Monday, September 21, 2009

Whole Lot of Raining Going On

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But the rain didn't dampen my day. I had a wonderful morning with my quilting bee sisters. We ate and talked and laughed. Almost everyone brought show and tell--but, alas, I had left my camera at home. I've been very negligent of my camera these days. I have to do better. And I will. I was just happy to be there; it's the first bee meeting I've been to since last December.

I met Sally at her house, just a few miles down the road from me, and rode with her. We picked up Martha on the way, then on through the pouring rain to Gerry's cute and cozy apartment in a beautiful retirement village in Hoover. Gerry had prepared a feast for us, including some kind of little meat pies, baklava, fresh fruit, pumpkin bread, and a cheese ball with crackers. She had actually baked the meat pies and baklava. And were they some account, as my daddy used to say.

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After bee, Sally, Martha, Cindy, and I paid a visit to the new JoAnn's store in Vestavia. I think that's going to be my new favorite store, or at least a close second to Books-a-Million. They had so much beautiful fabric that I couldn't decide which to buy, so I didn't buy any, I'm proud to say. I did get a new crochet book with lots of crocheted flowers, trims, beads, and shapes (photo above)--and a set of Lumiere fabric paints to work on a quilt project that we started at bee. Or some started it. I brought the pattern home to work on. It uses a glue resist technique that looks like fun. More about that later. I'll even take pictures--I promise.

We've had well over 12 inches of rain since Saturday night--so says my rain gauge. And more is forecast. It's an embarrassment of riches for those who love rain, but a pure nuisance for those whose basements are flooded and grass is knee high. Me, I'm one of the ones who love rain, but I guess even I have to admit that we've had enough for now.

I feel so much better after having spent a big chunk of the day with friends doing things and talking about things I love to do. And I know Vann is happy to see me back with my quilting buddies. He always supported my love of quilting and all the attendant activities--from quilt shows to retreats to guild and bee meetings. And he was always happy to stop at all the quilt shops when we traveled. He even bought me a tag frame for my car that reads, "I Brake for Quilt Shops." That Vann! The best husband ever. How blessed I was to have him in my life. I miss him.


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On 09/21/2009, Andy said ...

I'm so proud of you. I always have been.


On 09/21/2009, Donna said ...

I know you miss Vann. He sounds like a sweetheart! I miss my Amber so much! My heart is so sad. I have got to stay busy! I took a Cathedral Windows quilt class at Heart to Heart last week. It is good to be around other quilting gals! We have had soo much rain in Attalla too (just northeast of you). I am praying for you!
Donna


On 09/21/2009, Gayle said ...

Just back from quilt club where someone share the Lumiere paint that you posted! She uses it for fabric postcards.

Send some of that rain our way...a good rainstorm sounds good right now.


On 09/22/2009, Linda J.W. said ...

Hi Susan,I am so glad that you had a good time today that is the best thing for you to get out and be with your friends and enjoy what you like,Vann would wont you to.
You talked about JoAnn's,they have a dot com
that you can go to and join and they send you there specials with cupons that is if you haven't already.I am singed up there and Hobby Lobby and Michaels,needless to say I am always broke lol Linda W.


On 09/22/2009, sherri said ...

Girl I have that same book isnt it fab? Keep smilin' and God bless you and keep you


On 09/22/2009, Deb said ...

What a wonderful day it sounds like you had Susan, just what Vann would have ordered.
It is so wonderful to hear you having these moments, you must be thrilled and so proud of yourself. Well done you!
Mind you I would be whipping out to any new quilting/sewing store in town also given half the chance, I certainly don't need asking twice.
hugs Deb


On 09/22/2009, Alison Gibbs said ...

You were blessed to have Vann in your life as he was also blessed to have you in his.
Wonderful to hear you were out and about with your friends
Alison


On 09/22/2009, Sandy said ...

So glad to hear "happy" in your voice again. Can't wait to see what you do with those paints. We'll need lots of pictures. Hope the rain ends soon. We here in SC are "celebrating" the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Hugo today. Boy, time flies, doesn't it? Hope you have a great day. Now go get busy with those paints!


On 09/22/2009, Connie W said ...

Having friends and things to keep busy sounds like helpful ways to manage the heartache and loss. Thinking of you a lot.


On 09/22/2009, Debra Spincic said ...

Oh, I love the looks of those crochet flowers. I have some on my current CQ project and would love to crochet my own (you know, like, I have time for that). I'll have to check out the book you posted.

So good to hear you enjoyed yourself!


On 09/22/2009, CarlaH said ...

Hi Susan, out and about - just what you needed - so glad you enjoyed yourself. Those wonderful memories of Vann that you carry in your heart will always be there for you.
Thanks for sending the rain my way - I didn't have to water the garden which still has lots of tomatoes, carrots and herbs and would you believe it a new crop of strawberries is coming up.
Happy quilting.


On 09/22/2009, Rian said ...

Sounds like a delightful day!


On 09/22/2009, Ruth Landon said ...

Friends like yourd are the best. Just to be able to be there talking about and doing the things you share must have been great for you.
I also love rain.
Ruth


On 09/22/2009, Jan said ...

Sounds like the perfect kinda day ... just what the Doctor would have ordered, I'm sure! Here's wishing you more of the same cuz I know they will bring smiles to your face and comfort to your heart; and I'm sure that those things are exactly what your honey would want for you :)


On 09/22/2009, Barbara Anne said ...

What a wonderful day! Friends, foods, quilts, crafts, and rain! How sweet it is! I will look forward to seeing what you do with your colors and toys.

Have you chosen a paint color for your new office?

Please send rain - in moderation - here. We need it. I read that rain that soaks without thunder and lighening is "female rain" and the noisy storms are male. Interesting!

Yes, your Vann was a treasure among men and he's smiling along with you as always.

Hugs!


On 09/22/2009, Pat said ...

Glad to hear that you had a wonderful day with friends. Nothing like "like-minded" buddies to share with. Blessings to you.


On 09/22/2009, Kai said ...

I realize I am echoing everyone else, but truly, I AM so glad to hear the joy in your words! It's wonderful that you got out with friends! Good for the soul! And I KNOW Vann was feeling as much joy as you because he wants you to be happy. Ooooooh! Our craft stores do not carry the Lumiere Exciter Packs. I always end up paying extra to get them from joggles.com! And rain? We are getting pounded this week but it's GLORIOUS because it's COOL & I have all the windows open. Oh, how I LOVE it! And I also love YOU! Your post MADE MY DAY!


On 09/22/2009, Laurie said ...

It's wonderful how the bustle of friends and busy hands can cheer the heart.

We've had our first snow in Colorado - yesterday! Today it's in the 40's. Brr!


On 09/27/2009, Lori Jenkins said ...

I think about you every time I drive by Joann's on my way to work! Work??? Yikes, that's tomorrow, isn't it?? Yeah, Mon!!! ;-) We brought you something back from Jamaica, Mon! Love you, Mrs. Greg! xoxo
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