I had a lovely morning watching President George H.W. Bush’s funeral. What a nice man! I vow in the new year to be kinder, more helpful, compassionate, caring and always strive for two speeds – full throttle and sleep, like George.
I enjoyed the historian’s tribute as well as Simpson from WY when I laughed out loud. I was sure George 23 was going to make it through the entire eulogy without breaking down but describing his dad as the best dad a kid could have was just too emotional. I have a picture in my head, like the cartoon, of Barbara and Robin greeting George in Heaven.
Ahhhh – so I haven’t gotten one thing done today but the sun is shining – look at our sidewalk ramp. Hallelujah!
I bound the red and white chair covers last night with leftover pieces of red binding all joined together. How is it possible that this happens to me on every quilt I bind —
See how the seam in the binding has ended up right at the corner? Ugh.
As I was sitting on the couch watching the funeral, Hazel and Ernie Joe Mauer land behind my head.
Hazel finally stretched out and took a nap.
Then she moved down when I got up.
Which leads me to the couch cover and throw that I made about 40 years ago when I was still crocheting.
There is nothing remarkable about these two pieces EXCEPT what I used. I used big cones of cotton string. Here’s a closeup.
They wash beautifully, take forever to dry and they are very heavy but fun to use for a change.
I also do not have a gorgeous tree to show you. I’d really rather have a live tree but I can’t cut it off and get it into a stand and Rick doesn’t want to help. So once again my tree has only lights and natural dried hydrangeas and pampas grass.
And it’s time to ask for your current list of good books. I will also post this request tomorrow in case this post gets missed today. I am currently reading the Raw Edge of Night and Educated. Listening to The Cold Heart. Not done with any of them so can’t give you any recommendations yet.
We have some exciting pattern news coming up this month – new patterns to order, a bonus pattern, the Bullseye quilt along and another quilt along that both Connie and I will be joining. You won’t want to miss a thing so get all your work done and get ready to sew in 2019. Remember – it’s full throttle and sleep! Love it!
Your tree is lovely. Yes,fresh is nice,but this tree can be up longer. It’s so pretty. Merry Christmas!🎄
Love, LOVE your Christmas tree!!
I love reading about your life.
I, too watched the funeral while I was sewing. I laughed and cried when George lost it. What a nice family. An honorable and kind man. I hope you know who learned something.
I too, want to be a kinder and patient person for my resolution. I also want to devote all of next year to finishing all my Christmas projects. It looks like it will be next year to give out those bowl cozies and table runners that I started and won’t finish this year. Oh, well.
Linda – I hope “you know who” was listening as well. I wish we could be a kinder and gentler nation.
It was a lovely tribute to kind person. I also liked the individual tributes from his family and friends as well. So we should try to be kinder and go those two speeds.
The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman
Your tree is beautiful! The lights look wonderful tucked in among the pampas grass & hydrangeas. I also watched the funeral. It was quite a tribute to a life of giving — to his family, to his country, and to his God. I’m with you — I see him joining hands with Robin & Barbara just like in that cartoon. We should all be so lucky to have such a genuine person in our lives.
I love your tree! It’s wonderful. Looking forward to all the new things you have to share. Have a good day. Hugs,
Mary, you already have all of those things perfected.
We have had no tv for over 3 years now, so I did not see the funeral. We do need to strive for the positive things we admire in others. Kindness is always good. I think you are already on full throttle/sleep! Your tree is beautiful! And my book is “Gods and Generals” by Jeff Shaara
-Jean ❤
Bless your heart. You are such a joy.
Your tree is very pretty. May George H. W. Rest in peace. Comfort in knowing he is with Barbara and his daughter again. He was a wonderful person.
I also watched the funeral and thought that the eulogies were wonderful . The Irish tenor that performed was equally as wonderful. I’m sorry I can’t recall his name. Wow what a voice..
