Life Goes On, 5-26-23

I so appreciated all your concerned messages about Pudge – thank you! I have had to euthanize many animals in the last 50 years but Pudge was one of the most traumatic. It has now occurred to me that the vet who agreed to come may not have used the correct solution or might have given the wrong dose? I don’t know. I’ll never know but I believe I’ll be searching for a different vet now before I need one in an emergency. I do know I’ll be begging them to come to the farm – I couldn’t possibly move any of the remaining 5 goats, much less get them in my van.

Reader quilts – let’s catch up!

You recognize this shed, don’t you? It’s the shed where Hazel cornered a raccoon the other night underneath. Not again – the concrete blocks now will keep her out!

When I was mowing yesterday I saw this.

I peeked in the nest – this is what I saw!

What a beautiful color!

Martinez Custom Fencing came by this week to repair some of our fencing and gates. The owner, Armando, was Telly’s original owner but when he was installing our fencing 11 years ago he kept asking if I’d take his dog because she was an escape artist where he lived in town. I originally said no but he kept asking and of course I gave in. We have loved Telly all these years! Well, you can tell by this picture that she remembered Armando and was overjoyed to see him again.

Here is some of my patriotic decorating that I promised to post.

This double framed needle point picture was $10 at a local thrift store several years ago.

This flag quilt, America For Me, by Brannock and Patek, was a wedding gift from the staff 26 years ago.

A gift in the mail

Changing out the quilts includes one of my very favorites by McKenna Ryan, the Farm Quilt. It took me an entire summer to make this but it was worth it – I love it!

March Madness – in case you missed it last week.
The yard is a brilliant green!
It’s that time of year again! Helicopters!
Keeper
Pamela’s Lucy and Penny
Becky painted this birthday card for Rick and I recently found the frame for $.50 at the thrift store.
Fluffybun fights with Heidi at every opportunity and at Heidi’s old age it’s not fair to her. I would love to find a home for Flyffybun! Please – can anybody take her?

Whew! This is a looonnng post – about lots of things today rather than nothing! If I forgot your quilt please send me an email. This is what happens when I don’t post for awhile and things pile up in my inbox.

Do you have plans for the Memorial Day weekend?

91 thoughts on “Life Goes On, 5-26-23

  1. Frances E

    I’m so sorry for you and Pudge. So sad. Loved the picture of Armando and Telly. You can he is Telly’s old love.

    Reply
  2. Carmen

    So many helicopters this year! When my husband mowed the other day, the yard was almost immediately covered in them again.

    Reply
  3. Myrna L Eisenlauer

    The first quilt – Beamers mom – do you know the name of the pattern? I love the complex simplicity.

    Reply
    1. Beamer's Mom

      Thank you Myrna. The quilt pattern is called Write on White. I used her fabric line too called Filigree. So fun to do. Simple and fast. I added the black border instead of the white border on the pattern. The black fabric is also from the same line.

      Reply
      1. Mary Etherington Post author

        Beamer’s Mom – I want to know where you shop to find all this great fabric!!

        Reply
  4. Teresa from Port Coquitlam, BC

    Great post today Mary. Can you tell me what bird lays those beautiful eggs.

    Reply
  5. Chris

    We are having a neighborhood picnic! Just bring a dish to pass and whatever you want to drink. We supply the burgers, hotdogs and buns. It’s a regular “thing” during the summer in our neighborhood. And, of course, I’ll be sewing. Starting a new quilt with a football theme.

    Reply
  6. Lorraine

    So sorry that you feel that the vet didn’t use the right solution to end Pudge’s life. I just didn’t like the fact that Pudge had to suffer in the end. I have had to put two fur babies down and I would just see them fall asleep forever which is bittersweet. Good idea to look for another vet.
    Love you post today with the nice Patriotic decorations and love the bird’s nest with such beautiful colored eggs. Loved the quilt show. All are so beautiful.
    Hubby and I stay off the roads for this holiday and I hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend.

