Always

“Give Thanks,” made about 2001 or 2002 to hang in the vestibule of Leeds First United Methodist Church in memory of the daughter of a dear friend

The chaos has begun. I worked all day long yesterday, trying to get things caught up so that we can celebrate Thanksgiving here on Thursday. I hardly made a dent. Except in my body, which is in great pain this morning.

The Merry Maids are scheduled for another visit on Wednesday, so I might (or very likely, might not) have a clean house for the holiday. The first MM visit was very disappointing. One young lady appeared (when there was supposed to be two). She appeared, strangely, in the house--without knocking on the door or ringing the bell or anything. Just came on in. When she saw the menagerie that is The Yellow House, she got a panicked look on her face. “I’m scared of cats,” she announced.

Now rest assured that during the interview with the Merry Maids rep who came out, I and the furbies made it very obvious that cats live here. But they sent me a young lady with felinaphobia. Go figure.

Perhaps because she was in a hurry to escape the cats, who never even paid her much attention, the woman did a less than stellar job cleaning. It was like hit and miss, mostly miss. A little here, a little there, and not much anywhere.

I have told the company that I’m giving them one more chance to show that they can clean a house. If things turn out the way they did the last time, I’m canceling.

Today’s main goals are to finish the laundry and do my Thanksgiving shopping. Somehow I’m going to have to ignore that pain.

But still I can always find oodles of things for which to give thanks. Here’s a short list: home, family, friends, God’s grace, and pie--always pie.

Happy Holiday Week to all.

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On 11/25/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Love the quilt and agree with its sentiment. I once read that God has two homes: one in heaven and the other in a thankful heart.

Sorry for the disappointing experience with Merry Maids and hope your crew due to come Wednesday does a stellar job and you house sparkles thereafter.

Be good to you and don't over-do the cooking or cleaning. Your family understands your limitations and they love you more than they love your house.

Hugs!
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Leftover Turkey

Some of you might remember these blocks that I made last year. They were to be part of a quilt with autumn/harvest themed blocks. As often happens, though, this project sort of fell by the wayside. I have an idea to use these two blocks in a table runner of wall hanging. I’ll join the two blocks and then appliqué some bands of fabric to represent reins from the turkey to the cart. I’ll maybe call it “Turkey Cart” or “Turkey Wagon.”

If I decide on a table runner, I’ll add a couple of patchwork blocks to each end. If I make a wall hanging, I’ll just add a couple of autumny borders. Not much chance of getting it done for this Thanksgiving. But maybe for next.

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On 11/23/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Cute blocks and such good ideas for their use! Your applique is always so delightful!

Hugs!
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Soup Cozies

I’m making soup cozies for Christmas presents. They’re quick and easy to make. I didn’t time myself, but I estimate about 10 or 15 minutes per cozy. 

I’m going to make a batch of dry soup mix to include with the soup cozy gifts, but I haven’t decided what kind. Maybe bean, maybe potato. Anybody have a good recipe for some dried soup mix?

Note: There are several variations on how to make these bowls. To see how I made mine, go to this link: https://happyhourstitches.com/2016/12/19/soup-bowl-cozy-pattern/

I used precut 10” squares of fabric (layer cake) and also precut 10” batting squares, available from Fat Quarter Shop (https://www.fatquartershop.com/10-inch-square-12-pack-80-20-silky-blend-happy-cloud-quilt-batting) and probably other places too. But you could cut your own fabric and batting squares. Just be sure to use 100% cotton fabric, batting, and thread if your cozies will be used in the microwave. Synthetics can melt when microwaved.

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On 11/23/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Delightful and I thank you for the link!

I plan to make a couple of pot holders so bought some Insul-Bright batting-like product that - interestingly - CANNOT go in the microwave! It's for making insulated lunch bags and such.

Thanks to your link, methinks I'll make two bowl cozies, too. :)

Hugs!
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Good Boy

Skipper came though his dental work like a trooper. In addition to the cleaning, he had a molar removed that was loose. He also had all his annual shots and tests. So he really went through a stressful day yesterday.

He was whiny and goofy last night. But today, he’s pretty much back to normal except for the sore mouth. He’s on pain meds for that, so he’s sleeping a lot. Of course, he always sleeps a lot.

Hard to believe the holidays are upon us. (It won’t be the same without Joanne.) I haven’t decided what’s going to happen for Thanksgiving, but since it’s next week, I guess I have to decide. Jesse expects me to make chicken and dressing, so there’s that. I’ll invite the kids and possibly Sister Ramey and her family. But I’m seriously considering getting takeout sides and dessert from one of the local restaurants/bakeries. The days when I was up to making a big huge meal are long gone.

