A Better Day

Feeling some better today. And Skipper is back to his eating, barking, sweet old self. I think he must have eaten something inedible from the back yard that made him sick. I’m glad he’s better and I’m glad we don’t have to go to the vet. He is too.

I think I finally got the hang of making the masks. This morning, when I was able to focus, the process seemed simple and quick. I’ll be making more tomorrow.

Our governor has opened up retail stores and the beaches, but everything else stays as it. Schools closed and all businesses that can’t operate with social distancing (hair stylists, massage therapists, tattooists, etc.) I’m not happy about the beaches, but it could be worse. The retail stores are to operate the same as grocery stores, with limited occupancy and social distancing rules. 

I’m really worried for friends in other states, like Georgia and Tennessee, whose governors are not being as thoughtful and sensible as Mayor Ivey.

Gotta go. I’m hungry.

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On 04/29/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

So glad you're feeling better!

Love the fabrics you've chosen for the masks, too. I've read on-line that elastic for around the ears causes chafing for those who wear the masks for hours and hours while at work. It's suggested you either make cotton ties with the upper ties attaching vertically and the lower ties attaching horizontally so the masks can fit all head sizes without chafing.

Hugs!

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On 05/01/2020, Deb said ...

Glad that you're ok Susan. Your masks look nice. My daughter decided to advertise on her etsy to make masks... and she has been up to her ears in orders! She's made close to 60 and still going strong.
I've been making an improv quilt along with the Moda blockheads 3 once a week block. Keeping busy here... sorry I don't check in as often...but when I do, I always try to catch up on your doings! You're a very faithful blogger!
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For Every Bad, There’s a Worse

“Hang in There"

The sadness has abated somewhat--but now I’m as nervous as a cat in a roomful of rocking chairs. I tried to make surgical masks for daughter Andy to wear when she has to go back to work in the office, which is probably going to be soon. It was a total disaster. Children make these things, for Pete’s sake, but all I could do was wrong. I finally gave up and decided maybe I’d be in better form tomorrow.

But I ain’t betting on it. As Thomas Hardy once said (or wrote), “For every bad, there is always a worse.” I read today that the food chain is in eminent danger of breaking down. We passed 55,000 deaths today (which I don’t consider politics, btw). And Skipper has had tummy problems all day. He’s sleeping now, so I’m hoping he’s feeling better. If he isn’t ok by tomorrow, we’ll suit up and make a trip to the vet.

And I lost Bella. I realized at about 5:00 that I hadn’t seen her in some times. I searched the downstairs, all her sleeping places and elsewhere. So maybe I had shut her in the sewing room, which happens. But no, she wasn’t in the sewing room, nor anywhere else upstairs. So I searched the downstairs again, this time looking under everthing--not an easy task for me anymore. I thought maybe she had gone out the last time I let Skipper out, so I searched the back porch, the back yard, the front yard, the street. At the point where I was just about to give up and call Jesse and tell him I had lost his cat, I turned around and there she was behind me. She jumped up on the kitchen table and meowed for treats, which I did not give her. I’m still mad at her.

On top of everything, I was sure this morning that I had the virus. My throat is sore, my eyes are burning and watery, I have episodes of shortness of breath, and the pain (which is always with me) is worse. So I took my temp this morning, and was reassured that it apparently is not the virus. I registered a cool 95.6, which in no way could be considered fever. My temp always runs low, but I’m not sure it has ever been that low. So I guess it’s just the usual suspects: allergies and chronic pain.

So be well, everyone. Keep it together, and HANG IN THERE.

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On 04/28/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Love the picture of the cat hanging onto the quilt and its facial expression!

When searching for our cats, I would open a can of cat food and the cats would come running. Like you, I don't have the energy to look hither, thither, and everywhere in between where a cat could fit.

A bazillion cheers that you don't have the virus!!!!!! Take an allergy pill, pick up a book, and pamper yourself, sweet friend.

Hugs!

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On 04/28/2020, Sandra Clarke said ...