    Reply
  7. Dianna in Wisconsin

    Im so sorry to hear about the loss of Pudge. You will always have wonderful memories of your animals. I’m allergic to most animals but I still enjoy my extended families pets. I’m always ready to pet sit when needed.
    Love your patriotic displays.
    Our garden is being planted and I look forward to ripe tomatoes. The best when eaten off the vine standing in the sun!
    I’m quilting a t-shirt quilt on my domestic machine, so far it is going well. I will take my machine out on the porch soon to work on charity quilts.
    Hope you and Rick have a wonderful Memorial weekend.

    Reply
  8. Jan Hebert

    Wow, Mary, your Patriotic decorating is awesome. Your home should be in magazines! I just love the fringed flag draped on the mantel. Where did you ever find a flag like that? It’s beautiful. And the flag quilt on the bed, by Brannock and Patek, beautiful! All of the quilts are beautiful, but the creme de la creme is your farm quilt, oh my, it’s amazing! Becky’s card is touching, and the $10 cross stitch – wow! Supposed to be a nice weekend here, we shall see. We haven’t had any rain in days but would hate to have the weekend spoiled by showers. I wish I lived close enough to come get Fluffybuns! She’s such a pretty kitty! Have you thought about listing her on PetFinder? I believe it’s a reputable source but you would have to check that out. Jan in MA

    Reply
  9. Arrowhead Gramma

    I would agree that perhaps the vet did not use the right dosage. The correct dosage puts them to sleep almost immediately.

    Love your holiday decorations for this Memorial Day weekend. ❤️🤍💙🇺🇸❤️🤍💙

    Reply
  10. Fiona at Ice Bear Quilts

    Hi Mary,
    So sorry to read about Pudge (what a great name!), but you know she had a long and happy life with you and has joined her pals over the rainbow bridge.
    In the Netherlands this coming Monday is a holiday because of Pentecost (both Sunday and Monday are official holidays). In the past there were lots of local festivities and spring-related ceremonies at Pentecost, many of which focussed on dancing around beribboned poles, young people getting engaged to be married and that sort of thing. Bizarrely enough these days the Monday is also associated with buying new furniture, and many furniture shops are open and have special deals. No one has ever been able to explain to me how that started! But in May Dutch employees get, in addition to their regular salary, also their ‘vacation money’ an amount roughly equivalent to an extra month’s wages that their employer has reserved for each employee that gets paid out once a year so that people have extra money to pay for a summer holiday. I suspect that the furniture shops realised that at the end of May everyone has a bit more money in hand, and that they might be able to be persuaded to purchase a big-ticket item like furniture with it.
    I have never been shopping on Pentecost Monday: usually the weather is fantastic and I’d much rather be working in the garden, or sewing of it rains! Have a good weekend!

    Reply
    1. Carolyn Rector

      Love your description of life in the Netherlads. What a huge gift, vacation bonus. I have been to the Netherlands once. Fabulous trip full of very friendly people. God bless you for keeping the Pentecost holy.

      Reply
    2. Mary Etherington Post author

      Fiona – this is so interesting!!! I can’t imagine an employer in the US giving an extra month’s wages. So impressive and retailers would be thrilled!Think of all those prospective couch sales!

      Reply
  11. Carolyn Rector

    I am so sorry about your loss. My Buster is 9 and jumps up excited when he knows we’re going for a walk. I dread the day I will have to say good bye. You are a marvelous woman for loving all your animals so much.
    I love Sue McGinn’s boat quilt!
    Carolyn in Ohio, a widow who moved her granddaughter and her dog, Buster, into my home

    Reply
    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Carolyn – oh, what a gracious thing to do – move in a granddaughter with a dog no less!

      Reply
  12. Gloria B. - IL

    That was a great post and comments.

    Mary, I’m sorry for your loss. The longer are animals are with us the harder it gets to lose them. I imagine heaven with all our animals getting together, enjoying each other and talking about us – maybe even like the painting of the dogs playing poker. I have that framed in my sewing room. Weird, I know.

    Reader quilts and your patriotic decorating were inspiring.

    Fiona, thanks for sharing what your holiday weekend is like – with some extra cash in pocket you can kick it up a little.

    Reply
  13. Tina W in Oregon

    This post is absolutely amazing! Decorating with red, white and blue is my favorite. I ordered the flag quilt pattern this morning. Have always wanted to make one. Those bird eggs are such a beautiful color! Are they robins eggs? It was difficult to read about Pudge. Hope you can find a new vet now – before you need one. I just can’t imagine they’ve stopped making home/farm calls. Loved all the quilts today! I need to get busy!!

