A Short Story - Part Two...

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I was asked to speak a little bit more about my "process", from this post last week. Thank you to everyone who commented on that post. I was truly overwhelmed by your responses. I had no idea when I shared those thoughts that I would touch so many kindred hearts. 

Have you heard these words from William Morris before? Since moving to the farmhouse, I'm really trying to embrace these words as I sort through all the things we moved to this home. I don't want to store my clutter anymore. Likewise, for so many reasons, I don't want to store clutter in my head either.

I heard a story once about a group of people who went with their therapist to dip their toes in the sea. When they arrived at the beach, the therapist had a bag waiting with the names of each of the people on the outside. In the bags were rocks of various sizes, but each bag was rather heavy. The therapist told each person to grab a bag, and then go out an enjoy the beach.

Each person grabbed a bag and went for a walk. Soon, the therapist came upon one of the people sitting in the sand and sobbing. The therapist asked what was wrong and the (woman) told her that the bag of rocks was so heavy that she could hardly drag it around as she explored the beach.

The therapist looked at her and asked,  "Then, why are you lugging them around?" The woman looked at her dumbfounded. "You mean, I don't have to keep carrying them?", she asked. The therapist replied, "Well, of course you don't. I told you to take the bag and enjoy the beach. If lugging the contents of the bag are dragging you down, let the rocks go." 

 

She then proceeded to encourage the woman to take a rock, toss it into the ocean to see how it felt. The woman was giddy. She had so much fun tossing the rocks into the sea that she continued to do it until her bag was empty, and once she no longer had the load, she was free to enjoy the rest of her time at the beach.

 

This is a story I heard decades ago, but it stuck with me. It made sense to me, and once I internalized the lesson, it was easy to embrace the lesson. Sometimes the simplest solution is the hardest one to think of on our own.

As far as those Committee members and their voices in my head? I've given them value assessments.

Like William Morris' words, are those voices useful? Do I believe them to be beautiful? If the answer is "no", then why would I give them free rent in my "house" (my head)?

I went through a grieving process with some of the Committee members, but in the end, letting them go was for the best. While some of the members still talk about me, I've decided that their opinions of me are none of my business. They don't talk with me, and that devalues them as Committee members. Their words no longer have currency in my life.

If the words of your Committee members hurt, why hold onto them? If the words of your Committee members instill sad, hurtful, anxious, vengeful, fearful or unhappy thoughts for you, let them go. Like the rocks on the beach, they'll only weigh you down. 

In my case, I decided that my life deserved to be spent doing things I love, with people who love me (and I adore in return), and celebrating the wonderful blessings that God has bestowed on me. I deserve nothing less than His best for me.

Once you can say those words to yourself - "I deserve nothing less than His best for me" - it becomes easier to evict the dead weight in your Committee and embrace those loving and joyful voices that remain. Even if it's only one voice. 

Be well. Be brave. Choose Joy. I know you can do it. I believe in you.

 

xo

A Short Story...

1988 - Bryn and Me

 

Last night I told Handsome, "Honey. This morning I woke up with a post in my head." In his most deadpan tone he replied, "Donna, you really shouldn't tee them up for me like that." It took me a second, and then I realized another way he could have interpreted my statement...and I laughed out loud. 

I told him that this subject came to mind after we attended the concert in the park the previous night. You see, something happened. Something that reminded me of how my life became joyful. It was a conscious effort, mind you. I woke up with these thoughts running through my head, and I hope you don't mind if I share them with you today.

Many years ago, I listened to a middle-aged public speaker/comedienne who told her audience that we all have a "Committee" inside our heads. You know. Those voices from our past who contribute to who we are today. All those people who are, or were, a part of your life who told you who you're supposed to be; how you're supposed to act; or just said something that stuck with you long-term. It might be a relative, friend or just something said to you in passing. 

