Ooh Child Things Are Gonna Get Easier

Yesterday's Chemo treatment was a lot easier than the first, although not any shorter. It was a little hairy at the beginning when the vein in my hand blew and it is a beautiful shade of turquoise, but that was the only set back. Turquoise is my favorite color. Once again, Sonny Boy stayed with me, which made the time pass rather quickly and he even went on a chocolate-run to the vending machine. God, I love that kid!!

Yes, I really did wear my "Doesn't Play Well With Other's" T-shirt and it got a lot of chuckles from my medical team. They felt duly warned.

Since the prednisone regiment has started again, I was up at the crack of dawn this morning. Mr. Bailey got up with me, but wasn't too happy to leave his nice warm spot on the bed, however, he was so afraid that he would miss something - so he came downstairs with me and proceeded to pace around the kitchen table.


At 5AM, there really isn't much to do, so I decided to paint my fingernails. When I went in search of the nail polish, Mr. Bailey decided that he needed my cup of coffee more than I did, if we were going to get up at these ungodly hours. Doesn't he look bright-eyed and bushy tailed now?

Having a Great Week

Sorry that I haven't been posting, but I have really been having a whirlwind of a week and feeling great, too.


Well, last week started off kind of traumatic. Needless to say, bandannas and baseball caps are now a few new accessories that I've added to my wardrobe. I don't recognize the person that I see in the mirror, so the new accessories really help.

Part of the MAGIC is that I get to decide what illusion of me that I want people to see. I'll have plenty of time to perfect my craft. I'm also glad that I'm kind of artsy - so I can perform some more magic with make-up. Now, where is that handsome prince? Or, doesn't he get up as early as I do? I still want the fairy tale!!!

Enough said. I'll just move on to the fun stuff.

My Mom, Granddaughter and I had a "Girls Day Out" last Wednesday. We went to lunch at the Macaroni Grill and made a toast to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun". I don't think we ever stopped laughing the rest of the day. We had a great waiter that insisted on singing to us from our salad order to the progress of our meal and every time he went passed the table. He even sang to us as we were leaving.


Then, we went shopping at the Christmas Tree Shop, which just opened here a few weeks ago. We had a cartful of stuff that we didn't know we needed. This is a great place to separate you from your money. Then, it was like Christmas when we got home and started unwrapping all of our treasures.




On Saturday, I spent the day with my very best and dearest Friend, Judy. We went shopping, had a nice leisurely lunch, more shopping, and then we sat in Starbucks having coffee and talking about everything under the sun. The greatest part of having a best friend is the freedom to let Me be Me. No pressure to say what people want to hear. And, boy did we talk.....




Judy gave me this beautiful basket which is perfect for holding my embroidery project. It makes me smile because Judy knows what a "Basket Case" I have been these past few months - so this basket means so much. Thank you, Judy.




On Sunday, Sonny Boy, came over for dinner. It was just the two of us and it's so nice to have him all to myself at times. He also brought me the first two cucumbers from his garden. I had started the plants from seeds and insisted that he plant them and now we are reaping the rewards.


Today was supposed to be Chemo Day (can you believe it's been 3 weeks already?), but they didn't have a nurse to do the infusion, so I have a day reprieve. Any good thoughts coming my way will be greatly appreciated.



Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank my friend and fellow-blogger, Mrs. Staggs http://ahappymiscellany.typepad.com/ for all of her kindness and good wishes that she has directed my way. I'm going to be dancing in those new shoes really soon, Lena - just like Cinderella.

Cha-Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes

"The only thing constant in life is change."

—Francois de la Rouchefoucauld, French classical author

I feel like in the past few weeks that I have had to make numerous changes in my life - some good and some I would not have made had I not been backed into a corner. I've had to cut out caffeine and I actually eat breakfast now. I can't have any salad (and all of that produce just begging to be eaten). Thankfully, we've been getting quite a bit of rain, so my garden still looks pretty good since I've been neglecting it. Everything I try to do takes so much longer than it used to. I've had to change how I brush my teeth and how often , however, my dentist should be happy about that. The baking soda rinse is doing wonders for my mouth, I might add. I can't have any spicy or salty foods (bummer), but I'll save that up for when all of this is all over. Thanks, Ann (Ancient One) for the tip on slathering Miracle Whip on everything -- not the Miracle I was looking for, tho! I almost feel like I have been dropped into someone else's life, but everything looks so familiar.

