Middle of November already

 A simple post.  I'm well and happy. 

I'm catching up again since getting away for a 10 day respite with friends, One friend, Maureen, who is tried and true and I've been blessed with for 50+ years,  the other one Ernie, a new and so very nice and a very very handsome man.    Lucky ME!!!

As for the sewing - here's a pic of my current WIP: Mom's spiral quilt that I'm finishing.  

After getting home from the Outer Banks, NC I just finished sewing the binding on.  And yes, you're not seeing things.  Those pipings contained within the grey binding are 4 different colors - one of my  episodes of thinking "WHAT IF" has been created into a reality. LOL   Umph... Not bad!

Planning on doing a more thorough post at a later date but I noticed my last post was months ago in June.  Jeesh! Where does the time go?  Sorry about that.

TTFN

Landscaped in June

Those two pallets of landscape blocks - GONE!  or maybe I should say used for their intended purpose.  I purchased 3 pallets of blocks years ago to separate the plantings, shrubs from the lawn.  Hired Jason D. to place them and then winter blew in   That was years ago.   The surround was almost done there again, two spots were left unfinished.  That seems to be the recurring theme around here.  Anyways, his employee Cal W. did the most of the work.  

So I contacted JD in April to see if he would be able to finish the job and found out he's now in Maryland so gave me Cal's number.  Contacting Cal, I learned of his upcoming kidney surgery 5/1/2023 so he gave my name and number to another man (JL) who did this type of work.  The month of May came and went.  Nothing.  So I re-contacted CW via instagram to see how he was post surgery.  We talked, he had wondered... as he didn't see any progress and I found out that JL had moved to Tennessee, so bada-bing, bada-boom - we scheduled 6/4 on our calendars to get it done.  Gorgeous day and success!   

It now looks like this:

I also worked on my outdoor lighting which I'm thrilled with.  

They are all solar lights and differently styled so it doesn't look like a airfield landing strip surrounding the house.  lol        Perhaps tonight I'll go out and grab some evening shots to share later.  

The retaining wall on the left side of the house, I did many years ago and it took me three times to stack those field stones so they looked level.  I was satisfied then with my efforts and gratefully  they served their purpose for decades, however just one of my idiosyncrasies is I don't like patch jobs (except for  quilts that is) on roofs, additions, landscaping materials.  I'm an all or nothing kind of girl.  So I wanted the materials to be cohesive.  Thereby my desire of changing the retaining wall to the same landscape blocks.  

A couple of photos of before and during...

  

The dump cart's tire blew so there is another flat tire I'll need to contend with.  That seems to be another ongoing problem around here and for so many years as well!  :-0! 

 Oh well, that will be for another day.

Am happy at my progress. 

Was really tired too but that day's stats on my fit  bit were:  

7.82 mi; 17896 steps; and 157 minutes cardio 

another win!

TTFN, Jane

May highlights

 Life is occurring at such a fast pace.  Here it's already slipping into June and there are more items on my agenda that are checked off, WIPs, or scheduled for the near future.  

Gutter system still not finished but think I may have a proper resolution of the drain pipe areas to check it off.  The driveway needed resealing so that's scheduled.  As well as the landscape blocks that have setting on 2 pallets for the past 7 years I think, are also on my calendar figuring that by the end on this month those will be used into my landscape vision and done. 

My gardens are planted, the only bits left are the urns and pots that I scatter about on the stairs, gardens and driveway.  A few are  realized but hoping today is "that day" for completion.  lol  Separation paperwork is still in the works as I've been waiting for Wayne to complete his responsibilities.  Change the ownership on the life insurances and to remove my name from his time share.  I still need those legal proofs to close that life's chapter lasting 48.5 years.   And as for my WIP- " 99 Spools on the BED" I found what I believe will work for those borders and finishing bits.  Auditioning many fabrics in my studio and ideas that became an inkling only to be discarded.  When going to Saratoga Springs for my Asthma Specialist's appointment, (I now get to see him annually- YEAH!!) made time to stop by my favorite Quilt shop, Adirondack Quilts and found the finishing gems.  Share  pics and thoughts on another blog post at another time.   

