If we could grab a decadent looking pastry and a wonderful cup of coffee, here are a few things I’d share this Monday morning.
My husband and I are finally feeling better after 14 days. We’re down to just dealing with the occasional coughing fit. Thank you for your good wishes, and I’m hoping none of you have to deal with it.
While I was resting, I picked up a wall hanging that I’d already done work on. It started as a panel to which I added three borders, bound it with a two-tone binding, and did a fair amount of machine quilting. So, I decided to try my hand at hand quilting some of the remaining areas. It wasn’t near as easy as it looks when my friend, Debra at Frugal Little Bungalow, does it, but it certainly was a learning experience.
This morning I need to get to a copier to enlarge a pattern for a paper piecing project. I’m also cutting down a queen sized quilt to make a daybed cover and researching a couple of headboard projects.
It has been gray, gloomy, and cold here. It snows one day and rains the next. Most of the landscape is white so I started thinking about gardening of course.
I had beautiful Dahlias several years ago and then one year I forgot to take them out. Color them gone. I’ve enjoyed all the posts this year about Dahlias and was especially captured by Dahlia Bishop of Llandaff because my grandparents’ farm was in Landaff. During yesterday’s doom and gloom weather, I ordered some bulbs to be shipped in March. I won’t forget to take them out after the first frost this time.
Photography club starts back up this Thursday, and I’m looking at signing up for three photography classes this spring – Digital Photo Organization and Printing and two Beginning Photography classes on site at the Portsmouth Lighthouse and the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
While looking for classes, I checked the courses at Granite State College and saw this class.
Survive your Hospital Visit! 20480 Class Size: Min: 4 Max: 40, Wednesday: 1/13, 1:00PM-3PM, Granite State College, 51 International Drive, Portsmouth
Recent research shows that when having surgery up to 30 percent of patients suffer infections, heart attacks, strokes, or other complications thereafter, and sometimes even die as a result. In other words, you enter a hospital seeking a “cure” and as a result of receiving hospital health services you die while at the hospital or shortly after your discharge. Best practices that you can use to improve your outcomes will be presented in an engaging lecture and discussion format.
Did you ever think you’d see a course on how to survive a hospital visit?
With only a couple of weeks left to the primary, I thought you might get a chuckle out of how many times the candidates have visited NH so far. The car rental agencies, hotels, restaurants, and our toll roads say ‘thank you,’ but I can’t wait until it is over.
Democrats – 79 Hillary Clinton — 27, Martin O’Malley — 26, Bernie Sanders — 26
Republicans – 315 Jeb Bush — 39, Ben Carson — 13, Chris Christie — 60, Ted Cruz — 16, Carly Fiorina — 47, Jim Gilmore — 21, Mike Huckabee — 2, John Kasich — 49, Rand Paul — 26, Marco Rubio — 17, Rick Santorum — 7, Donald Trump — 18
Your turn – what are you up to this week?
Such fun to get together over a cup of tea this morning, Judy! Glad to hear that you are both finally feeling better! I always love seeing your quilting projects. Wow! New Hampshire has been really popular with the candidates! Is your phone ringing every day with political calls before the Primary?
It’s our coldest morning of the year here in the Midwest. Brrrr! More snow will arrive this afternoon. This week, I am taking a different fun class each day. Brrrr! What was I thinking when I registered for classes in January? I’m beginning Tai Chi classes this week, too. So much to learn! Have a great week, Judy! ♡
LikeLike
Oh my goodness, I can’t wait to hear all about your new classes. Our land line rings 3-5 times a day with surveys. Pick it up, hit end, hang up – again and again. 🙂
LikeLike
As I read this, I had my morning tea and a bagel. Not exactly decadent, but pretty darned good, as my Yankee husband might say. First, so glad the nasty cold has taken its leave. By week 3, I was pretty much where you are, but I know of someone who suffered with the coughing for 6 weeks. As for what we are doing at the little house in the big woods—organizing the house; making photo cards for Valentine’s Day; taking photos; writing every morning; visiting with friends; and in general snuggling into winter, such as it in Maine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like fun. Photo cards for family? Like a Christmas photo card? Interesting.
LikeLike
Yes, like a Christmas photo card. For family and also to sell. If they come out the way I hope they do, I’ll at least post one on the blog so you can see what we are doing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great. 🙂
LikeLike
I have coffee, and I am almost present and accounted for, maybe 5-6 more sips. I hope I don’t go to the hospital this week. Staying alive is a burden I generally place on the health care workers while I’m there. I’m not sure I could get well and keep myself alive all at once, and without coffee.