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On 11/20/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Somehow I lost yesterday but here I am to say how glad I am that Skipper came thru the annoying dental work without a problem. He's clearly happy in your lap!

Many friends who are in our age range seem to be ordering some or all of their Thanksgiving dinners from Cracker Barrel or some other restaurant. We're cooking, but in smaller amounts than in years past.

The holidays will be different without Joanne, but she'll be there in spirit, in your hearts, and in your family stories.

Hugs!
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Thanksgiving Feasting

Brown Sugar Caramel Bundt Cake

Leeds Presbyterian Church had its annual Thanksgiving luncheon after church yesterday. The food was delicious and the fellowship was sweet. I love getting together with people I like. 

The luncheon was potluck. I made deviled eggs and the above cake. I had found the recipe for the cake on Pinterest and wanted to give it a try. So without a trial run, I made it for our luncheon. On Saturday night, during the making of the cake, I thought I had a disaster on my hands. The cake came out of the oven, looking like it would fall apart when I took it out of the pan. It didn’t. Phew.

I had even worse luck with the caramel sauce topping. The recipe called for the sauce to be made with sweetened condensed milk. I used Eagle Brand and followed instructions to the letter. But the Eagle Brand scorched right away, and my sauce came out with little black flecks in it. I knew I couldn’t pour that over my cake. But it was late at night, and I surely didn’t want to go out looking for replacement Eagle Brand. So I went with my usual caramel sauce recipe: milk, brown sugar, and butter. It turned out fine this time, just not as pretty as the topping on the cake in the recipe photo. 

The cake was a hit. Everyone was asking who make it and giving it all kinds of accolades. I finally had a piece, and darned if wasn’t quite tasty.

We’re a small but zealous congregation.

Skipper is at the vet having his teeth cleaned. His breath just got so bad that I think it was bothering even him. I’m a little nervous about the whole thing. They have to give him anesthesia to do the procedure. Also as I was leaving, little Skip comes running from the back of the clinic, having slipped his collar and leash, all ready to go home with me. The tech got the boy in hand, but not before I had big tears running down my cheeks. I don’t think I’ll take a deep breath until I’m reunited with my Skipper.

NOTE: As I was proofreading this post, I got a call from the vet. Skipper is all done and awake, and he did fine. Lost one tooth (Doc said it was so loose it basically fell out). I was so happy to know he was ok, I didn’t think to ask which tooth. Hope it wasn’t a front tooth. I’ll pick him up in a couple of hours, bring him home, and we’ll share some couch time.

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On 11/18/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

What a wonderful looking cake and I hope you'll post a link to the recipe or add the recipe to the ones here on your blog. Oh, and do please add your caramel icing recipe as I cannot have cream (sniffle, sniff).

Love the photo of your fellow church members!

Wishing Skipper well as he recovers from his dental work. Be sure to have some soft food for him in case his throat is sore and perhaps some soft treats, too. Please give us an update on Skipper after you get him back home.

Big hugs!
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Autumn Peters Out

Autumn sped through Alabama like a NASCAR driver at Talladega. After a couple of days of beautiful Indian Summer weather, winter is now here--cold, cloudy, and damp. I’m grateful that one of those bright days was last Sunday when we laid my sister Joanne to rest. It still feels very unreal that she could be gone. Someone who has been in your life for your entire life should continue in it for the rest of your life--at least that’s how it feels. My mind said goodbye, but I’m not sure my heart has yet.

Yesterday sister Ramey and I began the task of packing up Joanne’s house. We got about half a dozen large garbage bags filled with thrift store donations and another few bags of things to take home and think about. But we barely scratched the surface. And although there was no lifting and not much toting, I did a number on my back. Could barely walk when I got home. This morning, it’s better but still painful. I think we’ll have to postpone more work until after the weekend.

I’m itching to get back to the sewing room. I have some Christmas deadlines that I truly don’t want to miss. Maybe after a hefty dose of Ibuprofen, I can get a little done today. To do so, however, I’ll have to ignore the laundry that is piling up.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and notes of condolence. You have been a true comfort.

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On 11/15/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Others have been through such sad losses that I imagine the mantra "One Day at a Time" came from such sorrow.

It's wise of you and Ramey to take your time dealing with all that's in Joanne's home. Might the nieces help out> I remember when Rob's grandmother died, AMIL was so distresses that her sisters did not wait for her to arrive for the funeral but had already divided up her possession and tossed other things without her having a say at all.