So Hello June, looking forward to the days to come.  

TTFN

Jane

April - It Came and Went

 Still reading many books each month and this month besides taking care of some remaining items from Mom's life, many seasonal chores, the athletics for the grand children, and the WIPs I wanted to complete I was again really busy.  A quick recap follows.

Books read since I last shared:

Mom's stuff: though she gave away most all there are some sentimental items I received and another quilt (the Solids in Spiral) I brought to my Long arm quilter just last week.  Still need to attend to much of it as I am mourning and somewhat growing and getting away from my "life's feeling of overwhelm".  Thankfully, I keep telling myself    I don't procrastinate   , that alone is helping.  

Seasonal Items:  Besides the winter blow down, raking the yard and lawns, blowing the landscape around the home, cleaning out the gutters (PHEW! that alone took 2 days), deadheading and pruning shrubs and the flowers , fertilizing the fruit trees and evergreens I managed to get it all done.  Happy and glad I obtained nearly 141 miles walked as I went about it. Another WIN.

Disregard that wheel barrow full of fire logs back near the gate, while going for a hike at a favorite spot of mine, the Power Company had cut down sections of trees in their way, thus leaving a mess.  I helped them  out and brought home some useable awkward sections for my fire pit enjoyment.  lol  

The gutters needed replacing so while still on target I inquired with the Leaf Guard company.  Their quote made me stagger.  I kid you not, so I opted to go to the same company that installed the earlier out of date system 25 + years ago and was happy with both the result and price.  Two areas of concern were the black ice build up near my front and side door entrances.  It seemed to always drip from the seams or over flow them causing icicles and more drips.  Of course sure enough those areas would  freeze in those most critical areas.  I'm assured those days are done with.  

The other area are the 2 downspouts.  The one newly installed near the front door I want to landscape into its environment and this is how it currently looks in the above photo. 

Not Pretty.  ;-(  

Initially they laid that 4" PVC pipe just next to the paver bricks.  NOPE! What an EYESORE for the first impression of my home.  

So I asked them to angle it backwards into the rock area not the patio so it would not be able to pool there on the step area.

 The other downspout is my access point to the hose manifold area so I asked if they could use the 4" PVC pipe for sturdiness and I'd purchase landscape blocks to elevate a bricked patio step for use.  

They tried and here it is to the left.  

They used a cut piece of pine bough timber to support the patio bricks that had been thrown in there initially and temporarily.  They tried to make it nice while workable.  I see when taking the pic that the alignment and the pitch is off now, so more potential problems down the road....   A for effort anyways.  As they mentioned, they don't dig.  lol

So both of those tasks move onto my May chores.  

The two youngest Grands:  

The youngest grands are both enjoying their sports and doing well scholastically.

PGS#3 pictured on the left is an 8th grader, high honor roll student who also happens to be on the Varsity Hockey team.  A once in a lifetime chance occurred for him this Spring at the end of the Hockey season that I haven't yet shared.  His team made it to the NYS Final Four Competition.  Fanfare upon their departure to Buffalo, NY for the weekend to practice and then compete.   I'll do a separate post for that.  

He's close to 5'10" here and he's solid with a-lot of muscle.   Awhile ago as he was going through a rapid growth spirt (about an inch every 6 months), I asked him if he hurt.  He'd inquire...What?  I'd reply growing so quickly with one part not quite corresponding to the next part's growth?  "NO"  was his reply and I think he assumed I was cracked!  lol   Soon after I asked him what his goal was since I've always maintained that we manifest our destiny and futures dependent on our life choices, and then again he looked at me like, WHAT?  I clarified, "How tall are you going to be? What's your desire?"   Being a teen, he didn't care of course.   LOL  

This past week,  PGS#3 stole the winning run on an err when they tried to throw him out on 3rd.  Game Over.

🎤mic drop.