Here are a few examples: 

My mother told me when I was a younger woman that my laugh was "too coarse", that I should "tone it down so you sound like a lady". The result was that my laugh - for a time - wasn't my own. It was hers. Of course, one was never allowed to laugh at our family dinner table, and there was a wooden spoon to reinforce that rule. I'm convinced that some parents really have no idea the negative impact they can have on their children. (Still. Put your cell phones down and talk with them!!)

 

When I entered my 30s, I opened Stitches. I taught needlework classes, and traveled around the country sharing what I had learned with others. My mother liked to "brag me up" to her friends, but would always add, "I have no talent. She stole it all from me." She was the first member of my Committee.

Other members my Committee? Mom Grace told me that I "was too good for her son", when I broke our engagement. Loving her son as I know she did, that must have been incredibly difficult for her to say (even if she was right). 

 

Grace taught me most of what I learned to begin my journey into needlework. She also taught me to knit and crochet, although I also crocheted with my paternal grandmother. Over the forty two years I knew and loved her, I frequently thanked her for sharing her knowledge with me. Her response? "It's really a case of the student surpassing the teacher, my dear."

Granddad and Me

I have more...My British granddad who always called me "his beautiful, eldest granddaughter"; or my middle aged co-worker (at the grocery store where I worked my way through high school) who shared her "rules for getting older" and a few jokes I can't repeat here, but will never forget; and always, my husband who always makes me feel loved and cherished. I always remember his words.

 

Are there other bad examples? Oh, heck yes, and sometimes I have to take a stick to them to drive them away. A comment thrown like a dagger from an unexpected (and unexplained) person; a word in passing from a drunk in a parking lot when I walked with a post-op cane; and of course, there are more, but I don't let them live here anymore.

I could go on with examples (some great, and some not-so-great) from people whose words stuck with me, but I think you get the idea. It took me many of my sixty two years, but I finally drove out the Committee members who brought no joy into my life. They no longer take up space in my head.

Now, I'm sure you're wondering at this point just where I'm going with all this, and how it has the slightest thing to do with our concert night this week. I told you that the conductor was a real cut-up. He had the whole audience in the palm of his hand, and his manner of introducing each new piece, in addition to being clever, was funny. I joined the audience in laughter as he made his way through the program.

At the end of the evening, Handsome and I were folding up our chairs to leave, when the lady who sat in front of me turned around and got my attention. She said, "I have to tell you that your laugh is infectious. I wish I could record it to make me smile every day. I just wanted you to know that I enjoyed sitting in front of you." I was surprised, smiled and said, "Thank you." 

As I went to bed Wednesday night, I reflected on that old Committee member who had managed with one sentence to make me so self-conscious about the simple, joyful act of laughing...and how the woman at the concert made me feel when she commented on my laughter before leaving the park.

This woman and her short interaction with me will stay with me. I'll carry her face and compliment with me to remind me that I chose joy. She will become the newest member of my Committee, and I'm immediately making her a Lifetime Member.

The sub-head for my blog is "...thoughts on a joyful and creative life." That's why I'm sharing this with you today. I decided long ago not to lug the boulders of sadness, frustration or downright despair around with me any longer. I left them behind nearly a decade ago. Please don't waste another moment of your life clinging to that which no longer serves you. Let go of the hurt. Let go of the words that keep you from living a beautiful, wonderful, juicy and joyful life. You deserve it. We all deserve it.

 

I'm a big fan of the movie "Somewhere In Time". In the movie, Jane Seymour plays the actress, Elise McKenna. She has a rather rotund suitor who pays entirely too much attention to her, and it's most unwelcomed. However, she's expected to return his affection. In a scene with a fellow actor, she's asked, "Surely, there must be something you like about the man." to which she replies, "Yes. His absence." That's how I feel about my evicted Committee members.

Thanks for letting me put this out there today. I appreciate that you stop by to see what I'm doing, and I also appreciate your visits. Be well. Be brave. Choose Joy.

It Was A Great Party...

Class of 1973 - photography by Ken Bauer

Saturday night was full of fun, friendship and surprises. It was the 45th class reunion for my high school graduating class. I was part of the planning committee, so I helped with anything that needed to be done prior to, during and after the party. There was still lots of time to visit, dance and catch up.