    Reply
  14. Diane in Colorado

    You have inspired me to get out my patriotic decorations, even if just for this weekend (packing and staging means I will have to pack them up again soon. I always love seeing your pictures each year!!

    Sounds like it really may be time for a new vet. Mine is retiring but thankfully I do like the person who is taking over the practice. A vet is an important part of the team when you have animals!!

    So many lovely quilts!! I am missing sewing these days. My machine is cleaned and tuned and ready for me when I get moved, so that gives me hope!

    Have a lovely Memorial Day weekend!! Your grass is fabulously green right now!

    Reply
    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Diane – if you’re downsizing, what are you doing with all the stuff you arent taking with you? Did you have a sale? Oh, just unpack one patriotic quilt! You can just throw it in your car when you go. Is Tuesday moving day?

      Reply
      1. Diane in Colorado

        Oh, the purging that is going on here at my current house! I have a hard time tossing things so always try to find a new home for things I’m getting rid of. For instance, I saved a rather large stash of magazines over the last 10 years, thinking I would use them for vision boards and collages with clients or retreat participants (Military Mom retreats I co-facilitated in Montana for several years). Well guess what? I haven’t used a single one and they are heavy. So I offered them to another therapist who had mentioned that she needed magazines for similar purposes and she was tickled to get them. If I can get it sorted, I will donate some excess fabric to the quilters at church. Children’s books I no longer want to keep with go to a friend and her daughter, both early childhood teachers. Another therapist will get my play sand and some of my play therapy toys/games. I’m just trying to be really honest with myself about what I’m actually using or may use in the future. My Mom’s voice rings through my head often–“Don’t get rid of anything you may want later!!” I always donate old towels and sheets to the Humane Society of the breeder I got the dogs from–they use it for bedding when someone “forgets” to bring their dog’s bed when they drop them off–gives them something soft and warm to nest in.

        I have not had a sale. My neighborhood restricts garage sales to twice a year on designated weekends. I’ve sold some collectables on eBay over the years. I’ve still got several active listings so I just packed all of those items together in one box so I could access it if something sells during this process.

        Moving Day is not scheduled yet. The owners of the new house are in Reno this week, trying to find their next home. They did not want to schedule closing until they knew they had a home to go to. My house will go on the market as soon as we tie down a closing on where I’m going. I unpacked Uncle Sam and a couple of my red/white/blue quilts so I can enjoy them. Easy enough to tuck them away for showings!

        Reply
        1. Mary Etherington Post author

          Diane – oh, I don’t envy you! You’re right tho, you need to lighten your load and it sounds like you’ve found people who can use your things. Wish I were there to help!

          Reply
  15. Charlotte

    Mary, thank you for this wonderful post. Wishing you and your family a wonderful and Patriotic Memorial Day weekend!

    Reply
  16. Helen

    I too loved this post! So much inspiration and comfort. I have a wren’s nest in a hanging plant on the porch with 4 babies in it. I do hope mom can get them out of the porch when it’s time to go. Thanks for al you share. Always enriches my day! God bless!

    Reply
  17. Sherri Huff

    Mary, your patriotic decorations look fabulous! Loved the quilt show today, and would like to know the the Sail Boat pattern that Sue shared. It’s so sweet in red, white and blue!
    Wishing all a blessed and safe Memorial Day weekend.

    Reply
  18. Jan Shaffer

    We’re going to the Twins game tonight and bringing the Ukrainian family. I sent them a YouTube of Take Me Out to the Ballgame so they could learn a song that almost every American knows!

    Reply
    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Jan – “ buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks” – how fun!!!! Take me out to the ballgame with you!! I hope they catch on to our All American baseball song – that was a good idea, Jan!

      Reply
  19. Jo in Wyoming

    Mary, thank you for sharing the trauma Pudge had. Troubles are less burdensome when shared.
    The rest of your post was wonderful. The quilt show, bird nest, Telly and her old friend. Your decorations, and the advice of finding a vet that makes house calls when before needed.
    I am in charge of the outside and inside now and I’ll tell you…my rear end is feeling the gardening I did yesterday! Wowzers, I am a farmers market shopper for a reason.
    Everyone, have a great long weekend.

