Christmas is Past

Christmas Day a dear lady passed away suddenly. Sally had been ill and was fighting it with such courage but was taken suddenly Christmas Morning.

My sister phrased it perfectly, she said that Sally passed away early Christmas morning. She didn't suffer long, and for that we are grateful. She was our birthday gift to Jesus this year.

Sally will be dearly missed by all her family members. Her family will rally and give strength and support to each other. They are also a close knit family and will find the strength and courage to move forward.

I was able to go to LaSalette last night and attend mass and go into the Chapel and light a candle for her.

May you all be able to find some sense of peace and comfort int he coming days ahead.

Tuesday December 15th

Merry Christmas One and All!

I just got home form my first of three parties that I will be attending this week. As you all remember I am a Christmas person and could keep the music going all year round. So on that note, from one who loves the holidays, I was sent this wonderful thought for the day from my good friend Linda. Here it is:

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas." Calvin Coolidge

That sums it all up nicely for me.

Ho Ho Ho

Good Night...

Holiday Parties

Hi Everyone,

'Tis the season of Holiday Parties. Oh what fun can and should be had by one and all.

I want to let everyone know the Quincy Quilt is now at the Kennedy Senior Center in Quincy. They had it in time for their Christmas Party. What an unveiling it was, they had one hundred and fifty folks there for holiday festivities which included a wonderful meal and entertainment. Thanks go out to Carole Costello who I know will keep a close eye on the quilt. When we opened it up there we both smiled and commented on what a beautiful quilt it is. I am pleased it has finally found a home where it will be appreciated.

I have just finished making ten pounds of Mrs. Fay's Christmas Fudge. I have two Christmas Parties this week to attend and will be cutting it all up and giving it away. My goal Monday is to mail the out of state presents so they will not be caught up in the rush of mail being handled this season.

My tree is up and lit. I still have to get motivated and get everything else hung so the house will be fully decorated. We have a pot of chili and a hearty soup simmering on the stove top so my house smells really good right now.

Take time and make sure you enjoy the Christmas Season, it is not all about the hustle and bustle, it is about family friends and loved ones. I took time today to visit Nancy at her house and was glad I did. I plan on making time to visit with other close friends in the next week or two.

I count my blessings every day for all that I have.

Merry Christmas!


ps Larry sez Woof!

Holidays

Hello All,

Life has been so busy, where does the time go? So much to be done these days that fitting it all in is not an easy task. I have my tree up but not decorated. All my Christmas decorations are still in the attic. I have been enjoying my Christmas music in the car though. I find some songs make me smile and others bring tears to my eyes. So many memories, so many family members not here to enjoy them with us. I know they are with us in spirit though, they would be proud of all that we have accomplished.

I am thankful for my family and there love. I pray for those with health issues to have faith and remember we are not alone.

I am looking forward to Christmas Eve when all the Tringali Clan can will be together again. We will take the traditional picture of all the grandkids and great grandkids on the stairs in Susan's house. Larry and Dot will make our traditional yummy eggnog and toast to those who are not with us. They may be gone but will never be forgotten. Santa will be arriving and handing out small presents to all the kids too. It will be fun to watch the next generation carry on this tradition.

I hope for all who I care dearly for to have fun preparing for the holidays.

Merry Christmas to one and all.

Eve of Thangsgiving

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I have lot to be thankful for.

I have my health. I have a wonderful husband who loves me and supports me unconditionally. I have my kids Ian, Cara and Tim, whom I am so very proud of. I am thankful for being brought back together with a childhood friend Terri, her family and adorable grandchild Ben. We have been apart for many years but have quickly closed that gap. I love her and her family and will not let them slip away from us again. To be able to drop in at her house and visit and talk, I feel at home and know I am welcomed. It's a gift that she has.

I am also thankful for my YaYa Sisters - you know who you are. I know that we are there for each other for the good times and bad and every possible emotion in between. We can call each other up and say we just heard a special song that made us laugh or cry or think of each other and have them laugh and understand. Or to just say we just saw the Cardinals again and all is well.

I am thankful for my family and extended family. My parents are looking down on us and must be so happy to see that we are an even closer knit group now more than ever. We are there for each other at all times. I am thankful for now being able to live life more easily, by that I mean to be able to go into clients homes and give them the personal care and companionship that they need.

I'm thankful to be free enough to find yourself awake at four AM and say "Hey are you awake? Let's go do a sunrise shoot". I'm thankful to have a my camera and new lens that will let me get up close and personal and is so much fun. I am thankful for the house I live in, for the food on the table, a warm house and electricity when so many others around us are struggling to make it these days.

Tomorrow, while sitting at the dinner table and before we start to eat. we will follow a Fay Tradition. We'll all hold hands at the table, Larry will say a blessing and we will each say something that we are grateful for. This moment is always very moving for me. It touches my heart very deeply and has been known to make me teary eyed with love and pride for all who are sitting at my table. I consider myself a good person, one who like everyone else is pulled in many directions, but I pride myself in doing the right thing, in following through with my promises as time allows. I have and will always stand behind my word. I take great pride in that. People who question your integrity usually don't have much of it themselves.

Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving Folks. I have to start making my pies now.

Sorrow

Morning,

It is interesting how each and every one of us deal with the passing of a loved one.

A loss touches your heart, leaves an almost empty hollowness deep inside you. Death effects each and every one of us so differently. Some plow through it methodically, staying strong for others but yet dealing with our loss privately, but when our guard is down and that someone hugs you at a certain moment your guard goes down and you suddenly cry so deeply it is hard to stop. We all have someone who can see right through us, who we can lean on, who will help hold us together and who will never forget. God Bless them for being there for us.

So today I ask that each and everyone of you you reach out to someone, a relative, a friend or neighbor and let them know you care. We all leave our mark in this world, let it not be that you are remembered for not being able to forgive, but to be able to forget or put aside any problems. A very dear well loved lady had to find the strength to say good bye to her husband yesterday. It cuts right through to my heart, I felt her pain and agony, but I know in my heart it was right to do, but it does not make it any easier. This lady and I mean true lady will be strong as always, she will help others deal with the pain and struggle. I care so deeply for her and I will be the best person I can to be there for her as much as she has been for me.

This gentle man is at peace, he may be gone but he will never be forgotten.

Monday November 9th

Hello All,

It has been a while since I posted last and I have been told by two people to get my act together, so here I am doing just that.

I cannot believe Thanksgiving is so near. I have so much to be thankful for. I have my health, my family has their health, we have a warm house with a roof over our heads and food on the table-life is good. Larry and I have been busy out taking pictures and enjoying life. To have the time to actually just hop in the car and head out on a moments moment is very freeing. I find if we are awake before a sunrise we both look at each other and say lets go and see what we can capture for a sunrise shot. I now keep my camera bag with me at all times because I have two clients who live out near the salt marshes in Quincy and I have enjoyed watching the color of them change from week to week. It is funny how I see the world differently now. I view it with my eyes wide open, I think of it as a new canvas so to speak. I see it as how it would look in a photograph. It is like seeing for the first time. I feel like a little kid and get all giddy when I see something and just have to pull over and capture it with my camera.

Do not take life for granted ladies and gentlemen, life is precious, love and enjoy life as if it were your last day. Do not take it for granted.

As you can tell, I am so very happy, I am doing well, my back is better, I am out walking a lot now and am looking forward to the holidays. I will be putting the turkey in the oven soon and then can officially start playing Christmas Music! Yeah me!

