Monday, May 9, 2011

Squishies, Questions, and Action!


There is no curing a sick man who believes himself to be in health.
~Henri Amiel

Oh, what a weekend!  Friday evening I received a call from a very good family friend telling me she was following the ambulance that was taking my Mother to the hospital.  Mom had had another TIA.  She apparently went very blank and then started playing bridge with 3 unknown bodies (well, they weren't seen by anyone else but my mother) and moving things around on the table that were not there.  We spent 6 hours in the ER just to have them confirm that she did have a TIA.  They sent her home with instructions to see her GP and a neurologist.  One good thing, they found out she had a sinus infection and prescribed an antibiotic.  Woohoo, one thing we don't have to worry about.  Saturday she refused to relax and insisted on cleaning out her closet.  Sunday we had her and my sister over for dinner to celebrate Mother's Day.  All seemed well, so we will see what the doctor says.  After a late night Friday and running errands most of the day on Saturday, I really needed the day of rest and relaxation.  Well, as much relaxation as you can get while you do the laundry - lol!  I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY


May 9th is Lost Sock Memorial Day!  Socks are the trickiest part of any laundry day' aside from folding fitted sheets. Socks have a tendency to lose their mates, resulting in a whole drawer full of sad singles. And it doesn't matter how hard you try to keep track of them, one will always get sucked into the vortex that opens up at some point during the spin cycle. So today, as you look over all the solo socks you've been hanging on to for all these years, pay your respects to the ones you've loved and lost.
Here are few sock tidbits.....
* 8th century B.C . - Greek poet Hesiod mentions socks made from matted animal hair.
* 3rd-6th centuries A.D. - knit socks discovered in Egyptian tombs

* 1900-1910 - Children wore socks stretching almost to their knees, by 1910-1920 ankle socks were in fashion
* 1950s - Teenage boys donned "bright white socks with white buckskin shoes"

* 1956 - Bridesmaids at Princess Grace's wedding wore "ultra bright white ankle socks."

* 1998 - White knee socks make a comeback thanks to Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time" video.


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MAIL CALL

Friday my mailbox was overflowing with a box and a couple of squishy envelopes!  First I received a box from my friend, Sharon.  Inside this box were......

these 12 beautiful paper pieced blocks and some coordinating remnants.  Aren't they amazing?  Sharon made these awhile back and asked me if I would like them.  Like them?  I love them!  She said they were too pointy for her.  Some day, in the not too distant future, I will work on some sashing and the border to finish up this quilt top.  All the hard work was already done by Sharon.
Sharon also included.......

a wonderful little tee peg pincushion, three precious wodden gignermen that were the last pieces ther her Dad made in his show, and a beautiful Valor Star ornament that I already have hanging in a spot where I can see it everyday and think of her.  Thank you so very much, Sharon!  You can check out Sharon's other wonderful creations over at Vroomans Quilts - stop by and tell her I said hi!

Another package that arrived was my winnings from 1 Choice 4 Quilting......

Well, actually it was Shawna's Quilting Book Club where I won the giveaway.  This wonderful package included the book, Modern Basic, and the fabric to make the pattern, Summer Breeze.  How cool is that?  I look forward to creating that beautiful quilt some time soon.  Thank you, Shawna!!

The next squishy came from Frances of One More Quilt.....

This wonderful 2 yard cut of fabric was what I won from her just a few days ago!  This is the second time I've won something from Frances - I feel very, very lucky!  Thank you for this great piece of patriotic material, Frances!!

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CALL FOR ACTION


Sew Cal Gal is holding her first Charity Quilt Block Challenge.  For this challenge she has selected the Quilts of Valor to be the recipients of our wonderful creations.  She is looking for people to make 12.5" blocks or patriotic quilt tops and/or finished quilts.  All you need to do is create any type of block (pieced, applique, string, etc) that is 12.5" so long as it is made with 1/4" seams, 100% cotton fabrics, and uses patriotic colors appropriate for QOV.  There is also a giveaway in connection with this challenge.  For all of the important information and small print please visit Sew Cal Gal's blog.  I will be making at least a couple of blocks for this very worthy cause.

