First is our next birthday on October 29:
Anita Phelps
15999 Jones Rd
White City, OR 97503
Mary
On Fri, Sep 26, 2025 at 12:04 PM Erin wrote:
Miss Mary,
I wondered if I couldrequest a card shower for a dear friend of mine, whose birthday is October 29.
We’ve been friends for many years and have shared over 10 years of quilting together. Our group gradually shrank to only three of us and just disbanded due to health reasons of two of us and the marriage of the third member. We made countless quilts for charity over those years, and I think we could never sum up the friendship, laughter, and learning we shared. We became a “quilting support group,” as well as leaning on each other through really tough times.
During that time, Anita was the heart of our group. She hasn’t been able to sew for many years due to advanced Parkinson’s disease, but when we could no longer transport her safely to meet together, she allowed us to come to her house to sew so she could feel part of things. She continued to offer ideas, constructive criticism, and encouragement.
Though she has had an incredibly difficult life, and Parkinson’s has left her with few physical abilities now, she is always a ray of sunshine with a positive attitude and a wonderful sense of humor.
Hearing from other quilters would be a great blessing to her. Anita always sent birthday, anniversary, and Christmas cards, but hasn’t been able to write for a few years. However, she can still read and would love cards with brief note.
Wow! I can’t think of anyone more deserving of a thoughtful card and note – my card to Anita will be in the mail tomorrow. Will you be kind and send a card, too?
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And my friend Ginny in South Carolina – we met in the 1990’s when we were both part of a transport group driving dogs from kill shelters in the south to foster groups in Minneapolis. Many many Sunday afternoons I would come home from church, change clothes and drive to Clear Lake where I’d meet the transport coming from the south – several cars full of dogs in individual crates. I bought enough crates that would fit in my van to transport 9-12 dogs depending on size. These dogs had never felt grass before – I remember taking a small dog out to go pee and when he touched the grass he just sort of fell over. So sad. I drove north about 60 miles where someone met me. We transferred the dogs into her crates in her car and she drove them to Minneapolis where they were met by foster families.
I met Ginny and her husband Al when they transferred a dog named Finn into my car. Oh, how I wish I could find those pictures. He was such a great looking dog – wirey coat, sorta whitish gray. I just hated to pass him on to the next transport but when I got home and made contact with Bob and Marline, I found out they had just lost a dog and Bob would go to Mpls to get Finn!
Well, Finn had already been transported to western MN and Bob went to get him. Returning to Garner he assured Finn he’d never have to worry about leaving home again. Bob and Marline are now Molly’s parents. Here’s Marline with Finn.
So that’s how I met Ginny who lived in south central Iowa. She has since moved to South Carolina to be near family and just last Saturday she tripped getting out of her van, fell back and compound fractured her ankle! She’s in the hospital now, will then go to a rehab facility and then home to be off her leg for 3 months!!!
She got a very large black lab puppy at the same time I got Hazel as a puppy – I have the greatest picture of the two of them – Arlo and Hazel. Now Arlo is home alone until Ginny’s son comes to take care of him. I know she is upset, lonesome for her animals and hating to ask her son for help. I get it. How I wish I were closer to South Carolina.
Virginia McKenzie
1119 Brookwood Dr
Boiling Springs, SC 29316
Thank you to anyone who will send her a card – I know she’ll appreciate it but have no way to thank you so I’ll thank you. My card will be in the mail tomorrow.
Sorry this is such a long post!
I want you to think about something and put yourself in my shoes. If you got 175 – 200 emails, texts and comments in less than a day, could you remember any of them the following week when a customer refers to that conversation? Neither can I. And could you repeat yourself in many return emails per day when you’ve posted all the info in the post less than 24 hours prior?
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Met some of my old neighbors for a burger tonight in Clear Lake and then got a tour of their lovely new condo. After 55+ years farming they are deserving of this beautiful home and relaxed lifestyle.
Meet Teresa’s new Jasper!! Love that spot over his eye!
Vicki’s newest Kaffe quilt
And Marie actually made baby cowboy boots!
Thank you for reading this long post!
Signed,
Windy
Dear Mary, No post is ever too long or “windy.” And as to keeping 100+ emails and pictures straight, I can’t even remember why I walked into the kitchen a bit ago, so I fixed a glass of iced tea (the real thing!), grabbed a cookie..OK, two cookies, and sat down to read today’s news on your blog.
You and Kathy look so happy in “Lil Red.” Condo living…just think, no more snow shoveling…I hope!
What is it about the riot of colors and patterns in Kaffe Fassett fabrics that make you feel like you’re in an Alice and Wonderland play? Vicki, that pattern is perfect for them.
Jasper looks as if he has lots of energy. Have fun, Teresa!
Marie, the cowboy boots are a hoot. They remind that back in my crocheting days (40+) years ago) I made little boots in variegated Christmas colors where the upright part held an orange juice can. I filled them with candy canes and small gifts for my friends’ children.
57* here and a chance of rain and a chance that the electrician will call tomorrow and come to replace my kitchen and basement lights and put in new outlets. Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen.
Cards go out tomorrow and prayers for all continue. Kris in WI
Kris – if you can find an electrician to come, you’re really lucky. We are waiting and the little jobs keep piling up – next we’ll be preparing for winter heat bulbs
I hope to start being able to send cards soon. Still having issues with Canada post so will have to wait a little longer. I didn’t think this post was long winded. I do look forward to reading the post and all the comments. I also keep the email so I can go back for a few days to read more replies.
