on this quilt top and get it over to Wonder Wilma for quilting.  Mission accomplished and I didn't even get the mission until last Wednesday.  There is one more load of laundry that needs to go into the dryer and a couple of household chores didn't get done but hey - I had a busy weekend!  So I will go to work tomorrow to get some rest.  Bet it doesn't happen like I think it will. . .

Monday, July 5, 2010

Summer Reflections - 2010

I think it's much cooler this summer. There are facts to back it up but I can just feel how much cooler it is than last year. We had nearly 60 days over 100 degrees last year. We have higher humidity this year, but I am really enjoying the cooler afternoons. Mom, Kate, Chelsey and I floated down the Comal River last weekend and it was sure warm enough for that. I don't mind at all if we wait another week or two, or even until August for triple digits. The tradeoff for this coolness, besides the rain and greenery and flowers, is the mosquitoes. They are abundant and mean as ever. Ahhhhh - balance. . .

The New Braunfels Quilt Show entitled Holiday Magic, will be the weekend of July 23-25. I hope you'll come if you can. It's going to be a great show. I hear there are well over 200 quilts in the show. We have vendors, silent auction and lots of inspirational works of art. It is held at the New Braunfels Civic Center on Seguin St. I have 3 entries in the show. I'll post photos of them when the show is over. It's lots of fun getting ready for the show. Hope to see you there. . .

We are getting used to having just one dog in the house. It's just not the same. Cricket seems lonesome but I may just be projecting that on to her. My kitten, Batik, is very cuddly and entertaining so I'm trying not to be so sad. I can hear the cicadas outside. Must be summer time. . .

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Now What?

Well, today is the last day of my forties. It's been an interesting decade to say the least. The boys have all moved into adulthood and Hollis and I are still ridiculously crazy about each other. We are healthy, have great family and friends, jobs at which we feel successful and a church we adore. Nothing is perfect but I don't believe it's supposed to be so that doesn't really stress me out. I guess I am ambivalent about my fifties. I always say that you never know when you wake up in the morning what God has in store for you. Trite, maybe but so true. I love the surprises - mostly. I hope to see the boys grow into their potential and find what they want out of life. They sure are great guys (I won't pretend to be the least bit objective on the topic).

Shelley and I took our Coastal Shop Hop trip on Friday and Saturday.  We hit 6 quilt shops we'd never been to in 5 cities and found some pretty scenery and delicious food along the way.  It turns out 5 of the shops have an organized Shop Hop in February.  We are planning our return now. . .


I had a lovely birthday party Sunday evening. Lots of friends from life, church and work took the time to come eat with us and enjoy some time together. Morgan and Desiree put together a great Candy Bar and my mom lovingly baked 70 cupcakes and brought goodies for us to all top our own. It was great. Curtis worked his butt off in the South Texas heat and his life-long buddy Jordan ran burgers back and forth to all our guests. My sweet niece Katelyn came from Baton Rouge to celebrate with me and there were a couple of surprise guests at the party that really made my day. I felt very loved! That collection of people is what my life is about. Connections! It's all about the connections!

The rough patch of the weekend was pretty darned rough. We had to make the decision to put down a sweet, smart dog we have had since 1998 on Monday morning (she's the one on the step in the photo). She was injured beyond hope and it nearly broke my heart to tell the vet to do what had to be done. She died in my arms without any pain and Clayton (my rock for this event) carried her back to the Suburban and buried her up by the tank where she loved to play, when we got home. I miss her terribly. Her daughter, Cricket looks all over for her every time we come home. I was so blessed to have had her in my life. There will never be another one like her. No original thoughts here but my heart sure has been heavy over my Rhea pup. We all must value the time we have with those we love. It can end at any time!

So on to my fifties! I'm not scared! I'll keep on loving and believing in those around me and they will keep on loving me back. It'll be great - you'll see. . .

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Anticipation - too much of a good thing?

