Where have I been?

I thought I'd do a brief update.  I've missed my blogging friends.  I haven't been quilting, blogging or reading blogs.  It's been a life changing year for us.

In March my DH was diagnosed with colon cancer.  Following the 10 hour surgery in April, we found out he had Stage 4 colon cancer.  Since then it has been a struggle and a journey with many twists and turns.  He has completed chemo treatment number 4 so far.  Every day is a challenge for him.  The hardest part is going from being a man who did everything to someone who needs help with everything.  We are thankful for family and friends who have helped us through and continue to do so.  The planting got done and the calving.  The haying is in progress and harvesting is ahead.  I won't go into details, but it's been difficult.  Our Lord and Savior are seeing us through.

Our good news is:  We are going to be Grandpa and Grandma in October!!

Daughter #2 and her husband moved to his home in Mississippi last week-end.  She will have a couple months to prepare for the addition of our granddaughter.  We are so pleased for them and it gives DH something to look forward to.

You may notice that I have stayed faithful to one of my resolutions.  I have lost 80 pounds so far this year.  I am using the Ideal Protein program through a local hospital with the help of a registered dietician.  I had planned to have knee surgery this year, but that is on hold.  Losing weight has helped immensely in giving my knees some relief.

I won't be posting often.   I miss you all and hope next year will be a better year for us.

Happy New Year

I resolve to start blogging again in 2014.  Blogging became lost in the shuffle of my life and once you stop it's hard to get started again.  I've missed you and I know many of you have been wondering about me.  We are fine--just cold!  -6 F at 10:00 am this morning.  December was a cold month and January is always a cold month.  I'm hoping the new year will jump start my ambition and creative juices, if only it would renew my joints. 

Last year I resolved to lose weight by eating healthy.  Well, that happened off and on throughout the year and I weigh the same today as I did back then.  At least I didn't gain any.

I was going to sew more.  I think I probably sewed about the same amount.  I bought the long arm and I've used it very little.  Buying a long arm really doesn't give you the time or ambition to use the long arm. 

I resolved to spend less time on the internet.  This is one resolution I think I might have improved on.  I've been on a reading kick.  I quit playing games, except for Words with Friends and that has slowed down as I don't initiate any new players, but I really enjoy keeping in contact this way with a few friends.

This year I'm choosing a word---Productive.  I need to use my free time more productively.  Whether it is to read my bible, pray, cook healthy, sew, read or blog.   Of course, I still believe watching out the window as the snow lightly falls as a productive use of time.  I need that "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) time most of all in my busy life.

Happy New Year, dear friends.  I'm looking forward to seeing what 2014 brings for all of us and what you and  I will do with 2014.

How Did It Get To Be September?

It's hard to believe today is September.  We have had a very, very hot week and it's been hard on the corn and the cattle. The air conditioner was still running at 10 pm.  Today fall is in the air, but next week's forecast is back in the 90's.  As you can see the baby calves have grown up over the summer.  The grass is not so green any more.  We are praying for rain.  DH has been preparing for silage cutting time and stacking all those bales we've made.   They will start cutting the corn on Tuesday morning.

I  have been cleaning and sorting.  I have too much stuff!  I've been thinking I need to have weekly goals, but my "flexible" life style seems to get in the way.  At least  Cherry on Top is a topper.  I've been doing most of my quilting on paper this week.  When it cools off, I'll need to do a practice top and I'll be ready to load and quilt Cherry.

I've been stitching a Thrift store find.  I bought this set of alphabet blocks at the store for $.50.  Embroidery is so relaxing for me.  I love the plain lazy and winding down of sitting and stitching.

Life is busy, but good. 

We had a wonderful week-end of family and birthday celebrations.  Uncle John (my Dad's brother)  turned 100 and his family hosted a family dinner and an Open House for the community.  In the evening we were invited to the "old home place" for supper and more visiting.  His oldest son lives on the home place.  Sunday morning my Aunt Janette's (who I am named after)  family celebrated her September birthday of 97 year at a local lodge.   We enjoyed a wonderful brunch and birthday cake. 