Autumn has blazed through our area, too, and it seems we're nearly on to winter already.

Gig hugs!
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Saying Goodbye

Joanne Ramey Cage, 84, of Leeds Alabama passed away on November 4, 2019. Joanne was born in Birmingham and lived in Leeds, Birmingham, Huntsville, Selma, and Montgomery. She attended the University of Alabama and worked at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. A dedicated poet, she wrote her first poem in third grade. After she retired, she started sharing her poems and continued writing new ones. She won many awards from the Alabama State Poetry Association, including first-place awards in the Association's top contests. She joins her daughter, Virginia Anne Cage in Heaven. She is survived by her sons, Julius Theodore Cage and James DeWitt Cage, her sisters Susan Ramey Cleveland and Patricia Ramey Channell, and her nieces Caitlín Rebekah Kiernan, Angela Wright Osborn, India Camille Dyer, and Buffy Channell Hosey. Memorial services will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2019, at Kilgroe Funeral Home in Leeds. Visitation with the family will start at 1:00 p.m. and services will begin at 2:00.

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On 11/10/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Blessings and peace to you and all who love Joanne as you gather today to say good-bye to her for now.

Blessings and peace, too, in the days and weeks ahead.

Hugs

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On 11/10/2019, Nicole said ...

Thinking of you and wishing you comfort in the days ahead as you remember your dear sister Joanne.

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On 11/10/2019, Jan said ...

Thinking of you & your loved ones at this heartbreaking time.

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On 11/12/2019, Sandra Clarke said ...

Sympathy & love to you in the loss of your sister.
❤️🙏❤️
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With a New Voice

Sarah Joanne Ramey Cage
December 27, 1934 - November 4, 2019

 

 

Singing in the Wilderness

 

For a year I sang in the choir

at Church of the Ascension,

until the director discovered

I was only moving my mouth

and never making a sound.

 

I had to be in the middle of the singing,

though I'd never been able to read the notes

or carry a tune in a bucket.

So I may not sing in the choir

when I enter the pearly gates:

 

But if I can just be in the middle of the singing,

my heart will sing like a mockingbird.

 

                                     By JRC, 01/26/16

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On 11/05/2019, Rega said ...

I have enjoyed reading your blog for years. I am a knitter. I am so sorry for the loss of your sister and am thinking and praying for you and your family.

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On 11/05/2019, Nicole said ...

My deepest condolences Susan.

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On 11/05/2019, Mary Lines said ...

Praying for you and your family.

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On 11/05/2019, Sylvia said ...

So very sorry. Sharing your sadness and wishing you comfort.

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On 11/05/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

With deepest sympathy to you and the family in the loss of your dear sister and friend.

Grace, peace, love, and hugs, my friend.

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On 11/05/2019, Jan said ...

I am sending my deepest sympathy for the loss of your sister.

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On 11/05/2019, Helen in Switzerland said ...

So very sorry to hear your news. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time for you all.

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On 11/05/2019, Melanie Winters said ...

I'm so sorry for your loss, hoping you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have of your precious sister.

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On 11/05/2019, Jane McCarthy said ...

I am so very sorry for the loss of your sister. I am sure she is right in the middle of the choir and making beautiful music.

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On 11/05/2019, Suze said ...

Susan,
so sorry for your loss...sending prayers

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On 11/06/2019, Judy Cloe said ...

I am very sorry you have lost your sister and grateful you still have one sister to share your grief. Sending love and hugs.

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On 11/07/2019, Sue, a Florida Farm Girl said ...

She's got to be singing sweet music now. My condolences on the loss of your dear sister.

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On 11/07/2019, Jeanne Horacek said ...

So sorry for the loss of your sister. I have read your blog posts for years and know your family is near to your heart. I will pray that you will find comfort in all the beautiful memories you have of her.

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On 11/08/2019, Pat said ...

I’m so sorry for your loss. Love the poem. Keep singing YOUR song. Hugs.

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On 11/10/2019, Bonnie Anderson said ...

I'm so sorry for your great loss. May your wonderful memories help to sustain you.
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In a Country Graveyard

Yesterday, Ramey and I visited the very old country cemetery where our mama, daddy, grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins rest. She wanted to show me the spot she had claimed for the three Ramey sisters, and I whole-heartedly approved. 

This little cemetery is really, really old--well over a hundred years old. No one purchases space in it, but you do have to request a spot (or spots) and show that you have family there. Donations accepted, of course.

A very old part of the cemetery

Some relatives

Ramey makes some repairs on the 100-plus-year-old homemade marker of our great grandparents.

