Sunday, December 10, 2006

This is one of those Thimbleberries Club quilts from a few years ago.
Last year I wanted a new table runner so I pulled it out, cut the size down a little and put it together. It’s machine quilted. As you read, the quilt sits on the kitchen table with my Wooden Snowmen and gift bag I made.


My Mother, 74, had a reaction to some medicine she was taking about 3 weeks ago. I made up my mind that I was getting a plane ticket and going down there to check on her. She lives in Louisiana. We talk about every other day, we write, (she thinks the internet is the Anti-Christ). But until you see how your folks live day to day, you really don’t know how they are doing. I flew down Dec 1 – 6. We had a wonderful visit.

She had been stressing about Christmas. We got her tree up. She has a story for every ornament. We shopped--- she even took me to a quilt shop. We did some cleaning. It was the first time I had really spent any time alone with my parents in 20 years. I’ll never forget it. I’ve decided to do it more often. Hey--- the family survived with out me. I survived a week without a computer too. Over the next few days I’ll share stories with you. You may think they are ridiculous, but I just want to write them down, because I don’t want to forget this visit.

Gratitudes:
1. Safe Travel.
2. Everyone’s holiday Spirit.
3. Warmer weather - 40 degrees.

18 comments:

Hedgehog said...

The visit sounds like a very good decision. Love those snowmen, too!

Pam said...

Write it down! Write it all down, someday our children and grandchildren will appreciate "hearing" about our activities and thoughts. I bet you will be smiling for months over the time spent with your parents...lucky you!

Libby said...

Love those snowmen. Sounds like your trip was a good one. Write it all down -- I remember a lot of stories, but many of the details are gone. I wish I had them better documented and there's no way to get them back.

Nancy said...

So glad you had this time with your parents. I look forward to the stories. I wish I'd written down stories from my parents and grandparents. Now I only remember snippets.

Patti said...

So that's where you've been - I missed you! Yes - make it a point to visit several times a year if you can afford the plane fare. You will always be so very glad you did. I cherish the times I spent with my mother as an adult and still miss her. She's been gone since 1991. Absolutely write it down also. We will enjoy reading them but do this for yourself. That's one reason I'm writing so many Christmas memories in my blog - I want to preserve them for my children and grandchildren.

Gail said...

Sounds like a lovely visit, wonderful memories, too. I love your little tablescape. Your gift bag reminds me that last year I resolved to make fabric gift bags to reuse each year instead of wrapping paper. Oh well, the memory isn't what it used to be!

Angie said...

Once again, I love your Thimbleberries quilts and runners. I had forgotten until I saw yours that I have that one almost put together. :) Now I wish I had it finished and using it!! :D You have to seize those times with your family and treasure them, including writing it down. Spend as much time as you can with them...time flies at the speed of hummingbird wings.

Fiona said...

You sound like you had a great time - and the break probably did you some good as well as your parents - on the 'chnage is as good as a rest' principle.

MARCIE said...

So glad you had a nice visit with your mom. Moms don't last forever, but the feelings do and the memories will be brighter if you write them. I need to do more of that...

Unknown said...

I'm so glad that you were able to go to your parents for a visit! Those times are invaluable. Your Thimbleberry is wonderful...

Tazzie said...

How lovely to have such a nice visit with your parents. When I think about it I don't think I've had much alone time with mine either.
I bet your Mum really appreciated all the help you gave her, and I'm so looking forward to hearing all your stories.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

KC Quilter said...

I had been wondering about you and hoping everything was okay! What a nice idea you had to fly down to see your folks. Bet they loved it. Your snowmen are so adorable!!!

Clare said...

I know exactly what you mean. Mum's the other side of the English Channel - a long way away. This time in 2 weeks I shall be at home! Those snowmen are great.

The Calico Cat said...

Welcome back - so glad you have a nice visit!

Shelina said...

You're right, you have to see a person in person to see exactly how they are doing. The look on the face, the movements, etc. can't be seen from the phone. I'm so glad you are planning on writing down the stories. I would love to hear them. I like stories, especially ones of real people, and it gives me ideas about how to write down my own stories.

Joanne said...

How wonderful that you got to spend some time with your parents. My parents lived in the same area as I do and I saw them frequently, but Mom had Alzheimer's the last 16 years of her life and Dad's retirement consisted of taking care of her (with our help, of course). I still miss both of them. Enjoy every minute you can and it's a great idea to write down your stories.

Paula, the quilter said...

And I bet your parents enjoyed having you there too! Cherish every moment you spend with them.

Laura said...

I have so enjoyed your Christmas quilts and decorating and your stories from your trip home to Louisiana. I love the journals, they are fantastic!