It was a lovely week-end of visiting with cousins and renewing family ties.  These two wonderful people are the remaining two of five siblings.  My Dad was the oldest boy.   The changes they have seen in the last 100 and 97 years is amazing.  They are both in good health and very active physically. 

We are still making hay and the wheat has been combined.  We haven't had rain, but it has been very, very foggy in the mornings.  I think the corn is getting moisture by osmosis. 

Some of my followers, who are face book friends know I purchased a long arm quilter.  It is a 2000 APQS Ultimate 1 with a 12 foot table. It is very plain Jane--no bells or whistles.  I  haven't had much time to play with it.  I have a lot to learn!

It is set up in our old farm house living room--the only place large enough for it.  I quilted a large piece of muslin all over and all over again.  I'm a regular reader of the APQS forum.  I'm making  notes of all the advice about tension, thread, batting, maintenance, etc.  I even bought a CL board from someone. 

 
I loaded some fabric to test out using this template called 7 Treasures of Budda.  This is my first completed project--it's even been through the washer and dryer.

This wild and crazy bright colored monkey fabric makes me smile.  I like how the design goes with the circles.

My main problem was with tension.  I have ordered some different quilting thread.  It will just take some time to learn how to adjust things for the best outcome.  I'm excited to have more time to get acquainted with this machine.  Hopefully this winter I will be able to spend more time.  I'm practicing by doodling every chance I get.

I really had given up on the idea buying a long arm.  I didn't feel like I could justify buying something that I didn't  have a lot of time to use.  After my older sister passed away in January, I've been thinking about what's on "my bucket list".   I had an opportunity to buy this machine and decided to go for it.  It is very gently used.  Although it doesn't have any extras, I think it will serve my purposes.  You probably won't see any amazing quilting, but I hope to complete more quilts. 

DH is off to Dakota Fest (a large Farm Show) today with a neighbor.  I'm looking forward to a day of doing whatever I want to---so many, many choices!

Feline Friday

When you are a princess you sleep on a pillow!  This has been Puss's napping spot this week.

The wheat is ready to combine.  I went for my yearly eye appointment.  There were a lot of combines in the field and trucks on the road.   We haven't combined ours yet--probably next week.  I'm hoping they don't call tonight and want to come this week-end.  It is Uncle John's 100th  Birthday Bash tomorrow and our family reunion week-end. 

The corn is looking good, but we could use some rain soon.

I enjoyed my afternoon away from the farm yesterday.  After my eye appointment, DD 1 and I got pedicures and went out for supper at LaMinestra.  I had the salmon and it was wonderful.  We had a nice visit too.

The prayer quilt was delivered this week.  Seven of us were able to visit with our quilting friend and see how well she is doing so far.  She was very pleased to see us and her quilt.  

Sewing and Praying

I had a couple girl dates last week.  The first one was a sew all day at a friends.  Eight of us gathered at a quilter's home to make a quilt together.  We sewed and prayed together.  It was sad that the reason for this was to make a quilt for one of our quilter's who has been diagnosed recently with cancer.  We wanted to make her a quilt.

The quilt we made is called Cheese and Crackers by Terry Atkinson.  We used  30's fabric from all of our stashes.  We had stations set up for cutting, ironing and sewing.  These young gals can still get down on their knees for the laying out of the blocks.  I'm jealous of that!

 

Lunch was potluck and there was no shortage of food.  All of our quilters are good cooks too.  I love this huge kitchen island.  It was great for cutting fabric too.

 

Here is the finished top.  We started sewing at 9:30 am and finished up about 5:30 pm.   One of the quilters took the top home to quilt.  The backing will be gray minkee (gray for brain cancer).  We plan on getting together to bind it and give it to our friend.  I've missed my quilting friends--it was a bittersweet day.

There was more mowing and raking last week.  Then on Thursday night I had a night out with 3 friends for the July birthday of my friend, Peggy.  We had supper at  Guadalajara's Mexican Restaurant and went to the play "Kiss Me, Kate".  The Pierre Players community theatre does an amazing job.  It's a tradition to go to their plays for our birthday celebrations.

 

Senior Games

My Uncle John will be 100 years old on Saturday.  We can't have his party that day.  He is participating in the Senior Games in Cleveland, OH this week.  So far he has won 3 gold medals and 2 silver.  He made the paper today in the bowling competition.  He is in two of the pictures.  You can click on them to make them bigger.

