The Family Bible....

Last year I posted about being the Keeper of the Quilts here and here...

As each one was examined closely, it opened up more and more family ancestor research...and more questions...and remembering that among the other Estate items no one had claimed was The Family Bible. The lawyer handling the estate did not want to release the Bible to outside sources because there was quite a bit of personal information inside. I contacted her and she was greatly relieved that a family member was offering to take it and so now - I have become the Keeper of the Family Bible.

Little did I know what would be revealed upon receiving it...

It is heavy! It is fragile...and the Scripture is set in such a beautiful way -

Presented by my Great-grandfather, to my Great-grandmother, in May of 1885, about 5 months after their marriage.

They were married on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1884...

The Bible was printed by the John E. Potter Company of Philadelphia. They were noted for creating a number of versions of these huge Bibles which also contained much history, maps and illustrations. There are gilt edge pages and lithograph prints using gold powders to enhance the backgrounds. It is though the pages are lit from behind. The colors are deep and rich. 100's of engravings are reproduced from originals by French artist Gustave Dore .

Tucked in amongst the delicate pages were dried and pressed flowers from long ago - a rose, a violet and what looks like hydrangea petals. Old photographs of my ancestors - names unknown but treasured, never the less. I love seeing the period clothing on the children.

A receipt from a Spring gardening order my Great-grandmother made in the early 1900's - 3 plum trees and 2 rose bushes for the grand sum of $1.50 - to be collected on delivery.

Old poems and newspaper clippings that someone thought to save...

A report card, dated June, 1900 - for my great-uncle...I smiled to myself when seeing he struggled with arithmetic - as I always have. But then saw his Deportment (a word we never see anymore!) was at 80% which was considered Satisfactory....he eventually attended Seminary and was ordained Reverend John Earl Oliver.

A hand written letter with dozens of names - link after link to research now and find a connection....glimpses into the past of long departed family.

All this saved in a Bible which gives proof of how strong and important their faith was in God and their love for each other.

Blessings to each of you, dear readers...

Pat

 

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Celebrating 91 years...

A peaceful day, a good day, a gentle day...having Mom spend her 91st birthday with us here at home. A day away from the nursing home...

Filled with her favorites...

Flowers to brighten her room...

BLT's for lunch, freshly brewed coffee, a chicken and wild rice casserole for dinner...

Pineapple upside down cake for dessert....

While snowflakes danced outside, simply sitting by the fire, talking, and always...more "remember when"....

While I finished the last few inches of binding on her birthday wall hanging - she understands a daughter who sometimes runs a tad close on timing:-)

Mom loves anything with cardinals & I was at a lost for something in the way of a gift...found this applique pattern that did not have a Christmas holiday theme which many cardinal quilts do. It is now hanging on the wall next to her bed - hopefully to add another touch of comfort - (we periodically go through times when Mom's thinking processes tell her that "someone is taking my things" and I end up having to bring personal items home - so fingers crossed as to how long the cardinal will stay put!)

A good day...a precious day...to be treasured...

Pat

 

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The Big Leap to the borders...

 

So here is the top for The Big Leap...

...And I have dilemma...

I mentioned earlier about wanting to use this pillar print for a border....(late night update - a good suggestion from 2 of my visitors...show the border yardage next to the top - lighting is not good & my sewing room is small but should give you an idea - thank you Janet & Mimi for suggesting this! )

As much as I love it and want to find an appropriate place for it.. Where would you cut it?

Then...should the floral areas be sliced up? Sure don't want to make a wider border?? It just seems to be fighting with the quilt top right now...despite the coordinating jelly roll collection from Lately Arrived From London, the companion print just looks different.

Maybe this quilt should remain borderless?

Any suggestions are very welcomed....

Pat

 

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Still leaping....

 

...into March! I liked the larger size setting so much that Doreen posted for her February SAL - The Big Leap...well, just had to make up the additional blocks. Here I was feeling like a little miss smarty pants for having all the blocks done for the smaller version. But who out there can tell me they have never changed horses midstream?

So...hope to post the completed quilt top soon...now that I have all the blocks done...

Meanwhile, of an evening, next to the fire, hand quilting continues on the Cherry Tree quilt...have made great progress the last month and close to starting on the last five blocks & then easy coasting on a simple plan for the borders...my goal to finish this 5+Year Odyssey is by May...

Back later - after I finish leaping...

Pat

 

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