Threes

They say bad things come in threes. I always kind of believed this but I think it was verified for me in the last two or three weeks. First, my husband's uncle passed away. He had a long and happy life and was 97 years old. I was ready to go to the funeral when my daughter called. Her father-in-law had reached the last days of his life. I headed down to help with her small children. Her FIL passed away two days after I arrived. Then, two days after his funeral I received a call that my aunt had passed away. I ended up flying down south then. I finally arrived back home this past Wednesday. Okay, enough for bad things.

We are going down to DS the elder's home tomorrow for my oldest granddaughter's birthday. I can't believe she is 9! I am looking forward to her party. It will be fun to see everyone. I have so much fun shopping for her. She is a very girly girl and I love buying her clothes. Her younger sister has declared herself a tom boy and doesn't want anything "girly" looking.

Done for now!

TTFN,
Ginny

I think I have it!

I think I finally have enough novelty prints to make the I Spy quilts I have been planning for so long. When I started collecting fabrics, I never realized that it would take so long or be so hard to find enough different prints. At least the quarter yard I bought of each will be enough to do several quilts in different sizes.

Lately, I have been in a bit of a slump. I have turned really, really lazy; even worse that usual. Not sure how I am going to get around it. I don't feel especially depressed, but I do feel lethargic. When I leave home it gets better, but when I am here...ugh! Maybe I actually miss Mom more than I thought. If that is the case it will be better next month. Mom is due home on April 3.

My youngest son and his lovely wife bought their first home and are due to move in at the end of this month. I am so happy for them!

They just did a report on the news about a driver killed recently. Turns out she was texting and driving and didn't notice the semi truck in front of her. Not a pretty sight and sad because it is so preventable.

I am getting over a really stupid cold. It really just affected my throat. My throat got scratchy; a little at first then quite a bit in the middle. It's so annoying because nothing helps it. But, it is getting better...I think.

Okay, just wanted to throw a couple of thoughts out here.

TTFN
Ginny

My Dear Husband's 60th Birthday Party

What a fun evening we have had! All of my husband's brothers and sisters (along with their spouses) and all of our children and grandchildren gathered at a local restaurant tonight to celebrate his 60th birthday. He is the oldest of 10 children, so his reaching 60 is a milestone.

Our favorite local party place is the Dorf Haus. A German restaurant in the tiny village of Roxbury. The owners and their staff are wonderful and helped to make things special. Herm's brother, Paul (the baby of the family), got everyone there. Paul's wife, Tina, made adorable little favors of tiny wine bottles filled with M&Ms. Tina also ordered a cake from a friend of hers. It was so neat, a singing fish with gummy worm baits in Oreo "dirt".

I ordered the entertainment. If you live within 200 miles of Madison, Wisconsin and need a singing telegram I have just the person. Her name is Catherine and she is know as the Banana Lady. She came as Nurse Nancy to make sure Herm was fit to celebrate such a big birthday. Hilarious! She even made balloon animals for the grandchildren. Herm and our son, Mike, had balloon birthday hats, too. Catherine has a number of characters that she does and she incorporates information about the person into her performance. And, of course, she gets the birthday person very involved in it as well. I will attempt to post photos here.

Monday morning we leave for Cancun; weather permitting. So, I will be out of touch for over a week. I'm a little afraid of internet withdrawal but, all in all, it should be a good thing. Nothing to do for a whole week but read and talk to Herm.

TTFN,
Ginny

Thank you!

Thanks for the kind comments and words of encouragement. Sunny, I have nothing BUT time. The question is why don't I get MORE done? Because I am lazy, that's why. I could be sewing a lot more, but I don't. It is time to get going though. My intentions are to make quilts for each of my children and their spouses in time for their anniversaries this year. I would also like to make a couple of other quilts for my sisters and my mom. We'll see how it goes. A couple of them will be lap quilts so should go together fairly quickly.

As usual I saw in the New Year all alone. Sigh! My husband and mother don't make it past 9 or 10 pm.