That was Ronan Tynan. He has a lovely voice and he didn’t let show any nerves despite the setting and the audience, did he?
Ronan Tynum (not sure I spelled his last name correctly). And, yes, he was wonderful.
Yes I watched every minute of the funeral and it started at 8 am PST in my state. The music was so interesting with Ronan Tynan and Michael W Smith singing. Just wonderful eulogies from all the men and who knew Simpson could be that funny. We just do not know the people running our country do we???
I too teared up when George W lost it and how difficult that speech must have been for him.
You do go full throttle more than anyone I know.
Love your tree and loved the crocheted throw from string. Do you remember the size of the crochet hook you used?
You are very much appreciated by me.
Love you. Spent some hours getting my Christmas card pics lined up for a card. It is 60% off them today at my Walgreens if you do it online.
Rhoda – I made that throw almost 50 years ago – and I don’t remember one single thing about crocheting – I’m sorry.
I am currently reading Whisper of The Moon Moth by Lindsay Jayne Ashford
and can’t review it as I have just started it. It is a novel inspired by the life and secrets of the actress Merle Oberon. I am also reading Jackie, Janet & Lee: The secret Lives of Janet Auchincloss and Her Daughters Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Lee Radziwill by J. Randy Taraborrelli.
Love your tree Mary very pretty, we also have a artificial tree I haven’t decorated it yet. I plan on catching the highlights of the funeral on the news tonight.
I believe that you are a truly kind person you must be to take such good care of the people and animals around you.
Lovely tree! Very creative. I too have been watching the funeral and services these last couple days. I never voted for the man but ALWAYS respected him and loved his family. True character just doesn’t seem to exist any more. I really loved the dog Sully stories…..esp on how he learned to summon the caretaker in the middle of the night by pushing a button…..and that person always came with a biscuit for Sully too. The dog learned to just summon biscuits! I have been longarming all day and blubbering. Hard to do. I too try to be a better person in this world of immoral, corrupt people who I let upset me much too much.
Carrolyn, I hadn’t heard that story, but I love it! Bless Sully’s heart. While I understand why he has to go on to serve again, I am sorry for the family that this is happening–the dog-lover in me feels like this must be another loss for them. But I’m sure it will be chalked up to a sacrifice one makes for one’s country, something the family has done before.
I, too, watched every minute of the funeral. I am always amazed and very proud of the military potion of it. My husband tells me that a lot of practice goes into what they do – it’s so perfect and moving! I loved the music and eulogies also. We are Episcopalian so the prayers and service are familiar and comforting always. I also pray for more civility and decency in our country. Let’s hope you-know-who was truly listening and maybe touched – at least al little! One can always hope! Full throttle ahead, quilters!!😊
The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen by Hendrik Groen – a story about an eccentric group of friends in a retirement home. Laugh-out-loud funny at times.
The Secret Diary sounds like it would be a fun book!! Getting up there in age sure brings some things into perspective!! Ya’ gotta’ have a sense of humor or life gets pretty dull!!
I’ll put this one on my list!! Thanks Mary in Indiana!!
Watched the memorial service and thought someone sitting in a front row should be listening n hopefully learning to be more tactful because we haven’t seen any likeness of GHWB’s fine traits in him yet! Gods speed to George H.W. Bush…a fine American.
Mary, your tree is indeed beautiful. You have the same speed….full ahead and sleep!
I just got THE PARIS SEAMSTRESS by Natasha Lester. Too much quilting ongoing now to do much reading.
I always pin my binding to the quilt in just one place and do a quick test around to guestimate where a binding seam will fall. Sometimes it looks like it isn’t near a corner and I start sewing. Rather than unsew too much I cut the binding, resew and adjust so I can get the binding seam away from a corner.
Launa – obviously I should try the binding before I start to sew – I think I’m too impatient. That “full throttle” thing you know.
