One Down...

Finished the binding on my bow tie wall quilt this
afternoon while sitting out on the patio enjoying
this beautiful spring weather.  Well, that is enjoying
it except for the cotton flying from my neighbor's
cottonwood tree.  At times it almost seemed like it
was snowing.  We all wish we could convince him
to remove it or at least trim it.  But, don't think that
will ever  happen.

Because this little quilt is pretty scrappy, I decided
not to add a border and I really like how it turned out. 
It is approximately 20 inches square and can be used
as a table topper or wall quilt.

....Two more to go!

It's Time

Today I had planned to work in my yard, but even though it
looks sunny and warm out, there is a cold wind blowing and I
quickly bagged my yard work.  Thought about what I wanted
to do and decided it was time to sew the binding on three
little wall quilts that recently came back from being quilted.

Now when I'm sitting around in the evening I can stitch
the binding.  I'm not too sure if I like the fabric I chose
for the bottom right quilt binding.  But, it's on now and
I don't want to take it off and go buy more.  It will
probably be fine once I get it done.

Stay Safe and Be Well,

 Nola

It has been sometime since I posted.  Can't believe how quickly time passes.  Haven't done much quilting or stitching for the past month as my sister and I have been working on our father's history.  Am happy to say that it is now completed and in its binder.

Now his namesakes can learn about their grandfather who passed away before they were born.  It has been great doing this with my sister and we now have our four generation histories completed plus our parents histories.  We have started  working on pictures and stories of when we were little.  We both feel strongly that we need to get these done especially since she is having heart problems and I've been through cancer.  We need each other to help remember dates, times, places, etc.  Hence, no sewing.

(My father as a young man)

It seems that when I do have extra time, I'm out in the yard working.  Can't believe how quickly things have gotten ahead of me.

But, it is so nice being outside.  I love this time of the year before it gets so hot.

Thought I would share a few pictures of my special day with my son, daughter and SIL yesterday at the Bountiful Temple.  It was a wonderful day!

 

Today my heart is filled with gratitude for family.  I am most grateful for my noble heritage and for  my extended family.   Where would we be without family?    

Life has recently taken some interesting turns in the road
and I've encountered a few bumps, but "Domino" by
Schnibbles is ready to be quilted finally! I absolutely
adore the charm pack, "Lovely", by Moda and think it
will be a fun summer quilt to hang in my house.

Quick and Easy

I'm always on the lookout for a simple, quick and easy
little gift idea and today my friend, Laurel, shared one
with me.  It's fun to remember friends, neighbors,
co-workers, etc. with a little inexpensive gift on their
special day or just to say "I'm thinking of you."

Scrapbook paper, card stock, ribbon and a simple
embellishment was all I needed to make this little
gift box.

I added a few wrapped Hershey Nuggets and now I
have a little friendship gift all ready to go.

 

Easy Peasey!

Six Years

Today as Dr. Gray was going over the results of my
blood work and checking on a few things, he reminded
me that it was six years ago this month, that I was
diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). 
In many ways it seems so long ago and in other ways,
it seems like yesterday.  Who knew the road would be
so bumpy, but I got through it with only a few battle
scars which I now call my Victory scars. They
constantly remind me of how blessed I am!

March 25, 2006 I wrote the following:

The War Within

Inside my breast a war rages.
It's ugly fingers spreading out
Fighting to over come healthy tissues.
Marching forward in haste
Its strongholds to secure.

Now, I, too, must engage in this battle,
Preparing my defenses,
Strategies are mapped out.
A course of action to be taken.
Advice from my oncologist.
We've only just begun.

Where this battle will go,
How it will end,
I know not.
Armed with faith, hope, determination and
Trust in the Lord,
Forward I move into the foray.
Praying my forces will
Overcome the enemy within.
       

Inflammatory Breast Cancer is a rare, fast-
growing type of cancer.  Unlike other breast
cancers, this doesn't cause a lump in the
breast.  Mammograms and breast exams often
fail to catch it early.  Because it grows so fast,
it usually has spread by the time it is diagnosed.

As you perform your breast exams, be aware
of a breast that may be swollen, red and warm.
One that is tender or painful, or an area of itching
in the breast, a change in the nipple (retracted)
or even some dimpling (like an orange peel).

I had a rash that actually spread around my
chest and top of my stomach.  I thought it was
due to a change of laundry detergent, but when
it didn't leave my breast and I noticed other
changes, I knew something was wrong. I
got the quickest dr. appointment I could and it
was with my family doctor who, I think
recognized it, but sent me for a mammogram
immediately.  From that appointment we were
off and running.

To be sure of the diagnosis, a needle biopsy
was done, but didn't reveal anything.  Next we
did a deep tissue biopsy and that showed
results.

Doctors are becoming more aware of IBC
but some still send patients to a dermatologist
thinking it is some kind of a skin irritation, etc.
 
I knew back in January of 2006 that I had
IBC because of going on the internet.  It scared
me to death to see pictures and read about it.
Of course, I think the worst case scenarios
in pictures are presented.  But, I still had to go
through all the hoops before a  plan of
treatment could be set up and a sure diagnosis
given.

So, why am I telling all this?  Because if it
helps one person to not put off getting a
mammogram or visiting her doctor because
of concerns, it will all be worth it!  Life is
too precious to not act--no matter how scary
it seems. Don't let fears hold you back or think
that you'll do it tomorrow.

DO IT NOW!  Don't be afraid to take that step.
Call your doctor if you have any concerns.

The life you save may be your own.

It's too early!  Way too early for mosquitoes to be out
and about.  And, to be so BIG!

Decided I needed to take a break from working on my
father's history this evening and thought a quick
walk around the neighborhood would energize me.
The weather was so nice, cloudy, no wind, and
warm temperatures.

Coming back home I stopped to chat with a friend
and couldn't believe the mosquitoes that immediately
surrounded us. They must have been starving the
way we were attacked.  These little critters have always
found me tasty from the time I was little and
tonight was no different.  I have several huge welts
on my arm to prove it and they have been itching
like crazy.  I put some anti-itch cream on the bites and
covered them with band aids to tone down the
itching and to keep me from scratching them.  I
think it is finally beginning to work.

Guess I won't be able to go walking in the early
evening anymore unless there is a breeze.
Hopefully the Mosquito Abatement will be out
soon spraying before these little HUGE bugs
overtake us.