On the day of her jersey retirement at the University of Iowa, the Iowa women beat #3 USC by a sizable margin! In a post game ceremony, Caitlin Clark’s #22 jersey was retired forever. There will never be another #22 at the University of Iowa women’s basketball program. Caitlin was her normal humble self giving credit to her coaches, teammates, athletic directors, the university, the fans and her family. She recently gave $22,000 to 4 different programs in the Iowa City area.
She not only put Iowa on the map, it’s reported over and over that she changed women’s sports forever. I know many of you reading this had never watched women’s sports until I started talking about Caitlin and her outstanding play. It made you fans as well.
Reader photos
I recently got a gift in the mail from Myrna Groesbeck Eisenlauer. My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I opened this wonderful gift. I am mailing the thank you in the morning but I couldn’t wait to show you all. It’s a black sweater with bejeweled dogs all over and I just love it. I wore it to church this morning.
Do you remember last December when I received a gorgeous evergreen wreath from Dollinger Tree Farm? I’ve gotten one for quite a number of years now and consider myself very lucky to have a long distance friend in Janie Dollinger. I got a message from her friend Lori who said Janie suffered a stroke in December and would love to be our next card recipient. I made sure she approved before I posted her address.
Janie Dollinger
Liberty Village
2170 Navajo Drive Room 313
Freeport, IL 61032
Thank you to all readers who send a card.
I have the Grammys on but I’m just too old to enjoy them so I’m going to Netflix and my sewing machine. I’ll enjoy the evening more.
These reader photos have come in since I started writing:
And this is why this blog is SO MUCH FUN! It’s because you all send stuff to share. I can think of the subject matter but the minute you stop sharing, this blog is done – I can’t do it without all of you helping. Thank you so very much!
You look so cute in the dog sweater! It’s like it was made just for you!
Mary,
You look wonderful in your new sweater! What a treasured gift from a very talented friend.
I agree with everyone’s comments that black is your color! So happy you are feeling & looking so well
So many lovely samplers, I am more of a cross-stitch fan, but very appreciative of all the patience & talent that went into the pieces.
Enjoy your day!
Sandy
One of the counted cross stitch samplers about “friends and stitches” was designed by one of my all time favorite designers, Linda Coleman. She published a cross stitch magazine many, many years ago in the late 1980s and into the early 1990s. I had subscribed to her magazine back then and I still have many of them. I think the name of her business was Jeremiah Junction. Over the years I stitched a lot of her patterns. Seeing that sampler brought back so many memories.
The sweater is gorgeous. What a talented artist the person is. You look beautiful in it.
Everything about this blog are all my favorites! Embroidery sweater, old-fashioned samplers. Pin cushion! And a new card recpient. Oh, I feel so bad that Janie suffered a stroke.
I confess I loved the Grammy’s. I had to watch Taylor Swift even if she didn’t win. I listen to Apple music on my phone and that introduces me to the pop music of the day. I can skip hip hop easily. Lol.
I love Caitlin Clark because of you. She is an awesome person. I respect her so much. I don’t want the haters to get her down. I am rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs, but I loved Taylor Swift first!
Must say that Judy ‘s ( of Alden, IA) embroidered piece reminds me of Grandma Moses’ embroidery, which I saw in an art show at the Dayton Art Gallery. I could barely tear myself away and was so grateful to my husband for taking me. A sweet memory.
Carolyn – you’re a better woman than me – I can’t listen to pop music and never have music playing during the day – probably because I listen to books instead. I can see why you enjoy the Grammys then. You know how I feel about Caitlin – humble greatness. Can’t wait for the Super Bowl but it’s always so late in the day.
Thank goodness you introduced us to Caitlin last year! My husband who often watches women’s basketball, loved having something to root for after football season. With his inability to walk far, his chair is his best friend. We watched the whole show yesterday and I heard our very sports oriented young grandchildren did too.
Love the dog sweater and especially on you. As with all the others, yours is my favorite blog to follow and learn.
Martha – it was a great day in Iowa to see Caitlin being honored – humble greatness all the way around. I’m looking forward to May when the WNBA starts again.