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QUESTION - OPINIONS REQUESTED


I just found out that the label I made for my daughter's quilt should probably have put through a soltuion before printing it.  I was reading some blogs and they suggested Bubble Jet Set for printing pictures.  Others suggested their own home made recipe that they say is the same as Bubble Jet Set for a whole lot cheaper.  Either way would be cheaper than buying the pre-prepped paper backed fabric.  Have any of you used this product?  Do you think it works?  I thought I would ask you your opinion before I spend the money.
Thanks!

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MY SHAME


Friday I did not get a single thing made.  I spent the morning catching up on emails and ordering my DH's birthday present.  I did manage to get a couple of hours of stitching in on my Birdie Stitches BOM, but not enought to share a picture.  So twenty lashes with a wet noodle for not meeting my goal on Friday.  I will get back on track today!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will make a block for this month's Bee in Oz hostess.  Hopefully I will have enough time to also complete my stitchery.

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GIVEAWAYS

Happy Cottage Quilter is having a giveaway.  You could win a Lattice Work pattern and two yards of fabric.  The winner will be announced on Tuesday, May 10.

All About Applique is having a giveaway.  Kay is giving away a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 3 and a copy of her book Growing Hearts.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, May 10, at 9:00 pm PST.

Hancock's of Paducah has a new giveaway.  You could win one Feathered Star quilt kit containing fabrics from the Moda Sweet Sixteen collection by Laundry Basket Quilts.  The sweepstake ends Wednesday, May 18, at 10:00 am CST.

Farm Girl Transplanted is celebrating her 100th post with a giveaway.  There will be two winners of two charm packs of  Prayer Flag charm packs by April Cornell and one yard of coordinating fabric.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, May 11, at midnight.

My Go-Go Life is having a giveaway.  Kim is giving away Five half yard cuts of Heather Ross girlie fabric.  The winner will be selected on Thursday, May 12.

Needles and Lemons is having a giveaway.  Judith is giving away  fat quarter set of the entire new Denyse Schmidt range 'Picnic and Fairground'.  This giveaway ends Saturday, May 14.

Sew Fabulous Quilt Shop is having a May giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter bundle of Annie's Farm Stand Collection by Lakehouse Dry Goods.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, May 31.

Just One More Stitch is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a half yard bundle of Honey Child green and blue bundle by Jennifer Paganelli.  This giveaway ends Sunday, May 15.

Little Miss Shabby is celebrating her birthday with a week long giveaway.  You could win a Baby Fat Quarter Bundle by Michael Miller Fabrics.  This giveaway ends Saturday, May 14.

Sew Many Stitches Later is celebrating her 100th post with a giveaway.  Lara is giving away a  FQ bundle of 14 prints of the Picnic and Fairgrounds Fabric Collection.  This giveaway ends Sunday, May 15.

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FINAL THOUGHT
I have been contemplating my mother's health situation.  She is going to be 83 in just two weeks.  I think maybe she should give up driving.  How am I going to tell this fiercly independant and stuborn lady that she should hand over her car keys.  I know how it will go if I try to talk to her face to face - I will be told I'm stupid and probably banned for quite some time.  But I guess that is better than the possibility of having her take her life and possibility that of another.  I have thought of giving her doctor a call prior to her appointment on Wednesday and discuss the matter with him.  I know he can report to DMV and have her liscense taken away.    No one had to tell me when to quit driving.  When I felt it was unsafe for me and those around me, I gladly handed over my keys.  I haven't driven in over 6 years.  What would you do if you were in my shoes?  Have you ever had to deal with something similar?  I would love to hear your opinion on this matter.

The longest journey begins with a single step, not with a turn of the ignition key.
~Edward Abbey

May you Monday be full of melodies!

33 comments:

Cheryl said...

