A Trip to Sarasota, FL

Paul and I had a weekend trip to Florida.

Crossing the Mobile River.

We met my sister Sheila & Sanford...

... at Dave's Catfish House...

... in Atmore, AL for supper.

Then we traveled on to Sarasota, FL and met another sister, Coleen & Glen and had supper with them at Der Dutchman.

After the men's SLM board meeting on Friday, we had supper at the Haiti Benefit Auction site. Most people, like us, opted to wait in the long line for catfish.

Full house, tent!

This was my view for the evening program.

Imagine my surprise when I spied not just one ...

... but two quilts made from my sister Barbara Cline's pattern from her book Star Struck Quilts to be auctioned off.

This was another quilt that I liked.

And these dolls were so cute, ready to find a new home.

It was so special to visit with my Great Uncle Nelson. He is Grandfather Ralph's youngest brother and the only living sibling.

And another surprise meeting was with Dave and Martha Rohrer's Clifford. Dave and Martha bought our place up on Dry River; and we moved to Bridgewater when I was six.

... to be continued.

Life and Funerals

Paul and I had a short trip to Florida for his SLM meeting. As we traveled I was able to stitch the hem of a dress.

We had supper at Der Dutchman Restraunt in Sarasota. I enjoyed my view of Paul across the table and this quilt design made of wood.

I can't imagine doing life without my sister, Coleen.

It was a special treat to be with Ella from Romania.

All too quickly it was good-bye Florida!

One afternoon I had a pleasant surprise and wonderful visit with Sharon and her mother Tressa Knepp. Sharon was so happy and cheerful and helped me prepare pizza in spite of just finishing a round of chemo.

Within one week's time we had 2 funerals at our church. Stanley Schrock was a loved and respected man with undying love for his wife Anna. He will be greatly missed.

The 2nd funeral was for Diane Lee, Jeff and Kathryn's 28 year old daughter.

We will greatly miss both of these people and the inspiration they were to each of us.

With each funeral, I'm reminded anew of our 20 year old son Brian who was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2004.

Life and Quilts

Life …

I enjoyed lunch with quite a few of our church ladies at a local Mexican restaurant celebrating Chrystal’s 40th birthday.

One day I visited Ashton’s kindergarten class.

Miss Claudia keeps the children’s attention.

… as a Quilter

I am thrilled that my piece “A Glimpse Through the Lattice” …

… has been chosen to be included in the “Southern Accents” exhibit in Melbourne, FL at the Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts.

Paul and I recently had a trip to Florida for the Son Light Missions board meeting.

Caleb Stauffer retired after serving on the board for many years.

Then we too like to take in the FL Haiti Benefit Auction. I especially like to check out the quilts.

  

Red Velvet Comforter

Back in September when we were in Ohio for the Haiti Benefit Auction, my sister Coleen and I spied this red velvet comforter that was to be auctioned.

 

 

I guessed that it was made by my Aunt Vera Rose, Father's youngest sister. And sure enough she was there at the sale and acknowledged that she made it. My heart started beating fast and I knew I had to have ... rather, wanted real bad ... that piece of handiwork.

 

 

And when the bidding began my dear Paul kept on nodding until everyone else dropped out. I am so pleased.

 

 

The pictures just don't show how the fabrics sparkle, glimmer, and shine. And the feather stitching is so even and perfect. It is beautiful!!!!

SLM -- Ohio Haiti Benefit Auction

Paul and I recently had a trip to Ohio with my sister Coleen & Glen. The men had a SLM board meeting and then we took in the Ohio Haiti Benefit Auction.

We took Angie and Tina Sue along and they enjoyed a visit with her parents and family.

Coleen and I reading, visiting, and doing puzzles while we travel.

We spotted this beautiful flower quilt in front of a near by restraunt.

Paul liked this refurbished John Deere tractor that was auctioned off.

Coleen is previewing items that will be sold on the auction.

We had a yummy breakfast the day of the auction. Here they are making mass quantities of scrambled eggs.

And these donuts, maple long johns, and apple fritters look so delicious.

Aunt Vera Rose sat next to us during the auction. She was delighted to hold her new granddaughter, Kyana.

I enjoyed watching the quilts sell ...

... but I was disappointed this fresh modern quilt didn't bring more money!

This was a popular booth for the children. They loved buying toys and candy.

For these boys, the swings and slides was a wonderful place to hang out with your buddies.

Chris and Joy kept the SLM booth in order and helped sell doilies that were made by the Haitian ladies.

The Blue Chair

This week's photo challenge theme is "chair."

I first put Ashton's plastic adirondack chair in the shrub bed in front of the house and took a picture of it.

Then I printed the picture in sepia onto fabric that was ironed to freezer paper. The blue chair was cut out and fused to the sepia printed fabric.

I also sent the backing fabric through the printer, layered the three layers and then quilted and bound it.

Detail

Emily is here again and we are working on a charity quilt for SLM Ministeries.

The inspiration for this quilt came from Lotta Charm by Film in the Fridge.