Not everyone who attended the party (and was a member of our class) is in this photograph. I noticed twenty or more people who chose to stay outside to visit or watch us taking the photo. (It was really hot outside, and worse inside.) I think they were just more comfortable not huddling next to the classmates that were posing for the picture (or perhaps they were camera shy).

Dr. Cyd Quarterman and me - BFFs for 57 Years and Counting

When I spoke with my oldest, best friend a few months ago, she told me she wouldn't be able to come as she planned to be in Wisconsin a few weeks prior and wouldn't stay on or return. I was disappointed, but completely understood.

I was sitting with my stepsister (also a classmate and long-time friend), Sher, when I glanced up to see my BFF walk across the room. She had decided to surprise me and come back to Wisconsin (from Georgia) for our reunion! She brought her younger brother as her "plus one". I've known him since he was a "pup", so we also got a chance to talk.

I couldn't have been happier to see her, and to spend time with her brother. She really blessed me by taking the time to come back to town for our reunion celebration, and we're planning to get together later this week at her mom's before she heads home.

Planning Committee Volunteers (L-R: me, Mary Schingen, Karen Suhs, Karen Courtney)

Mary, Karen S., and Karen C. were all busy Saturday night. The reunion really was the work product of Mary and another classmate, Rose Reigert. They called for volunteers to help plan the party, and that's how I got involved.

The night of the party, it was all hands on deck to make sure food and drink were available, a fun photo area with props was set up, and of course, end of night cleanup was accomplished. There was also plenty of time for committee members to eat, dance and be merry. (I'm sorry we didn't get a photo of all the committee members and volunteers together. This wouldn't have happened without them!)

John Freund and me

John is the younger brother of one of my old high school boyfriends. John was in my class, and he and I had time to share what's been going on in our lives since we last spoke.

We shared a couple of old stories, and he told me what his brother is doing in the northwest part of the country, too. Lots of changes (although not unexpected) since we graduated and his brother and I went different ways. It was nice to learn that they're all doing well.

Rose and Me

More than a few classmates passed since our last reunion (five years ago), but Rose Roberts is the younger sister of one of those who passed in the last year. She came to the reunion to visit with some of her sister's old friends, and we ran into each other.

We visited for quite a while, catching up on friends and relatives, and she's still as lovely as she always was. Rose always had a quiet elegance, and a great sense of fun. She seems to have become even more so over the years, and we hope to see each other again soon.

All in all, it was another memorable time with so many old friends. The next time we're all together, we'll celebrate our 50th. It's so hard to believe, when so many of still feel like thirty year olds inside. Sure, we have a new ache here, or a little "hitch in our giddyup" from time to time, but our hearts and minds are all still vibrant and fun filled.

I'll continue to work with the committee to plan the golden anniversary of our graduation, and pray that all of us alive today will be able to celebrate together in 2023. What a celebration it will be!
 

Are You Ready For Another Story?...

If you've been around here for a while, you may remember the story I told about my Committee. If you're newer than 2017 to my blog, or if you've forgotten, HERE is the link to my first story on the subject.

Before I begin my new story, I want to tell you that I reread that original post, and all the comments that followed. At the time, I didn't know how to set up my posts to be able to reply. As I can now do that, I may take some time to go back and thank everyone who responded to it. I seemed to have touched a common theme with my friends back then, and I'd like to honor their messages to me. So, if you commented on that post, don't be surprised to finally receive a response to it.

So, back to the Committee. My mum had a pressure cooker when I was a child. Apparently, she wasn't as knowledgable as she needed to be, or perhaps she just made a mistake, but one day when she was using it, she blew the top off that cooker. From then on, I never heard anything except how dangerous they were. 

As a result, even though I've owned two used pressure cookers, I never used them, and I've either sold or given them away out of fear. My Committee kept reminding me that a cooker would blow up and they were too dangerous to use.

