It was a great funeral! Haha! So many funny stories about Marian – during the service and at lunch afterwards. She had no filter and would say just about anything that popped into her mind. Her son-in -law told several hilarious anecdotes during the service which led to more after the service. I thought it was pretty funny that she kept changing her mind about her outfits to coordinate with the lining of her casket. She had her jewelry all picked out, too, which I hope they kept at the end. Such sentimental pieces – many from her husband Al. Saw many people at lunch that I never run into – neighbors, out of town family and many friends from all the groups Marian belonged to.
Yes, the music went fine, too, and yes, I guess I knew it would but I’m so used to playing with Margaret that I worried. Now I can relax and get back to sewing and reading. I’m reading John Grisham’s sequel to The Firm called The Exchange. I’ve hit a dull patch in the middle but tonight I’m going to power through.
I have some new reader photos to post:
Fluffybun is becoming my best pal – when I got up this morning she was sleeping in my sewing chair!
This is Rosie who is so terribly lame she can hardly stand up – the one whose grave is already dug in case she dies this winter. Should I just have her euthanized?? I hate this part.
Heard about a dog today that should have a new home. 6 month old labradoodle made to live outside because the wife hates dogs. Husband loves dogs but isn’t on board with dog care. I don’t need to even tell you what I think about this.
It’s a sports weekend coming up plus church and then on Monday Rick has an appointment in Minneapolis at the Twin Cities Spine Center.
OMGosh! I cannot believe that, having a dog live outside! I don’t even want to begin to comment!
So happy to hear the funeral went well. We were sure it would. Enjoyed all the pictures. Do you have to drive in the Twin Cities? I do not like driving there or even around it. We are enjoying these nice days yet in November.
Just want to send you a hug from snowy Alaska , Mary ! We’ve had lots of snow and yesterday the snow avalanched off the roof and no access to outside ! We got someone to plow so we could at least get vehicles into the garage .
Chris, do you think this is an omen for lots of snow this yr again in AK? I lived there 35 yrs. And I wanted to point out how the sled dogs live outside all yr long in AK. Many would not believe me. They are well taken care of! I hated to leave AK but living alone there would have been very hard.
Mary I’m glad you had a good experience at the funeral, good to hear the funny stories!! I’m sure your music was BEAUTIFUL!!!
Diane – your cardinal quilt is AWESOME!! Reminds me of my Mom who is no longer here. Any pattern or fabric information would be appreciated. The rest of the quilts pictured are VERY nice!! The wreath with over 100 pieces! WOW!! Take care everyone! Enjoy the weekend and the NICE Iowa weather!!
We knew your music would be wonderful! Marian was celebrated wifh love and laughter.
Came on to click ads. I really feel for you about your Rosie. I have a west highland white terrier mix who’s approaching 16. He’s starting to fail. It’s hard to lose our furry friends! I don’t understand why people get a puppy and leave them outside. I don’t get it!
Jill – nor do I!
A puppy, made to live outdoors alone?? I can’t even say out lous what I am thinking.
PS apparently I can’t spell it, either. LOL
Love today’s quilts! The Ohio State quilt is really fun, and would love to hear the story behind “we love coal” quilt. Dr. Zeus’s quilt a great kiddo quilt, too.
Thanks. Go Buckeyes. It is a gift using a panel and a Villa Rosa pattern which was so fast.
Thank you!
I’m glad people had the courage to tell stories at the funeral. At all the funerals I’ve attended there is the terrible silence after the announcement to share stories. I spoke up at one and shared. I thought it would break the ice. It didn’t….just silence. I had to chuckle about your friend having no filter. I’m like that. It’s out of my mouth before I know it. LOL I can’t imagine 100 pieces in that little wreath pillow.
Martha – and these family members who spoke had their “speeches” prepared, not ad lib. I’ve also been at a funeral like you described and it’s uncomfortable. This was so nice.
