My Mom

First, let me say, I love my mom! I really do, but it is now at that point of time where I am the mom and my mom is my daughter. Mom is 76. Her health could be worse and it could be better. This picture is 3 years old, at our cabin in Mammoth. Since I have not been working, my time has been filled with taking mom to her numerous doctor appointments, helping her clean her place, helping her shop, ect. I am not complaining, but it is so hard to see her aging. Today she had her physical, and her doctor was very surprise that she was still driving, and had a very stern talk to both of us as to why she should not be driving any longer. I kept my composure, my mom did not. I could for once see through my mom's eyes as to why she was so upset. This was in her eyes, her last bit of independence. She has felt very bad having me take her here and there, a lot of my time devoted to her needs. She was afraid my family would resent her taking up my time away from them. This was not even close, my family understood, and asked how they could help. My hubby has been really wonderful, even though he and my mom really do not get along, he does care for her and worries about her. After my mom's doctor appointment, I took her to dinner at Mimi's, a place she loves. It was there I talked to her, a really heart to heart talk letting her know I feel her fear and disappointment of not being able to drive anymore. Her main concern was, who was going to drive her elderly friends to their doctor appointments when their family members were not able to. That's my mom, always worried about everyone else. I told her that there are people in town who were available for that, I would help her get her friends in touch with them. She could still visit her friends in her complex via her walker and check in on them, stop and say hi, drop off a book or magazine she has finished reading ,ect. She seems to find little comfort in this, she was more worried that so and so would not bother to go to their doctor appointment if she could not take them. I asked her to try and get some rest and I would check on her tomorrow, and we will figure this out together, she was not alone. I truly feel that God does not close a door with out opening a window, and this is my purpose in life now, to take care of my mom, with out the responsibilities of a full time job. My mom, she is quite a character, whom I love dearly!

It's Raining, It Pouring!

Another rain storm has hit us in Northern California. We are so saturated, we are having flood warnings, and not just small creeks, but rivers and by-passes! At least one thing is good, tonight is Friday Night Sew, and with the rain, that should, hopefully, help motivate me to get some stitching/sewing done! Don't forget to check out everyone's blog to see what they worked on tonight, hope you are dry where you are!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Enough said! Enjoy!!

Whew, I am SO Tired!!!

Man, the past 5 days, have been so busy for me! My friend, Matilda, (the name have been changed to protect the innocent!) and I have been participating in a shop hop in the Central Valley and Bay area, and a little down the Central coast, but inland. It took us 3 days, but we did get to 20 of 22 stores! The only 2 stores we were not able to get to was due to the tsunami evaluations, and traffic was TERRIBLE! It wasn't for lack of trying for us, it just came down to traffic, other than that, there were no other problems or issues with traffic, just with me reading a map, but that is a whole other story and yes I do know my left from right, just no N,S,E, or W! What a great way to see other shops and also see what is going on in the quilting community. I was very disappointed, there was hardly any embroidery! (Except for Thimble Creek/Concord, which is my go to store now, they have anything and everything for embroidery and the staff are out of this world!!) Matilda has already plotted our plan of attack for Quilt Rush 2011 next month, and I cannot wait. I am sure/hope Jackie and Mona can join us! I had Christmas Sew Along on Saturday, but was unable to sew since we were finishing up our shop hop, but I plan to sew this week, so I will catch up. Oh, if you are in the Manteca area, stop by Ladybug Quilts, www.ladybugquilts.com. I happen to be there last Thursday when they received a shipment of Moda fabric, Dragonflies, OMG, the fabric is so beautiful! Plus the gals down there are about the sweetest in the world, and their shop is just too cute! Enjoy your extra hour of sunlight, I know I will, hugs to all!