    Reply
  20. Sue in Marion, IN

    Your farm looks so inviting! Easy for me to say when I don’t have to do the work😜. I’m so sorry about Pudge. It’s already hard to put an animal down and that was traumatic. At the end of January I had to take my sister’s 20-year-old kitty to be put to sleep after he had a stroke. My vet couldn’t work him in and I was frantic. It was a Friday and he couldn’t move, eat, or drink. Finally got another vet who said to bring him in…they were so kind. I just hate losing animals. If I was closer I’d take Honeybun in a heartbeat!

    Reply
  21. Sandra Goddard

    No set plans for the holiday weekend. Mary you have such a big heart it is a pleasure to call you a cyber friend.

    Reply
  22. Dorothy in chicago

    I’m a little behind and had to catch up today on reading your posts, wow that little Hazel is a ball of energy. If only she could pass some of that energy around!!! Love the birds nest egg colors. Isn’t nature wonderful?!

    Reply
  23. Betty Klosterman

    Fluffybun has fur just like my cat, except mine was calico. Your sister, Becky, has a great artistic talent. What a beautiful card. Did she sign the drawing? The beautiful robin nest. I found a piece of a robin egg shell and it went into a cup. The nests just give me goose bumps. How did the birds manage to do that without computers?
    Sherry, do you use up all your strips? That wonderful green grass. Makes me want to go barefoot in it and wiggle my toes. Do you remember the name of the small chicken quilt next to the door?

    Everything has a season, etc is something to remember. I have some strange thoughts. Like, what a mess we’d have it nothing ever died….. An over active imagination!!

    In the meantime, everybody, have a nice Memorial Day weekend. And take care.
    Betty in Rapid City

    Reply
    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Betty – the chicken quilt is by Country Threads – 2 sizes. Can’t think of the name right now but it will come to me.

      Reply
      1. Erin

        I just adore all your photos! That “Chicken Gumbo” quilt is so perfect for the farm! Thank you for sharing, but you “forced” me to buy that pattern. Ha!
        Thanks for your post and all the great pictures.

        Reply
        1. Mary Etherington Post author

          Erin- I see you purchased the pattern – block is given in two sizes in your pattern

          Reply
    2. Sherry Whalen

      Hi Betty – Oh heavens no! I still have plenty of strings left lol. These 2 string quilts are flannel, and mostly scraps from other people, I seem to be the scrap fabric ‘clearinghouse’, which is fine with me – I love using it all. I sewed all of the strings onto phonebook pages precut to the size I wanted starting with the largest and using the sizes strings that fit the best. Then I trimmed the width, pulled the paper and sewed them end to end. I used stash flannel, and ‘frankenbatting’. I thought at least the stash flannel pile would be smaller, but it doesn’t seem to be!

      Reply
  24. Kathy in western NY

    It broke my heart to read about Pudgie and know what you both suffered. I know you will start looking now for another one as this was unacceptable for a vet who should show more knowledge. I know many areas are short on vets.
    You are a very good mom to all your pets. I loved seeing Telly with Armando every time he visits. Thanks for sharing as Telly loves you but never forgets who gave him a good life before giving him to you.
    Gosh Becky is talented with her pictures. Very cute. Love the quilts and such variety with scrappy and planned. I am working on March Madness matching charm squares up and it’s addicting!
    Our town provides free mulch for a couple weeks that they truck in, so I am watching people with all sorts of buckets and containers shoveling in mulch to take home to use on gardens. It’s entertaining with vehicles in and out across the street from me while they load it up. I always have something to watch while I sew.

    Reply
    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Kathy – free mulch! But oh so much work to load it up and then unload it at home and then get it on the flower beds!! Next week I’m going to visit a couple vet offices in person.

      Reply
  25. Marie C

    Great post today. Love all the pictures. The framed flag pictures are very pretty. I have the McKenna Ryan patterns for the quilt you showed. It makes me want to start it. You are smart to look for a vet before you need them. We have large animals so it is extra hard to find them. Ours is 45 minutes away. They either come to the farm or we can take them there. They have a limited small animal service. Often times I can send a picture of what is wrong and get my cat or dog taken care of that way. It is the way to do it. No stress on them.