Love your photos Mary!! The funeral was a beautiful tribute to President Bush. Wonderful, sweet man. I will always remember “Preach faith every day, and if necessary use words.” Something to aspire to was the love the President and Mrs. Bush had for each other. Married 73 years! Loved her nickname “The Enforcer.” 🤗 I will be looking for them in heaven. The book I am currently reading is “It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way” by Lysa Terkerst. Very good.
I wore my brightest socks to work today in honor of George HW Bush! Of course, Houston is full of stories about the family. From the local Mexican food restaurant where they knew the servers’ names to their always being on the “kiss cam” at the Astros’ games, it seems like they were so very human and well loved as just kinder and gentler people who treated everyone the same.
Love your tree, Mary! I bought a great artificial tree at our thrift shop and decided to change the lights on it. What a job! One of those puzzles that you wish you never started! I need a couple of “Reeds” to unstring and restring it all, but am persevering mightily. I’ll be lucky to have lights at all!
Tanya – I know what a job it is but I’m sure it will be lovely. We heard some Bush stories when we visited Houston years ago. I saw Barbara at our local community college and had my book signed.
I love the books by Ann’s Tyler. Just finished Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant. She writes about family dynamics in a myriad of different families.
Mary, your tree is AWESOME! Dayton, OH got a little over an inch of snow overnight and it changed my morning plans so I too got to watch President Bush’s funeral. Jenna Bush Hager’s reading was so uplifting. I was pleased to see President Obama and Mrs. Obama shake hands with President Trump and his wife. I think GOD was pleased with the adults today. On another note, Desi pup had his first taste of snow today and he LOVED it!
Susan Sundermeyer – of course he loved the snow! I have not seen Betty in the snow yet – I’ll bet she liked it, too! Hugs to Desi!
Again another series I’ve enjoyed…The Jesse Stone series (think Tom Selleck!) by Robert B Parker or his “ghost” writers. There is an order to them & it’s always best to start at the beginning which is Night Passage. It’s so hard not to picture Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone from his made for TV movies while reading these thrillers!
Tom Selleck and Robert B. Parker were very good friends. Parker wrote the Jesse Stone books just for Tom Selleck. Robert B. Parker wrote a lot of very good books that were very easy to read, had humor and lots of excitement. They are such fun to read. Plus you get a great tour of Boston, too.
Yes, the tree is beautiful. A neighbor grows a lot of flowers for the birds to feed on the seeds. I see that she has put up a fake Christmas tree outside and I’m betting she decorates it with stuff for the birds to eat. Time will tell.
I didn’t know they were friends or that he wrote them for Tom. I’ve enjoyed all of them plus some of Robert Parker’s other books. Thanks for the information.
Mary, I agree made me want to be a better person. Wow what a life of service and devotion to his country, family and friends. Quite a legacy.
Mary, your tree is very elegant!
Take care.
Love the tree , good use of pampas grass .
Always enjoy your posts about farm animals and all the critters around . Your house is pretty cool too .
Wishing you a Merry Christmas.
Thanks for sharing your TREE, it’s a beauty go GREEN,
I thought I was the only that has to cover my leather couch , due to my doggies 🐶🐶🐶..
Stay warm..
Katie , Gilbert,Az.🌵
Lovely funeral, very uplifting! My tree is done, thanks to my daughters help. On a chilly and rainy day and a quick visit for a gramma snack from my youngest grandson. Taller than me now! For those who don’t know, try to find books by Louise Penny. Wonderful series. Her latest is Kingdom of the Blind Enjoy!! Blessed holidays to you all!
It sounds strange to enjoy a funeral. I did miss the funeral today. My husband and I were able to listen to Pope John’s services together in the wee hours in our time zone that was very moving for me many years ago. I do wish I had planned better and had been able to listen or watch these services.
Don’t worry about bringing in a tree yours is
1. Less work
2. Beautiful
3. Better for your in door air
4. Perhaps safer for the indoor animals
5. Just right for this year
Loved reading your blog and viewing your pictures
Colleen in the San Francisco Bay Area where we are getting some rain and it’s cold for us
Colleen – you’re right about the tree – those days are gone for me.
