A Quick Update

This is what I did yesterday when it was 65 degrees and I wanted an outside job. I put the porch covers on.

www.country-threads-chicken-scratch

I used the power washer to first wash all the screens, then both sides of the covers, and then the porch floor. The screened porch is now waiting to hold firewood.

Last evening I got to work on my sewing room – still didn’t find my glasses! Here’s my view this morning.

This pile of scraps is ready to be cut into rectangles like this old chair cover.

So the room is not completely done but enough so that I can see a huge difference.

More news – you knew my older brother died on Wednesday. Becky and I are singing at the funeral tomorrow. Today we are going to Concord to play for the monthly birthday party. It will be another sad occasion for me because Gayle died at Hospice yesterday afternoon. I have a sweet story to write about Gayle but I’ll save it for another time. It’s been a sad week but neither Jim nor Gayle had a good quality of life – I just can’t wish them back. I’ll write more later.

88 thoughts on “A Quick Update”

  4. Elaine Kopischke-Trejo

    So sorry to hear of your losses this week. But I do understand about not wishing them back – it is so hard to see them go but knowing that they are finished with pain and not having a good quality of life. Thoughts are with you………

  5. Donna O

    Mary sorry for the loss of your brother and dear friend. As you said you don’t want to wish them back. Now they are with our dear Saviour.

  6. Pat O'Neill

    So sorry for your loss! Thoughts & Prayers🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
    You did very well on your sewing room! Wish I could say that but looks it will be a task after the Holidays!

  7. Dee Winter

    So true about making them come back. My husband just died, he had several problems but he enjoyed life. His greatest fear was that they would make the body better but the brain would be not so good. So when he went down, they tried their best, but I would not let them put him on their machines. He didn’t want that, I couldn’t make him come back to the problems he would probably have. It’s an act of love.

    1. CountryThreads Post author

      Dee winter – you did the right thing – it takes a strong woman to take charge like you did. My sympathies to you – life will be so different without those we love.

      1. Julianna

        Ladies, you are right – life is NOT the same without those we love. My condolences to you both
        Dee Winter, I lost my husband too and it is SO hard but remember to be good to yourself!
        Mary, I am so fortunate to have my 4 siblings. I can’t imagine the hurt of losing your brother. My heart, and prayers, go out to you both!!

  8. Jane Dumler

    Thinking of you at this time. So hard to say goodbye but the Lord in his wisdom knows best. Take care. My thoughts are with you.

  11. Pat Smith

    I’m so sad to hear of not only your brother but also Gayle. Losses are terrible but so is poor quality of life. I’m a believer and think we go to the next place. I’m sure they are there now. My prayers are with you for a hard week ahead.

  13. Donna O

    Mary so sorry for your losses. Understandable you don’t wish with back. Now they are no longer suffering and in Gods hands.

  14. Annie

    Holes in the heart when we lose those in our lives….start packing the good memories into those holes and mourn and grieve as needed…remember, always remember. 😥

      1. Carolyn Rector

        Yes, hold onto the good memories, they will be with you forever, let go of the pain, and be grateful they had a life to live, although it’s over for them now. Pray they are in heaven.

  15. Karen

    So sorry to hear about your brother. Both of mine are gone also, it’s hard. Prayers for you and your family.

    1. Sandra Corrigan

      I am so sorry.It is painful to lose a loved one.I lost a dear friend.She gave me her fabric collection before her death. Everytime I use a piece of her fabrics I remember her and give thanks for her friendship. I know you will keep them in your heart. I will put you in my prayers.May you find comfort and peace in your memories.
      Sandra

  16. Gaile Schriber

    I am so sorry to hear about the death of your brother . I will be praying for u and your family . God Bless You !

  17. Bonnie Crane

    Mary, please accept my sympathy and prayers for your losses. You are right that you can’t wish people back who weren’t well. Still, you will miss them I agree with a previous post that cleaning your sewing room, getting your porch ready and other chores is good therapy.

    By the way, your house is charming.

    Sending prayers and positive thoughts.

  19. Kathy Hanson

    So sorry to hear of your friend Gayle’s death and that of your older brother, I know your singing will be the best ever for both of them. Sending love and prayers to you and your friends and family!
    Can’t believe all the work you did in your sewing room – it looks fantastic! I have to clean mine up every once-in-a-while so that I can work again. You did am amazing job. I don’t know where you get all of your energy but you are someone very special!! Again, love and prayers to you!