Sleep still eludes me - I can only sleep for two hours at a time. I'm 11 days into this "commitment" and I thought I would "crash and burn" by now. Poor, Mr. Bailey, he has given up on me and just stays in bed while I do my middle of the night rendezvous'. I came home from work the other night and Mr. Bailey was not sitting in the window waiting for me. I couldn't find him. I searched the downstairs, even looked in the backyard (I've been a tad forgetful but I couldn't imagine forgetting him), back through the house, called upstairs. No Bailey. Finally, I walked into my bedroom and there he was still sound asleep on my bed. I scared him - he jumped straight up in the air; then started jumping around like he was so glad to see me. Some watchdog he is!!!!

I did manage to stay all day at work this week and this was a nice diversion. I can't seem to multi-task like I used to - I have to concentrate on one thing at a time, otherwise, I'll forget. I used to be a finger-popping, can't wait an extra second kind of gal. I think "they" killed off some of my brain cells, along with the cancer cells; or else I have a small pinhole size leak in my head. I seem to have a thought on each side of my brain, but when it tries to come together...pssssst, it leaks through the hole. Then, every once in a while, I have an brainstorm - and damn, I'm astounded.

I am still being showered with gifts - and I kind of like it, she says guiltily. I'm amassing quite a collection of angels, but these Angels with Attitude are my personal favorites. I also received a T-shirt from another friend that knows me soooo well that says "Doesn't Play Well With Others" and she wants me to wear it to my next chemo appointment - so everyone will be duly warned. LOL!

Being an adult, you learn to buffer your thoughts. You are thinking one thing and saying what the person wants to hear is usually what comes out of your mouth. I think I lost that buffer (hopefully, this is only temporary), because whatever I'm thinking comes right out my mouth before I can stop it. WOW, you should see some of the reactions that I get. (he-he) Ooops, must be the chemo!!

I'm going to try to have some sewing kits ready for when I can't sleep. Spending time in my sewing room has been non-existent. I think maybe I don't want any part of sewing/quilting related to chemo. That's mine and cancer is not going to take that, too.

What Goes Up...Must Come Down

After being the Energizer Bunny on Steroids for the past 5 days, with a nice clean house, too, I might add, I can't seem to get out of my own way now. Another of God's funny little ha-ha's. And, believe me, he has thrown a few of these my way. Let's start with food. I'm supposed to be eating 4-6 small meals a day. By the time I finish eating and wash out the dish...ooops, it's time to eat again. Then, we'll throw you a taste curve ball. I haven't decided what that burning taste is going on in my mouth, but nothing tastes like it should. My meal time entertainment has consisted of trying to guess what I'm eating. I couldn't tell the difference between chicken, broccoli, potato chips nor pizza, it all has the same burning sensation. The only thing that tastes like it should it a nice cuppa tea with milk.

Science was never my strong-suit, and, even, Newton needed the apple to hit him in the head to discover the laws of gravity, but the Queen of Grand Delusion knows that what goes up...will come down....when you least expect it. Bailey and I have played throw the tennis ball long enough to know this is a fact. I finally went back to work yesterday. I really thought that I would jump right back in and just be my normal self (hence that royal title). Was the walk always that far from the parking lot to the building? Did the hallways get longer while I was gone? Did they add a few more steps on the staircase? I found myself saying, "Just put one foot in front of the other" over and over. I've felt better with a hang-over.

It was nice to see everyone again. And, I must have trained them right, because everyone told me how good I looked. You know, just that right pause when saying it, too. If you say it too fast, it sounds forced. If there is too much of a delay, you know they just felt the need to say something. Did they think I was on vacation?????

I am now dog-assed tired (so this is what it feels like, eh, Bailey?). You know, when you want to sleep for days and sleep just won't come. You try to will yourself to sleep and you are even more wide awake. The more you crave sleep, the whinier you get. Yep, that was me. Hard to believe, huh?

Hey, Debbie Macomber, if you are reading my Blog, I have enjoyed reading your books.

I did have a little victory party this morning when I actually slept through the night. Six hours of uninterrupted sleep. I was so happy that I called my Mom. We squealed with delight. Did she feel like this when I was a baby? I'm sure I was the perfect child, right, Mom?

