Angel45402's View of Life

Scrappy Strips.......

2011-12-05T16:03:00.000-08:00

Nothing sparks my interest than something new. Oh pfffttt. I just like NOT following directions nor a pattern.

Scrappy strip blocks. What a great way to use scraps (and who doesn't have a few - ahem - bags of scraps?!?!). In the retreat room (aka sewing area which I share with Riley), I've whipped up over 50 of these babies. Four 5 1/2 strip square blocks sewn together and then trimmed to 10". Seems like I could whip up a quilt in no time.

I jest and surely you do too.

Not being one with the mathematical mind (other than balancing the checkbook), I used 2 inches of a beautiful mottled gray blender in between each block. I do believe we quilters call that "sashing". When I become a quilter with terminology, I'll let you know.

At any rate, put a few together - threw it on the bed and nope, not quite wide enough. Added a few more blocks. Threw it on the bed. Nope, not quite wide enough. Finally at 7 blocks, it's wide enough. I think. That's what borders are for .....

This latest project is so much fun! I put the 4 blocks together and each one is a "oh my - isn't that striking". I love it when I feel so quilty.

Hallelujah!!! I'm quilting!!!!

Angel45402

WIPs Need their Rest

2011-12-04T02:53:00.001-08:00

I am convinced.

Works in Progress need to be set aside for an unspecified time. Translation: Oh my - when did I put THAT together?!?!?! And how long has it been in that box (bag, underneath the table, in the closet...)?!?!?!

There is much to be said for WIPs...UFOs...PIGs..(which I still have problems remembering what PIG stands for)....Especially if one is tired of working on the project. I stopped just short of trashing (horrors) this particular quilt top. I'm so pleased I didn't.

Now it will become a rescued lap quilt for someone for Christmas.

I have no shame. I don't put together a quilt with someone in mind...unless you count myself. Seems a bit shallow to admit but there you have it. I figure a good friend, member of the family or a passing acquaintance worth their salt would be thrilled to receive something handmade. No matter how badly it was put together.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

In the meantime, I quilt.

Angel45402

Encouragement......

2011-09-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

Belonging to several yahoo quilting groups, I read almost all the posts (averaging 50 a day) and was struck by one post in particular.

There are times when we all leap out in faith and post photos of our work. I'd like to think we do this with some sort of trepidation, looking for some sort of feedback. Never have I witnessed other than pure kindness when comments are posted in response to a completed project or perhaps just a block. However, this one post brought out something I didn't give much thought to until several days later..

The author pointed out a simple lack of courtesy that prevails among us all. Someone takes the leap - posts a photo of a current project and not one comment was posted.

Looking back over several postings and indeed, there were several noticeable lack of comments after one brave soul posted a photo. Nothing. Zip. Zilch. The author of the post simply asked - what does it take of your time to simply post "great job" or "love the colors you chose" or "thanks for sharing".

Two or three words in response. We spend time posting about the weather - or how little incentive there seems to be to do a little quilting today.....

And I am guilty as charged. I look, I smile and ponder why those three colors look so well together. I move on. Nary a post in response.

We were all created by God to serve many purposes....and high on that list is to simply love one another. Encouraging is high on that list - and it takes so little to say "job well done" or "I like it".

Off the soapbox for now and on to resting. I managed to pick up a particularly nasty virus which resulted in laryngitis and it has decided to reside with me longer than I had expected.

So please post those photos of those beautiful blocks - those beautiful quilt tops - and know that at least one person will comment.

Oh yes - the quilt block. Paper pieced! I resisted paper piecing for so many years and now find that they're challenging and wonderful for using up those bits and pieces of fabric I've hoarded for so many months. Slowly but surely I will be working through a wonderful book of paper pieced blocks - "101 Log Cabin Blocks"....just the 7 inch blocks!

I quilt.

Angel45402

There are days...and then there are days.....

2011-09-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

...and that about sums it up.

Spent the weekend at a womens' retreat. My third retreat. Each one has brought about a hmmm moment - or moments. This one was the most intense. Health wise - all in order. Emotional wise - not so in order.

Work has a tendency to define us...or so I've believed for years. When you meet an individual for the first time, the top five questions will always include "so..... what do you do?" - no need to add "for a living" - it's just assumed this is exactly what you're inquiring. It's usually good for a good two minute monolog.

Fast forward 32 years and then the big R hits. Retirement. So....what do I do? And then it hits. I do? I maintain a house (okay, an apartment); I cook (okay, so maybe on a rare occasion); I clean (don't go there) and I quilt. Sometimes quilt. Sometimes less than more.

I make breakfast for my dear husband and me every morning. I pack a lunch for him. I shop for groceries. We walk. What is missing here?

I finally realized the defining of me is not the job I used to have. The defining of me is much more than the 9 to 5 job I held for many years. Part of that job was serving others....completing a project....starting a project...encouraging others to finish a project that was so undesireable to even tackle in the first place....

Serving. What Jesus did on an every hour basis. Serving. A word that means so much more than saying.

Self examining one's life can be very uncomfortable - or it can be challenging.

I choose challenging (she types with trembling fingers).

Not sure where this will take me and my dear husband (as he is always part of the equation) but I do know this ... we all need to serve in some capacity.

It's now just the matter of what God has in store for me.

In the meantime, I think I shall quilt.

Angel45402

Project Underway

2011-04-22T06:27:00.001-07:00

Ahhh - it is the 22nd of April....and I finally tackled a new project.

While at a local LQS (not shopping - honestly - not shopping!!!) (uh huh - sure), I saw the neatest table runner - made of a shape called TUMBLERS. Googled it later and found a very, very nice pattern courtesy of Quilters' Cache. If you don't know this site, find it and immediately bookmark it. It is a TREASURE of blocks and patterns. Love it.

I digress (love that word). For several years I have received birthday fabric from my quilting buddies who belong to an online yahoo group. Size of the fabric ranged from F8 to some not-known sizes. After a good seasoning (all quilting fabric must season for awhile - it's a known fact), I took them out the other day and thought...ahhh ha! Eureka. I had an ah ha moment.

And promptly started cutting.....and cutting...and cutting.

First off - very important prep. STARCH your fabric pieces first. It really does make it easier to cut out the shapes. Rotary cutter, yes. Can do. But I like using scissors for this particular shape. Decided not to add 1/4 inch border around as suggested. Who am I kidding? I promptly cut out the shape and cut at least 30 before I read the directions...add 1/4 inch border before cutting. Sigh. Really lovely to sit down in front of my computer and watch "Lie to Me" episodes via Netflix. It's the little things.

And so now I've got 3 bags of these lovely tumblers. One bag for lights, one bag for mediums and one bag for darks. My definition of lights/mediums/darks. Yours may be a whole lot different (smile).

And so now ready to sew.

Stay tuned.....!

I do quilt.

Angel45402

Finally Back to Quilting

2011-04-19T05:59:00.000-07:00

It is the 19th of April. Taxes completed and already the meager refund has been deposited in our checking account.

Moving takes a lot out of one. And then there's the settling in. And then there's the discovery of a roof drain pipe that leaks - and of course, it extends the full length of the building. Translation: when it rains, it leaks. When it leaks, it leaks on to the floor of the lower level. Further translation: it leaks on to the carpet. And one more translation: this is where the chess players play in the tournaments we hold. We're praying our multi-talented contractor comes back from Florida very, very soon to replace that last bit of iron roof drain pipe. The part that leaks. The part that makes me grit my teeth.

My, my, my. Of course, those are not the words I'm using nonverbally when it's 3am and I'm using an old carpet shampooer to suck up water. Drought in Texas and Oklahoma and Dayton, Ohio has enough water coming down to make one wonder where in the heck are those plans for the ark. I've had thoughts of somehow diverting the water from the drain pipe on the roof....maybe clear to Texas and/or Oklahoma. Alas - cannot be done. However, with bits of plastic sheeting and containers to hold water leaking from the pipes - it is quite a sight to behold.

In the meantime (when it's not raining), I finally finished a quilt. A UFO bites the dust. Oh yes. The lovely appliqued blocks were from a online swap of long ago. I think one of those blocks are mine...but I shall never reveal which one. Also quilted it using my trusty Brothers machine, aka Brothers DSM. DSM=Domestic Sewing Machine. Oh I love those acryonyms. And I have just enough muslin to finish two more UFOs and then on to wide backings of whatever I can find - as long as it's not muslin. Muslin is so unforgiving when one is FMQing (free motion quilting).

Add a dose of severe sinus problems and eyes that hurt quite a bit of the day along with rain duty, and you can understand why I haven't dragged my body into the retreat room to sew. Oh yes - retreat room. That's the room Riley & I share. Can't call it the sewing room. Never have seen Riley in that room with needle in hand. Maybe one stuck in his foot - but never holding one in his hand.

So yes, I do quilt...when the rain stops.

Angel45402

Moving...and Moving...And Moving

2011-02-11T05:24:00.001-08:00

This is the entrance to our soon-to-be new home. It is now February 13, 2011.

Early December 2010, we took the plunge to renovate/rehab the mezzanine - now known as "Riley & Sharon's Treehouse". Over ten years ago, we bought a 3 story business building with a lower level in the heart of downtown Dayton. Whether or not it really resides in the "heart" of downtown Dayton is left to those scoffers. Within a year of rehabbing it (the building has quite an interesting history), the former mezzanine was torn down and a new one built for a "dot.com" company. Eight months later the company went bankrupt. It sat vacant for quite awhile...very sad.

Riley & I started talking about renovating it for living space. Why not. The space is quite unusual....spans the entire length of the building...100 feet roughly by 16 feet...and split up in business room fashion. Whatever that means.

The conference room was tagged to be the sewing/study room. A long rectangle space is now the kitchen/dining room area. The room adjacent to it is the master bedroom. Adjacent to the master bedroom is the master bathroom. Walking up the stairs to the Treehouse, you open the door and that's the living room with 2nd bathroom discretely (we hope) against the wall - walled off of course.

I've documented the rehabbing of our new living space on Flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/17055497@N07/sets/72157625321421942/

And so the end of living in a 2 bedroom high rise apartment (6th floor) is coming to an end this month.

With aching muscles and tired feet, we are slowly moving our life into the Treehouse....and for that I am most pleased. It will be exciting and it's ours - even if it is cold there right now. A slight glitch: while the gas line for the furnace was run, the hookup was not. But all is well - the process for that will begin this week.

In the meantime, I look forward to quilting once again!

Angel45402

It cannot be October already.....

2010-10-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone??? Seriously - one moment it was July and now it's October already. Summer heat and now leaves crunching underfeet (or is that underfoot???).

Riley & I drove up here to Oshkosh, WI on Wednesday. Actually, we spent the night at Merrillville, IL and drove the rest of the way on Thursday. My sis is with us....she is staying at mom & dad's while Riley & I stay at a hotel, barely over a mile away.

The 13th of October marked dad's 80th birthday. Today we will celebrate it with lunch, maybe a few presents and good wishes.

Dad isn't doing extraordinarily well. He's forgetful and has trouble lifting one leg to get the rest of the body into a car. Could be the beginning stages of Alzheimers - or dementia - or perhaps neither of the above. It may very well be time to put the house up for sale and move to a place that is senior-citizen friendly where everything needed is on one floor and it's easier to get in and out of a bathtub and/or shower. Maybe even a move to Dayton might be considered....one just never knows.

Since I began the journey on establishing a relationship with Jesus, I've come to realize many good things....

We were never promised life to be an easy trip - but He did promise us He would be there with us always
We were never promised happiness - but we are promised joy and contentment with Him

Contentment and joy - what blessings we have with our Saviour.

And now we see dad slowly losing zest for life - and my prayer is, he receives blessings from God that it's okay to be in the last stages of life as we know it. A far better life is waiting for us.

Pretty deep thoughts on a Saturday morning, just a little past 9:30am.

My thoughts in closing ... if you are blessed enough to still have your parents around, let them know you love them dearly and that God is so very good and will always be there for us - if we just accept His son as our Saviour. Grace isn't earned - it's simply given. Don't just tell your parents - tell the world!

Oh yes - the quilt. This is the quilt I made for our granddaughter, almost a big 5 years old. She's a cutie and it takes great self restraint not to take her home with me after our visits.

Quilts are love.

And in the meantime, I quilt.

Angel45402

Bingo Mania

2010-07-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

One of the best times I've had with my sister took place last Wednesday evening.

Memories of long ago Sunday afternoons with sis and mom playing bingo at the on-base club came to mind. I set off to find a bingo hall - on line.

Found one - not too far from where we live. We got there a good 30 minutes earlier than the time posted. Alas, someone didn't tell the owners we were coming. It was obvious this bingo hall had not been in use for some time. Maybe years. Darn.

But not all was lost. Joanns was close by and I had a need to buy some perle cotton. Out came the phone and the wonderful browser capability.....yes, there was another bingo hall not more than 15 minutes away.

We found the place easily enough; parking was another matter. Who were these people that took up all these parking spaces?!?!? Finally found a spot, pulled in and hoped the business next to the bingo hall was full of loving and kind people who would not tow my car while we were inside the bingo hall.

For those of you who have not entered a bingo hall ever, just think large spaces, long tables and lots of chairs. Lots of uncomfortable folding chairs.

This bingo hall benefited a local rescue organization - which I liked. Going in, I asked how much were the cards. $5 for a package. Well, heck - $5 is not bad at all. Give me two. Sis was smart. She took one package.

We found a place to sit and spread out our stuff. Oh good grief. Taking a closer look, I found NINE cards on each page .... and there were FIVE pages to each package. And I bought TWO. Okay, this is not going to be difficult. I could do this. I'm pretty quick. I read very quickly and while not completely absorbing an entire book, I get the main idea.

By the time I realized it wasn't going to be difficult, the 5th number was in the process of being called. Little TVs are suspended from the ceilings and one gets to see the number before it's actually called. My advice - don't look at the TV. The guy will be on the 20th number before you know it.

A slow headache was building...which could have been from the hot dogs or the chips and nacho cheese, but then I won't swear to it. I finally understood the blurs across the table...these were the champion bingo players. The blurs were that of their hands moving across the bingo cards, stamping out the called numbers on their cards. I was in awe...until I realized I had missed a couple more numbers.

The lady sitting across from us kept pointing out to sis the numbers she missed. After about 20 minutes, she was no longer amused. This was serious business.

How do these people do it? Sis and I were laughing over our inabilities to mark the cards quickly - not to anyone's amusement except for us.

There were older women there...there were younger women there...there were couples...there were guys with tattoos....there were women with tattoos....and lots and lots of bingo cards. Not a whole lot of food around them - which should have given us a clue to stay away from the hot dogs and nacho chips.

In between the games, several ladies were roaming around selling more bingo games of some sort. I was scared to ask....if I had to look at any more numbers, I envisioned my head exploding all over the table...and it would be very annoying for the avid players.

Finally, we get to the last game. All evening, neither one of us had a clue if we had a bingo or not. It was enough to try to keep up with marking the numbers off, let alone figure out if they added up to a bingo or not. I found it extremely funny as did sis. Those around us did not. At any rate, last game and one of the roaming ladies hands me a small piece of paper with three more cards on it. What's this? Oh, that's free and it's an additional chance to win the last game. Oh goody - I am so excited. I get to look for more numbers now on another 3 cards.

Do I consider it gambling? Are you kidding me? I put this adventure in the category of that word game - you know the kind. A list of words are given and you have to find them on a page full of what seems random letters.

If anything, I feel good we donated money to the rescue organization....and that we didn't die from food poisoning...and that our car wasn't towed...and that I was safely home after 3 hours of eye pain.

I suppose we may try it again...just as soon as I can focus again properly and we both take bingo etiquette lessons. In a year or more.

Oh yes, the quilts. Actually one quilt. The hearts were sent to me by a very special group of ladies who belong to Quilters Who Care. I added a couple of heart blocks, joined them together, added the backing (don't you just love the randomness of the wide strips?) and quilted it. Mailed to a women who spent some time in the hospital recently - hopefully, she will not return any time soon. Learned a new binding technique - french binding - and so this was definitely one of my favorite quilts.

And in the meantime, I quilt.

Angel45402

They're Not Just the "Little Things"

2010-05-19T16:54:00.001-07:00

How many times have we heard "it's the little things that count..."?

You give a small token of your appreciation to a friend...and think to yourself that it didn't cost a lot, and it was just a little token and besides, it's the "little things that count".

You get a pat on the back for a job well done...and think to yourself - geez, that should have been worth a lot more than a pat on the back - and then think well, I guess the boss believes in the little things that count.

Okay - so the last one was a little weird. You get the idea.

It's the "little things" that should be observed, honored and revered. Here's what I believe. The little things are God's way of letting you know He's there - He cares - and He wants us to be His ambassador. He plants an idea in our heads to do something out of the ordinary. Send a gift for no reason. Send a card to someone to let them know you care. Enclose a note in your spouse's lunch that simply says "I Love You". Treat your friend to lunch. Take an extra sandwich to work and share with a coworker whom you know is having a rough time. Stick a post-it note on your boss's desk which you've written the words "Thank you for taking care of that problem".

The next time you heard "It's the little things that count" - let the person know that's partially correct. Everything counts. It has meaning, it has substance and it can bring joy to someone - YOU!

Oh yes - the photo. That's a block swap for my dearly beloved Yahoo Group "Quilters Who Care". I will admit that I am not a fan of block swaps - no indeed. The fear of "what if my blocks are crap???" enters my mind each time. Oh pooh. My blocks are mighty fine indeed.

And yes, I do quilt....!!!

Angel45402

Marvelous Mondays

2010-03-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

I love Mondays. There is something magical about the 2nd day of the week (yes I count Sunday as the first day of the week - doesn't everyone??). Even before retiring, I liked going into work on Mondays.

Mondays can make or break you - your choice. You may hate the job you're doing right now - but it's your choice to either leave, endure or look at the positive aspects:
(A) you have a JOB - the unemployment rate is supposedly around 10% here in Dayton.
(B) you have a JOB.
(C) you have a JOB.
(D) you have a JOB but you can be looking for another one

Yes, I admit it - I have been retired from the job force now for over 2 years. I've worked since I was 19 with an 18 month break in there with child #2 came along. Did I love my jobs? Nope. Won't lie. Did I complain? Yup. Won't lie. Do I look back and regret my complaining? Yup. I believe now the gift of becoming a Christian makes all the difference in the world. So Pollyanna sunshine aside, I look back and think what a whiner I was - then.

Okay - so here I am on a Monday. I am in a coffee shop, using their wireless. What is it about coffee shops that draw me to update my blog? Oh yeah - it's the coffee and the fact laundry isn't calling my name 4 blocks away...nor do I hear the call of the vacuum cleaner or the dirty pots and pans in the sink. Try it sometime. Pack up that laptop. Don't have one? They're getting cheaper all the time and I would recommend putting away the pennies for one. Of course, that's just me. And yes, I can breathe just fine when I don't have my laptop with me. Of course, if I'm in a place that offers free wireless and I left my laptop at home - that's another story.

You should see the view from this coffee shop. It's on 5th street - and I can see a restaurant across the street (unremarkable though), people walking by (remarkable) and cars driving past (unremarkable). And across from me is my dear husband whom I spent the morning with (I think there's something about ending a sentence with the word "with" - but heck if I remember if it's a bad thing or just who cares). We walked to the bank and credit union this morning and now we are here.

Of course, I'm typing this and he's listening to various talk shows online on his computer while working on his online masters course in Christian Studies. You have to love it.

And the photo....a bag I finished last week. Isn't it lovely? And it's reversible.

And in the meantime, I quilt.

Angel45402

A Balanced Life.....

2010-03-11T07:37:00.001-08:00

It is almost 10:40am. I have walked from the apartment to the chess club - pulled in the little dumpster on wheels (Thursday is garbage pickup day) - walked from there to the bank (what is it about two tellers gabbing away about personal stuff and tell the other teller: "can you take care of HER?" Emphasis on the HER, yes indeed....) - and from the bank to the library.

Ahhh the public library. It never fails me. The moment I walk in (regardless of the fact this public library has a metal detector....a fine statement of downtown Dayton, don't you think???), I feel that momentary sense of excitement. What book will capture my interest this time. Okay, so maybe not ALL books capture my fancy. Sadly, science fiction does not capture my interest (sorry my dearest daughter and beloved husband) nor do biographies (apologies to those who love them) or historical romances (more sex in those novels than imaginable...pick one up and tell me I'm wrong). That still leaves many venues to choose. I enjoy a good mystery - especially those centered around cooking (who doesn't???), knitting or quilting. Also romance novels with substance - but sadly, very few make the grade nowadays.

So today I have worked on the business checking accounts, took apart one pieced quilt top, took care of my daily exercise, and am now at a local coffee shop taking advantage of their free wireless while drinking a non-fat latte (the non-fat part is to added to simply impress you...did it?) and have 3 library books tucked away in my backpack (two mysteries and one book on crocheting).

A balanced life - reading, crocheting, knitting, quilting, week day breakfasts with Riley (that also includes making a lunch for him to take with....boy, am I spreading it on thick or what???) and just loving life.

And the photo? My first attempt at a "completely" appliqued block quilt. I am not a flowery person but I do know who will greet this quilt with much reverence and gratitude - so it will soon be finished and tucked away for Christmas.

And in the meantime, I quilt!

Angel45402

Why Quilting????

2010-02-17T07:20:00.001-08:00

There are days when I wonder why quilting. Of all the hobbies there are to choose from, why this particular one.....

Taking perfectly good fabric (you've heard this one before), cutting it up and resewing the pieces back together....and this is a hobby?

No, not for most of us who quilt. It's a passion.