Enjoy the Holidays.

Rainy Saturday

Hi All,

It is another rainy Saturday. That was OK with me. My house smells yummy, we have a Pot Roast cooking, a pot of Chili and an Apple Pie just came out of the oven.

I want you all to know my sewing machine made it out of the basement. I sewed up several pillow cases today. The looks were funny as they walked into the kitchen to not only see the machine set up but me sewing. It was like taking out a long lost friend. It felt good, I will leave it upstairs and work on some other projects now that we have a place for it again.

I have been busy knitting. I have gotten one client into knitting and am going to try to convince another one to give it a try too. We are working together on a scarf, a nice easy pattern for starters, I want her to be happy with an easy project before we move onto something else.

Have a great day, I hope you have been as productive as I have been. Life is still great, I love my hours and my clients. The family are all doing well too.

October 18th It is a Home Day

Morning All,

Today is a really good stay at home kind of day. My plans are to do some cooking, a little laundry and good plain old laying on the couch relaxing.

Larry and I went to Plymouth and watched Ed Randall harvest his Cranberry Bogs yesterday. What a sight it was too watch. I always new how it was done, I have even seen it done on TV. I have to tell you though to actually be there and watch it is so different. I never realized how much manual hard work it is to do. The three men in the bog need such strength and patience and love of the job to do it. I will say the men we saw must love their work as they joked and managed to make me laugh while they worked. I am so glad we decided to make a run to watch it being done. I managed to get a few pictures that I think came out really well.

Enjoy the day as much as you can. Good Luck to any die hards who are going to the stadium to be at the Patriots game today. I will have my feet up with a quilt over me either reading or knitting.

Oh What A Beautiful Morning !

Oh what a beautiful day, I've got a wonderful feeling, eveythings going my way.

What a pretty fall day today is. Larry and I are heading out with our cameras of course, to go hiking. Who knew I would like being in the woods so much. I may be slightly exaggerating the hiking part, it will be more like a lovely walk in the woods. We will be heading to a new Park to go exploring this morning. The sun is up, the sky is blue with puffy white clouds, the air is cool, the leaves are starting to change colors sounds like a perfect fall day to me.

I will once again take a quote from my Dove Dark Chocolate Candies I like so much. The one I ate yesterday said this inside: Blessings only come to those who notice. How true is that. So open your eyes and your heart today and do something good for yourself or someone special. I know I am going to enjoy life to its fullest.

As for work, I am back to it and enjoying my new clients. It is working out very well, I like having a permanent schedule so this way I can make plans. Camera club is wonderful we have started up again after being off for the summer. Larry is now the President for the next two years, Yeah Larry, he has many wonderful field trips planned and I know it will be another good year.

Happy Autumnal Equinox

Happy Fall to One and All...

This is such a wonderful time of the year. The leaves turning colors, the cooler weather, walking while the leaves at your feet go crunch crunch crunch. Yes I found some leaves that have already fallen and smile fondly remembering my youth and taking long walks at this time of the year.

It is if you will pardon the expression like a new "lease on life". It is not too late to make yourself a better person. I have slacked off and am going to try harder at being a better person. We should all go for a walk, or a drive and get the fresh air, breath in deeply, blow away those stale cobwebs in our heads, it will help us think more clearly.

Larry and I celebrate our Birthdays this month and while having dinner with Ian, Cara and Tim I got to sit back, smile and take it all in. I got to thinking how blessed I am. Larry and I are are good friends first and are also true soul mates. He is my world and we have so much fun being together. I unlike many friends like being together with my husband. We are so happy.

So Ladies and Gents, get out, enjoy this weather with someone your like to be with and make some new memories. I cannot wait to do our Mohawk Trail Trip in a few weeks.

I am back to work again and have missed my clients. It feels good to be back in the swing of things again. My back is doing much better but I am on a no lifting restrictions for a while.

Thanks for all your good wishes sent my way.

9/12/09

It is a rainy damp Saturday today and I for one am loving it.

This is the kind of day that I love to make soup, to cook and have my house smell yummy!

Thanks to a very talented and good cook who shared her recipes with me I have right now simmering on my stove top Taco Soup and Italian Sausage Soup with Tortellini. I am about to put into the oven three loafs of Zucchini Bread. I also have a Braised Beef simmering on the stove top too. I will have my meals all ready for the week. I love it, my kids just came over and had to follow their nose into the kitchen to see what smelled so good. Cooking is something that just puts me at ease, calms me down, and makes me remember my Mother fondly. I have some great memories working side by side with her and I cooking. I now look back thinking about those long chats we had about nothing of anything significant then, but that are now so special to me. They bring a smile to my face, a tear to my eye and brings her closer to me.

Larry is busy at his computer, working to put slide shows together. Camera Club starts this coming week and we are both excited about the New Years Events that are planned.


Weather permitting we are going tot he Big Corn Festival tomorrow held in Norwell. It will be a good photo opportunity and will be fun to see all the events that are planned on there schedule.

I start back to work on a no lifting rules. I do not want to undo all the work I have done to get my aching back better. I miss my clients so much. It will be great to see them again.

So Ladies as I end this posting, picture me, my apron on happy, content and at peace with life.

Life is good!

Holiday Week End

Well I wish my Holiday Week End could be more exciting. I did get to go to a family cook out which was fun. Seeing everyone for a happy occasion is a good thing.

Due to my back problems I gave up my ticket to be on a boat in the middle of the Gloucester Schooner Festival tomorrow morning. Man that hurt, can I tell you how much I wanted to go so badly. In my head I know I have got to stay home, being in a boat, in the middle of the races, being tossed about with a camera to capture once in a lifetimes pictures, what I wouldn't have given to be able to go, that hurts. I do realize in my heart that I did the right thing by staying home and giving up my ticket. I will have to enjoy looking at all pictures from everyone else who are going from the camera club. I am not happy about it but I will go to go to church in the morning and be thankful my back is getting better, and for all those who support and love me.

I go back to the Doctors on Thursday to see when I am can be back to work again. I miss my clients and working. It really is not an easy thing to do, staying home that is...you see I cannot do to much for fear of muscle spasms. There is a fine line between doing something and slightly overdoing it.

I hope all my Camera Club friends have a wonderful day on the water, the weather is supposed to be picture perfect. I will have to try to make it next year.

September

Morning Everyone,

Wow I cannot believe it, September First already! Where does the time go? I for one am enjoying the cooler mornings. I can do without the humidity. I am still home these days, my back is showing signs of improvement. I cannot lift anything heavy which has been sort of fun. I cannot push a shopping cart, carry groceries or laundry up and down stairs. Those are just some of my limitations I am still dealing with. You would not believe how doing simple movements involve the lower back. I am relearning how to walk and move about with the best posture so the spasms do not come back. Life is good here, I am hoping to be back to work in another week.

I am excited that Camera Club will be starting up again too! It is like coming back to old friends you have missed seeing during the summer months. The first meeting of the year is always filled with so much to do. Larry and I have entered three framed photos each into the Quincy Arts Festival, this is a first for me. If you get to the show check them out.

To all my Quilting Friends I want to shout out a special Hello. I miss you all. I have come to realize that since my Moms Passing away I lost a big part of my heart and drive. At the point when my Aunt Bea passed though it really pushed me over the edge. I have changed my lifestyle in so many ways. Life is to short, major changes had to happen. I am so happy now, so at peace, and so very grateful for all those who have encouraged me along the way.