Susan, I am glad I am not the only one who has had trouble with mask making! Machine acted up, took to repair shop, got out second machine, forgot how to use it & finally gave up. It would not sew, so I guess it will go to shop too! Then my trusty iron quit...... got my first machine back but every thing I have done, I have followed the directions somehow wrong, plus the 2 I did complete, I do not really like. I am now working on one I found on Riley Blake’s site. This one has no elastic & has a place to insert a filter. I have sewn since I wa little so I hope the new mask will not be a pain
Feel better soon! Keep inspiring us!!
Sandra

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On 04/28/2020, Suze said ...

You may not be out of the woods yet. I think I had the virus...all the symptoms matched. But...I did not have a fever the whole time...only for about a day in the middle of the sickness. Once they have antibody tests available, I will find out if I had it. I was hacking up a lung and felt really miserable for a couple of weeks.
Cats are A..H...s! Glad Bella was not really lost.
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Sadness Caught Up With Me

I usually try to stay pretty upbeat and positive. I try to laugh several times a day. But yesterday, I crashed. 

So much sad news. We passed 50,000 deaths from the virus. Snake oil medicine man pushes deadly cure. Memories drifting to sad occasions in my life. Everything I found on tv to distract me brought more sadness: Emily “dies” in an old “Criminal Minds” episode; stalwart governors and news anchors crying; leaders, fearing for their political lives, opening up their states to the virus. And I was missing sister Joanne and wondering what she would think of the drastic changes in our world since she left us just a few months ago.

But then, late last night, sister Ramey called and I managed to squeeze off a few chuckles. In spite of the fact that we talked about sad things too: would we ever get to make another trip to the thrift store, would her daughter ever take the virus threat seriously and stop going out amongst it for fun, would we ever have a chance to wear nice clothes again, why has “Black List” become so confusing? 

Today I’m leaving the tv off, taking a break from the sad news. I’ll try to entertain only happy memories and keep the faith that this will be over some day and that, when it is, our thrift store will be waiting for us. 

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On 04/25/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Bless your heart, sweet friend! We've decided it's time to break out our favorite, happy DVDs and books along with happy movies on TV. We wash our hands, stay home, and wear masks when we have to leave home. That's all we can do to cope. Oh, and DH putters in his work shop and I sew.

Hope you can change your focus so you're in a happier frame of mind. Perhaps you can shop in your attic or closets for forgotten treasures that you can pretend you got at the thrift store (but are free!) and Ramey can do the same. Meet over zoom to show off what you've found. Then ohh, and ahh over your finds while enjoying tea and cake (or cookies).

Millefiori continues to grow beautifully!

Hugs!

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On 04/25/2020, Helen in Switzerland said ...

Hi Susan
I am in the same place as you. I've been valiantly going about my life, in it's new limited version, and seeing the silver linings in time with my family, the lovely spring weather etc and yesterday I crashed. I just couldn't see a way out of this and I really want my old life back. I want to travel, see my friends, go to work and actually see people....
Will we get our old lives back? Not for a long while I guess. Somehow we are just going to have to stay positive.
Take good care, Helen in Switzerland

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On 04/26/2020, Patty McDonald said ...

You are not alone. I've been very up beat during this stay at home time. Last week, after having a fun conversation with a good friend,I had a mini melt down and cried. The sadness lasted for the rest of that evening. I was missing my 'old' life of Fridays with my sew group. The next morning I decided to make a wall hanging for the quilt room. It says My house is untidy, the gardens overgrown, my hair is a mess, but you should see what I've sewn. I saw this saying somewhere and wrote it down and now it's in a quilt. Called 5 sew friends and asked if they are interested in making the quilt. So I'm kitting it up (my stash will out live me), putting it in bags, and letting it sit for a week before everyone comes to pick up their kit. They can call when turning down our street and I will put the kit outside our gate. It lifted my spirits to share with friends.

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On 04/26/2020, Bonnie said ...

We all share your blues, especially when there is such a lack of leadership in our country. Take a look at the videos of Captain Tom, the 99-year-old man who raised something like 17 million pounds for the NHS. Remarkable people are still around, and he cheered me immensely. I hope our hearts can carry this heavy load. But it will get brighter. Take care.

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On 04/27/2020, Mary Lines said ...

You aren't alone. I wound up at urgent care with chest discomfort. Easy fix - acid reducer tablets - and a very caring nurse practitioner who took the time to talk and listen. It's the little things. Hang in there; it has to get better.
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Please Don’t Listen to Him

When I was 11 years old, the mother of a very good friend of mine committed suicide by drinking disinfectant. 