Ramey and I visited Joanne and nephew Jed afterwards. Joanne is sleeping peacefully all the time now. Since she is in hospice care, she is getting no nourishment nor liquids. And so, we wait. It feels very weird and sad. Almost unreal. And we pray.

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On 11/03/2019, Debbie Price said ...

It is so hard, waiting and watching. My sister and I took shifts, sitting with my daddy when he was in hospice. I talked so much to him, hoping he heard. I read to him, too.
I love you guys. You have all touched my life in ways you may never know.
Please whisper to Joanne that I love her and I told my daddy to watch for her. They would have really liked each other.
All my love, to all of you.

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On 11/03/2019, Jan said ...

Wishing you & your family strength at this sad time.

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On 11/03/2019, Ramey Channell said ...

Susan, Thank you for posting this. The pictures look great! And thanks to Debbie and Jan for their sweet comments.

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On 11/03/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

We, too, watched over AMIL when she was in hospice care and read to her, taking a lots about the good memories we shared. We requested that the radio in the room be kept on a music station when we weren't there.

Remember the good times as they've been plentiful.

Peace be with each of you at this difficult time.

Love and hugs.
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The Haunting of Yellow House

What walks here????

I have never believed nor disbelieved in ghosts. Well, not since childhood at least. I've never experienced one of the critters except in literature, art, music, and movies. And I've just never had an occasion to have to decide whether or not such things exists. I think now, I have to decide.

I have written about the strange and continuing disappearance of dishes that has been happening for about a year now. I have learned to live with that. After all, I have more dishes than I need. And until one of my pink Mason Vista transferware plates disappeared after book club last month, nothing that I treasure had been victim to the phenomenon.

But now something really disturbing has happened. A couple of weeks ago, I sewed binding to the front of the Spooky mini quilt that I made for my DIL's Christmas present. I have not had a chance to finish it up, and it has been lying upstairs in my sewing room where no one goes but me. This morning, the Merry Maids lady came (for the first time), and I had a little time to stitch. And look what I discovered when I picked up the Spooky quilt to work on the binding!

One of the mitered corners had been whacked away.

Look what a mess!

This is how the other three corners look--and how the fourth corner looked when I left it.

I know positively that I did not do this. For one thing, after I had sewn the binding down, I went all around checking to see if I had got all the edges sewn. I know I would have seen a whacked off corner if, for some reason, I had whacked it off.

To my knowledge, nobody else has been in my sewing room. Not even Jesse, who would have never done such a ridiculous thing anyway. I guess I could blame one of the furbies. But I have an easier time believing in ghosts than believing that one of the pets would have/could have operated a pair of scissors.

No, ladies and gentleman, I am now of the opinion that something unusual is going on in my house. Someone or something is trying to either get my attention or piss me off. Call it a haunting, a ghost, a poltergeist, sunspots, or underground rivers. I want it to stop. I have to unsew enough of the binding to be able to splice another strip in (which, thank goodness, I still have some of) and do another miter. So I best get to it, hadn't I? Before the cleaning lady leaves.

This afternoon, sister Ramey and I are going to the cemetery to choose a burial plot. I hate this. Joanne is still with us, if only just barely. I have never started funeral planning before someone has passed. But this is what Joanne's son, our nephew Jed, wants us to do. So we're doing it. I think we'll pick out three plots while we're there, so that Un, Deux, and Trois can all be laid to rest as together.

Happy November, everyone.

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

Your damaged corner is a puzzlement.

I recently had a similar mystery but in reverse. I needed to repair binding on the flannel quilt AMIL made for FIL as it had an area where the binding had pulled away from the quilt. When I looked for that area before starting to machine sew (all the binding was loose), it had already been repaired. I didn't do it and DH says he didn't do it. Odd.

I'm so very sorry at the sad task you and Ramey are faced with this afternoon. Prayers continue.

Hugs :(

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

That is so weird Susan. Could someone have access to your house while you are away? That's the first thing that popped into my mind. I am a sceptic too when it comes to the paranormal. Although, there is a very cool Scottish woman who is on YouTube who swears her house is haunted and presents a convincing argument. Her channel is "Sparkles Books" (she mostly does book reviews which you would enjoy too). Her ghost mainly opens up all her cupboard doors and does little acts of mischief.
Sorry you have to do such a sad errand today.

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

Have you considered a recording doorbell or security cameras? There comes a point when it's not amusing any longer. I'm so sorry for your heartbreaking task but you are right, your nephew needs his aunts at this difficult time.

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On 11/03/2019, Ann Marie said ...

I would get a hidden camera and set it up, probably need more than one.
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