I made three more Turkey blocks today while Anna was cleaning.
Now I'm going to the kitchen to make baked chicken breasts and rice for supper.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Saturday, November 26, 2016
On November 26, 1994, twenty-two years ago today, Mr. Vann Cleveland and I became husband and wife.
Happy Anniversary to my Boo in Heaven. I hope you and Sophie are having a great time.
This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.
On 11/26/2016, Pat said ...
Sweet post.
On 11/26/2016, Pat said ...
Sweet post.
On 12/07/2016, annie said ...
Lovely couple, so sorry he's not there with you.
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Friday, November 25, 2016
Hot Patootie, Bless My Soul
Andy added cut-out turkeys to the top of her pie.
Jed thought they were doves.
My family and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day feast yesterday. Everyone was there (ten of us) except for Cait, Jack, Kiley, and Reed, all of whom were either too far away to attend or who were otherwise committed.
The star of the show was daughter Andy's homemade apple pie (see photo above). Truly the best apple pie I have ever had--and I'm somewhat of a pie expert. But coming in very close seconds were sister Ramey's corn casserole and sister Joanne's potato salad. My dressing was nothing to sneeze at either.
I knew before I had finished preparing my dishes that I had caused great harm to the body. I was in so much pain by the time dinner was over, I couldn't sit long enough to play games with the cousins. So I lay on the couch and watched the end of "Footloose," one of my favorite movies because of the dancing, and "Rocky Horror Picture Show, another fave because of the music, instead.
Today I have the pain down to a dull roar as long as I'm lying down and not trying to walk.
Oh how I wish I could find a doctor or medical treatment or a good witch doctor or some kind of remedy for the back pain. I would gladly accept the fibro with it's pain and fatigue if I could just get rid of the spinal problem. Even so, I am truly grateful for all my blessings--of which there is a boat load.
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On 11/25/2016, Joanne Cage said ...
Jed and I are grateful to you for the Thanksgiving celebration dinner, and your true grit in doing all that cooking in spite of the pain. I wish you could find that magic potion or medicine that would cure or at least make it better. Love you!
On 11/26/2016, Pat said ...
Yes, blessings. I was worn out when our family dinner was over but it was wonderful! This morning (Saturday) I did harm by having a boxing match with the air intake filter. I think I know who won but it's in there for another 3 months at least. I agree with all you said. Add new blood pressure medicine and that covers it for now, I hope!
On 11/27/2016, Sandy Gail said ...
I know just how you feel. I thought that when I went to the back neurosurgeon that all my back problems would be solved. Not so, he replaced vertebrae in my neck, smothed bone spurs, etc. The pain specialist gave me epidural shots, but still not much relief. Now they have me on muscle relaxers and Percocet, and still back pain. I managed to get a fairly nice Thanksgiving dinner prepared with my married daughter's help, but the back pain still kept me from church today.
Like you, I try to quilt on a good day. I think the pain specialist will be trying the radio frequency nerve ablation on my back next. I think they burn the nerve endings with microwaves. It sounds scary, but I'll do anything to stop the pain!
Bless you as you go through the days with pain and I rejoice with you on your good days. Sandy Gail (Sandra Neel Hutchins)
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Sunday, November 20, 2016
Turkey Talking One
After my flying geese false starts, I finally got enough correct-size geese made to finish one of my nine blocks. Here it is. Eight more to go. This is turning out to be a lot more complicated than I thought it would be. Probably because of the geese dimension misprint. I thinking the rest of my blocks should go a little faster.
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On 11/20/2016, Trudy Abernathy-Neill said ...
Goodness me that looks like a lot of work! I love the color red so right off I love the block. Hope the rest of them go better for you. I will be so happy when I am able to sew once again. Fighting off frustration here, that is for sure. Take care Susan.!
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Saturday, November 19, 2016
A Free Table Goodie
My quilters guild has a "free table" at each meeting. On this table (well, it's often more than one table), members place fabric, patterns, books, notions, or anything quilt/sewing related that she wants to purge from her stash. On Monday, I carried a bin-full of stuff, and it was all snapped up. I didn't have to bring anything back home.