    Reply
    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Marie -what kind of large animals do you have? Sending a picture is a great idea!

      Reply
      1. Marie C

        We have beef cows and two horses. The calves are really cute right now. I’ll take some pictures and send some to you. The calves had lots of fun running today because they were turned into a new pasture today. We do a version of intensive grazing. The cows/calves are moved to a different pasture every 3-4 days. It helps the grass recover some.

        Reply
        1. Mary Etherington Post author

          Marie – interesting! Do you ride the horses? Oh, I can just see those little calves bouncing around the pasture – aren’t all baby animals just the cutest things?

          Reply
          1. Marie C

            I no longer ride. I have a bad back, no doubt probably in part to falling off horses all my life. Both horses are older. My husband says we have assisted living for horses.

          2. Mary Etherington Post author

            Marie – I think I have assisted living around here, too! Haha! I grew up with horses – my whole childhood revolved around them. We spent every Saturday at the horse sale at a sale barn about an hour away.

  26. Sandy McPherson

    Hi Mary, off to quilt meeting this afternoon, another couple of bags of fabric going, down to one suit case of fabric to get rid of now! They use fabric for charity quilts, l made the quilt you showed with odd blocks given to me. Bella is asleep on the bed wrapped in my duvet, a very spoilt dog! Started making a new quilt, handy Andy block to use all the HST found in the great move and tidy up, will be interesting to see how it goes. Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy

    Reply
    1. Diane in Maryland

      I loved seeing your quilt too, Sandy. Very bright and cheerful! We have noticed that granddaughter Ashley uses the phrase “tidy up” a lot since she lives in New Zealand. We use “cleaning house” here in Md. I like tidy up best!

      Reply
  27. Sherrill

    Ooo, I love all of your patriotic decorating and that FLAG QUILT! GORGEOUS! The beautiful cross-stitched eagle, stunning, and that t-shirt! HAHA Lots of great stuff in this post. The green grass–WOW!

    Reply
  28. Margie Braaksma

    I work at a greenhouse in Sibley Iowa and we are celebrating our 100th year this year. It was in the same family, Echters, for about 95 of those years.
    We currently have a robin with her 4 beautiful blue eggs in one of the corners above the vinca vine. Two have hatched as of today!

    Reply
    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Margie – I checked today and Mama Robin was on the nest. Aren’t those eggs the most beautiful shade of blue? I’d love to visit your geeenhouse!!!

      Reply
  29. Pamela Dempsey

    Poor, sweet Pudge💔. Yes, definitely use a different vet next time. I have the McKenna Ryan life on the farm pattern and hope to make it someday. It’s so sweet. I plan on working on spreading mulch in the morning, yawn 🥱 but it needs to be done. It’s an area beside the driveway and front walk. The previous owners put down red mulch and a river rock little trail through it. I only have my blue bottle tree there so far for protection from evil spirits, so it claims 🤣. So mainly yard work and some sewing for the weekend. Love all your patriotic decor 🥰

    Reply
  30. Pat in Michigan

    Such a wonderful connection with other quilters and people with similar interest. I love reading your blog and all the reader comments.
    Becky’s card for Rick is so precious. It says it all without a word! The quilts are all so beautiful and I enjoyed all your patriotic decorating. Your flag is fabulous draped over the mantle.
    Happy Memorial Day everyone, be safe and enjoy each other.

    Reply
  31. Sandy in Eastern Washington

    So sorry about your dear Pudge.. The sense of loss is such a deep sadness.
    After shopping two days ago, I finally planted my 5 flower pots today, two tomato plants, and a hill of zucchini. We don’t have a garden in our small yard, but we do have a perimeter of 96 arborvitae that are well over 12 feet high for privacy.
    I love today’s patriotic deco show and all the quilts, yours and readers. The green of your grass and the blue of the robin’s eggs are beautiful. Becky is truly artistic. Telly and Armando touched my heart. Just from your past and current photos, I can tell she has a gentle soul and a loving spirit.
    Plans for the weekend are a one day road trip with my daughter and two granddaughters to visit the college campus my oldest granddaughter will attend next year. We will be driving over the mighty Columbia River, one of my favorite sights. Also the Indy 500, some NASCAR, and quilting time in my sewing room.
    Thank you for sharing with us.

