Saturday, March 16, 2024

Bookcase

 


Not my art.  The art on top of the bookcase was made by a friend and I've enjoyed it for the last many years.  Make more art, Janelle!  You're amazing.

There was a visitation this morning for a long time family friend.  When my husband died - 28 years ago - she and her husband made the two-hour trip to bring my older daughter home.  One of those things you don't forget.

And her daughter - hosted the rehearsal dinner for my older daughter's wedding.  Another of those things you don't forget.

And her grandson took my very young grandchildren fishing in the lake behind his house.

One of my former co-workers from the sewing machine store came to the visitation.  An example of different paths crossing.  

Friday, March 15, 2024

The Bunny

 


Last night I got a text from my neighbor telling me to look at the black bunny in my back yard.

The bunny spent quite a long time in my yard, nibbling on a rose bush and just hanging out.  I've learned that it is a neighborhood pet, spending time in many neighbors' yards.  Apparently it has a multi-colored friend as well.

Surely they were once pets.  They have escaped the coyotes and must have learned to look both ways before they cross the street. 

I guess a nice thing to do would be to toss out a few mini carrots.

And thinking of carrots, many years ago my across-the-street neighbor had a string of carrot lights that she would put out at Easter.  I've looked for some since, but none of the carrot lights now look just right.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Hope


The hope of marigolds in different colors.

The basil is slow to sprout, but it's starting to happen.  And the ground cherries - should start appearing in 7 - 14 days.  

My plan for today is to plant more marigold seeds so they aren't all ready at the same time.

I know the peat pellets are small, so I'll be transplanting to little paper cups with potting soil.  By that time the weather should be warm enough to put the little plants on the back porch, covering them at night if necessary.


Monday, March 11, 2024

It Happened

 


For the first time in a very long time, I've made something.  The sewing machine and I are friends once again.

The pattern is Be Mine Heart Zipper Pouch.  Fabric is Buttercup and Slate by Corey Yoder for Moda.  The other side has more yellow.  This bag uses a mini charm pack and a matching fat quarter.

Quick lesson:  Mini charm packs are 2 1/2" squares, 42 in all, that have all the fabrics in a collection.  Some are duplicated.  A fat quarter is 18" x 22" - a quarter of a yard cut differently than usual.  Moda is a fabric company with really nice fabrics, you won't go wrong with Moda.

Totally different, I've started a comforter top to be knotted.  Some of the fabrics were donated to Mennonite Central Committee, some are from my stash.  Because I'm making it, it will be bright.

Laying out the design means a lot of sitting on the floor, and a lot of getting up off the floor.  A reminder that I have a long way to go.

I'm also reminding myself, though, that I'm not the only almost-80-year-old struggling with getting off the floor.


Saturday, March 9, 2024

Thirty Minutes

 


Thirty minute walk today in my hilly urban neighborhood  My ears were cold when I got back, it was a breezy 49 degrees.  If you enlarge the picture you can see the Cincinnati skyline in the background.

When I got home my oxygen level was 94.  After a minute, 96.

I'm pleased about this.  Two months ago at the doctor's office I couldn't complete the six minute walk test.  When my son-in-law dropped me off in front of the building I had to sit in a lobby chair when I waited for him.

Day to day, there sometimes seems like little improvement.  Sometimes it's nice to see a bigger picture.




Thursday, March 7, 2024

RBG

 


These were among those offered at the post office today when I picked up stamps.

I remember where I was when I got the news that RBG had died. Do others? I was sitting on the high school bleachers in early evening, waiting for a marching band presentation when my phone chimed. And I knew that life would look different after that evening. If I'm remembering right, it was a chilly evening, with rain starting. The band presentation was moved inside.

I sat in back with my mask, not comfortable being in a crowded auditorium but really wanting to see my drum major grand daughter conduct. It was early Covid days. My grand daughter stood on a folding chair to conduct.

I have no desire to incorporate politics in my blog, so I'll just say that my grand daughter is in college now. She is considering marching band in the fall. Perhaps trying out a different instrument.



Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Little Zipper Bag


The front of a little zipper bag - because I have to start some where.  10 1/2" x 8 1/2".

After that will come piecing the top of a comforter for the church group to knot.  In a perfect world, two tops.  We'll see.  I have squares cut out for one of them - from before - probably in November.  From donated fabric.

And then, hypothetically, a worship Easter banner for church.  

Easter is early this year - March 31, as I've mentioned before.  And for those who keep track of those things, Reds Opening Day is March 28.

I so enjoy listening to a baseball game while sewing.  Two of my favorite things, and the time just passes so pleasantly.