The door to your dreams will never close as long as you have the hope, the drive and the determination to make them come true.

Moving About Again

Well I did not think this day would come but today I can finally feel the difference in my back. I have been going to an Acupuncturist twice a week. He is the man, he is my new hero, he has helped with my pain management so much. As you can guess I can now move about a lot easier than I was. That is not to say I don't have limitations. To see me sit is funny I now have the best possible posture while seated. I still have issues with laying down, but I can see improvement now. I am off for another week though. I have not attempted to lift anything at all. Still Doctors orders. That is kinda cool, no laundry, no grocery shopping and stuff like that. I am now off the muscle relaxers during the day which is a good thing.

So life is getting better, not perfect yet but it showing definite signs of improvement.

I am really looking forward to being all better and back to the real world. I can honestly say i miss working and seeing my clients.

Take care everyone.

Stir Crazy

Stir Crazy does not begin to describe what I am going thru!

I am not one to sit. I am not one who likes to be held back. I am impatient.

I just found out I am out for another two weeks. The problem is I cannot sit, stand or lay down for long at all. Yes my back is better than it was two weeks ago, but muscle spasms truly hurt. I am trying very hard to make sure I move from one position to another often enough so a spasm does not happen. I have done a lot of reading though. I cannot sit at a computer for long as it strains the muscles. I have had great relief in Acupuncture though. I have been going two to three times a a week. He works magic on me. I will say I feel every little bump or pot hole there is in the streets now. Not good, trust me on that one. I have been only driving when I have an appointment to go to, other than that I am home. I have shut off the ringer to my phone and let all calls go to the answering machine, so if I am sleeping I am not woken up.

So I am trying very hard to keep a positive spin on it all. I cannot do laundry, clean house, or cook. The guys are handling it all. They have been wonderful, I am not an easy patient.

I hope everyone else is having a better month than I am.

Rest and Chilling Out

Hello,

Well due to a wrong move I have been out of work for a week. I managed to hurt my back and have been on muscle relaxers and seeing an Acupuncturist. I went to pivot with a client and I managed to do some harm to my lower back. I am on the mend so to speak, but let me tell you the muscle relaxer pills knock me out completely. I am doing better but I cannot sit or stand or do anything for any great length of time. The weird side of this is yeah I have some time off, boo my brain is mush and I cannot read or think or speak coherently. I am out of work for at least one more week. I need to be seen by my doctor and the company doctor to be allowed back to work again.

So ladies and gents I hope your week had been better than mine was. I will check back in when I can do more and have some better news to report.

My words of wisdom for now is this:

We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

Tuesday Night

Hello Everyone!

What a great week we had. We went to the Great Hot Air Balloon Festival in NH, saw the most magnificent Fireworks display ever. If you combine all the fireworks I have seen in my lifetime, they did not compare to the ones we just saw. Well Maybe Disney's are better, but really now, they were amazing. We went to the Shaker Village, Dianna's Bath which is a wonderful waterfall in the Kancamangus Highway. We got to go sailing and leisurely anchor and have lunch on the water with very dear friends, and so much more. We did not make it to either Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket. Time ran out. No problem, it is still on my 20 Wishes List of things to do.

I have managed to learn so much with what my camera can do, or should I say what I can do with my camera, also how to use Lightroom to process and edit my shots too. I now have my own Flckr page to view my pictures and am working on so many other things that there is just not enough time or energy in a day to do it all. I am blessed with wonderful close photography friends who encourage me and help e with critiques to make things better.

My work is just great, I have two new clients I adore who missed me when I was gone. How sweet are they, they make my day. To be able to offer care, comfort and kindness to elderly is very rewarding. It makes me appreciate life all the more.

As for my quilting, it is too darn hot. I am reading a lot and am enjoying being able to have the time to just sit in my wonderful rocker on my porch, say Hi to my neighbors and just plain chill out. Now that is the good life. Larry and I and my kids are all doing just fine. Thanks to everyone who have still kept in contact.

Do one good deed today, pass along a friendly hello or smile to someone today, it will make them feel good and maybe they will pass it along too.

Wednesday

Hello!

Life is still wonderful...we are on vacation. Larry and I leave in the morning for a few days. There is a Hot Air Balloon Festival that is calling my name. I feel I have to be there. We have been swimming, to the movies, out to eat, sat on my front porch and relaxed with a good book, had day trips to Rockport and Gloucester and so much more. I am tanned and happy!

I hope you are all having as good a summer as I am.

Yeah for Friday !

Good Afternoon one and all,

What a rainy icky day it is, despite it all, I am one happy lady. I have cooking at this moment a large pot of sauce with meatballs and sausages on my stove top. I just took out of the oven a double batch of biscotti's and my house smells wonderful. Tomorrow is the Graduation Party/ send off party for a special lady. My niece Molly is having a blow out Party and it will be a lot of fun. I am so proud of her and her accomplishments. Molly is focused and ready; she has grown into a lovely young lady. I will be with family tomorrow and enjoying all there company.

I will get to spend some quality time with Cara and Tim, they are so good together. It makes me smile. I am happy for them. Ian is well and busy as ever. Larry and I will be on vacation as of tomorrow afternoon YEAH ! We have a lot of day trips planned. Sunday weather permitting it will be off to Shelburn Falls, see the Glacier Potholes, the Butterfly Place, and much more. I will be keeping a bag packed this week and in the car so while driving if we want we can just stop and enjoy the area even more. Some things we will be doing are sailing with very good friends, taking in Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and who knows what else. We will of course have our cameras ready and with us at all times too.

As I am sure you can tell I am still happier than ever. Counting my blessings daily and enjoying life to its fullest.

Have a wonderful week end!

Thursday

Hello One and All,

I went to the most moving and inspirational Memorial Mass yesterday. He was an amazing person and will be greatly missed by us all. He is a good example of a person with a heart of gold and always had a kind word to say.

Life is still wonderful for me. I cannot believe I am the same person I was a year ago, even six months ago. I have so much energy and desire to do so much more now. I am learning to explore more, trusting my instincts and learning so many new and wonderful things. As all this is happening I have made so many new friends who are open and caring and giving. I have been able to stay in touch with many of my old friends too. I have reconnected with a bridesmaid of mine too. We now correspond often, it is like we never were apart and we have so much in common.

The summer weather has been just OK, but I have been enjoying my homemade salsa and Larry's Gazpacho so life cannot be better.

I hope everyone is doing something fun for them selves. All work and no play can become dull and boring. Go out and party hearty with good friends.

We all may have different talents and dreams, but we each have the power to shape our future.

Sunny Monday

Good Morning!

What a great day it is. I had the most wonderful three days imaginable. Saturday night a group of us went and sat outside the Brockton Fair and I took my first Fireworks Pictures. I learned a lot about how to take firework pictures. I also learned that if you shoot them you don"t get to appreciate them as much, although then you have a picture that will last forever. It is finding that happy medium that works. I did manage to take some that I think are really good.

Saturday it was up early to catch the Harbor Boat out of Quincy to go into Boston. The day could not have been better, well maybe a few big puffy white clouds in the sky, but it was awesome. The boat ride over got us all excited about what we were doing next. In Boston we boarded a Tall Ship and took the best ride in and around the harbor. Let me tell you when it was over I wanted to sign up and do it all over again. I have never seen the harbor so busy and so colorful and filled with people as far as the eye could see. The crew was a blast and very knowledgeable about each Tall Ship in the water. When we were done we walked over to the Custom House, took the elevator all the way to the top and took more pictures. What a view. Then it was a boat ride back to reality.