We had a long time, family friend who was always playing tricks on the neighbors and their kids and friends. His neighbor got up to tell of all the things he had done to the neigborhood kids, etc. The walls of the church were rocking with laughter and wonderful memories of this really special guy. Such a good person in our world. What a wonderful funeral and send off for him. A real celebration of his life. We can be proud to have known people like him and your friend.
In the meantime, Donna, in the first quilt you made out of the triangle squares, how big was each triangle square? Been trying to figure it out compared to your signature. Nice work. I don’t know if I’d try one, but you never know!
Take care. Betty in Rapid City
Betty- I just watched the funeral online to hear those stories again – I was truly a celebration and a funeral I’ll never forget. If Donna doesn’t answer, I’ll contact her.
2 1/2 unfinished. Same in pillow and Christmas mat. They suggest triangle paper or eight at a time but I wanted it scrappier so I made two at a time, rst and drew a center diagonal and stitched on both sides of line. I cut mostly 3 inch squares and then trimmed to 2 1/2. So 640 plus enough extra to make sure I had a variety for the final blocks. It looks much more difficult than it is, but it kept me occupied for a couple of weeks.
Thank you for answering. I’d figured they were either 1″ or 2″ depending on how big you had written your name. I’m not a fan of triangle squares, but it does look really interesting and such a nice effect. Winter is coming and I may get bored????????
Betty in Rapid City
Betty – you’d never get bored, would you?
Donna, I love your scrappy wreath! Is it appropriate & acceptable to share the pattern & designer?
It is from A Scrapbook.of Quilts by Carrie Nelson and Joanne Figaroa. The block is called Pirouette, and there are several variations of how the block is used.
Mary – Never trust someone who leaves a dog outside. And, never ever marry someone who hates dogs.
Nice group of photos today.
So glad the funeral went on without a hitch and that there was lots of reminiscing and laughter.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Sharon – the husband bought the puppy on Craig’s list – obviously without thinking it thru. I will follow up on this.
i grew up with a dad who believed all animals must live outside no matter what. is it any wonder that all of his children owned animals that had the run of the house? love all the reader quilts and products. my mother would have loved the cardinal quilt. no stitching for me for a couple days – just not good days. there is always the weekend and next week. i’m glad the funeral was so good. a true celebration of life. good for the people who spoke up and truly remembered. hugs to all, patti in FL
Patti – so sorry you’re having some bad days! Put your feet up and find a good book and I hope you feel like sewing again real soon but it’s hard if you don’t feel good.
I’m glad the funeral went well. I had no doubt it would, but understand your nerves! It’s always good to hear folks shared funny anecdotes. We all need to share those good memories when we are dealing with loss.
Why in the world do people get dogs and them leave them outside all alone—and in the cold. That is so cruel. My two were just piled in my lap on the floor—we all needed some snuggle time after being apart most of the day. Hope that puppy finds a new home really soon!
Just watched Lessons in Chemistry tonight—all 5 episodes in one sitting! I had read the book last spring and loved it (dog plays a central role!). The show follows the book fairly closely, at least so far, and the casting is great!
Diane – I am following up on the puppy and will let you know. I read Lessons In Chemistry, too, and will watch the movie – yes, a great dog included!
Hi Diane, Where did you find the episodes of Lessons in Chemistry? My husband taught Chem to HS kids for 35 years and loved every minute:) He bought ME the book Lessons in Chemistry–you’ve heard of the grandmother and the sled, I’m sure!! Actually, I loved the book!! Thanks.
Diane in Ohio
PS Great name:)
A previous commenter mentioned the Alaskan huskie dogs that live outside in Alaska. The All Creatures Great and Small books by James Herriot also have stories of farm dogs living outside, so it has to be true. In some parts of the world the dogs live outside.
