How Could I Have Forgotten??

I can't believe I have forgotten to write about this! A little over a year ago, Michael (on the left), told us that he and 3 friends were going to climb a mountain. Not a big deal......he and his friends have done that for several years. But this mountain was Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. Mom said, "I don't think so". Being the quiet one that he is, he went ahead with the plans, saving his $$ and making arrangements. Long story short, mom worried, they were OK. Isn't that the way it is - or at least the way it works for most moms? The other three guys work together in Madison WI. Michael is a long-time friend of one of them. They worked out, ran and sweat for nearly 6 months so they would be in shape for the trek. In early July, they headed off to Africa and had a wonderful time. A visit to a Masai Village, spending time with their native trek leaders and a visit to a totally new environment all gave them a life experience that they will never forget. It was a great time to explore and learn. As a part of their planning, the four decided to raise funds for the Children's Hospital in Madison. Their group was called Kili4Kids and thru donations from friends and relatives, they raised nearly $10,000 for the hospital. They got to tour the hospital prior to their trip and I think that visit had an impact on how fortunate their lives have been. This picture shows them near , but not at, the summit of the mountain. They were in such good physical condition that they summited a day early. During the time that they were there, a group of blind climbers were featured on the news, making the same trek. Now that would give a mom cause to worry!!

Project Linus Retreat

Gratitude: A weekend spent with good friends, much too much to eat,and lots of sewing. Thanks ladies for a wonderful time!!

Each January a group of 24 women gather in Northern Indianaat the Geneva Center in Rochester IN. We spend a couple of days quilting for Project Linus. The rule is that we must donate one quilt or quilt top from the weekend to Project Linus. This year I came up with the pattern for our group project. The fun part about the pattern is that with just a little effort, TWO blocks can be made when making one spinning star block, giving us each two tops- one for us, one for PL. Here are two that I made at retreat - unfortunately, their stars are spinning in the same direction. Their mirror images are still awaiting construction.

As part of our weekend, we had the option of having a massage. So nice!...... We also had demonstrations on card making. The pajama party was also quite humorous. Many hours were spent laughing and having fun. Retreats are always enjoyable - I'm looking forward to next time!

Done is better than perfect

Some think that having a completed project is better than having a perfect project. I'm one of those! Altho this isn't perfect, I'm happy that it is done. Applique Affair has 25 blocks and a whole lot of half blocks in the border. Not quite half finished with it but I'll be working hard to get the block a month done for the group called Applique Cafe. Have you given applique a try lately? :>)

Cars for Lucas

Lucas, 3, is the grandson of a dear friend of mine. He is so cute and loves cars. This quilt pattern was in a Fons and Porter magazine several years ago. Hey buddy, have fun with this!

My friend Julia and I met in 1975 when we were both teachers in a small suburb of Cleveland. Lucas's mom was Lucas's age at the time! We've both moved away but keep in touch and enjoy our visits whenver Oma comes to see her little guy!

Some January goals.......

A gratitude for today........feeling better after several days of the stomach flu; being able to return to some sewing and normalcy!

Some January stitching goals......

............the first goal is to get the Notre Dame t-shirt
quilt top and backing finished and the quilt done for Chris. Dad is a Domer and the two of them are die-hard ND football fans and go to as many games as they can. When I asked Chris what kind of quilt he wanted there was little question.

Quilting might be a little tricky with all the seams

but I'll give it that old college try!

.............deciding if Aunt Millie's Garden

should have a blue or yellow background?

.......finishing the Applique Affair block assigned for this month on Applique Cafe, an online group where we work on the same blocks. This one still needs some little bell shaped flowers on those barren stems!

and.............each year a group of volunteers meet for a weekend of sewing blankets for Project Linus. I've designed a quilt for this year's retreat and will be helping the group get thru my instructions. I hope everyone is successful! More on that after retreat January 15-17.

My partial list of hopes for the month............with hopes of completion of these and more! Stay warm - it's a cold one out there today!