Thursday, September 22, 2016

Really Random Thursday, 9/22/16

It's been awhile since I've posted anything remotely random. Or posted at all, for that matter. So I'll try to catch up from the last few weeks.

According to the pictures on my phone, there is not much to report.

We officially celebrated Mark's retirement with lunch at a Fuddruckers in Modesto, CA, with good friends, George and Cheri. This is significant because over thirty years ago, over lunch at Fuddruckers in Fresno, Mark was approached about coming to work for a new cabinet company in town. So even though it was a different restaurant in a different town, the two meals seemed to bookend his thirty-year career in kitchen design and cabinet sales quite nicely.

And wow, do they make great hamburgers!
The second half of summer has been a difficult one for our family. My father suffered a stroke the beginning of August, which essentially completely took away his memory, to the point where two weeks ago, he was placed in a memory care facility. For those of you who have gone through this, we were completely unprepared for the speed at which my father's health changed, almost literally overnight. He went from driving the car, to not remembering anything. To this point, he still recognizes us, but that's about it. He doesn't like being where he is, but it's a lovely facility and he is being well taken care of.
Ruby and Gabe were over for the afternoon last week. And the weather was so nice that we sat outside. I even broke out my brand new box of Prismacolor colored pencils. For 4-year-olds. :)
What's the point of having someone take your picture if you can't make a goofy face?
After drawing some great pictures, they asked if they could use our phones and take pictures around the yard. You never know quite what you are going to get, but actually they are pretty good photographers, and it's fun to see things from their perspective.
Also, Gabe took this great picture of the two of us.

I've done some English paper piecing. Given my dad's health, I haven't had much time in my sewing room. But doing hand piecing has been good therapy.



However, I did get a bee block done, for our Spelling Bee block exchange. This month, Rachel is requesting words all having to do with honeybees.
I saw this in the pharmacy while standing in line to pick up a prescription for my father. Truth.
This is what my horoscope said a couple of days ago. I'm saving it in a new journal I have started for an exciting new project I will be beginning soon. That thing about wasting time...yeah, that's the hard part.
Hope your week is a good one.

14 comments:

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Robby said... #

I'm sorry about the change in your father's health. There is something so difficult to digest about those people who have always been been stronger and wiser in our lives becoming diminished from how we remember them. Your pictures of the kids are a wonderful reminder that life goes on through them.

Grandma G said... #

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I'm sure it's been a really hard time for all of you. I hope your mom is doing okay.

stitchinpenny said... #

I am so sorry to hear about your dad. The hardest part is the care givers for him. Not the ones in the facility, but those who have to pay the bills, make sure he is cared for and suffer the loss of someone they love into a maze of nothingness. Support one another and truly enjoy the moments of clarity if they come. Love is essential.

The Colorful Fabriholic said... #

I'm sorry to hear about your dad's health. Similar thing happened to my dad, one day living independently and driving, the next day, memory gone, lost 60 years. If you need a sympathetic ear, please reach out to me.

Rochelle aka Bella Quilts said... #

I'm so sorry that your father is in this health crisis. I know how it affects the whole family. The time with the little ones is therapeutic in many ways and they are so darling. Your EPP is lovely. I look forward to seeing more of that project. Prayers to you and your family.

Heidi Staples said... #

Still praying for you, friend. I was happy to see the picture of your parents. It's good to put faces to names. Your EPP blocks are stunning!

Terri said... #

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's health! I have a couple aunts who are in memory care also, but their memory loss has been more gradual. Glad to see you are still out enjoying life with the grandkids, sewing, and celebrating Mark's retirement.

Linda said... #

Feeling it for your Dad and for, among many other things, the mental and emotional adjustment for you. Hugs.
Yay for Fudd's!

Cathy O said... #

Love and enjoy your view of life - happy, quirky, sad and real. Grieving with you and praying that God wraps his arms of love around you and aunt Bev.

Unknown said... #

we had to put my mother in law in a care home because her Alzheimer is getting really bad... so sad. I'm sorry about your dad.

Needled Mom said... #

Great to see a post from you, Cindy. I love the photo of you and your granddaughter. Your blocks are fabulous too. They are pieced so beautifully.

I hope the days are getting a bit easier for all of you. I'm sure your mom is finding your support invaluable.

OPQuilt said... #

Love the fussy cutting on the new EPP project--I've seen others comment on how they won't have enough papers, so now the two are clicking together in my mind. Glad to see your parents together, and that your Dad has been settled in. Like Mary said, I'm sure she appreciates your great support to her at this time.

Anne / Springleaf Studios said... #

I hope your dad is adjusting well and your mother too. We've been through all that with my mom and Justin's parents. It's never easy. Prayers and good thoughts coming your way.

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