Huskies are built to be outdoors all year. BUT outside dogs have shelter like barns and dog houses and good food to protect them from the elements. What these people have is absolutely no idea what is necessary to have a pet and should not have been allowed to take a puppy home. Hopefully it will be returned right away. During the pandemic so many people adopted pets and had no idea what was needed to raise an animal. It is just like having another human being in the house….. The poor puppie probably thinks he is deserted and cries all night. How would they like to be bannished to the outside every night — and probably all day, too. Betty in Rapid City
Mary – I had to read your blog twice — thoughts were racing! First off, glad that the funeral went well. Knew you’d be wonderful, but honestly I would have had the same thoughts. Seems the older I get the more I like “things as they always have been” – hahaha – some would have worded it “stuck in my ways” hahaha.
Thank you for all the pictures. It seems I am struggling with sewing these days. I don’t even want to go in the sewing room. The pictures are inspiring and I went to a small quilt show yesterday. All that has helped get the creative juices flowing…… there’s so much in that room I REALLY need to be sewing!!!
I don’t even know what to say about that couple and the dog…… made me see red I tell you. Florida is a bit to far to go and rescue that poor innocent pup. Why the %^&&* do people do such things?????? Praying a good home is found.
My heart is with you with Rosie…… it is such a heart and gut retching decision. I’ve always been told they will tell you. I agree — it’s the worst decision we have to make but the responsibility we take on with the animal. My thoughts and prayers are with you on this one. Xx.
I know I’ve said it before, but thank you for your blog. It really brightens my day.
Lynette – I am scheduling her for next week – it’s time.
It is the most loving thing you can do for Rosie.
Some really inspiring pictures today. Gave me a couple gift ideas. My 2 cents about euthanasia – as hard as it is for us, I feel it is our last gift to our animals. They give us so much during their lives, and we can give them the last gift of allowing them to go peacefully
without suffering. So if you make that decision, just imagine Rosie thanking you for your kindness to her one last time.
Anita – I agree – it’s the last loving thing we can do. I think I’ll call the vet and schedule asap.
Love all the quilts. The Dr. Seuss quilt is such a happy quilt, as is the Ohio State quilt. I love all the eye glass cases. So many different color combinations, each wonderful in its own way. I almost missed the eye glass cases with Donna’s Christmas quilt as I was admiring it so much. I have seen a pattern similar to Diane’s cardinal quilt done in muted greens, taupe, and rose. Diane’s fabric choices make it look so different and I love it.
Fluffy Bun looks content. My heart broke with the news of the dog forced to be outdoors. Such inhumane treatment! Dogs are pack animals and need to be with their people.
And the funeral – when a funeral can truly be a celebration of life there ought to be stories, laughter, shared memories and fun. Otherwise, we really limit what that person meant to us. I remember at my father’s funeral, one of his childhood friends shared how they once put pennies on a railroad track before the train came by to see what the wheels would do to the pennies. I would never have thought of my Dad doing something like that, but why not!!??? I want a celebration of life when I die. I hope people bring all sorts of stories.
Vicki – I will always remember Marian’s funeral as a good time with friends!!
Coordinating clothing with the casket liner. Wow. She was obviously very detail oriented, and a HOOT to be around with all the funny stories. Rosie is no longer living her best life and with your Arctic like winters I can only imagine this will be a tough one for her. I’m glad I don’t have to make the choice. The poor labradoodle living outside with no grooming care…someone should report those people. The pup will be so matted and miserable as time goes on if he’s not already. They are beautiful dogs but MUST be groomed. Some people shouldn’t be allowed to have a pet of any kind. Ever.
Marilyn – Rosie lives in a heated barn with tons of bedding. I am pursuing the labradoodle issue and will let you know.
Hope the weather holds for your trip to MN for Rick. Safe travels.
Loved all the photos today. That first quilt by Diane really caught my eye! Great stuff.
I am off Monday for 6 days to Log Cabin Quilt Shop in Elk Horn, IA for a retreat. Not sure how much computer time I will have. Probably with coffee as I am usually the first one up. Sewing time hits the max!
Fran in Carson, IA
Fran – oh, that sounds so fun!!!! Let us know what you sewed!
I never understood how someone couldn’t love a puppy. Goodness, Iowa winters aren’t for labradoodles.
I’m glad the funeral was happy. More of a celebration of someone who made others happy. I hope mine someday makes people smile rather than bawl. I’ve got work to do on that.