We are still trying to get organized around here. We celebrated our thanksgiving this past weekend with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and all the other goodies. It was only 8 of us which was really nice. Both my mom, who is 82 and my mother law who is 90 attended, that was extra special. We are going down to Elko , NV to stay with our son and his family for the American thanksgiving so we get two this year! We are very thankful for good health and family. I will send a picture of the farm. All three horses are now here and I really like looking out and seeing them in the fields. We’ve met some neighbours because they stop to see the horses. Everyone is so nice. We are very happy we made this move though it’s been a ton of work. Have a wonderful day and thank you Mary for this blog.
Teresa – I can’t wait to see more of your new place / so glad all the horses made it!!
Thinking of Arlo being alone till the son arrives and your transport history , reminded me of how is Patti from PA doing driving around in her motor home with her beloved dogs??? She was always helping others with rescuing dogs.
Kathy – gosh, I wish people would keep us all updated! I wonder if she still reads the blog and she might see this?
When you gave Ginny’s address-I googled and I only live an hour away from her in SC! I would love to help out but I am stuck at home also not being able to drive or get around well since my toe fusion surgery. I did get the stitches out and bandages removed but in ortho shoe for four more weeks. I will send her a card and maybe when we both recover we can meet up.
Debbie – I know she would love to meet you when you’re both on your poor feet again!
I love seeing you out and about in Big Red! Also, so happy that you are feeling more like yourself.
Cards will go out today, along with a request for the 42 Yard Dash pattern with my SASE and money. Thank you for your time in sharing about the recipients and their interests. 🙂
Jan
Finn was a lucky pup to be adopted by such wonderful people. He was adorable. Jasper is a cutie also.
Mary, when you saw your friend’s new condo, did you get any ideas about downsizing and relaxing haha ??
I love the Kaffe quilt. It gave me some ideas to use the two bins of Kaffe fabric I have accumulated. Even my husband liked it, which surprised me because he’s not usually into lots of color. I think going to a Kaffe exhibit at a local museum a few years ago gave him a new appreciation for his fabrics and quilts.
Those little baby cowboy boots are a hoot! I would love to see a picture of them on the baby!
I will be sending cards to the two ladies in today’s post. I feel so badly for the lady who has three months ahead of her to be off her leg and also to be worried about her dog. Who is caring for the dog until her son arrives I wonder?
Sue – he is alone – I so wish I could bring him to my house. I can’t imagine how lonely and confused he is!
Don’t we all wish we were closer when our animal furry friends are in distress? Not to mention our friends.
Sending cards out.
Once again Mary, thank you for the blog!!! It’s my life line everyday. ❤️
Sherry in Texas where the leaves are falling but it’s still in the 90’s and so dry!!
Sherry – we had a rainy day today and it felt good but we are no longer hot – and it will be awhile
I bought a stack of birthday cards when I ran errands last week. The cashier asked me if I realized I had many duplicates. Then she asked me if all these birthdays are this month. I explained about our card showers. She was impressed!
I won’t miss sending a card. You can’t always pay back but you can always pay forward.
Windy…LOL! The email was perfect!!! I get a lot of quilting emails and blogs and skim most or just look at pictures in others. Yours is the only email that I read every word.
Sheryl – well, if you read every word last night’s post was a lot of reading!! Haha! Too many things needed explaining yet I didn’t have the corresponding photos. Darn. If I come across them some time I’ll post then. Yes, the card showers are priceless.
I think I wrote this before and sorry if I’m repeating. I look for your email like I used to look for mom’s email 3 times a day. There were times, I drove across town to check on her because I hadn’t heard from her. Near the end of the time she was in her apartment, I was going to her apartment every day but still needed to hear from her 1st thing in the morning and before bed. Maybe your emails have taken the place of mom’s. I look forward to getting them.
Sorry…I don’t mean to be a comment pig…but after sending the last comment, I thought of my sister who wrote long emails. I printed her last email and put it in a book that belonged to her that I was grateful to get. We were talking about A Dog’s Way Home and I told her I just saw the book was made into a movie so she had better get the book read. She got the book, sent the email and that was the last email I got.
Sheryl -oh, no! Well, if I miss a morning, don’t panic!! If nobody sends me pictures, I got nuthin to write basically.
Your post was filled today with goodness and mercy. Happy for Jasper to get a new home as well as your friend and mercy for a friend recovering.
Just keep doing Mary what we think you do best and that’s writing your blog for us to read. You’re a busy lady with all you do around your home and taking care of pets so “do only what matters”. My motto I try to follow.
Love the Kaffe quilt and the little cowboy boots, so cute!! The stories about people desiring of cards is so touching and we never know what the future will hold and we might be the one wishing someone would throw us a card shower! Thanks Mary for your blog!
Just lost a friend suddenly with no warning! I feel so lost knowing we won’t share any more time together here on earth. I’m happy to send a greeting in the mail to these “new” friends you just introduced us to! Thanks for sharing them with all of us.
Mary, your red convertible is the perfect vehicle for you and your personality. Enjoy all your outings!
Karen – I am so sorry for your sudden loss!!!
Marie’s little cowboy boots are adorable! Mary, you have my sympathy regarding those emails and texts. That would drive me up a wall…especially when something has been clearly stated in the blog and then to receive 175-200 personal comments or texts. Yikes! Us readers need to do better. Mary has a lot of work to do on her farm and in her sewing room. Let’s give her a break.
Martha – oh, the repeated questions don’t come from my faithful readers – evidently they’re from new readers who just don’t read the instructions. I always want to hear from my readers/friends. Please don’t go silent.
Hi Mary, always amazed at how much you do around the farm and helping people! Went to dentist today, no fillings yay! A bit shattered after yesterday’s outing! Sunday off to afternoon tea birthday 🎂 party for my husband’s cousin, our kids played together for years, now Linda is moving into care,hope she enjoys having fun with more people around. Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy