Retreat fun for 2016

We, the Variable Stars, were back at Turk Lake again the weekend of March 10. Just 6 of us this time and one day timer.  Lots of projects to be worked on.

Personally I took: 1. Scrappy mountain majesty to true up blocks and finish the top; 2. Clark's Stars to get the backing done to take to the quilter on Monday; and 2  quilts I started in Bonnie Hunter's last workshop at guild.  Would like to have tops pieced before her next workshop on March 17. Hopefully that will keep me busy for the 3 days.

I got the backing for Clark's quilt done and delivered it to be quilted the following Monday.

I got this much done on my Bonnie workshop quilt but found I had neglected to bring enough neutrals with me. This will probably be one of my veteran's quilts although my nephew has said this graduation quilt is getting pretty worn out.

 

Becky finish 2 tops.

 

And Jo got busy and finished 2 tops as well.

 

Barb played with triangles that I think she had left over from a project.

And Carol finished her log cabin made strictly out of men's recycled shirts.

And Pam came just for 1 day and brought some handwork with her.

So all in all a very productive weekend.  Can't wait until the next one.



Family fun

This past Christmas 3 of the four grands were able to make it to Grandma's house for Christmas eve.
And all 3 great grands were there to add to the fun.

Jack and Molly just keep growing.  And you would never know little Wren was born just a little less than a year ago with D-Transposition of the Great Arteries.  Her progress after open heart surgery has been amazing.  And then we found out she is going to have a new litter sister in July 2016.

 

Denise and Jason weeding through Dennis's stash looking for items for their etsy sites.

 

Quilt Retreat

Our small group, the Variable Stars, had a retreat in August and then again in October.  We have begun extending the retreat from Friday, Saturday and Sunday to adding Thursday.  That gives us two complete days to sew, and we seem to get a lot more accomplished with the extra day to sew.
Following are a couple of pictures from our August Retreat.  We're so busy sewing in October that we didn't take any pictures.

The view from the lake side porch.

Two table pieced quilted and ready to be bound for the VFW Christmas craft show.

Vacation with Mom

Back in June I was off work.  I have seen a bucket list for things to see and do in Michigan.  I kept seeing photos of picture rocks and wanted to go up.  So mom and I took a little excursion.  We headed straight up to Manistique.  I had heard of the Big spring aka Kitch-iti-kipi and thought it was a good start.  Our hotel the first night have us a view of Lake Michigan.  But of course the fog rolled in about 4 pm and obstructed the view.  Next morning we headed off in search of the big spring.  It was pretty easy to find and ended up being pretty interesting.


From there we headed up to Munising for the picture rocks boat tour.  The afternoon we went out was pretty overcast and it rained a little while we were out.  It was really a pretty impressive sight of mother natures work.

The ceiling of this cave collapsed over the winter.  No more kayaking through here.

I was surprised by the beautiful green color of the water.
I had thought about going to Tahquamenon falls but the mosquitoes had been soooo bad at the big spring that I decided to pass on that.  And I had been there as a kid so it was already checked off the list.  So we decided to head home via Petosky, Charlevoix and Traverse City.  It ended up being just a 4 day trip but I think we both enjoyed getting away.

Well, time is growing short. Just one week left before going back to work.  On the 3rd when I went for my physical therapy I got evaluated by my therapist who decided that I didn't need the next 6 appointments and that I could continue my recovery on my own.

I have been diligent in trying to get to the Y every other day to keep working on the flexibility of my knee.  I now understand why people don't keep up with their therapy. It hurts. But nothing is gained without some pain and I want to make as good a recovery as possible.

Dennis and I did a "appraisal" night on the 3-3 for the Grand Ledge Historical Society. The weather was really crappy that day but about 30 people showed up.  I appraised quilts and coverlets and Dennis appraised every thing else under the sun.  We were on opposite sides of the room so I didn't get to see most of the items that people brought in for him to look at.  The society's meetings usually end at 9 pm but we were there until almost 10 pm finishing up appraisals.

There were some people there from the Westphalia Historical Society and they are talking about having up but maybe some time in the spring.

This last week off will have 3 final doctor's appointments and lunch on Fridays with the girls at work. Guess I should start setting my alarm this week to get used to being ruled by that again.  Still working on getting my sleep back to normal which has been a real task.

Recovery Time

I had lots of plans for my recovery time.  Oh there was so much that I was going to get done..not. I was going to set up a sewing area in my living room so that I could sew on quilt blocks that I have been working on out of my supply of men's shirts.  I think this next week may be the one to buckle down.  I now have a therapy schedule set up for Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.  But that is only 1/2 an hour each day.  So I think I will plan on doing some sewing for 1/2 an hour each day.  On the Tuesday and Thursdays I plan on going to the YMCA  and getting some walking in.

At rehab there were nice long hallways that I could walk.  Here at home not so much, so I think the Y is my best alternative.  I can also use some of the equipment.

More recent happenings

My what a difference a few weeks makes.  After six years of dealing with a knee that has given me pain, had a torn meniscus, and has become just work out I bit the bullet and had a total left knee replacement on February 2.  For my surgeon I chose Dr. Brian McCardel who put my shattered right ankle back together 20+ years ago.  Surgery was very straight forward and after 2 days in the hospital on day 3 I transferred out to Ingham County Rehabilitation Services on Dobie Road, much to my mother's dismay. 

She really wanted to take care of me in the worst way but I knew what I needed was professional care and therapy.  Once the decision was made back in January to have the surgery I dedicated to doing as much as I could to improve my changes of a good recovery.  I did the exercises the hospital recommended and the exercises my trainer recommended.  I went to they Y 3 days a week to ride an elliptical bike and to build my strength and stamina. 

From the surgery 20 years ago I know surgery can really sap your stamina. But it all paid out in aces.
The first Thursday I was at rehab they did an evaluation of me and I think I kind of blew the therapists away.  Straight away I could climb stairs with no problem. I could pedal a mile in 15 minutes.  Every day they devised another test for me.  Standing and throwing weighted balls at a small trampoline.  Wandering around the gym looking for hidden playing cards (stamina).  The 2 main therapist I worked with were John and Matt.  Both were great and very encouraging. 

I was released to go home on 2-16.  A friend, Jo Lange, took me to lunch and then took me home. What a relief to sleep in my own been in a very very quiet house.  More to follow time for a nap.