    Reply
    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Sandy – sounds like a fun trip for the four of you – what school is she attending? All that scenery in your backyard – you’re lucky! What project will you be working on in your sewing room?

      Reply
  32. Sharon G.

    I love the red, white, and blue decorations. Love the quilts.
    The robin eggs are beautiful! There is so much beauty in nature.
    I’m staying close to home the next 3 days.
    I worked in my sewing room this morning and then worked outside this afternoon. Tomorrow I’m working outside Again.
    Have a good Memorial Day weekend, all!

    Reply
  33. Carolyn Boutilier

    Hello Mary, When we were young with our boys we always camped Memorial Day weekend. Now we are just old folks and happy to stay home. However this weekend our granddaughter is getting married. I have made her a quilt. Hope to send you a picture of the bride and groom with the quilt.
    Enjoyed the pictures you shared.
    Carolyn b Shenandoah Valley Va

    Reply
    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Carolyn – Happy Wedding weekend!!! I hope it’s lovely warm weather there and we all can’t wait to see the quilt.

      Reply
  34. Jeanie S, Central IL

    Your patriotic decor is beautiful, Mary; what lovely treasures. The picture of Telly and Armando is super sweet, as is Rick’s card from Becky. The readers’ quilts are wonderful and inspiring!
    Thanks so much! 🥰

    Reply
  35. Linda in MI

    Thank you for brightening my morning! Seeing Keeper and those big ears sticking out of the hollow tree made me laugh. All of your photos are wonderful.

    Good luck on finding a vet. My son in Durham North Carolina is fortunate that they have mobile emergency vets who do only that and they used the service when their big dog rapidly went downhill with cancer. It was much more comfortable for all of them to have her euthanized at home. They also have mobile cremation services and were fortunate enough to have them available to wait until Sammie passed to then gently take her away. I wish we had both services here in Saginaw.

    For an update on my grandson, I don’t remember if I mentioned before that they sent him home for the weekend. He was miserable in the hospital and still is very uncomfortable, but being home is good for his mental being. He called the mom of the young man who lost his life and she was so loving and kind. She asked that he come to the funeral home if possible because that is what her son would want. He went and she hugged him and told him she loved him and it was an accident and no ones fault. She wants him to attend the funeral which will be good for both of them. He was also greeted and loved by a lot of friends that were so glad to see him out of the hospital. He goes back in next Thursday to have the facial bones reconstructed and then will have his jaws wired shut for 4-6 weeks. He can only have pureed foods because of the breaks in the jaw and surrounding structure but he said that’s better than hospital food. He can’t put any weight on his right leg so he has one of my husband’s walkers and my crutches.

    Of course this tragedy isn’t over, the State Police are investigating the accident and because all the boys were minors and there was alcohol involved it will take some time to reconstruct what happened. None of the three boys remember the accident which may be a good thing.

    Thank you again for your prayers and consideration. Enjoy your holiday weekend and hug your loved ones!

    Reply
    1. Diane in Maryland

      Linda, I have grateful tears that the mom of the boy who lost his life is a forgiving and loving person. It was an accident and no one’s fault. Her kindness will help your grandson heal emotionally. I will continue to keep you all in prayer. God bless.
      🙏

      Reply
    2. Mary Etherington Post author

      Linda – what a kind mom – she will never get over this. Didn’t you say her boy was an only child? I cannot fathom her heartache. I’m so happy your grandson is home – this will be a long 6 weeks of puréed food, won’t it? How has he even managed eating the awful hospital food with a broken jaw – I don’t understand! And now the sad details are coming – alcohol involved and they’re all minors. Oh, gosh! Kids take chances that they shouldn’t – they think they’re “bulletproof” and then something horrible like this happens. We are all so very sorry for your family – and if you’d rather not share all the details here feel free to email any time. I do know I have the best bunch of readers – they are honestly concerned and could be in your shoes themselves.