June seems to have me in a constant state of anticipation.  First there is my birthday on the 30th.  I'm turning 50 this year so I decided to party hardy to celebrate.  I can't wait for the party this weekend.  It is going to be a great time with friends and family.  But getting back to the beginning of the month.  Harris got hurt June 2nd.  We spent a week in anticipation of surgery.  It went well other than the first few rough days and then we anticipated the removing of the stitches.  That happened today.  The doctors were very pleased with the look of things and they did indeed remove the stitches.  I started the quilt for our bed and it's going to take a while to finish.  Quilts usually get finished pretty quickly in my studio but my anticipation is dragging out a bit on this one.  I also have 2 show quilts that will be ready any day now and those will have to be bound and finished for the Quilt Show in late July.  Back in March or April, my sister decided that we needed to spend the 18th of June, which would have been our Dad's 70th birthday, together and somewhere fun.  She got us great seats to see Wicked last Friday night in Dallas.  Anticipation for that began when she ordered the tickets.  We had lunch on Friday at the American Girl Store (don't even get me started on what I'd buy, if I could, in that place), swam with the kids at the hotel, went to give Mr. Jobs some money for the coolest toy ever, Mom and I had a great dinner at a deli in Dallas before the show and then the wonderful music of Wicked.  It was all I anticipated and more.  Saturday morning I took the long way home so that I could visit some quilt shops.  Very fun for me!  I even conducted a mini-class at one of the shops on a cool way to make any striped fabric into a quilt - didn't anticipate that but sure enjoyed it.  This week Shelley and I are leaving early Friday morning to drive to the Texas coast by way of 3 towns with quilt shops we want to see and then we will drive home Saturday via a different route to take in a few more.  Serious anticipation there!  Sunday is my birthday party - I know, it's the anticipation theme again.  I am taking Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off and I have something planned for each day. I'm pretty much on anticipation overload.  I love having something new and unusual to look forward to but right now, I'd like to look forward to not much.  I'm just wondering if others have ever felt this way. Leave me a comment or two to describe. . . 

Saturday, June 12, 2010

A General Malaise




So here's the state of things. Harris' first 24 hours at home has been pretty good. His pain is under control. He slept well last night and deep into the morning and he has been eating most of the stuff I throw his way. He is bored and dreads being bored for 2 more months and I don't blame him. Hopefully at his 2 week check-up he can get permission to drive. Unfortunately, his car is a standard and he only has one driving foot. We can work around that though. If he has some freedom, recovery will be much easier - for everyone! While he was in the hospital, I finished binding 3 (yes, three) quilts.

One was a gift for Desiree. Her birthday was yesterday and I took her quilt to her as her gift. I think it is safe to say she very loved it. It was bright pink and purple and yellow and green. Her boys will be quite envious! I have plans for them though - just give me some time. The second one is one of my show quilts - no peeking until July. The third is a king sized one for Alexis. It's only the second king sized quilt I've ever made but it really turned out well. Wonder Wilma (my magical quilter) used a multi-colored thread on the quilt and the backing and it shows up so beautifully on the back that the quilt is just about reversible. I'm thinking about letting Kathy take it to her next month. I like for someone to tell me about the reaction if I can't see it for myself. Anyhow, after 4 days of handwork and 3 finished projects to show for it, I was able to finish another craft project that is a surprise for another group of friends. Photos of that after the reveal in July. Now I have some decisions to make. Shall I begin the quilt for our new bed or shall I work on a birthday gift for Hollis' mom? I have all I need for either thing; I just can't decide which one to make. Oh and I have a wall hanging I want to make too. I've been busy most of the day but I just feel this general malaise. I hope tomorrow finds me inspired. . .

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Unfun things - continued

Well, the fact is, you can make all the plans you like. God and the US Army will do as they like. We planned for Harris to have a pre-op appointment on Tuesday afternoon and be admitted early Wednesday morning for surgery on his heel. At the pre-op appointment, the doctors decided to admit him then so he would be first in line Wednesday morning. Harris had nothing with him for hospital admission. He doesn't need much so I just took a few items to him the next day. He was indeed the first case on Wednesday morning. Surgery took about 2 hours and we were on our way back to his room by just after lunch time. We then planned to have all the tubes - drainage coming out, meds going in and a couple of others - removed on Thursday morning and for him to be released. The epidural tube they used to numb him from the waist down came out easily first. Within an hour, the pain was getting pretty rough. He took oral meds and eventually got an IV dose of something but in the meantime, he was one miserable puppy. The ortho doc told us that this was one of the most painful breaks a person can have. By 1:00 this afternoon, Harris had sure moved it to near the top of his list. When the injection alone did not make a big enough dent in the pain, plans changed again. They hooked him back up to a pump that allows him to push the button every 6 minutes until he feels better. Thankfully by about 4:30, he was able to finish sentences and was not sending me to the nurses station every few minutes to ask when something was going to happen. His care has been excellent - this is a bad break and surgery. There's just no way to go through it without pain. Hollis brought us dinner about 5:30 and we both ate. I stayed until nearly 8 as I've done all 3 evenings and then headed home. I cannot imagine being there alone or I guess I should say, I cannot imagine leaving him there alone - he handles it just fine. This afternoon for distraction we both downloaded an app on our iPhones for Hangman. We put our phones in 2 player mode and gave each other words to figure out. We laughed - it was way better than those hours when he was hurting so badly. We are planning again to bring him home tomorrow. I just can't wait to see if God and the US Army have a similar plan!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Unfun things