I love the pampas grass…it looks like feathers. I think feather trees were in vogue at one time?
George H.W. Bush was a statesman for sure. I think civility is too often stomped out by politics. Your “you know who” could refer to several people on both sides of the aisle.
By the way, do you happen to have a copy of your old pattern #219, called “Trimmings”? It’s a tablecloth pattern. I bought a fabric kit on ebay for the pattern, with no pattern included, and was curious what it looked like. I looked online with no luck. If you don’t have a copy, no big deal. It’s basically idle curiosity!
Celine K – you bought a kit FOR THE PATTERN and didn’t get the pattern? That doesn’t seem right. I will look.
Mary – I did find what it looked like in an online search, so please don’t bother to look! It was on pinterest. The design didn’t appeal to me so I won’t try to track it down. I bought the fabric pack on ebay, pre-owned, for a very cheap price. I bought it for the beautiful fabric, knowing there was no pattern. I’ll use the fabrics for something else.
I did buy another one of your patterns on etsy called “Spaghetti for a Crowd”. It’s a wonderful scrap pattern!
I’m spending way too much time on ebay, etsy and amazon lately!
Celine – glad you found a picture – I literally have a note pinned to my shirt to remind me to look. Thanks for letting me know!
Thanks for your thoughts and pictures – Hazel is very entertaining.
Book: I just finished The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly – a multigenerational saga. I enjoyed it, even if it did go on and on.
Gail in Toronto
Lovely tree Mary! I love hydrangeas 💗
Love the tree! Reading Transcription by Kate Atkinson, a historical fiction of World War II in London and MI5 spy story and then it’s 1950 and the main character is being threatened. I am listening and I’m not done. Good literary fiction.
I love your tree! We used to go out to the Christmas tree farm in freezing cold weather to get the tree, put the lights on etc. Then clean up the mess after Christmas. We finally stopped and our artificial tree isn’t as romantic but ever more practical, and we seem to have adjusted. I read all the RobertParker books is order and was sorry to be finished as I liked them very much. I didn’t know he wrote the Jesse Stone books with Tom Selleck in mind. I liked those as well. Mary, you are my example of how much one can accomplish in a day. Maybe you don’t sleep 8 hours? My most prolific quilting friend doesn’t need nearly as much sleep as I do. Still, I’m amazed at how much you seem to accomplish in a day. I loved the wonderful things said about George HW today—the last of the greatest generation to be president. He set a great example of kindness, gentlemanliness, and integrity.
Love your tree, Mary! It’s perfect just as it is! I finished decorating my tree but I’m still working on putting my other Christmas things out. I have a small Santa collection & a bit larger snowman collection that I set up on my entry table that used to be used as the “behind the couch table” when that was popular. Ha! Anyway, no snowman collection this year! While none of my other Christmas decorations were damaged, the container holding my snowman collection, while stored with all the others, somehow got wet & EVERYTHING inside of it was covered in mold! Disgusting! So sad! I’m just devastated at the lost of all those memories & gifts from friends, some of which were handmade including small wall quilts! It’s all in the trash now, along with the contaminated container! Boo-hoo!
Jan Behm – oh, what a shame to lose all those memories! So sorry!
I finally had a day to devote to being home and sewing for the entire day so showered early and sewing room lights were on at 8:30 in the morning. And then I remembered the funeral so I started to watch it and then I had to sit down for those hours and watch it all. Very glad I did as it has shown me there are good people in this world who show kindness sincerely. And the music!!! I was so moved. What a respectful service. I have no regrets that I didn’t go back into the sewing room. It was a day to reflect on how to live a decent and honorable life. I feel he is happy holding Barbara’s hand again.
