Crashed Computer

My computer crashed on April 3.  I am limping along with an old laptop that "sorta" allows me to read my email.   I have read some facebook-however, it takes a long time.  I have given up trying to read blogs--the computer is so slow and takes too long to bring up any photos.   Hopefully the computer doctor (a teacher from school-who loves working on computers) will have it fixed soon.  He didn't then he could save it at all.  He kept working and almost has it fixed!

Until then!  Please think Spring.  We woke up to about two -three inches of  white stuff covering everything this morning. 

Linda  

Mud Season #2 On It's Way!

We are almost into "Mud Season #2".   The high temperature today was 34 deg. it is the warmest it has been since the snow storm last week. It was 5 deg this morning when I drove to school. The weather forecast is for in the 50's by the weekend.  The mud will be everywhere by then.

This is what I walk through to get to and from my car.  I try to take the high ground with less  mud.  I also carry my good shoes and wear my mudders.  The sidewalk is under the snowbank on the left.

On the farm everything looks dirty and a mess this time of year. 

Saturday DH was gone for 5 hours.  Only farm wives are able to truly understand what a gift that is especially on a Saturday.  Please, don't misunderstand, I love him dearly--but sometimes it is nice to have MY time.   I filled 5 black garbage bags and carried  them to the dumpster and also kept the wood furnace in the basement going all afternoon with misc. items.  As I continued to clean I moved things around so there isn't anything he should really miss.  

We go back to the cities later this week for two days of medical appointments.  I am taking another Jennifer Chivaerini book with me.  I have read 6 of them so far.  It may be out of season,  however it is the next in her sequence so I checked out,  "The Christmas Quilt" to take along while I am waiting. 

We will be spending one night.  After one set of appointments we will head out to Cabela's.  I am going to look for quilt shops on line before we go.  If anyone knows of any great shops between Mpls. and Rogers, MN. Please send me the name so I can google directions.

The intercom at school is directly over my desk.  The volume is so loud it blasts in my ear.  I have taped posters over the top with paper towels padded behind them.  Then I had a brilliant idea!!!  I have many of Susan Winget classroom bulletin board items and boarders in my classroom.  I found a Susan Winget fabric printed block on ebay.  I padded it with two layers of batting and did some quick quilting.  I will hang it up tomorrow and let you know how it works!!

 Please Continue to:  Think Spring!!!!

Snow On the Robin's Tail

There is an old saying in Wisconsin that there will be three snows on the robin's tail before Spring officially arrives.  I think with the sixteen inches we received on Tuesday night and Wednesday it should count for more that one snow!

There is a set of the double doors where the 5th and 6th grade students go out to the playground. Thursday morning before school one of the doors was drifted shut.  All of the girls would walk to the doors and go out the door not drifted.  EVERY  boy walked to the door drifted shut and would push, shove, and try to squeeze out the door rather than just walk out the open door.  One sixth grade girl made the comment, "I just don't understand boys."


Wednesday afternoon I sewed 5 more blocks for my Amy's BOM quilt.  This will be the first quilt I will have made for myself.  I think I will sew six more blocks and then add sashings and borders.  I realize to be a true sampler all the blocks need to be different.  I made three more of the Double Friendship block, an Arrow Crown and a Mother's Favorite. However, since it is for me I am going to have more than one of some blocks. I made a mistake on one block--but decided only Amy would notice.





I also stitched around a quilt for a friend's daughter who has been learning to quilt.  All of the sewing and quilting has been done by hand.  She asked if I would sew around her quilt by machine.  She didn't know anything about a border so we will work together on it. She is hoping to find left over fabric at her grandma's house to use for the border.  It is her first and maybe only quilt.  She is a great young gal who will try almost anything and complete it.  A couple of weeks ago she had her dad cut a hole in the ice in front of their home so she and her brother-in-law could jump in for a Polar Swim!!  One of those "bucket list" kind of thing!!