Sunday morning I worked for a few hours then Larry and I matted mounted and framed some of Larry's pictures for his new office.

Life is good, I seem to say that a lot these days. I truly think that with the work I am doing that it reinforces the need to stop and enjoy life more. It might sound so very repetitive to you all, but in my heart I know life is good. I treat each day as a gift. Larry and I lost two people suddenly last week, again I say life is short.

So I am now on my way out to view the Tall Ships leave Boston over from Castle Island. I will be going to Plymouth to do some volunteer work for PediPathways after that. I will leave with one thought for the day. Do one small thing, one small gesture today, make someone smile, hold open a door unexpectedly, call an old friend, do something for someone else, make a difference in someones life today. It will feel good.

Enjoy!

Rain Rain Go Away

Hey All,

The Fourth of July was a blast. I was thankful for such wonderful weather. Larry and I took off on a last minute impromptu photo shoots. What fun. We went from Bostons turning of the Constitution with a Fly By over it, to the North End, Yummy! We went to the Adams House that night and saw a play of John and Abigail Adams with Jefferson reading there letters to each other. Memorizing, amazing, wonderful I could go on and on. We walked the grounds, took pictures and enjoyed it with two good friends. Life is good. I have to say we did not get to the Pow Wow. I ran out of steam. We had a Scavenger Hunt a week end ago that was lots of walking and traveling thru the North End up to Fanuiel Hall ending at the top floor of the State Street building, the one with the clock on top. We were up on the top floor walking outside and around it seeing the city from a whole new angle. How amazing. There is nothing quite like viewing the world thru a camera lens. As you can tell I am having a blast, I am lusting for a new bigger and better wide angle zoom lens. This week end we are off on a sail boat cruise to see the Tall Ships. We filled the boat, thirty people, all from camera club. We will all be amongst others like ourselves. I am hoping for really nice weather. We will have a lot of laughs one way or another, I am sure of that.

Ladies who have stayed in touch by email or letters, Thank You, you are very special to me and I know you know it. Those who follow the blog, Thank You too. You can write back to me thru the blog by clicking on the comments box. I read them all.

So Ladies and Gentlemen, enjoy the days as best as one can when it is pouring out. I can take rain all week long as long as the week ends are sunny. OK I will settle for a cloudy day as long as it is not raining.

The door to your dreams will never close as long as you have the hope, the drive, and the determination to make them come true.

Walking

Good Morning!

What a great day we had yesterday. A group of us went into the North End and Fanueil Hall.
I walked so much and had such a great time. We headed out from 9 am until 6pm. I took more pictures that I have in any other one day shoot. We even got up to the top floor of State Street. They allow people onto the outer walkway on the top floor. What a view of Boston. The weather was prefect, the food we ate along the way was even better. Today I am going to get to the Pow Wow that is at Prowse Farms. I have wanted to get there for the last eight years. I am going today. One more off my Bucket List of things I could never do before. I have had to start a new list because I am managing to do so much these days. What a good thing to have to do, to cross off items on your to do list and add more to it. These are places I have not had the time to get to. I just added taking pictures of Moose to it, another one is to get back to the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburn Falls. Two places I cannot wait to get to and would want perfect weather for is Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. We live in such a picturesque area that having a day that the weather cooperates, I make sure I drop everything and get out to enjoy it.

As usual my life is great. I am having a ball and I am fortunate to be married to my best friend.

Sunshine ?

Will we ever see the sun again and dry out from all this rain?

They claim it will come out today. I hope so. I am off to Plymouth to visit two of my kids and see how they are doing. Then looking forward to taking my camera to the Waterfront, walking around and taking pictures. I will have a slow ride home on the back roads and play my country music loud and sing along with them. I can admit to liking country music. I am OK with that. I like all kinds of music but to be honest with you, but when I am alone in the car that is my choice of music to drive too.

Saturday we are off to the North End for a Photographers Scavenger Hunt, to eat, walk, laugh and have fun. Sunday is Pow Wow Day in the Blue Hills. I have tried for too many years to get there and have set my goals this Sunday for getting myself there. As you can tell I am planning on a fun week end, as usual.

Larry and I have mastered the art making of Crepes. I love them now for Breakfast, Lunch and or Dinner. We now cook up the entire batter mixture and have found they extras freeze well. In a moments notice I can have a dessert crepe. Yummy, my favorite has bananas, nutella and toasted coconut all rolled into a sweet crepe, ready in no time at all. Larry likes his with some good vanilla ice cream on the side. I really love crepes, can you tell.

May you all have a wonderful week end.

Rainy Monday

Wow,

I had one day off and tried to accomplish a lot and yet do nothing. Not an easy task. I am thankful for the great weather on Saturday. I had so much fun at a large cook out party and managed to get in some sun too. I will end up with a farmers tan the way this is going, you know the kind, the one where from your short sleeves down and your face is browned nicely and the rest of you is pale. I need to work on that a bit.

Fathers Day was yesterday. I am blessed that my kids have such a great guy for their Dad. Larry is my world, he is my anchor, he is my rock, strong and supportive through anything.

It is interesting I have commented about being sad on missing some old friends/customers. I now need to rethink that, it seems they feel I may have slighted them, when I am the one who feels slighted. When I announced closing the shop and have since closed the shop they left me feeling that I had done something wrong, when I feel the opposite. When I could have used a friend, they were gone. So a misunderstanding has kept them at bay. I do not feel as though I left them, I feel as though they all left me. Life moves on and they did, without another word or contact. Oh well. How sad indeed.

I am looking forward to a fun week, my weeks do seem to be that way these days. I was told last week that I was like a butterfly, that I emerged and have spread my wings, that I am on a natural high and can soar and live life to its fullest. I loved that description of me. Thank You for describing me that way.

Wednesday and Saturday are Camera Club events and I cannot wait to learn more. This folks have so much talent and are willing to give of there time and knowledge so patiently. I am excited and eager to learn.

May everyone also find their inner peace.

Happy Fathers Day Dad, I miss you!

I Love My Life!

Hello All,

You know that song that has the line in it that says "What a Wonderful World" well that is how I feel. It is so gratifying and heartwarming to be able to help and give of yourself. I love my job and what I am doing. I count my blessings all the time. I had known that taking care and helping when my Dad passed away that I was there when he needed me. That I could helped him. Then when my Brother Jimmy passed, I was heartbroken to have him leave us at such a young age. My Mom's death hit me even harder, it seemed to me that my heart could not break any more. I fell apart. I had some very special people in my life then, my family is the best. Sadly though I must say that some who I thought were close friends are not close any more. They helped me then, but now, somehow through a misunderstanding are no longer in touch. It is with deep sorrow that they feel the way they do, but everyone changes. When my Aunt passed it seemed like a light bulb went off inside me, I knew what I had to do with my life. I had to and needed to follow my heart. The closing of the Quilt Shop was not an easy decision, I needed a major change to happen, to appreciate life more, to not work such long hours, to be able to be with and give to my family before another tragedy struck. I am well, my family is well, it is just that it should not take a tragedy to make any one of us to see and appreciate what is right in front of us. I am grateful for those who helped me through all my hard times, I know we all have them, I am more sorrowful for those who are no longer in touch.