What a beautiful service for President Bush! I watched it while a group of us were sewing pillowcase dresses for kids in the Dominican Republic. Our parish priest was a missionary there, and he takes them down for us. Many of the kids’ parents work on the sugar cane plantations. I didn’t realize how hard it is to harvest sugar cane. Did you see the cartoon of President Bush flying to Heaven in his bomber? Barbara and Robin are standing on a cloud. Barbara says that they have been waiting for him to come. I enjoyed all of your pictures. Have a good day tomorrow.
Diane in WI – yes, that’s the “cartoon” I was referring to – wasn’t it great. Loved it.
I, too, am reading Educated, and am finding it excellent. Before that I read Hillbilly Elegy, which was excellent. Another is Boys in the Boat–excellent. All three of these came as recommendations from a friend who is very involved with the library in Kitsap County, WA. I’ll be watching what the rest of you are reading as Educated will be finished shortly.
My husband is recovering from a serious illness, and he and I watched George HW Bush funeral while we were in hospital today. We were inspired and encouraged by the words we heard from his family and dear friends. Our two oldest grandsons are 19 years old, the age GHW Bush was when shot down during the war. The thought of either of them going through what he went through while floating on that raft waiting to be rescued from enemy territory, praying for help from God really brought it home to us. His dedication to serving our country during the war and after he returned home safely challenged us, as well as his good humor during criticism, loyalty to friends, his faith in God, love for his family, friends and country. We laughed and we cried. We truly felt as if we had been to church today! Any change in the tone of the people around us must begin with me. What a difference we can make by showing kindness and respect for each person we encounter … this must begin with me … and each one of us who chooses to be more loving, respectful and kind to others. Family, friends, others, country, will all be blessed.
I enjoy your ‘all about life’ stories. Thank you for writing them down for us to read. I’m reading non fiction books right now, but i do write down the ones recommended by you and your followers, for when I get back to fiction again. Many thanks.
Gramapama – your comments bring to mind the verse “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me!” We sing this song every year after our cantata and I love it! I hope your husband is recovering and that you will also take care of yourself.
i love your tree, mary. so ‘natural’. i have a charlie brown tree that we put up. along with my snowmen, old world santas and angels. i no longer do the big decorating because the dh and dd decided i could do it all alone. what’s the fun in that? neither of them like holidays – it’s hard to get really enthused when the people around you are such grumpy gus’s. lol i am currently reading ‘the first conspiracy (i have a pre-copy before the final is printed). it’s by brad meltzer and is due out mid january 2019. the conspiracy was about george washington. amazing. not completely finished with it. good so far. also reading ‘dark sacred night’ (a bosch and ballard novel) by michael connelly. another book i would like to recommend is called ‘the lioness of morocco’ by julia drosten. totally fascinating book about an english woman marrying and moving to morocco to handle the family shipping business (of course the husband thinks he should do it).
What a profound tribute to President Bush, we learned so much about him and his family. I especially like the jesture of 43 leaning in and handing Mrs Obama a piece of candy. They should replay the whole funeral in prime time-the whole funeral was amazing.
Your tree is lovely!!! It does not look like an artificial tree at all!
Such a beautiful Christmas tree!
I sat in there and cryed for two hours and gave it up!
I love, love, love your Christmas tree. How do you dry your hydrangeas and pampas grass. Does it make a real mess in the house when your taking it down after Christmas.
You are so creative.
Connie Hefner from Ohio – drying hydrangeas and pampas grass – nothing to it. Pick it and put it in a basket or vase while still pliable. By the time I use it in the tree it’s very dry and is all over the floor when I take the tree down.
I just finished Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks….so good as are all his books.
Mary, I am rereading “Flight of the Avenger” George Bush at War.
By Joe Hyams. I have read it before and it’s such a good WWll story.
George HW Bush was a good man. His family will miss him.
Lee from North Carolina….waiting for a winter storm this weekend.
Lee – we saw them storm warnings on the news – stay safe!