My Summer

Our summer has been filled with many travels. Attending weddings, visiting family and friends which took us over many miles and through many states.

While traveling I managed to make yet another little blanket. Babies seem to be popping up everywhere! This one is done in traditional baby colors. Again, a simple large granny square.

I also worked many hours on a stitched piece which I presented to my neighbor and friend Suzan. She has been very good to me and my family since we have moved here and I love her to pieces! I wanted to make her something special. I dated it 2012 for the year we became friends. This is called "Variegated Friendship Sampler" and it is designed by Ursula Michaels. It was a freebie originally given out by DMC and at one time was featured in The Cross Stitcher magazine August 1994 issue. From what I am told the design is no longer available and I have already passed my chart on to help another stitcher out. I am thankful that friendly Stitchers helped me by sending me some of the variegated threads I needed. Many of them have been discontinued. This piece really did come out pretty!

Along our travels I visited my childhood home. This is the home I grew up in!

While visiting, one brother gave me his Raggedy Andy doll from childhood. He needs major repairing, which I will do soon, all his stuffing is falling out! Another brother gave me an old Singer sewing machine he found at the end of someone's driveway for trash... I also brought home two dolls from when I was little... Baby beans, so cute!... And my first doll dated 1965, by The Effanbee company.

I was so happy that we were able to spend one day on our travels with our military Son. He surprised me with a very special hat! I love him and miss him so much. It's hard not having the family all together anymore. He has been in the military two years now and it still hasn't gotten any easier as far as missing him goes. A mothers love never ends ❤️

I was also given an antique crochet bedspread made by my maternal great grandmother. Although she had left pieces undone, it will be treasured by me always. It really is a stunning piece! I wish I could figure out how to finish it. It is a very old piece. I feel honored it was given to me! I thought it odd that the pieces missing were not along the edge, but sort of on the inside parts....

I visited with my dear friend Lillian who is now 90 years old. I love her sooo much!! She is an amazing quilter. I took some pictures of her quilts to share with you..

While visiting with Lillian I took notice that she still has the Angel doll sitting on her couch that I made her many, many years ago! 

Some summer creatures we came across.....

A frog...

A cricket!

A turtle too....

It's been a really good summer except for the fact that I am still not feeling well. A trip back to the doctor, this time a gastroenterologist. I deal with constant pain and can barely sleep through the night. He thinks the gallbladder surgery messed up my system and I am one of the unlucky few whose system did not adjust as it should. I am on a couple of different medicines now hoping they will help. It's been over a week and so far not much luck. I am upset but trying to be positive. It's hard having constant pain and not getting sleep at night because of it. It wears on me. Pain in my upper stomach and back. This has been on and off since last year. The doctor thinks I have post cholecystectomy syndrome. Something to do with the bile in my system. I have to drink these packets mixed with water two times a day, and let me tell you, it is the most awful tasting stuff I have ever had to take in my life!

I go back to the doctor in six weeks. If this and the other medicine doesn't help, I guess more tests will be done.

Sooooo.....

I am thankful I have a loving and supportive husband. I am also thankful I don't have to run out to work and can be at home. I couldn't imagine having to hold a job with this daily pain.

I am trying to focus on stitching to keep my mind off of of not feeling well.

I have decided to stitch my first reproduction sampler! I have started "Harriet Elizabeth Coe" by Brenda Gervais. I am already loving the eyelet stitched, yes I'm hooked!!

Well that's my updates for now. Looking forward to brighter days ahead. I will keep praying and know I have to be pain free for good one of these days!

Blessings to you my dear friends ❤️

Louise xx