This was not supposed to be a glum writing because you see I am happier than I have been in a long time It may count corny but Larry and I have made it 35 years married now and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I am to this day glad he was so patient with me and waited for me to realize he is the one for me. I am blessed with a wonderful smart, intelligent healthy son and daughter, and the love of her life is a great addition to the family. I am closer than ever to my sisters and brothers. Susan, Nancy and Cara and I are closer than ever. I say my prayers and thank God for my blessings all the time. I am being watched over by all those I loved who have passed. Life is truly good.

May you all who are struggling along realize that we all need to take a deep breath, stop and appreciate what we have while we still have it. If your not in a good place, or happy, change it. Do something positive with yourself. Do not look back and ask why, look forward and ask why not?

I have the entire week end off and plan on filling it with fun and laughter with very good friends on both days. I hope you can as well.

The end of May

Hello,

I cannot believe the Month is over with, wow how time does fly by so very fast.

I need to say thank you so much to Dans' Mom/my neighbor for sharing her Crepe Recipe with me. We went out and bought a Crepe Pan and have enjoyed delicious breakfast, dinner and dessert crepes. I cannot believe how easy they are to make! We will look forward to making the various kinds of batter and playing with new fillings for quite some time, especially when the summer fruits are ready. Yummy! I think what I like most about crepes is that I am trying my best to avoid bread and the crepe allows what I make a way of holding it together and still being tasty and ever so yummy. Thank You again for sharing with me.

Life is really well for us, I am so glad the rain has stopped and we have some glorious sunshine here. I have gone to my usual summer hair cut, nice and short and easy to care for. I am looking forward to a wonderful dinner with my immediate family next week end. It is important to do. I remember when every Sunday come rain or come shine you were expected at the family dinner table for dinner. A doctors note was about the only thing accepted to explain why you were not there. Now with all our lives so busy, I want to try to at least have us together every other month if possible and with the summer months and cook outs coming up that should be a lot of fun.

I hope you all get to enjoy the wonderful sunshine today.

Vacation

Hello,

Everyone needs a vacation or at least a break from the same old every day life we lead.

I just had the most glorious four days off. Larry and I along with eight ladies took a trip to Quebec City. I must admit I had the best time in the world. I laughed and walked and ate, and enjoyed myself the entire time I was there. I had Crepes for lunch and crepes for dessert, yummy! I must learn how to make them as I am hooked on them. I got to know the most fascinating women during the trip. I hope to be as knowledgeable and talented and funny as them someday. I have discovered one can take a picture of absolutely everything in life. I got a brand new camera for the trip. A new one just for me, not a hand me down, how cool am I? Pictures were taken of the many different drinks, appetizers, lunches, dinners and desserts. I do not think the hotel we had drinks at ever had a group like us in there ever before. The look on there faces while some were taking pictures of the drinks was hilarious. You all made that trip so wonderful for me. I am looking forward to our next outing. This trip rated as a five star event.

I am now off to clean up, dress up and enjoy our Camera Clubs 75th Anniversary Banquet tonight. Life is good.

Tomorrow life will get back to normal, but for now I am still Cinderella and having a ball. I have a prince of a husband and am so proud of him, he is my Prince Charming and sole mate for life.

I hope you all got to enjoy the long week end.

Life on Monday

Good Evening,

Well the days and nights seem to fly by so quickly these days. I am anxiously awaiting for Friday to come. Larry and I leave for Quebec very early this Friday morning. Larry has arranged another great Camera Club Trip. We have a van full of people heading to fun in the "Old City." I get to go on the trips now, how cool is that. The weather is supposed to be picture perfect, get it? We will be taking a lot of pictures of a place that is as close to being in Europe as you can get to enjoy in a week end. It will feel like going back in time to a very special place that Larry and I have loved for years. Can you tell how much I am looking forward to this trip? We will be spending four wonderful days walking, touring, taking pictures laughing, eating and having fun.

All is well with us, the flowers are all in bloom in my garden and it is so nice to have the time to sit in my rocking chair at night and on the week ends, put my feet up and read my book. I am so blessed to be surrounded by the most loving strong women in my life. I have my very own Sisterhood of YaYa's in my life and I love them dearly.

So shoot for the stars, don't let anyone tell you you are not good enough or not smart enough or strong enough to follow your dreams.

Have a great week! I know I will. Enjoy the upcoming Holiday Week end.

My closing bit of wisdom:

The door to your dreams will never close as long as you have the hope, the drive and the determination to make them come true.

Happy Mothers Day

Hello,

What a whirlwind life this has turned out to be. I am busy busy full time now. I am really enjoying being able to help others. It makes you appreciate all that we have and all that we can do and take for granted. My life has been blessed with a wonderful loving family and the best of friends.

Mothers Day was very busy. We started our day at 3:30 AM and went with about twelve people into the Public Gardens in Boston and took many photos and walked over the entire grounds. I do not think I ere had done that before. It was rather windy but when the sun came up it was lovely. We then went over to the Arnold Arboretum for Mothers Day Lilac Sunday. Oh my what a treat an entire hillside of every possible color lilac. Lilacs were my Mother In Laws favorite and she would have loved it. I think we walked for miles there enjoying the flowers and trees in bloom. I got to come home with some time to spare to fit in a quick nap and then go off to work. I came home to a wonderful cooked hearty soup and fresh baked bread. We enjoyed the last show of the Amazing Race then crashed for the night.

Life can be cut short at any time, enjoy every moment, treasure what you have because it is so precious.

I miss all my Quilting Ladies and Gentlemen. I think of you all so often and hope all is well with them and their families. I have heard from many of you that still keep in touch with me.

Have a wonderful week and I will try hard to keep this updated.

Happy Monday Morning

Good Morning,

What a wonderful week end it was. That was ideal weather in my opinion. I went into the week end with my house work all caught up and really got to enjoy life. There is nothing like walking through garden centers, deciding on flowers, taking pictures of flowers and taking it slow and enjoying the moment. Larry and I got some of what we wanted but more importantly we had fun together. I was able to garden, do some much needed yard work and dig in the soil. Life is good. The best part was I started and finished a book in one week end. One of my favorite things I enjoy and simply love to do is kick back on my porch in my adirondack rocking chair with my feet up, a bottle of water at my side and a good book in my hands. Life is sweet and can be so simple.

I went to my first Quilt Show since closing the Shop. That was an experience, to walk around and be just me, not a shop owner. I was so happy to run into so many of my customers, to see them reminded me how much I loved them all. In the end closing was good for me as I have changed my profession and am sure it was the right move for me. I enjoyed talking with the Shop Owners who were vending, and getting caught up on life with them. To one and all who made my Quilt Shop years so enjoyable, I thank you again. Larry and I were blessed to get to know you all.

I hope you all had as nice a week end as I did. I am sure the spring and summer will hold many more wonderful times for Larry and I to enjoy.

Spring

hello,

What an absolutely marvelous wonderful spectacular day I had. I started my day by putting on my "good clothes". You know the ones, the ones that really fit, that look nice on you. I even put on real shoes not just those old slip on ones, I put on lipstick and jewelry too. Come on now, admit to it, you know they are the ones you put on to go out, to look nice, to visit in. They are not the old everyday comfy clothes, the kick around the house clothes, the older pants, the broken in big baggy loose tops or short sleeve hang around the house clothes.

I felt good, it was a warm lovely New England Day. I got to hold the most beautiful baby girl today. I got in my hugs and kisses with Miss Juliana. I got to cuddle and love her and smiled contently. Jen was nice enough to humor me and allow me to love her to bits. She is an amazing Mom and looks great, her and Manny should be very proud of this bundle of joy.