You look beautiful in that lovely sweater & your hair is so pretty. I hope you feel as wonderful as you look. Thank you for introducing many of us to Caitlin Clark. She is an amazing roll model for young women. Even though USC lost , they remained to honor #22. Classy all around! Speaking of classy- the Grammy Awards are as far from classy as possible. So many obscene outfits. Music was always part of my life but the Grammy Awards Show is not on my watchlist anymore.. My brother, 11 years older, introduced me to early folk music (Kingston Trio, The Chad Mitchell Trio) and the Big Band Sounds (the Dorsey family lived in our area and my Aunt Lucy knew their mother). I love Rock & Roll, Motown, Folk, “The English Invasion”, The Beach Boys, The Carpenters (Karen Carpenter had such a beautiful voice), Country, Bluegrass, just about everything but most jazz and rap. My children introduced me to music of the 70’s & 80’s. My age is showing in my taste for current “music”. Most doesn’t sound like it even has a melody. Those hand-stitched samplers are lovely and I remember that blue embroidered quilt pattern in those wonderful catalogs from years ago. I need to write out cards after a bit of a setback from flu and COVID. Just put away Christmas decorations yesterday! lol Stay well! xxoo
Jan – I watched All Creatures, too and Tristan just made that episode! I love him and Carmody is growing on me. I thought the Grammys were ridiculous – the artists look ridiculous and the songs don’t even sound like songs. But remember – I’m old.
Love the dog sweater it looks like it was made for you!
You were smart to turn off the Emmy’s, I see on the internet this morning Kayne West had his wife in the nude on the red carpet! Ye gads people are stupid. I stopped watching award shows years ago because it seems it is a competition for who can wear the skimpiest dress, I’m not a prude, but children see these shows and they are not being good role models.
Connie – I did not hear or see that, thank goodness – what’s wrong with these people?? Children should be in bed when these types of things are on.
So glad I gifted the dog sweater – it looks like it was made for you. You wear it well!
And to clarify – I did not sew, bead or knit that unique dog sweater!
(love the bone buttons!)
Myrna – and now I realize the picture taken in church was pretty dumb – why didn’t the person taking the picture have me turn to the side to see the front of the sweater!!!! Duh. I do love the sweater – I can’t believe you just sent it to me. Thanks one more time.
The sweater and the person wearing it are both beautiful! I love the sampler that is all in blue!
Have a great week.
What a fabulous gift for Mary. Outstanding and just perfect for her. Mary, you wear it well. Beautiful as always.
Ok, that sweater is beyond cute and absolutely perfect for you. But dog bone buttons?? I’m dying laughing!
Well, when I opened up the blog for comments this morning, it said there were 22 comments at that point. Now, how’s that for Caitlin karma continuing?! What a great game for Iowa! Being interviewed during the third quarter, Caitlin’s humble and thankful attitude shown through so well, such a good role model for sportsmanship.
Jan
Jan – she is the epitome of humbleness, isn’t she? The picture of graciousness. 22 comments! Haha! They talked to her during the third quarter way too long! She wanted to watch the game and why didn’t they interview her during halftime??? I thought it was stupid
Just look at all these wonderful photos! The vest looks terrific on you.
I wish I had kept the very few needlework projects I made when I was young. I’d love to learn cross stitch on fine linen, but I don’t know if I could see well enough, even with a magnifying light.
I never thought I would turn out to be an “old” person, but I am completely out of touch with music and most modern movies. I stopped with Jimmy Stewert and Nat King Cole. It was hard to move out of the age of Beethoven, but I did make it to the 70s. Now I’m at the “get off my lawn” stage, I guess.
You look so healthy in your photo! It’s a blessing to see all the answered prayers.
Erin – I, too, am way too old to see well enough to do counted cross stitch even though I admire it so much. Connie does a beautiful job of it but of course she’s younger than me! 😂
Caitlin is a wonderful & very talented young woman. The amazing shots she makes literally take my breath away. She really has ignited interested in women’s basketball across the whole US. And Mary, you are really styling that gorgeous jacket!