PGD#1 Was noted as "Player of the Game" with the win 2 weeks ago for her softball team.   All in all, great times to watch especially as she'll graduate in June and has committed to Oneonta for the fall- pursuing her dream in the Medical field.  I'll share one of her Senior Pictures below with some of her talents, not too shabby for an High Honor Roll Student!  Truly, during her photo shoot she had over 50 pictures taken and not 1 shot was off.  She is beautiful and very photogenic.

I'm proud of all my grandchildren and children too for that matter.  Good Peeps - all around.

WIPS:  Managed to get my Spool quilt center top assembled (believe that was done in March) but there she sits.  Am auditioning border treatments and made a couple of purchases to continue but my creativity breaks slam down hard and I know it just isn't quite right.  So I'm percolating that project.   

Did complete a Needlebook for one of my stitching bags.  Included a corded lobster claw loop to help stuff stay inside if needed and also placed a magnet under the applique on the batting page as a just in case and then don't you know I had a bugger of a time getting that snap adhered correctly.  Third time was the charm truly.  Sewed the binding by machine and then  hand stitched the interior side to close it.   

I cross stitched a piece from Melisa of Pinker n Punker Quilting that she gives out often and are so nice.  

I used her "HIVE in a Jar" but refrained from using the jar effect. I also created 2 smaller designs.   Another hive (due to an error in counting I went with it and made it up as I went designing my own nine patch crosses on it) and for the flower part I duplicated it close enough to Melisa's design on the larger piece, but added stitches and bees to fill it in more for the backside of the scissor fob.  Luckily, I've been able to slowly immerse myself from following the directions entirely and make these stitchings uniquely my own.

Am planning on making another needle book with that larger stitched piece and the 2 smaller parts a fob to complement them.  Then of course I plan on making another project bag with BEE stuff with the same fabrics.   lol   Wish me luck!

Sorry, so much for a quick recap. But that just seems to be the norm around here.  lol

TTFN

MOM

 One of Mom's selected poems she loved, enjoyed and collected. 

  GOD'S GARDEN

God looked around the garden

and found an empty space

He looked down upon the Earth

And saw your tired face.

He put his arms around you

And lifted you to rest.

God's garden must be beautiful

For He only takes the best.

It broke our hearts to lose you

But you didn't go alone

For part of us went with you

The day God called you home.

It was an honor and privilege to be with mom when God called her home.   I was not alone as a couple of my sisters were with me tending, caring, watching and loving her.   Even cuddling her at times as the medications needed were getting stronger.   Rest in peace dear Mother, and know you were loved by us and  many more.   Your light shone brightly and it's warmth filled many hearts.  

                      

Eileen Ruth Armstrong Powers

12/14/1932 - 3/16/2023
                                               

March -  I was able to get the center of the spool quilt assembled into the  99 spool blocks in the midst of Mom's care, wanting her to see it before her Earthly chores were through.  Mom saw it and was routing for me even in her last life's chapter though without her normal zest, passion lacking because of her exhaustion and limitations.  My Mom, how she suffered even mentioning, "I didn't know it would be this hard."  We all kept telling her how awesome she was and so beautiful.  Thanking her for all she gave.  

Her interment will be happening June 17th and a small private family gathering afterwards.   I miss her already but know she's in great hands.  ...'til we meet again Mom, I'll love you forever.

Several More Books read which I've enjoyed.

I enjoy reading and continue to declutter my bookshelves one. book. at. a. time.  

It truly doesn't matter how fast this endeavor is taking as I am keeping up with the Book Club reads each month besides am able to conquer a few more titles during a month that come onto my radar.   

These are the titles with Authors that I've read (except that first one, notice the PUKE as my notation, could only manage about 50 pages and it wasn't getting any better!  lol) so far in 2023.  Only two came off my bookshelves and were donated to the local library when I was through.  The rest were loans from family, friends or the library and three of the titles were audiobooks.  Not bad getting 9 done since the 1/1/2023 if I do say so myself.

Chinese Art Brush Class Enjoyment

 Last year I participated in a ZOOM class featuring Chinese Brush Art class with a traditional approach.   It was enjoyable and I learned.  