The Dr Seuss quilt reminded me that I have the panel & need to get it made. I bought it a few years ago in Branson. If anyone has panels and not sure what to do with them, I encourage Villa Rosa patterns-$2 post card patterns. There are lots of patterns to use those panels. I have several border prints that I intend to machine quilt & make the rectangular sofa pillows. I will split it in half and have a pillow top for me and one for my daughter. I have more ideas than time and energy🤣🤣
People who don’t like animals should surrender them.
Glad to hear that the music went well – and yes, those anecdotes make a “good” funeral. I hope my family and friends will do the same when my time comes…
Love seeing the quilts and other photos! I have to admit that the Ohio State one struck a note with me – I made a similar one a couple of years ago with a panel of Script Ohio for a great-nephew who was in the OSU marching band (TBDBITL).
I’m so glad the funeral went well. I agree with everyone that I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t love animals. So many beautiful quilts and I love the glass cases. I started one but have yet to finish it. Made a quick trip to Salt Lake to see family before the snow flies. The weather was beautiful, hard to believe it’s fall. My husband golfted in Salt Lake without a jacket, now that’s warm . Have a great weekend everyone
Makes my heart ache to hear about the 6 month old labradoodle and Rosie. I hate this part too. I live in seaside oregon and would come get the labradoodle for my own if they’ll let him go.
Terri – are you just saying that or are you serious? I have more investigating to do – I don’t believe he’s neutered yet. I need to look at vet work, etc. if we work this out I will keep the dog here until you came for him. Please use my email to discuss further- maryhazel2020@gmail.com
I too would love to know the name of the pattern by Diane with the cardinals. Thanks Diane! Love all the quilts. Always inspiring. Love this blog. So educational, inspiring, and interesting. I don’t know whether I even want a funeral. They are so depressing to me. Maybe my kids will cremate me and scatter my ashes in the mountains or on the ocean, both of which I love, just in God’s creation. And say a few happy words about me and my life, which for 30 years has revolved around quilting. Mostly for them! Thanks for your love for all of us, Mary! We love you too. Prayers for Rick for help with health issues.
Great quilts. Get so many ideas from everyone.
I knew your music would be perfect at the funeral
Sent pics of my eye glass cases and runner and doll quilt from my leftovers from my hello fall quilt. I sure need to use up yardage plus what is leftover.
Have a nice weekend.
Hi Everyone,
Mary, you are so smart. You told me to have the pattern name ready for the Cardinal Quilt:) It is
Woodsy Winter by Cyndi Hershey. It was in greens, reds, and creams, in an Amish Quilt store in Charm, OH. I had my friend hold it up and I took pictures. Then, I found the kit online. I had already purchased the Cardinal fabrics and some others so I made the kit for my niece’s wedding. In her thank you note after two years, she said the cats loved sleeping on it!!!) Oh well, we love cats. Thank you to everyone who commented on it; it is my second one. The directions are very good and it is pretty quick. I added a row to it on the width. I am starting a Blue jay one next. I may send another picture b/c I am not sure what the yellow spot in the middle is. It is not on the quilt.
Second, to all who said euthanasia is a gift we give our pets, you are so correct. It is hard on us, but when our Spike looked up at me for the last time, I could see the thank you in his eyes.
Also, as a Buckeye fan, I too love the OSU quilt and I have the same panel. I am going to start it soon. Thanks for the ideas, Marcia, for borders.
Third, I love all of the quilts and glasses cases today because whether they are large or small, they are happy quilts that someone will enjoy. I love to get out my quilts for each month, but I love displaying the ones that were gifts, too.
Last, Mary, the funeral sounds like what I’d like to have. I knew you would do a good job on the piano.
Happy Veterans Day everyone. If you or your spouse is/or was a Veteran, thanks for your service either at home or away.
Love the Fluffybun turn around. I have several feral cats that were stubborn about becoming tame but once they finally came around they love you so much.
