Short trip to Holy Land

I just posted the blog entry I wrote in April. I had written it and saved it on the computer. Sometime the doctor will say, 'don't make any important decisions for X days", and you think "I'm fine." This was example of why you should listen to the doctor.

I am posting a few pictures of the 'short' trip to the Holy Land. The men fishing in the boat are on the sea of Galilee. The sea is really a large lake. I always wonder why the men went out on the water, couldn't they see a Storm brewing? No, the sea/lake is surround by mountains (used to be a volcano) the wind blows through one gap across the water, hits the mountains and bounces back over the water causing the storm and waves. Now it makes sense to this simple mind of mine.

The ancient boat ruin was found a few years ago after a drought lower the sea of Galilee. It was under layers of mud which protected. The archaeologist were pleased to have it tested to the time of Jesus.

Regardless of what ones religious believes are, I hope you enjoy the pictures for the historic time table if nothing else. (my disclaimer)

The hotel we stayed in Jerulasalem had an olive tree in the atrium. They claimed it was from the time of David. Perhaps, nice effect anyway.

Souvenir from the Holy Land

You may notice a lengthy space of time between this and my last entry. There is a good reason. In mid-February I fell while on a trip to the Holy Land. I broke my left leg and wrist. Both breaks required surgery and I will forever set off metal detectors.

It has been a long recovery process. My focus, as you can image, has been entirely on healing. Looking back I find it interesting that I had little interest in quilting or sewing. Mind you I said ‘little’ not ‘no’. It is only in the last week as my strength has returned and boredom has set in that the desire to quilt has returned. Interesting how the body sets the important priorities.

Finally I am able to wiggle my fingers and slowly type this entry. I wish for you Easter or Passover blessings or if these do not apply I wish you good thoughts to you and all of yours.

I hurt my thumb

I over used my thumb last and now its swollen and painful. I made a queen size flannel quilt which I am very pleased with but I pushed myself to finished the binding. In fact I then finished the binding on two lap size charity quilts. I now am suffering with a pre carpel tunnel sym. effect. I had hoped the swelling would go down by now. No such luck. Tomorrow I see the doctor.

I have several projects I want to work on, sewing or cutting in out of the question. Even holding a pen to write the monthly checks for bills is painful. Now, I understand the importance of a pose able thumb.

Lesson here is don't push your luck with hand work and wear a support glove. Take care of your body, it's the only one you have .

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you all have your shopping completed and lots of fabric bundles with your name on them under the tree. You may be wondering why this lady is on the computer instead the mall or kitchen. My last gift was wrapped this morning and is tucked under the tree.

Our family will be having Christmas dinner at our daughter and son-in-laws' new home this year. I do not have to cook Christmas dinner! My contributions to the feast have been purchased (Costco makes better pies than I do) and put in the frig. Dinner tonight will be light and easy.

All this preparation left me with a few hours to spend in my sewing room. I am trying to complete some UFO's. If I can complete a few items this season, I might be able to clear some space in my sewing room and that would be a Christmas present to myself.

Once again I wish you a happy holiday with family, friends, and blessings to you in the coming year.

Pearl Habor Day

Today is the 7th of December, also known to baby boomers as Pearl Harbor day. I was born after the war ended and as with many boomers (as the term implies) my dad served in World War II. He was not at Pearl Harbor nor served overseas. He served as part of the support system in the states. He served proudly and the best of his ability knowing the results would effect the fighting soldiers.

I was and am still proud of him though he passed away many years ago. I have had the privilege of going to Pearl Harbor and visiting the Harbor and Arizona memorial. I can tell you there is never a dry eye when visitors finish the tour.

It troubles me when young people hear a term such as Pearl Harbor day they ask 'what's that?' however they can tell you who won the latest American Idol.

It brings to mind the saying of those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. I hope not. Anyway have a thought and quick prayer for those who are still serving to keep our way of life.

Room with a Veiw

There is a room where I look out a window for a few minutes each morning. This window is on the second floor and gives me a view of a huge maple tree. I can admire the seasons by this tree; autumn this year has been especially brilliant with color.

I hadn't expected much in the way of color this year. We had a lock of rain and record heat during the summer month. The maple with stood these problems and gave a beautiful display of color that lasted longer than usual. I have had this particular view for several weeks now.

I wish I could duplicate the depth and richness of color that this tree had. Quilters use fabrics to create depth of color just as paint artists use oils or watercolors do. Even with an array of rich fabrics I fear I could not do the maple justice.

The last couple of days have been breezy and I realized this morning that "my tree" is practically bare of leaves. Perhaps this winter I will try to capture its beauty from the picture in my mind's eye.

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

2010 Houston Quilt Market

I just returned from the Houston Quilt Market. There is always an energy in the air. New fabrics, gadgets, old friends and new friends being made. Speaking of new 'friends', my friend and I walked out of our hotel to take a taxi. As it turned out Alex Anderson was staying at our hotel and was outside wanting a taxi to the same place as we did. We shared a taxi with Alex Anderson!

My fiend Renelda Peldunas Harter has a quilt, 'Sarajevo Rose', in the 'Text on Textiles' exhibit. That's me by 'Sarajevo Rose'. The text tells of the damage to the streets and walkways made by the motors (bombs) during the war in Bosnia. If persons were killed by the mortar the crater would be filled with a red dyed cement thus giving the crater the look of a rose. Sadly there are too many of these roses.

A sad subject but a nice quilt to honor those involved. Quilts have always been a way for the quilt makert to convey their thoughts or emotions.

More fun stuff in the next entries.