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On 04/26/2020, Elaine McGhee said ...

Who is the "him"? I heard someone incorrectly say that Trump encouraged folks to drink lysol! How crazy is that? Someone else said that Washington folks said to inject Drano! What is the world coming to when people use a crisis to fight and try to push agendas? Makes me sad. Hope folks have enough sense to ignore such idiocy! Stay safe. Sort through your fabrics, just to play with the colors. I have.

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On 04/26/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

How did I miss this one? Yet another reason Agent Orange (bad for everyone) should be in jail for practicing medicine without a license. How outrageous!

So sorry to hear about your childhood friend's mother.

Hugs!

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On 04/27/2020, Ginger Martin said ...

I am sorry politics has to infect our wonderful quilting blogs.
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Back at It

After improvement in my carpal tunnel situation, I’ve landed somewhere between the 6-8 hours/day I was spending on this project and the few minutes at a time I was spending when the hand was acting up. Yesterday I spent most of the afternoon cutting pieces and gluing them to their paper templates. That doesn’t bother my hand like the hand stitching does. Last night I stitched a few star points to their center hexagons. 

This will be the final large rosy that I have to stitch. Then I have oodles of the smaller ones. I haven’t counted just how many. But they should go much faster than the large ones have.

I hope you are all staying well out there. The situation is getting much scarier with some governors planning to call off the lockdown right at the height of the pandemic. I plan to do just as I have been doing--staying home. When I do have to go out, I’m wearing my mask and gloves and staying away from people.

I don’t like being confined to quarters any more than anybody else does. But I know it’s for my own safety as well as the safety of others. I’m blessed to have a home to quarantine in, and to have the luxury of staying safe in it. So many don’t have that luxury. 

A humongous THANK YOU to all the health workers, law enforcement workers, grocery store workers, and all the others who have to go out into the infected air and risk their lives every day. May God hold them up.

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On 04/21/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

So glad you're again able to work on that glorious millefiori project and wish you well on all the littles to come.

I, too, am grateful to have a fulfilling hobby that I love and that is too much fun to see me through these troubled times. The Laundry Basket quilt-along is keeping me happily busy.

The many folks who continue to work to care for the sick, to feed the rest of us, and in all other jobs that keep us going have my heartfelt thanks, too.

Hugs!

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And the Fates Conspire Against Me

Work on the millefiori quilt came to somewhat of a screeching halt earlier this week when my right hand suffered a major carpal tunnel flare. I was diagnosed several years ago and afterwards have pretty much denied the condition until I have a big flare. This one got so bad, with three fingers totally numb and pain throughout the rest of my hand, that I could no longer feel the needle. I was forced to cry "uncle."

I started doing my hand exercises and wearing my brace when I didn’t need my hand for other things (I wear it all night while sleeping). Things got better, but I’m still able to only sew a little at a time. No more 6-8 hour stretches of hand sewing as I was previously doing.

This might mean I’ll miss my self-imposed deadline of August 31 to finish this project and get it to the quilter. But I’m still determined to have it ready to enter in my guild’s 2021 quilt show (if we’re out of quarantine by that time).

Speaking of quarantine, my book club met by way of Zoom yesterday. It was my first experience with the app, and I was quite intimidated when I learned of the plans. But with the help of one of our member’s husband, who set us up and gave us a password, it was quite simple and lots of fun. I wore pajama pants to book club. What could be more fun? I did wear a proper top, though, brushed my hair, and splattered on a little makeup in order to look presentable on the computer screen.

The weather is wonderful here--cold nights, cool days, very springlike. All the leaves have bushed out, turning the landscape from brown to green. The pollen has almost stopped falling, and my allergies have calmed down a little bit. I could take these weather conditions all year long, I think.

Laundry awaits. Be well everyone.

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On 04/16/2020, LaVoice Morgan said ...

I have never had your problem with my hands, but friends have and it is very painful. Trust things improve all around soon. I love quilts and have many. I did not quilt them, but most are handmade and hand quilted. I enjoy seeing yours. Take care.