But, here's the thing. When you have something you want to accomplish really badly, you can overcome a fear. You can overcome the Committee and those (sometimes unfounded) voices in your head. I'm afraid of heights. I don't know how that came about, but I know it to be true. When we first moved to the farmhouse, I purchased a beautiful, big metal compass. I really wanted to put the compass in the peak of the (now) Compass Barn. So, I asked Shelly to hold the ladder, and I climbed. I beat my acrophobia and hung my compass. I came down the ladder with shakey knees, but I'd done it. Why couldn't I do the same with a pressure cooker?

Actually, I want a pressure canner. I want to be able to preserve foods without having to sweeten or pickle them. I want to safely and stably preserve meats and things like squash or potatoes. If the freezer goes out again, or we lose power, we'll still have food that won't have to be refrigerated to be safe to eat.

I had a talk with Handsome, and I metaphorically climbed another ladder. I figured if I buy a brand new pressure canner, all the parts will be new, ready to use, and safe. What did he think? (Remember, he's watched me buy and sell two before.) He responded that if I were committed to following through this time, I should go ahead and purchase one.

I searched for the best price on a nice-sized pressure canner, and ordered it over the weekend. In addition, I also purchased this guide to pressure canning so I'll have good information and more than a few recipes to safely use my new purchase. The book will be here this week, and the canner will be here soon after.

I'll also be watching a few YouTube videos, and check to see if Presto has a site with more information and tutorials. I have to say I'm really excited about this. I'm going to turn my fear into butterflies, and really, who doesn't love butterflies? I can do this. Right? I'm sure going to find out - and I promise to let you know how it goes.

The Big Night Came and Went...

Reunion night finally arrived! We  all had a blast. I've been getting messages in our classmate group or on my own page on Facebook, and all of them are complimentary.

This photograph was taken later in the evening. We had grade school groups from each of the schools gather, and this is ours. These are all students who shared the same classes, became friends and went on to junion and senior high school together. We've been friends since as early as 1961. My BFF, Cyd is in the yellow shirt, and as usual, I wasn't too far away from her in our school photos. (Why change a tradition now?)

 

 

Our whole committee gathered Saturday morning to decorate. Our Decorating Committee members really outdid themselves. Most of the planning committee was there to help, along with a few others who just came to help. We had individual floral arrangements, candles and "remember when" cards on every table. We even had an archway for everyone to pass through that night. Here! Take a look around.

Look at how they outdid themselves on the entrance to the venue! People felt welcome from the moment they headed toward the front doors. We had two registration tables set up, and each classmate received a current printed classmate directory and a class mug that we had produced by 4Imprint. People were surprised and impressed.

 

My decorating committee worked overtime to create a welcoming and beautiful atmosphere. By the time folks started to arrive, the candles were lit, '70s music filled the venue, and people were ready to party.

 

Every table in the entire venue was decorated. We had two cash bars, and even those had decorations. It really was so pretty by the time people started to arrive.

Nearly three hundred people attended and there was plenty of room for more. The pep band performed, and they were a big hit. They made their exciting entrance, playing as they marched in from the hallway. Lots of grins and people were surprised and happy to hear the performance.

 

This is the last photograph I'll share. My friend, Julie - in front - is holding a print of all the students who went on the senior trip to Washington, DC. We decided to take a photo of the group members who were at the reunion. 

Take special notice of the couple in the back. They fell in love on that trip. They were married after graduation and have made a happy life together all these years. I made sure to say, "I knew you when..." and we had a great conversation afterward.

All in all, the classmate assessment was that this was a rip, roaring success! I'm so happy that I was a small part of that. Our goal to have a memorable event worthy of our class, and I think that was achieved. Now, I'm going to take a nap...again. lol

Take It Easy...

Monday was a very productive day. I began mixing up bread dough for the week. As the bread went through it's rise, I mixed and baked a batch a four-dozen chocolate chip cookies for our grandson (and his folks). The last thing I made was a homemade rhubarb custard pie (homemade crust, of course). 