This year another 6 week session was offered, so I jumped on board.  

Week 4 had us redo the lotus which we learned last week and then do a rabbit.  My attempts at those:  

2nd time doing lotus

my first rabbit

Not sure how many of these I'll be sharing with you, however I am enjoying the comradery of the class and learning while still creating.  It's nice to imagine creating art.  That rice paper is so delicate!

Cozy into Winter Stitched

 It's stitched.  Now I need to figure how I'll be FFO (I believe that acronym stands for Finally Finished Object or perhaps Finally finished Off - Either would be pertinent).  

It still needs pressing  and I'll be doing a running stitch around the outside of the design leaving 6 to 10  threads as the boundary.  This makes it easiest for me to square up and know the line to stitch on if I machine sew the finish.  Still debating on whether it's calling to be a pillow/sachet or a small framed piece.  

The design is "Cozy Into Winter" by Jeannette Douglas Designs.  Stitched on 32ct. Wichelt Café Mocha with the called for threads.  

Later.... and enjoy whatever you are doing. 

3 generations on Valentine's Day 2023

Though Hospice has been called in for my Mom's care, Mom is incredible.  She's as sharp as a tack at times, winded then exhausted and needs to take a nap in the next.   I keep letting her know how fantastic and awesome she is.  How nobly and strong, resilient and understanding she's is.  All such bittersweet times.  Yet she's but a shadow of her normal vivacious self.  

While spending a day with her, my daughter managed to stop in and was able to grab a selfie of the three of us so the orientation is backwards.  Would you believe this was the best pic of Mom as she didn't stop with her comments, thus T and I both laughing and Mom's mouth shape is just a tad off.  Now I just wish I could remember what she was saying.  

Myself, My Mom now age 90, fighting stage IV cancer for the past 14 months, and my daughter Thera

Cloth Spool Progress.

 Slowly am getting my mojo back.  Very Content… Progress. 

 The last of the necessary Spool blocks were completed this week.  

All 100 block units are done with 16 pieces each.  Next up, trim units if needed and then preview layout colors. 

Am hoping this center will be completed in February.  My Mom has been in Hospice Care now for 9 + weeks.   Bittersweet times and her Love, dignity, strength and resolve continue to be amazing. 

Creating without cloth

 For seasonal displays I share by the wreaths on the 2 main doors of my home.  Gladly, I have been doing this for decades and several years ago realized that a couple of months were neglected. February was one of them but no more. 

For the family entrance near the driveway I just completed the wreath above.  Makes me smile considering I was married for 48.5 years and loved thoroughly while my spouse was loving anything that came by much to my disgust and his promises of devotion while begging forgiveness.  What's that line?   "Once a Cheat always a Cheat".  So true while looking back at the infidelities he even used my faith to swear his allegiance and loyalty to our marriage when begging for forgiveness.  I trusted and continued to love  in time.   Well no More, I'm done.   

So Single is better as far as I’m concerned rather than being married to a partner that wasn’t truly there with the lies, abuse and disrespect both towards me and his oaths, promises, vows and commitments. 

The second wreath is still in the making but the wire snips that I need to use are still freezing. Thank goodness we aren’t dealing with below zero temps again.  Last Friday I awoke to a -15*F but felt like -35*F with the wind chill factor.   Today is much better though still only in the teens.    Will share that photo once it's completed.  

TTFN,

Jane

Came back 2 days later to share the Front door Wreath finished.
Home is where the Heart is.

  

Enjoying January

Stash busting my way through 2023 I'll share that I haven't bought any new fabric this year!   :-)

Haven't tallied any used either so far.   ;-(

January Objectives

Needing to carve time daily to sew, these are a few of my thoughts in how I hope to achieve them:

1. I hope to get 15 minutes in my sewing room daily.   Picking up in there counts as time spent correctly  here too.
2. Sew 1 needle pulling thread nightly when home. the "Cozy into Winter" by Jeannette Douglas Designs is almost done.
3. Pull out one UFO monthly and progress it, (I'm not even going to share the plethora of items here, of UFOs, PIGS, WHiMMS, etc... but if you've been following me for any amount of time you know there are plenty!) not to completion but PROGRESS.  **Wild Card** time will tell.