Today I also got to hang around the my most wonderful quilting friends. They make me so proud of them all. I am honored to know that because of the quilt shop they have all formed a new friendship that will not be broken. That they each have there own backgrounds and share a common interest. They share there ideas and love of quilting together; that makes me proud of them all.

So as I said I had the best spring day today. I am full of pride and thankful for my life.

FYI Larry says "WOOF WOOF" that is a special message for one special lady who knows she is loved and missed.

I am going to really enjoy the week end to its fullest. The weather should be the best and I will make it a point to be out in it for as many hours as I can. I am even going to take in a quilt show. One I can walk thru, enjoy and not work at. Who knew!

Smile, have a good day, treat yourself this week end to something special even if it is as simple as reading a book, going for a walk, or calling a friend.

Happy Quilting!

Yeah Spring Weather

Hi,

Well today really did feel like spring. Larry and I got to walk around garden centers, smell the flowers and the dirt and it was wonderful. It is so good for the soul. I can't wait to get my hands in the soil again. All my flowers that were in the shop are doing well and have adjusted to there new place here in my house. We are now thinking and planning out what to put into our flower pots in the yard. I am so ready for this. Can you tell!

I am feeling a lot better. My voice is almost completely back, talking on the phone is still not easy. I get dry and hoarse and then start coughing again.

I had a great day at work. I really love it. It is a new way to give of myself. I even find I don't mind the scrubs at all. It takes the worry out of what am I going to wear today. Mix and match the colors, that is all.

We are off with a large group on Sunday with our cameras. It may end up an all day event. I will be among new bloomed flowers, budding trees, freshly mulched landscapes and smiling all the while. I only hope the sun will be out to help keep the temperature from getting too chilly. My day will be a perfect day, I can tell already.

So I wish for you all to be able to get out of the house this week end, do something that makes you smile, makes you feel good, that makes you feel alive. Life is precious, enjoy every moment while you can.

I know this upcoming week is school vacation. I will miss all my teachers who would make it a point to stop in to the shop to let me know how they were doing. I think of you all and often.

Under the Weather

Hello,

Well this has not been a good week for me. I have managed to come down with a Upper
Respiratory Infection. I did go to the doctors, I am on medicine, it may take the week until I see and feel any better though. I have not been able to talk at all since Monday. I cannot answer a phone so the world is a quiet place for me right now. I am not sure if my family is happy about this or not. I am hoping by Friday I will be able to actually carry on a conversation again or be able to stay awake for more than three hours at a time.

I have managed to read two books though. I do not have the strength or breath to do much in the house. I start coughing and get dizzy and then the room starts spinning. I have been in lay low mode and plan on doing this until I gain back some strength and can breath again.

Larry, Cara, Tim and Ian took over the Easter fixings. I was under four quilts shivering and just plain feeling awful. They had a wonderful dinner and the best and tastiest desserts ever. Cara and Tim out did themselves. I managed to nibble on them, they were wonderful.

I am heading back to my "sick chair" and cover up and get warm.

May the week end be warm and great for every one.

Happy Easter and Passover

What a wonderful world I live in. I am happy. I feel alive. I love my my life. Reach out to someone from your past, or a relative you have not talked to for a long time. Make their day and yours, and do a good deed.

Today I finished my Certified Nurses Assistant Program and my Home Heath Aid Certificate Courses. I have even found a job already. Life is good. The class I took was thru the Red Cross Office located right in Quincy Square. The two Kathy's were our instructors. They worked together and complemented each other's teaching methods. When one started the other picked right up, they were great. They kept us all focused and on track. I cannot give enough high praise to the both of them. Their dedication, enthusiasm and pride kept us eager to learn. I know I speak for the entire class to say we are grateful to them both. We all passed our exams and enjoyed our clinical work.

Easter will be here in a few days. I can now concentrate on the Holiday Meal and having time to relax a little with my family. Then it is off to work and I am looking forward to my new challenges that lay ahead of me.

To all my fellow quilting friends, I send a big Hi out to you all. I have not taken out my sewing machine yet. It is still packed away. I do see it coming out in the next few weeks to start on some of those unfinished projects I have. I have heard from many of you and am glad to be able to stay in touch.

Have a wonderful week end.

The Italian Easter Bunny has Struck again.

What a Month

Hello,

I cannot believe what a month this has been.

I have been blessed with family and friends who have brought a total of three beautiful babies into this world. Two boys and one little girl. All beautiful, healthy and happy. That is what makes the world go round folks. Holding a little one, snuggling with them, smelling that great baby smell, wow amazing.

On a sad note a good friends husband passed away after what seemed to be a very short time. I am sure her family and friends will help her and be there with words of encouragement to help her. I have realized no matter how long ago I lost my parents, brother and my mother and brother in law, it still feels like yesterday. I wish I could have one more precious moment with each of them, to say one more time that I loved them, well, in my heart they are there every day with me and they know that. They are at peace and that is what matters. They will never be forgotten.

I have finished my classroom work and am about to start my clinicals hands-on work on Monday. Can you believe it! I can't. I am so ready for this. I am off tomorrow for an interview and am all excited.

Saturday is a photo shoot day for Larry and I, Sunday we are out for the day with special friends. The day should be filled with lots of fun, food lots of laughter.

My words of wisdom are as usual, tell someone today that you love them. Tell someone you may have hurt that you are sorry, reach out to them, make amends, life is too short. I recently messed up, big time and hope that they will eventually be able to understand where I was coming from and why I had to say my piece, I know I should have handled it better. I never said I was perfect.

To Larry, my best friend and biggest supporter, I Love You...

Ladies have a great week, I know I am.

What a Whirlwind Time it is

Hi To All,

Can I tell you how happy I am? I could not be any happier, I smile a lot now, I am learning, I am experiencing so much. School started this past Monday, I am going to school to be a Certified Nursing Assistant. I thought the first day, Oh Dear Lord what have I done, it was such a fast paced class, so much information being handed out and homework, oh my. I start and end each class with an exam. Now I think I am already in the swing of it, I have read ahead and done the worksheets and homework. I have read the next days chapters and know what to expect. I give my first presentation next week and then we go do hands on clinical work. They have two facilities they use and I am all excited. I was always a hands on type of girl for learning anything. So ladies life is very fast paced, I will have three hours of homework each night, I love it, can you tell?

Larry and I have gone to a Maple Sugaring and enjoyed walking in the woods and enjoying nature.

I got to go to a rodeo practice on Sunday, what fun, I entered five pictures into competition and am having the time of my life. Larry and I are enjoying our time together.

My sister Nancy was in town for four days to celebrate my brother Paul turning 50. Wow is he getting old. It was really nice to gather for a fun family event.

The best news of all is today is St. Patty's Day and I had a new nephew born this morning. (My oldest brother Jimmy who passed aways daughter), My Sister Dotty (not sister in law because we love her so much) well their daughter Robyn and her husband Terry now have a beautiful baby boy who shall be called James Daniel O'Leary. All are doing well. I am so proud happy for them. I know Jimmy will be watching over them all.

My Love to All!