Wow, Linda, what a dilemna. I have no suggestions. My mother turns 80 this year and I know tough times and decisions are ahead.
I will head over to SewCal Gal...I love charity projects and QOV is a favorite.

Lucky Duck Dreams said...

Im glad your mom is doing better! Driving at any age is such a tough choice. My 89 year old grandpa Jack still drives. Even coming the long distance to visit us. But then he is not like other 89 year olds. If you dont feel comfortable I would you encourage you to speak to her doctor. Some one who is know to have had repeated episodes of basically leaving reality or blacking out should not be driving.

Rhanda said...

Hi there. Those blocks you received are simply amazing! As for your mom, I would get her doctors involved with the driving situation. They have more 'clout' with your mom anyway. Maybe she'll listen to them. Good luck, not an easy thing. Keep us posted. :)

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Family stresses - don't apologize for not getting goals done when more pressing things arise. Make sure you get your rest too.

Thank you - you are too sweet to post the 'box' items sent. I just wanted you to enjoy. So many lovelies you have gotten, how wonderful.

My Mom is going to be 87, we suspect minor TIA's - yet she also has an in-operatable brain tumor that is growing and we know is affecting her. Her hearing is listed as 'legally deaf', cataracts, and memory loss - and yes we are fighting to get the keys out of her hands. Horrible thing - her doctor signed her papers to get her liscense renewal! AND I have been called stupid and mean - hard to ban me as I live in the other half of the house. ** definitely speak to her doctor though **

Lynette said...

You lucky girl - those paper pieced stars from Sharon are wonderful! :)

I'm sorry about your mother. TIAs are scary. I agree that it's time for her to not be driving anymore, and I can empathize with your turmoil regarding the situation. I think your idea of speaking with the doctor about it is the best solution. I don't think a family member should have to be the one to take the brunt of the blame, and it's so easy for a doctor to make the call on a professional level. Families have enough emotionally traumatic decisions to make at that stage of life without having to add the "bad guy" element to the driving issue.

Donna said...

I lack words of wisdom on your mom's situation. The start would be talking to the doctor. I wish you the best.

Miss Hillbilly said...

I did a whole blog post about bubble jet set. One bottle lasts a long time and well worth the money.

Sorry about your mom. My husband had a small stroke last fall and I watch him like a hawk now. Scary stuff!

Lynda said...

Look at all the lovely things you got in the mail....looks like lots of fun hours of quilting for you.

My Mom had TIA's a lot. She lived in my home so I could help her a lot. I would go downstairs and she would be talking to an Uncle (long passed away) or think I was my sister, etc. They seemed to pass quickly and not leave any scars on her mind.

My Dad gave up his driving when he had an accident (not hurting anyone or himself) and realized he needed to rely on me for that. Of course, he also lived in my home so it was easy to be his driver.

These decisions are always difficult but I think you are right to discuss it with her doctor. Good luck to you.

Needled Mom said...

I do not envy what you have ahead. We have had to do it several times with our parents and, surprisingly, they took it better than we thought they would. I would definitely talk to the doctor before the appointment and he may actually "have" to tell her and inform the DMV with her history of TIAs. I'm glad that she recovered from it - again!

Lost socks - a common problem. My in laws once had a dog who would bury a sock everytime she was left home alone. My MIL thought the washer "ate" the socks and complained for years about it. When my husband was digging a hole to plant a tree for them he dug up 237 socks!!!! It was crazy!

I love the pretty blocks. You will have fun with those.

robin said...

First off - I love your blog. It's one of my very favorites. :) As for your mom - it's so hard to see our parents aging, isn't it? If I were you, I would talk to her doctor, and let him be the "bad guy" regarding her not driving. I hope things work out well...

rubyslipperz1052 said...

Oh...I read your VERY fun blog...and then, I can't remember what comments I want to make from the beginning...is my brain getting old? (probably!)...

Your keys/mom story reminds me of Driving Miss Daisy. Maybe if she didn't feel she had to lose her independence all at once...maybe if there were days she could count on to go out when someone would drive her?