Since December 2020 - I've maintained 100 miles of movement each month.  Starting with a local municipality with their "winter challenge" of movement from 12/21/20 - 3/20/21 to either challenge yourself to walk, ski, snowshoe, bike, etc..  to hit 100 OR 200 miles.  Since I was tracking my movements it was noticeable that the 100 miles a month could be achieved with just a bit more effort so I personally challenged myself.  Albeit successfully!

I still do my form of intermittent fasting by only allowing a 9 hour window of food intake which my Nurse Practitioner suggested in December 2020.  Not limiting my diet choices yet still being mindful of nutrition, eating my colors and the different Macros ie: protein/veggies/fruit/carbs/fat .   To date my total weight loss is 93 pounds but that wasn't my objective.  Choosing this concept to help me stop my dis-eases progressions and so far its great.  Diabetic medicine is lowered and my  A1C is at my all time low of 5.6 and with the past months fasting Blood Sugars remaining between 71-94.  Asthma is still not idyllic that I live with but thankfully that's managed a bit better (since October 2022) when I saw another Allergist/Asthma Specialist.   Would you believe I was nebulizing 3 hours a day with 9 medication treatments and I would still be waking up at 2-3 am with a feeling of an elephant sitting on my chest and couldn't breath requiring me to nebulize even at that time.  I won't mention the other inhalers prescribed,  rescue inhalers PRN, and Oral medications and  with the lifestyle limitations and  adjustments needed for this was so tiring.   Truly my asthma, coughing, sensitivity to ? was a conundrum I dealt with for the past 13 years.  I kid you NOT!   The story is so long and tortuous so here again, I wont bore you with the trials.  Numerous Doctors, 6+ specialists, many books read, webinars attended, diet adjustments. etc., etc., etc...were embraced as I tried to figure out what if anything I could do.  This last past summer (2022)  while under so much stress of Mom and my broken Marriage my breathing difficulties increased and HIVES were added into the mix.  Can you say the level of Cortisol I lived with was not a friend!  Those hives plagued me for 4-5 months.  Different medication changes besides 4 months of steroids in order to breathe and not break out contributed to the stressors I was living that then I noticed my hair falling out by the handful.   Here again, I am thankful now since I live alone without any emotional, physical, financial threats that my hair is coming back in. Alleluia!  {btw- After showering I look like a baby OWL or Ostrich with my pin feathers hair coming back in. lol }    So I intend to continue my health journey improvements and Movements.   Also I implemented 20 minutes of Aerobics a minimum of three times weekly and held it there for the past 4 months.  So in addition to that I would love to get 2-3 days of intended area workouts starting next week 1/9/23.  Today managed to focus on movement /dance and thighs.  Not sure if or how I'll track this yet as it's another WIP.

The other arena am planning on doing is to continue to declutter one space, drawer, or shelf at a time then proceed to the whole room/area (focus).  Includes the whole residence of a first floor and Basement too eventually.  Evaluate what is wanted, needed then let Go of the rest.   I've decluttered the outdoors and garage.  Here's a couple of photos of the Kia going in for the first time in 5+ years on November 15th just before the first snowfall.    YEAH!!!  Garage or yard for that matter isn't done  yet as the temperatures kept dipping to freezing and I simultaneously was still doing winter readiness  Truly there was so much neglect to my home space inside and out for decades.  Not wanting to emasculate my husband at the time, I somewhat demurely made do and did only the most urgent items to not hurt his feelings or emasculate him.  Ughh!  All that lost time.  

I'll close with a quote I loved for a couple of years while reading E.J.Michael - Queen of the Sun.    

"Never forget that the light is infinitely more powerful than the dark.  When darkness crowds in around you, become luminous, and walk in the brilliance of your soul."        Having faith in Christianity I'm so blessed that the good Lord gave us these talents.   TTFN