If we want to share our lives on a blog, occasionally we have to share the unfun things. If you have issues with the word "unfun," please see my post about words. Today's unfun thing is Harris' new injury. Last night, right before dinner time, he jumped off the top of Curtis' car and now his left heel bone is in several pieces. His dad and I took him to BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center) where he was x-rayed repeatedly and then given the news. The orthopaedic doctor on duty was on top of things and splinted the leg and foot in what the doctors today said was the best position for it. We got home right before 4:00 this morning and after 2 hours of sleep, Hollis got up and went to work and Harris awaited the phone call from the doc in ER about what his next move would be. The doc called about 8:00 and told us to be at the Ortho part of BAMC at 9:30. We did. They took all that casting off, looked carefully at Harris heel skin (risk of rupture is a great concern and big time complication - hopefully it won't happen) and then declared that he will need surgery on it next week. Pre-op meeting will be Tuesday, surgery on Wednesday and then a night or two in the hospital and back home. He will be in a cast for the first 2 weeks to allow incision healing and then in a removable one for 8 weeks or so without walking on it. Hopefully, by the time he starts school in the fall, he will be out of the cast. After 4 summers away, Harris was really looking forward to spending this one on the river. Oh well! He and I were both having flashbacks today as we moved around BAMC. They take very good care of him there but we didn't want to have to be taken care of again - if you know what I mean. Stay tuned. . .

Monday, May 31, 2010

Blog Interference


I have been to two weddings in the last two days. Memorial Day weekend and Curtis' best buddy Andrew married the lovely Courtney in New Braunfels. The adorable one between them is Andrew's daughter. Courtney stole my heart by making sure that Angelic Munchkin was involved in every part to the event. They took turns holding her as they cut the cake. They danced with her, separately and together. Oh her special wedding day, Courtney could have chosen to have this not quite 2 year old somewhere else. She did not. No wonder Andrew loves her so much! We had a blast at the reception. I dance with 2 of my sons. Curtis was the best man and in addition to having the rings ready at the appointed time during the ceremony, he made a pretty good toast to the happy couple at the reception. Video to be posted soon. Morgan was an usher and Ms. Desiree his lovely date. Those two are so nuts about each other, they almost outshined the bride and groom. Harris looked like Rick Castle - ruggedly handsome. Andrew and Courtney leave tomorrow for Navy life in California. I pray they have some wonderful adventure and are true to each other for ever.

Then there was the Monday morning wedding. A beautiful woman whom I've known since she was 14, who used to babysit for my boys - even before there were 4 of them - tied the knot with her Prince Charming. As Rachel and Robert beamed at the alter, the priest who officiated and who has also known this bride since her teen years when she babysat for his young children as well, said the sweetest things to the groom. He told him how long he had known the bride and that she was a brilliant, loving, wonderful person who was on the ball. He then told the groom that he must be someone very special if the bride had chosen him to share her life with. I felt exactly the same way! May they always feel as blessed to be in each others lives as they clearly felt as the exchanged vows this morning. Thank you Rachel and Robert for allowing me to witness this wonderful day in your lives.

So all I wanted to do this evening was get all this in writing and Her Royal Majesty, Princess Batik decided to take a kitten nap in my lap - with her head on the keyboard. I moved her, she went back. I put her on the floor, she came back to my lap and resumed her position. It sort of reminded me of dealing with a determined 2-year-old. I did, however, prevail in the end and here is the proof. It has been a really good Memorial Day weekend. I finished the lots-of-prep-work purse and it is most acceptable. I began and finished my last show quilt top. I made the backing for the other show quilt and took both of them to Wonder Wilma this afternoon to be quilted. I also made progress on a couple of other projects and have cleared the way my big June project which I am not at liberty to discuss just yet.

Well, it's almost June. I have lots on my calendar for June and I will end it by turning 50 years old. Those who know me might think it's just the 5th time I've turned 10. I am going to have some fun in the next few weeks. I might just get started on that in the morning - why waste time. . .

Friday, May 28, 2010

You just never know whom you'll meet next.