Good luck at the spine center. I cannot say enough good about the Rockford Spine Center. Dr. Sliva is so compassionate and an excellent surgeon. I am progressing slowly. Swallowing and eating is very difficult yet but it has only been 3 weeks. Part of the issue is that he had to make 2 incisions which he tried his best to avoid but had to be done to get to all the parts that needed to be fixed. Thursday is Bob’s surgery which should be very interesting at our house since I cannot fully take care of myself much less help him. We will get through this though.
Mary,
So glad the funeral went well and you have such happy memories of Marian.
Love all the beautiful quilts and projects. Such talent.
I’ve sent you photos of my son’s dog, Biscuit, several times. Biscuit belongs to my husband and me when our son is at work (Ha!) anyway, it’s a similar situation how Biscuit came into our lives. He was bought by my son’s friend who was married with twin 5 year old boys. Once they had Biscuit, the wife decided they couldn’t keep him and she made the boys afraid of him. Life became miserable for my son’s friend and Biscuit. So he asked my son to take Biscuit til things calmed down. At the time, my son was working from home and Biscuit spent all day, every day with him. It was great for a six month old pup! My son’s friend tried several times to have Biscuit visit but it just was miserable. When my son went to work back in an office, my husband and I gladly watch him daily. It really blows my mind because Biscuit is the friendliest, calmest, loving dog ever. He’s just wonderful and we’re so happy he’s with us and my son would never let him go either!! And, yes, the couple is now separated unfortunately.
I never had a pet dog growing up so having a dog is a change but I love Biscuit!
Sunflower – and I love to hear about Biscuit! What a lucky dog! I will not let this situation rest until that dog has a happy life. The couple is 100% at fault here and the dog pays the price. I know another situation like this, too!
We had next door neighbours with the sweetest American Eskimo puppy. Everything was great until they had a baby, then the dog was put out in the yard with a plastic shell for a house. I loved that dog so much, but couldn’t bring another dog home. I used to walk my little dog past their house every day, and the dog would actually climb up on their chain-link fence to put his paws on my shoulders to get a hug and a treat! When the weather got extremely cold, I couldn’t take it anymore and contacted the SPCA. They went to their house and told them that if they couldn’t provide the proper care for the dog, they’d take it away. So the morons said, “Ok, take him!” He was rehomed, and unfortunately I never saw him again, but I don’t think his life could have been worse than it was. I’ll never forget that sweet dog! Sometimes we just have to get involved!
Candy – thank you, I needed that because I’m feeling like I should have kept my mouth shut but here’s hoping that sweet Eskimo puppy got a great home and was loved for the rest of his life!
Wow! Dog haters are weird. Biscuit is so lucky to have your son and you and your husband. You are good people😀😀. I cannot imagine abusing a defenseless animal UGH.
Mary, the funeral reminded me of that song, “It was one hell of a funeral!” She sounds like a very fun lady.
Iowa plays next. OSU tonight.
Hi Diane. I always enjoy seeing your beautiful quilts and crafts. You are very talented. Could you tell us the name of the Cardinal pattern quilt in Mary’s last post? I love it and have so many bird prints and I think this would be the perfect pattern for them. Thanks so much! Helen
Diane – here’s a funny one – the son in law who spoke was reminiscing about Marian and he said, “what the hell, Marian!” Haha! In the front of the church. I don’t think Brian was probably smiling.
Hi Mary Ha! I have decided a fun funeral is a good idea.
The pattern for he Cardinal quilt is Woodsy Winter by Cyndi Hershey. She had a kit for sale several years ago. Helen, you are right, many bird prints would look great. It is a fun one😃
Good game Iowa.😃😃 OSU next🤞🤞
Thank you Diane. I will try to find it. Too many quilts, so little time!
Those little pink tongues get me everytime. Those are the best funerals…the ones where the focus was on a life well lived. The memories (and there seemed to be so many) where people connected. And several eyeglass cases were in there. Hard to know about your beloved goat. I can’t help you there.