  20. Donna McCormack

    So sorry for your loss of brother and close friend. Now your sewing room is organized , you will be ready to mess it up again. Anyway that is what I usually do. I like organizing it and finding things I had forgotten having. Then my creative urges be into flow.

  21. Rhoda Ebersole

    So sorry Mary for the loss of your brother and your friend Gayle.
    I think cleaning is good therapy. When Ron was so Ill I would get up in the middle of the night and clean out drawers and kitchen cabinets. I have never heard of another person doing this.

    Sending Las Vegas hugs

    1. CountryThreads Post author

      Rhoda – the last time I cleaned my sewing room was last winter and since I couldn’t sleep, I stayed up all night and reorganized everything and cleaned. By 8 am it was looking good!

  22. Ellie

    So sorry for your losses. Not wishing to have them back doesn’t mean we don’t still miss those who’ ve gone on. May you feel peace in the parting.

  23. Cheryl

    I’m sorry for your losses. What will you sing at your brother’s service? I pray that you have beautiful memories to bring you comfort and that the promise of a reunion in Heaven brings you peace.

    You sure accomplished a lot yesterday.

    1. CountryThreads Post author

      Cheryl – we are singing Because He Lives, How Great Thou Art and closing with I’ll Fly Away. He loved all of these songs.

  25. Ellie

    We don’t wish those who no longer have a good quality of life to endure more but we miss them nevertheless. So sorry for your losses. Praying for peace for you.

  27. Holly in TH

    I’m so sorry to hear about your brother and Gayle. What a tough week for you.

    I’m glad you could get out and enjoy the nice weather, even if it was to do such a big job. At least that’s one big project marked off your fall list.

    Your sewing room looks fantastic and reminds me of many happy hours shopping and buying in your shop. When do I ever have a completely clean sewing table? Never. Your pictures have inspired me to get to my sewing room, but that will have to be tomorrow. Today is possible the really nice day of fall here in Two Harbors on the north shore of Lake Superior and I, too, have outdoor tasks to finish up before it gets too cold. It’s odd to have it have been so unseasonable cold this month when the leaves aren’t off the trees, yet.

    I’ll be thinking of you this week. Take care of yourself.

  28. patti leal

    i’m sorry for the loss of your brother and friend gayle in the same week. it will be hard but your memories of them will carry you through. hugs, patti in florida

  29. Jo in Wyo

    Mary, sorrow, like joy, is meant to be shared. Thank you for sharing with us. I do not understand the lesson to be learned in such suffering. Don’t think I ever will.

    Your room and the porch looks great. Glad you had some nice outdoor weather to get the sunroom/porch ready for winter. All those little quilts are such a delightful touch.
    Take care.

  32. Susie Q

    As Sandra said: So very sorry for the loss of your brother and friend. Prayers being sent your way. And may your sing joyfully at the funerals…

  33. Kathy

    My prayers are with all of you through these next couple days as you say good bye to loved ones. Is this the first sibling to pass? It’s hard when it happens but the comfort comes in knowing their pain is over. You accomplished a lot in your sewing room. Now I should do the same but your 65 degree weather is here in western NY today so I hung out laundry.

  35. Amy M

    Mary so sorry to hear about Gayle. I’m glad you have the good memories. I think she must have inspired something in you, I’ve never seen your sewing room look like that! Connie the challenge has been set 🙂 I’ll be thinking of you and Becky tomorrow, I know your family will enjoy your singing.

  36. Patty

    Thinking of you. It is very hard to say goodbye for now to those we love.

    You kept busy I see. Those covers look like a Job! The sewing room looks inviting!
    Thank you for sharing your week.
    I hope you enjoy many happy days soon!!

  40. Jeanice Domino

    I am so sorry for the loss of your brother and your friend. Your sewing room looks lovely!

  41. Marsha in Wichita, KS

    I’m so sorry for the loss of both your brother and friend Gayle. What a tough week. Prayers going up for you and family.

  42. Judy Emmons

    May you find comfort and peace
    with all the wonderful memories you have
    of your brother and good friend Gayle.
    I really enjoy your posts and look forward
    to reading them. Thank you for all your
    efforts and creativity.

  43. Diane in Central Ohio

    This is has been a tough week for you. So sorry about your brother and your friend, Gayle. I wish I could hear you and Becky sing tomorrow; it’ll be beautiful I’m sure. Prayers for both families.

