Catching Up

Yikes! It has been a week since I arrived home from Retreat and I'm still playing catch up at home and at work.

Retreat was wonderful. Hanging out with my sisters. Visiting with old friends and meeting new friends. Went for a walk around the grounds with Ally (5 yo granddaughter of Conni from Missouri). We graded the leaves for crunchiness as Ally jumped on them .. the crispy one won. =) Ally was such a good girl. She entertained herself and us too!

I made a few pairs of earrings and a fob to hold the latch on my laptop case closed. I also finished two hats and a scarf, all commissioned pieces. I planned to work on two child sized sweaters but there was too much distraction for a first time pattern.

Christine, Phyllis and I went to Sheep Street on Saturday. I bought oil for Jezebel and a cone of slubby linen/rayon to use on a weaving project this winter. It was so nice to visit the shop with like minded folks. Angela is getting better but unless DebJo dozes off in the car she still whines a bit if I go over my one hour limit. (smile)

Better close now and go do laundry ... part of that catching up business don't you know.

Packing for Retreat

My sisters and I will be attending a quilt retreat November 10th -November 14th. Angela is the hostess so we will be there early Wednesday to set up and have everything ready for the ladies. This time there will be a mix of old friends and new friends. Several of the first time attendees are from Indiana which is a little different and very cool.

The photo I have posted is of the conference center at Camp Camby. The front part of the building is the kitchen and restrooms. The round barn-like part is our "sewing room".

Sister DebJo and I are the non quilters attending again this time. I plan to take Jezebel and wool so hopefully Christine can help me figure out why I can't get the spun yarn to take up on the bobbin. I have been commissioned to crochet two child size sweaters and three little boy hats so they are going with me. I told DebJo I would take my jewelry stuff so we can make earrings together. I think Angela plans to take mostly handwork too. She still isn't feeling up to par. =(

Time spent with my sisters and friends is something I've been looking forward too. Our meals are catered and everyone brings their favorite snacks. We will talk, work, eat and relax ... not necessarily in that order. ;^)

My neighbor, Nicholas, and niece, Heather, will keep the farm going while I'm away. Daddy will be periodically checking in too. It is so good to have family and neighbors you can count on!

What's been going on lately .....

The last few weeks have been a mixed bag of life.

May 12th-16th Angela and I went to quilt retreat. This retreat came about through the Back Porch Friends, a Yahoo group Angela started several years ago. Ladies come from all over the country, and usually our friend Michelle from Canada also attends, to visit and sew together. We have been doing this for several years and enjoy it very much.

I'm the only non-quilter who attended this time. Usually our sister Debbie comes with us but Marjorie Melvin, Deb's mother-in-law passed away on May 8th and Bill Melvin, her father-in-law, was nearing the end of his time on earth.

Sunday, May 16th, our uncle Jerry Myers passed away. The morning of May 17th Debbie called to tell me Bill had died a little after midnight. Margie was 85 and Bill was 91. David, my brother in law, lost both his parents in eight days. We attended their double funeral on Thursday and funeral visitation for our uncle on Wednesday evening. It's been a very difficult time and I ask you to please keep Deb, David and their daughter Hillary in your prayers.

Saturday, May 22nd, was the opening day for the Orleans Farmers Market Angela and I are vending there this season. We were pretty pleased with our sales. Ange sold several of her sweet crocheted baby hats and a few little felted bags. I sold a few pairs of earrings. Next weekend I will have hand dyed yarns and soaps to offer too. I have to work at the Library that Saturday but Angela will be there with either Mark or Heather.

I will be probably attending the market solo after next month, unless I can talk Miss Heather into going with me. Angela will be having surgery to remove a brain tumor in a month or so and will be recuperating the rest of the summer. We covet prayers for her surgery and recovery.