Rested and Happy

I am alive and well. Life is so good. I am rested and happy. I have started my new philosophy on life and that is to live each day to its fullest. I spent yesterday out taking photos. What fun it was. I allowed myself four hours to just drive around, look at life, stop at my leisure and become one with myself. You ought to try it some time. The inner feeling of peace and calming experience can be so rejuvenating. I have manged to also start and finish two books, who knew one could read a book from start to finish in such a short time. Now it is time for me to hit the real books. I have three tests to get thru to make sure I am really ready for the tougher stuff coming my way.

I am proud of Larry who put on a one man show at the Stoughton Library last night. He did a forty minute slide show presentation with music and comments throughout it all about his trip to Quebec. He answered many questions in the end and had them all eager to travel there to see for themselves how pretty a place it is. I myself cannot wait to go back there with him in May.

Travel again, hum that is what was missing from our lives, free time, down time. We have many trips planned so far for this year. It only reinforces that we are sole mates and enjoy each others company. We are not one of those couples whose kids grow up and leave and they sit at home together wondering what to talk about or how to interact with each other and find out they have nothing in common. This week end is Maple Sugaring Time at Brookwood Farms, you bet we will be there capturing it all.

As you may notice I am happier than ever and oh so content.

Alas ladies my sewing machine is banished to the basement for now. In the next two months I will not have the time to do any sewing by machine. I do have some hand projects at the ready when I start having withdrawal symptoms. I have even found my long lost project; a scarf I had started way back in the days of Fabric Place opening, I may get to finish it yet. I will get back to sewing and quilting it is in my blood and will resurface, besides I have at least five kits waiting for me to start, let alone projects left to be quilted. Do not think that quilting is over for me. At this time though it is taking back seat for a short while.

Stop to smell the flowers, to listen to life, to follow your heart.

Starting a New life

Hey,

Wow what a month February has been for me. I want to let you all know the store is officially closed, emptied, keys turned in, over and done. The website is also shut off along with my old email address.

I need to say a big "Thank You" to Georgette and Bill for helping in moving things out quickly and never hesitating to come to my rescue when I asked for help.

A very special Thank You to Cara and Tim who did a lot of driving; running up and down stairs; going back and forth from the store to my house, without there hard work and support I could not have done it, they worked so hard and did not stop until we were all done. They helped push me along and kept me focused and moving forward. I don't think I tell them enough how much I love them both.

To Frank and Bob who worked very hard making sure the store was completely empty. They helped by taking a lot of it home with them too. I hope there wives were OK with it all. The took down, dismantled and kept things moving forward. They also did the driving and delivering of the last items in the end. They were there in the beginning to help me get set up and were there at our sides to help me shut down too. Larry and I are very blessed to have such good friends in our lives.

Larry and I could not have done it without every ones help. Today is the start of a new life for us both. To be home today has been great, I got to do some house cleaning today and I have a complete home cooked meal in the oven. I must say it sure smells good too. I even got to turn on the television and watch some of my shows I had taped. Who knew, to sit during the day and just relax and take life slow.

As I have said before, Life is short, live life it to its fullest, shoot for the moon, expand your horizons, Treat each day as if it were your last. Live, Love and Laugh out Loud each and every day, for every day is a gift!

Quilters' Compass Website

Hello One and All,

What a busy two weeks it has been.

The shop is almost empty and I am almost free and clear to move forward. It is a good thing for me. I feel and know this is the right thing for me to do right now.

I want you all to know that I am shutting down the Quilters' Compass website today. I will no longer have my old email address either. Those who know me will know where I live and how to reach me.

I have to say it again, it has been a pleasure to know you all. You have all touched my heart in so many ways. I know I will continue seeing and or hearing from you in the future.

I am all signed up to start my classes in March. I cannot imagine me having to study again after all these years. I just love a new challenge.

Be happy for Larry and I, we have so much to look forward to in our future.

If I were a Cat...

Good Morning,

If I were a cat I would be curled up asleep and purring loudly.

I just got back from spending time with three of the most important women in my life. They are amazing ladies. They are smart, warm, reliable, loving, giving, supportive and we always there for each other. My sister Susan, my Daughter Cara and I surprised my sister Nancy for her Birthday. It was truly a surprise to her, we whisked her away to be surrounded with female companionship for several days. What a treat for us all. I will cherish those days in Virginia Beach for a long time. I already cannot wait till her visit up here in March.

Back to some real business. I will be clearing out the shop this week. I hope to be almost done by the end of this week end. It is time to end this and really move on. I feel like a new woman, ready to take on the world.

I am off right now to see my wonderful clients. I am looking forward to helping them and making there life easier in any way I can. I have many ideas and will work towards helping them in any way I can.

I am planning on taking my entrance test for school tomorrow and signing up for the next available session to start school. Pat a student again, this ought to be interesting.

As I left Virginia and was flying home I reflected on those who support me, who love me, who encourage me and stand by me. I thank you all and love you all.

I am off to work now.

Have a wonderful day, cherish each moment you have on earth. Take the time to go out of your way and make just one person smile or say a kind word to a special person or even a complete stranger. Do a kind deed, it will make you feel good.

Life is good, I am alive and well and ready to conquer the world.

The End

Morning,

As I sit here in the store on my last day open to the public, I reflect on how I got here. Please bear with me as I travel down this nostalgic road.

It started way back with Ken and Janet brainstorming in their backyard while having a cook out. Running the numbers on whether can it really work or not. Then the name of the store, many decisions were made that day that led Larry and I down a new path.

There was Veronica who pestered me to follow thru on the perfect location for the store. I had said I would call to find out about the location and of course I blew her off. Veronica knew it was perfect and made sure I called and saw it. Veronica was right, I fell in love with it the day I actually did a walk thru. Our thanks to Claudette, too, for her advice.

The days that lead up to our opening were the most hectic I have ever encountered in my entire life. I can still remember everyone telling me, just breathe, remember to breathe, you can do it and we did.

To Ellen who I can clearly remember her saying, I do not sew, I do not make quilts, but I will help in the store. Who eventually learned the art of making quilts and even taught a class. Who had an amazing color sense. I am so proud of you and want to stay close.

To Ian who learned more about fabrics and notions in the fastest crash course he ever had. He worked the register system and entered it all. Ian's friend Dave even got shot-gun volunteered for a brief time. Cara's love and support too.

We enlisted the support of friends, too. Frank Shea and Bob Welch were always there when we called, and we called a lot.

Opening Day, my goodness that was nerve racking, but we all got thru it. My life has had many twists and turns thru these years. Larry and I have lost many loved ones in this short time. Too many in my opinion. We could not have kept going without your support. You all know who you are, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. The ladies who at one time or another and worked this store and those who taught here; if you did not know, let me tell you now how important you were to me.

I know I will continue being with many of you. My friendships will go beyond these walls and we will still get together. I have lunch dates set up with Julia and many others. I am proud there will be off shoots of this store. That some of you who started here and did not know each other have formed a bond that will continue. What a tribute.

Then of course last but not least Larry, my rock, my anchor, my guiding light, with broad shoulders to get me thru anything life tossed at us. There are not enough ways or words to say thank you.

Larry and I will have our week ends and nights free. We will be kept very busy, I am sure of it. We have several trips planned from now until October. To be free to travel again on the spur of the moment will be fun.

I will continue this blog and update it weekly. You can keep in touch with me and follow my new adventures his way. I will be keeping my email address.

As the song title goes, "Thanks For The Memories!"

