Sunday, July 31, 2016

July Marginalia- a Quilty 365 Project


I am caught up through July 24 with my appliqued circles.  
I started them on November 4.  I use 2 strands of embroidery thread to blanket stitch around each circle that represents something in the day of my life.  Then I use a micron pen or ultra fine sharpie to write on each block. 

In July I made and canned wild black raspberry jam and pickled beets, have been harvesting broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions.  I bought tablets for my grandkids. I've also played a lot of games with the grandkids and this month their new favorite game is UNO.   I finished 5 quilts this month - three for charity, one QOV (Quilt of Valor) for bro-in-law and one for me.  We celebrated my daughter and youngest son's birthdays. 

And then...July 18 my granddaughter tested positive for Lyme disease and the same day her dad (my son-in-law) went into the hospital and was later diagnosed with Leukemia. As a separate problem he had a pacemaker installed because of arrhythmia before he started on his chemo treatments. He's been in the hospital since, my daughter at his side and we have been watching the grandkids (thank goodness school is not in session)... well, grandpa has mostly been watching them but I've also been taking a few days here and there off of work to help out.  Then grandpa found out on July 21 that he has a fractured jaw that will involve bone graft surgery. His consultation appointment is Aug 3 (his birthday) an hour away in Iowa City where they do that type of surgery.  I think I will soon be taking more than a few days here and there off work.  Thank goodness I have a lot of vacation time saved up. 

These circles are nice to pick up and work on these hot summer days when I have a few minutes here and there to stop and do a little stitching.  The problem is getting them prepped and ready. 



20 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

so many health problems for your family I do hope all will be well. work on your circles in your down time to help relax!

Jayne said...

Your Quilty 365 quilt is beautiful! I wish you and your family the best...far too many health issues!

Havplenty said...

Beauty of a quilt started there. My prayers to you and your family. You will make it through. Be sure to take care of your mental health while you care for your family.

tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Jennifer said...

Lots of prayers for all your family's health issues. You are certainly experiencing a lot of them. I do love your 365 blocks and look forward to seeing more of them.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

So sorry to hear is even more to deal with. Best wishes to your husband for his recuperation, and hoping a little stitching will help ease your mind.

gayle said...

That kind of handwork can be especially soothing during high stress times like you're caught in. Hugs and best wishes to you and yours.

Quilter Kathy said...

OH my goodness that is a lot for one family to endure in such a short period of time.
Take good care of yourself so that you will be able to maintain your strength... do lots of stitching!

CathieJ said...

I love the Tweety circles. You have found many interesting fabrics to us. So pretty.

Cynthia Brunz Designs said...

I wish your family the very best! Your circles will be nice to work on when you need a little calmness. Thanks for linking up with Oh Scrap!

Sue SA said...

Prayers for you and your family as you deal with all of these medical issues, and juggle life at the same time. I hope that you find some time for the comfort and peace of mind that stitching can bring.

Jenny said...

Oh dear - I'm so sorry to read about the health issues in your family. Sending you best wishes and cyber hugs across the ocean from New Zealand. May you find a little peace nd solace in your stitching time.

Cathy said...

Oh my, your family has been hit so hard by bad news. First, best wishes for your granddaughter and your SIL. And then your hubby’s jaw surgery. May everything go smoothly for him. If bad things come in threes, they you should be done with the bad news for now. My thoughts and hugs are with you, Cathy.

colleen said...

Wow, as they say one step at a time, each day as it comes take care of things one by one. The good news is each person has his/her diagnosis, I think it's better to know.
Hopefully you'll be able to find the time to prep enough hand work to fill your waiting time(s).

My husband has had "heart issues" over the years i have spent a lot of time waiting now it's not as nerve wracking as it once was so I usually try to grab food for me (they feed him if he is allowed to eat) but I am on my own and a few things to do while either I or we wait book, magazine , hand work a couple of different things as I like to switch off. I try to bring the newspaper also as either he likes to read it or have me read the highlights to him.

The other wisdom I'd share is usually this stuff goes on longer than you originally think so arrange for plant/pet care and a change of clothes for you and try do dishes laundry as you go or get someone to do it other wise when the ill one comes home it will be to a house that is needing attention and you will need to comfort and attend to the ill one who will feel less than 100%
Let's just say it's better if you can do or get someone else to tidy the house before that one who needs positive recovery time gets there
You and your family have been added to my prayers
Colleen

Kaja said...

Sounds pretty tough for you right now. I hope things move in a better direction soon. If you can find the time to prep them, it sounds like your circles will be ideal project - as you say, just a little stitching here and there.

Jo said...

Oh my. That's a lot to deal with.. Sounds a bit of my life at the moment.. Take care of yourself and make time to sit and rest....

Cherie in St Louis said...

Oh my goodness...that's more than a family should have to deal with! Thinking of you with healing thoughts.

Bonnie said...

I'm so sorry for all of the issues you and your family are dealing with now. My thoughts and prayers are with you!!

Bonnie said...

I'm so sorry for all of the issues you and your family are dealing with now. My thoughts and prayers are with you!!

Angie said...

Sending Healing Vibes for all your family members. I hope your stitching can be a source of solace!

audrey said...

Love seeing your fun circles, but so sorry about your family health issues! Hope things get better soon.:)