Friday Night Sew

This Friday is Friday Night Sew. I have just started to participate in this a couple of months ago, and yes, you really do get a lot done. It's nice to have it on the schedule and when you look to see what the others had done, there is a lot of inspiration. So come on, sign up, join the fun, you will not be disappointed! www.handmadebyheidi.blogger.com On the home front, I haven't been blogging too much, I have been so busy! Working in the yard, clearing closets and cabinets out, meeting friends for lunch/coffee, and catching up on some reading. Tomorrow, I am meeting up with 3 of my coworkers who were also laid off for lunch, and a afternoon of fun, window shopping! Have a great Tuesday!

Cleaning, Cleaning, Cleaning

That seems to be all I have been doing since I was laid off. I thought I would be relaxing and sewing and stitching, but no, I have been cleaning out the drawers, closets, cabinet, under beds, the garage, you name it, nothing is safe in my house thankfully, the trash man comes tomorrow, since there is no more room in the recycle can or trash can, and I am out of large trash bags for Goodwill. But, on the other hand, the house is clean and seems organized, which I like, so maybe now I can sew and stitch. I pulled weeds today before the next storm comes in tonight and tomorrow, and I feel so much better knowing things are organized, so I can relax, hopefully! I have some kits I have bought over the last 2 years that I can start on, I just need to decide which one! I am setting up a schedule for me, (I do so much better with a schedule), 1 day for working on UFO's, 1 day for cutting, 1 day for new projects, and 1 day for meeting friends for coffee/lunch/shop hop, and 1 day for errands/downtime for me. We'll see how that works, in the meantime, have a great week!

What's Been Going On?

A lot has been going on, and thus, the reason for no blogging. First, I was laid off of work after almost 23 years of service, my employer has decided to dissolve my sales team. I am ok with it, I knew it was going to happen, and have been getting somewhat prepared for it, getting finances in ordered, making arraignments, ect. When we got our new Sr VP last November, he had a reputation of the changes that we have been seeing, so it was no surprise. God does not close a door without opening a window. I got a very generous severance package which means, I have a full paycheck plus until the end of the year, and they are paying my health benefits, so its somewhat a mini vacation. Hubby and I talked about it, and have decided that I can take 5 months off for me, something that I have never done, and start looking for employment come August/September. I am thinking about returning to work, but only part time, and doing something I like to do, not sure what yet. This will allow me to take care of my dear mom, who is not doing too well, but still lives on her own, and tries to be very independent, sew/quilt, garden and exercise and get healthy! Hubby is excited, because he can come home to a clean home and a hot meal waiting for him! I am not the June Cleaver type, I have way too much energy for that, but I will give it my best shot. Anyway, I plan on posting some pictures of what I have been doing, but first, I need to run some errands, pay some bills, and do a little housework, then I can play! Have a great rest of your week!!

Christmas Quilt Along Part 2

Well, the weather was so gorgeous, I could not bare to come inside and sew! However, my rose bushes are pruned and I am ironing my fabric and cutting it tonight. I must say, it did take me a while to decide on what fabric. I am only using what is in my stash, and of course, as luck would have it, what I wanted to use, I didn't have enough, but I think I found some good choices. Tomorrow, I will sew. Hubby has come down with a nasty chest cold, and ya'll know how men can get when they do not feel good! GRUMPY!!! My sewing area is in our bedroom, so I will have to wait until tomorrow for sewing when he is up and at'em. He is feeling better, he is eating everything he can get his hands on so that is a good sign! I did get a chance to blog hop at those who did sign up and I want to thank those who were so kind to leave comments and words of encouragement for me. It is greatly appreciated! Until tomorrow, good luck and good night! Can't wait to see every one's creativeness!!

Christmas Quilt Along

I woke up so-o-o-o early this morning, so I started reading through some blogs. I came across the Christmas Quilt Along, and thought, hmmm, I can do this. Now, the whole point of this entry is to let ya'll know I did sign up, and I got the pattern emailed to me very quickly, (Thanks!!), but I will not be able to start until this afternoon. However, I cannot wait, and I already went through some of the other bloggers who signed up, and I am getting some great inspiration from them! So please, check back, I should have pictures posted! I also have a goal this year, my quilt-mom, Carol from BP&HH mentioned to me that she tries to sew 30 minutes a day. It is really amazing how much you can accomplice in that short of time, so I am going to try that, although today it will be more than 30 minutes! Have a great Saturday, I am heading outside in the beautiful sunshine we are having and prune my rose bushes!! Hugs to all!!