DH took me to a movie this weekend. We have so much fun when we go out! Went to see Avatar 3D. Um, I think I prefer 2D. It is cool to see the 3D but it doesn't have the intensity of color and sharpness of the 2D. I didn't think it was worth the extra money. I had the same problems with Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. The fuzziness of the 3D gives me a horrible headache. That said, I LOVED Avatar! The imagination of the piece was the best I have seen since Star Wars. More about Pandora please!

I did something toward cleaning out some of my "stuff" today. I searched the house for all the books on CD I have scattered all over. There are many sets missing discs, usually because I listened to them in the car and then in the house. Some are missing the jackets. So, I matched up all the sets I could and I am taking those to the second hand book store to get some credit to buy more books. My goodness! I had no idea there were so many! I love the books on CD for driving down to Chicago; especially when I am all by myself. Mom likes it, too, and it give us something to talk about when we are going somewhere. I even listen to them while I am sewing and stamping. I get more done when I have something to listen to. Time flies!

I have to admit that the craft room got a little messy over the holidays, but I am getting ready to go up there and put things away. Believe it or not, I was sewing right up to Christmas Eve. But I did get everything done and I am proud of myself.

The Miller Christmas Party was wonderful again this year. We have such wonderful traditions that make me happy I belong to this family. Santa comes every year for the little ones. My youngest granddaughter sat on his lap the whole time he was there! Thanks to Bob Gaumont for taking on Santa duty this year. Then we have a white elephant exchange. That is one of my favorite things we do. This year I got a gift box for my exchange. That's all. A gift box. My darling youngest son said, "Take our box, Mom. It is a really good one. It's the one with the curly red bow!". He got me!

Our family also does a charitable donation each year. Anyone who wants can write down the name of a charity and put it in the "hat". We also write down the amount we are willing to contribute. The best part is that this year my charity was drawn. I am proud to say that this year the Miller family donated $1040 to the St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, SD. DH and I have been donating to them ever since his father passed away. Dad was a supporter for a long time before that. I am proud to belong to this family.

Okay, goodnight! I have bored everyone enough now.

TTFN,
Ginny

Christmas 2009

The long awaited day has come and is almost over. What a wonderful day we have had! Everyone made it here safely, the food ended up being good, and we all got wonderful gifts.

My girls were thrilled with their quilts and the little ones with their "snuggies". There is a story that goes with the "snuggies". My youngest granddaughter wanted a zebra snuggie so bad, but they don't make them in kids' versions, the zebra ones that is. So grandma thought she would be clever and make her one. Could I find a pattern online that made sense? No. Could I find a pattern in one of the catalogs? No. So, I made a double layer fleece blanket that we have to call a snuggie. At first I couldn't find the zebra fleece in any of the stores. I finally found it online but wasn't sure it would come in time. It did come though and I got the "snuggie" made in time and she loves it! Contained in this post are photos of all the children with their blankets. Little grandson liked his "roads" snuggie. Especially when he found the wide satin ribbon loop I attached on the back for him. The moment I showed it to him he started rubbing it and the other thumb went right in the mouth. So cute!

I got everything I wanted for Christmas. My family home, loving each other and peace reigning in my home, (now that little grandson is in bed, tee hee). I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

As a final note, youngest granddaughter just said "my snuggie doesn't have SLEEVES". So much for little kids not being aware of things.

TTFN
Ginny

Don't Faint

Don't faint! But, I have completed both quilts! They are far from perfect; the bindings are not the best, but they are completed. This has to be a first for me. Finished and on time. I think I am going to faint. Now I can hardly wait for Christmas!

I still have to sew two fleece blankets for the babies but that I should be able to do in a day or so. And they will be sewn instead of tied. I can just see the little guy untying them just for fun.

This past weekend I went to Chicago to babysit the littlest ones. My DD and her hubby went to the Bears/Packers game. DD is, of course, a Packers fan and had to sit in the middle of a group of Bears season ticket holders. They had a great time and I really enjoyed watching the babes.

