Tuesday, February 8, 2011

It Better Not Happen Again!

Symptoms, then are in reality nothing but the cry from suffering organs.
~Jean Martin Charcot

No sooner had we gotten one member of the family home from the hospital before we were admitting another.  My SIL had been having severe abdominal pain for most of Sunday.  My DD#2 (his wife) took him to the ER Sunday evening.  After four hours and several tests, it was determined that he had an acute appendicitis.  The emergency team was set in motion and SIL was in surgery by 2:30 AM.  It turns out that the appendix had ruptured but he came through the surgery just fine.  He is now in a nice room (new wing at the hospital), resting comfortably and being filled with mega antibiotics.  I have informed my family that we are not aiming for the "it always happens in 3's".  No more trips to the ER for anybody!!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY


Popsicles

Did you know that the Popsicle the Popsicle was invented by an eleven-year-old Frank Epperson in 1905?  He had left his fruit flavored soda outside on the porch with a stir stick in it. The drink froze to the stick and tasted good. It took 18 more years in 1923 for Epperson to apply for a patent for a "frozen ice on a stick" called the Epsicle ice pop, which his children re-named the Popsicle.  Popsicle sticks were first made from Birch wood and the first twin popsicles were invented during the great depression.  Popsicles can be pretty messy, which is okay if you're poolside but not so much when you're headed to grandma's or somewhere else afterward. To cut back on popsicle mess, save the small lids from yogurt, margarine, cottage cheese and sour cream containers. Cut a very small slit in the lid and slide the sticks of popsicle sticks through them to create a "catch" for all the drips. Wash and reuse, or throw away the lid and stick if you're on the go. Good Humor now owns the rights to the Popsicle.

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BEE BLOCKS FINISHED

Yesterday I accomplished my goal of completing both of the Bee blocks for Let's Bee Together members that were waiting on me.  Not really waiting on me, as they aren't due until the end of the month but I felt like they needed to be done and in the mail.

Here is the block that gave me such problems - well, problems that I caused myself.  It really shouldn't have, it was a rather simple block to make.  But when you cut the squares the wrong size that turn into HST, you end up with a mess.  I had to wait for the dark brown and the green paisley fabrics to arrive and they did Saturday.  This block is for Ann and she selected the block Arkansas Crossroads.  Her only requirement was to use the green paisley fabric as I have them stitched into the block.  The rest of the fabric was to be used as we wished in the block.  I would have rather had a different print than the green and black but I think it looks okay the way it is.

This block is for Tamera.  She is using a pattern by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. called High Cotton and is making the quilt in Civil War Reproductions in pink and brown.  Tamera selected the Shoo Fly block and then added a little twist.  There is sashing pieces but just on two sides.  She specified which fabrics to use for the Shoo Fly part of the block and then left it up to us on how to assemble the sashing.  I hope she likes how it turned out.

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RICH FABRICS

I received an order from Connecting Threads yesterday for a new project I will be starting soon.

The far left is just a plain cream but the rest are from their Quilter's Candy Mirage line of fabrics.  Aren't the colors just so rich and luscious?  They look even more beautiful in person.  The fabric is a nice weight and you certainly can't beat the price at Connecting Threads.

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WINNINGS RECEIVED

Yesterday I also received my winnings from The Quilty Home Giveaway last month. 

I'm now the happy owner of two charm packs of Hoopla!  I'm not sure what exactly I will be making with this wonderful line of fabric but I know it will be bright and cheery.  Jennifer also included a very nice note with the charm packs.  Thank you, Jennifer!!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I think I will spend time working on the wool table runner that I cut out the pieces for last week.  I still am not sure how I will transfer the lettering but I have to applique on all of the flowers and leaves on first.  I have received several suggestions for transferring the letters that I will share with you at another time.


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GIVEAWAYS

Cranberry Samplings is celebrating 300 followers with a giveaway.  Deborah is giving away an assortment of patterns, some fabrics, floss, a pair of little scissors and a wonderful pinkeep she has made.  She will draw a name on Monday, February 14th.

Jay Bird Quilts is having a sponsored giveaway by Pink Chalk Fabrics.  You have the opportunity to win a full collection of fat quarters of Far Far Away II by Heather Ross!  You have until Wednesday at 10:00 PM EST to enter.

Smashed Peas and Carrots is having a great giveaway.  They are giving away about two half yard cuts of some of their lovely and oh so buttery-soft Anna Maria Horner Little Folks Voile.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, February 15th.

Flourishing Palms is having a fun giveaway.  You could win one of two set of Drunkard's Path acrylic templates from Baycreek Quilting.  This giveaway will end on Sunday, February 13th, I think.