I know this doesn't compare with taking the last few stitches to finishing a quilt nor sewing on the binding, but I'm grabbing for any small victory in the "Kim Column". So, for now, I will have to live vicariously through other's blogs and I will do a victory dance at your accomplishments. So, bring it on. I need a new pair of dancing shoes!

It Must Be the Meds

I've been on a prednisone High for 4 days now and functioning on 4 hours of sleep. I thought I was supposed to be tired??? My house has never looked so clean. I actually ate breakfast in the yard at 6AM with the birds while Mr. Bailey was still sleeping. You don't think 6AM is that early? Well, I had already read the paper, cleaned the kitchen and did a little dead-heading in the garden before breakfast. That's early for me and on a Saturday.

I received a lovely basket of goodies from my circle of friends at work and I've just had so much fun opening all the gifts. It's so nice to have such wonderful friends that know me so well -- there were quilt kits, fat-quarters, quilting magazines, gardening magazines, a tote bag to carry my knitting, angels, garden thingies , seeds, sudoku puzzle book, an electronic sudoku game and all kinds of things to pass the time while doing chemo along with another tote bag to carry my stuff in. (Yes, Meggie, I'm "doing " Chemo!!! LOL!) And, how could I forget ..... lots of chocolate. Chocolate just feeds the soul and makes everything better! If any of you are reading this, thanks Garden Buds!

I'll be taking my teddy bear with me next time, since I was the youngest person in one of the chemo chairs.

My friend that gave me the quilt kits is challenging me to see who can finish their kit first. Won't she be surprised if I have mine finished before going back to work on Monday????? If I keep up this pace, I may just meet that challenge. Or, do I sound like an over-achiever???

We are in the midst of a heat wave here, the 4th straight day in the 90's, so my time outside has been limited to early morning or early evening. I'm afraid that if I melt, I would be a puddle of chemicals.

Thanks again for all of your good wishes and prayers, they must be helping, because I'm feeling good. My granddaughter called me the other night and we had quite the chat (girl talk) and she had me laughing and giggling. It was better medicine than anything in those pill bottles.

I'm a Chemo Clubber

Today, August 1st, was the day I was dreading. Belonging to the Chemo Club was not a club that I wanted to join. But, now that it is a memory, it doesn't seem so quite so bad.

The hardest part of all of this was trying to navigate the pole on my trip to the restroom. The wheels did not want to move in sync, so I had to pull, push, drag it. I told my son that I always wanted to try pole dancing, but he closed his eyes and told me "Too Much Information, Mom".

One "Cootie Killing" treatment down [Thanks, ChickenLady (Cindy), this phrase makes me laugh] and 5 more to go. I only had a slight reaction to the meds, so they stopped for about 20 minutes and then resumed. I was done in 4.5 hours - rather than the 6-8 hours that they planned. Do you think I was an over-achiever? I guess I must have had a little more chutzpah than I thought. My son stayed with me and words cannot express how grateful that I am. I knew I had to stay strong because he doesn't think his Mom has a weak bone in her body (what did I ingrain in his head?) I don't think my right leg knew that, because I could have tapped out any song that you wanted to hear.

Mrs. Staggs had asked me what she thought Dr. FAH's nickname for me was. I've decided that it was "Evil Spawn". This also makes me laugh uncontrollably. Hey, the Evil Spawn couldn't possible be a coward, right?

When it was time to leave, boy, did I walk out of there feeling like a "Space Cadet". Between the prednisone High and the anti-nausea/benadryl LOW, I felt like I was stuck somewhere in the middle, just watching the world revolve from somewhere in outer space.

I had printed out all of my good thoughts, wishes, prayers and hugs and it was like you were all there with me - my chemo buddies.

Since I'm off for the next few days, I plan to spend some quality quilting time in my sewing room.

And, in case you were wondering, Dr. Bailey has not left my side. At least he has a good bedside manner and lots of dog-breath kisses.

Just Rambling

I would like to thank everyone for all of their good wishes and comments that you have left on my blog. I am so touched that you would take a few minutes out of your busy lives to do this. My last few posts have not had any photos -- which make them kinda boring. Photos are what always draw me in to reading other's blogs - so don't tell me that it doesn't matter.