And, I'm proud to say, I only brought one piece of free fabric back home with me. That's it in the photo above. I thought it would make a pretty cushion for my sofa. Now whether or not or when I get that cushion made is another story.
Today I have to make a hanging sleeve for the back of my "Hootie Bunch" quilt. Daughter Andy saw it yesterday and wanted it. So I'm giving it to her to hang in her house--and early Christmas present.
Still working on replacement flying geese. A couple of you suggested cutting down my too-large geese. I can't figure out how to do that without losing points. If anyone knows how, please let me know.
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On 11/19/2016, Linda Enneking said ...
Could you trim some off the ends and the bottom, which is ivory in your picture?
On 11/19/2016, Jan said ...
Would Monique Dillard's 'Fit To Be Geese' ruler work to cut yours down? You purposely make them larger then use the ruler to make perfect flying geese, points & all. The rulers come in two sizes & I use them anytime I have flying geese in a project.
On 11/29/2016, Jan Oliver said ...
Eleanor Burns has 2 flying geese rulers. Each one has the directions for 2 sizes.
Love the quilt. I'm going to try to finish some projects that are already started without starting more. (Like that's really going to happen!!)
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Thursday, November 17, 2016
Flying Geese Faux Pas
I love Anna Wednesdays. Those are the days, every other week, when Anna comes to clean for me. Her visits give me a good excuse to retreat to my sewing room to stay out of her way. That's the only room she never cleans (she isn't allowed to). But yesterday, Anna Wednesday turned into a pure nightmare.
I was to the point in my Bonnie Hunter "Talking Turkey" quilt where I needed to finish making a bunch of flying geese units. Bonnie gave instructions for a technique I had never used before. I found it to be an easy way to produce great looking flying geese. So I spent the morning adding to my pile of already-made units for my nine-block version of Bonnie's quilt.
Then I was ready to attach them to the blocks. But they didn't fit. They were too big. I looked back at the instructions to see if I had got the correct measurements for my geese. Yep. I measured my geese to see if I had cut the pieces the correct size. I had. I measured and measured and measured and measured. I couldn't figure out what I had done wrong.
This, my quilting friends, is why you should read ALL the instructions before starting--not just the part that relates to the section you're working on. After much hair pulling and moaning, I read on past the part of the instructions I was working on--and I discovered, much to my chagrin, a small misprint or error or, anyway, what I was doing wrong. In the text I was working from, the instructions tell you to cut 4 1/2" squares for your geese. BUT, just a inch or so down the page, you are told to sew your smaller sky squares to your 4 1/4' geese squares--not 4 1/2". That's why my geese were turning out too big. I had cut my geese squares 1/4" too large.
So I put my finished goose units into a pile for "future use" and started over. The new geese with the new measurement fit perfectly.
So if you're making Bonnie Hunter's "Talking Turkey" quilt from her String Fling book, be aware that there's a tiny problem when you start making your flying geese.
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On 11/17/2016, Sue, a Florida Farm Girl said ...
Oh, don't you hate that!! Sometimes they're just plain wrong all the way through and who always goes online to see if there's been a correction to a pattern before using it? Don't folks test patterns before publication? Sorry you had to redo the geese.
On 11/17/2016, Linda Vollz said ...
Oh NO! I would have been spitting nails at that point! It's a good thing you had extra fabric that you could re-make them.
On 11/17/2016, Judy P.l said ...
I usually make my geese too big and trim them down. Couldn't you just make them smaller? Just wondering.
On 11/17/2016, Edwina A Wagner said ...
Thank you so very much. I printed out your "notice of error" and have inserted it in my Spring Fling book. So glad you were feeling well enough to be able to make more geese!! You'll find something to use the extras in... one NEVER has enough geese. :>) Hugs... -e
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Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Guild Meeting Monday
So yesterday morning, much too early if not very bright, I dragged myself out of bed, got ready, and drove myself to quilt guild meeting. So glad I did. It was very good to see friends and beautiful quilts. We had a great program speaker, Julie Graber a quilter and fiber artist from Mississippi. Show and Tell was pretty awesome too (see photos below).
