Sad Days

My family is going through tough times, so some things like blogging, quilting, reading, etc., have been put on hold. My older sister, Joanne, is gravely ill. The medical staff has said her days are numbered--they just aren’t able to tell us what that number is. She has been going downhill very rapidly during the past week, however, so we don’t expect to have much longer with her.

Joanne, Mama and Daddy’s first child, was born a whole decade before I, their second, was. Sister Ramey came along about 3 1/2 years after me.

Because of the age difference, Joanne has been almost like a second mom to me. She was there for me during most of the tragedies and joys of my life. She sewed either my wedding dress of my prom dress (I can never remember which--Mama sewed one and Joanne sewed the other). She encouraged my writing. She introduced me to beer (I drank my first beer at her house when I was 18). She shares my love of literature and quilting. And she’s a wonderful poet. 

I’m rambling, I know. Just typing things as they come into my head. Joanne, as well as sister Ramey, have been rocks in my life. We’re like a unit, “the three Ramey sisters,” “Un, Deux, and Trois." I don’t know what we’ll do when Un is gone.

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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 10/30/2019, Rose said ...

I'm so sorry. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

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On 10/30/2019, Anita said ...

I'm so sorry, Susan.

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On 10/30/2019, Melanie Winters said ...

I'm so sorry Susan, thoughts and prayers for you and yours.

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On 10/30/2019, Bev said ...

Oh I am so sorry.

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On 10/30/2019, Sharon said ...

Susan,so sorry. I will be sure to pray for all your family.

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On 10/30/2019, Nicole said ...

I am so sorry Susan. I lost my sister a few years ago and miss her so much. I will be thinking of you and your family.

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On 10/30/2019, Sherri C said ...

I'm so sorry. Keeping you all in my prayers.

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On 10/30/2019, Jan said ...

I'm so sorry Susan. Your are in my heart & in my thoughts at this difficult time.

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On 10/31/2019, Sandra Clarke said ...

Thinking of you & your family at this sad time. Love & prayers for peace.
Love,
Sandra❤️🙏❤️

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On 11/01/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

I hope there is a cure for what ails your dear sister Joanne and that it's available now, in the nick of time so all will be well. Wish, hope, and pray.

Holding you in my heart at this worrisome time.

Big hugs

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On 11/02/2019, Pat said ...

I’m so sorry. Praying for you and your family.
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Autumn’s Here; Christmastime’s a’Comin'

Ahhhhh. 40s at night, 70s in the daytime. Now that’s what I call Autumn! It’s finally here. I’m sure we’ll have the occasional spell of very warm to almost hot weather, but these days of cool breezes are wonderful. Of course, the atmospheric changes do a number on the pain sensors too. But I’ll take them to be rid of blazing temps and sloshing humidity.

I’m happy to say that I got off the couch yesterday. Sister Ramey and I shopped for some goodies for Sister Joanne who has been a bit under the weather recently. I tried to talk Ramey into doing lunch, but she had to take her grandson Reed for a haircut. So I picked up Chinese for me and Jesse, went back home, settled in my nest on the couch, and did some reading.

I’m reading Stephen King’s new book The Institute. Happy to report it’s another King of Horror page-turner. 

I’m having another sewing room dry spell and anxious to get some sewing done. I have Christmas gifts to work on and the holidays draw ever nearer. Seems like just the other day that I made the resolution to get an early start on Christmas. Well a do have several things “started.” Just nothing “finished."

Early in the week, I had a phone call from a friend in Virginia. She told me that she was driving down to Georgia to pick up another friend and they were coming to my neck of the woods to see some of us who went to high school together. She said she would call again when she had more details. So far, no more details. I wonder if they’re still coming.

I have the laundry done, and nothing else is pressing, so I’m going to try to get up those stairs to the sewing room. Later, gators.

 

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On 10/18/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Same weather here and its glorious! Wish the rain had come sooner as the trees aren't nearly as colorful as usual due to the lack of rain. Last Tuesday day long rain helped, but probably wasn't soon enough to save the trees' autumn show.