Luv the sock info!
OK...I officially crown YOU the LUCKY DUCK!!...at least for these several weeks. You have won some really wonderful things! but, the best aquisition of all is Sharon's quilt!
...now you need to go buy a lottery ticket? I'll send you the money... lol

hugZ,
annie
rubyslipperz106.blgospot.com

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

First, I love the blocks Sharon gave your. WOW!. Second, we had to do this with my father. Get the doctor to do this. It makes him the 'bad guy' and not you. She'll forgive him at some point, but, she'll never forgive you. Doctors are used to doing this. They will even tell you that it is easier for them than for family members. Call the doc quick. Good luck.

Sunnybec said...

Hi Linda glad your Mum has improved. Get the Doctors involved.. we had the same thing with my Dad and his car, it wasn't easy he was so upset, he was losing his independence and it hurt. It's such a worry having elderly parents who think they can still do things they did years ago.... Congratulations of the wins.

Linda said...

I'm sorry your Mother's Day weekend was spent worrying about your mother. I do hope the doctor can give her something to keep this from happening again.

Maria said...

You were very busy with your Mum on Friday which is more omportant .
So pleased she is okay again.
Your sure good lots of lovely mail.Love the foundation peiced quilt you friend Sharon sent. Lucky you.
I have never had missing sock problem but I know lots of folk do.

Leslie said...

Wisdom would say that your mother should not be driving. When my FIL had a stroke, the doctor made the report to the DMV. It took the burden off of the family and put it on the doctor. My FIL was willing to follow doctor's orders. I definitely suggest a conversation ahead of time with her doctor.
May God give you courage and strength for the day and may he comfort your mother.
Leslie

Apple Avenue Quilts said...

My sisters and I faced this same problem. Mom insisted on driving long past when it was safe. We finally had to take away not only her keys, but the car too. I wasn't easy, but better than having someone hurt or killed as a result of our inaction. I was especially insistent as a sweet little old gentleman had tried to drive his car down a narrow alley behind where I used to work and had taken out all of the natural gas meters for an entire shopping area. It was a miracle that he didn't blow us all sky high.
On a lighter note, the quilt blocks your fiend gave you are fabulous. What fun!

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Considering your Mother's TIA's, she might willing give up those keys if approached from that angle. Good luck!

Lost socks~ my brother always said his washer 'ate' his socks. It wasn't until it broke and my Dad took it apart that they found bunches of socks and even a pillowcase behind the drum. ;-)

Congrat's on all your winnings and wonderful mail! Have a happy week!

quiltercaroline said...

Hi. Sorry that you have had a rough weekend, but glad your mum is doing better.
I have used Bubble Jet - I think it is well worth the money as the pre soaked stuff is so expensive and isn't necessarily the colour you want. The only thing I had a problem with is getting the fabric and freezer paper through my printer. I would suggest though that you prep far more fabric than you need as it takes a while to dry etc and if you only have enough for one label, when your printer eats it you have a long wait to try another; although your printer may not be as greedy as mine!! Take care. Caroline

Anonymous said...

We are dealing with the same thing here....MIL is 89 and the eye doctor won't help us out by saying she should let others drive her. She totaled her car last year, and he still won't. We are going to talk to her family doctor, and see if he will help. I know I would want to be independent, too, but I sure wouldn't want to hurt someone else!
Jacque in SC
quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com

em's scrapbag said...

Lovely mail! Good luck with your mom. That is a hard choice.

joe tulips said...

I have used the bubble jet set...with excellent results. I taped the bottom edge (half to the front, half to the back)... way less chance of the printer grabbing and separating the fabric from the freezer paper AND generally making a mess! It is worth it!

Eileen said...

I love the sock history!!!! And aren't you the lucky girl with all your mail. Always great to visit!

Nancy said...