Grandpa Handsome made plans to take in a baseball game in Milwaukee with our grandson, so Grandma got busy early so he could hand deliver the pie, cookies, and a few preserved favorites. Once I finished everything (in good time for Grandpa to leave), I sat down with a cup of tea to rest a bit.

Handsome had planned to mow the lawn, too, but didn't get it done before he had to leave. I decided to surprise him and do the mowing while he was at the game. That was my last task for Monday. I made a light dinner and settled into a comfy chair. 

Tuesday was sunny but cooler, so I worked on a few things in the studio. Handsome ran to a doctor's appointment and had a few other errands, so the pups stayed with me. I figured they would just hang out until he got back home.

Tag loves to spend his days in the back entry. The storm door has a full-length window, so he can catch a few rays, snooze, and watch the road for interlopers. Likewise Bella will settle in on a comfy rug or on the sofa in the living room.

This face, however, is like a naughty kid. I should have known to keep her with me, or kennel her up. The little, sweet-faced witch chewed up my favorite sandals. Grrrrr! I take part of the blame for leaving them next to the bed in our bedroom, rather than put them in our closet. However, that didn't mitigate my ire when I found them.

When Handsome got home, my sandals were waiting for him. He brought them upstairs to my studio, never noticing that they'd been destroyed. He was shocked when I pointed out their condition, followed by "You owe me a new pair of sandals". He was horrified, and offered to take me out immediately to buy a new pair, but I told him it wasn't necessary. By the end of the day, I'd ordered a pair exactly like them from Zappos, and they'll be here by Friday. 

I'm going to be fanatic about putting all my shoes away from now on. If they're out of sight, well, you know the rest. Otherwise, the rest of my day was uneventful. 

I've been designated in charge of the committee to plan our 50th high school reunion for next summer/fall. (I'm not even sure how that happened.) Anyway, it means I'm putting a little time into venue, dates, etc., along with another classmate. I've called a first meeting for Saturday morning, hoping classmates interested in working on the committee with us will show up. Planning for that is occupying a bit of my time at the moment, but I also want to get back to finishing the embroidery on my Everlasting quilt top. It's next on my list. Time to get it done.

Party of Fourteen...

Last night was our wrap-up dinner to close out our work as a committee for the class reunion. We all agreed that we've renewed old friendships, and that we'll continue to gather from time to time just to enjoy each other's company. Two members couldn't make it, but I'm sure they'll join us again in the future.

We only have a few loose ends that couldn't be tied into a neat, little bow, but those things will be taken care of very soon. Our classmates pictured l-r (front row) Julie, Dan and Pat. (second row) Mary, Janet, Brad, Max, Karen S., Cal, Deb B., Karen C., Al, Me, and Deb O. Missing are Rem and Mickey.

This is the most dedicated, hard working, fun committee I've ever had the pleasure of being associated with, and I'm truly honored to have been their leader for the past fourteen months. I almost wish we could do it all over again! Almost. Thanks to all that, together, we could help create wonderful new memories for us and all our classmates.

This Could Get Interesting...

My New Pressure Canner

 

You've watched as I've learned about how to safely preserve my canned creations since moving back to Wisconsin and the farmhouse. All those foods have been preserved via water bath canning. Until now, I've avoided a pressure canner/cooker because I was told when I was a young woman that they were a good way to blow up your kitchen (one of those misguided members of The Committee I mentioned in THIS and THIS post.)

I'll be reading my new manual from cover to cover, and I intend to view whatever I can find on YouTube, and glean additional information from my online canning group, to learn how to safely use my new tool. (Oh, and I'm challenging another mental entry from The Committee, who I'm equally sure, in this case, will be proven wrong.) While nervous, knowledge is a powerful thing, and I intend to be fully educated before I tackle my first project with my new pressure canner.

What I do see in our future, is more preserved food - meats, low acid vegetables, and fruits - that I can put in our pantry. We'll know what's in those foods, that they were safely preserved, and available even when the snow is deep and the roads impassible. I'll be able to put much more food on the shelf than I could ever store or access in our freezer. It's also a frugal way to store away food when the best cuts or choices are on sale, and they won't require the additional vinegar, sugar, or salt that are required to safely can in a water bath. 