I'm doing OK. Chemo starts in a few days and I'm still uncertain about how I feel about this. After all these friggin' tests and doctors telling me how sick I am supposed to be - I'm trying hard not to give in to their "mind games". I still want to believe in Magic, Fairy Tale endings and MIRACLES! I actually had one doctor (whom I refer to as Dr. FAH - if you stop and think about it long enough, you will be able to figure out what F.A.H. stands for and if this offends anyone, I'm sorry; otherwise, you'll laugh your head off) ask me why I picked a disease that doctors like to treat. Needless to say, Dr. FAH and I butted heads right from the git-go. Thankfully, he was only a second opinion. I'm certain that his opinion of me was pretty similar to how I felt about him (he-he). My son went with me to this appointment and he could feel the tension in the room when he walked in. He knew his mother was in "smart ass" mode.

I've been having a lot of "Panic Attacks" at 4 in the morning, which is kind of funny, since I love the new Gwen Stefani song by the same title. (Stay up till Four In The Morning & the tears are pouring & I want to make it worth the fight.) See, I warned you that I'm rambling.

Last night, we had a thunderstorm and I actually sat on the front porch and watched the storm roll in -- I don't think that I ever took the time to do that before. It was awesome!

My Moon Flower is finally blooming. I started a whole package of seeds and only two seedlings emerged. I took this photo at dusk, but by later in the evening it was wide open. It was beautiful even though white flowers are not really a favorite of mine.

My Black-eyed Susan vine is starting to bloom, too! I had only planted these in this pot a few weeks ago and they looked so small. It looked like a pot with a trellis in it and now you can't even see the trellis.

Quilting has kind of taken a summer vacation. I did manage to sew the final border on this quilt that I started about 4 years ago. I don't know what I was waiting for. This was going to be a housewarming gift for my son when he moved into his house (4 years ago), but I like the quilt top so much, that I may just keep it for myself.

As you can see, I couldn't get a photo of it without my quilt model, Bailey. I think he likes it too. Now, will I get it basted and quilted any time soon? Who knows.....

My One Year Blog-iversary!!

I can't believe that I've been blogging for a whole year. I've been keeping a journal for a few years with my most private thoughts about things. I found that it helps to write about things, which "puts it out there". You can rant and rave, then, put down the pen and move on. But, "putting it out there" on the "Web" and moving on was kind of frightening. What I didn't realize was that someone would actually read anything that I wrote, share their own feeling with a comment and that I would become a part of this Blogging Community.

All Aboard - The Train is Moving

Well, I have finally left the Land of Denial, passed through Anger and Bargaining, but Acceptance is just around the bend and Hope seems a long way off in the distance before I finally arrive.

What the heck am I talking about? Have I gone mad? Let's back up a moment and I tell you my story.

A few months ago, I went to the doctor with an itchy knot on my ear. I assumed it was either a cyst, or a reaction to my gold earrings . I'm not much on going to the doctor, so when my doctor saw me sitting in his office without a red "Rudolph" nose and itchy watery eyes, he was confused as to why I was there. I left with a prescription for antibiotics and steroids and had to come back in a month. After a month, my ear wasn't itchy, but the knot was still there. He gave me another series of antibiotics and I went on my merry way. Another month went by and the knot was not getting any smaller, so he sent me to a Plastic Surgeon to have it removed.

I was a little embarrassed about going to a plastic surgeon (visions of Nip/Tuck dancing in my head), but my doctor assured me that it was for minimal scarring since it was so close to my face. I don't know that the surgeon really even looked at my ear, but he said I would need surgery.

The out-patient surgery went fine and I was up and dressed and ready to walk out of the surgi-center in record time. Whenever they remove something from you, they need to biopsy it. All that I cared about was that it didn't hurt. Remember how I said that I wasn't much on going to the doctor? Well, I like hospitals even less.

The day after surgery, the surgeon's office calls me to say that I need to have another surgery to remove my partoid gland and to plan to spend the night in the hospital. Huh? I was still pretty drug induced from the day before.

A week later, I went back to the surgeon to have my stitches removed and to discuss this other surgery. Imagine my shock to find out that the doctor was on vacation and that he telephoned me to tell me that the surgery was being cancelled because I have cancer. CANCER!?! I need to find a cancer doctor. Huh, what? Where? In the yellow pages?? You could have scraped me up off the floor. I experienced the first four steps of grief in those few minutes ...shock, emotional release, panic and hostility. I wanted to bitch-slap someone right through the telephone.