    1. Maria Honkala

      Oh Mary, what a tough week! You are very lucky, as is your sister, that you both can give them your beautiful gift of music as your final tribute to their lives. My prayers are with you.
      Maria Honkala in Vermont

  44. Joyce

    So sorry for your losses… they are both rid of pain and at peace. But oh what a hole they leave in your heart. Prayers and hugs ♥️

  45. Carmen

    So very sorry to hear of your losses. I always found cleaning to be good therapy for times like this. You already got an amazing start on your sewing room! I always look forward to your emails, don’t know where you get all your energy?? Will be thinking of you tomorrow.
    Carmen

  46. Jan Behm

    My condolences to you on the loss of you brother & your dear friend, Gayle. What a sad week for you. Despite sometimes a person who dies is better off, as we say, it doesn’t make it any easier for those left behind. 💔

  47. Pam in NC

    So sorry for your loss. It’s especially hard when you lose multiple people you love. Sending thoughts and prayers.

    On your sewing room—-you are a magician! Looks wonderful and congrats on your hard work.

  48. Renee A

    Thinking of you Mary. Here’s a poem that I saw during my recent visit to the Grand Canyon. I hope it provides you some comfort.

    “May the four winds of Heaven
    Blow gently upon you
    And upon those with whom
    You share your heart and home.”

    Hopi Blessing

  49. Fiona at Ice Bear Quilts

    Mary, my condolences for the loss of your brother and your dear friend Gayle. Thinking of you and wishing you well.

    Very impressive progress in your sewing room!

  51. Diane Deibler

    So sorry to hear about your brother and friend ,Mary. Did your brother live around here? Peace be with your family.

  53. Sue in Oregon

    I have been away on vacation and did not read about the passing of your brother. And, then Gayle. I am so very sorry for both of them and for you. It is so hard to lose one, and then two. Take good care of yourself, Mary. After the funerals, rest and relax a bit. Your sewing room is immaculate and looks terrific now

    My sewing room is in a terrible state and I hardly have room to sew anymore. You have given me encouragement .

  54. Judy

    We’re so sorry for your loss, Mary. Even though they are in a better place free of pain, it’s still hard on family and friends. On another note, your sewing room has taken on a new look! Love my pumpkins I got today! What a variety — just what I wanted! We’ll be thinking of you in the next several days.

  55. Helen Jane

    Hi Mary…Thoughts and Prayers go out to you. So many of your friends have expressed lovely comments. May this lift your spirit.

  59. Charlotte

    Dear Mary: I grieve for you at the loss of your brother Jim and friend Gayle. It is so very hard to lose those we love in this earthly life. I am lifting you all in prayer, and hope you find comfort as these people you love are embraced by our Lord and as scripture says, face to face, and not as a stranger. Much love to you!

  60. Jeanie from sw Illinois

    So sorry for your loss of two loved ones this week. You chose lovely songs for the memorial service. I will be keeping you in my prayers.

  63. Paula in Texas

    Blessings to You, as you walk through this week with a sad heart. I am a believer, so
    I want to believe that Jim and Gayle are pain free and smiling in Heaven. You will see them again.

  64. Susan the Farm Quilter

    I am so very sorry for the losses you have suffered this week. Even though we don’t wish them back when the quality of life has gone, we still miss them and it hurts. Praying for you and your family.

  66. Kate

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Quality of life means everything. You don’t realize it until you’ve been through it.

    I took a look around my sewing room and I have a little picking up to do but it’s actually in pretty good shape…

  68. Mary in Indiana

    Your sewing room looks as neat and tid y as a sewing room can be. I noticed the roasting pan must be back in the kitchen! Hugs for your losses.

  70. Kate

    The older we get, the more people we lose. So sorry for your loss. None of us get out of this world alive, but there is something better God has prepared for us if we believe. Knowing that gives me comfort. I hope it does you, too. God bless.

  71. Diane

    So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother and dear friend. I will always remember the day my brother passed away. I found comfort in cleaning as it kept my mind at ease. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

  72. Judy Linn

    Mary,

    You and your loved ones are in my prayers as you walk the steps in weeks ahead adjusting to a season of life without loved ones. You are so dear to be able to play praises/hymns when this brings that Peace that passes all understanding!

    Hugs,
    Judy in Texas

  75. MartyCae

    Mary I am thinking about you. How difficult to lose both a brother and a friend so close together.
    I know you and your sister will sing with your hearts.

  76. Vickie E

    So sorry for your loss. Sometimes death is not the worst thing. We don’t want them to suffer and loss of a loved one means we suffer. I just try to remember them with funny things they did or said. Talking about them keeps their memory alive. God bless you.

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