After guild meeting, I stopped by my favorite Chinese restaurant, Mr. Wang's, and partook from their delicious buffet. Then I did a bit of grocery shopping. I think Mr. Wang's had gone a little heavy on the MSG. About halfway through the grocery shopping, I felt like I had an elephant sitting on my chest. I was a little worried I wouldn't make it home. But I did. I took my blood pressure, which was fine. So I took a Benadryl and lay down. By this morning, the effects are gone. I guess no more Mr. Wang's for me. I've had MSG side effects before, so I pretty much knew what it was. But it was still scary. I almost called 911. Glad now that I didn't.
So anyway, here are some of the fantastic quilts feature at yesterday's guild meeting.
Gobble, Gobble
I also hung my "Hootie Bunch" (Owls) quilt. But I've shown it so many times already, I'll didn't include it here. Again, I forgot to take my Nikon to the meeting, so I had to use my iPhone for picture taking--which, as you can see, I haven't got the hang of yet.
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On 11/15/2016, Patty McDonald said ...
Hi Susan. The quilts are lovely as usual.....talented group of women. So glad you are feeling better after eating at Mr. Wang's.
I haven't sent my condolences on Sophie. I am truly sorry for your loss. I've been all consumed with my sister who has cancer for the second time in 5 years. There is nothing more that can be done. I hesitate telling people because it is such sad news but I did want you to know I'm sorry about you losing Sophie. My girls are our companions, protectors, comedy relief, and so much more. I know you will feel the same and will miss her.
May your week be a great one.
Patty Mc
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Sunday, November 13, 2016
A Long Week
It will be one week tonight since my Sophie passed away. I haven't felt like doing much of anything these days. On one day, I think it was Thursday or maybe Friday, Andy and I picked up Sophie's remains and brought her home. Then we had lunch at Cracker Barrel. Yesterday, I watched the Bama game (they beat Miss State) while I finished binding the Owl quilt then quilted a little on the Trick or Tree quilt. My sister and I had tentative plans to go to church this morning, but she has a cold now, and I don't care to go alone. So maybe I'll sew some more today. Or do laundry. Or go back to bed.
Thanks for all your continued notes of condolence. You're the best.
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On 11/13/2016, Trudy Abernathy-Neill said ...
Hi Susan, continuing to think of you and to lift you up from here. It is taking quite a bit of time here to be able to do anything at all for me. I am in my bed at 11a.m with cats and dogs around me. We had a hard frost here last night and it is quite cool today so we must get the woodburner going soon. Be easy on yourself, surround yourself with good memories of Vann and Soph, heal, carry on as we all do. Love your way....Trudy
On 11/15/2016, Pat said ...
Such a pretty girl. Their presence & unconditional love in our lives is such a gift.
On 11/23/2016, Sandra Clarke said ...
Just saw that Sophie died. So sad & I send my love & sympathy. Our pets are so part of our lives & it is so hard to lose them. Our sweet Buster died in June & I miss him so. Keep inspiring us to make beautiful quilts.
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Thursday, November 10, 2016
My Terrible, Horrible, Very Bad Week
This is the first time I've been in the sewing room since, last Friday or Saturday. This week is one I wish I never had to remember but which I know I'll never forget.
First of course, my sweet Sophie passed away on Sunday night around midnight. I was able to sleep for about 2 hour on Sunday night.
On Monday morning, Andy and I took Sophie's little body up to Dr. Rachel's for cremation. A hard, hard trip.
Then before I could even start to recover from that, it was Election Day. I had looked forward to that day with so much excitement. I was going to vote for the first woman president of the United States. I was going to dedicate my vote to all the awesome women in my life who had helped mold me.
I did vote, but not with joy and not with celebration. The loss of Sophie was still too much with me.
On Tuesday night, I watched the returns--and darkness descended. As I'm sure you all know by now, about 1/4 of the voters in this country gave us an inexperienced, immoral buffoon to hold the office of POTUS #45. One-half of the registered voters didn't vote, and about 1/4 voted for Secretary Clinton. (Actually Secretary Clinton received about a quarter million more votes than Donald, but they didn't fall in the right states for them to count.) It was inconceivable to me that America had elected a man who just a few years ago was a reality show joke, a man America loved to hate. That night, I didn't sleep at all.
But last night Skipper and I went to bed early, I read for a while, then went to sleep at a reasonable hour. Almost three days with no sleep finally did me in. I am still shakey, very shakey, today; but I feel like I'm recovering from Sophie's loss, if not the election disaster.