THINK SPRING!

It is a SNOW DAY!

This picture is from my kitchen window looking north.  Usually we are able to see cattle eating at the round bales behind the barn.  DH went out to start plowing some of the drifts.  It will be difficult  because beneath the snow is mud.  We had rain and sleet last night before the snow started. He stopped in to tell me that it is a mess to plow with the truck because of the mud underneath it is difficult to have traction to push the heavy wet snow. The picnic table was on bare ground yesterday morning.

On the left is last week.  On the right is this morning.  We now have about 15 inches with more predicted and winds to 35 mph. It is difficult to measure the snow because it is blowing.

I just finished working on an IEP (Individualized Education Program) for one of my students.  It goes much quicker at home when I am not being interrupted by students or staff.

I pulled out several MUF's.  It looks like my Amy's BOM's  is going to be worked on first.  I found I have more blocks completed than I thought.  If I make five more blocks add sashing and borders.  I am thinking it would be large enough for our queen size bed?????  I am going to check out Wraggedy Patches to see how many blocks Candace used and the size of her quilt.

I will let you now later how much I have actually accomplished!

 A Snow Day cannot be wasted!!   

This is SPRING?????

The weather man is teasing us again.  We have had winter weather warning several times this winter.  Usually the storms would come on a weekend or on a holiday.  So--We have not had a snow day this school year.   However  IF  we would have a snow day--I plan on having a day for ME.  That would include spending time quilting!!!!!

Wisconsin, Washburn County

Winter Storm Warning

Statement as of 3:43 PM CDT on March 22, 2011
Expires 8:00 PM EDT on March 23, 2011

... Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 7 PM CDT
Wednesday...

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 7 PM CDT
Wednesday.

* Timing and location: a strong late season winter storm will
affect the Brainerd lakes region... Saint Croix River
Valley... and an area from Hayward to Phillips tonight and
through the day Wednesday. The storm will produce heavy snow
across these areas... with the heaviest snow expected to fall
through this evening and through the overnight hours.

* Snow accumulations: 10 to 14 inches of snow is expected by late
Wednesday afternoon.

* Main impact: heavy wet snow and ice combined with northeast
winds of 15 to 30 mph could cause power outages due to downed
trees and power lines.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Winter Storm Warning for wintry mixed precipitation means heavy
accumulation of snow... sleet... and freezing rain will occur.
Expect extremely slippery and dangerous snow and ice covered
roads.


If we have a snow day!  I will post pictures of my work!

 

National Quilting Day & March Madness

Saturday night I  listened and watched the Badger Basketball team move into the Sweet Sixteen!  Whoo Hoo!   At our house Basketball is on the TV more than anything else during Basketball Season!

    


While DH is watching BB , it is my time to sew.   One of the projects  I have worked on is my "America The Beautiful" blocks.  Last night I almost" finished the  March/April blocks.  All that is left is to applique the stars.  I have never appliqued--Peg told me I could do it with no problem.  I have seriously debated putting the block in envelope and sending it to her in Sturgeon Bay.  However,  I will try! Peg explained Machine Applique--if anyone has any secrets on what to avoid--PLEASE--Let me know.

Have  a great week! 

Let's See What's New!

Spring! (Maybe)!
For the first time since November 10 we are able to see bare ground.  The temps have been in the 30's and 40's all week.  The snow is melting.  However, on the farm we have a season between winter and spring.  It is called MUD season. Most years we have snowstorms in late March or April.  So even if we receive more snow--the end is in sight.

I used fabric left from Jessica's quilt to make a matching doll quilt  and pillow for Tatum.  We bought a wooden doll cradle for her also.  When she came Saturday with her Daddy we gave it to her.  The first thing she did was take out the pillow and  blanket so she could crawl in. She tried her best to lie down in it.