In this past month, I have seen more doctors, had more tests, and more vials of blood drawn than I have ever had in my entire life. Panic attacks seem to be a way of life. I've even perfected the "Deer caught in the headlights" look. Most of these tests were a real challenge of my claustrophobia. I think I languished in the land of denial for so long, because I feel fine and still do. Sure, I'm tired - but I'm up early, I work all day, come home and do the daily chores, and at this point in my life, I can take a nap if I so desire. I've weighed the same for the past 30 years - so no dramatic weight loss. Yes, I break out in a sweat - but, at 52, I called them "Hot Flashes" and all of my friends were having them too. I've asked myself over and over again "How Can This Be?" "Is this a cruel joke?" "Will I wake up from this nightmare?

My diagnosis is Non-Hodgkin's Follicular Lymphoma. My treatment is CHOP-R chemotherapy, which starts on August 1st. I feel like my world has crumbled. I'm someone that took an Advil or a Claritin on rare occasions. Now, I'm going to be pumped full of chemicals and have other chemicals to stave of the side-effects of the first chemicals. I'm terrified. I feel like I'm on a long, dark, lonely road all by myself.

I'm trying take a positive outlook, but it isn't easy - so I'm taking baby steps. I'm happy in the morning that I woke up. I've spent a lot of time sitting and enjoying my garden this summer rather than just working in it. I don't end a conversation with family or friends without telling them that I love them. I'm thankful that I have enough fabric to keep me busy for quite a while to take my mind off of this disease. I've prayed harder than I've ever prayed. And, I'm trying to keep my sense of humor, although my hematologist doesn't think I'm taking this disease seriously. I'm also thankful that I have medical insurance. My little buddy, Bailey, is turning into quite the lap dog.

If you've made it this far through this morbid posting, I do have something quilty to talk about.
I now have 7 of the 11 blocks embroidered on the "A Tisket - A Tasket" quilt and as soon as they are pressed and cut down, I'll sew the sashing strips on them. I'll post a photo of them once I have them pressed.

Happy Fourth of July

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your comments that you left on my "Land of Denial" posting. Each and everyone of them has really touched me and I am so glad that I belong to this "Blogging" community. Even though we do not know each other personally, we share a common bond with our love of quilting. I know that it is often said that Quilter's are the Greatest - I cannot agree more.

I am having good days and bad days and I am learning to cherish those good days. Absorbing myself in one of my projects has helped those bad days pass by rather quickly, too.

Well, I decided to invite my Mom over for dinner today, so I must go give the house a lick and a promise before she gets here.

Happy 4th of July!

The Land of Denial

Sorry that I have not been posting, but I had some rather devastating news that literally rocked my world. I haven't quite come to grips with the news and I have been on a trip to the land of "Denial" and that isn't a river in Egypt.

I'm not going to discuss what's going on because that would make it real -- and I'm just "not there yet".

However, on a quilt-y front, I decided to take on a new project. It combines my love of both quilting and embroidery. This pattern is "A Tisket - A Tasket" by Cotton Pickin Designs. I have 4 of the 11 blocks embroidered. It's a great project for me right now - since it's portable. A few of the blocks even have tear stains on them - but that's OK, since I will remember what I was going through while working on this quilt.

Thanks for understanding.

My 100th Posting

My 100th posting is supposed to be an inspirational one. I’ve had a lot of time to think this week about the things that are important to me and what I’ve learned about life. So here goes…

1. Family and friends are the most important thing in life. They are they for you no matter what – no questions asked and they accept you for who you are – warts and all!



2. Turning 50 made me think about the footprint that I’ve left on the world and hopefully, I have improved my tiny corner of the universe a little. I can also now admit when I’m wrong – not make excuses – and move on. Hey, I’m human and we make mistakes.



3. Gardening. Watching a tiny seed emerge into a beautiful flower just feels me with wonder and faith. Also, having a small garden and an energetic dog shows me that only the strong survive – unless you have a “Plan B”.



4. Quilting has taught me humility, patience, that “Done is Better Than Perfect” and “If you buy it – use it!”



5. I’ve learned from my dog that it’s OK to take a nap in the middle of the day. He has shown me what unconditional love is and how to become a better friend.