So to keep sane, I have sworn off any tv news until Trump is history or I am dead, whichever comes first. And I am going to throw myself into quilt making and book reading to keep my mind busy.
Sweet and Precious Memories
Thank you all for your kind condolences and words of love to me and the other furbies. I can tell that Skipper and Taco miss Sophie. Taco has started coming to me and lying on my chest for petting, and Skipper is even more clingy than usual. Bella? Well she's just still her same old antisocial self.
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On 11/10/2016, Jane said ...
Susan, you have been on my mind a lot during these past few days, knowing the onslaught of loss you've had to endure. I am broken-hearted as well. Your vow to stop watching the news is a sound one. My mental and emotional health demand that I reclaim the activities in life that nourish me. Best of wishes to you.
love, Jane
On 11/10/2016, Alison said ...
Sending strength from the uk . Still reeling from the brexit vote and now Trump.
On 11/10/2016, Joanne Cage said ...
Dear Sophie was so sweet, and I know she left a big lonesome spot in the Yellow House. Love you, and hope you can find comfort in the things you love to do, like reading and sewing. - JR
On 11/10/2016, Barbara Anne said ...
I SO agree with you and wish we could sit together and set the world to rights.
Love your plan to burrow in and enjoy things that are goood and right.
Big hugs!
On 11/10/2016, Mary said ...
Right there with you, sister! I can understand how you miss your little friend. :-(
And I was awake all night Tuesday night, too -- it left me bereft. I too have given up on the media, and I have rededicated myself to DOING GOOD. One candle can quench a $#!&load of darkness, did you know that? Stay strong! We must not stop standing up for what is good and right. And we must speak up and support each other!
On 11/11/2016, donna said ...
I share your pain of the election (and opinion). It's hard to imagine that America contains so many people who fell for Trump. My condolences for your Sophie. It's really hard to part with such a companion, but I think they remain near us, just in another dimension. I still see glimpses of my Tessa, gone for several years when I come home at night or sit up in an evening.
On 11/11/2016, Sherry said ...
So sorry for your double loss this week. I feel your pain. But as President Obama said the the sun will come out tomorrow and the next day and the next day... Continue to celebrate Sophie and voice your opinion.
On 11/11/2016, Debbie said ...
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Sophie. She was a great companion to you for many years. She was in many of your posts and that was much fun to see and read.
A pet is a great gift and you were blessed with Sophie,
On 11/12/2016, Karen Vessels said ...
This is my first time commenting but I've been reading your blog for a long time. I'm so sorry about the loss of sweet Sophie. I know how hard it must be. I too am just numb over the election results. Voting was so bittersweet for me. I too was so excited to be voting for our first woman president. But living in a very red state (KY) I knew that Trump was going to win my state. I feel like my vote didn't count for anything. Like you, I haven't watched the news shows since Tuesday. I just don't have the stomach for it now. The campaign and election has also ruined Facebook for me. It's been a real eye-opener. Never realized how mean and hateful some people were.
Praying God brings you through your loss. God bless.
On 11/13/2016, Wendy Schwerin said ...
A double-whammy for you this past week. Our tv news is definitely on hiatus. It's personal with me...starting with having a handicapped daughter (I see his mocking constantly in my mind--who could do that?), not to mention Putin and Access Hollywood. Shame. Not on Facebook anymore (and that's a blessing), but I do follow some quilters' blogs. Hugs to you in your loss.
On 11/13/2016, Ginger said ...
I am so sorry for the loss of your Sophie. Pets are a gift from God.
Don't worry about the election. It's all good.
On 11/14/2016, Sandy said ...
So sorry to hear about Sophie. It's hard to imagine a fur baby gone -- the house is so quiet without them. You're right, sewing and quilting always seems to help maintain our sanity.
Prayers and condolences...
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Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Sophie
Sophie Belle Patterpaw
January 11, 2002 ♥ November 6, 2016
This is a hard post to write. It will be short. On Sunday night, just before midnight, my dear sweet Sophie passed from this life and went to be with her PopPop. She had been sick for several days with a severe urinary tract infection. It seems her poor little body just wore out. The house seems empty without her. But she'll live in my heart for the rest of my days.
