Dad...

My Dad passed away yesterday morning, October 30, 2015 at the age of 97. Earlier we were able to share a brief moment when he was alert. I was able to tell him that he was a good Dad to my brother and I and always had been and that he was loved very much. He responded by saying he had always tried to be good and that he loved us. I am so thankful to have had that. He passed peacefully for which this was a true blessing.

This is the memory I have of him while we were growing up. He was career Navy - 1937 - 1959 and performed with the U S Navy Band at many Capitol and White House functions as a trumpeter.

Be at rest, Dad...I know you will be watching over us...

 

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Are quilters like squirrels?

We must be closely related! Lately, my sewing room has become like a hollow in an old oak tree....

No, not for storing nuts...but stocking up for winter....

Books....

Batiks....including special ones that my daughter-in-law brought from a favorite Alaskan quilt shop in Anchorage...along with mooses, fireweed & forget-me-nots...

A much coveted grouping of Di Ford's new fabric collection - Cloverdale by Andover - so dreamy...

I just have to share special sewing things recently received from thoughtful friends...look at these beautiful sewing boxes - B J on the right has a husband who does exquisite cross stitch...these are treasures for each of us.

Have you seen or used these? How perfect they are for tucking in when doing needle turn applique...love that each one has a pointed and flat end both. A great tool that K (in the middle of our photo) found while attending Baltimore On The Prairie.

And just so you don't think it is all just collecting going on - some late night/can't sleep sewing has all the units (around 2000+) prepped for joining into blocks - hopefully at the retreat next week. Life continues very uncertain at Taylorsoutback - day by day...

Wishing each of you days filled with creativity - collecting, stitching or just dreaming.

Pat

 

 

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A sweet October...

...this month has always been a time of reflection & memories for me from a long ago loss. It is also a time of transition here in north central Wisconsin. Our brief summer is gone and everyone prepares for the winter months ahead. Extra quilts appear on beds and over a sofa or chair; Mr. Outback deals with loads of firewood bringing it up to the porch which will soon grow empty of outdoor tables and chairs. An rv to winterize and the last of the garden beds cleaned up in preparation for a well earned rest - all this makes for busy days. ..

But in recent days, October has turned so sweet with skies of the clearest blue framing red maples and yellow birch. A perfect backdrop for the arrival of our son and daughter-in-law from Alaska...

....precious family times on both sides, a fun Packer party watching #12 and teammates show the Kansas City Chiefs what life is like at Lambeau Field. Catching up over mealtimes...Mr. Outback and son spending a day together shooting skeet and me? - a beautiful drive to Bond Falls in Michigan...

The "Z" at Bond Falls

and the Porcupine Mountains....

Lake of the Clouds

...to visit old stomping grounds for our photographer son. (If you are on Facebook search David Ryan Taylor Fine Art Photography). Sharing future dreams with our daughter-in-law along with talk about the need for a new flannel quilt...the kind of simple times that overflow with blessings.

There were visits to see Grandma & Grandma and a tearful goodbye with this message...

My Dad continues to decline in health - a family meeting with staff agreeing on hospice care when needed. Life always mixes in the sweet with the sad...

With all that has been going on at Taylorsoutback, quilting has taken a backseat but the first weekend in November will be here soon which means my once a year retreat - time enough for stitches and being with my quilting sisters. Not packed yet but just found these pj's at Target - aren't they just perfect!!

Back soon to share projects in the works, books, fabric and whatever else pops into my head. Wishing each of you days that are always sweet...

Pat

 

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