The possibilities of what can be done with fabric are endless. Squares, triangles, appliques, portraits, landscapes, strips, circles...and the list goes on and on.

It evokes memories. It brings comfort and warmth to the recipients. It brings smiles to those who need a smile. It doesn't matter if it took you two hours to put it together - or two years. It's a labor of love. Oh, to be able to see the smiles and tears when the package is opened and there lays the quilt - just for them. And it's okay if you can't see the smiles and tears if the quilt is mailed off. You see the smiles and tears through the email or letter of thanks.

I mailed a quilt to Riley when he was in Iraq. Many photos were taken of him wrapped up in the quilt. Never had I dreamed it would mean that much to him. The quilt now is on our bed and Riley has been safely home for quite awhile. Whenever I look at the quilt, I see not the quilt - but a photo of Riley standing in the middle of a hanger, wrapped up in that quilt.

So why quilt? Because nothing else comes close to bringing me such comfort, joy and accomplishment. It doesn't matter if the points don't meet or the block is a little skewed. I made it - it comes from my heart, my mind and my soul.

Thank you, God for everything You have given me....and that includes the love of quilting.

Oh yes - my latest project. The photo is of 2 inch squares put together into a 9 patch and then framed in black. The block is then cut down to 6 1/2". Many more to come - but this is a start. I love how they look. How about you?

Oh yes - I quilt.

Angel45402

and the Love Story Continues.....

2010-01-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

Today marks the end of our trip to Shreveport, Louisiana. We fly out tomorrow and will soon settle in to a routine in Dayton late at night.

It's been a roller coaster ride, coming back.

Some disappointments- the greasy spoon where we ate on most Saturdays is no more - the Polynesian restaurant where Riley worked as a waiter is now a Mexican restaurant - and now there are cloverleaf interchanges along I-20.

Some delights - the first house we lived in is still standing - the first "real" home we had, a garage apartment, is still standing - and has been improved tremendously with siding - Pancho's Mexican restaurant is still Pancho's and Marshall Texas courthouse is still standing.

The biggest delight was driving to Marshall .... finding the courthouse .... and then actually seeing our names in "the book".

A s soon as we went through the metal detector, we made our way to the records department. We asked a young lady if it was possible for her to look up the record of our marriage as we were not really sure if this was THE courthouse. She asked for the date of the marriage and seconds later hauled this huge ole book from a shelf and plunked it on the counter.

She looks through the pages and viola - there were our names. Riley Daniel Driver and Miss Sharon Lea Anderson. Oh yes - ALL the women had to put down "Miss" in front of their name. I do remember that strange oddity. Kind of an oxymoron if one is getting married. I felt such wonder, seeing those two names there. Noting the posting site of the license, she retrieved the book where our recorded marriage license resided. For the sum of one whole dollar, we got another copy of the license.

We were allowed to take a photo of the page where our names were annotated. I have no idea if we wrote our name ourselves or if someone wrote it. No doubt, 38 years ago I was probably shaking like a leaf and wondering what in the world was I doing.

But there they were - our names clearly written and the life we've had as one started. Riley's later comment was heart felt ... our names we'll see later will be in the Book of Life.

Now 38 years ago, I praise God. He knew all along what would happen 38 years later - and He knows what lies in wait for us in the years to come.

Yes, this has been a wonderful experience. I know now, had given the opportunity - I would never change a bit of my life. This is what life is to be - forever linked with the other half of me forever.

The photo? Riley & I across the street from the Marshall, Texas courthouse. This is where it began as the adventure of the lifetime.

Tomorrow we go home - and soon, I will quilt.

Angel45402

Going Back in Time

2009-12-31T01:12:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Shreveport, Louisiana this morning. Vacation #2.

Shreveport is where it began - the life of Riley & Sharon as one. We met here, eloped to Marshall, Texas on the 27th of July 1971, informed my parents that evening we had gotten married and 38 years later we are back.

A few side notes before the story.

First - eloping may seem very romantic and I suppose at that time it was. I have been a parent for many years now - and I can imagine what my parents went through that night.

Second - Riley & I did renew our vows - in church - the full wedding bit - 25 years later. Dad got to walk a daughter down the aisle for the very first time.

Third - I recommend number 2 all in all. A marriage is an event to be shared with family and friends. It's a celebration of love, commitment and proclaiming to the world - this is it.

Coming back evokes quite a few feelings. One of which startles me - I remember so little. We took a drive to Barksdale Air Force Base. At the tender age of 19, I was still living with my parents and dad was stationed at the base. We drove through base housing and darn if I couldn't remember the name of the street where we lived. We drove around the vicinity of the base ... still not much of a memory going on there either.

On the other hand, Riley remembers much. He was a jogger - oh yes, my my. It was his legs that got to me first. He would jog from Bossier Base to Barksdale on a regular basis - 7 miles all in all. Have to say - he still has great legs. We drove along that part of the route he took.

Everything here is different. More highways - more shopping strips - more everything. We ate at a small place called "George's" (funny thing - there's a George's in Dayton we frequent) - they have been in business for over 40 years. Did we eat here 38 years ago? No. The greasy spoon restaurant we frequented on Saturday mornings is no more. Riley worked 3rd shift at a newspaper plant, setting type. I worked at a Credit Union. Saturday mornings around 1am we would be eating breakfast together - always at "our place". Sometimes afterwards we would go to the airport and watch the planes take off & land. With security as it is, that is not even a possibility anymore.

Times change.

I am glad we are here. I know we are tremendously blessed to be able to take this trip. I am looking forward to the next 7 days with my dearest friend & husband, Riley. I look forward to taking photos of our adventure.

Oh yes - the photo. This is the old Shreveport bridge heading into Shreveport from the Dixie Inn. Do I remember this bridge? Not a bit. But I rather liked the photo, so there you go.

In the meantime, I quilt.

Angel45402

The Art of Simply Doing.....

2009-12-24T07:21:00.001-08:00

Today is the 24th of Christmas....better known as Christmas Eve....even better known as the day before Happy Birthday, Jesus.

You know how you get a small little niggle in the back of your mind that just stays there quietly until it's time to be recognized? I know your answer is yes....so I will share my little niggle.

For years, it would upset me when a simple "thanks" was not received in response to giving a gift. Horrifyingly (isn't that a lovely word!), it was just "upset" - it was full blown anger. Thoughts would ramble through my head that went something like this.... "what does it take to pick up the phone to say thank you...." or "for gosh sakes, all it takes is a piece of paper and pen and an envelope and stamp to simply write in block letters THANK YOU".... or..... on second thought, the 3rd rambling is to be kept private. I'm even ashamed of that particular rambling thought.

Now on to the niggle.

Why buy anyone anything? Why do I do it? Why do I drive through hail, rain, sleet or snow to get that perfect gift? Why? Why? WHY???? This can easily be accompanied by the picture of me falling to my knees in anguish, with arms lifted up to the sky and chanting these words. One must have a complete picture of this event.... Are you picturing it now?

And then....sometimes, a word of thanks is not received.

Very annoying, this little niggle. It grew - and grew - and grew - and finally, it blew into a big picture.

We do it for the thanks. We do it for the adoration. We do it because we just know we have elevated ourselves to be something special to that individual.

Wrong - wrong and more wrong.

When we do it for the thanks - it has lost its meaning. Pure.And.Simple.

Don't get me wrong....saying thank you are two lovely words to utter. But to withhold future gifts because we didn't get a thanks is wrong.

Black & white - gray areas not allowed.

One path to God - pure and simple
Give a gift to someone just because is good - pure and simple
Give a gift anonymously is even better - pure and simple

No longer will not hearing 'thanks' or receiving a written 'thanks' dictate what I do or not do in the future.

God is pleased - his Son is pleased and the Holy Spirit is dancing for joy.

I got it.

Oh yes - the gift of time. That's what the photo above is all about. That's our darling grandson whom his parents have entrusted this scatterbrained woman to spend time with - and of Riley, my dearest beloved husband. The results of the chess game were not shared.

Sadly I have lost most of my quilting photos when my laptop crashed.

Ah - but I still quilt!

Angel45402

Quilters Block - Perhaps

2009-10-23T11:40:00.001-07:00

Writers get writer's block....quilters sometimes face the same stumbling block. The inspiration isn't there - the motivation has fled - the sewing mchine is deadly quiet for the most part.

This quilter not only has hit a stumbling block but dead on to a brick wall.

No reasonable explanation. 75% of one pieced top is on the design wall and has been there for quite some time. Sashing to go between the blocks was ordered, delivered, washed and yet - not ironed. And still the 75% pieced top still remains on the design wall. No reasonable explanation.

Every journey starts with one step - but what does one do when one doesn't feel like putting that foot in front of the other to continue on the journey?

Perhaps every journey isn't meant to be finished within a specific timeframe. Ecclesiastes 3:1 advises "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven".

For now, the pieced top will remain on the design wall until such time it's ready to complete.

The photo? A "Maple Leaf" block swap for the online quilting club I belong to. These are the blocks I made to be swapped out. Oh my - the blocks I received are a wonder to behold. Eight beautiful blocks to be made into something spectacular. Soon.

And in the meantime, I will quilt.

Angel45402

To Borrow a Phrase....Ponderings....

2009-09-18T11:11:00.001-07:00

While I sit here at Basics Cafe in Oshkosh WI (free wireless, folks!), I am wonder just why this trip to Oshkosh.

Granted - this is where my parents live. Granted - they are now getting to the age where it makes sense to downsize from their large home to perhaps a condo in a senior citizens community. Granted - it's been awhile since I last visited for more than 2 days. Granted - sis is still on vacation until Monday and it made sense to drive up now.

But still - what did I hope to accomplish? First - just a visit. The folks just aren't into the idea of flying....and driving is out of the question...not even as passengers.
So - if the mountain won't come to....you get the idea.

Second - still just a visit. Perhaps it is time to put the house on the market. Perhaps it is time to them both to live where life is more manageable.

I don't know.

I am not my parents. I don't know if I would resent either one of my children visiting with ulterior motives.

Getting old - what a pondering that is. All the cliches in the world don't fix anything if you just don't accept the fact that we all get old. What I believe isn't necessarily going to be accepted by either parent.

I believe getting old is an honor.
I believe the older I get, the more wisdom God will give me to share with others.
I believe the older I get, the more safe I am in saying anything...after all, she is OLD so let her say what she will
I believe the older get, the more I have to give

Already I am looking back at my life so far....

I have a God who loves ME - me, of all people - who loves me so much He gave ME his one and only son to die for ME - and loves me no matter what
I have a husband who loves me unconditionally
I love my husband more than I could ever say
I have two children whom I am most proud of - which I do not say out loud enough
I have two additional children - their spouses - of whom I am most proud of
I have two grand children (photograph above) who I love so very much
I have two living parents who are entering the last years of their lives....and they have done an amazing job of teaching me me so many things
I have a brother who belongs to the "hall of saints" for so many things he has done
I have a sister who despite every obstacle put in her life has done so much with her life - and doesn't realize what a gem she really is
I have a mother-in-law whom I respect and admire
I miss my father-in-law who died last October - but boy,is he in a wonderful place now, dancing with the angels...Nahhh - he's fishing with the angels
I am now retired - not from life, from a career I never expected to have
I am a grandma who has been given the trust of her son & wife to watch over their son occasionally

And so I ponder and ponder and ponder.

Life goes on.

Sometimes we're simply a passenger on the train, looking out the window. Sometimes we're driving the train....and sometime we just get off the train and feel the sun on our faces and thank God for what He has done for us.

And in the meantime, I quilt.

Angel45402

Birthdays, Best Presents and Thoughts.....

2009-08-30T04:44:00.000-07:00

Today is the 30th of August. Today marks our son's 29th birthday. Twenty nine years old. Married. They have one son, age 4. Twenty nine. It would be redundant at this point to write 29 one more time...or write 'how could that be'. I think it's pretty obvious I marvel at how quickly time passes.

Yesterday, son & father and grandson took a walk around our old neighborhood. The neighborhood where we raised both our children. It was a good place .... parts of it not so good now. Time has a way of changing neighborhoods. This walk was a gift for hubby on Father's Day...a walk. I got glimpses of what it meant to Riley to walk with son & grandson and it warmed my heart tremendously. Good talks about what it meant to roam around the neighborhood wthout fear....good memories all in all. I do believe the walk was a present that will live in Riley's heart for ever.

It got me to think about "best presents". I asked a group of friends what they thought to be their "best present". The answers ranged from tangible to the non-tangible. And after all was said and done, I realized what my "best present" was from our daughter.

It was many years ago and perhaps I am the only one who will remember. It was a gift from the heart. Money wasn't readily available at the time. The gift was cleaning the house. That's it. It has held a place in my heart ever since. It wasn't the cleaning - it was the time and the thought behind it. Just as the walk itself wasn't the present - it was the time and the thought behind it. I'm not fond of cleaning - as evidenced by the state of our apartment. Clean enough by my standards and grandson hasn't gotten sick while he's visiting is a good sign. Daughter obviously picked up on my housecleaning dislike and that touched my heart.

The walk with dad was in memory of the walks Riley liked to do with the kids when it was time to talk. Somehow things got a little better after those talking walks. And our son couldn't have picked a better present for his dad. The thought and the time.

While I believe I have eternity when I leave this world behind, I don't believe any of us should waste what time we have right now...right this minute. Time is a precious commodity that we can't store away for a better day. When you give your time to someone, it's a gift that far surpasses anything else.

The next time an event hits your calender, whether it be a birthday, anniversary or Christmas...think about giving the present of time.

Oh yes - the photo. A work in progress for granddaughter. While I previously have griped about making this quilt out of 4" blocks, I have come to love making this quilt. God knew all along that would happen!

I quilt.

Angel45402

Life IS Change

2009-07-29T05:02:00.001-07:00

Monday the 27th of July marked our 38th wedding anniversary. Thirty-Eight Years. Lots of changes in those 38 years - some of them good - some of them I used to wish for a do over. But if I'm to believe that God is really in charge, the changes were and still are for the best.

We learn from change. Sometimes it's overnight. Sometimes it takes months. Sometimes it's a question I hope God will answer. My list of questions are getting shorter each day. Now that is a very good thing.

On our anniversary, we opted to go to Red Lobster. Actually, I got to choose. Change didn't happen for the choosing of the restaurant (grin). It's a standard safe restaurant for me. However, that morning we did some major furniture rearranging in the bedroom and in the living room. Okay, so it's not earth shaking change - but a pleasant one just the same.

What I really thought about most was the fact that we are not guaranteed anything. We're fortunate enough to have one grown child & family live very close to us now. We're blessed we can perfect our grandparenting skills with the 4 year old grandchild - and blessed that we can do so on a regular basis. That could change tomorrow if a job change takes them out of the area.

We're blessed we have another grown child & family who live ninety minutes away. There are many days when I wish we could perfect our grandparenting skills with the 3 year old grandchild. Maybe someday. That could all change tomorrow if a job change takes them further away.

There are a multitude of changes that go on in our lives every single day. I was choosing to look at the dark side of each change until this very moment. If you will excuse the "I don't know what caused the change" statement, I realized I do know what caused the shift. Life IS change. Without change, we can't grow, we don't learn and we stagnate.

Ah yes - quilt blocks. Finished the last of the 20 last night. They'll be shipped off to a woman in Maryland where she'll combine then with other blocks made from ladies across the US....and will end up in a quilt for a child somewhere. Quilt for Kids. Look it up. Great organization!

I quilt.

Angel45402

Life Can Sometimes Be So Darn Challenging.....

2009-07-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

On the 3rd of July, Riley, my sister Carol & I flew to Oshkosh, WI. Several hours later, we were joined by our daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, son, daughter-in-law and grandson.... all to wish our parents a Happy 60th Anniversary.

Sixty years. Six decades. What can one possibly do to commemorate sixty years of marriage? The only thing we thought of was to make sure my parents got to meet their great grandkids from Ohio and that they did. Nothing beats a hug from a child. The world could be falling around me - and a hug from grand daughter or grand son and nothing else matters. It was a whirlwind trip - flew in Friday evening, flew back home on Sunday. No matter Riley, sis & I flew back on Monday, it was still a whirlwind trip.

Learned much this weekend. It's wonderful to visit while staying at a hotel. It's better when the hotel has a pool and whirlpool and free breakfast. Not to say that parents aren't great hosts though. It's wonderful to have the ability to sleep late if one so chooses....or meander down to the breakfast area and talk to Julie, the nice hostess who was in total charge of the breakfasts at the hotel....or meander down to the whirlpool. I have got to get me a whirlpool of my own someday.

Dad is using a walker irregularly ..... and driving less these days. Mom now reminds dad of what medications he should be taking. You know how it is - those little lifestyle changes that just seem to appear overnight without warning. We shamelessly planted a seed about downsizing, selling the house and moving here to Dayton, Ohio. My brother still lives in Oshkosh, so we hope the seed planting was not minded. There's something to be said about living here where both parents could be around two of their kids - plus grand kids - and throw in the added bonus of two great grandkids. Plus throw in a great church we attend .... one can always hope.

Somehow this past weekend gave me pause. Deep thoughts. Life is indeed one big challenge - especially after one retires. We make choices every single day, with every breath we take. We can choose to sit by and watch life slowly pass .... or we march along with it. I like the idea of not only marching along with it, but welding a tambourine festooned with ribbons. We can choose to actively be a part of this world - or sit back and watch. I like the idea of actively being a part of this world...and sharing whatever we can with others. Still much to think about.

So dad- if you end up reading this post, hope you and mom both consider marching with that tambourine.....And dad - do make that call regarding your computer. Consider the fact the entire family are all in agreement : make the call. Nothing like ending a post with a cryptic plea.

Oh yes - the quilt block. This block was mailed to hospice shortly after my father-in-law joined Jesus and the saints. I love the idea this block will be joined with other blocks in memorium of those who had the privilege of using hospice. I know we all were pleased dad was able to stay home up to the very end of his time....thank God for hospice for making that possible.

I quilt.

Angel45402

Ramblings of a Wife.....

2009-06-19T19:52:00.001-07:00

Another case of left knee swelling for Riley....which now makes episode #3.

If one were to ask me why my thoughts about bilateral total knee replacements, I would have to think twice before giving an answer....and perhaps in a month or two, I could so do. Don't know what the answer would be...but lots of thought would have gone into it before speaking.

Episode #1 left knee swelling - a trip to the hospital via ambulance and a very long wait in a well designed (she writes with sarcasm) ER room. Swelling decreased with elevation, ice & happy juice pain medication. Sent home shortly thereafter.

Episode #2 left knee swelling - after a long weekend chess tournament. Elevation, ice & compression relieved swelling. Amazing what one can learn by visiting the ER for a bit.

Episode #3 left knee swelling - today. Okay, I think right about now: enough is enough.

The theory is this: adhesions & scar tissue is plaguing the left knee. Blood thinner is causing the adhesions & scar tissue to bleed....hence, swelling. I am beginning to dislike intensely the word "theory". Option to be discussed with family doctor on Monday - go off the blood thinners in hopes the blood clots in both lower calves will remain where they should. Upside - swelling should not occur (emphasis on the "should" and "not") once off the blood thinners. Downside - those pesky blood clots in the lower calves may do a little traveling and cause some havoc.

Did I say I am beginning to dislike intensely the word "theory" ????

Morbid as it sounds, I am beginning to realize that life is indeed short...it's a mere blip on the screen...it's fleeting....and so forth. Eternal life though salvation is what I sincerely believe....and so while life here on earth is short, the knowledge I'll meet my Saviour is very comforting.

But in the meantime, go hug everyone in your family. Make that phone call just to say hi. Send out that text that just says I love you. You just never know what tomorrow may bring.

The photo is one of the appliqued blocks I made awhile ago. I'm so far behind with this particular quilt, I had forgotten all about the blocks. Nice reminder to myself to get moving.

I quilt.

Angel45402

Herding Cats.....

2009-06-05T18:59:00.001-07:00

On the 9th of July, my parents will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Imagine....sixty years. Riley & I will celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary on the 27th of July...and I think that's one long length of time (a good length of time, Riley - honest).

I thought it would be a wonderful gift to my parents to bring our two kids & their family to WI to help celebrate their 60th....a tad early since we'd be coming in on the weekend of the 4th of July.

I examined driving....500 miles in a 12 passenger van with 7 adults and 2 kids under the age of 5. Well, room for 12 did seem like a lot of room until you figure in car seats for the tykes. Scratch that. Thought about renting 2 mini vans and doing the caravan bit for 500 miles. I wonder why I felt tired just at the thought. Driving 500 miles on Friday....driving 500 miles back on Sunday. Scratch that. Flying. Yes, that's the way to go. No fuss, no muss. Fly in, rent a couple of cars to get around, snag 3 hotel rooms (parents do not have the room to put us up), and problem solved.

Flight reservations have been made for dear hubby and myself and my sister. That leaves daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter....and son, daughter-in-law and grandson. I have forgotten what it is like to be out in the workworld, waiting for approval for time off....I have forgotten what it is like to juggle home life & work life....

Yet, I felt like I was herding cats trying to get this plan together. Then the great revelation....I'm not in control at all. Never have been, never will be. I can plan all I want ....but that doesn't make it a reality.

So....hopefully the folks will see their great grandkids for the first time in July. If not, it's not the end of the world. And that feels okay with me. Riley & I & sis will have a good time flying to WI and seeing our folks.

The photo is of blocks I made for a one-time kitty cat block swap. Just got the swapped out blocks in the mail today. Must remember to photograph the new ones - they are simply lovely.

I quilt.

Angel45402

Even in Despair.....