 

It may take a while for me to inform myself, but I'm sure that as soon as I'm ready, I'll be canning up a storm using my pressure canner. I'll be sure to share what I learn, and how it goes. You know me. I'll share the successes (and failures, if any). I always thank you for following along. I'll keep you posted.

Garden Update...

I think I'll have to start picking tomatoes in the next few days. Each cluster has at least one tomato ripening. That means it's going to be a busy week. My garden continues to grow, whether I'm ready or not, so there may be a canning session mixed in the midst of an upcoming busy week. Cross your fingers (with me) that the majority of my tomatoes wait until after August 5th.

My 50th class reunion is next weekend, and as the chair for the planning committee, I still have much to do. I'll be ordering the cake and cupcakes today, as well as sending the classmate directory to press. It's going to be busy. I'll also help my committee with putting out any last minute fires that arise as the week progresses.

It's always lovely to have my outdoor girls join me when I'm in the garden. Claudette is always around my ankles, so I make frequent stops to cuddle and pet her. In this photo, she's watching her daughter who followed me right into the "fenced off" area (I don't really consider trellis a "fence", but it works as a makeshift barrier). As soon as I walked around, she rolled over to ask for belly rubs. Of course, I obliged!

My brave little scaredy cat. I know. Oxymoron. She was brave enough to travel through all hazards to get back to me, but often hides from the dogs - unlike her mama who confronts them head-on. Maybe she's the wiser of the two? She got snuggles, too.

So, I'm off to the bakery this morning, and will run a few other errands with Handsome before coming home to my "To Do" list. I don't often write out entire speeches, but I will formulate a bullet list for my speech to my high school class so I don't forget important things I need to say. It shouldn't be difficult as I've been reciting it in my head for weeks.

We've been enjoying the airplane and jet flyovers from the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Airshow this week. Oshkosh is across Lake Winnebago from us, so planes pass over as they're coming or going (depending on the direction of the wind). Thirty three war birds flew over in formation mid-week in groups of four, with a single plane bringing up the rear. It was quite the sight. 

Last night, one of the jets flew almost directly over the farmhouse, and then lit the afterburners to climb up through the clouds. We went to many airshows while we were in Florida, and I well-remember watching the Air Force Thunderbirds or Navy Blue Angels when they did their shows. After a "Missing Man" formation, one jet would disappear for a while, and then zoom back into the view by strafing the audience from a completely unexpected direction (usually from behind while we were all looking ahead). Once past, it would fly straight up into the clouds again. You could feel the power of the jet in your chest as it climbed. 

I imagine last night's jet as the "Missing Man", far from the show audience, keeping himself out of sight until it was time to surprise the crowd with his re-arrival. I can tell you that as Handsome and I stood in our yard watching him (or her), I was gleefully jumping up and down as the afterburners were lit and the jet climbed out of sight. I'm looking forward to the other shows this weekend, and crossing my fingers that we're again treated to another display.

I'd better get moving now. I have lots to do and want to get everything accomplished early so I can sit with an adult beverage to watch the show tonight. I hope you have a great Friday, and a wonderful weekend. See you tomorrow!

Sunday Scripture - For Oklahoma...

Web Image

Our thoughts and prayers are with the survivors in Oklahoma.

Please help if you're able.

Donate to the American Red Cross

or

the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)

(Both organization names above are direct links)

Computer Work...

 

Please forgive me if I keep this short. I've been sitting in front of the computer screen for longer than I planned yesterday. I had a class reunion planning committee meeting Thursday night, and spent Friday transcribing my notes into our meeting minutes, and then set to creating a piece of camera-ready art for mugs we'll have made to give to our classmates the night of the party.

After I completed that, I had a poster to "build" for distribution, and a few more party-related correspondences to write. Finally, I had to just walk away when Handsome informed me I'd been in my studio for hours, staring at a screen. I got up and help him mow the lawn again. It was cold, but the sun was out and it got me outdoors for a while.