Friday Night Sew, Feb 18th

It's time to sign up for Friday Night Sew on Feb. 18th. I cannot wait!! My husband is now use to the fact that he will be in charge of dinner, and that I will have my sewing space-AKA our bedroom until 9-9:30 pm. I am hoping that there is a San Jose Shark game on that night, he will always stay up for the game to end!! As to what I will be working on, I will be finishing my Valentine wall hanging, and table topper-I need to quilt it. Off to get my projects ready, along with some new ones!! Have a wonderful almost Spring day!!

Look What I am Making

Tomorrow, I am taking a applique class at Ladybug Quilts in Manteca. The teacher is Lisa Van Groningen-owner/designer of Kit N Kaboodle Quilt Co. I hear she is a fabulous and fun teacher, and I actually met her there, and she is so fun!! I am really looking forward to it. She teaches the "starch" method of applique, which I do not know, but I hear once you try it you are hooked. You choose the pattern, she does offer A Tisket, A Tasket, but I am going to do the Late Bloomer Quilt pattern in the picture, just in time for Valentine's Day. I am looking for the St Patrick Pattern by the same company, so if anyone has it and is willing to sell it, please let me know. I can not find it anywhere, and I am kicking myself for not getting it when it was available at BP&HH.I will post tomorrow what I completed in class. I cannot wait!!!

What I Am Dreaming Of

I am dreaming of Spring. Gone are the days of pea soup fog and damp days. In place of them, are clear blue skies, white fluffy clouds, birds singing in trees with new buds sprouting. Playing in the dirt, dreaming of the yummy things that will be sprouting soon to be picked to eat, beautiful, fragrant flowers to put in a vase on the kitchen counter. A soft breeze blowing through the window as I take a nap under a worn quilt on a lazy week-end afternoon. Yes, I am dreaming and hoping this will happen soon. Off to bed I go, for I have dreams to dream tonight!!

It's Done!!

Here is the finished project, minus the backing and quiliting. I will do that tomorrow. I cannot find anything in my stash to back it with so I am going to run to my lqs tomorrow and pick it out. I am really excited to be back at the sewing machine again, and I want to thank everyone for their encouragement. Until tomorrow, have a wonderful evening!!!

Friday Night Sew-It's a Hit!

I finally got to participate in Friday Night Sew, although I was cut short. Hubby came home and he and son wanted to go to In & Out for dinner, plus run by the supermarket-sale of chicken with bone(trust me, its another topic for another day). So I had cut my fabric out, except for the strips, so when we got home and got everything broken down and into the freezer, I headed back to my space to sew. And sew I did for 2 1/2 hours. It may not seem like a long time and it may also seem like I did not get much done, but for me I did. Please disregard the lineup, I have my seem ripper ready to take the sashing out, and I plan on finishing it tomorrow, after we return home for the International Sportsman Expo. This is an annual thing we do as a family. We are getting up early to get there when the gates open, and we hope to be home by 2pm. So I will have plenty of time to finish my small project. I am using it as a table topper for our dining table. I haven't sewed in so long, I almost forgot how to thread my machine!! Hubby actually thought that this Friday Night Sew thing is a great idea. He said I should be able to get more projects done and completed. I do appreciate his encouragement. Or maybe he just wants the tv to himself!! I can't wait to see what everyone else has done tonight. Sweet dreams, ya'll!!

Friday Night Sew, It's Back!!