2009-06-03T06:49:00.001-07:00

As earlier written, Riley had both knees replaced on the 13th of May. He was home on the 22nd of May and all was well....until.....

Friday, the 26th of May I came home after 5 hours away (womens' group studying a Beth Moore lesson @ church; a trip to the quilt store and to JoAnns) and the dear man's left knee was swollen. Mind you, not overly swollen. He couldn't get comfortable and within 45 minutes or less, the left knee now resembled an overripe cantaloupe and he was in a lot of pain. Horrors. Could get him down by elevator to the lobby (curses on living on the 6th floor of a high rise apartment - at least temporary curses) but he could go no further.

A 911 call was made (thank you Deanne and Jason of our leasing office!) and within minutes, an ambulance was getting him on the gurney.Despair does not begin to describe my state of mind.

Long story short - adhesions & scar tissue had torn away from the knee and while good for the knee to bend properly, it was complicated by the blood thinners he is on. Hence, blood pooling up in the knee.ER doc's discussion with ortho surgeon resident was interesting... drain the blood & risk infection or .... Can't say I heard much after the 'drain the blood' issue. Suffice to say, I didn't choose the medical field for a reason.

An ultrasound was ordered (resulted in finding blood clots in left lower calf - already knew there were small ones in right lower calf) and also an Xray done - just in case. Six hours later, he was released with a pain medication slightly more effective than the previous one prescribed.

It is now the 3rd of June. Riley is doing well. We've had our discussion of fear. I feared I would be going home without my beloved - permanently. Riley feared he might lose his leg. Eh. Rather a leg than a life. At any rate, it sure did make for glorious days afterwards.

Even in despair, there can be joy. We learned that pain medication is a good thing - especially since this particular medication has Tylenol in it (helps relieve swelling). We learned there is a proper way to elevate the legs (which we were not doing properly). We learned too much walking may produce consequences but exercising does not.

Baby quilt pictured above was finished 30 minutes before having to leave for a baby shower on Monday, 1 June. That elevates my procrastinator status greatly. Second quilt I've freehand quilted with my trusty Singer sewing machine. Oh yes. Almost five hours of quilting but worth the effort. Just don't look on the backside of the quilt.

I quilt.

Angel45402

2009-05-22T03:08:00.000-07:00

Today, dear husband Riley will be discharged from the hospital after having a bilateral knee replacement. The now-bionic man decided to have both knees replaced. Surgery took place on the 13th of May and today is the 22nd of May. A miracle, indeed, to be discharged this early.

One of the items on the to-do list was to drive to the medical supply place and pick up a few items to make life easier. As I packed the shower bench and apparatus that fits over the toilet (is there a real word for that contraption???), I realized that we are no longer in the spring season of our lives. Just fact, nothing more.

We have lots of adventures to still look forward to....including the vacation we didn't take in February of this year when Riley came home from Iraq earlier than expected. Oh yes, dear husband - it's in writing now so the vacation was merely postponed (smile).

I so look forward to having him home once again. Never knew hospital visits could be tiring - though not so tiring as to the rehab Riley suffered. One saving grace....a superb coffee shop offered fortitude both on the way up and on the way out. Score many points for coffee once again.

Oh yes - I did quilt a teeny bit. That "intro" photo is of ten 9 patch blocks I made. Again, these blocks will be mailed to another quilter - which she will then join these blocks with other quilters' blocks and then ultimately shipped off to "Quilts for Kids". Look it up. Be a part of it.

Soon - I quilt.

Angel45402

Whatever Happened to the Small Stuff.....

2009-05-04T08:56:00.001-07:00

Whatever happened to the small stuff in life....such as expressing gratitude or thanks for receiving something....or opening the door for someone when they have both hands full....or saying something nice to someone in the elevator....or even electronically posting a 'I've missed you' ......

I am becoming more & more disenchanted with not seeing or hearing the small stuff in life. Ahhhh - but the story is not over yet!!!

Today I took a long walk. First, to the post office. Now keep in mind, most trips to the post office takes an attitude of patience and kindness. Okay, maybe not for you but the post office I frequent may have very well been the basis for the phrase "going postal". So with the idea of 'what ever happened to the small stuff' in my head, I mentally geared myself for the trip across the street to the post office. Oh yes, that's a blessing in itself....we live across the street from the post office.

I was greeted with "hey, there you are - haven't seen you in awhile". Goodness - the small stuff in life was alive & well. And the lovely lady behind the counter remembered I was retired and commented to the fact that she just knows I'll have a good day.

I left the post office and headed towards the bank. Passed a lady on the street who lives in our high rise apartment. She said hello first and cautioned me about the loose stones on the sidewalk. TWO small stuff in life happenings.

After making a business deposit at the bank, I headed over to the library. Alas....no small stuff happenings there. I guess when a public library hires security guards to watch over the books, small stuff in life gets lost in the shuffle.

On the walk home, I thought about the two episodes of the small stuff and felt really good. I rode the elevator to our 6th floor apartment, grabbed the ole laundry basket (yes, shamelessly I had left laundry in the dryer for the 60 minute tumble) and headed down to the laundry room. I discovered BOTH dryers were lint free. How could that be?!?!? I said something about the no-lint discovery out loud and an elderly lady replied, "Oh I took it out - I hope that's okay - the clothes dry faster that way". Small stuff hits again. I thanked her profusely .... which I am still hoping didn't scare the life out of her.

Three small stuff episodes in one day - and it's only noon.

Small stuff is vital to our quality of life & it takes so little to practice it.

I finally finished twelve patriotic themed quilt blocks. The photo of the blocks I posted will be mailed to a lady in Milwaukee, WI. She will put together the blocks and mail the quilt(s) to someone in TX who will take the quilts to a hospital in Ft Hood TX. The quilts are distributed to the families of soldiers who have come for treatment/surgery after serving in Iraq.

Oh yes, I do quilt....

Angel45402

Brave Little Man....

2009-05-01T20:04:00.002-07:00

Today our 4 yr old grandson had his tonsils removed. Mom & dad are doing fine....Grandparents are breathing easier and E (for Ethan - or so his parents say - I think it stands for 'excess' - as in an overabundance of energy!) is probably running around as if nothing had happened. Has to be youth. What a charmer this kid is...

Dear husband took a few photos of E before the surgery. You'd never know what was awaiting this brave little man. He was given medicine to help calm .... I have got to get some of that stuff. That's the most laid back I have ever seen Ethan. Nope, there was the time we had finished my errands & he was in the car seat just moments away from dream land. Not exactly what I had envisioned. The nap was meant to be taken at home so I could join him in dreamland. But I digress. He sure was cute wearing that cloth elasticized cap the nurses wear in surgery.

After much coffee and free wireless (surgical centers now have wireless - does that tell you something about the possible waiting time?!?!?), we were allowed to see E. after his surgery. We had brought a stuffed monkey for him along with a PS2 game. Grandparents, here's a very wise hint: Stuffed animal first. PS2 game second. Stuffed animal first, any other treat second. Trust me, you must remember to give those gifts in that order. The monkey was well received. The PS2 game - well, need I say more....

So hence, the photo for the monkey. I thought it cuter than a photo of the PS2 game.

So I offer credit to http://www.kidsdomain.com/clip/toy.html. Go adopt a monkey!

In the meantime, I quilt....soon I hope.

Angel45402

Pay It Forward...The gift that keeps on gifting.....

2009-04-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

Love this idea....absolutely love it!

Okay - so you are anxiously awaiting what the idea is all about - but of course you are!

I shamelessly took advantage of daughter's blog http://daharadreaming.com/blog/ that brought to my attention the gift that will encircle the world....or so I hope!

The first three people who leave a comment on my blog will receive a wonderful gift - sometime this year. Simple enough? Ahhhh - but there is more! You must pass this gift on YOUR blog....

Without regret, I shall simply borrow the rules from daughter's blog - with a few unknown-to-you edits....

*The gift will be something I have made just for you - not something stored away to be brought out now
*Package will be mailed sometime during this year
*I'm one of those craft-it-all people - so who knows what the heck you'll get....
*Sure - you can regift it.....that's the neat thing about receiving a gift. It's YOUR gift
*Yes, I will contact the first 3 people who leave a comment - and then you'll need to send me your mailing address....so for the weak-in-the-knees people who do not want to share a mailing address....sorry, but I know no other way to send the gift to you. I'm not much into driving to a specified location and dropping package off next to the big red sign.
*You must offer the SAME on your blog - offer a gift to the first 3 commenters. Yes, others DO this on Facebook, but I'm a fan of blogs - so this consider this a BLOG Pay it Forward.

Don't you just love this?

And yes, I DO quilt and YES I am quilting.

Angel45402

Pincushion Mania

2009-04-19T03:37:00.000-07:00

Ever had moments when you wonder "what the heck am I doing with my time?"

The photo is just the tip of the iceberg as to what has been filling my time lately. Pincushions. They're growing in number - daily. I don't know why. I finish one and the next one is started immediately. I'll watch episodes of Bones (am now up to Season 2 - gotta love Netflix) and by the time the credits roll after episode #2 on the DVD, I've completed another pincushion and am contemplating the next one.

In the meantime, fabric that has been cut out for quilting blocks lay patiently on the cutting table. Sewing machine quietly sits on the table waiting for the chance to create the blocks. Latest quilting magazines lay untouched on the desk.

So what could this possibly mean....and what in the world will I do with all these pincushions....

Be very wary of unsolicited packages that may come your way..... this is the year of the invading pincushions.

Be.very.careful.

In the meantime, I hope I quilt.

Angel45402

Killer Brownies!!! Hall of Fame Dessert

2009-03-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

I love food. Okay - that's is not entirely true. I love desserts. I love cheeseburgers also. I look for the perfect dessert and the perfect cheeseburger. I've found many a perfect dessert but only once found the perfect cheeseburger. Alas, the ultimate in cheeseburgers are no longer to be found. They were served at the Diner on St Clair, Dayton Ohio - no longer in business. Darn.

Now the perfect dessert? One made the list just a few days ago. The Killer Brownie made by the bakers at the Dorothy Lane Market, S. Main Street, Dayton Ohio. You will not believe this brownie. It's the ultimate in chocolate. It's the stuff chocolate dreams are made of. After one bite, I was in chocolate heaven. Obviously this is true since I ate darn near 3/4 of this delectable dessert before I stopped to photograph it. Rich, rich chocolate - with a layer of nuts - a layer of caramel - and heaven knows what else and then is dusted with confectioners' sugar. If I were gluten intolerant, I would suffer the consequences gladly. If I were diabetic, I'd risk a coma. Okay - maybe not to that extent.

Great job, Dorothy Lane Market! While I will hold myself in check and not indulge in another killer brownie so soon, I will be back. For that, I will gladly add an additional 2 hours to my workout routine. No sacrifice is too great....

In the meantime, I quilt.

Angel45402

Spring Celebration.....!

2009-03-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

This evening I had a strawberry sundae for dinner. You could say it was in celebration of spring. You might even venture the opinion it's foolish to have ice cream for dinner. I say it gave me pleasure to be out in this wonderful spring weather, knowing that it is only 14 days before my beloved Riley comes home to me.

I saw a couple walk their dog to the ice cream stand....and several moments later, walked away with two ice cream cones and a bowl of ice cream. Now that's a blessed dog.....

I saw a young mother & father with their young son. With grandparents watching, father and son boogied to the music over the speakers.

Life is truly wonderful! Tomorrow I may very well have oreo cookies and coffee for lunch....

And in the meantime, I quilt.

Angel45402

Birthday Reflections....

2009-02-27T05:58:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was my 57th birthday. Fifty-seven. Twenty years ago I would have thought, that is really getting up there. Ten years ago I thought, sixty years old is just the beginning. Today I think, seventy years old is just the tip of the iceberg. It's all in one's perspective.

This year's birthday - very, very sweet. Had the birthday lunch at Red Lobster on Sunday. Had birthday breakfast with sis - a trip to the local quilting store where I patted my beloved Kenmore 25+ yr old sewing machine goodbye for a couple of days (servicing and cleaning - its very first one ever) - picked up a "few" fat quarters (never mind how many - few is also relative) plus a 1/2 yard of Amy Butler's new prints (never mind why), a trip to the big ole Dorothy Lane Market south of town where I kept repeating "awesome" much to the dismay of those around me (you have got to see this place someday!), and finally a trip to Tim Hortons for sandwich, soup, coffee & timbits before grandson looked after me for a couple of hours in the evening.

Oh yes - must throw in there - opening up a package from a wonderful online friend who knows exactly THE right gifts to send. Grandson loved the bunny enclosed just for him. And several calls from DH on THE day to say Happy Birthday. And some very nice cards from family and friends.

Now I know you are all saying - what's with the photo of the tea cozy? Who made that magnificant work of art? And who photographed it so darn well?

Tea cozy was knitted by dear daughter in honor of my birthday. I collect tea pots. Okay - I COLLECTED tea pots. No room for any more unless one falls off the shelf, breaks and I then I will be able to shop for one more. It's written in the tea pot collection contract. Yes, I drink coffee like a fiend but I do love tea also. Hence - the beautiful tea cozy. The colors are gorgeous, are they not? And the photographer is me. The cozy adorns one of my earliest tea pots and sits prettily on the shelf - set apart from the other tea pots (I swear, they backed away in awe after I slipped the cozy on the tea pot) - and has this wonderful view of the outskirts of Dayton.

I quilt.

Maybe today.

Angel45402

...and another birthday...

2009-02-22T18:17:00.000-08:00

....this is a picture of love.....

Today I celebrated my birthday a couple days early with the help of our son, grandson, daughter, son-in-law (aka Son #2), granddaughter and sister. We had lunch at Red Lobster - no doubt, because of my great fondness for seafood. Fifty-seventh birthday...and each year gets better and better. Darling husband knows my favorite dessert is carrot cake - and several years ago Red Lobster offered it. Alas, he didn't know they no longer have it on their menu....so the substitute sent home was this lovely cheesecake topped with strawberries.

Birthdays are a wonderous event. One can either embrace it - or not. I love birthdays. It's a day of reflection . A day to be honored. A day to enjoy fully. So I take this time to list what I love....

* I love Jesus
* I love my husband
*I love my children and their spouses
*I love the fact they have given us grandchildren
*I love our grandchildren and love the idea of having more someday
*I love carrot cake
*I love cheesecake with strawberries
*I love the sound of snow hitting the trees
*I love the smell of rain
*I love holding hands with my husband when we take a drive
*I love walking into a quilting store for the first time
*I love it when a verse in the bible comes alive
*I love creating quilts
*I love knitting & watching the piece grow
*I love knowing that one day I'll no longer be of this world and will meet my heavenly Father

....and I love eating cheesecake this evening....knowing it is love.

I quilt.

Angel45402

Heartwarming Roses - Even in Frigid Weather

2009-01-30T19:42:00.003-08:00

This is Tuesday's rose - the 27th of January. I admit it. I'm spoiled. A rose every Tuesday and with it brings a ray of sunshine even during the most frigid of days.

Double digit temperatures - 6 inches of snow - and another inch or so of ice beneath the snow. It's been a lovely couple of days here in Dayton Ohio. I must remember these days come summer when I complain that it's so terribly hot.

Here's a shot from our 6th floor apartment window.....Frigid? You bet. We don't often get days like these - but when we do, it's a beauty. Now imagine, going out to brush off the car - and finding underneath the snow about an inch of ice. Now imagine looking in the rental car (another story for another time) and finding no.scraper.anywhere. One hour later, 2 Blockbuster cards, one tiny whisk broom, one plastic dustpan and 1/8th of a tank of gas (had to get that defroster working), we were able to get into the car. Now THAT is determination.

But there's beauty even in the frigid weather. Beauty to be enjoyed from our 6th floor living room window.

And in the meantime, I quilt.

Angel45402

Random Thoughts.....

2009-01-26T17:13:00.001-08:00

Time has a way of passing so very quickly without one realizing it. The rose continues to be delivered without fail every Tuesday and I'm reminded how very much I am loved.

It occurred to me the other evening that life is a series of short stops. Sometimes we stay for awhile and we think - ahhhhhh - this is it. This is nice and life becomes comfortable. Comfortable turns into a yearning for something different and once again, we continue on the journey.

And then there are those who no longer travel and life just is. It's nothing more, nothing less. We've all been there. We take each other for granted....we forget why God created us .... we forget to share our thoughts....we no longer dream out loud. This has nothing to do with how young or how old one is. Without dreams, life is empty and desolate.

God has given each of us a very special gift - a talent if you will. Sometimes we discover it early. Sometimes we don't recognize it at all but others do. Sometimes we just don't want the responsibility and ignore it completely. And the saddest of all - there are those who don't even look for it at all.

What's your gift? What have you done lately to touch the heart of others? A touch, a smile, telling a joke or passing on a little note that simply reads "I care"..... There is so much we can do to serve others. That's really why we're here.

Random thoughts....

And in the meantime, I quilt.

Angel45402

Love is like a red, rose....

2009-01-10T17:11:00.000-08:00

This one has to be my all-time favorites....of all the roses Riley has had delivered weekly, this is THE one. Perhaps it is the fact that we're getting closer and closer to our magic date of 23 Feb 09 when we will meet in the Atlanta airport and then fly out to Cancun. Perhaps it's just the sheer beauty of this flower. The deep red is in the inside of the petal - and the creamy barely pink color is on the outside of the petal. The rose itself didn't last more than a couple of days, but the beauty of it will be forever in my heart.

Amazingly enough, when the rose unfolded - it was truly beautiful. For two days it showed its glory without a wilt in sight.

I dreamt of this rose several nights ago....as if there was a significant meaning to this particular rose. When I woke up, Robert Burns poem came to mind. Mind you, I'm not one to read poetry until the wee hours of the morning...or even while having a cup of coffee midday. I do confess to having written many poems in my teens (and who has not?!?).

My love is like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June :
My love is like the melody
That’s sweetly played in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in love am I :
And I will love thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun :
And I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only love,
And fare thee weel a while !
And I will come again, my love,
Thou’ it were ten thousand mile.

My love is like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June :
My love is like the melody
That’s sweetly played in tune.
As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in love am I :

And I will love thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.
Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun :
And I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only love,
And fare thee weel a while !
And I will come again, my love,
Thou’ it were ten thousand mile.

Oh indeed, my beloved Riley ....

And while I wait for 23 February, I quilt.

Angel45402

The power of a vacation...or is it the power of love?

2009-01-07T14:10:00.001-08:00

Ah but first - the rose. I have been remiss in not posting.... Many things to do, many things still not done, many things I probably will miss. Life goes on. Back to the rose. I do not how this happens, but each week the rose that is delivered is more beautiful than the week before. There's an analogy waiting to happen here, I can feel it. Yes - like being in love with the same wonderful man for 37 years. Each week it's better than the week before. It could be a word - or seeing his face on Skype - or getting an email from him that makes me laugh.

And now the power of the vacation. My beloved is taking three weeks vacation from his job in Iraq. Three weeks! We shall meet in the Atlanta Airport. Shades of 'An Affair to Remember' (see it - you'll love it). From there, we will fly to Cancun, Mexico where we will be staying in a wonderful hotel for ten wonderful days. Having not been to this hotel before, I am building it up in my mind as a wonderful hotel. How could it not be?

The power of the vacation is - well, powerful. Snow filled roads? Not a problem. Think Cancun, Mexico. Bill arrived late in the mail? Think Cancun, Mexico. Trying to survive on 1200 calories on a daily basis. Think Cancun, Mexico. No, on second thought - the destination is in 2nd place. First place is being with my beloved.

Funny how you start off with a thought and end elsewhere. It's the power of love, pure & simple. Over 37 years of being together and I still get the count-down-the-days-with-accelerated-heartbeat-feel-good-allover state of mind. Oh yes.

And while waiting, I quilt.

Angel45402

2008-12-30T16:08:00.000-08:00

First and always, the rose. This marks 7 Tuesdays - give or take a Tuesday or two - before my beloved & I are reunited.

It's been awhile since I last wrote. Why, I don't know. There were periods of intense longing for my beloved....there were periods of feeling so very much alone....and there were periods when I just wasn't feeling well.

I remember the self-advice of counting one's blessings. I find it amusing how we can offer such sage advice to others, but neglect to take one's own advice. My blessings which I have neglected to remember.....

* A husband who God gave me to be my soul mate, my friend, my lover, my husband....

* A mother-in-law who is more than a mom-in-law. Though she lost her husband just mere months ago, she has shown great fortitude, strength and love.

* Two visits from ladies whom I knew only through emails. Email is a wonderous invention.

* The gift of sewing - and seeing quilts emerge from pieces of fabric

*The ability to cry over movies that touch the heart

*Knowing my sister who struggles every day - yet, continues on and still loves no matter what and finds joy in the little things

*A brother who calls me frequently just to talk - even though Email is a wonderous invention!

* Two grown children whom we both are very proud - and their spouses - not to mention the wonderful grandchildren they provided to their parents

*A very strange winter in Ohio - with temperatures in the 40s

* Parents who are still with us....

I know if I sat here long enough, the list would continue to grow.

Counting one's blessings is a powerful tool to combat the blues. No doubt about it. Try it. It works.

I quilt

Angel45402

Only 9 Days Until Christmas

2008-12-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

Always first up - the 16th of December rose. This one fairly shouted Merry Christmas with springs of Christmas sprigs. Oh yes.... And my beloved - thank you.