We'll have to party next week-end!  My soon to be 97 year old Aunt Janette will be there too.

We hauled bales today.  Cloudy and cool--maybe we'll get rain tonight!

Making Hay While the Sun Shines/Feline Friday

We have been "making hay while the sun shines" this week.

DH did the mowing this time.  I ran the rake to make the windrows for the baler to pick up.  I need to make sure I miss all the rocks and holes.  I need to be sure not to cover up rocks with hay that might cause major damage to the baler. DH follows me making bales.  The hay has to lay on the ground and cure for a couple days in between mowing and baling.  It needs to be done right to be good feed for the cattle.

This is my view heading home dodging bales with the tractor and the rake.  DH will stack the bales this week-end.

These bales were stacked earlier.  If it would rain, we might be able to mow this patch again.  We are in need of rain for the corn.  It's getting dry again and the fire danger has risen in our area.  The wheat will need combining soon too.

Peanut has been spending the hot afternoons in the house.  I had to run to town for parts on Tuesday, so she rode along to get her shots at the Vet Clinic. 

She was a very good patient.  She slept in an interesting pose for her afternoon nap.

I hope she was having good dreams.  Hopefully I will get back to sewing sometime this week-end.
I'm linking up with Sarah for Feline Friday.  :)

Feline Friday

I needed some instant sewing gratification, so I took a Cherry On Top layer cake and charm pack, did some cutting and made some big blocks.  I think Puss was checking out the little owls.

She seemed amused to see me sewing again--it's been awhile.  She just sat on the bed and watched.  Later she went to her hidey hole in the closet for a real nap.

This is cute fabric.  I'm still in the process of sewing rows together.  I'm planning a wide border to add more size to make it a lap size quilt. It's been fun to cut, sew and iron fabric again.  It's a start.

I'm linking up with Sarah, because I love cats and their quilters.

Thank you, Terry!

I won a pincushion from Terry at Terry's Treasures.  I haven't been blogging or reading very many blogs.  Terry always has fun projects and beautiful pictures.   She also makes quite a few pincushions.   I commented on her post and was a winner.  She sent me a lovely fabric/rickrack wrapped parcel!

So many goodies!!

The pincushion is made from one of her signature blocks.  I love those cute little button topped pins!!

Terry also sent me embroidery floss, quilty magnet and a lovely card (love butterflies!).  Thank you so much Terry!!  This win and bloggy thank you will get me back to blogging!!

I've been missing the blog world, but the real world seems to take up all my energy.  I won't try to catch you up on the last two months. 

As you can see from the header, we have been blessed with rain.  It is so wonderful to have the color green in our life again.  Last year's brown world was such a downer.  We are busy making hay for winter feeding now.  We fed every last bale and chopped corn stalk last winter.  We had to buy more of each to keep our cattle herd.   The rain means we will not have to sell our cattle.  They have all been vaccinated and are in summer pastures.  The grass is tall and lush.  The flies are plentiful too.  Every day I check water tanks and fences to make sure everyone has water for the hot days of July and are staying in their assigned pasture.  We are trying to control the fly problem with fly spray, back rubbers and fly control lick tubs.   Flies irritate cattle and also spread diseases.

Thank you so much to those who checked on me while I was offline.  DD #1 is healing and will not have to see the dermatologist for 3 months.  I had another steroid shot in my knee and shot of liquid too.  I made it through calving season and am doing exercise therapy now. 

I have more news to share, but will check in again soon. 

Mother's Day Gifts

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, aunts, sisters and mothers to be--every special woman who cares for family in a loving way.    I'm having a lovely Mother's Day.  It is a gorgeous day outside.  DD 1 was home for 3 whole days of help and fun.  She brought me these lovely flowers.  Don't you just love Gerber Daisies?!  The roses are very, very pretty too.  She also treated me to a certificate for a pedicure and some wonderful soap and lotion.  Best of all I appreciate all her help and the laughing and talking that goes with it.  DD 2 is in Florida and I miss her so very, very much.  We had a nice visit by phone and Skype will be later.