Love your Halloween/autumn photo. What lovely colors in those pretty quilts!

I'm about to press my Halloween OP project that I had quilted with orange thread and it delights me every time I see it.

My Christmas sewing is nearly finished but of course now I'm considering making a winter table runner for DH's aunts who live together.

Put some happy music on in your sewing room and enjoy!

Hugs!
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RUGS???

The Merry Maids lady and I had a great visit yesterday. I walked her through the house for her thorough investigation. She rubbed window sills, climbed into the bathtub, scratched stains, found a cobweb. That gal was sho nuff thorough. 

In the process, she stopped to admire all my quilts that she came across and kept asking me if I really made them all. I guess we’re all familiar with non-quilt people calling them “blankets.” That bugs me no end. But this woman, until I corrected her (I just had to), referred to them as “rugs.” Rugs, mind you. Have you ever heard that?

She loved the animals, although she was a bit nonplussed by Taco’s big eyes. “He looks like he wants to attack me,” she said at one point. I assured her that he was the friendliest of cats and would not think of attacking her. The only person he ever attacks is Andy, and we haven’t figured out why he does that.

Except for the rug comment, Michelle the Merry Maids Lady was charming. With a deliciously thick southern good-ol’-girl accent, she gave me all the details, and more numbers than I could keep track of. She was not at all high-pressure, a thing that I especially value.

In the end, I decided to sign up for 12 months of service at a not-so-nominal fee. (I can opt out at any time, but if I cancel before the 12 months is over, there’s a fee.)The service will begin with a “deep cleaning,” which is especially needed, then every other visit will be a deep cleaning. The others will be regular. It remains to be seen the quality of the service, but the sales pitch was most agreeable--as there was no pitch at all, just information.

Watched two Netflix movies of note last night: “El Camino,” which is the continuation of the embattled life of Jesse Pinkman, one of the main characters from “Breaking Bad,” and “Fractured,” a real nail biter of a psychological thriller.

I needed the distraction of good entertainment last night as the Pain Monster was on me like a duck on a june bug. I guess I should have opted for something more serene and calm than the two I picked, but strangely, I am much more distracted by thrillers than more jolly movies and books. The pain has let up a little bit this morning--as long as I sit still or lie on the couch. But, as usual, that old monster doesn’t like me to be on my feet. 

I’ve come to feel quite the slacker. I read these women’s comments and posts on the Facebook pages peopled by chronic pain sufferers, and they don’t seem to feel a smidgen bit of guilt because of their inabilities to keep up with their normal responsibilities. Then why do I? I could blame it on my first husband, who has been known to come home and run his hands above the door frames to see if there was any dust. But that was years ago. I should be over all that nonsense by now. I think I must just have a guilt gene.

Happy whatever day this is to all.

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On 10/16/2019, Deb said ...

Funny maid story! I've never had a thorough house cleaning but it sounds like something I would love (and need!). Hope it works out for you and it will be money well spent!

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On 10/17/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Am glad you tried to educate this woman as all good Southerners should know a quilt when they see on - no matter the size or location! Hope the Merry Maids are as good in Leeds as they were when I hired them long ago in Memphis.

Now, honey, I used to work with a nurse who felt guilty over absolutely everything for having to work to provide for her baby to should have done laundry to hang out before coming to work, to having the wrong color nail polish on. I decided then and there that feeling guilty is a choice in most situations. You didn't vote to have fibro. and the limitations it causes,it was done unto you without your say so. Therefore, no guilt!!!

Hugs!

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On 10/22/2019, Wendy said ...

Oh my - I cannot even imagine my husband thinking of checking the door frames for dust. Best to put that memory way behind you. I think maybe it isn't slacking that you feel but a desire to do more than you are able and that is frustrating! Chronic pain is exhausting and wearing both physically and mentally. Maybe just try to be gentle with yourself with your inner dialogue. You are doing all you can under your current circumstances and that is all you can do. I would certainly use my energy to quilt instead of house cleaning! You have made some very beautiful quilts.
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Halfway Through October

I can’t believe my favorite month is halfway over. I’m loving the cooler weather, which finally showed up a few days ago. But still not color.