I will post photos of the quilts here and then I am going to sign off until after Christmas. I hope everyone has a happy, healthy holiday season.

TTFN,
Ginny

Getting There

So, I actually finished the purple quilt! The binding was a little harder than I expected and I'm just a little nervous about binding the second one. Procrastinating royally is more like it. I really need to get going so I can finish in time. But, I have until Christmas evening, so....! LOL I am waiting for an order of fleece to come in so I can do a blanket for youngest granddaughter's gift. Of all things she wants a zebra snuggie! It was impossible to find the zebra fleece locally so I had to order online. Sure hope it gets here in time!

Mom had the surgery a week ago to remove the hardware from her elbow. She is doing well and I take her in tomorrow to get the staples out. She is using the arm very well and we hope she'll be able to finally put the accident behind her.

I had the most wonderful chat with DH tonight. He told me that he thought I was "gorgeous" when he met me. If he weren't sick with a cold I would kiss him to pieces. I love that he felt that way as I have always thought of myself as plain.

Okay, enough smarmy stuff. Don't have much else to say except goodnite!

TTFN,
Ginny

Cheating

So, okay, I cheated a little on the quilts. I have taken them to a shop to be machine quilted. It was really intimidating at the thought of trying to put it all through my short arm machine. This way, I at least know they will be done in time for Christmas. Somehow I erased the last photos of Emma's quilt. Darn it! Oh, well, when I get it back from the shop I will take more.

We're all doing well. Mom continues to improve. We took a trip to the mall yesterday and walked from one end to the other and back. She did remarkably well! We even got a little shopping done.

Tomorrow she and I are going down to DS the elder's home for my granddaughter's birthday party. She is 7 today and getting so grownup. I can't wait to see everyone. All my children and grandchildren will be there and we'll be together again on Christmas Day. Love it!

Guess that's all I have to say. It's been almost a month so I thought I had better check in. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

TTFN,
Ginny

Moving Along

I am almost finished with the next quilt top! Unreal...me? I want to post a photo of the next quilt, but I am waiting until I have added the borders. I hope my middle granddaughter likes it. She declared herself a tomboy and the quilt has a blue and yellow floral fabric as the main fabric and inspiration. Blue and yellow are one of my favorite color combinations. Cool, sunny, serene...all at the same time. There is also quite a bit of white.

Life continues to improve on a steady basis. Mom is feeling better and stronger now. Her strength is still weak on the left wrist but the elbow is flexing good as new.

The children and their families are well. We are about to celebrate my middle granddaughter's 7th birthday. They are growing up so fast!

Our holidays are shaping up to be fairly quiet this year. And for the first time, I am okay with that. I think I am finally over the empty nest thing...my youngest is only almost 30. Took long enough.

Okay, until I have the new quilt ready for photos I am signing off.

TTFN,
Ginny

New Project

On to a new project! I am actually sewing a quilt for one of the granddaughters. I wasn't sure about all this when I started, but I am having fun! How can is it possible that I can cut crooked strips when using a grid ruler and rotary cutter. Even my best strips seem to be off. But, when I sewed them together I actually got a cohesive looking result. Photos will be posted.

Everything is going well here. My mom got her cast off yesterday and is a little disappointed that it still hurts when she moves her wrist. I keep telling her that it takes a long time to recover from injuries as serious as hers, but she's impatient. We found out they didn't perform surgery on her wrist because of all the skin missing on her hand. It would have increased her risk for a serious infection. As it is, even after 7 weeks there is still a large scab on her hand it isn't ready to come off yet.

Going to spend time with my older granddaughters this weekend. Their parents are going to a wedding so we get to spend a whole day together. Can't wait!

Okay, photos and then I am off.

TTFN
Ginny

Update on Mom

Mom is doing better! She's getting around much better and is no longer swelling so much. They put a full cast on her yesterday so it has stabilized everything so she feels a little more secure. Posted here is a photo I took after we came back from see the orthopedic surgeon. She looks much more comfortable now!