Not a lot going on here and for that, I am glad 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to hear that you’re feeling better! I’m on a family vacation to Arizona this week! Photos coming soon 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Warm and dry – enjoy, enjoy. 🙂
LikeLike
Not much free time here; I’m working on writing deadlines and presenting two garden programs this week, including one for an OLLI class at Furman University tomorrow. Your sewing projects are beautiful. I love your style.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The gardeners in your area are lucky to be able to attend your class. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m always impressed at what you accomplish during just one day in pleasant weather – and here you are again, in the winter months doing anything but hibernating! Love your quilting. The Americana banner is perfect for you! Very New England!
College credit for that hospital class? OMG I remember making fun of “Basket Weaving 101” for “dumbing down” a liberal arts education! This is crazy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No college credit but it blows me away that there is a course covering this topic. If I have time on Wednesday, I just may go to hear what they have to say.
LikeLike
So glad you are on the mend. The quilts are so beautiful! I envy your many talents. I guess it is because you never stop learning! Enjoy your new courses. I’d sign up for that hospital one. It’s a dangerous place to be! Be well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Most of the landscape is white so I started thinking about gardening of course” made me laugh. Thanks! And here’s hoping Bob isn’t in the 30%ers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you are feeling better. I love the wall hanging! Not a lot on the agenda this week except a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday and getting the carpets cleaned tomorrow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s hoping the appointment is a breeze and the carpets look lovely. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So happy that you have taken a turn for The Better! The quilting is beautiful!
As for a hospital stay… I agree an infection brewing place!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m old enough to remember when you went to the hospital to get better and now…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yuuup!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh… where are my manners… Thank You for the pastry and coffee!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
So pleased to hear you are on the mend! I like your panel that you added the borders to. It is a fun way to use something you just can’t bear to cut up. I look forward to your paper piecing project. I’ve not done much in p/p other than a few blocks in a class but I love the process. (Oh, another thing for my wish list). Thanks for the visit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew you’d like that I used your Susie’s binding so I could make the edge red, white and blue. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the way that binding method adds an extra “layer” to the project. Great finish!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to hear you’re feeling better 🙂
The photography classes sound interesting – I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice Americana hangings, Judy. Yesterday I pulled out a quilt I worked on 20 years ago and never finished. I have a quilting friend who will coach me on finishing it up. Better late than never!
I’m glad you are feeling better. Are you going to the ‘How to Survive…’ course? With those stats, I think I’d go if they offered one here! I loathe the western medical approach, but if something is broken, I’d want it fixed. I’ve resolved to take good care of my health and avoid the doc at all cost. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am thinking about going because I’d like to hear what they’ve got to say. Be sure to posts photos of your quilt. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
If I ever get it done – lol! I hope you post the good bits about ‘Surviving…’ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you’re both feeling much better, Judy. Your wall hanging is stunning. What a lot of patience you have! That course sounds fascinating. I’ve known a couple of people who went into hospital for something minor, and never came out alive. So scary and tragic for the relatives and friends. Maybe you can share some of what you learn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you are feeling better. Mom will love the quilting bits (her favorite hobby) so I will show her. Fun to be able to choose between all the courses, wow, lucky.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never been very good at sewing, even with a machine – years ago, I rather limited my projects to Halloween costumes or really simple patterns. Now that I have more time I’m excited to get more involved. I’ve been receiving a newsletter for an online sewing project called: Sew What’s New (http://sew-whats-new.com) which is loaded with design and project ideas, pattern reviews, etc. Today in fact was a video about sewing with flannel with a helpful tip – using starch saturation. I’ve reduced the link length using TinyURL… http://tinyurl.com/jb6onsm
But I’m hoping you can cut and paste that tiny link you should be able to view the video.
Actually you can find all sorts of stuff once you’re on the sew what’s new pages including links to fabric, supplies, etc.
I was hoping to take an aerobics class and a language course! We’ll see 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I signed up for the blog posts and checked out the video. Thank you! The last thing I made with flannel was a rag quilt throw. Aerobics sounds like fun and a good thing to do in the new year. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You sound like your energy is back–all those plans! I’m especially intrigued by the course in photo organization and printing. I worry, with digital photos that are often never printed, that lots of photos will be lost as storage media change.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is strange how we take thousands of photos, share a few, and never do anything with the rest.
LikeLike
Happy to hear you’ve vanquished you illness. How would that surviving the hospital course go? 1. Don’t let a doctor or nurse get near you. 2. If they must, ask several times, “have you washed your hands?” 3. Wear a mask and full protective gear at all times. 4. Don’t let the thought of major surgery stress you out. 5. Plan escape routes before entering. 6. Leave as soon as you can get out of bed (with or without your IV).
I hope you do attend the class and report back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL I think maybe you could teach a course. 🙂 I’m hoping to attend.
