What I did on my summer vacation

What a hot summer we have had, not as hot as the south and mid west, so there is a bright side. A quilting friend of mine as a pool; so along with another quilting friend we try to swim each morning for an hour. Actually we tread water and tell ourselves we are toning our muscles – we know we are not losing weight!

We seldom meet but 2 or 3 times a week due to schedule conflicts, appointments or teaching commitments, etc. We talk about quilting or family. Mostly the water feels good and it is away to connect and give support if needed. Our swimming will come to an end at the end of this month. One of us will have knee surgery and we will shift our activities to the indoor.
Hope your summer has been a memorable one.

A Compliment

I recently had a wonderful compliment. I received an email from a lady asking for permission to show a quilt made from a pattern I designed. The quilt block is based on an old public domain block. It seams she had made the quilt from a pattern I did for a Windham Fabrics collection – Worn and Loved 2. It was available on the free download section of Windham’s website.

She made the quilt and offered it to an exhibit for the Houston Quilt Festival 2011. Houston Quilt Festival accepted it and it will be on display this fall. By the way, she did ask Windham Fabrics for permission also. We were happy to agree.

Most quilters do not think to ask the designer for permission. Perhaps they do not think it is necessary because they bought the pattern or perhaps fear that the designer will say no. Seldom will the designer say no. It is an ego booster to learn that someone liked the pattern so much that they entered the quilt into a contest or exhibit.
Laura, marketing director of Windham Fabrics, and I look forward to seeing the quilt in person this fall.

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.