Yes folks, back by popular demand, Friday Night Sew is bad. I am going to try it this time since I have my sewing space up and running now, and I am finding myself at the machine more. Only problem, I need to commit to a day of cutting fabric for all of the projects I want to do. Last Saturday, me and my BFF attended the Modesto Quilt Show and we had so-o-o-o-o much fun! I think it is the best show I have been to in a long time. We originally paid for 2 hours of parking, and ended up going back out to the parking lot and paying for another 2 hours!! I am having a hard time transferring the photos from my blackberry to my laptop, but I am going to keep trying. Above is a picture of Colleen and Nancy Galloway in front of the quilt that Nancy did. It is a beautiful quilt and the picture does not do it justice! Colleen has this pattern and was so excited to meet Nancy, as was I. She is a very gracious lady, retired school teacher, so you know she has the patience of Job! There were a lot of embroidery, and applique-wool and fabric, and a great selection of all types of quilts. I can not wait for their next show, in 2 years! A log of great vendors, and a lot of new vendors. Everyone was so nice and friendly. We had ourselves a wonderful time. We were so tired! I bought a couple of books, and several patterns. Only 1 embroidery pattern though. I think I shocked Colleen! I also bought some beautiful vintage button trim, vintage wooden buttons, and only 1 yard of fabric, green of course, and civil war style. I have such visions of grandeur!! Now I just need to get started, so off I go! Tootles!!

And So It Goes..........

This week, on Thursday, in when a group of us ladies are getting together at my house. Known as "The Girls", we have been getting together once a month to stitch and kibbiz. We are not sure if we all are going to make it, but we are going to make a go. Shirley, aka-Gran, I don't think will be joining us. Her son has been very ill and is doing much better, and they are moving him home here in Northern Cal for him to recover. We are all so grateful he is doing much better and prayer for his added strength daily! We have a newbie joining us, Lonnie, my buddy from BP. I can't wait to see her. I will try to remember to take pictures to share. Saturday is a quilt show in Modesto that me and my BFF are going to attend, can't wait!! Then Saturday afternoon, we have football to watch-playoff game. I think my BFF and her honey will be joining us at our house, we will see. It should be a great week-end, I cannot wait! I don't know if anyone else has been following the news regarding the floods down in Queensland Austrialia, but it is just horrible! I know everyone here in the states are praying for a speeding recovery for all! Hope everyone has a good rest of the week!!

Goodbye To Orca

Tomorrow morning, I will have to do something that will be very gut wrenching to me, I am having to take my beloved dog, Orca to the vet to be put asleep. Needless to say, this was not an easy decision for me, but we could not watch him suffer anymore. His poor, weak hips had not much strength left, as brave as he tried. He sight and hearing are fading fast, his voice is gone. How I feel guilty thinking back when I scolded him for singing to me in the wee early morning hours of summer, (1-2 am), wanting to play Frisbee when it was much cooler for him. I miss him singing to me while I have my morning tea, or when I pulled in the driveway. In fact, that is how I got the name Orcsmom. The whole neighborhood honestly could hear him talking as any of us pulled in our driveway, and they would say, "Oh, its Orc's mom". Thus, my personal license plate was ordered. I was very grateful when he did this when our son would come home, late at night. No curfews were broken for fear Orca would tell on him! He was a very good dog, pal and therapist. I could tell my problems and concerns to him and he would patiently listen, and I would hug him, scratch behind his ear and kiss his head, and off he would go looking for the neighborhood cats to chase. We would play tag together, he would jump on the back side of my legs trying to knock me down, and I would spat his butt, as he tried to fishtail out of my range. I lovingly would roast him carrots to eat, feed him 2 big stick Popsicles a night, knowing his love of ice. Grill him a piece of salmon for his birthday and 4th of July, or when ever it was on sale, while my mom argued that he ate better than her, then she would share her salmon with him. Lots of good memories, I will always hold close and dear to my heart. Orca, you have been a gem, I will always love you, forever. Enjoy teasing the cats in heaven! You will be missed, greatly by us all!!