Des – aren’t you the reader with Boone? Yes, I can’t wait for the WNBA season to start up again – I sorta hate that they play during the summer when I want to be outside.
Mary you look wonderful – the sweater adds the extra touch. So hard to believe what you have gone through, but now look at you. We are so blessed to have you :)!! Your sewing room looks great also and is ready for a fun new project to begin :)!!! Anxious to see what you start. You are a true inspiration, thank you for all you do!
I embroidered the same blue quilt when I was pregnant with our 2nd son over 40 years ago. He was born in mid December & I remember being so uncomfortable that I would get up in the night & go stitch for a while. I also remember stitching to a Kenny Rogers Christmas album during the day that some of his songs brought tears to my eyes! We’ll blame hormones on that! And at some point I also made the sampler that went with the quilt. I know the quilt is still around but I’m curious if I still have the sampler! That will be one of my projects….look for the sampler! Funny how one picture will bring up so many memories!
I have that embroidered quilt too. My mother-in-law made it probably around the time you made your quilt. I’m going to send a picture to Mary. You should send a picture too. I see we are almost neighbors. I live in Lamoni.
Jane – and I have loved seeing all those old projects!!!
Beautiful sweater! Great gift for you, Mary, and you look classy in it. Black is a good color on you! The dogs are beautifully stitched. You wear the sweater well.
Your sweater is a precious gift and it looks great on you, you look very healthy and happy.
Love all the pictures of the old embroidery, I have a passion for old linens and always go through them when I go antiquing. I have a bunch that I want to turn into a quilt someday!
We finally got rain and now it’s snowing. I too do not watch the Grammies, I told my husband I do not know who these people are or their music. I told him we need to listen to Pandora so we know who’s who. I watched PBS All Creatures great and small. Love all the cross stitching. Such talented people.
I’m having some preventative surgery today so no sewing, maybe tomorrow.
Your new sweater is gorgeous on you. Another wonderful creative talent shared with us. Myrna does beautiful work.
So we were under a weather alert late yesterday afternoon with falling temps and snow coming down like crazy. Glad I was not on the roads. And today we wake up to 33 degrees and rain on its way. Crazy but what is not anymore.
Patti will love all the eye candy to view in this post as the nice 16 patch scrap quilt is right up her alley. Later today I am going to look for my Pearl Krush patterns after Betty’s comment. I think they were embroidery patterns Simplicity company sold. First I go to volunteer with a senior group that ties charity quilts. Funny when I first volunteered to help I was 60 years old and now I’m the senior!
Haha! I loved the comment about the Grammys. I may look at pictures of what the entertainers wore, listen to a clip or two of the music, or read about some of them afterwards, but I agree. I don’t know who they are and I don’t listen to their music. I do sound like my father when he commented on the music we loved growing up (Beatles, Joni MItchell, Santana, etc). So you are probably correct about it being an age thing. You did look very nice in the new sweater. As a new reader, I am enjoying the camaraderie of your group.
Kathryn – you will enjoy this great group of like minded women – welcome!
Mary, the photos are always interesting – and I am grateful too! After I said I want to make some samplers, I have been glued to the pics showing such amazing ones; what super talented people enjoy your blog! The pincushions today are so cute too. There is such a lot of inspiration here! I am grateful for all of you!
This a wonderful post, Mary. Love the samplers, and the quilts are beautiful.
Your new sweater is great, and you look adorable wearing it.
Thanks, Mary 🥰
Loved seeing the Iowa game. They played a great game.! Thanks for telling us about the game and Caitlin’s jersey retirement. Glad I got to see it! She really has changed women’s basketball. Loved what her former coach said about her, too. Well deserved!
While I am envious of that gorgeous sweater I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more.
I’m also curious about the red cardinal, will the person who sent it please tell us more?
Definitely mailing a card to Janie tomorrow.
Thanks to you, women’s basketball has become popular–college and professional. And your girl is so humble and thankful for everyone that has raised her up. I love her.
I am at sea level on the west coast and I have snow !!!!!