I am still enjoying the craft room and have even started working on the sewing projects for decorating it. Several hours have been spent over the last few days on making "prairie points". They are the decoration on the machine cover etc. and involve cutting 3" squares and folding twice to get smaller triangles. I have over 70 of them ready to go. My plans are to make the sewing machine cover, an organizer, pillow cover for the chair and valances for the windows and all will have the "points" on them.

On Monday of this week DD and her two littles ones arrived for a very short visit. Whew! If only we find a way to bottle the energy of toddlers so we could dose ourselves with it, someone would be a gazillionaire. LOL! Also posted here is a photo of the babes with their beautiful mom spending some time together. Little granddaughter stayed with me while her mom went to get her hair done, (she took the little man with her...thank goodness). She was pretending to use my PC while I was working on my "points". I was using the iron on the burst of steam setting with my back to her. As I let loose a burst of the steam she politely said, "Excuse you, Grandma! At first I didn't understand why she was excusing me; then it hit me that she thought the steam was me sneezing. What a character she is! I had to show her the steam before she would believe that it wasn't me.

TTFN
Ginny

Mom

Mom is home from the hospital but she is having a rough time. I feel so bad for her. She hurts and her breathing is not what it was. They sent her home on oxygen for a while, but I can't see that it is helping as much as it should. Her left hand has almost no skin left on the top and it has started swelling again. It worries me so much. She sounds like she is giving up. Ever wish you could turn back the hands of time? Me, too!

Bad News!

I was on my way home from my daughters home on Sunday when I received a call from my husband. My Mom had been badly injured in a fall while they were trying to reach a favorite fishing spot of my husbands. Things got pretty wild as it took the police, emts and fire dept to get her safely up the slope. She is bruised everywhere plus she is in surgery at the moment for repair of her crushed elbow and thumb. Poor Mom, she is trying to keep her spirits up, but absolutely hates being in the hospital.

On a happier note, my visit with DD was wonderful. We spent part of Saturday at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. It was SO beautiful! I also enjoyed spending time with DD's MIL. Everywhere you turned was a new view full of color and harmony. I loved all the beautiful flowers and watching the grandbabies running so fast. Too fast almost. Danny was hard to keep up with. Ashley kept saying, "Take my picture, Grandma!" and of course, I obliged. I couldn't get Danny to stand still long enough to get good individual photos of him.

After the Gardens we went to lunch at another Garden (Olive Garden). Ashley and Danny picked the olives out of their salad and put them on their fingers to wave at us. While I was sitting there, Ashley reached out, grabbed my hand, and put it next to her cheek. "I'm loving you Grandma! Take a picture!" So, I took a left handed/one handed photo with great difficulty. Turned out so cute!

Sure do wish we would hear something about Mom. This waiting is hard.

TTFN
Ginny

I Finally Made a Card!

I am so excited! The card posted here is the best I have ever done without copying someone else. All products are Stampin' Up except the ribbon which is from Michael's. Let me know what you think, okay? The new craft room has had a wonderful effect on me! I am also posting a photo of the fabrics to be used in the craft room for various items; a sewing machine cover, a sewing machine apron, a cushion cover and pillow cover for the chair. Can't wait to sew!!

Tomorrow my two older granddaughters come for their weekly summer visit. I am looking forward to this so much. There are things to do, places to go and people to see. And it is all more fun when the girls are here. The list of possiblities are endless; the zoo, shopping, an amusement park, Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Chuckee Cheese, going out for tea at a shop, making cookies, etc. We even have craft to do when they get bored. And food, OMG, I spent a fortune at the grocery store today. But I really wanted to have food on hand that they enjoy.

Well, I had better go. I need to be well rested when the darlings arrive. I love them SO much!

TTFN,
Ginny

Where Am I?

I'm still here, just busier than I was when I started this blog.