Today was a fairly nice day - even if it did start off a little rocky. Fell asleep around 10:30pm & woke up promptly at 1:30am. No problem. I can handle those wake up calls with the best of them....unless I.cannot.get.back.to.sleep. Yes, indeed. I couldn't get back to sleep. After 30 minutes of tossing & turning (much to the delight of kitty cat Faith who thought it was a marvelous game of find-the-feet-and-attack), I gave up and actually did some sewing for 3 hours. By 5am, I was wonderfully tired. I slept until 8:30am. Alas, my body wasn't too cooperative at this interrupted sleep business and a headache attached itself until well after 10am.

I had pizza with our son at lunch. That's always nice even if he DID have 3 days of pizza prior to mom's invite. Now - that's the epitome of politeness. Dewey's pizza - in my book, easily in the top ten of favorite pizza places.

My next move was to take sis out for some shopping. Mind you, there's a weather alert going on. Freezing rains and some snow. I'm not one to believe much in weather forecast. However, when we ventured outside to go to the car and found the sidewalks to be one gigantic ice rink, I conceded that perhaps this time the weather forecast is correct.

So now I will happily reheat my 2 pieces of leftover pizza - turn on the DVD player to check out a movie from NetFlix and perhaps even do a little more sewing.

But in closing ...here's a marvelous YouTube video that says it all for me....Christmas with a capital C.....

In the meantime, I'm back to quilting.

Oh yes....I quilt.

Angel45402

Chess Tournament Reflections.....

2008-12-15T04:57:00.000-08:00

...before reflecting, I've been remiss in not posting for awhile. Life's ups and downs perhaps....and there was the momentary oh-my-gosh-another-weekend-tournament-I-have-to-deal-with panic. The bright spot in my life is the weekly rose from Riley...and his wonderful messages that accompany the rose. This is the 9 December rose...and each message is a warm hug. Riley - how you manage to be so romantic thousands of miles away in Iraq is ...well, words cannot describe - other than, I love you.

Now - on to the reflections of a weekend chess tournament.

It was a small tournament - 14 in all. God provided an even number of players in the 2 small sections. At 10:15am, I was starting to have these doubts (sorry, God - but it's the truth) about the uneven number of players in the top rated section. And in walks a young man whose rating is quite high. What a gift!

I still have these doubts about running a chess tournament. I don't read the chess rule book like I should (I think I'd rather watch paint dry) .... and so I am unprepared for life's little challenges when two players come up to talk to the tournament director (which is ME - and I really do have to stop looking behind me to see who they're talking to). But! on the positive side....I am getting quite good at looking up the rule that applies to situations.

Riley stood by via Skype or telephone and helped me through the very last round in the top rated section...and with bated breath, I had the pairings ready early. No complaints...everyone was happy. I really need NOT to be surprised when all goes well. I should meet those situations with confidence and poise. I.should.do.that.soon.

What I find most interesting are the little stories that invariably happen during these tournaments.

One father & I talked for over 30 minutes on raising children....and found his child raising stories humorous and worthy of publishing. And this same man, I made a grave mistake in the last tournament which affected his son. The fact he returned with his son was a testimony to God only. Forgiveness is powerful.

Another story - his son drew with a master. For those of you who are unfamiliar with chess terms.... each chess player who plays in rated chess tournaments ends up with a chess rating. Please don't ask me how they get these ratings .... Lord knows I've tried to understand it, but it just doesn't seem to penetrate. At any rate, the afore mentioned young man who walked in at 10:15am on Saturday to play in the tournament has a rating of 2227. Oh yes, that is a very good rating (grin). The aforementioned son of the father - he's rated 1443. The son drew with the 2227 rated master.

Another story. Just when I think I have had enough with these weekend tournaments (and no, there is no sane reason why I get to this 'I've-had-enough-of-this mood), a parent of a chess player - or the chess player himself (or herself) will walk up to the counter and say with all sincerity "thank you for having this tournament". This happened not once this tournament - but from three separate individuals. God at work again.

Another story. Friday evening I discovered I was low on coffee cups. Horrors - chess players without their coffee. No time to run to Sam's Club - so I pondered aloud that a trip to the grocery store would have to take place early on Saturday before I opened the chess club. To the rescue - a chess player tells me not to worry and drops by a supply of coffee cups on Saturday morning.

So there is much to learn about chess. Not chess-the-game per se - but about the stories behind the chess. I never had the dream of becoming a chess tournament director - not by a long shot - it was born of necessity while dear husband is away in Iraq. Chess has been a powerful life enriching experience I never thought possible. When I think I've experienced it all, God says - oh no, you haven't even experienced my power yet....here's another experience for you.

I have learned so many things since Riley has been gone.....

...the power of admitting a mistake was made & the art of attempting to correct it

...finding out listening skills are vital

...there are people who really do want to see the Dayton Chess Club succeed

...chess players are some of the kindest, smartest and caring people you'd ever want to know

...trust God to work this all out....after all, He didn't lead us to buy the building in the first place if He didn't have a plan for us.

I know there are many more things ....but right now, God gives me what I need at the time when I need it. Can't ask for anything more, could I?

And in between being the chess queen, I quilt.

Angel45402

The Story of the Hand Therapy

2008-12-03T17:25:00.000-08:00

First things first....2 December 2008 rose from DH. 11 Tuesdays to go before we are together again. Oh yes!

Now - the story of the hand therapy. Let me tell you one thing to always keep in mind: Doctors do not have a clue as to what is done in their therapy clinic. In the event you have not kept up to date on my extremely fascinating life, I learned my sore arm was due to a case of tendonitis. I refused a cortisone shot in his office....something about extreme pain for all of ten seconds (make that agonizing pain) for relief of maybe a week or so just doesn't make sense to me. So he offers something called "sonic therapy" and to go across the hall and make an appointment to come back for treatment.

I make the appointment for the following Monday. I showed up at the clinic 5 minutes ahead of schedule...finally was ushered into the sacred hall of pain about 45 minutes later. Ironically, there's a sign next to the 'greeting window' that reads "If you arrive 15 minutes past your appointment time, we may have to reschedule your appointment". Gave me much to ponder. So... I meet Sheila, my hand therapist. Sweet lady. I let her measure my wrists - loves my bracelets - we chat. Then a nice warming towel for 10 minutes....ah, I'm beginning to feel like I'm at a spa. I look around, I read a little and then Sheila returns. Okay - so now it's hand exercises. Oh yeah - I can do these. Two minutes later, I'm in agony.

But wait - there's more. I ask Sheila about the "sonic therapy". She gets this puzzled look on her face (not a good sign) and then brightens. "Oh yes - we've found that it really isn't beneficial...so we're going the patch route".

Oh yes - the patch route. She walks away - returns with what looks like a butterfly shaped bandaid. A very large butterfly shaped bandaid. She then proceeds to tell me that the medicine I picked up @ the pharmacy has been applied to the bandaid .... good so far. And she pats that huge bandaid patch on my arm. So far, so good. Then attaches a tiny little oval shaped apparatus on top. "This will feel like little needle pricks - you'll hardly feel it. It'll stay on for 3 minutes ..and it has its own timer". Good so far. One minute into the 'therapy' and the intensity of the "little needle pricks" increases...and increases...and increases. Holy smokes - if these are "little" pricks", Lord help me if I have to have the big guns. By the time the 3 minutes were up, I was mentally kicking myself for refusing the cortisone shot. Finally, the little oval thing is removed....that's a good thing.

I'm told to remove the bandaid patch in about 2 hours. Okay - that's do-able. I make a quick stop at WalMart - and now I'm feeling a little under the weather. Stomach starts to roll & pitch and a nice little headache starts. Surely not connected to this bandaid patch. I manage to check out ..... thinking that if it really gets bad, I'll open up the bottle of wine I bought and chug it done - and to heck with the consequences of being stopped by the police. This is not good. I make it home.....and by now, I'm feeling terrible. Head is pounding - stomach has decided to to stop with the rolling & pitching - let's just kick it up a couple hundred notches - let's jump up and down and sideways. This.is.really.not.good. I look at my watch....ah, get this bandaid thing off NOW.

I tug slightly. Resistance. I tug a little more. Resistance. Okay - I can do this. I pull hard and it finally comes off - along with every bit of hair on my arm where the patch was. Super glue folks take note - you really need to get with this manufacturer of this patch. Your super glue has nothing on this adhesive on this patch.

So now it's been over 24 hours since therapy....have done the hand exercises twice so far .... 2nd time not as bad as the first. I return to the therapy clinic on Friday. Today is Wednesday.

I should have gone for the cortisone shot.

One of these days....I quilt.

Angel45402

Awesome Restaurant - Feedback Works!

2008-11-22T16:04:00.000-08:00

This is the story of what customer service SHOULD be about....

Our chess club is a couple doors down from Spaghetti Warehouse - located at 36 W. 5th Street, Dayton OH. My sister helps me out frequently during the club's open hours (not to mention all the cleaning she does during the club's closed times) .... and of course, we tend to get hungry at odd moments (every 37 seconds in my estimation).

This evening sis walked down to the restaurant - and got her usual soup-and-salad. Now mind you - this is the same thing she always orders - carryout or dining in. Soup and salad has always been accompanied with a loaf of their wonderful sourdough bread. When she got the order, she looked inside the bag and commented "I'm sorry - but the bread wasn't included". Conversation went somewhat like this:

"It doesn't come with the bread".
"But I've always ordered soup and salad and there's always bread with it"
"You must have been mistaken - it never has come with bread"
"I know what I've ordered and the soup and salad always comes with the bread"
"You're mistaken - someone made a mistake and it never comes with the bread"

Needless to say, one unhappy sister comes back - minus the bread. She decides to walk back to the restaurant - and brings back the menu. Entrees include bread - so perhaps soup & salad isn't an entree....worth pondering. But still...dozens of time, bread was included.

Ah - there's a little line on the carryout menu..."Please tell us about your dining experience at www.meatballs.com".....

Perfect. However - probably a waste of time.

I did so - filling out the form - complete with home address & cell phone number.

Ten minutes later, Kevin from Spaghetti Warehouse calls - apologizing profusely. Sister returns to restaurant....and comes back with not one loaf of bread - but FOUR. Count them - FOUR loaves of bread.

Kevin - Spaghetti Warehouse - THUMBS UP on the absolute BEST customer service I have ever seen exhibited.

If there's a Spaghetti Warehouse close to you - try it out.... Can't guarantee you'll leave with four loaves of bread - but they sure do know what it takes to keep their customers here in Dayton Ohio.

Kudos - thumbs up - 4 stars to Spaghetti Warehouse.

Angel45402

More Blogs to Share

2008-11-17T18:32:00.001-08:00

Having suffered through the past couple of days with a miserable head cold - you know that awful stuffy, I-am-so-miserable-I-could-just-sleep-forever-but-can't head colds.... No? Trust me - it's an ailment you can go through your whole life without experiencing. Where was I....

Oh yes - now that I'm at the tail end of this miserable head cold - or body cold is more like it - I decided to catch up on my blog readings. I have been reacquainted with a few more blogs I'd like to share:

http://www.lifeasachristianwoman.com/ I've only read a few of Ms Williams' posts...but I've not read a blog of her that didn't hit home. Her latest one was right on target....we cannot change reality. As my dear husband Riley loves to say "it is what it is". How true. How true.

http://blissfullydomestic.com/ Okay, so it's a little busy site. But gotta love how organized this writer is...or maybe writers are? Lots and lots of great ideas here.....but beware - you.must.have.time.to.read!

http://www.purlbee.com/but-what-is-the-purl-bee/ Oh yes - when I grow up, I want to be an accomplished knitter...something a little more ambitious than dishcloths (even though I'm extremely accomplished with dishcloths....)

What a great jumping-off blog to other sites....marvelous, marvelous, marvelous!

And more to come....

But in the meantime.....

How can you not laugh????

In the meantime....I quilt.

Angel45402

My Favorite Blogs....

2008-11-14T18:01:00.000-08:00

Not that I suspect or expect anyone to be glued to "Angel45402's View of Life" (other than a curtsey to my DH), but the idea of changing templates every so often is sooo appealing. Are there rules to this blogging? I suppose only if you have followers....(big grin).

I have been an ardent follower of 20-30 blogs now...and I have to say, I'm in awe of most of them. Some I read just for the sheer joy of rolling on the floor in laughter - and disbelief. Some I read and marvel over the writing...marvelous, clear & concise.

Here are a few of my favorites.....

http://quiltdad.blogspot.com/ I love this post...a man who write as well as he quilts .....beautifully!

http://daharadreaming.com/blog/ Okay - so this one smacks of nepotism - Dahara Dreaming is my daughter - and very talented - some of the stuff she finds on other blogs are not quite my taste - but I enjoy reading her assessments.....

http://knittingbunny.blogspot.com/ ... oh my this woman can KNIT

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/ and then there's this wonderful cooking blog. If she can get me motivated to cook again, then she's top notch in my book!

Son also has a blog - that'll be on my NEXT favorite blog post since I cannot seem to locate it right this moment....

And when I'm not blogging, I quilt.

Angel45402

Another Wednesday.....

2008-11-05T15:16:00.000-08:00

Today's picture is my Tuesday's rose from my beloved Riley. Beautiful, is it not?

And today is Wednesday. The morning started out wonderfully mundane. Woke up - did 2 loads of laundry - walked for 30 minutes while the laundry spun around merrily in the dryers (ah the joy of not owning a washer and dryer...NOT) - took a shower - planned out my day of errands and then promptly felt the most horrendous stomach cramps ever. Remember the 1979 movie "Alien" and the creature that popped out of the guy's stomach....? That movie should have never ever been released...it will haunt me to the end of my days. At any rate, I think you have a very graphic photo in your head by now....and I'm glad I could share it.

The rest of the day was spent in bed - errands be darned - and ate nothing but toast and drank tea. Whatever it was is almost gone - but it has drained the life out of this body and has left behind a low grade headache that would really like its body to be able to lay down again - but alas, it is Wednesday and it is Chess Club night and it is 6:20pm and so here I am...at the club with one chess club member dutifully studying chess moves in a book.

Ah - but before I left to open up the club, the rose reminded me of how much I am loved & treasured. That is a very very good thing.... and I am truly blessed.

And if you will note - I have said not one word about the results of the Presidential election....

And when I feel better....I quilt.

Angel45402

Passing It On...

2008-11-03T16:33:00.000-08:00

How many times have you received a really neat email that allows you to post your likes, your dislikes, your favorite movie of all time....??? I love these little "glimpses" of one's life. And then comes the clincher....send this on to ten of your favorite people...

Ten people.

My mind boggles.

I don't really know ten people.

I have come to the realization that I know ten people ...maybe even thirty or forty or more. But ten people I could send this nifty little email on and ask them to post their preferences..... No, I honestly cannot think of even one person to pass on this really nifty 'tell all' listing.

I don't know if I should find this disturbing or reassuring. Disturbing because I don't have a list of ten people I can automatically pass on these emails to. Reassuring because I am comfortable with not knowing ten people I could pass it on to.

I may be disturbed about my reassurance state.

I like being alone. There. I said it. I love my husband Riley dearly and I miss him while he's away. I like being comfortable in our quietness together - he reading the latest news on his laptop, me sewing away on piecing a quilt. He is comfortable in a crowd of people. I'm comfortable watching him in a crowd of people. Two halves make a whole ... and God knew His stuff when he put us together.

So - when you receive one of these emails that ask you pass it on to ten other people, know that I am happy I'm one of your ten people That makes me smile. But know that I don't have the ability to do the same.....nor do I feel the compulsion to find ten people to pass it on to.

I quilt.

Angel45402

Life of a Cat....

2008-11-03T15:50:00.000-08:00

No doubt about it....cats have it made. What other animal can wake you up at 3:30am and feel absolutely no shame about it. Food bowl is filled - plenty of water - kitty litter box clean .... Nope, it's just a matter of "hey, I was lonely and I think it's time you got your rear in gear and play with me".

Kitty gymnastics usually start around 3:30am - and then will escalate into gentle patting on the face with a paw or two.....and by 5:30am, there's the full scale, cat face in my face and purring as such that I swear could only come from a small lion. There is indeed nothing like waking up eyeball-to-eyeball with a cat. It'll take years off your life - trust me.

But I'll take this companion over a dog anytime. She greets me affectionately even if I'm gone for five minutes to throw a garbage bag down the chute in the hallway. Within seconds of moving from one place to another, she's right behind me....and settles in until I move on to another area in the apartment.

Nothing like a cat....they're definitely in charge of the world.

Angel45402

The Story of the Rose

2008-10-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a story. Some stories will make you weep. Some stories will make you sing with joy. Some stories are better left unwritten or unspoken. This story will probably only touch the heart if you're like me - the lady who cries over the old Hallmark card commercials.

This is simply....the story of the rose.

On 27 July 2008, my beloved Riley & I celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary. Yes, there is indeed an account written of our 37th. On the day before he was to leave to go back to Iraq, he disappeared for several hours. No explanation before or after other than "I have something to take care of". Sometimes it is better to just leave things as they are.

On the first Tuesday after his departure, there was a knock on the apartment door. I opened the door to find myself facing a middle aged gentleman who held out a single red rose in a vase and with my answer "Yes" to his question "Are you Sharon?", I found myself holding the vase - befuddled and confused. I read the note twice..... "24 Tuesdays left! This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Love, RileyD, nwJ". In the event you are wondering what "nwJ" means....simply nothing without Jesus. As to the scripture....this is the one we would say in unison as one of us would drop off the other at work. Every. Single. Day. Monday. thru. Friday. Until the day I retired.

On the second Tuesday after my beloved's departure, a single rose in a vase was once again delivered. The note read "23 Tuesdays left! You are my life mate, my wife, my love. Love RileyD, nwJ".

And every Tuesday, this has been going on...a single rose in a vase.

Now comes the TRUE story of the rose.

Riley had disappeared for that period of time on the day before he left to visit Ed Smith Florist....a florist we had used for many years. His quest was a simple one - how much to have a single rose delivered to his wife every Tuesday until he was reunited with his wife. The lady replied "30 dollars, sir". Riley, the ever conservative, said "is there a way I could have this done a little cheaper - maybe $20 per week? I have enough here to do that". Now "here" meant, his spending money I had put aside in an envelope since he left for Iraq. Yes, even at our mature age, we are on a budget and we allow each other $50 every two weeks for spending money. The woman said she would have to call her husband who was working at the base. After getting her husband on the phone, she held the phone out to Riley - he wanted to talk to Riley about his request. Riley then explained he was heading back to Iraq tomorrow and was there any way they could possibly deliver a rose to his wife every Tuesday for $20.00. That was the most he could afford with money in hand. This wonderful gentlemen then told Riley they would do this for him for $10 a week and God bless him for protecting our country. Now, I might not have gotten this entirely correct - but the essence was captured properly - of that I am sure.

The story of the rose.

And so it goes. Today is Tuesday...."16 Tuesdays left! Once again, love blooms new as we separate. Love, RileyD, nwJ".

Praise God for putting this man into my life - and putting me in his life.

We are truly blessed.

Angel45402

Just Thoughts

2008-10-21T03:30:00.000-07:00

Today at 6pm, I will be hugging my beloved once again before he flies back to Iraq.

This time - it's a little harder to say 'see you soon' than it was in July when he was home. Perhaps because his dad isn't with us any longer - or perhaps because we just enjoyed being together so much.

We saw a touching movie "Fireproof" yesterday. This is a movie that every married couple should see - or anyone thinking of getting married. Yes, it's a faith-based movie and it carries a beautiful message of what marriage is meant to be.

This movie gave me pause to think about love. Love transcends all - and if there's always love in thought, word & deed, how could we not succeed ? No one said it would ever be easy. You'll always face someone or something that demands more love than you think you could ever give....but if it's there, deeply cemented within, the more you give - the more you'll be filled with it. I see now that my beloved husband has a love that's firmly fixed within...no doubt about it. It's love that enables you to see things from a different perspective. Love enables you to see things a little clearer. It's acceptance - it's understanding - and it's patience. Love isn't just a feeling .... it's something much stronger.

Go see "Fireproof". See if it moves you as much as it did me.

And yes - the photo is of my beloved & me on our 37th wedding anniversary.

Angel45402

On To a Better Life

2008-10-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, 9 October 2008 at 6:30am, my cell phone rang. I knew in my heart this wasn't going to be an ordinary call. No "good" calls come early in the morning. Indeed, this call was not a good one. It was my mother-in-law. It's time to try to get Riley, my beloved husband, home from Iraq as soon as possible. The hospice nurse believed dad had less than 48 hours left.

Red Cross was contacted by 7am - information relayed as best I knew. A call was placed to Riley's unit - Riley was contacted and the cell phone was ringing off and on for the next five hours. Riley's stateside company was called .... phones were buzzing all over the world to get Riley on a plane home. I decided I would leave early Friday morning. That plan was quickly cancelled. At 4:30pm, the call came through from one of Riley's brothers. Dad was gone. By 5pm, our son & I were on our way to Wellington, with a quick stop in a suburb of Columbus to our daughter's & son-in-law's home. Daughter quickly packed up her things....jumped in the car with me, son-in-law followed with their daughter in their car.

The drive up there was somber - yet, we recalled a few humorous dad/grandpa incidents. Riley was on his way home - not knowing his dad had already passed. Sobering thought.

The night was spent with phone calls - lots of phone calls and people stopping by. Around noon, my cell phone rang - it was Riley. He had made it to the Chicago airport - next stop was Cleveland. All I could do was to say quietly, "Dad is gone". There aren't too many words that one can say that will have such an impact. The man who taught you so many things about how to work with others is gone. The man who you loved so very much is gone. The man who has been your father for your entire life is gone. The man who worried more about mom being taken care of more than his own pain - is gone.