Saturday night I was thinking of Spring.  It had been a cold and windy day.  I pulled out a Snippets charm pack and put a runner together.  A couple of years ago someone put a little table and basket in the women's rest room at school.  I have taken in a couple of seasonal runners or place mats.  So Monday morning I took this to the table to help us think Spring might be on the way!  IT WORKED!!!

 

Last week when we went to the cardiologist we had good and disappointing news.  The good news was that DH's heart is back in sinus rhythm.  The other news was that it he was in heart failure for so long it has damaged the heart and is causing problems for other organs.  They had been without adequate blood flow.  He had  blood tests with concerning results. He came home with even more medications.  We go back to see a Nephrologist on 3/31 and the cardiologist on 4/1 with another echo and more blood work. 

A "Little" bit of quilting--and--Here we go again!

Sunday evening I pulled out the March/April issue of McCall's  Quilting to begin work on part 2 of "America the Beautiful."  I completed  trees #3,4,5,6,and 7 Blocks and Units.  Tree Blocks 1,2,8,9, and the Mountains Block are left for  part 2.

DH and I are off to Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital this morning.  Our local hospital shocked his heart when he was hospitalized on Feb. 25.  However, when he went back on Monday this week his heart is again in Atrial fibrillation.   We called his cardiologist at Abbott and they told us to come in today.  Hopefully, they will be able to help.  Once again, I ask for your prayers.

Another Grandma story-- Whenever Conner was asked before Jessica was born what they would name the baby his response was always, "Robin Hood." Now when he  is asked the name of his new sister his response is,"Robin Hood Jessica Sweetheart."

Kasey is enthralled with her new cousin.  She gave her lots of kisses and wanted to hold her. Jessica and Katie are doing well.  In one week she regained her birth weight and is up to 7 lbs. 3 oz.

It's a GIRL! Life is Good!!!

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for Katie and the baby!  She has arrived and all is well.
Katie was induced Monday at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield.  The specialists were there to make sure everything would be alright for both of them.  Praise the Lord---Everything went perfect.

Jessica Lynn arrived on Monday evening.  She weighed 6 lbs. 14 oz. and measured 19 inches long.  She was breathing great on her own and didn't need to be taken to the NICU.  Katie was fine also. All the complications that were feared did not occur. Praise to the Lord for the answer to our prayers. 

They arrived home on Wednesday afternoon. I know I am prejudiced, but she is a beautiful little girl!

We are so blessed!!!

Life as I know it--Or Yes, I am still here!

I realize it has been almost a month since I wrote a new post.  Let's see:

1.  I finished both baby quilts for the new baby--I finished the John Deere Green and Gold while watching the Packers win the Super Bowl!  WHOO HOO! 

2.  The "If this baby is a girl" quilt was finished about a week ago. I do love it.  It is the same pattern I used for Baby Elna Ann's quilt.  I like the look that Prairie Points give a little girl's quilt.

3.  Katie has not had the baby yet.  Both the OB Specialist and her Rice Lake doctor are very surprised.  Chad and Katie have made the three hour one way trip once or twice a week since January 5 for ultra sounds and measuring the uterine fluid.  They have some awesome pictures of the baby.  This week she had two non-stress tests measuring the contractions and baby's activity.  One for 30 minutes and one for an hour. They return to Marshfield on Monday and are expecting to be induced this coming week. Please pray for a safe delivery for the baby and for its health concerns during and following delivery.

4.  We have been taking our turns taking Conner and Tatum for the weekends or overnights during the week. It has been difficult for Katie being away for her kids so much.  It has been many years since I have taken two preschooler to day care before going to work in the morning.

Warning a couple of grandma stories: Tuesday night  just before filling Tatum's bottle I had mixed a glass of chocolate milk for Conner. She saw the Nestle's Quick on the counter and asked while pointing for "ockit." She wasn't happy when her "ilk" was white!  On Monday night Conner woke up about 4:00 a.m. and called, "Grandma Linda I need to go to the bathroom. Will you come with me?"  We were almost there when he asked, "Do you have bears in your bathroom?" --I told him,  "No I don't think so."  He  responded, "Will you check first?" 