I had a couple of invasive tests in the last week and I am sick of them. Don't think they'll find anything, but they couldn't complete the first one so I had to have a different one only 7 days later. I will stop with saying both involved nasty preps and awful procedures. Glad that is over with.

Update on the craftroom! It is nearly finished. Well, all the work is done and I am slowly moving back the things I am going to keep. I made my first project tonight in the revamped room; a card of thanks to my loving DH for all the work he has done to get the room done. It is amazing to have a place for everything and only have the things you will use. I was actually able to leave the room in the same condition as when I went in there. I like it!!!!!!!!

We had a terrific July 4th with our entire family, minus only our DSIL who had to work. The day was perfect, the food was tasty although basic, cookout fare. We had hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, pasta salad, chips, etc. At the end of the day my youngest DS set off the fireworks that he and DD each had brought. Pretty impressive for a private celebration!

At the beginning of the post are a couple of photos from the 5th and of the craft room makeover.

TTFN,
Ginny

Quick Update

My mom had her last cataract surgery today and things went really well! Yea! She can't even use her old glasses anymore...she sees better without them. Woohoo!

DH took me up to our "new" hunting cabin on our upper farm. Very interesting! The guys were given an old mobile home and they pulled it up on top of the hill. We sat there for an hour or so and saw two deer! With some work it could be a nice little get-away spot. They found DD's old futon and stuck that up there for a sofa/bed. They also pulled my in-laws old table, complete with two benches and two chairs and stuck them in the kitchen. A generator was moved up there, along with a barrel on the roof for water. Interesting!

Still scraping paint in the craft room and DH is still working on the electric. I really need more outlets up there. Let's see, there is the sewing machine, two undershelf lights, a light box, an embossing gun and all the computer gear. Currently there just aren't enough outlets to go around and I am tired of the inadequate extension cord.

I am getting excited to have the older granddaughters here next month. I have already been working on some fun things for us do. I think I will put together some kind of puzzle/activity packets for times when they may get bored. If anyone has ideas for ways to entertain them I would be more than happy to hear them.

Oh great! We are under a tornado watch now. That means not a lot of sleep until it is over. I don't feel comfortable if the whole house is sleeping. Who will know if we are in danger? So...I stay up. I hope it doesn't last too long!

Okay, I'm done rambling for the night!
TTFN
Ginny

Missing in Action

I cannot believe how long it has been since my last post. Shame on me!!!!!!! Part of my excuse is that I have had a heck of a time logging in, but now I have that fixed. Also, I have been out and about quite a bit more, so less time to blog. Darn!

Okay, let's see, what has happened since I last checked in? I finally started volunteering! I worked at two small concerts at the theater venue at our high school. One was the Dave Bennett Sextet. They did a tribute to Benny Goodman that had the place jumping. Sitting still was not an option. Needless to say...loved it!! The second was the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet; a group of classical guitarists who were wonderful. They performed some amazing pieces and were accompanied in the second half of their performance by a flamenco dance. Really neat! What made it even more interesting was that the dancer is from Japan. She was terrific!

On May 2 our oldest grandaughter made her first Communion. She was so beautiful in her white dress and veil! I will post a photo in this entry, but you probably will already have seen it since they always post at the top for me. LOL!

Our two youngest celebrate their birthdays this month...2 and 3! My poor daughter is being run ragged by her 2 year old son. Danny is non-stop motion right now! They spent three days here this past week and I sleep for 4 hours after they left on Sunday morning. Whew!

Progress!

It has been 5 days since I cried!!! I know some people would say "big deal", but for me it is a milestone. This is the first time I have gone more than 2 days without several major episodes in a day. It gives me such hope that maybe things have taken another jump upward and that I will feel like "myself" soon. I am so thankful for my psychiatrist and my therapist. They have been so supportive and helped me get this far; and it IS a long way that I have come!