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On 04/16/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that your hands are rebelling at all of the hand sewing you've been doing in the past weeks. You're wise to exercise as directed and to wear your splint more often. Perhaps this is the time to plan a machine pieced project or even one that uses up leftover blocks or block parts like HSTs and strips so you'll avoid as much fabric cutting as is possible. With proper rest for your fingers and hands, you'll probably be able to return to the millefiori project soon but just not spend so long/day on it. Maybe thirty minutes 3 times a day would let you make good progress but not over-tax your hands.

Am glad you could enjoy book club by way of zoom. :)

Our weather is lovely, too, and it would suit me for it to continue until autumn just like this - unlikely as that is.

Hugs!

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On 05/01/2020, Deb said ...

Zoom has definitely come in handy during our quarantine! We don't do church per se via zoom...but after everyone has listened to the sermon online, our church group connects via Zoom to discuss and make comments and for prayer time. It's great to get to see everyone in their own living room setting...and I can say, I'm enjoying church this way a lot! Glad your book club zoom turned out good!
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When Bunnies Were Badass

Happy Easter, everyone.
Don’t let the Booger Bunny get you.

Dear God!

He's gonna eat me!

Twin Terrors

Thanks, Mommy. The valium is working.

Hey Dad, look what we found in the bog. Can we keep him?

I pray to God this is photoshopped.

I believe these two are cohorts in crime.

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On 04/12/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

I think I was spared the trauma of being photographed with the Easter Bunny and after seeing these pictures, I'm glad!

Happy Easter!

Hugs!

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On 04/12/2020, Sylvia said ...

Thank you for the smiles!
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So Many Times That My Memories Are Worn

I am heartsick over the death of singer/songwriter John Prine, another victim of corona. He was 73, which at my age, doesn’t seem so old. 

Prine, along with Bob Dylan, has been a favorite poet of mine since the 70s. I love his ability to tell a story in verse, with just the right tune attached to it. I love the way he could blend humor with nostalgia and social justice. Some my favorite Prine creations are “Paradise,” “Spanish Pipedream,” “Flag Decal,” and “You Never Even Called Me By My Name.” 

I never saw him in person, but during the 80s and 90s, I spent a lot of time at Bluegrass concerts, festivals, and gatherings where Prine’s songs were always a fixture. I can hear one of them, and great memories flood my heart and mind.

Rest in peace, John Prine. Thank you for the Paradise of your music and verse.

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On 04/09/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

We had not heard that John Prine had died and are heartsick at the news. He has long been one of our favorite singers and songwriter, too.

We echo your thanks to John Prine.

Hugs

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On 04/11/2020, Sandra Clarke said ...

I do agree! I love his songs. Did you see the tribute to him on the late shi with Stephen Colbert? Brandy Carlisle did a wonderful job on one of his songs.

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Social Distancing

Well, they aren’t exactly six feet apart, but they’re small. Maybe they don’t require as much distance.

I have to venture out today to pick up a prescription. I have a mask and gloves ready to go. I’m a little nervous. I haven’t been inside a store or house or any place except my own in a couple of weeks. I’ve been to Walmart pickup, where you don’t get out of the car. But that’s all. Oh and to the vet where I also didn’t get out of the car. This time, I have to get out of the car since my pharmacy doesn’t deliver to the parking lot. Wish me luck. 

There’s a small grocery store next door to the pharmacy. Since I’ll be out anyway, I might slip in there briefly and try to find some chicken noodle soup. Who would have thought that would be scarce?

I pray everyone is staying well and not too bored. I haven’t experienced any boredom yet, but I do get more antsy as the days go by. I’m sure we’re all going to need a change of scenery and some socializing very badly when all this is over.

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On 04/07/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Sorry that your pharmacy doesn't have a drive-through as Walgreens and even Kroger do here. Your mask and gloves should keep you safe but remember to take them off before driving home. By the time you use your car again, any virus left in it from cross-contamination will be dead due to time (they live far less than 72 hours and the heat in your car from the sun.

I'm not bored either as I, too, have a lot of fabric to play with and books to read! If I have an abundance of energy (that could happen), there is gardening to do, too.

Wishing you well!

Hugs!
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Going Viral

I have begun to think of this as my coronavirus project. Actually, I think I started it at just about the time the deadly plague invaded our shores. But I wasn’t paying a great deal of attention to the virus at that time, much like our government. Mostly I was sewing and watching old episodes of “The Twilight Zone” and thought I would come up with a title for it that related to that weird show.