And I am filled with emotion. My dearly beloved husband is home again - yet, not for the reason I ever thought would happen. Yes, our dad has been ill for quite some time. Emphysema is a taker of lives - just as bad as cancer devastates one's life. But I knew in my heart that dad wouldn't go as quickly as others believed. We had such a scare almost two years ago. We quickly gathered up and drove to see him in the hospital. And yet - a year later, he was with us. One year turned into 14 months - then 15 months....and finally, no more time.

Visitation times have been set for Sunday - 12 October 2008 from 2-5pm. The service is set for Monday, 13 October 2008 at 11am.

Yes, dad is gone. But the memory of him will never be gone. He has left behind a legacy not many can ever boast of. The friends he has left behind aren't just friends - they're family. I believe there's not a single soul who hasn't met Claude & Docie Louise Driver for the first time that didn't leave feeling they have become part of the Driver family. Yes, it will be very hard for mom to carry on without him. But her strength will pull her through this - along with the incredible group of people who are simply "family". What a legacy.

Angel45402

Traveling Around...

2008-10-03T04:07:00.001-07:00

On the 30th of October, my sister & I went to the Creation Museum in Kentucky. Now there's a drive for you. Yahoo directions took us through scenic Ohio, then Indiana and then Kentucky...or was it Kentucky, Indiana and back through Kentucky? It seemed like a very, very long trip - a scenic one though.

It's a beautiful place - very clean, very well done. A little pricey ($23 for adults.... but children under 5 gain free access - but I imagine they have to be with their parents....!) And to the right of the building is the botanical garden.

We were there for perhaps three hours or more - saw everything that was to be seen - including the bookstore and a great 22 minute film entitled "Men In White". Film presented a good case for creation vs evolution. It was shown in a reality theater. Never having the pleasure of being in a reality theater before, I was quite startled when the seats moved when thunder on the screen rolled - and when it rained on screen, we were spritzed with water. Have to admit, that does wake up one a bit.

Bookstore prices - well, as with all museums - pricey. Very pricey. Sis bought 2 postcards....wise decision. I walked away with zero purchases.

I have more photos of the museum on my webshot page.....which were painstakingly put in chronological order .... until I uploaded them. Darn.

More photos of the museum.....

The drive home was challenging....winding our way back to Dayton through rush hour traffic and of course, the never ending road construction. Timing is everything.

Looking back, I enjoyed the museum. While there is no doubt in my mind that indeed God created this beautiful world, I wanted to see the efforts of this museum. I thought it to be a little overkill for believers ... but for those sitting on the fence, I couldn't imagine anyone walking away without falling a little to the believing side - if not all the way. Well done.

I haven't been sewing too much lately - so I need to get back to the sewing table and finish a lovely quilt I started about a month ago. A dear friend supplied the pattern and sent me a lovely quilt for Christmas last year from the same pattern.

I quilt!

Angel45402

Now a Quilting Knitter Potter?????

2008-09-22T18:50:00.001-07:00

Today was my first day of pottery class. Seriously one of the most hilarious days of my life. There are five of us - four females and one male - who left early to cut up trees felled by the wrath of Ike. After checking out the beautiful pottery made by other students, I was given a bag of twenty-five pounds of clay and given my first assignment.

Ah this looks so easy. First piece of art - make a "pinch pot" - which is, roll the clay - stick your thumb in and gently round it out until it comes a nice little bowl. Uh huh. That certainly is easy enough. After building a pot that collapsed on itself three time & thereby smooshing it back into a ball three times, I found it takes PATIENCE to slowly round it out. Finally, I got it. I was so pleased with myself. Never mind the lady on the other side of me just finished a BUST of Frank Lloyd Wright and the lady across the room is working on a bas relief of some Greek goddesss and the other one is making a free form serving dish with leaf inprints - I made a honest to goodness bowl. It sat up pretty - it wasn't going to collapse anytime soon - and frankly, I thought it to be a pretty hot stuff bowl. Until the instructor strolls over over and says - now next week you can add some really cool stuff to it. ADD STUFF TO IT? Is he out of this mind? I have a perfectly good bowl here. It's a work of art. It screams elegance. My right thumb has never been so sore and it took 20 minutes to dig out the clay from my engagement ring - never mind what was under my nails. Is that what they call 'suffering artists'????

Next I get to do a coil pot - once I find something to add to my perfect bowl so it will make the instructor happy. I'm thinking I can roll a piece of the clay, call it a snake and slap it on the bowl or something.

Will I go back next week? You bet I will. I have to find a way to use up twenty-five pounds of this stuff... I need to whip up some elegant coffee cups, a few leaf embossed serving trays and maybe a bust or two of Teddy Roosevelt.

Maybe one day I can write "I am a Potter" ..... not to be confused with Harry.

Angel45402

Not Goodbye - See you Later.....

2008-09-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

DAD'S PRAYER QUILT

Yesterday I drove to Columbus, all of 85 miles away from Dayton, to pick up daughter, son-in-law and grand daughter. From there, son #2 drove us to Wellington, another 92 miles away. It is there we saw my father-in-law, daughter's grandfather, grand daughter's great grandfather.

My father-in-law is simply 'dad'. I've been blessed to have three fathers - my heavenly Father, my dad and my husband's dad.

And now my dad will soon be leaving us to move to a much better place. He's been in pain for awhile now as a result of a medication he's been on for years that has rendered his bones very brittle. He bent over one day and ended up with multiple fractures in his back.

I didn't see this frail man lying in the hospital bed in the living room. Instead, I saw the man my husband referrred to privately as "the little stallion" - a name his dad's coworkers called him many times. This is the man who worked hard all his life in construction - mostly bridges. My husband once told me his dad was laid off once and one of the kids got sick and he bartered with the doctor: carpentry for medical care. Money was very tight. He vowed he would never be laid off again - and he kept that promise.

Every time we would take a drive and see a bridge in construction, my dear husband would comment "Dad would love to see this bridge". He passed on to his oldest son the skill of working with people. This skill has served my husband well in his current job in Iraq.

The day before we left, I decided it was time to make dad a prayer quilt. There's a wonderful story behind this quilt. I belong to an online quilting club called "Quilters Who Care" ....and indeed, they do. One of the ladies came up with a database - one can sign up to make a 6 1/2" square with a heart (appliqued or paper pieced), heart on cream-on-cream. I immediately signed up. Anyone can offer up the name of one of the ladies who was having a hard time - whether it be a family problem, loss of a friend - or in my case, my husband leaving for Iraq. Within a month of Riley leaving, 6 1/2" square blocks came in - thirteen of them. Twelve of them made it into dad's small prayer quilt.

I posted to the group a thanks to the ladies who sent in a heart ....and the replies were heart warming. Indeed, these are quilters who very much care.

I'll be driving up once a week to see dad and mom...for as long as dad is with us. He's ready to go anytime - and I have the faith he'll be dancing with the angels soon. It won't be goodbye - but see you later, dad....where we can have lots of laughs when we meet again.

I quilt.

Angel45402

Journey to another Quilt....

2008-09-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

There are times when a quilt comes together quicker than anticipated. No stutters or stops or what-if-I-do-that pondering. The young man's preferences were simple...His mom wrote "blue and green, trucks, bull dozers, tractors, trains and loves dirt"....ah the stuff 3 year olds are made of.

Three themed fabrics and a sky blue blender and I was all set to go.

Pieces cut....

and then the blocks start to grow.....

And the quilt somehow magically comes together.....

The backing & the label (alas, not easy to pick up digitally)

And finally the pocket prayer quilt....2 brass frogs attached...

This has to be the journey of miracles. Just enough fabric to complete it and finished it in three days. God's hand was on this quilt....and I felt His presence with me the entire time.

I quilt.

Angel45402

Cat Stuff

2008-08-29T19:07:00.001-07:00

Meet once again, Faith.

This is her "I wasn't on the table, honest, and I sure didn't eat your cornflakes" look. But then, it could be mistaken for her "You think I would actually knock YOUR African Violet off the window ledge???" look. Then again, it could be the "oh for pete's sake - I didn't touch your tv remote" look.

You got to hand it to cats. They're typically aloof - independent - will let you know if they want to be touched - and pretty much fuss free....

Until....this cat.

Aloof? Living with me just about a week now, I could only wish. Independent? I think not.. not when she bounces up and down on my chest while I'm trying to read and won't stop until I get up to fill her food dish. How much can one tiny cat eat, anyway???? Fuss free? Try not cleaning out the litter box for 6 hours. And forget about that touching thing. She'll relentlessly bat me with her paws until I rub, scratch or pick her up. Pet her once and you might as well cancel all your appointments for the next three hours.

I leave the room - Faith is right behind me. I go in one room and shut the door - and she's on the other side, sticking one paw under the door just as far as she can possibly stretch it. I go to bed and within seconds, she's up on the bed with that look. You know the look.... It's the "what, it's only 11pm - throw me a ball or something" look.

I am convinced Faith is really a dog in a cat suit. One of these days I'll catch her putting it on or taking it off. It's only a matter of time.

Angel45402

Knitting Almost Daily....

2008-08-28T18:26:00.001-07:00

What is it about knitting that soothes the soul? I can have the most miserable of days and after ten minutes of knitting, all seems right with the world. I love the feel of the needle in each hand - wooden or bamboo only please (those metal needles are like scratching one's fingernails on a chalkboard) - and seeing the rows grow and grow.

My endeavors have been limited - a few hats and tons of wash/dish cloths.

Speaking of knitted clothes... this one is my absolute favorite!

This one has caused quite a few double takes.....and temporarily raised my cool factor with the younger set. No, it's not what you think. It's a Canadian Maple motif cloth. However....it still remains my favorite. And no, you can't bake it & smoke the residue.

And the "Five of Hearts".....a very pale one at that.....

A very pink butterfly....

A large heart - which goes to show that using varigated yarn is not a very good idea for most motifs.

Oh yes - I will be quilting shortly - but for now, knitting is good therapy.

Angel45402

Ms Faith is Home....

2008-08-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Well - the long awaited kitty....Took over an hour to get her from the rescue shelter - but well worth it. She took very well to the cardboard carrier - but didn't seem too unhappy to get out once I got her inside the apartment. Already, plants have moved to higher grounds...and wow - can she ever jump. She's already managed the daring back of the couch to dining room table leap. What an athlete.....

She's a mover, ok - took me 15 minutes to capture her on film. Got lots of shots of her backside, tail, and several very nice surreal blurs.

More shots later....

In the meantime.....

I quilt! (once the excitement of Ms Faith being home subsides...)

Angel45402

Knitting Is Addictive.....

2008-08-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt about it - knitting is not just a past time - nor a way to kill time - nor a passing fancy. Once you're hooked (apologies to those who crochet - that would have been a great pun though) you're hooked. One skein of yarn will lead to another...and another ..... Next thing you know, the yarn is fighting the quilting fabric for space.

My knitting is not elaborate. No fancy capes, elegant sweaters or jazzy socks - yet. Just functional down-to-earth knitting - washcloths. Yes, functional knitted cloths that can be used as washcloths or dishcloths. These are not your Auntie Em's dishcloths.....no sir. Suitable for framing, lol.

Oh yes, it's a flamingo. You gotta love the way this one knits

up ....from the bottom up, the legs just go on & on & on.......

And oh yes, the heart one here is lopsided. It will serve as constant reminder that two glasses of wine and knitting do not mix. However, it did have an element of humor to it.

Have a couple more to add to this collection but they're currently with daughter. You'll love the maple leaf that appears to be more of a....well, let's just say that I was rather surprised at the results.

Yes- I quilt - but I do love to knit.....

Angel45402

Sewing Machines DO Talk....

2008-08-19T03:54:00.000-07:00

Last night after traipsing sis down to the bike shop to get her wheel fixed (drat those nails on the sidewalks), then being forced to eat at the nearby Chinese buffet and then with full bellies, waddling back to the car and coming home....I heard this pitiful voice from the 2nd bedroom - AKA sewing room/den - that kept calling to me "please, please - I need to sew...I must sew".

Well, not one to ignore voices as pitiful as this, I spent the next hour or more sewing a purse for granddaughter. I know she will adore it. I'll be driving to Columbus to spend a day or two - maybe three - and I'll be hand delivering the purse. I just love this pattern. It can be made from squares of all sizes - and a snap to put together! Oh yes - it's also reversible!

I really do need to learn to take better photos - or at least learn how to post them correctly. Just take my word for it - it's very pretty!

By the time I was done and a 2nd one is in the making, I no longer heard the pitiful voice of my Brothers sewing machine.

Scary thing - I also have a serger, a Singer sewing machine and a lightweight offbrand sewing machine too... If they all start talking to me, please do rescue me from the room.

I quilt!

Angel45402

Quilt Journey

2008-08-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

This is the story of a quilt that grew until done......

This quilt is for a young girl who loves pink with a little purple thrown in - Hannah Montana - playing "cheer leader" - and likes daises - and she's 5.

Going through the ever infamous stash, I found pinks - a couple of purples .... however, no large pieces. Ah ha - perhaps 2" strips to make up a block.... After trimming, it measured 10". Nope - looked too much like a pot holder....

Out comes the seam ripper - grab more fabric - sew more strips together - and the 6 1/2" squares are birthed....

I got so carried away with sewing them together, I neglected to photograph the remaining process!

So - imagine these squares put together, alternating vertical with horizontal. Got it? Okay - now imagine a deranged woman looking for "Hannah Montana" fabric. Not a pretty picture. Ahhh - yes! The ever saving WalMart had a purple Hannah Montana fabric.... Now the cheerleading thing. Found 4" squares for sale on eBay - yesssss! The hunt has almost come to an end. Won the squares...and then quilt grew strip by strip until at last - enough.

And so - the journey came to an end.

This will be the quilt I'll always think of as the "potholder" that grew and grew until it was a quilt.....

Love the colors! Love those 4" cute cheerleader blocks in the corner! As to the Hannah Montana purple border...well, I can't love everything....

And the final addition - the pocket prayer quilt...

I quilt .... what a lovely statement.

Angel45402

Another story.....

2008-08-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

This story is a little harder to write about. "Life Settling Down" was hard enough. Missing my soul mate, my best friend and husband hurts the heart a little - but I know we'll be together again soon.

This story is about family. Perhaps members of my family will not be happy about this post - perhaps it will go unnoticed - perhaps I am making more of it than should be.

I discovered about two months ago I have a half-sister. Her name is Jill - she lives in England - and her 3 week visit with my parents will be coming to a close next week. Riley and I did visit my folks - and Jill - while Riley was home for 20 days. She's interesting, funny, out spoken - and I like her. It was not the best of visits. It was a short visit and my attention was focused on being back with my husband. I had so little time to get to know my second sister. I now have two sisters. That's an amazing statement in itself.

Everyone's life is composed of short stories. Some stories never have an ending - they go on and on. These are the stories that affect us the most and they are the unhappy stories. Those are the stories that beg for a happy ending. We all have the power to affect the end of each of these stories. We can turn unhappiness into forgiveness and look forward to a new short story. No, it's not easy - and yes, it's darn right uncomfortable.

I do know God's biggest commandment - love. When love takes over the heart, there isn't room for anything else. Plant it - nurture it - and it will grow.

Angel45402

Life Settling Down

2008-08-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

Riley is now back in Iraq....and it's been more difficult than I had bargained for.

Twenty days we spent together - which seemed like a long time, but in reality - it's a blimp on the clock. Little things like eating breakfast at home, driving around and holding hands in the car, sitting next to each other at church, watching the series "Monk" on borrowed DVDs from the library.... normal every day stuff seemed brighter, more joyful and yet peaceful to the soul.

Why is it we take things for granted every single day...until the day those things are temporarily gone and then the heart breaks just a little.

On the day we drove to the airport to see him off, I thought to myself - this was good - this was a great vacation together. Until it was time to really say "see you later", the tears welled up and then l I walked into the apartment and discovered the quiet. Even if your spouse doesn't utter a single word in a couple of hours, you're still with someone....Quiet can be awfully loud at times.

So - life is settling down somewhat. I'm working on completing another quilt - another design as I go - and stayed up until 2:30am this morning. When the sewing urge hits, I go with it. The story of this quilt will be posted later. I am very pleased with it so far - and it makes me smile when I look at it. I hope the person it will be mailed to will bring a smile to her face....

Tomorrow, I'll be kitty hunting - a companion that will make the apartment a little less quiet.

Life is settling down somewhat - but I sure do miss Riley's smile - and holding my hand while we drive.

Angel45402

Back tracking....and moving forward

2008-08-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

Oh boy, slap on the forehead with one hand. I had thought I had written a very moving account of Riley & I renewing our vows on the 27th of July - our 37th wedding anniversary. Must have been one heck of a great dream since I couldn't find word one on the event.

So to backtrack....

On July 27th, Riley & I renewed our vows in our church after the service. Friends & family witnessed the renewal - and many photos were taken. It was quite an event. After our pastor read several passages from the bible (please don't quiz me - I haven't a clue what was said by the pastor - sorry, pastor....nervousness does that to me), Riley read a beautiful piece he wrote - and I read mine. Riley's words.....

Sharon
From the time you gave me a note in a matchbox with the single word “chance”

Which led to a kiss under a tree

To 6 weeks later when you thought I was going to ask you to go steady. Instead I asked, "Do you want to get married in 1 week or 2 weeks?"

Until now

We have done "in sickness and in health" - We have done "for richer or for poorer" – We have done “for better and for worse”

And now we gone through our longest separation with a longer separation in front of us - still God keeps us together.

12 years ago on our 25th anniversary we had a full wedding where we dedicated our marriage to Christ.

Today our marriage still belongs to the Father, who put you in my heart the very first time I laid eyes on you.

Today our marriage belongs to the Son - Jesus - whose wonderful grace we enjoy and bring to each other in our marriage.

Today our marriage belongs to the Holy Spirit who somehow keeps us close though we are half a world apart.

I cannot imagine what my life would have been like without you nor do I wish to imagine it.

Through God's good graces, you are my wife - my life mate - I would not have it any other way.

And my response....

When I first joined hands with you 37 years ago, little did I know what our lives would be like.

You promised then to love, honor and cherish me though life.

While we had difficult times, God always was there for us – early on we just didn’t know His presence.

We realized together God had to be first in our marriage and our life was so much better.

You have made my life complete and full.

Not only have you kept your promise to love, honor and cherish me, you’ve made our lives together an adventure.

You’ve been there for me when I needed comfort, you’ve listened to my fears and you’ve held my hand throughout it all.

We made a commitment to each other.

Some days it wasn’t easy for we both let pride get in the way of love.

God’s greatest commandment is LOVE.

And I do so love you and pray we can renew our vows every year.
You are my husband, my soul mate and my best friend.

********************************

And so shortly, Riley will be leaving to go back to Iraq until February 2009. Somehow, our renewal of vows will make it easier when he leaves. Life moves forward - God's grace covers us all just for the asking - and God is so very good.

Angel45402

Life's Little Surprises....

2008-08-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

Surprise: to come upon or discover suddenly and unexpectedly.

That about sums it up. Life is full of surprises - most of which we do not expect. Hence - the definition of surprise. Suddenly and unexpectedly.

Through a series of emails back & forth from my dad, I learned I have a half-sister. Riley & I met her just two days ago when we flew up to visit my parents. Jill arrived almost two weeks earlier from England and is spending three weeks with my folks.

This was her first meeting with her father, my dad - correction: our dad - and mom. It was also her first visit to the U.S. - first visit with any of her siblings (one brother and two sisters). Being an only child, I can imagine her delight (okay I am assuming much here) in finding she has two sisters and a brother.

I found her to be friendly, charming and pretty gutsy. I admire the fact she came here to the states to meet the family - not knowing how she would be greeted. I admire the fact she has met life head on. Okay - so this may be all conjecture at this point - but it's what I feel. I later thought of so many things that I wanted to ask her but didn't. There will always be emails (sadly, who writes letters anymore?!?!) and that's how we'll probably keep in touch. There have been so many times I wish I could have said the things I meant to say right then in the moment. Alas, the mark of one who procrastinates ... at times.

I've often heard that we can choose our friends but we cannot chose our family. I would not choose any other family than the one I have. And now I have two sisters. Life's little surprises can be truly..... surprising and so very good.

Angel45402

Another Quilt and More Thoughts...

2008-07-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

Another quilt finished. Of all the quilts I've made, this had to be the most challenging. The young man likes dogs, horses and baseball. Good Heavens....how does one combine all these into one quilt... Now that I look back, I know an easiest was to back the quilt with baseball fabric. Ha - too obvious to overlook!

The horse panel - no problem. Simply frame it. A little on the skimpy side. Then I added the dogs - having to fussy cut each dog, using a modified Amish block. A little on the difficult side - lost a few noses a couple of times. Completed those..and that left baseball. Hmmmm...okay, only thing left was to add strips of the fabric...and thus born....

Caleb's Quilt....

Definitely a sew-as -I go quilt. Amazing how everything just fit together.

And of course - the pocket prayer quilt to go with

it......

When making this quilt, I thought of God's plan for each of us. Putting this quilt together made me realize how everyday we do the little things that keep adding to the "plan".... the plan that takes time, heart ache, love, happiness, joy and finally, peace when everything comes together and you just know - this is it. This is what God has intended for me - to live this life, right now, right here and this way.

And I think - thank you, Lord, for giving me this gift of quilting. What a marvelous thing to say ....

I quilt.

Angel45402

Reflections On a Finished Quilt.....

2008-07-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

"Project Unicorn" wasn't completed quite yet... Label on the back had to sewn on...and now it is
done & waiting for name & address to mail the quilt.