I have just a bit more to do this morning, and then I'm going to turn off the computer and spend the rest of the weekend with my husband and the critters. Here's to a happy weekend to all!

Slow Dancing...

Wonky wing feathers in progress

Jury's still out on this so far. My intent was to show both edges of each feather (with the rib shown) as they appeared in the photo from which I adapted this embroidery. I'm starting to think that perhaps I'm trying to be too literal and it's actually taking away from what I'm going for.

This was the first photo I shared when I planned my bluebird piece

Sooooo, I'm probably going to take out the gray stitching again. I plan to start at the wing tips this time and work my way down. Each feather should overlap, but in looking at an actual wing, the overlap should be to the top side of the wing, not underneath. I can accomplish that look as long as I start at the wing tip and work my way down. See the photos of the open wings for a visual explanation. Remember, you can click on an image to enlarge it.

Once I have the flight feathers done, I'll go back and stitch more of the little pin feathers (where the different grays appear on the top of the wing) and perhaps even make them a little fuzzy as they are on an actual bluebird. But, first things first.

I kind of knew this part of the piece was going to be a challenge, but I didn't expect that I'd be stitching and frogging about six times to get what I want. Even so, if it's not right I know the finished product would bug me. Instead, I'll stitch and frog until I'm completely happy with the look.

Not today, though. This is my last week of three full days, plus a dear friend passed away the Monday after Mother's Day and her funeral is Wednesday so family and friends can say goodbye. She was one of the ladies on the 50th class reunion planning committee. She was a beautiful soul, and she'll be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her...including me. I'll be working today, tomorrow and Friday from 9:30 - 4:30 (approximately) and the funeral will be Wednesday morning. The rest of the week is my own, so I'm going to do my best to focus on this piece.

I'll be sitting at the hoop and removing all those grey stitches first, and then I'll begin stitching as I have time this week. Perhaps by this time next week, at least one wing will be finished. I'm certainly going to try for that.

Time for me to get ready for work. I'll see you again tomorrow. Bluebird update then. Toodles!

Friday Night Mixer...

 

This will be a quick post today as I'll be off and running early today. Lots to do before this evening's celebration. I'm going to the bakery to pick up our sheet cake and cupcakes, and then heading to the venue to help the committee with set up for tonight.

Last night's mixer was a huge success! We had over 100 people there. Everyone engaging with old school chums, and reminiscing. It was wonderful, and many stayed until after 10 pm. Handsome and I left around 9:30. I'd been greeting each classmate and was starting to get a scratchy throat from all the conversation, so it was time to go home to a hot cuppa tea with honey, and then off to bed.

There were a group of us from the old neighborhood and grade school, so we got one of our mates to take a picture of all of us together. Some traveled great distances to be here. l-r: Dennis from CA, Dave from TN, me, my BFF Cyd from GA, Dick from Fond du Lac, Dan from Fond du Lac, and Chip from MN. 

More of "Old Home Week" on Monday. I'll see about getting more photographs to share with you. I really didn't have time to take any myself, so I'll see what we can come up with from the group. Gotta run!

I've Been Everywhere, Man...

Can you believe I have not one single photograph of any part of my day yesterday? I spent most of my day behind the wheel of my Explorer, running errands hither and yon. Tag was my wingman. 

Together we traveled from home an hour and a half northwest to my brother's home to pick up tomatoes he'd grown; stopped at a farm local to him to purchase sweet corn (only $5/dozen!); went to the Fleet Farm store; stopped at Primitive Gatherings to pick up backing for my Everlasting quilt; made a fuel stop closer to home; and picked up more tomatoes just up the road from our farmhouse. whew!

By the time I got back home, I had an hour and a half to rest a bit, change clothes, and drive back to town to chair a meeting of our 50th (high school) Class Reunion planning committee. I ordered dinner from the restaurant where we were meeting and took it home afterward. I decided that cooking dinner was definitely not on my agenda.