Dorothy in W WA
PS Love the gifted jacket
That sweater is just made for you. Black is a good color for you. You look pretty spiffy!! I’m always amazed at the ideas people decide to make are so nice.
For your information. The giraffe quilt by Rita — the crazy quilt print fabric on the back and front was designed by Pearl Krush who lives in here in Rapid City. We’re proud of her. She had a quilt shop named Thimble Cottage for many years. Maybe you were lucky enough to visit her shop if you were visiting Rapid City? She had designed a lot of fabric and patterns over the years.
And for those of you who have visited Dinosaur Hill, you should see it now. Last year it was decided they needed wheelchair access and they really improved the park. Tthey have a cast iron fence, too. VERY NICE. Just as nice as ever for the kids. We never get too old.
This afternoon was the high school rodeo. At 5:00 the kids and horse trailers were headed home hoping to get home before the storm. Plus, they have to go to school tomorrow.
And life goes on! Take care. Betty in Rapid City
Love the pincushions! You look so nice in your new sweater. What a thoughtful and perfect gift.
I also loved watching CC today and her jersey rising to the top…and How About Them Hawkeye Women! I couldn’t cheer loud enough..especially when the first quarter was sooooo fun to watch! I am with you… started watching women sports when Caitlin was a Junior and now we record NCAA and WNBA! Love it! And don’t forget to.Click, click, click on those ad X’s!
Hello Mary. Lots of people fell in love with the Caitlin from iowa!
Love your sweater! Your are a pretty lady outside and inside!!!💕💕
I love all the pictures but the cardinal is amazing! Is that cross-stitch?
It is starting to cool down here so the change in the weather is coming. It is still winter even though it has been an unusual January! About 44 years ago I have a picture somewhere of my son in February playing outside with no snow and dead grass. I don’t remember if we had had snow earlier that year and it all melted. It is a very usual winter.
We are rested up after all the festivities of the wedding. 🤪. Thankfully the Michigan kids got back home safely. They have to be beat. Driving all night isn’t for sissies!
Joy – Oohh, tell us about the weekend!!
The wedding was beautiful. The guys wore medium sage green suits, the bridesmaids word dusty rose long sleeve v-neck dresses. The brides dress was a beautiful rounded neck with long lace sleeves and a medium train. She was so nervous and was very wiggly … so wiggly we felt sorry for her. The reception was absolutely beautiful! It was at the Crossroads in Sheldon. Very beautiful place. We walked in and I smelled Coffee! They had a coffee bar with (I think 6 different coffees you could have) and then there was a long beautiful snack table with cookies and bars and pretzel/m&m snacks. The tables were decorated with fir tree greenery and white flowers and lights through it. Very elegant. The wedding party was introduced as they came in and of the bride was no longer nervous!! I will take a picture of the wooden charcuterie board they made for us, it is beautiful! The buffet for dinner was lettuce, carrots, dinner rolls, mashed potatoes, beef, & chicken! Home made apple crisp and Stensland ice cream! Delicious. The wedding party had a couple games….the first was big Jenga. Four Guys in the wedding party are 23 years old and single! The MCs gave them a really hard time because they were single! It was a hoot! The second game was a golf game. Then it was just visit time. The bride is the youngest of 10 and her family really pitched in and helped with everything! It was beautiful. Sheldon is an hour east and we were home at about 11:30 p.m. the new Mr. & Mrs. Went to San Diego for their honeymoon! Thanks for asking, Mary.
Joy – I just loved hearing the details about the wedding!!! so fun!! And glad the bride got more comfortable so she could enjoy her own bridal reception. Oh, I’ll bet those groomsmen really got heckled – haha! I missed the last wedding when I was in the hospital – I was so looking forward to it, too. Remember the old days when there was cake and punch in the church basement? Haha!
I love hearing about this wedding, too. Sounds healty. A coff e bar! Wow. My friend had a cookie table at her daughter’s wedding!! Loved it. Thank you for sharing.
I was surprised to see the blue embroidered quilt. My mother-in-law made one for me just like it a lot of years ago. I will take a picture tomorrow and share it.
The dog sweater is so cute!