A great weekend

Our friends Jim & Susie (that's them over there on the left) recently purchased their retirement home on Lake Gaston at the NC/VA border. They aren't able to actually retire just yet, but now they know where they will go when they DO make that step. We joined them at the lake house for the holiday weekend together with John & June another couple we've known forever. (Here are John & June snuggling together while Jim looks on!)

Jerry, John & Jim served together on the the submarine USS Grant back in the late 1970's. Jim left the Navy shortly after that tour of duty while John & Jerry made it a career. Jerry for 20 years and John for 30.

Here's a view from the house into their cove. The boat house is hiding their ski boat and jet ski, but you can see the sailboat that Jim & Jerry took out for a spin one day. Everyone had a turn on the jet-ski and we had several nice tours of the lake in the boat. The lake is huge and we didn't see the entire thing, but it sure is beautiful.

We didn't spend all our time on the lake...we also put a significant dent into Jim & Susie's Tequila and Vodka supplies!

All in all we had a great weekend and we're hoping to get the opportunity to do it again (if they'll have us back!)
Photos are clickable for a larger view

My good deed for the day

Noah's school had a blood drive today. They sent home sign-up sheets a week or so ago and mentioned that one of the donors would win a trip to Disneyworld. I donate on a fairly regular basis (I'm close to my 2nd gallon) so I signed up. When I picked up Noah right after the donation the first thing he asked was "Did you win??" They haven't had the drawing yet so who knows...

I usually don't have any problems when I donate, but today, just as I was finishing, I started feeling lightheaded and queasy. They put cold compresses on my neck and forehead, got my feet elevated, and gave me some pretzels and told me to suck off the salt. I eventually perked up, but it was really strange.

When I drove Noah home tonight he started asking me some really deep questions about death. He wanted to know if everyone died and then asked "When you die Grandma will you remember me?" This from a 5 year old!

Another passing

Viriginia, one of my quilting friends, lost her husband last week and this morning was the funeral. She and Jim moved to South Carolina from Florida and didn't know anybody when they arrived. It's obvious that they made themselves members of the community quickly and there were many friends at the service. We almost could have held a quilt guild meeting there were so many guild members there. I enjoyed watching the Knights of Columbus honor guard and admiring their robes and hats.

The mass included the use of incense and with my huge sensitivity to fragrances, I was queasy by the end of the service and had to skip going to Virginia's house for the post funeral get together.

Virginia has been so strong this week and I hope her strength will get her through this difficult time.

Fabric Store mecca

Yesterday a group from my quilt guild went on a bus trip to Mary Jo's Cloth Store in Gastonia, NC, a suburb of Charlotte. We also made a stop at Longcreek Mills a funky little place with lots of thread at great prices. It was a good trip and I'm glad to say I was no where near the biggest spender.

Mary Jo's is the supermarket of fabric stores. Not only does it have an extensive section of quilting fabrics, but an equally impressive selection of decorator, bridal, and clothing fabrics. I think I probably left with the most diverse selection of fabrics. I bought some quilting cottons for a fractured quilt challenge I'm taking part in. I also bought some velveteen, silk dupioni and organza for the same challenge. I purchased some Ultrasuede for my journal quilt entry and some trims for another project. All in all, it was an enjoyable day spent with a fun group of fellow quilters.

If you're ever near Charlotte, it's well worth a stop at Mary Jo's!

Remembering old friends

I got a call today from someone I knew in High School. We don't typically keep in touch, although we have each other's contact info. Linda called me to inform me of the death of a mutual friend, Cheryll. Apparently Cheryll was diagnosed with brain cancer in March and went very quickly. We were great friends in school and I'm sorry we lost touch over the years.

If there is someone you've been thinking about, contact him/her before it's too late.

The Interview

Deb posted the answers to 5 interview questions that were asked of her and agreed to 'interview' anyone who wanted with 5 questions of her choosing. Rather than have her ask me questions, I'm going to answer the ones directed to her.

1. What do you miss most about where you were born?

Initially everyone probably thinks how can you miss anything about Detroit? - but they'd be surprised. Besides all the wonderful lakes around the city on which natives covet living, Detroit has the world's best hot fudge made by Sanders. I used to miss Vernors ginger ale as well, but can now get that here in South Carolina.


2. When did you really feel you’d grown up?

A couple of years ago we bought a bedroom set - bed, dressers, nightstands, the whole thing. We both said that we finally felt grown up with bedroom furniture that matched!

3. Tell us one of your best memories!

I'd have to say the birth of my son Craig and meeting my grandson Noah for the first time. Then, of course, there was our wedding, where we watched a fly crawl across the minister's cheek.

4. What scent or smell do you like best?
I can't tolerate scents at all anymore, so I'd have to say none.

5. When I say music, what pops to mind?

Oh, that's easy - MOTOWN! You can take the girl out of Detroit, but can't take the Detroit out of the girl!

New Look

I was tired of the old look of my blog and changed the template. I've lost a couple of things - links to two webrings and will have to search them out! Do you like the new look?