Wow, I couldn’t even keep a guardian dog outside if I had one! Although many times I wish I did have one! Darn coyotes and hawks. I’d love to free range my hens but just can’t. I hope that doodle finds another home soon! I know that if you have anything to say about it Mary, he will! Great reader projects today, the knit blanket is beautiful, I wish I could knit better. Donna’s teeny pieces, so cute! I love small projects. And Sunflower’s Christmas quilt – just beautiful! Everyone’s work is great. I love the funeral story, your friend must have been really special – love coordinating her outfit with the liner! Wow! I’m with Helen, sprinkle my ashes in the lake or on the mountainside. At least that’s the way I’m feeling at the moment, haha! Jan in MA
Glad all went well with the funeral music — I knew you could do it! Sounds like Marian was properly celebrated! Great reader quilts and projects.
Sorry about Rosie, but I agree on euthanasia. When Poppy passed, I waited too long to take him in. His death was an awful, agonizing experience for me. I’ll never make that mistake again.
Yay for Fluffybun!
The man with the outdoor dog should be left outside WITH the dog. That will cure him of that behavior.
we had our Christmas with a Cause sale today. Almost everything I made is gone. Too many to list but 23 of 25 table runners/wall hangings gone and 35 quilted Christmas trees were gone in 30 minutes. All proceeds go to missions. Makes my heart happy to know my quilting will help someone, not just look pretty.
That’s wonderful, Diana!
Diana – WELL DONE! Think of how much money you contributed to the cause – wow! There are two dog situations that I’m disturbed about – and I know it’s none of my business but I lay awake at night and think about these dogs.
He should have known to NOT get a dog if his wife didn’t want one. I blame him, and we can only hope he does the right thing. Tank you for anything you can do!
I meant to tell you I’m going to make your eyeglass covers to sell next year. I’m already working on my list of items to make for the next sale.
We belong to a very large church, and I’m just so happy this is a sale for missions. We have a lot of volunteers and people wanting to help. Makes my heart happy!
Diana – yes, those little cases will make a great item to sell. How about pincushions?
Mary, please let go of Rosie very soon. I hung onto Kitty too long, I know that now and I feel terrible about it if I let myself think on it. I’m getting weepy thinking about it now.
Carol – next week – although today she decided she could “charge” Keeper – slowly but I felt her drive to be a goat again.
Maybe she had a short rally. Even my dad did before things went downhill for him. The doctors said it was a real thing, the will to live is powerful,
Carol -yes, I agree that it happens.
Sending hugs to you & Rosie. I love having pets of all kinds, but it’s so hard when they get old. It’s so difficult to tell when the time is right to let them go.
Is your dear goat in any pain? Can it get up and out to relieve itself? If no, then I vote euthanize. It’s hard I know, but you don’t want it to suffer.
In regards to the chained dog, I’m right there with you. Is there anyone in your circle of contacts that trains seeing eye dogs or guide dogs. There could be funding to rescue the dog for training. The reason I bring this up is because I often meet a local couple at work who spend a year training a golden lab pup before it goes off to school to become a guide dog. I also meet many veterans who have a dog and I’ve come to the conclusion that not all vets deserve it. Some should earn the right in order to appreciate the dog.
Thank you for sharing all of the reader quilts. I spent my day off in the sewing room cleaning up. You can imagine how long this is going to take, LOL. There are several stacks to take care of.
Glad to hear the music went well even though it was a sad event.
San / Gypsy Quilter Designs
San – yes, Rosie gets up to relieve herself and she loves her hay – after a few bites standing up she lays down on it to eat more. This is a hard one for me – she even walked outside last week, looked around and went back into the barn. She has a heat lamp, protein, water and hay.
What do you think about the dog? Say it. Too cold in Iowa to keep a dog outside!
Jackie – IT IS TOO COLD IN IOWA TO KEEP A DOG OUTSIDE!! What are people thinking when they put a wooden box/doghouse out in the yard and say “he’s got a doghouse – he’s fine!”
That dog deserves a loving home. I’ll gladly take it in and spoil it like my own pups!
Donna Wyatt – where do you live?