While sewing the label to the back of the quilt, I thought about what it takes to make a marriage. I suppose there's a connection there somewhere - but I don't question any more what the Holy Spirit lays on my heart. It's easy to go with the flow than to argue. And who can argue successfully with the Holy Spirit!

On the 27th of July, Riley & I will celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary. We eloped on the 27th of July to Marshall, Texas - just over the Louisiana border - and told my parents that evening. Twenty-five years later, we renewed our vows in church. Bridesmaids, groomsmen, dad walking me down the aisle - the whole nine yards. And now on our 37th anniversary, we hope to renew our vows in our church. Riley emailed me the question I was not anticipating ... "what will you say?". I had assumed the pastor would do the talking - hopefully very briefly - and our response would be "uh huh" or words to that effect. Ah, not so. For days I have thought about what I would say...hopefully very briefly. And so I wrote from my heart.....

When I first joined hands with you 37 years ago, little did I know what our lives would be like. You promised then to love, honor and cherish me though life. While we had difficult times, God always was there for us – early on we just didn’t know His presence. We realized together God had to be first in our marriage and our life was so much better. You have made my life complete and full. Not only have you kept your promise to love, honor and cherish me, you’ve made our lives together an adventure. You’ve been there for me when I needed comfort, you’ve listened to my fears and you’ve held my hand throughout it all. We made a commitment to each other. Some days it wasn’t easy for we both let pride get in the way of love. God’s greatest commandment is LOVE. And I do so love you and pray we can renew our vows every year. You are my husband, my soul mate and my best friend.

What was in my heart was simply one word: commitment. No matter how difficult life was, our difference in opinions, our different viewpoints .... God kept us together despite every trial, every tribulation. There were times when I felt life was so unfair - my life was unfair - my world was unfair. As to what constitutes "unfair", I haven't a clue now -but I know I felt it. We as women do not have it easy. We bear the children, we keep house, we cook, and if conditions warrant, we do all this plus work outside the home. I came to the realization years ago, men have a much harder job. No matter how difficult the job, no matter how painful it is to go into that job day after day, they go. Imagine being in a position where there seems to be no way out, day after day. We have it easy? I believe not. Are we appreciated for efforts? In some instances, maybe not heard .... but demonstrated? Oh yes, day after day. And it took years for me to say "thank you".... and it took awhile for Riley to learn the art of "listening" without attempting to fix whatever was bothering me. He will never be my "bestest girlfriend" - but he is my best friend.

It's amazing how all this can come about by sewing a quilt label to the back of a quilt.

In the meantime, quilt ideas are floating around in my head once again. Time to start a new quilt.

And, oh yes, I quilt.

Angel45402

Project Unicorn Quilt Finished.....

2008-07-04T22:50:00.000-07:00

It is now 1:50am on the 5th of July - and "Project Unicorn Quilt" is finished. When one loses track of time when working on something really enjoyable, it satisfies deep within.

The lighting in the sewing room/den/2nd bedroom is marvelous! Small wonder I spent the last 3 hours happily sewing away. I would love to write that the next quilt is already in the planning stages, but at 1:50 in the morning - ha!

I love the bright colors...and what cannot be seen is a unicorn block on each corner..

And the pocket prayer quilt.... In the left hand corner is a tiny frog charm.... "Fully Rely on God": FROG.

I think now it's time to make a sandwich, reflect on today - and tomorrow, I know I'll be thinking of the next quilt. Yes!

I quilt.

Angel45402

Another Quilt....

2008-07-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

I'm quietly pleased - only a couple of days have passed since I mailed off the dinosaur quilt and I've started another.

The young lady whom this quilt is for loves unicorns....Cinderella....Snow White. Unicorns was a little difficult to nail down but Cinderella and Snow White? Elusive beyond belief.... Searching through a couple online quilting stores is fun. Searching through hundreds of online quilting stores is not. It's downright painful, frustrating and the worst - an exercise in sheer will power not to order yards and yards of "oh I just have to have THAT now" fabric. I did find one Cinderella print but she looked downright scary. Whatever happened to that lovely Cinderella of my youth....

Okay - fabric arrives. Now - what do I do with it? I know this young lady also loves aqua .... but alas, no aqua in the fabric stash. So..... I come up with a few colors that might go well with the fabric.....

Great - looks pretty good. Hmmm - 6 1/2" squares might capture the unicorn well.....

6 1/2" squares? Only because I bought this nifty square template and it measures 6 1/2" square. Found out that it's great for 'framing' what I'd like to cut - but to cut around it is painful. But cut, I did - and managed to keep all fingers intact. I think - great, I'll do a 9 patch with the unicorn in the center.

Idea lasts for about an hour....but when I draw it out, it lacks substance. See, I'm beginning to think like a quilter. Who the heck knows what substance is anyway - but I like how that word looks when written and when I say it, it sounds so "quilty.

I've also discovered that my math skills really need some beefing up. I pulled out my fat quarters (to you non-quilters, a fat quarter is one forth of a yard - get it? "Fat" quarters.... gotta love it) which are photographed next to the uncut unicorn fabric above. I cut out 6 1/2 squares out of each fat quarter - and somehow believed I cut EIGHT 6 1/2" squares per fat quarter. How I thought I got EIGHT out of each fat quarter is beyond me. But somehow I had it in my head I cut out 8. Now, framing each unicorn would require EIGHT squares to form a "Nine Patch". Do the math - only SIX squares could be cut out of each fat quarter. No way am I going fabric hunting to find extra fat quarters to match what I already cut....

....so new idea.

Quick - find some more "blenders". Blenders - another quilty word - which simply means solid colors with a little more 'oomph' to it - Moda makes wonderful blenders called "Moda Marbles" - and the best thing is - I won these beauties playing bingo online via the online quilting club I belong to - but that's another story. So out comes more blenders - but alas no photograph before I cut 'em up and started sewing. That's something else I learned - to heck with photographing every detail - let that machine fly! Out comes the rotary cutter - a bunch of 6 1/2" squares are cut....

And thus was born.....

I really need to improve my photographing skills.

Now - border. I think I'll do a multicolored border, piecing together the leftovers from the fat quarters. Yes - that should do nicely.

In the meantime, today I bought THREE lamps. After weeks of sewing on the dining room table, I realized I needed LIGHT in the 2nd bedroom we use as a den/study/sewing/craft room - which is why I hesitated to move the sewing machine back to "the room". Okay - right now it's simply the sewing room until Riley comes home. When moving things around last night, I broke my treasured Ott lamp. If you don't have an Ott lamp, you are missing one of the world's greatest inventions. Gives off a light that's better than natural lighting - or so I believe. Natural light is always interrupted with nasty things like clouds and sunsets. I found a Ott floor lamp at a very good price - and also bought 2 more lamps - touchiere lamps to be precise. Oh the light that is now in that room is a sight to behold. Now I can move the sewing machine off of the dining room table and into the room where it belongs.

Putting the lamps together led to cleaning out a closet. Trust me, there is a connection in there somewhere. One trip to Goodwill and four trips to the dumpster in the back of the apartment building and I feel like I have accomplished much.

In the meantime, Riley's brother called - mom was admitted to the hospital. Her blood pressure had skyrocketed - and her feet were swollen beyond normal swelling. Echogram and cat scan were ordered today but no test results yet. I think somehow news of mom spurned me on to do something that required tossing/cleaning/organizing - why, I have no idea. Someday I'll analyze why and when I do the things I do - but for now, it felt good.

Mom is in good hands with the medical staff at the hospital. Dad is still in the hospital - but alas, they're not in the same hospital. Each is aware of what's going on with the other. I think of them both and think - there is no greater love I have ever witnessed. Those vows "through sickness and in health" have held up well for them. Many of us are never put to the test. Many of us don't wait around until the 'through sickness' part happens. It's too easy to walk away. It's harder to stay in a marriage -no doubt about it. That's not to say that there are very good reasons why a marriage doesn't work and a parting of the ways in inevitable...but I digress. Prayer requests have gone out for both parents...and God's taking care of them.

Tomorrow - I cut the backing & the batting - and then the tying and then the binding....

Life is so very good. Yes, I miss Riley more each day - if that's possible. Yes, he's coming home in twenty-three days for a 2+ week "vacation". Yes, I do spend some time with our kids. Yes, I do like this stage in my life called "retirement". Yes, I quilt.

Angel45402

Quilt Mailed....

2008-06-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, quilt has been mailed! I wonder how such a package would be received by me had it been for my child diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. It's caused me to think about this period we call life.

No one goes through life without hitting bumps, potholes or crevices. Sometimes it makes us stronger - sometimes it makes us bitter. Sometimes we get over it and move on. Sometimes we don't and it becomes a focus that distorts everything we do.

It's all a matter of choice. Pure and simple. You have a choice to get on with it and move on. You have a choice to let a bad episode become your main focus in life. Choice - everything we do involves a decision - and as result, we choose which path to take based on many things. A bad hair day, your thumb caught in a car door. the mechanic calling you with bad news about your car....or just because. I do love that. Why did I make that decision? Why did I choose that? Just because. It's a wonderful phrase - unarguable and has such power. Just because I am me and if later turns out to be a mistake, okay. Let's hope I learn from it. Just because.

Now - back to the quilt. It has been mailed and included was a pocket prayer quilt. Oh would I love to say it was solely my idea (we all like good ideas and claiming fame to a good idea) but alas, it was not.

If you look closely, you'll see a button in the shape of a frog. Someone came up with a beautiful acronym for frog - FULLY RELY ON GOD. How simple. The ties for those who pray for whomever is carrying the quilt - say a prayer and tie one of the ties. Simple - yet the power of prayer yields results like you've never heard or seen.

And I did attach a quilt label to the back of the dinosaur quilt....

I feel as if this was one of my prouder accomplishments. I don't know why or how - but it filled me with such peace when I walked over to the post office, mailed it and watched it be placed (okay, so the post office lady tossed it - but it 'writes' better to use "placed") on the back shelf to be shipped.

We all contribute something to someone every single day. A smile, a kind word, opening the door for someone, giving a pat on the back....and just to do that one little thing can make one's day - or help them make that choice that could positively affect their life forever. I chose the easy route - time & fabric. Now to work on that kind word, that smile or opening the door....

In the meantime, I'm a quilter.

Angel45402

The Making of a Quilt - Step 3 and Done...

2008-06-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

Many obstacles always seem to pop up when one is trying to complete a project. Some of those obstacles are outside our control - others, we create ourselves. Sometimes they're not obstacles - they're just LIFE.

LIFE happened when I found out Riley's father was back in the hospital. He had been admitted earlier for pneumonia. I'm not sure why it turned out not to be pneumonia - but he's in a lot of pain for multiple fractures in his back. Years of medication has made his bones very fragile. He had bent over to pick up a flower pot in the garage - and that's all it took for the bones to fracture. For a man of 83, he has great fortitude. He voiced only one concern when told he needed to go back to the hospital - please take care of Mom. No woman could ever ask for more than that. I took a break from quilting, drove to Columbus (a 90 minute drive) and spent the night with our daughter & family. The next morning, we drove on to Wellington (a 90 minute plus drive) to pick up Mom and visit Dad. Daughter, granddaughter, Mom and me. Couldn't ask for a better visiting crew. It was apparent Dad was in pain .... but nevertheless less, he managed several smiles. We stayed about an hour, all the while family drifting in and out. Mom stayed - we left to drive back to Columbus. I spent the night and left in the morning to drive home. Dad is doing better and is managing to complete the required 15 minutes of therapy - despite great pain. Dad has always been on my hero list but he moved to darn near the top these past couple of days.

There's something to be said about driving long distances. It does not make for a productive day - and I probably milked that idea for the remainder of the week. Hence, the quilt did little by itself to be completed.

Long story short - today was to be the day I finally completed the quilt...and I did just that. Several little setbacks - like cutting the binding 1/2 inch too wide - not threading the machine properly (good heavens - how many times have I threaded that machine anyway??!?!?) - and getting involved in watching a movie. That qualifies as obstacles - within my control!

But done it is - and I'm pleased with the result.

What is left now is to make a small pocket prayer quilt for either mom or whomever asked for a quilt for this young man. Another 30 minutes and I'll have that completed.

Soon as the unicorn fabric arrives, I'll start on quilt #2. I have such a blessed life. I have a husband who loves me more than I ever thought possible and writes me a romantic letter that would rival any poem by Emily Dickinson. I have two grown children and two grandchildren. I quilt.

Angel45402

The Making of a Quilt & Other Stuff - Part 2

2008-06-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

Two steps forward, five steps back....

I've been having difficulty the mere activity of getting up after sitting for more than 15 minutes. Some days are worse than others. Finally x-rays were taken - and result: arthritis in both hips. Excuse me - but arthritis was NOT on my list of things to accomplish until I'm well into my 90s. Sigh.

Okay - the quilts will take longer, I will knit standing up, I will read in a reclining chair (ah ha - an excuse to go shopping) - and I will learn to get up gracefully to cover the aching bones. And I'll shop for a chiropractor if need be. Not sure what a chiropractor can do but the good ones do work miracles.

I digress. The Making of a Quilt Part 2. Strips are sewn - yahoo. Panels are sewn to the strips - yahoo.

Okay so far. Now the borders - top & bottom.

Top is finished! Okay - not completely finished. Need batting, backing & binding....and then on to tying.

There is something to be said about sewing for short periods of time. Frustrating, yes. But it allows a little pacing - time for reflecting - and time to ponder the age old question..."what the heck was I thinking when I made that???"

Ah - but I like it - I think it will be of value to the young man it will be mailed to. And I've learned a little about myself in the process. There's joy in taking a bunch of fabrics & creating something wonderous.

And now it'll be put aside until after this weekend. Duty calls - a chess tournament starts this evening and the Chess Queen here will be helping out a dear young man who promised Riley he'd direct the tournament while Riley is in Iraq.

Angel45402

What - Another Step Backward??!?!?

2008-06-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

Ha - back to square one my patootie. More dinosaur fabric needed. Yes sireee. The quilt pattern consists of THREE panels plus a top border & bottom border. Unbeknownst to my sharp eye, these fierce dinosaurs only know one direction. Three panels must be cut lengthwise. Sigh.

Okay - back for more dinosaur fabric and then to wash, dry & cut.

I should have settled for Barney.

Angel45402

Back to Square One....

2008-06-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

More contrast! Must have more contrast!!! This quilt definitely needs more contrast.... Out to the stash, pull out some interesting colors that will compliment (I hope) the print....

Okay - that looks a little better! Need the quilt to be a little larger than the pattern I found in a quilting magazine. Panels need to be longer (44 1/2" vs 39 1/2") - which means more rectangles. Intrigued yet?

- 5 panels of the print - top/bottom/sides & middle strip - 44 1/2" x 6"

- 78 2 1/2" x 6" rectangles

On to the cutting!

Angel45402

A Quilt in Progress

2008-06-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

I did it! I finally commited to make a quilt. Many groups today exist for the sole purpose of helping others. Members of various groups will crochet or knit hats and blankets for preemies - others will make & donate quilts for soldiers' families - to be given out while the family members are waiting for their loved one to be treated at a local hospital. "Charlotte's Garden" is such a group - quilts for adults & youngsters who are ill. I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to take a look at this group's mission:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Charlottesgarden/?yguid=273763372

I joined the group awhile ago. Last night I jumped in and decided it's time to commit.

The story of a quilt begins today. The young man likes dinosaurs and the colors blue & green. At first I thought I'd have to applique dinosaurs - no dinosaur fabric to be found at first. No, Barney does not qualify as a dinosaur. But once again, God provided. Fabric found!!!

Material is in the process of drying now. My method of washing cotton for quilts is to soak the fabric in the bathroom sink with mild detergent, rinse & drip dry in the bathtub on a rack. Living in an apartment that lacks ability to house washer & dryer does have it limitations. There's something comforting about this process of preparing cottons for quilting.

Pattern? Ah - that's yet to be determined. Stay tuned......

Angel45402

Expecting the Unexpected

2008-06-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

Many years a very wise woman shared her traveling story. She dreaded driving, wether it be a short distance or long distance. One day it occurred to her that God could help change her mindset. She would start the trip with a very simple prayer. God please bless this trip and reveal the unexpected. Every trip became a wonderous trip.

I thought little of the story until today. I had several appointments and didn't relish the idea of driving across town - not when I would have much preferred to stay home and sew or knit. While driving across town, I thought of the traveling story and prayed - bless this trip, God - and reveal the unexpected.

In less than five miles, I saw momma goose nudging her five babies away from the road, a young woman standing next to a bus stop with headphones dancing to music only she could hear, and a red Corvette's license plate that read "Bond007". God works quickly!

We all need reminders that He watches over us - and grants our hearts' desires. Expect the unexpected.

Angel45402

Myth Dispelled.....

2008-05-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

Over a year ago, I began having trouble with getting up after sitting for a long time. Well, shoot - that's to be expected when one is over 50 (and then some). Wrong. I ignored it for quite some time. After all, what's a little discomfort getting up and finding one needs to work the kinks out a bit before walking naturally. Wrong.

Then came the push to get in better shape after I retired in Dec of 07. Daily dates with the treadmill, adding weights to the daily routine. Still had trouble getting up after sitting for a long time...then the long time became short periods of time. No problem. That's to be expected when is over 50 and working out daily. Wrong.

Finally the truth had to be faced - there is something wrong here. Visited the doctor - and sure enough, inflammed hip. A little shot and 800mg of ibuprofen x 3 daily. Just before leaving, the doc mentioned massage therapy might help. Uh huh. Sure thing. I'm all for a relaxing time but for a hip problem?

Later on that evening, I did a little research on massage therapy. Learned a few interesting facts. A spa massage is one thing - a massage done by a licensed massage therapist is something else entirely. Amazing but I'm still wasn't convinced.

Made an appointment for the following week. Day arrives, I find my way down to the clinic - still skeptical. Tiny young lady comes out - my therapist for the next hour. Skepticism has increased 100%.

One hour later, I'm a believer. While the pain is not gone, I'm not skeptical. Future visits, definitely. And I now have a healthy respect for licensed massage therapists - emphasis on licensed.

Myth dispelled....massages can be life enhancing.

Angel45402

A Day in the Life....

2008-05-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

Retirement surely does have its benefits....like grandson age 3 1/2 who spent today watching grandma.

While this isn't an unusual occurrence, each day he spends with me is so very special. We've explored Boonshoft Museum of Discovery (great place for kids!), we've spent time at every McDonalds that has an indoor playground, we've taken walks and we've blown bubbles in the wind. Each day is different - each day becomes my favorite day.

Today was no exception. We walked to McDonalds and stopped various times to pick the tiniest of flowers, watch an ant crawl across the sidewalk and counted the big rocks we saw. After getting our meals, we found a place in the playground area. Grandson would bite off a bit of the chicken nuggets, swallow & then run off to the play area. After thirty minutes plus, I issued the ultimate warning - three more times he could go back to the play area. I was prepared for tears and protests when the third time would arrive. The second time he returned, he solemnly informed me with hands on hips, "gramma, it's time for us to go". Always the upper hand, that's our grandson. We walked back to his home, all the while stopping to pick tiny flowers (commonly known as weeds), counting the rocks, and of course talking all the while. We talked about the necessity of a nap once we got home - and of course struck an agreement that once one cartoon show was over, he would take a nap. Halfway through the show, he looks up and says "it's time now for me to take a nap". Two upper hand episodes in one day... the kid has great potential to be very influential when he grows up.

Days like these are treasures - each and every one of them. There is nothing in this world that beats the life of grandma.

Angel45402

After Retirement

2008-05-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

I have come to the conclusion that I am not comfortable with change - at least not multiple changes.

In Dec 07 I retired after 32+ years. In Feb 08, Riley took a job in Iraq. Two monumental events and now months later I find myself becoming somewhat at odds with myself.

I worked in an office where there was a lot of communication. My entire day was spent talking - phone, email or good ole fashioned person-to-person (which seems to be a lost art - conversation between two people). I would have lunch a couple of times a month with friends or coworkers (oh yes, there is a difference there). At the end of the day, I would have my closest friend, my husband, to converse with on the way home and sometimes throughout the evening.

It's been a startling revelation to discover that my life is no longer one of spending time with others - and I've found that being alone 7/24 is difficult at times. It was enough to spend five days a week talking to people and now that's gone. It's startling to discover I never took the time to cultivate friends outside of the work environment. And this is from one who scoffed at workaholics. Not a comfortable discovery.

So now it's time to travel down a different road ..... one to making friends without benefit of common ground, such as in the work place. I don't suppose there's a place that makes road maps for situations such as this. I understand now why those who live alone put their energies into a pet. I understand now why those who live alone find themselves going to places where there are a lot of people. I understand a lot of things now. God sure has a way of making one think differently. With understanding comes wisdom, so says His word...and I am beginning to believe that from a whole different perspective.

Yes, I have many blessings. I have a sister who lives just about within a long arm's reach. I have a son and his family who live close by. I have a daughter and her family who lives within a ninety minute drive. I have a husband who will give up sleep just to talk to me via Skype or email. And there are two women, both former coworkers, I can count as friends, whom I continue to keep in touch. So, the blessings are there....and when I find that road, my blessings will continue to grow.

Now to figure out how to take that first step down that road....

Angel45402

Praise and Proverbs

2008-04-27T02:51:00.000-07:00

For sometime now, my Beloved husband Riley & I have read Proverbs almost daily. Sometimes we'd miss a day or two, but for the most part it has become a daily ritual.

For over two months, Riley has been working in Iraq - and email became the communication of choice to continue the daily reading of Proverbs. Today a verse from the 27th Proverb caught my attention.....

V21 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.