Anne Kelle is having a Valentine giveaway. She is giving away bundle of Sweetie Pie (four yards total)! This giveaway will end Monday, February 14th.
Connecting Threads is having a giveaway.  You could win some of their Essential Pro thread and/or a copy of Freemotion Quilting by Judy Woodworth.  This giveaway ends Sunday, February 13th at 11:59 PM PST.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Challenges are constantly being thrown at us.  Whether by something we choose to do or by an unforeseen event that comes our way.  I like challenges that I give myself.  They are a learning exercise and help keep the mind sharp.  The challenges given to me by life are sometimes not so fun to learn from.  But learn we must and then move on.  Life would become rather boring if it just sailed along smoothly day after day.  I could use with a little boredom about now - well, at least for a couple of days.  Then I will provide my own challenges - life can keep their challenges on a shelf for awhile, thank you very much!

But the moment you turn a corner you see another straight stretch ahead and there comes some further challenge to your ambition.
 ~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.


It's another terrific Tuesday!!

20 comments:

Charity said...

I think I would be telling my family the same thing. I'm glad to hear everyone is doing well.

The Hoopla fabric looks so fun and cheerful. Enjoy!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Oh shivers! Wishing gentle hugs and get better soon thoughts for SIL. Can understand about the "3's" - been there, done that.
Love the B blocks, especially the Shoo Fly with the border - probably because it is Civil War prints.

I have been thinking about getting some of the Mirage - looks lovely. Need some blendable solids in my stash - and yes, you can't beat their prices (and get it delivered to your door, too).

Congratulations on your win of Hoopla - looks like a fun print. More my daughter's style, than mine.

My goal today is to finish up my scrap block play. If more time - have 2 bags cut out and semi-pieced that could use finishing.

Rochelle said...

I'm sorry to hear about your SIL. I'm sure your family has had it's share of challenges this year.
Keeping you all in my prayers and also praying you will have a couple of days of boredom :-)
Have a great rest-of-your-week.

Mama Spark said...

Thanks for the great info on the give aways. I hope your family has an easier time of it soon!! Prayers coming your way!!

Lynda said...

Someone once told me that nothing comes in 3's....its just how we divide it up. Maybe it comes in 2's this time!

I loved the fabrics I got from Connecting Threads. Now I can't wait for the next magazine to see what I NEED this time.

The Hoopla fabric looks delightful and cheery. Looking forward to seeing what you do with them.

By the way, your blog is the best way to start my day. Thanks.

Needled Mom said...

Just checking in after being away. So sorry to hear about your SIL. I hope recovery continures smoothly and that you can avoid #3!!!

Your blocks are beautiful and perfect!

Gene Black said...

I sincerely hope no one else in your family has problems anytime soon!

I love the way you have a surprise in each post. I never knew who invented the popsicle or how.

Megan Harmeyer said...

You people in Cali are stressing me out! LOL I'm glad he's ok and that Chicken took him to the ER instead of waiting it out a bit longer. I like your blocks - especially the top one.

Barb said...

Your blocks are wonderful, and I just love popscicles.....

Impera Magna said...

Sending get well soon wishes to your SIL and good thoughts that you'll not have any reason to visit the hospital!

The fabrics from Connecting Threads look wonderful...

elizabeth said...

So happy that you SIL is on the mend. I agree, no more ER for you and your family : ) The blocks are great...and congrats on winning the charm squares.
Hugs and Prayers coming your way.....

quiltzyx said...

I'm glad that your Mom & SIL are doing well after their surgeries. And I agree, enough is enough!

Your Bee blocks look wonderful. One of these days I might join in on a swap, but for now, I'll enjoy yours instead. :^)

Enjoy your Monday!

Scrappy quilter said...

Glad to hear your mom and SIL are on their way to recoveries. I hope this is the last ER visit you have for a good long time. I always find your blog so informative...great job. Hope you are having a wonderful Tuesday. Hugs

Toni said...

No, it will NOT happen in 3's!! Keeping the family in thoughts for speedy recoverys!

Now I want some Popsicles! I use to use those Tupperware kits for the kids back in the day - it had a build in drip tray! :)

Great looking blocks, I finished my shoo fly and popped it into the mail this morning! It was fun and easy to whip up!

Oo can't wait to see your wool runner! I need to play more with wool!

You can share my giveaway if you like, it's open til next Monday!

Hope you had a wonderful day, Ms. Linda!

Jen said...

Yay, you got the package! Isn't Hoopla gorgeous! Pictures really don't do it justice, it's so bright and cheery! I'm using it to frame my Birdie Stiches blocks. Glad that everything is good with your family, despite the close calls! Love your blocks, those are super cute!

Micki said...

Hope your SIL has a quick recovery, and good luck with your win!
Micki

Wendy said...

Oh wow, I just love the colors in the Let's Bee Together block. It came together well in the end, didn't it? Nice job.

Em said...

LInda, Wish I was your personal nurse for your family. Know that I send a hug and healings and no third happening allowed! Thank you for all the wonderfulness to read. Love to you friend, Em

Vesuviusmama said...

Here's hoping you don't see the inside of the hospital again anytime soon!

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

My goodness! Everyone has been falling apart lately. I would tell my family the same thing. No more ER visits!

I love shopping at Connecting threads. With the prices so low I was worried about the quality of the fabric but haven't had any problems.

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