Tuesday Morning

Good Morning one and all,

What a week this will be. This is our last week open to the public. Saturday the thirty first at four thirty we close our doors to the public and are done. It is sad to see this end. I have meet and made so many people who have become very close to me. I have made new friends, some are more like family members. They are the best part, you love them because you want to, not because they are your relatives. You choose them. You know who you are out there. I will carry you in my heart always. I will also keep in touch, that is my promise, you know I will stay in touch. We already have some off shoots to the groups, some meeting at houses, some at specific places. I will drop in to visit as often as I can.

As I said, I truly cannot imagine closing the doors Saturday afternoon. Larry and I know our hearts will ache, it has been a long wonderful roller coaster ride. I have decided it is time to challenge myself though and this is special time for me.

I have a lot of samples for sale here in the store, come by and buy, check out the wall hangings, table runners and quilts that are now for sale as priced.

This week the store stock is half priced. We have also added that if you purchase five yards of any bolt you can choose a book that we have in stock for free while they last.

I am so proud to say I have two special babies that entered this world yesterday. A beautiful bouncing baby boy Benjamin who I cannot wait to hold and cuddle with and an adorable red head named Molly. They were each born to two special Grandmothers. I am sure they will bring you lots of love and smiles to your lives.

Well folks, I am planning on keeping my email address, so I can keep in touch with anyone who wants to. If you do not have it it is pat@quilterscompass.com. I will also keep this blog going so stay tuned as I will update you all weekly.

I have heard many a rumor that one of us sick, that it is a serious illness. This is so not true. We are closing because I have decided to try something new, for me, to make time for Larry and I. That is it. We are both healthy.

Be happy for Larry and I, life is short, take the time to enjoy life, to travel and to explore and more importantly to love life.

My heart goes out to you all that you may find the inner peace and enjoyment of life as I have.

Tuesday Morning

Morning,

What a beautiful week end it was. The weather men are the only ones who can be wrong so often and still have jobs. I know I ended up shoveling well over a foot of snow when all was said and done. I loved it though. I find an inner peace shoveling, being outside, shoveling, smiling loving how that fresh blanket of snow looks. It is so pure and pristine looking when it is falling. I stood there and smiled in awe of Mother Nature. I could never live in another part of the States, I would miss each and every season.

The ongoing sage of my hand/wrist. I got my stitches out, he says it looks good. We are still concerned about nerve damage. I cannot use my left hand thumb without pain. I will go back the beginning of next month and if it is not getting better take another look at it more closely. WE are all hoping that the inflammation will go down and all will be well though. We have no real reason to believe otherwise.

As for the store and merchandise. I am at our 40% off sale. This is it, last chance, no more mark downs. Two weeks to go. We have tables, chairs and lots of stuff up for sale.

Thank You all again for all your help and support over the last eight years.

Snow is a Coming Again !

Hello One and All,

Here we are again, Saturday awaiting another snow storm to arrive over night. I for one love it. I know right now I can just hunker down tomorrow. I plan on having my house smell wonderful with a home made soup slow cooking on the stove. I plan on making home made pizza too. There is nothing nicer than remembering the scents from child hood memories. My free time will be coming soon, a lot less hours of work and more down time. This is a good thing. I am looking forward to it. Larry and I have so much to do, from being home and just enjoying life and each other, to road trips with many photo opportunities. We have four trips booked already. I have been blessed to have him to always encourage and support me along the way.

One of Larry's photos won first place in a competition and he will have his photo in a prestigious camera magazine and his photo will travel across the country in a show. I am so happy for him. I have know how good he is, now others will see it too. He is selling more and more of his photos and is enjoying his good fortune.

The store is closing soon. Come down and pick up those last minute items or stock up on things. Threads, white on whites are selling out fast, think backings for future quilts. Think quick, it will all be gone in two weeks.

Larry and I are blessed to have been a part of this for eight years. It is the right time for me to move on. Thank you one and all.

Be kind to one another, say something nice so someone, make some one feel good. Life is short. Reach out and make up. Words can hurt, you cannot take them back but you can make piece while you can. You never know what will happen to you tomorrow. Appreciate life and live it to its fullest.

Tuesday Morning

Morning One and All,

What a Winter we are having. I am afraid it is going to be a long cold snowy season. I spent Sunday making a wonderful Pot Roast and Beef Vegetable Soup while I watched the snow fall. My house smelled wonderful and I was so content, all was right with the world.

My wrist is doing better, I am having some issues with my thumb, but I will see the surgeon on Monday and see what he says about it. I cannot wait for the stitches to come out.

I am having so much fun, I run into folks outside of the store and they are asking me "You look so happy, what is up?" When you truly know deep down you have made a life changing decision that is right for you it just plain feels good. I have been happy and I am finding out that I smile so much more. It is like an entire world has opened its doors for me. Everyone should try to give back something of themselves. The old line that it is better to give than to receive is true. Don't get me wrong, I love getting things, but now they are just things, it does not have to be tangible anymore to me, it is so much more. It was like at Christmas, I was so happy to watch others open gifts that I made sure were just right, I could have cared less if I got anything in return. This past Christmas was the best on record.

On another note, the store is looking bare these days. I still have fabrics and notions so come in and buy up quickly. I am closed as of the end of this month. I will not continue beyond this month. Ladies and gentlemen, think backings, think of future projects, help move the last of the stock.

I am blessed to have gotten so many emails, phone calls, and people dropping in to say what an impact on there life I was to them. Can I honestly say I got back ten times more than I gave out. I have met the most amazing people, have helped many thru illnesses, cancer, deaths thru sad times and the happy times too. That is what a lasting relationship is. I will continue to have this blog, and to keep my email address. I know many of you will stay in touch with me. I have been asked by three places to teach, my response is to give me a little time and yes I will be ready. Quilting is in my heart, I will continue it. I am proud that many of you have formed your own off shoots of the store. It is an honor to have been part of having you all make new friends, become your own support system and care so much about each other. I will drop in and visit these groups as time permits. Keep me up to date on when and where you will be meeting and I will surprise you and drop in. I remember our original "Brown Baggers Club," Fran you should be very proud of what you started so many years ago. You were and are my inspiration. Thank You.

I will be closed all day this Friday.

Day after Suergery

Hey,

Surgery went well, fourteen stitches later and all wrapped up but I am fine. It was of course larger and deeper than thought but now I should heal much better. It will be three months till I know if I have any nerve damage. Thanks to all who have called and checked up on me.

Tuesday @ Quilters' Compass

Hi,

IMPORTANT NEWS

I have to close the store Tuesday January 6 at 1:30.
I am having surgery tomorrow. I will be in work on Wednesday.

The Going Out Of Business sale will start tomorrow from 9-1:30 and continue from there.

NOTE I am closed This Friday and next Friday all day.

I plan on closing the store the end of this month. Come in while the supplies last.

Sale Starting Tuesday

Happy New Year One and All,

I have so much happening in the next three weeks that I know it is going to go by so quickly.

First is our Going Out Of Business Sale which starts on Tuesday. Everything is 25% off. Come in early for the best selections. I plan on closing the end of this month. I will be pulling out samples to sell too. They will be sold as priced. No discount. The stock of fabrics have greatly diminished already. All the patterns are already gone. I still have some books and notions and threads still available. Stock up while there is stock. Do not miss out. If you have a started project and are not sure if you had enough fabric, come in soon, it is moving fast. If you wanted to start a project and liked something here think fast before it is gone. Think backings, plan ahead for great savings.

Note: I will be closed two Fridays it will be January 9 & 16.

I hope most of you will stop by and give me a chance to say thank you for all your support for the last eight years. Larry and I will miss you all.