Our son recently created a website he named "ChristRoom" and as a result of sending out information to various churches & to the local newspaper, he was interviewed...and what a nice interview it was.....

http://www.daytondailynews.com/search/content/oh/story/living/religion-faith/2008/04/25/ddn042608lifefaith.html

And from this, I thought about the word praise...it can lift one's spirits beyond measure - and yet, the humble receive it quietly and God smiles. I wrote that in an email to Riley - along with several others we added to our daily routine of reading Proverbs.

Praise indeed lifts the spirits - and how we choose to receive it is a measure of our character. Indeed, our son's reaction was not boastful - but pleased the site was recognized. He has a gift for writing and marketing. No doubt about it, he has chosen wisely how to use this gift.

It was interesting to see others' reactions to the news article. Our church family (Riley's & mine) greeted it with enthusiasm and praised his efforts. My sister was so very impressed with her nephew's recognition - and a woman I've known via email for only two years wrote that she got tears when she read the article. And then there were a few other reactions (lukewarm at best) that left me with a feeling of great uneasiness.

This morning I got a little of the understanding. There's a verse in Proverbs 27 - Verse 19: As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. Our reactions, our thoughts, our verbal responses are indeed a reflection of our heart. We don't have to be in agreement with each other's beliefs. But I do believe God gave us the power to encourage, praise and uplift others - regardless of our beliefs. The power of the tongue is mighty. We can encourage, uplift, praise and love with simple words.

How sad and lost we become when we choose to use the power of words (or lack of) to do other than encourage or praise. How many opportunities I have missed to say "I'm really proud of what you did"...too many times. No matter how small the deed, we all need that affirmation of "you did a great job there".

I've asked God to please place both those verses in my heart so I can remember them on a daily basis. Giving & receiving are a measure of our being...and may God bless me with that remembrance.

Angel45402

One Brief Moment

2008-04-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

Errand day. At first I thought I should walk - especially with the price of gasoline nowadays. Ah - but common sense prevailed. One particular place is over 5 miles from the apartment. Nope, not even on a good day. Maybe in a few weeks I can manage that on my bicycle....

While driving, I had a million thoughts roaming around. Lots of people walking. Some with kids, some old, some young, a few with canes, a few with shopping carts.... And looking closely, I noted a very odd thing. What most of these folks had in common - no one smiled. Save one. One person. Of all the people I saw standing, sitting, or walking - one person with a smile. Imagine the odds. It was a brief sight...nothing spectacular other that that smile. She was alone - standing by a bus stop (so I imagine she was waiting for the city bus) and was leaning on a cane...and smiling.

Suddenly, all was right with the world. Just in that one brief moment I felt God's hand touch me, touch that lovely lady - and His touch was on the entire world.

There's a lot wrong with today's world - but there's a whole lot more right. We are living longer, we are healthier, modern technology is growing by leaps and bounds, we're getting smarter with our money (for the most part), and I believe there's a movement back to God. Oh, there are still those who believe all roads lead to God .... and I pray daily for those who believe that. I know how easy it is to think all religions lead to Him ... I know, I was one of those folks. It seems so much kinder and gentler to believe there's goodness everywhere & it doesn't matter. But after much soul searching (mostly on God's part with me!), I realize I was mistaken - gravely mistaken.

We all take so much for granted. We live in a country like no other. We have our problems, no doubt about it. Someday we may lose the freedom to worship as we choose - to vote if we choose - to say or write as we choose. But right now, this very second, this country has so much more to offer than any country in the world.

All this from seeing someone smile. Isn't that amazing? Isn't that awesome and spirit-filled?

Next time you need to drive to take care of a few errands, notice the people on the streets. See if you find someone smiling. Doesn't matter if it's a big ole goofy grin or a tiny smile...smile back and thank God for that gift.

Angel45402

Who Am I?

2008-03-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

Two days ago I completed a quilt....and posted this photo to an online quilting group I joined over a year ago. Several favorable comments were received...and instinctively I knew which members would take the time to say "good job" or words to that effect.

And then it hit me...the need we all have for affirmation - for someone to say "good job" - that pat on the back - just to let us know that what we did matters.

Then I started to think about this need for affirmation - and thus began ....

Who am I?

I'm a person who is trying to get to know God. I finally admitted that a relationship with Him is something that I really want. This means putting more effort in getting to know who He really is through his Word, the bible.

I am a wife. A wife to a man whom I dearly love more each day. Not only do I love him, I admire him. And I am his beloved.

I'm a mom. Two grown children and one grown nephew. A mom who is a much better mom than years ago - and as I get older, the more I understand just how vital being a mom is.

I'm a daughter. No matter old I am, when I go home I am pampered by my mom & dad. I respect both of them very much - and they're both quick to say how proud they are of me.

I'm a sister. I have one younger brother and one younger sister. My brother lives in the same city as mom & dad, so I don't get to see him as much as I would like to. He's definitely one on my list of those people I look up to - for a multitude of reasons. My sister lives just a couple floors below us so the opportunity exists frequently for us to do things together. I also admire her greatly for her fortitude and for a number of other reasons.

I'm a friend. While I don't have many friends, I do have several - one whom I have never met. Hopefully that will change in the near future. I do have high expectations of a friend - and I hope they have the same of me. Acceptance - flaws & all - and will always be there to listen & offer advice if needed.

I'm a quilter. Oh yes - now I can admit this. Just by that one word - confirmation. I received words of encouragement and words of praise for the quilt I made. Sadly, I wish I could have believed I'm a quilter long ago as I love this particular part of me.

But most of all - I want to be thought of as someone who not only talked about God but walked well in His ways. I've still got a long way to go...but I plan on getting there with God's help.

Angel45402

The Four Letter Word

2008-03-27T02:25:00.000-07:00

It occurred to me last night that love takes on many forms. There's love for God, love for family, tough love (which I've never understood), love for friends, love for a pet, love for a hobby, love for one's country .... and then there's simply God's greatest commandment - love.

Love is a complex word. How many times have we said "love you" when we end a conversation? How many times have we said "I love that car"? Or "I really love that gift you sent"? Overused? Perhaps. Underused? Way too many times.

While Riley is overseas, I sign my emails "From Your Beloved"....and that evokes an emotion every single time. Love you for doing what you believe in doing is not only right but approved by God, love you because I know what you feel for your family and country - and love you for the man you are right now and love you for the man you'll be tomorrow.

I tell my grown children "love you" when we talk to each over the phone. That evokes an emotion every single time. Love you for being there for me. Love you for being who are you. Love you for the tough times you're going through but still keep on pressing on. Love you for exceeding expectations I never put into words. Love you for raising an exceptional child. Love you even when you are being difficult.

I tell my parents at the end of my emails to them, "hugs and kisses". Hugs - another four letter word that evokes an emotion every single time. But I don't type the word "love" near enough. Love you for being my parents. Love you for being candid. Love you for writing that you'll be there for me while Riley is away should I ever need something. Love you for being healthy. Love you for saying you're proud of Riley and proud of me. Love you for loving each other and setting the finest example in the world for what a marriage should be.

Every morning I read Proverbs. While Riley was here, we'd read Proverbs together. While we were not always on top of the morning readings, we did pretty well. Now we read Proverbs separately and email each other about what verse or verses struck us the most. We include our son and nephew - a nephew whom we consider our second son. Reading Proverbs sometimes is difficult. There's a lot of wisdom in reading this book - and a lot of love. Love can come in the form of rebuking or cautioning and sometimes is just darn right painful.

I think I understand God's greatest commandment: love. Without love, there's no hope, no future, no relationship - just an empty void. With love, there comes wisdom, understanding, warmth, peace, harmony and comfort. Love your God with all your might and all your strength...but if I have not love, I have nothing...love your neighbor as yourself....God so loved the world He gave his only son....

Love. What an amazing gift that God gave us. It has the power to heal, to comfort, to give joy ... and it's our choice to use that gift wisely or turn away from it.

I pray I always choose love no matter what the circumstance. How could I do otherwise?

Angel45402

Two Halves of a Whole

2008-03-01T22:24:00.000-08:00

I would venture to say that there are not many marriages today where one can say, I have found my soul mate for life, my other half, the one who makes me complete.

I've been that blessed - I did find my soul mate for life thirty-six plus years ago...and he still makes me smile in the darkest of moments. He is my anchor, my sanity-check, my friend, my hero and my love.

About two weeks ago, my beloved took a job overseas - a deep desire he's had for quite some time. We talked many days and weeks about this job ....what it would mean to him, how it may affect the family, how he had faith that all will work out as it's meant to be.

Seven plus years ago we purchased a building downtown and it's been the home of a chess club - a haven for many chess players. While he's been away, I have come to realize just how much work my beloved has done in addition to working eight to ten hours a day at his "real" job - all those extra hours promoting chess, working angles to produce (hopefully) increased income...and never complaining, not once.

These past few weeks alone, I've learned that we have two grown children who care deeply for their parents ...and have taken time to make sure their mom is well taken care of while their dad is away.

I've learned that while I don't have the same talents as my beloved (patience for one), I can do fairly well - even with chess players (!).

I've learned that's it's better to say no, not today - I'll deal with it later.

I'll soon come to the realization that I can say no - and not feel guilty.

I've learned that my beloved and I are two halves of a whole ... we do better together, but while apart, we're still able to grow - learn - and it'll be a joyous occasion when he comes home.

Angel45402

Always Learning....

2008-01-15T19:10:00.001-08:00

It's been well past a month now since I entered into retirement world. I don't believe that anyone truly knows what they will do once they enter the R world. Oh, we have our grandiose ideas - we'll write, we'll paint, we'll learn to play the cello. One morning you wake up and realize you didn't have to hit the snooze alarm even once nor complain bitterly about getting out in the cold, scraping the ice off the windshield and nor did you wonder could you possibly just call in sick - just this one day. It's like a long vacation - only you get a little giddy knowing that it doesn't end in 13 hours. Writing, painting, playing the cello - it can happen but there's no rush to do it right now.

What really amazes me is this: I've learned quite a few things in the past month.

I've learned our son has a wonderful talent with websites. He has several websites - but one remains his passion. He has been able to guide his father & I to successfully update the chess club site that belongs mainly to his dad ... I just try to maintain it. I've learned that one can always undo a posting - which is a very good thing.

I've learned that I can put off today what I can do tomorrow and feel not an ounce of guilt. Okay, maybe a smidgen of guilt.

I've learned that I really do have a passion for cooking - and that I'm fairly good at it.

I've learned that I do have an eye for color as I plan the next quilt I'd like to make.

I've learned that criticism can hurt the toughest of hearts. I've learned that being on the receiving end is not pleasant. But I've learned it serves me well - a reminder to never criticize but offer encouragement.

I've learned that my father has a gift for writing and it's amazing what I learn from him at least once a week when I read his emails. His love of learning, his love for his wife and his understanding & tolerance for other viewpoints have all come through in his daily emails.

I've learned to read posts that my dear husband sends me links to - and find most of them wonderful. I've learned that he has a wide range of interests and can even sit down and watch a chick-flick with me without gagging.

I've learned that our daughter is a very talented knitter - and has great understanding of the human nature.

I've learned that both our son & daughter have dreams. Without a dream, we would simply exist and nothing more. Fear of dreaming leads to fear of everything. There is no such thing as failure - it's the opportunity to take a fall and use it to do something even better.

I've learned that making a list of things to accomplish is a good thing - even if a whole day or week or month goes by and not one thing is cross off. To do lists are the start of dreams and goals.

I've learned that God indeed loves me beyond all comprehension - and He does answer prayers in so many ways.

I've learned that one of my life long dreams to be a grandmother far exceeded my expectations.

I may not ever write a book, nor paint nor play the cello. But I've learned that I'm loved by God - by my husband - by my family and I'm always learning something new every single moment.

Angel45402

The Countdown Is Over

2007-12-01T12:33:00.000-08:00

Friday the 30th of November marked my final day at work. Thirty-one years plus and that part of my life is in the past.

The luncheon held for me on the 27th of November was wonderful. Both our children were there and with them, our grandchildren. Son-in-law couldn't make it due to work commitments and we missed his wonderful smiles. My only regret is that neither my parents nor Riley's parents could make it to the ceremony. Most of the event passed by in a blur other than one particular segment. Wonderful husband that he is, Riley presented me with roses - each rose with a special meaning.

The picture I will carry with me always will be of our two grandchildren carrying a very long box with roses down to the area where I stood to receive my retirement certificate, an award plus some wonderful gifts. Ethan & Rheya struggled together to carry that lightweight box and it was the most beautiful sight of all. While watching them struggle down the "aisle", the thought 'full circle' came to mind. Riley & I raised two children who grew up to be responsible, caring and loving adults - and now these two children are parents raising children to be responsible, caring & loving. Full circle.

I couldn't ask for a better life. I have a husband whom I love dearly; we have two grown children who have become the adults I had hoped for; we have two grandchildren who clearly reflect their parents' values and now I'm on a new adventure that I will not label as "retirement" but simply THE BIG ADVENTURE.

What a blessed life I have!

Angel45402

Day Two of A Lifelong Habit...and Five Working Days Left

2007-11-21T16:59:00.000-08:00

I've read that it takes 21 days to make a habit become part of your life... twenty-one days. To put it to the test, today marks Day #2 of getting up at 4am, dressing in my very elegant walking clothes, searching under the bed for the shoes - and hoping that I have a somewhat clean pair of white socks to wear with them - and riding the elevator to the basement where the instruments of torture (aka treadmills) awaits both my dear husband Riley and me.

I have already gained some valuable insight - and this is only Day #2. First, one can really get dressed, press the correct button on the elevator, and actually step on the treadmill and walk about 1/4 of a mile before one wakes up. Second, I cannot fanthom that anyone really looks forward to getting up at 4am to do something such as this. Third, looking in the mirror to detect any changes in the body is only wishful thinking - not even 21 days is going to change that. And finally, fourth - scales can destroy following through good intentions in just one blink of an eye.
There is a fifth - but I'm still working on the wiseness of promoting the use of caffeine before stepping on a treadmill at 4:10am.

While testing out the 21-day theory of making something a habit (personally, I would have preferred testing something more substantial - like eating a piece of pie every morning for 21 days to see if it really can become a habit), today marked the end of my next-to-last week before retiring. Come Monday, five (count them - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) days left before I retire from federal civil service. Thirty-one years, 5 months and a day or two.

Thirty-one years - which includes four years of military time. Thirty-one years.

I was asked to put together a chronological sequence of jobs that led up to this point - something that could be read at the retirement luncheon that will be held next Tuesday. I was hired as a clerk typist at the VA Center and left shortly after our son was born. Rehired 18 months later with only the thought of being able to afford private school for both daughter (then 5) and son.

Job changes, promotions - and now, thirty-one years later I've discovered a startling concept. I had a career. I've worked for the Air Force for thirty-one years and I look back now and realize - I had a career. It started out as a job and before I knew it, it evolved into a career. Programs I helped create are in place; policies I had a hand in creating still live on - and I had a career.

In a sea of people who have bachelors and masters degrees, and with only an associates' degree (which took me 17 years to complete) I held my own.

And now - that career is coming to an end. How strange and odd to discover all this now - yet, it leaves me with a sense of satisfaction. I had a career. I'm proud of the work I accomplished.

So - end of one career - and the start of making something a habit. All in all, that's not a bad way to start one's retirement.

Angel45402

Less Than Forty and Counting

2007-10-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

Today marks the end of a four-day "vacation" for me. I hadn't intended to take off Friday, but the opportunity to do so presented itself when son asked if I wouldn't mind babysitting Thursday evening. What grandmother could say no.

The evening was delightful and I learned a few things. NEVER give an almost-three year old a choice of what he/she would like to do. Feed the ducks or go to McDonalds. Lesson #1 learned. I got out the stroller, the little man rode while grandma hoofed it down a couple of blocks to McDonalds. Lesson #2 - always follow through. When I decided it was time to go, grandson was having the time of his life, climbing up, around & sliding down the various slides in the indoor playground. After being told sweetly, "no grandma, I like it up here", I then delivered the ultimatum "either you come down now or I will find a way to come up and get you and I do believe in spanking". Thank God I didn't have to follow through should he have decided not to come down. Thirty seconds later, he was sitting across from me and tell me I was the "best grandma and I really lovvve you". Lesson #3 - no matter what, do not crack a smile when disciplining a grandchild.

And now - less than forty days and counting until I retire. Thirty-one years & five months, most of which have been good. Working for the federal government offers quite a few sweet deals: great health benefits, and relatively speaking - a secure job and fantastic retirement pay. I can now travel with dear husband on his business trips - devote more time to quilting - finally turn those self-designed purse patterns into reality - and best of all - more time with the grandchildren.

Blessed beyond all comprehension - less than forty and counting.

Angel45402

Anxiety Removed

2007-09-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

It's official. The MRI showed absolutely NO cancer cells. Zip, zilch, zero, NONE.

Simply put, I was stunned. The surgeon flipped through my chart, looking at the mammogram report, then the 2 ultrasound reports - and again at the MRI results. Frankly - a miracle. While he would like another MRI in six months, medical insurance would never agree to it. He settled on another mammogram in six months - and back to the routine of yearly checks.

While I was stunned, darling husband was not. To the surgeon's immense pleasure, my dearest friend danced around in the examining room. Later, it hit me. He was my rock during these past couple of months. Whatever resulted, WE would handle it. And if he could, he'd do it by himself. Until many hours later, I realized how these past few months were for him - yet, I didn't know it.

How many of us have spouses who would gladly carry others' burdens - without a question, complaint or whimper. Not many. I know this deep within my heart.

And I consider myself not only blessed, but I know now that God has chosen the best for me. His very best plan for me includes my husband, my friend, the father of our two grown children, the grandfather of all times.

Who else would dance a happy dance in an examining room when told "you have no cancerous cells".

Think of what this world would be like if we had happy dancers - happy dancers who danced in public just for the sheer joy of life. Makes me smile.

Angel45402

The Continuing Saga

2007-08-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

The saga continues.

On Tuesday the 8th of August I had a high contrast MRI. In retrospect, it's quite an interesting exam. One has to be sure that all metals are removed from the body. For most of us, that simply means rings, watches, earrings & necklaces. For a few of us, it means body piercings. There was the momentary pause when I was asked "Do you have any hidden body piercings?" Hidden body piercings?? Good Lord - there really are such things???? I'm sure my "no" came out as "uhhhh ... no??" I'm sure the technician was thinking "Oh yeah , this one is a real live wire".

I had opted to wear a pair of cargo pants - no zippers - sandals and a sleeveless top - most of which I got to wear during the MRI (surprise - bras have underwires - now there's a picture I can't get out of my head had I been able to keep it on during the MRI).

A short IV was inserted. Now that's very comforting. A short vs long IV. Frankly, any length IV is enough to send my head reeling. But it was inserted painlessly - which was the best part of the exam.

After given a pair of ear plugs, I was given the choice of laying face down (possibly smothering myself to death within five minutes), or with my head to the right or to the left. Hands above the head and hands clasped. Now this sounds very relaxing. And it was. For all of two minutes. The noise of the MRI sounds much like a jack hammer - only a jack hammer is more melodious. Silence and then the rat-tat-tat. Then silence again. And on and on and on. About halfway through I felt a light touch on my arm - and I knew the dye was being injected into the IV. I could have wept at that point. This only meant the MRI was only half over. I had decided that setting my shoulders on fire would have been a nice diversion - and probably would have felt better had they BEEN on fire. Strange things floated through my mind. What if I left a penny in one of those darn cargo pants pockets? What if there's a quarter lurking around in a pocket? What if they were wrong about not having to worry about the sterostatic breast biopsies I had several years ago and little metal markers were left in? Would these little markers be sucked out with the MRI?

Finally the blessed words "you're all done" were heard. I heard those sweet words but alas my body did not. I feared greatly that my arms would be frozen forever above my head. It took awhile to get the body parts moving together - and even longer to get off the table. All of twenty-five minutes of my life spent laying face down on a board that was transported slowly down into an open tube. Just twenty-five minutes. Amazing the things the mind can come up with in twenty-five minutes.

The IV was removed - not painlessly. I was overly optimistic that insertion and removal would go unnoticed. Years ago, I had the brilliant idea that I would self-wax my legs. Removal of that IV was far worse than ripping off that sticky tape off the back of my calf. Finally, the arm quit throbbing, tape was applied across a half pound cotton ball and I was on my way out to a sleeping husband in the waiting room.

For the rest of the evening, I enjoyed a mild headache and a metallic taste that didn't go away until well into the next afternoon.

Since then, we have celebrated our son's 27th birthday a day early with a nice family gathering at one of the local Mexican restaurants. Darling husband got to play with the two grandchildren; I had my first margarita in probably six years; visited with daughter-in-law's mother; and decided right then and there that life really is very, very good.

And so - we wait for the next step - the followup with the surgeon at 10:30 on the 5th of September. I admit - I do have a lot of "what ifs" lurking around. But until the 5th of September, I think my time would be better spent on finishing up at least one quilting project or trying to finish that darn knitted baby hat - which now has held the world's record for being unraveled and restarted.

Life is very, very good and life is so much richer by experiencing it one step at a time - with an occasional hop, skip and a jump accompanied by a "wahoooo!"

Angel45402

Up the Anxiety a Tad

2007-08-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

Today I accompanied my dear husband for a doctor's appointment - on the off chance the ultrasound came back. Always nice when husband & wife share the same doctor. Granted, this "short term" ultrasound was done just yesterday - but the word 'rush' was used, right?

Sure enough, the results were back. I really do hate the 'good news, bad news' routine, but it seems appropriate.