LikeLike
That’s a lot of visitors blowing a lot of hot air!! No doubt a ‘primary’ source of global warming 😊
Glad to hear you are finally on the mend. Dad grew spectacular (almost creepy) dahlias. I have a photo of him holding two up to his ears and they look like gigantic pom poms!
Thanks to you, I am hostage to Jack Reacher, having read 4 with 2 more ‘on hold’ at library. Thrilling but not much to show for my hours if chasing him through his escapades 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES – a LOT of hot air for sure. Sounds like your Dad had Dahlia gardening figured out. 🙂 Oh my gosh, I appreciate the chuckle about Jack Reacher. It is funny when you find a character you like, and it’s always hard to read a really good writer like Lee Child and then move to another less skilled writer. Just sit back and enjoy the trip. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🌺🌺🌺😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t know you were a quilter, or if I did I had forgotten it. I am a quilter…at least some of the time…you can see my work at Pics & Pieces. Just click on the labels quilts to see finished…if you are interested.
That class sure makes a person think…I am afraid if I took it I might become paranoid. LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful quilts but my favorite is the fuzzy duck. Loved it. 🙂
LikeLike
I guess there’s an upside to the insane politics in that you get a lot of local business for the duration of the campaign. There ought to be at least some small benefit in it. As for surviving a hospital visit, I could run that course. In my humble or not so humble opinion, the most important think is choosing the best hospital available to you, even if it isn’t the most convenient.
Feel better!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would like my pastry to be a chocolate croissant, please. I enjoyed your bright pictures and the thought that you decided to cut down a queen size quilt to a day bed. Sometimes I think I have to finish a project just the way I planned when I started it but I am trying to get rid of that idea and just enjoy how I decide to finish it especially when the allure of the next project is happening. Glad to hear you are feeling better!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I haven’t had a chocolate croissant since our Benelux trip. Sounds delicious. 🙂 When I started quilting I only made myself one promise – I was going to finish everything I started so I didn’t wind up with a closet full of UFOs. So, now I have a drawer full of projects I don’t like but are finished. LOL I had the perfect day bed cover, but it was too big so I cut off 13″, removed the binding and put it on the unfinished edge. Fits well now. 🙂
LikeLike
About the projects- exactly! I have gotten better about ripping out knitting projects after a couple years 😀 but I still feel a little guilty. I can be my own worst enemy! Your croissant was better I am sure than any I have had here. I can almost taste it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am do glad you survived your 14 days. Yech! Too bad it may have taken a toll out of your energy. Your project is beautiful and today I want to call in but work requires notes front drs. How baby-ish! 🙂 freezing in Ohio. Take care, Judy! ♡
LikeLiked by 1 person
As a former HR person, I find the doctor note quite interesting. I’m surprised that’s not a violation of your rights under HIPPA. Stay warm. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess this is due to frequent call ins, Judy. I make a lot of jokes at my various doors offices. My dentist office threw in an additional part of my “excuse” notes which is like an “In your face!” addendum. It says the patient has undergone dental treatment and may need time to recuperate and if so, need to return to work in a day or two. Isn’t that line hilarious?! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Doctor’s offices! Oops!
LikeLike
It’s sad that there needs to be a class on surviving a hospital visit. From what I have seen, I think one of the most important things is having your family members there advocating for you! I’m glad you and your husband are on the mend 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The idea of a family advocate was one of the top three suggestions. 🙂
LikeLike
Judy that wall hanging is gorgeous! And the paper piecing project….I’ve never done that but how pretty the pattern is ; it will be fun to see yours when you are working on it! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you are feeling better, Judy! I can’t believe how many times the candidates have visited – wow. Glad that’s not the case in CT!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would have never understood it myself if I didn’t live it every day. LOL 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Guess it’s part of the experience for where you live!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This week i am busy at the office and hunkering down at home. Waiting for catalogs, reading books. Getting a haircut, possibly my annual pair of new shoes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t envy you the busy week at the office but I’ve gone through Baker’s catalog and look forward to more. Annual pair of shoes? You sound like me once I find a comfortable pair. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I do hope you take those photography classes so that we can compare notes! Really glad you are both feeling lots better and I hope that was your quota of sickness for 2016.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad that you and your husband are better. My husband is too but still has that lingering cough after a month. Love your wall hanging, it reminds my of a painting we had in our keeping room with a black and white cow in front of a red barn. We kept our N.H. phone numbers when we moved and get plenty of political calls about the primary…we will be glad when it’s over too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My husband is totally over his, but I’ve been fighting this dry cough which I hope will go away one day soon. I just cannot believe how it just stays with you. I can’t believe you are getting those annoying phone calls in FL – oh my gosh, too much. I am just so over this whole NH political thing. If I moved out of state and someone asked me to make a list of reasons why, politics would be near the top of the list right near snow shoveling. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person