      Reply
    3. Betty Klosterman

      I’m sure it would amaze you to know exactly how many people have shed tears for you, your grandson and all the families and friends involved. You are in our hearts. Recovery will take awhile and your grandson may not remember, but now he has to survive the pain of recovery, both physically and mentally. Neither an easy task. Take each day as it comes.
      Betty in Rapid City

      Reply
  36. Vicki Ibarra

    I always enjoy the reader quilts with the variety of colors and design. In this day’s posting, the tiny flags on the boat quilt bring a smile to my face and the deep rich red of the Christmas morning quilt is so striking. Love the bird nest with eggs. Several years ago, a robin made a nest in my grapevine wreath outside our front door. Eggs were laid, chicks hatched, and they grew to eventually flew away. During that time, we tried to not use our front door so as to not disturb the birds. It was a bit of a pain, but worth it because we could watch the family grow from our dining room window. Mary, your display of patriotic quilts makes me realize I need to swap out some of my quilts to celebrate the red, white, and blue as well. I love your Farm Quilt, but would never have the patience for all that applique. It is a work of art!

    Reply
    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Vicki – about the farm quilt and appliqué – it was all done with fusible and not stitched around. The quilting holds it all down although some pieces are curling on the edges and needing a bit of glue. The designer free hand quilted around each applique which I am not capable of doing!! I love the quilt and only hang it in the summer.

      Reply
  37. Judy - Michigan

    Going to the Ark Encounter and Mammoth Cave National Park both in Kentucky! Have a wonderful Memorial Day. God Bless America!

    Reply
    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Judy – I don’t usually want to visit much but the Ark is at the top of my list!! I’m jealous of your trip.

      Reply
  38. Arliene Zeigler

    I absolutely love reading about your life on the farm! Thank you so much for all your time and effort!

    Reply
  39. Jackie in NY

    Hi Mary – so much interesting info in todays post! I love the story about Telly. The quilts and your patriotic decor are great!

    Reply
  40. Sherry Whalen

    We started our weekend yesterday I guess — after a few weeks of ‘basement demo’ we are done removing the 900 square feet of chairs, bed, couch, books, stored items, fireplace, etc, the wood trim is off and salvaged, the shower and sheetrock is off and discarded, insulation salvaged, 2×6 walls salvaged. We are done until the last week of June (we were able to move it up from October) when they will come to install the sump pump and water mitigation. We will have to move the last stuff out. We are pretty happy that it went much better than anticipated and we will be able to reuse almost everything when it comes time to rebuild!

    But anyway – we decided to take a road trip (before the weekend traffic) over to Winona and up the river to Read’s Landing for lunch. It was a beautiful day! We stopped in Lake City and watched a few of the boats get put into the water, with the lovely weather I am sure a lot of people will want to be out on the water.

    Today will be some lawn and garden work I think.

    Tomorrow we are going to Ft. Snelling cemetery with Jeff, Mary(son and DIL) and 2 grand kids to place flags at the graves of veterans. What a privilege, remembrance, and reminder of why we have this 3 day weekend.

    Reply
  41. Kim

    Thanks for this post, such a treat. I love this time of year when yard and garden are looking fresh and green. Have you considered putting fruit netting over your front garden to keep the helicopters out? It’s the rolls of netting used to keep birds off ripening strawberry plants.

    Reply
  42. Diane in WI

    I am so sorry to hear about Pudge. The quilts are wonderful. I have always loved the robin’s blue eggs. It is a perfect color. Four of us from our guild took a wool qpplique class from Lisa Bongean from Primitive Gatherings. We learned some useful tips. She also did a trunk show of some of her antique quilts and the versions she has made. I believe one of the quilts was from the 1700″s. I am having a quiet weekend. I have to finish getting my garden planted. Have a good weekend.

    Reply
  43. Susan K in Texas

    My son has a robins nest above his side door light. She comes back every year for the past 3-4 years. He enjoys watching the babies from eggs to fledglings. They grow so fast!
    The quilts are beautiful today. I especially like the red and white one. That’s a lot of triangles.
    McKenna Ryan does some beautiful designs. I love the farm quilt. Your quilt decorating is great – lots of neat quilts out on display.
    And dogs and cats! Telly and Armando have a wonderful bond. It’s sad that Fluffybuns is picking on Heidi. I hope you find someone to take her.

    Reply

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