I got another special present today.  This is "Baby"  and again.  Baby had her own baby early this morning.  We have been checking on her often, because we knew she was getting close.  I told DD 1 that "maybe she will have a Mother's Day baby for me".  She is a good momma and very protective.  I raised her well. 

No sewing.  Just calving and now some planting in the fields.  We haven't had any rain since the snow in April.  It is very dusty in the pasture.  I'm praying for rain.  We plant with "hope for the future". 

Here are a few more Mother's Day couples in honor of this special day.

 

Another newborn on Mother's Day and an excellent mom.

 

Look a likes.

 

More look a likes.

 

Lillian and Lily are continuing to be pampered with special care.  Lily brings sunshine daily to our lives.  Her sweet personality and cute antics have won our hearts.  She is so curious and playful.  She does put her ears back when she disapproves of us, but no spitting yet.  lol

I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day!  I was blessed with a great one.

Calving Season

The weather has turned nice with a heat wave and we all are enjoying the sunshine.  I thought I would share some of the other pictures I took during the last two weeks.  DD #1 was home for a couple days this week-end and helped us catch up on things and some sleep too.  :)

In labor in the "favorite" corner of the calving lot.

The corner was bedded with hay, but the snow is rapidly covering it up.  We let Mom lick off the new baby (bonding) and then they go to the warm dry barn.

The "old" long horn cow had a plain baby this year.  Each year she alternates--one year speckled like her, the next year a plain black one.  She is one of our tamest cows.  She comes to DH's cow call.

Just another "pretty" face. 

I'm sure there will be no sewing for a couple more weeks.  The snow is all melted and farming will begin very very soon.  Double duty will be on DH's schedule.  It is amazing how dusty it is in the pasture already.  The ground sucked the moisture right down.  Today I can actually see the beginning sprouts of green.  The trees are very late this year too.  None of the small retail greenhouses are filled in town yet.  It's a very late start for the growing season for everyone.

The Winter That Stayed

You haven't seen much of me--nobody has.  I've been either in the pasture, the barn or sleeping.  Not always enough sleeping.  lol   This isn't the kind of weather I like to have baby calves in.  In fact we are calving a week later than last year, hoping to avoid cold weather.  It has been a very, very long two weeks of snow and wind and colder than average temperatures.  There has been a lot of hands on calving help needed to keep everyone dry and healthy.

Snow is not an ideal place to have a newborn.  When it does happen,  it's up to the rancher to swoop the baby up and take it to a warmer dryer place.  Sometimes Mom follows--sometimes she needs to be persuaded.

The calves that are a week old do better in the snow.  You can tell a healthy calf by his looks.   They have their ears up and usually enjoy morning play time--even in the snow.

It takes a lot of straw and shelter to keep all the older ones warm and dry too.  It's a busy job when the weather is crappy.  There are emergency trips to the vet with little ones that need extra help.  I tell DH: "we can't sleep with them too".  

More later...........................

Feline Friday

Stripes is enjoying the 65 degree day and waiting for supper to be served.

I'm linking up with Sarah, because I'm a cat lover too.

Spring?!

 It does not look like Spring in the calving lot.  It has melted some since I took this picture last week.  DH blew snow away from the fences into the trees.  We really haven't even been able to fix fence because there is too much snow.  I'm NOT complaining.  We need the moisture and a lot of this will melt and flow into the small dam for drinking water for the cows.  It was almost empty last fall.   Yesterday it was 65 degrees, so that got rid of some of the snow.

We had our first calf last week on 3/31.  He is a cutie with some white markings on his face.  He was deep in sleep and I didn't wake him.   His mom was hiding him out in the corn stalks.

 Don't ask me why you would want to kiss a llama.  Sometimes I wonder about my husband--lol.  Lily loves him and always wants to kiss him.  I'm not trusting enough to try it.

I made a Schlep bag today.  You can download the pattern here.  I bought it as a kit with free pattern at a quilt shop.  I didn't realize I could get the pattern online for free until I googled it.   I think this will make a handy travel bag.  I'm always taking along extra stuff.  I didn't put in any inside pockets or batting.   I think this would be a nice gift to make.