6. A sense of humor can get you through anything.



7. Blogging has opened a whole new world and inspired me to tackle things that I wouldn’t attempt before and shown me that help is just a “mouse click” away.
   

Just Taking It Easy

We have had some picture perfect weather these past few days and I have been just taking it easy and sitting out in a chair soaking up some sun rays and enjoying a "Chick" novel. Sounds like a vacation, but I had surgery on Tuesday afternoon and thankfully, I have not had any pain - I'm just so tired. I don't know how to act. I do a little bit (a very little bit) and then I have to sit and rest. I haven't done any sewing nor stitching - just sitting and reading and the occasional Sudoku puzzle (gotta keep the mind sharp!) Today is going to be a "HOT" one, so maybe once the A/C cools off my sewing room, I'll attempt to work on something and the choices are endless.



Nurse Bailey has been taking care of me - he seems to know all the good spots for taking a nap and wherever he is - it's the coolest spot in the house. Doesn't he just look like he's asking how I'm feeling? Nah, he's wondering when I'm going to throw the tennis ball. But this picture of him is just too cute.






All of my stuff has been planted in the garden and I've certainly enjoyed looking at it while sitting in my chair. My seedlings have been transplanted to larger containers and I'm just waiting until they are large enough to plant in the ground. I don't want to confuse them with weeds and I don't want Bailey tromping through the garden and crushing them - so they are in a holding pattern.

My "Faerie Garden" is filling in nicely. I was out there the other night on the full moon and thought I saw something in the garden twinkle and move -- maybe a fairy????? Bailey dove into the garden and started barking his head off -- so I flew into the house. I think it may have been a opossum - Yuck!

Well, my next post will be my 100th posting - so I need to go think of something inspiration to say.

Happy Memorial Day

Just a quick note to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day. Please take a moment to remember of all those men and women who have died in military service to provide us with a blanket of freedom so that we may enjoy our picnics, family gatherings, trips to the beach and sporting events.

The weather here feels like the middle of summer, 90-degree days, high humidity and warm nights with the occasional thunderstorm that blows up and passes quickly.

Well, it's back to planting for me and hopefully, later, I will do a little stitching. I may even take a trip to Joann's to see what's on sale.

I haven't done any sewing this month. I have to keep reassuring "Bernina" that she didn't do anything wrong - I'm just too busy outside. Thankfully, she is a good friend and understands.

I've been keeping busy by working in my garden and I have to share some pictures with you. My Knock-Out rose is just gorgeous. This is the third growing season for it and it must have over a thousand blooms on it. I guess all those April showers really did a great job of producing May flowers.

I have this one corner of the garden in the backyard that has a lot of tree roots and shade (the crappier side of the yard). So, I decided to make it into a "Fairy Garden", which turned our pretty cute. I put up a shepard's hook and hung a candle and in the evening it just looks magical. Of course, Bailey thinks I put the gnome there so that he has a place to cock his leg. Gotta love my Garden Guard Dog...

Up until today the weather has been delightful, warm during the days and cool in the evenings with a nice breeze . However, today it was HOT (90-degrees) and I had to break down and turn on the air conditioner (argh).

We celebrated my granddaughter's 11th birthday this week - how can she be 11 already? Now that she's a "tween", I picked up a copy of a teen magazine as part of her gift. Can you believe that Tiger Beat magazine is still around? That brought back a flood of memories for me. I used to love that magazine. And, she was thrilled with it, too.

I've been working on another embroidery project. A "Bare Roots" sewing tote, but I don't have enough done on it to share a picture yet. By the time I finish working in the garden and cleaning the dirt out from under my fingernails, it's so nice and relaxing to just sit and stitch.

I think I'll kick back and relax tonight with my new copy of Quilt Sampler magazine.

Happy Mother's Day

WOW - Where has the time gone? It's been over 3 weeks since I've posted on my Blog. First, I would like to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all my fellow Bloggers.

Gardening season is in full swing here in the Northeast. Beautiful sunny skies and WARM weather during the days, followed by nice cool evenings. This is my kind of weather - no need for the heater nor the A/C to be running. However, gardening does make you break a sweat. Don't you wish that you were the person who thought of bottling water?