It’s dawning on me that I’m spending far too much time on the couch. A few minutes at a time on my feet is all my back will tolerate, so I retreat to the couch, where I get nothing done. Well, I do read a lot and do a little hand work from time to time. But anything that makes me stand or that requires much movement is very uncomfortable. That limits sewing room time greatly. I hate it. 

I have an appointment in November for my first injection of what is supposed to be a series of three to kill the nerve that is causing so much trouble. There’s no guarantee of success (of course) and even if it works, I’m told that effects will last only a few months and then it will have to be done all over again. Apparently nerves grow back.

I’m a little nervous about this procedure. I don’t know anyone who has had this particular one done. But I have to do something or accept a life as a couch potato. I don’t want that; it sounds too much like being a vegetable.

I have someone coming at 11:00 from Merry Maids to give me an estimate on house cleaning. After more than a year without housekeeping help, the Yellow House is looking a bit worse for the neglect. 

Cloudy today with a promise of rain. 

 

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On 10/15/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Sweet friend, I hope the Merry Maids can help with your housekeeping since your back keeps you from doing those tasks.

Hope, too, that the injections your doctor plans for November will help you sail comfortably through the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons so you can enjoy yourself, family, and that most wonderful time of year.

You're in my heart and in my prayers.

Big hugs!

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On 10/16/2019, Deb said ...

Susan, maybe this is a good temporary answer to your pain! I hope all goes well!
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More Little Girls

I finally got a little time in the sewing room this week, enough at least to get four more Little Girl blocks made. 

I now have twelve Little Girl blocks, half of what is called for in the pattern I’m using. I’m pretty sure I’m not going to go by the pattern for the entire quilt though. I don’t really care for that large house block in the center. But I’m not sure yet just what I am going to do.

But I do have a tentative title for the quilt, which will probably dictate the final quilt: “Little Girls Come in All Colors.” I’m thinking of making one of the little girl's face and hands pale green so as to include the space alien contingent. Maybe not. But maybe. So far, they’re just all shades of human skin color. Except orange. (Oops!)

On that note, I think I’ll close. 

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On 10/04/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Which word shall I use? Charming or darling or both? Methinks it will be both! Love your bevy of little girls and your tentative title, too. Well done! It will be interesting to see what other shades of skin colors you'll choose.

I remember when it dawned on me that my skin didn't match the "Flesh" color in the Crayon box. What a shock to my small self!

Enjoy the relaxing process of making each additional little girl.

Hugs!

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On 10/10/2019, Deb said ...

Hi Susan, I like your little girls. I've been on the lookout for a pattern to use just in case I ever get a granddaughter (5 grandsons now). This could be a choice...I had thought about The Pattern Basket's butterfly pattern which I do like. We'll see .
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Still in Recovery Mode

Taco is helping me rest up.

Getting ready for my book club group to meet at my house was pretty difficult, as usual. The house wasn’t nearly as spiffed as I would have liked, but nobody seemed to mind. And it was all worthwhile. We had a great time. After eating and visiting (and more eating) we discussed the wonderful book Dairy Queen Days by Robert Inman (see left sidebar for description). Ramey had brought a wonderful concoction she called Maple Pumpkin Bread Pudding. I  call it “To Die For Stuff.” Scrumptious. My chicken salad and egg salad croissants were hits too. I have received some beautiful notes from the ladies about what a fine time they had. Makes me happy.

Our mini groaning board

 

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On 10/03/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

It all looks and sounds scrumptious and your table looks so pretty! Is there any chance of your sharing the recipe for Ramey's Maple Pumpkin Bread Pudding? Hope so.

Didn't I tell you that your book club friends would have a lovely time even if the house wasn't perfectly clean to your own standards? :)

Now relax (following Taco's excellent example) and enjoy your lovely home as well as (I hope) some yummy leftovers.

Hugs!
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