I went to Primitive Gatherings to choose backing fabric for my quilt to match the outer border (darkest fabric above) of the Everlasting quilt. I'll use the same flannel fabric for the binding when it's all finished and returned to me.

When I stopped at my brother's, he pulled out a pressure canner he hadn't been using and gifted it to me. It needed the pressure weight (jiggler), so I went to Fleet Farm to see if they had a replacement. They didn't, but they did have the exact same pressure canner I had on order from Amazon for $30 less! So, yes I bought the one at Fleet Farm, and as soon as I got back in the Explorer, I cancelled the online order. I'll order the replacement piece online.

Tag rode in the cart at Fleet Farm, and got all kinds of attention. He took it all in stride, and was grateful for the extra pets and giggles. ("Look! It's a Corgi!") I have to smile just thinking about it.

I was pretty well gassed by the end of the evening, went to bed early, and slept like a log. Today, I'll be putting up tomatoes. I'll let you know tomorrow whether I used the water bath canner, or if I decided to dive in and use the pressure canner. I'm going to mull it over a cup of coffee and breakfast. 

October Classmate Dinner...

Back row: l-r Tom, Max, Donna, Brad, Al, Cal, Dan and John. Front Row: l-r Janet, Kathy, Deb B, Julie, Deb N. and Mary

Fourteen of us gathered to share a meal last night. We had a great time, catching up on the events of the past month, and welcomed new classmates to the group. Our reunion committee members are the core group - who attend as schedules allow - and then there are other classmates who drop in from time to time. It was really wonderful to see folks who hadn't joined us before, but saw the posts I put up in our Facebook group and decided to pop in.

We spend a couple hours together, laugh, share stories, and eat our meals. Afterward, we choose our next month's date, hugs are exchanged, and we say goodbye until we're together again. It really is lovely, and we mentioned that when we're all together, we're really all just kids again. We don't see the gray hair, extra wrinkles or pounds, and our joints aren't quite as sore. We're just old friends who look forward to our visits.

So, we've chosen next month's date - the week before Thanksgiving. We're all here and relatively healthy, and the way time flies these days, we'll see each other again before we know it.

Happy Halloween to my friends who celebrate. Happy Fall to those who don't.

Girls’ Weekend...

Saturday Craft Group

I drove to Portage on Saturday for another play date with dear friends. This month was Marie’s (she’s to the right of me in the photo) turn to decide the project. We made wall pockets. 

To create the wall pockets we began with large embroidery hoops, selected the fabrics we wanted to use, and then added embellishments. 

We were all finished in three hours, and you can see the results. Each project turned out reflecting each creator’s personality perfectly...and we had fun visiting at the same time! We’re already looking forward to next month!

High School Friends

Sunday was an outing to a local goat farm/creamery with a group of friends from high school. Many of us work together on the class reunion committee. 

The creamery had a Wine/Cheese/Chocolate pairing event. While the taste testing was enjoyable, it was really catching up with the ladies that was most fun. 

I got home mid-afternoon and spent the rest of the day catching my breath. We have a lot scheduled for this week, so I just enjoyed the rest of the weekend with Handsome and the critters. 

I have orders to prepare and mail today, and then more office work to do. Yippee. (Snort)

In Memoriam...

Karen C.  1955-2025

Today, my former classmate and friend, Karen will be laid to rest. She lost her husband a number of years ago, welcomed a granddaughter named for him, and celebrated her seventieth birthday in January. The day after Mother's Day, she lost her battle with cancer.

She was one of the hard working members of our high school fiftieth reunion committee, and until she became too ill, would always join us for our monthly dinner gatherings. The last time I saw her and spoke with her was at her birthday party. She was frail then, but put on a brave face for everyone who came to celebrate.  

Karen leaves behind four children and their spouses; three grandchildren; her siblings and their spouses. Her legacy will live on through them.

I'll be attending her visitation and funeral this morning along with so many others who will miss her smile, her kindness, her generosity, and her gentle spirit. She's reunited with her dear husband and is now whole and healthy again. Rest well, dear friend. I'll miss you.