Here's Kylie trying to teach Bailey how to drink from a water bottle.

After a few trips to the local garden centers, I have quite a bit of stuff just waiting to be planted.

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I had a wonderful early Mother's Day gift...my granddaughter came over to help me plant. We had so much fun playing in the dirt. Kylie prepared the soil and I did the planting, while Bailey supervised.

And, just to make this post semi-"quilty"...I finished this little bag to carry my embroidery hoop, floss and scissors. I have really been on an embroidery kick lately. After working out in the garden until it gets dark, it's a great way to kick back and relax.

My Ta-Da Moment

Well, I had my quick-fix finish. The stitchery part finished and the flap completed. What was I waiting for? So today was the day that I finished it. Ta-Da...

The envelope section just needed to be machine quilted - yikes, that's why I had stalled. For the first time, I used spray basting to put it together - I think I like it. Then I grabbed some multi-color machine quilting thread and sat myself down at the machine and quilted it with a grid pattern.

And, now it is loaded up with my next stitchery project, ready to grab and go...I love the size of it. It's large enough to hold a booklet, and an 8" hoop. It also has a pocket for scissors and floss.

I really enjoyed working on this project and may make a few more for Christmas gifts. I'm so glad to see stitchery making a come-back.

I found this poem that I just had to share.

If you can start the day without caffeine,

If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time,

If you can overlook when people take things out on you,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

If you can face the world without lies and deceit,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can do all of these things,

Then you are probably the family dog.

It's A Beautiful Spring Day ....Finally

I woke up this morning to the sun shining and birds chirping, what a difference a week makes. I have all of the windows in the house open - I love the smell of Spring. And, if the temperatures keep rising - it may feel like summer by this afternoon - Break out the capri pants.

It's too nice outside to be inside the house, but I want to spend a little bit of time playing in my sewing room. I could/should spend some time cleaning up my sewing room, but, then that would take precious time away from sewing - and I need to strike while the iron is hot. After all, I could save the cleaning for a rainy day - we have plenty of those but there's no rain in sight for the next few days - just beautiful, gorgeous Spring weather.

I have plenty of projects to work on, but, I really need a "Ta-Da" moment. It's time to resurrect something that has been lying dormant for a while. Hmmm....what do I have in my bag of tricks that I could finish quickly? You'll just have to check back later.....

Weather Update and Ramblings

The rain has finally stopped (or at least it has been reduced to a drizzle), the water has receded from most of the area roads and today, for a brief period, the sun made a welcome appearance. I know they say that April Showers bring May Flowers and being an avid Gardener, I understand this, BUT, this was a bit excessive. However, with all of the wind, the ground is not that wet.

Meggie asked how Bailey reacted to the storm. He slept through most of it. Ahh, the Dogs Life. The only thing that Bailey doesn't like is thunder and fireworks. We live rather close to the minor league baseball stadium and they set off fireworks a couple times a month. Oh, speaking of Dogs Life - here is a quilt from the QHC show depicting a Dog's Life. It's so bright and colorful and the workmanship was to-die-for. Can you imagine how many fabrics went into making this?

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families affected by the massacre at Virginia Tech this week. I just can't imagine how they are coping with this tragedy. I'm also tired of the media being armchair quarterbacks with their woulda, shoulda, coulda mentality - just let these families grieve.

I did file my taxes today (nothing like waiting until the last possible minute) and now that that black cloud is no long hanging over my head, I'm ready to start playing with some of the goodies that I got at the quilt show.

I'll leave you with a few more photos of quilts from the QHC Show. I'm just crazy about Flamingos (no pink flamingos in my garden, tho) and I couldn't resist snapping these shots. The photo on the left is titled "Happy Flamingos" and the one on the right is "Margarita Party". Hmmm...a margarita sounds pretty good about now.

Nor'Easter - April 15, 2007

Ok, so it's a week since it was Easter Sunday, but this Sunday we are in the midst of a Nor'Easter - not fun. We have had a record 4.22" of rain as of 8:00 p.m. and it's still raining with another inch of rain due overnight. The wind is howling with 40-50 mph gusts, the windows are rattling, and the lights are flickering. Unfortunately, it's a slow moving storm and not supposed to go out to sea until Wednesday. Many area roads are flooded. I will be so glad to see the sun shine again.