But now, I have been through all the TZ episodes and most of the 15 years worth of “Criminal Minds,” and the virus has us locked down. So I think the piece (if I live to finish it and don’t get taken by those tiny red nobby monsters) will always remind me of this dreadful time. So I’ll need a title that thus fits.

Our governor finally put our state on stay-at-home status after it became clear that many folks weren’t concerned enough to obey the request. We can leave home for essential things (groceries, medicine, even to pick up fast food), but no socializing, partying, being entertained, etc. Only essential workers are excused. Funny; I always thought all workers were essential.

Daughter Andy gave us a scare this week. Her employer has kept its establishment open and the small staff has been required to continue coming in, even after a couple of the employees had been exposed. Andy came down with a fever on Thursday and went home. She called her doctor who kept tabs on her until yesterday afternoon when the fever subsided and Andy began to feel better. The doctor said it was likely just an ordinary bug of some kind. Thank you, God. Her employer has now decided that from now on, employees will be working from home.

All of my family continues to stay well and cloistered, going out only for essentials. Jesse has been going over to his friend Joe’s almost every evening. But after the governor’s order yesterday, he says he won’t go any more. We are also making masks for the times we have to go out for essentials. Some say that masks don’t help, but nobody has said they hurt. If they don’t help, why do medical people wear them?

Stay well, everybody, and stay home if possible.

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On 04/04/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Love your amazing hexie project and think it's too pretty to be named for this scary virus. Perhaps you could call it "Silver Lining" or "Making the best use of my time" or "A Mighty Effort" or "It's still cheaper than therapy!"?

I'm participating in the Laundry Basket sew-along to keep myself busy and psyched up. Saturday was the last day for new blocks to be posted, but I thought Edtya was going to talk us through sewing all those blocks together. Not that I'm to that point as I'm still back on block 4. I have downloaded the instructions for the next 11 blocks so I'll be okay.

I read it's best to sew the mask ties vertically as they're easier to tie and fit properly. Also one blogger suggests tee shirt fabric between the front and back layers of the mask for extra filtering.

Stay safe!

Hugs!
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Jesse’s 31st

Jesse's birthday cake, made by his mom Andy and left on our front porch. I guess you could say we had a visit from the Birthday Bunny.

Jesse and I celebrated his 31st birthday--just us. I made us a steak dinner (filet mignon, which Jesse had bought a few days ago). It’s the first time I had ever cooked F.M. I cooked it on the George Foreman and it was really good. Next time I won’t let it grill quite so long. I like my steak just barely past medium. No oozing blood. These were well done.

Jesse’s mom made him a birthday cake and left it on the porch, where we picked it up. She’s afraid to come around us since she’s required to work every day. It isn’t a big office, and she deals with the public only by phone, but still. No need taking a chance.

Rosette 2 is complete, and I have begun Rosette 3.

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On 04/01/2020, Barbara Anne said ...

Happy Birthday, Jesse! Hope you enjoyed the steak and cake and that the coming year will be an amazing one for you!

My baby will be 36 in 2 weeks. YIKES!

LOVE your amazing rosette #2 and cannot imagine how you've chosen the fabrics to use and to put in the perfect places. Well done!

I'm doing the Laundry Basket quilt sew-along and am lagging behind. Today decided not to make the 8 Ohio Stars that are meant to be block 4 but to make 8 Evening Star blocks instead because they are my favorite block and it's my quilt!

Hugs!

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On 04/03/2020, Stephani in N. TX said ...

Just checking in, making sure you're getting along. And besides it's silent in my house where there's no one but me living here. I visit with one son and family. We only see each other and there is only one child. Son picks up additional groceries for me as myself and his wife must remain out of the public. Grandson spent a sleepover with his Nana and it was wonderful, making a tent of quilts, building with blocks, and driving racing cars, finished off by watching The Cat in the Hat. Happy Birthday to Jesse. I always told my son to be grateful, I saved him from being born on April Fools Day. We lived a long way from the hospital and I had a history of delivering early and fast, so son #2 was induced on March 31. Have a great day and thanks for your blog, fun to keep up during the Great Alone. Sorry about New Orleans and the virus. I guess we are learning a lot about close contact and the spread vs. Alone Together.
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