Linda,

I'm so sorry to hear your mother had some problems. I remember when my mother was having TIA's and fast rides to get where he was. I think calling the doctor might be a good idea. Hard to hear that news from a family member but maybe she will listen to the doctor. Never easy to give up your independence.
Can I tell you again how much I enjoy reading your blog each day!
Have a lovely day.

Nancy

CathyC said...

"So twenty lashes with a wet noodle for not meeting my goal on Friday" LOL I have such a funny image in my head now ;-)
My Dad gave up his licence two years ago - it was his own choice and I confess, I was relieved. He had become a very cautious driver, so much so he was a problem on the road. Good luck with trying to convince your mum.

Staci said...

Wow, Linda--I am so sorry to hear about your mom! I'm glad she's doing well enough to be discharged, and go home. Good that your family could spend mothers day together.
We are facing the same thing with my husband's mother and driving. She is 82 and scares us all to pieces every time she gets behind the wheel. There was some kind of accident last year, but she will not tell anyone what happened. All we know is that her car was in the shop for more than 2 weeks. She won't tell us if she was injured in any way or if anyone else was. We don't know if it was her fault, or someone else's. And, of course, the insurance company isn't going to tell us anything. So frustrating and frightening!! I have read all the comments, and agree, getting the doctor involved is probably the best idea. Let him be the BAD GUY.

Deborah in Atlanta said...

I'm going to agree with everybody else. Talk to the doctor beforehand, and have him explain to her what the repercussions are if she drives and has an accident. As they get older, they're more prone to hide things from everybody. My grandmother had the beginnings of Alzheimers, and none of us knew. When we finally saw what was going on, the doctor said Alzheimer patients realize something is going on, and they learn how to work around those issues. Good luck, my friend. You're going to need it. And you have our prayers each and every step of the way.

Barbara said...

Linda, you are absolutely right to insist your mother stop driving. I think your idea about discussing it with her doctor is a good one. Let her doctor be the bad guy, and you can just be in agreement. I worked as a social worker in several emergency rooms in our area, and I can't even begin to count the number of elderly people who got in trouble driving. It'll be for her own safety, let alone the safety of others. With her TIA's, her judgment is bound to be impaired. Your judgment clearly is not. You are doing the right thing. Stick to your guns, even though it is a difficult situation. Do you have siblings who can help you present a united front? Good luck to you.

Janet said...

I knew my mother had to stop driving when she came to pick me up one day. I had told her that I was going to start walking and I would walk on the side of the road that she would be driving on. When she got to where I was it was a fast stretch (70 km hr) and she drove by me even though there was a shoulder to pull over on and no one else coming. She went down the road and turned around and drove back up to where I was. She stopped her car right in the middle of the lane. There was now traffic going both directions and several cars in her lane had to stop quickly. Once I negotiated my way to the car and got in I told her that was a really dangerous thing to do and that she should have pulled over. She airily said "Oh they would see my brake lights" and wouldn't discuss it further. My dad was still alive so he dealt with the dirty deed. Actually I think he had their doctor tell my mother she couldn't drive anymore. It is hard to see your parents grow old and lose their abilities. When my mother passed away her dementia was so severe that she could not speak, fee herself, walk or communicate in any way.

Valspierssews said...

The pointy blocks look great. Paper piecing is not on my list so far. Nice to get all your wins in the mail. Hope your mum is OK.

Shannon said...

So sorry about your mom. That is so scary. I sure hope that all will be well. I wish I had some good advice for you. It must be hard to take away freedom to someone that still has there wits. It would be so much easier if she didn't. I agree that calling her doctor and having him tell her no more driving is a great way of you not looking like the bad guy. Good luck! And you never know he might be thinking that already. Sharon is so great!!Those blocks are so pretty. What a great looking quilt that will be.

Anne said...

I invested quite a bit of time writing a response, but blogger lost it. I could just cry! Oh, well, crying would only make my noise stuffy. Hope it works out with your mom and the driving situation. Love your projects!

Anne said...

"crying would only make my NOSE stuffy" LOL!

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