So here's what happened at my house last night. Harris came home from New Braunfels and said one of his Army buddies was in San Antonio for 2 months of training and he was coming to our house to have a beer with Harris. No big deal. When Menashe arrived, Harris introduced him to Hollis and then to me and I hugged him. I've had the pleasure of meeting a few of Harris' Army buddies and I like to hug them when I meet them. If they are important to Harris, they are important to me. No big deal. In the course of conversation over the next half hour or so, I was trying to connect Menashe to the other guys I had met so I was asking if he knew this or the other guy and Harris said "Menashe was in Iraq with me in the 1/64." Then he turned to Menashe and asked "Were you on duty the day I got blown up?" and this young man in my living room said "Yeah dude, I pulled you out." Ever so casually he said this. Like "Yeah, I had a burger for dinner tonight." Only it was a very big deal. I was completely floored. When I wrote my essay about Harris earlier this week, I sort of got into memory mode. I don't go there often but I've been hanging out in the memory of that part of my life a little more vividly this week and now all of a sudden here is one of the angel heroes who came to Harris' rescue when he got hurt. WOW! I asked a couple of questions about the whole event. Menashe was not terribly interested in discussing it. I totally respect that and did my best to shut off the interrogator in me which is not easy to do. I really just wanted to stare at him. I never, ever thought I'd get to meet the person who pulled Harris out of the exploded Husky. Will he ever understand the depth of my gratitude? Maybe - he has a 6 month old son himself (who incidentally is named after Alun, Harris' best friend that was killed when they had been in Iraq less than 90 days). Will he suffer for years with the memory of Alun's death and Harris' injury? I really hope not. He's just a guy from Brooklyn, New York who joined the Army and befriended my son and then pulled him unconscious from a big vehicle that had just been blown up. He was in my living room! Isn't that just amazing?

Thursday, May 27, 2010

What's a distraction and what's an excuse?

So all day today I have been learning how to decorate my blog. Allow me to say TA DA!! Oh, don't get attached. I have discovered a treasure trove of decoration and I plan to make use of different items on a fairly regular basis. The problem is this undertaking is distracting me from project-of-the-week - the purse. I have made progress. All the supplies I need to make it are not in this house. I would say about 70-80% of the layers are even cut out. There are 2 more types of stuffing that have to be carved up and then I will be about ready to head to the the sewing machine. I am not giving up! Stay tuned. The only issue is this: for this 3 day weekend, I had planned to at least cut out the other quilt top to be built for the quilt show. Do we allow that to interfere with purse construction? Do we aim to leave the blog in it's current decorated status until these projects are complete? Do we just come up with some distractions and excuses and do what we want? What was that I said earlier - ah, yes - stay tuned. . .

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Until we meet again.

I had to say good-bye to someone today. The thing is, I knew the instant I met him that he was just passing through my life. I knew he would be off to a big adventure sooner rather than later but I opened my heart and let him in. We had some silly fun together outside of work. We ran some errands together on weekends and he even helped me decorate my Christmas tree this past year when I just wasn't sure it was worth the trouble. We laughed together a lot and even though we haven't been side by side at work for a couple of months now, I knew where he was if I needed a grin and a hug. He's leaving for this new big adventure in the next day or so. I will see him on Facebook and know that he is okay but we all know it's just not the same. Good luck Brat! Thanks for your open loving spirit and please, PLEASE take care of yourself. I am very going to miss you!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Updates and a new dilemma. . .




Updates first: 1. My draft of H is for Harris, H is for Hero was accepted in it's entirety! The person who requested it read it late last night and said it was fine just as it is. Great relief. I shared it with a few people today and it was very well received. I won't put it here until it has reached it's final destination but I am pleased with the reaction. 2. Peaches continue to ripen and plums are not far behind.

The dilemma comes next. While in the quilt shop this weekend - not the 3 times in 3 days shop, but another one in town - I saw this really cute purse and it's pattern. I purchased the pattern and some really great fabric for the purse. Tonight, I began cutting out the pattern. But take a look at the instructions!! There are 3 pages of instructions and the pages are 15 X 21" each! I'm not sure I have what it takes here. The body of the purse is fusible fleece and fusible interfacing and it calls for layers and layers of the stuff. Not only that, you have to make the cording for the pocket. I guess one more trip to get more supplies at Hobby Lobby tomorrow and I will see if I can decipher all these directions. Maybe I should have asked to borrow the sample in the store. I may have to visit it once or twice. Oh, and I'm going to see if there is an instructional video on YouTube. Isnt' everything on YouTube? It just didn't look that complicated in the store. . .