DD and the little ones have been here for two days. It is easy to see why she is always so tired because they are ACTIVE! Danny, who will be two on May 28th, is a character. When you tell him "NO" he just goes faster to do whatever it is you don't want him to do. His big sister, Ashley (who will be three on May 1st), alternates between being so charming and totally whiny. My dear friend came over for lunch yesterday while I was babysitting the two of them. Ashley really took to Alice and sat on her lap almost the entire time she was here. I have to admit feeling just a little jealous as she doesn't sit on my lap as much as she used to.

I am so naughty! I went to the store today and stocked up on all my favorite ice creams. Hey, when it is buy one, get one free how can I turn it down? My favorite brand is Edy's (here and Dreyer's in other places). I love the Slow Churned versions; especially French Silk. Their Yogurt Blends are also delicious; try the Caramel Praline one, it is so yummy!

There may be an explaination as to why I have felt so bad physically lately. I think I am having a flare-up of my fibromyalgia; which would explain why my muscles are aching and my legs get so tired when I go up the stairs or walk too fast. So, I know that this will pass in a little why. I CAN do this and I WILL!

We had so much fun last night. DS #2, DIL, and DS's best friend were here last night for supper. DD made homemade Chicago style pizza and it was yummy. Then we sat and talked for hours. What a wonderful way to spend the evening. DS's friend is such a funny guy. You never know what he is going to say next. DS said I even got in one really good zinger on him. That made me feel so proud because I usually come out on the short end when it comes to zingers; I get more than I give, always. But it is all in good fun and I love when we all get together. Sometimes we play card games. DS's friend has taught us some doozies; my favorite being Mao. It is a wild game where the winner of each hand gets to add a rule to the basic ones. One of the basic rules is no talking during play unless you are giving a rule or calling someone who has broken a rule. That can be so funny when you have someone who can't play card without talking. My DH's brother was playing with us a Christmas party several years ago. Everytime he would talk, DS's friend would say "talking" and give him another card. Brother would start protesting whereupon he would get another "talking" and another card. Well, after about 10 cards I thought he was going to have a heart attack because he just didn't understand why he kept getting them. It really was funny...but I guess you had to be there! LOL.

Okay, gonna go take my meds and go to bed. The little ones get up early and DD wants to get on the road fairly early tomorrow. She has a 150 mile drive and the earlier she leaves the less traffic there is going into Chicago.

TTFN,
Ginny

Thank You Lord!

We had a big scare! Yesterday I got a call letting me know that my mom was in the hospital with a probable stroke. I wanted to go to her so bad, but I couldn't go on such short notice; at least not last night. Her testing has showed that she had a TIA with no apparent residuals! I am so relieved!!! She is now home with my sister and doing well. I forget that she is is 76 sometimes. She doesn't look like it and certainly doesn't act like it. I am not prepared to lose her; I don't think I ever will be. And, yeah, I cried some but I think I've done pretty well all things considered.

Salmon

Weird title, hunh? Let me explain...I hate salmon, or so I thought. Sunday we were invited to DS #2's home for dinner with DIL's parents. My son is an amazing cook, but I wasn't very excited when I heard that our entree was salmon. But, you know what, I tried it and it was pretty good!! So now I know that I can eat salmon and it isn't too bad!! :)

While we were visiting we played Wii and it was fun! I haven't laughed so hard in such a long time. We really enjoy DIL's parents and, of course, spending time with DS and DIL.

Last night, I went through a couple of large baskets of craft "stuff" that have been stored in a closet for years. I felt pretty good as I got it weeded down by over half. When spring comes I am going to have one heck of a craft "stuff" yard sale. My husband's brother lives in town on a great corner and has agreed to let me have my sale there. I used his yard once before and it was amazing. Now I just have to finish going through two closets and my "crap" room before spring gets here fully.

My therapist and I worked tonight on my feelings about my "stuff". I kind of had a break through and I realized that all that "stuff" weighs me down and keeps me from doing the things I want and love to do. Now I just have to take this revelation and run with it. I CAN do this, I know I can! I am going to take before and after photos and maybe, just maybe, I will post them. But I have to get it done first! LOL

TTFN
Ginny