Good news is - the "spot" (what do we call it?) has not grown. Bad news it - it doesn't fit the "profile" of a cyst nor a breast lesion. Profile? What is a profile? A profile is appropriate for say - a guy who breaks into houses & makes himself a sandwich before he robs the place blind. That's a profile. How does something so small have a "profile"? I imagine this tiny cell, searching for his identity to make himself a name.

At any rate, our family doctor has already made an appointment for me to see a surgeon on the 22nd of August. Now, that's enough to make anyone sit up & notice. Surgeons = cutting. That's always been my experience. Little does anyone know that they also order special tests. The radiologist was nice enough to offer perhaps two avenues to the surgeon: biopsy or a high contrast MRI. I think when I grow up I want to be a radiologist. They look at pictures all day long and then pass the buck on to a surgeon. Sounds like a good deal to me. Have you ever read a radiologist's report? Now THAT'S an exercise in conservatism. Words like "suspicion maintained" and "further evaluation is warranted". This leads me to believe malpractice does not run rampart among radiologists.

The next step is to simply wait and try not to over-research the few words I can glean out of the radiologist's report.

Angel45402

Anxiety Followup

2007-08-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

Several months ago (three to be exact - but who's counting??), I suffered through a mammogram (routine) and shortly thereafter, an ultrasound (not routine). The ultrasound pinpointed something "suspicious" but not "overly suspicious". Is this like - being kinda sorta pregnant?

Today, the followup ultrasound took place. Outwardly, just another ultrasound - pictures taken just in that one area. Inwardly, lots of "what ifs". The technician was very good but had to be reminded several times to ease up on the glider (she tends to "get into" her work). Frankly, I didn't see what was so fascinating on the screen that distracted her from ensuring the pressure was light.

Shortly thereafter, she called the radiologist (only several rooms down the hallway) to let him (her?) know the pictures were on the way. There's technology - and then there's technology. Several rooms down the hall and she emails the results? Maybe the radiologist really isn't down the hallway but is in India and they just tell the patients the down-the-hall story. After some chit-chat, she leaves - warning me to please remain where I was & keep the gown on. I think by saying "keep the gown on" is more than enough to keep me from wandering the halls. Heaven knows, I might meet up with the radiologist down the hall. Several minutes later, she returns - all is well, the pictures were received. Very interesting set up. Email the results, call to see if the email was received, walk down the hall to ensure the results were received, release the patient. A little time management study might be in order here. After several more seconds, the technician mutters "oh shoot" and dials a number on the phone. "Did you see that note - the dr wants the report right away".

My heart stops. Okay - right away. What does that mean? We suspect the worse, so hurry up and confirm? We know it's bad - so hurry up and confirm? Before I go into panic mode, I remember my last conversation with our family dr. The followup ultrasound was to be done in three to six months. My reputation as the paper cut queen (also fondly referred to as the "hang nail queen), prompted the dr to reassure me that waiting three months vs six months is a splendid idea. Which prompted the immediate report. Whew. Thank God for decent memory recall.

Report should be ready tomorrow - which I will gladly accompany my dear husband to HIS appointment and ask nonchalantly "hey, how did that ultrasound go on Thursday?"

I think I can pull it off.

Angel45402

Fourth of July

2007-07-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

Today DH and I celebrated the Fourth by watching a home town parade - with grandson as the main attraction. There is nothing like watching a parade through an almost-three-year old. He danced, he waved his small flag - and he constantly tested the don't-go-in-the-street rule. Dad was there too, along with grandson's other grandparents plus a friend of his other grandmom's; it was a great experience. I missed seeing our daughter-in-law who had to work. Thousands of people sat in chairs and stood up whenever a group marched by with the American flag. Marching bands - cheerleaders - a few floats - and lots more various bands who were transported by trucks pulling flatbeds - and lots of advertisers took advantage of promoting their businesses.

After the parade, son, grandson, DH & I walked for at least a mile, looking at the various vendors. The highlight of the walk was the most elaborate outdoor "porty-potty" I have ever seen. No sirree - not your typical blue, one door, must-I-go-in-there john we've all seen. This was the king of all kings. Sitting regally on the parking lot of a gas station, it boasted FIVE stalls, piped in music, 3 sinks with running water - AND air conditioning that turned on when the entrance door closed. Of course, that was just the women's side. For some odd reason, neither of the two men (grandson didn't count) would venture over to the men's side just to give me a report. Funny - that would not have been a problem had I asked a female to check out the women's side.

Almost 4 hours later, we arrived home - tired and sunburned. Our planned picnic was cancelled due to thunderstorms, so we had a quiet dinner in the dining room, feasting on picnic fare.

Couple of observations and thoughts now that I look back at the time spent watching the parade. I still get teary eyed over high school marching bands. I marvel over World War II veterans still participating in walking down that long mile plus in uniform. There is still pride in standing up whenever the American flag passes by. I love all-drummer marching bands best. My heart warmed when I heard grandson's other grandpa thank a couple of the kids from the parade who walked by with a "job well done" and "you were terrific". Being welcomed warmly into this yearly tradition of watching the parade by daughter-in-law's parents.

Great day - great company - and later on, great food (even if it was enjoyed indoors).

Angel45402

Family Time

2007-07-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening, my dear husband (fondly known in print as DH) delivered the Saturday evening message at church. Along with several other men, he's been attending weekly mentoring sessions with our pastor. From what I gather, the pastor's goal is to mentor & teach so if the opportunity so arises, these men can deliver the message at Saturday evening services.

DH delivered the message for the first time the previous Saturday. It's taken me a little bit of time to digest the fact that (1), he did it well and (2) there was a sense of right when he delivered it. The fact he did it well did not surprise me. When the Holy Spirit calls and is within you, you have no choice but take care of the task at hand in a pleasing manner. The sense of right when he delivered the message is a struggle for me. What if God has called him to the ministry? What if God's plan takes us on a new course of action? Now this is a large piece of life to struggle with - for me, at any rate. Something to pray about, I'm sure.

Our son came to hear his dad speak - and brought our grandson. No, not his son - our grandson. Once his son enters grandma territory, he instantly becomes our grandson. Almost three, he found quite a few things in the church fascinating. Once grandpa got up to speak and addressed his grandson and the reply was "Hi Grandpa - what are you doin'?", I knew it wouldn't be long before grandma & grandson would be taking a little walk outside the church. And so we did.

I wasn't overly comfortable with our walk. Our church is surrounded by a cemetary - a very old
cemetary. While many of the headstones are worn, it's clear that they mark the spot where a very young child was laid to rest. In anticipation, I thought - oh Lord, this is not one of the conversations one has with a grandchild. Your own child, yes - not a grandchild. There are four discussions that are reserved for parent and child: sex, death, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. None of the four should ever enter into grandparent territory. Thank God, grandson just looked and asked if that was an "E" or and "L". Whew. And so it remained that way. Grandson has an extraordinary ability to divert one's attention away from the inevitable - that of going back into church. Several times on the way back, he'd say "hey grandma - look at this" and in total concentration would crouch down and find a piece of clover that was utterly fascinating. After clover, a tiny headstone, a larger blade of grass and part of a feather, we finally made it back to the church. No small feat considering we were less than 30 feet away from the church.

After church, we decided it would be grand to go to a coffee shop and talk a bit. Okay, I decided it would be grand. We met up in a small coffee shop, one of the many shops in an 'elite' shopping area. The coffee shop was probably the least expensive store in the entire area. My sister had attended church with us. Wonderful opportunity here. She took grandson for several walks and was delighted more so than he was with the walks. She has never had children - and I truly believe she would make a wonderful mother. She listens with her heart - which many of us do not do even with other adults. She reported grandson's favorite expression while window shopping: "Hey, check it out" accompanied by finger pointing. She reported that several times, accompanied by the most beautiful laugh. We all loved it.

So, another beautiful weekend made even richer by the presence of our son and grandson at DH's 2nd 'preaching' episode. Next Saturday evening will be his 3rd opportunity. Hopefully, daughter-in-law will join son and grandson to hear grandpa (AKA DH) talk again.

Whatever God has in store for us, I already know we've been so wonderfully blessed with two children - two grandchildren - two additional children called daughter-in-law and son-in-law plus my sister living so close by. Anything else is just icing on the cake.

Angel45402

Freedom

2007-06-29T02:14:00.001-07:00

This morning one of the many emails I received contained a link to an U-Tube video. I'm not a huge fan of U-Tube but as this dear lady posted "I am proud of our service men and women", I knew I had to watch it.

It is a simple video with beautiful photos and a haunting music track. Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army - all these men & women simply doing their jobs so we can continue to have the freedom we've taken for granted.

We live in a country that allows each of us to express our views publicly. We live in a country that allows freedom to worship without fear. We live in a country that generously helps other countries fight against tyranny and repression. Yet, the gratefulness is not expressed through the written and spoken news media.

I don't think I will ever understand how anyone can say this war is wrong and we shouldn't be there. Just ask our deployed soldiers - many of whom are on their 2nd and 3rd tour - why they're there. This video pretty much tells it all.

Take the time to view this moving video.....

http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1

... and then thank God you live in the USA. And to Lizzie Palmer - I don' t know who you are, but my heartfelt thanks for creating this video. May God protect and keep you safe.

Angel45402

A Picnic with Grandson

2007-06-20T16:46:00.001-07:00

On the 16th of June, a pre-Father's Day picnic was thoroughly enjoyed by myself, dear husband, my sister, dear son and his son. Three generations of men - but for me, the attention was focused shamelessly on our grandson.

We held the picnic at Riverscape - a beautifully landscaped area next to the Miami River (not the most picturesque river - but it is moving water and it does hold a strange fascination for ducks).

One of Riverscape's attractions is a unique "square" of shooting fountains - perhaps twelve of them. At times, all twelve fountains shoot straight up - and then one by one, turn off - and then they come back again, one at a time - or two. You just don't figure it out - you just merely hope you can run through it when it's dormant. Grandson managed to do it once and claimed victory by jumping up and down with his hands raised. Such a glorious victory dance for an almost-three-year old. The second attraction is the little fast food shack that has the greatest ice cream in the world - soft swirl with ribbons of flavor. You can choose from 15 varieties - my personal favorite is Tropical Orange (which I opted to forgo - not with that last glucose reading!). Enjoying grandson's reaction to sharing a cone with his dad was better than eating one myself.

The highlight of the picnic was a walk with the little man along the riverwalk. Other than a continuous clutch of the heart, it was a beautiful walk. We discovered the lovely presents the ducks leave everywhere - which he declared with great enthusiasm "duck POOP" every thirty seconds, accompanied with pointing of finger and leaning down to get a good look. Several families rented paddle boats - most of which resemble large ducks. You could see the yearning on his face to get in one right away. Uh uh - that's definitely a mom & dad decision. The next best thing was to wave to the paddlers. When they waved back, he was thrilled. A second wave along with a couple of jumps brought smiles from the paddlers every time. The sunburned shoulders later that day mattered little.

I cannot express the joy this young man brings into our lives every single time we see him. It's beyond words. It's beyond description. It's simply pure joy.

I thank God every day for the blessings He gives me - a beautiful sunrise, a day of hearing laughter, a phone call from my traveling husband when he reaches his hotel room, an email from my dad - and a few hours with a grandchild. Blessed? Beyond comprehension.

Angel45402

Going Home....

2007-06-11T02:55:00.001-07:00

On Thursday, the 7th of June, sis & I loaded up a rental car at 9:00AM and started the long drive to Oshkosh, WI.

Oshkosh is home for a multitude of our relatives: mom, dad, brother and his wife, several nephews, a niece and her husband and aunts & uncles.

The purpose for this trip was to attend our nephew's wedding - our brother's oldest son. Several months of emails went back & forth about the wedding - and it resulted in just sis and I going as my dear husband had a chess tournament to run during the weekend.

Four hundred and seventy-three miles is a long trip to make - and sis does not drive. As I get older, I find the driving a little more tedious than in years past. I had made a quick trip to the library to stock up on music CDs and books on CD. This helped a little - but I noticed that we made more frequent stops than previous trips.

An older woman once told me that her solution to long trips was to first pray for a safe trip and would ask God to show her something new and exciting every trip. It didn't matter if the trip was across the country or to the grocery store. As she noted, the older we get, even a trip to the grocery store is something to be reckoned with! This sounded like fine advice. I passed this on to sis and we began to note there were indeed new and exciting sights to see. However, when one is driving through "deer country", counting the deer fatalities on the road does not count as an 'exciting sight' and frankly, is not very comforting. We noted beautiful ponds, unusually shaped trees, very creative billboards, a dome home (still wish I had thought to stop and photograph) and several antique cars traveling down the highway with us.

We made it in relatively embarrassing-free time (translation: I did not get lost) and spent the next couple of days in a whirl. Driving up on Thursday and leaving on Sunday did not leave much time to sit, relax & visit - although there was time to do a little of that.

On Friday, the 4 of us met up with brother & wife for an hour at a "local" (forty-five minute drive) casino. The six of us are high rollers - only quarter and nickel slot machines. From the conservative (mom and sis plugging in nickels only - and very few at that) to the liberal (brother, dad and myself - over $20 in quarters and some nickels for me) resulted in brother winning a nice little sum and I came out $2.40 ahead. Dad has a wonderful system that works well - you only throw in what you came in with. None of this putting the money through until you finally hit the big one. More than likely, the big one will elude you. After an hour, the coins are taken up to the cashier where you wait expectedly for that big total, all the while thinking - did I lose or did I come out ahead. Coming out ahead has its disadvantages for those of us who could potentially become gambleholics ... even if at $2.40. You think to yourself, 'oh just one more quarter could do it'. I silently thanked God for the restraint of not popping in another roll of quarters on the way out of the casino.

Afterwards, we drove to Michiels - home of the world's best hot bacon salad dressing and salad bar. The salad bar has to be one of the smallest I've ever encountered - but all the items are fresh, innovative and just plain marvelous!

The rest of the visit went by quickly. The wedding was beautiful; the words spoken by the priest brought tears to my eyes. Several hours later we went out to dinner - and several hours after that a reception was held. We opted not to go to the reception - it was a long day for most of us and sis & I still had the drive home facing us.

I walked with dad every day we were there. Dad is amazing. At 70+, he walks almost every day - and varies his walk to check out the 'doings' of Oshkosh. We walked in the early morning - and he would point out various things, told little stories of businesses - and before I knew it, we had covered over three miles easily. I have got to find a walking partner...!

Here is what is even more amazing. Just a few months ago, Dad bought his first computer. Now our weekly letters are daily emails. His enthusiasm at what the internet has brought to their home is a delight. Those of us who have grown up with the wonders of the 'net have taken it for granted. It's just there - it's always been there - and what's the big deal. Find someone who is discovering the wonders of google, yahoo and the multitude of search engines and you'll know what I mean. It's a re-awakening.

Going home was wonderful. I learned that there are still wonders to behold. I learned that no matter how old I am, going home means I get pampered and spoiled. But most of all, I realize once again that I'm blessed to have my parents to go home to.

I pray I can still 'go home' for many years to come.

Angel45402

Sometimes an Apology Isn't Enough....

2007-05-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I blundered. While that in itself isn't unusual for me, it made a powerful impact on a coworker - and for that, it will take awhile for the apology to take root and grow.

Several weeks ago, our team (a mighty group of four individuals) became adrift in a sea of bureaucracy. Our supervisor was promoted out of our lives. The five of us were quite a team - each with his/her own competencies that enabled us to do quite well - and we produced some spectacular programs and policies. Then the five became four. Management decided the four of us would rotate in leading the small team - if the plan suited. It did. My rotation was to be last; I'm much more comfortable in a support role - not in a leading role (although my dear husband would argue quite convincingly I am wrong).

And here the blunder slowly took root. First the dynamics of the team of four need to be described. I'm completely and utterly retirement eligible - and have been since the 26th of February when I turned 55 years young. In June of 2006, I have been working for 30 years. Hence - age + years of service equals completely and utterly retirement eligible. Team member two, the sole male in the group, can retire in four years. Team member three, a recent transfer to the group and a lovely lady, is eligible also to retire in four years. And then team member four - a bubbly younger lady who can retire in fourteen years.

Names were drawn out of a hat, and team member four undertook the role of leading the team. Bubbly young lady with lots of energy with fourteen years to go before she can retire. After two weeks on the job, the blunder was planted.

She's a very detail orientated individual - doesn't like to leave anything to chance - and after hearing her express more than once the degree of stress she was experiencing, I shared the concern. Unfortunately, not to her - but to another team member. Subsequently, part of the conversation was overheard. Interpretation - criticism of leadership role.

Bad

Bad

Bad mistake.

I now know that stress can be expressed in many different manners. Some may threaten their computer screens; some may find satisfaction is tossing a stapler or two against a wall; others may bang their head a couple times against their keyboards - all of which are highly suitable for those of us in office settings. Team member number four expresses her stress in such a manner that it allowed her to simply let out steam.

Who knew.

Today, the apology. And tomorrow and the next day and forever more - more than one lesson was learned.

One - unless the stress expressed by another individual involves bodily injury to me, ignore it.

Two - unless the stress expressed by another individual involves same individual's head to explode suddenly, ignore it.

Three - always try to imagine what your comments, however well intended, might mean to someone else. Interpretation is everything.

And finally...

Four - apologies mean nothing if the act is repeated.

All I can say at this point is - I'll never stop learning.

Angel45402

A Friend

2007-05-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

Today I participated in a 5K walk/run - and I found that striving to come in first, second or third isn't necessary anymore.

Today I walked with a friend - and we talked. She cautioned me twice to slow down - and after the 2nd mile, I really appreciated the caution. While it was hot & humid and others passed us by, I realized that a slower pace was a pleasure. I saw several geese flying overhead. I heard birds scolding one another - and prayed that they would be not plotting to cover either one of our heads with little white presents. When the wind blew gently by (at least once, I'm sure of it), it felt wonderful. And we talked and talked - and every so often, we just quietly enjoyed the walk.

My friend became a grandmother about 5 months ago...and so now we have grandchildren in common. I learned more about her in that 50 minutes than all of the past six or more years we have spent together in the office. She's one of the most positive people I have ever encountered - always seeing that half full glass. I have never heard her speak badly of anyone nor have I ever heard anyone speak badly of her. She is the one who encouraged me to walk with her last year - with the enticement of a Tshirt if I walked 3 of the 5 events. She found my weak spot - a prize waiting for me at the end of the journey! So again, the reminder came from this lovely lady to walk again. One 5K down, 4 more to go.

One of life's greatest pleasures while working is to find a few people you can connect with. It's a joy to live with someone whom you can connect with on a regular basis. I am one of the lucky ones. I have a husband whom I feel a deep connection with. He makes me smile, he has moved me to tears with his kindness (he spent all of Mother's Day researching a MP3 player that could record books on CD - just because I said I would like one some day - and bought me one on line), makes me feel like a new bride so many times, and still holds my hand in the car or while walking. Now I discovered I'm blessed because I slowed down on a 5K walk so that I could spend time talking to a coworker who along has been a friend - I just didn't know it. A new connection has been formed.

A friend. Two simple words yet those two words go down deep inside and make you feel warm and comfortable. God has a way of blessing us so many times ... and sometimes it just takes slowing down a bit to discover those blessings.

Angel45402

Mother's Day and Other Things...

2007-05-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Mother's Day. I phoned my mom, wishing her a Happy Mother's Day. I listened to her accounting of her day so far - and that my brother was taking her & dad out to an early dinner and also my brother's wife and mother-in-law would be joining them. It was good to listen to Mom. She was clearly pleased over her day. My sister called her later and wished her the same. My husband made a call to his mom - and I could tell from his end of the conversation, she was having a very good Sunday.

This morning I came to the realization that I missed hearing from our two kids yesterday. They're married now & have their own family - and I hope daughter was honored on Mother's Day and that daughter-in-law was honored as well.

Early this morning, I realized I must have erased messages on my cell phone as I noticed a missed call from our son. An email inquiry to my son let me know that the erased message was a Mother's Day call & I didn't get to hear it. Saturday, dear husband & I spent a good part of the day with our daughter, son #2 and granddaughter. All in all - a good weekend. However, this is the first year that I didn't hear a Happy Mother's Day from either one on Sunday - and I had no idea it would give me pause. Years ago, I missed calling Mom on Mother's Day ... and dad surely let me know about it a few days later via his weekly letter. I had sent a present, as always, and a card...but it was the call that mom really was looking forward to. I had no idea that it meant that much - until now.

After much self-inspection, I realized that God has a way of using disappointments to point out failings of my own. It is the small things that do count more than the big things. How many times have I failed to make a call, send an email, write a thank you note - not an obligatory one but just to write a "thanks...you're great" note, and failing to put aside something I'm working on so I could listen to someone who needs to talk. More times than I care to admit have I not taken the time to do the small things.

So while I had a very quiet Mother's Day, I realized I'm a still a work in progress, thanks to God's great love. All in all, a better weekend than I realized.

Angel45402

A Touch of Suspicion...

2007-05-07T17:42:00.000-07:00

Suspicious but not very suspicious cyst or lesion. Followup mammogram and ultrasound results from last Thursday reached our family doctor's desk. A followup ultrasound is to be done three to six months. After explaining to the doctor that six months wasn't going to be an option, an appointment was made for early August for the ultrasound.

I'm not sure how to take this. Foreboding? Confident that all is well? Suspicious - but not very? This is just so very strange. I don't know if researching cysts and lesions is going to make me feel better or worse. The mind is going into overdrive ... of course it would. Dealing with hangnails sends me in a tizzy.

Okay, God - this is in your hands. I sure would appreciate time going forward a little bit faster than normal, if that's okay, so we can just find out what's next.

Angel45402