just when I thought quilting was expensive.....

I took the van in today for it's 60,000 mile maintenance; and wow! had to have 2 tires-one literally fell apart. Goodness gracious. Thankfully God didn't allow something bad to happen while I was on the road. Guess that means I really have to do something with my scraps now since I cannot afford more fabric.

I inherited yet another cat...kitten really. Marie, a beautiful black and white long haired domestic. Took her to the Spay/Neuter Clinic for the job. She'll be back in the am. As I said on FB, if this keeps happening, I am going to have to buy a farm...

Told my son, no more animals! I've already gotten three from him. But he knows I am a real softie....if he moves in, he'll bring Pryce, his rat with him. Oh my. But at least I am not afraid of him. (as long as he doesn't run around or get out of his cage).

Guess I better get back to my Beef Stroganoff. It's starting to smell really yummy.

xoxoxo

Beautiful Sunday

Yesterday was a very rainy, tornado-y day. We didn't get one here, but there was one not so far away. But it is a warm windy day and all the yellow pine pollen is gone. At least for today.

I am still quite tired from the trip. After reading how everyone seems to be spring cleaning their sewing rooms, I feel I need to do the same as well. My stash needs to be manageable!

xoxo
Renea

friends

I was wondering, could anybody click on the friend button?

back in the saddle, again.

Well, I got back midnight or so from Michigan where I attended the funeral. Never had I imagined that Michigan was such a pretty state. At least it was where I was. We were at one point so far out that the population is about 300 with no local police. The people there were so nice to me. And being a southern woman, they were intrigued by my accent and local colloquialisms. In fact, I kept giving one of the ministers, who is also the son of my friend who died, "southernisms". Maybe he can incorporate some of them into a sermon someday.

I was asked to sing at the funeral. The song they wanted was "The Wayfaring Stranger",a cappella. Though being nervous, it turned out OK.

So, I guess that maybe I can get back to sewing soon.
xoxoxo

And so it goes...

I haven't gotten to write or even sew this week. Yet, anyway. I have been sitting with my friend's husband who is in the last stages of dying. It'd be a lie if I said it hasn't draining. He is a minister, his passing over makes it easier, and Hospice is doing all they can to alleviate his suffering.


With that all being said, if I don't go to Michigan for a funeral next Tuesday, I am to demonstrate the Twice as Nice Plus More technique from Eleanor Burns to the Battlefield Quilt Guild. I am excited about doing so...if only I get the handouts completed!

xoxoxo

April Blooms

I have just returned from a brief walk with the dog. The flowers from the Dogwood trees and the Azaleas are too beautiful to describe. Traditionally, April is to have the showers for the May flowers, but I think we are ahead of ourselves. Somehow, seeing all this beauty inspires me.

We are planning to plant a couple of trees for Arbor Day, if we can. I am leaning toward a Red Bud Tree because of the size and the flower color, or maybe pink Dogwood's. We might even put in Azaleas in the back yard to help keep the land from washing away down the ridge. We also might put in Japanese Maples just because they don't get too big.

Anyway, I can dream, can't I?
xoxoxo

Honolulu MS Walk

I got the sweetest surprise this weekend. My daughter and son-in-law in Hawai'i donated money and did the MS walk with the kids in my honor. How thoughtful is that?
Brought me to tears. Every little bit given to any autoimmune organization hopefully brings things closer to a cure instead of "band-aids" to fix you.

xoxoxo

sausage fingers

well, i survived! fingers look like big sausages, but that will soon pass. i am anxious 2 get back 2 sewing!

our guild is having a 4 patch block swap in july 4 the arkansas crossroads pattern. it is 2 be all scrappy made in darks and mediums. when i can use my dominant hand again, i can't wait 2 reduce my scrap bins!

xoxo
renea

Tindersticks

Has anyone ever heard of Tindersticks? They are an English band. Kind of melancholy/soulful music. Alternative rock maybe. Just listening to their orchestral arrangements of their songs relaxes me. And since I am having surgery in a couple of hours, and I haven't had anything to eat, I need something to take my mind off of things.

Neil Young sings a song "A Man Needs a Maid". Seems to me these days I could use one. It'd be nice not to have to dust. I don't mind mopping but it does wear me out. It's just that dusting makes my hands feel dirty. And not the kind working in the yard does. (I like that kind of dirt!)...

Oh well, enough of my music musings. I'll be the bionic woman by the end of the year if it keeps up. Maybe I can get more quilting done!

xoxo
Renea

90 degrees and just the first of April!

Just one month ago it was snowing. And now, another 90 degree day. However, dogwood winter should be on it's way by the week's end.

Tomorrow I have my carpal tunnel surgery on my right/dominant hand. Wish me luck!

We got good news/answered prayer last evening. Tommy, my grandson, was tested for Cystic Fibrosis. It was negative! I can't tell you the relief I have.

The quilt meeting last night was fun. I won a bunch of floral fat quarters! How fun is that?

I finished 2 tops last week. If I can ever figure out how to place pix on here, I'd love to!

Everyone take care of yourself.

Loads of love,
Renea

spring! and Happy Easter...

It is still 80 degrees here and it is after 9pm! It has been a beautiful day. We are expecting warm temps for Easter Sunday, and I am happy about that. It is also Bob's 49th birthday! We plan to go to church, then out to lunch to celebrate. He wants a Vanilla Wafer Cake for his b/d, so I will make it Saturday. Since I gave up cake, cookies, and candy for lent, this will be a perfect time to eat a little cake.

I have to admit, though, that I haven't missed the food all that much. Thankfully God has helped me with it. We never celebrated Lent when I was a child; I really didn't know what it was until I married Bob and joined the Methodist Church. The Holy Days make me very happy.

The doctor's office called yesterday and again this morning. I have at least 5 tumors (non cancerous) and an abnormal pap. Guess surgery will be sometime this spring after the right hand surgery heals.

Have a wonderful holiday...
Renea