5.  DH was diagnosed yesterday as being in Atrial Fibrillation.  His doctor wanted to admit when to the hospital yesterday.  DH refused--sounds like a farmer doesn't it.  He came home with three new medications.  The doctor told him to contact his cardiologist.  I called her from school this morning and spoke with the triage nurse.  She said to take him to the ER immediately.  So I flew out of school, went home and forcefully told him we were going.  He is now in the hospital on monitors and a IV drip. They will be doing more tests and medications tonight and on Saturday.  They are expecting to shock his heart to attempt to return it to normal rhythm and to stop the Atrial Fibrillation.

6.  My farm bookwork and taxes all had to be complete by February 28!  I spent two late nights after Conner and Tatum were asleep trying to finish.  I made it--I was at the accountant/ tax preparer yesterday after school with all my numbers for him to put in the right spots. Every year I tell myself I will keep up better during the year so it is not so difficult in January and February.   This year I will do it!!!!


7.  Being a teacher in Wisconsin is very challenging politically this week.  We have no idea what types of financial cuts are in store for our schools, how many teachers will be losing their jobs,  and what the future holds for us as teachers.

8.  However,  through it all--I am held together by prayer and faith. I have no idea where I would be without the strength I receive daily from the Lord.

Word up Sewing Party--Update

Today is the "Word Up Sewing Party".    My word for the year is "time."  I have been working to be more aware of how I use my time.  However, the newest grandbaby could come anytime.  I posted earlier that I spent New Year's day making the flimsy for the baby if it is a boy.  So this afternoon I pulled it out to pin baste it together. 

Katie has had a good week. She and the kids were at her parents Tuesday through Friday.  Chad is bringing them up this afternoon to stay tonight and tomorrow with us. They go back to Marshfield for another 3D ultrasound on Monday.   So until they arrive I am working on the John Deere baby quilt.  Hopefully it will be machine quilted this afternoon.

Until my update!!

 All that is left is the binding--That I will be able to finish one night after school this week.

 My if she's  a girl--is sandwiched and pinned.  Maybe Sunday night I will be able to quilt it.  Monday is DH's birthday.  He hasn't decided yet if he wants apple pie or a layered German Chocolate cake.

Thank you Kelly from Charming Girls and Kris from Dandelion Quilts for sponsoring the "Word Up Sewing Party!!

Sunday Stress Relievers and Katie's update

Saturday they removed the IV and the medication to see if the contractions would start again.  Saturday went fine.  On Sunday morning she started contractions again.  One nurse told Katie, "We just may have a baby today" and left the room.  It was enough to panic Katie.  She called Chad in tears and he left again for Marshfield. By the time he arrived all the contractions had stopped. Another nurse told her she was now considered a "high risk" pregnancy and would in the hospital until the baby arrives.

  On Monday they had another 3D ultra sound.   No additional fluid has been produced since the amniocentesis on Thursday.  The doctor does think the baby will arrive early.  However, she sent Katie home on bed rest.  We are all taking turns having Tatum and Conner.   Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.  For anyone who wants more details on Katie, the baby, and answers to prayer check my other blog.  Linda's Faith and Friends

In my concern that this baby maybe coming quickly I had to stay busy on Sunday afternoon.  I started looking for quilt patterns for preemie's.  I found a pattern for NICU quilts on Quilts For Kids. 
I cut out and sewed two easy tops.  One for a boy and one for a girl.  I thought if the baby doesn't come extremely early I will send them to Quilts for kids.  I am going to finish them and wait to see.


 I also need to finish my "official" new grandbaby quilts yet.
The 3D ultrasounds are awesome.  We are making a prediction that the baby is a boy.  The tech's have been careful with the pictures because they know that Katie and Chad don't want to know if it is a boy or a girl.  The size of the hands and feet-we are sure it will be another boy!!!