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On 11/08/2016, Linda Vollz said ...
Susan - I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will miss her dearly. Because of you she knew what if felt like to be loved. Her life was blessed and she knew comfort and contentment. Wishing you strength and God's peace to carry you thru your sadness.
Linda V.
On 11/08/2016, choc chip sally said ...
Oh Susan, I'm so sorry. She had a wonderful life with you. Prayers and hugs to you for the loss of your beloved fur-baby.
On 11/08/2016, gail said ...
Sorry to hear this Susan and am sure you will miss her very much.....keep happy thoughts!
On 11/08/2016, Trudy Abernathy-Neill said ...
huge loss, so wish there was someway to make you feel better .....sending love your way. xo....Trudy
On 11/08/2016, Dolores Tanner said ...
This is so sad, made me cry, so sorry for your loss... Thinking of you, Take Care and God Bless
On 11/08/2016, Cheryl said ...
We lost one of ours 2 weeks ago today. It is never easy. Our little guy was 15. We miss him. Hugs to you.
On 11/08/2016, Beverly said ...
Ah, sweet Sophie. Sending hugs.♥
On 11/08/2016, Anita said ...
Susan, I am so sorry. Remember how much she loved you; she would never have left if her body had been stronger. She stayed as long as she was able.
On 11/08/2016, Bev said ...
It is so hard to lose a loved one. My condolences.
On 11/08/2016, Melanie said ...
I'm so sorry for your loss Susan, it's so hard to lose our precious pets. Sending hugs and wishes for peace and comfort your way.
On 11/08/2016, Linda Wiggins said ...
I'm so sorry about Sophie.
On 11/08/2016, Barbara Anne said ...
My sincere sympathy, sweet friend.
Big hugs and tears
On 11/08/2016, Debra said ...
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Words cannot express how sad I feel for you. I still cry over the loss of my beloved Sooner and it's been almost 2 years. Sending you hugs and prayers.
On 11/08/2016, Sue, a Florida Farm Girl said ...
Susan, I'm so sad for you. Definitely a piece of your heart missing now. Hugs.
On 11/08/2016, Mary said ...
Very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed hearing about her antics. I am sending you warm thoughts!
On 11/08/2016, Vicki said ...
I'm so sorry to hear this. I loved reading about her, and know you gave her a wonderful and loving life. Sending you prayers of comfort and peace to you.
On 11/08/2016, Jan said ...
I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved Sophie.
On 11/08/2016, Stephani in N. TX said ...
So sorry for the loss of your beloved pup! They do keep life interesting, don't they!!
On 11/08/2016, Ellen in Oregon said ...
Susan -
I was so saddened to learn of dear Sophie's death. I know her absence will be greatly felt by everyone at the Yellow House I hope Skipper, Taco and Bella can comfort you a bit as they try to understand Sophie's absence in their own way. I'm sure that the stars in heaven shine a bit brighter now that Vann & his little girl have been reunited.
Thank you for sharing bits of Sophie's life with your readers. It always made me smile to hear what mischief she was up to. Please be kind to yourself during this difficult time. Sophie will be missed by everyone who knew her. Sending gentle cyber-hugs your way.
Ellen in Oregon
On 11/08/2016, Nicole Reed said ...
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Susan. Sophie was such a lovely companion and friend to you. So sad. Please know we are with you in spirit.
On 11/09/2016, Melanie said ...
I am so sorry to hear this. You have my most sincere condolences.
On 11/09/2016, Sherry V said ...
I am so sorry for your loss. Our fur kids are always with us for too short a time. Prayers for comfort are going up for you.
On 11/09/2016, Pat said ...
Oh, I am so sorry to hear this! We love our fur babies so much. Bless you.
On 11/09/2016, Joy said ...
I am so very sorry for your loss.
On 11/10/2016, Jenny Jones said ...
God bless sweet Sophie and may you be comforted by the bright light that she is now in heaven. We will all miss her, even those of us who didn't get to personally meet her.
On 11/10/2016, Thelma said ...
I am so sorry, good dogs don't live near long enough. I'll give my fur ball an extra hug today in Sophie's memory.
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