Truly, nothing happened today. I sewed, did some laundry, did the chores, quilted two small quilts and went to choir practice.
I just can’t keep from thinking about you, Jo, and the quilting program at the jail. The girls had their supplies and tools for a long time – why take them away now?
When I checked the barn late tonite Tim was back for a meal. I always make sure he gets a full can of food so he’ll come back.
Cold and windy day – no fun.
Reader photos
Like others have said, I’m sorry to hear of the end of Jo’s program at the jail in Wyoming. One wonders why there was opposition to it.
The pictures are all wonderful today. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished star quilt. I like all the display pictures, the modern quilt and birds, the pots and animals, and the blue pottery. The mask quilt is interesting. I do remember making the masks and have used mask scraps in multiple projects since.
In regarding to the books sharing a few days ago, I like anything by Colleen Coble. Our library has them shelved in the Inspirational section; I would classify them as mysteries with romance. There is enough suspense it make it hard to put them down.
In SW Ohio, we’re having a few warmer days today through Saturday, before the extra cold temps next week. Today has been very much a winter gray day. The chili is cooking and the cornbread is out of the oven. It will make a great winter meal.
As far as sewing, I’m working on a paper piecing project on foundation that doesn’t need removed. It’s a Linda Hahn New York Beauty design.
Beryl – ooh, I love New York Beauty! I did. Small one years ago – can’t wait to see yours and I’ll look into your author.
Mary, I read Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble and enjoyed it a lot.
There is something so therapeutic about making something with your own hands, whether it is baking a cake, knitting a hat, sewing a dress, patching clothes, making sawdust and toys, etc, making a quilt — so much. It gives a person, whether rich or poor, a feeling of pride to do something to keep the world straight on it’s axis. The ‘important people” make all the news, but the little people keep us going.
The jail ladies have lost such a small thing that makes them feel good about themselves in this world. And Jo, you have lost something so dear to your heart that helps the ladies and teaches them things they never learned growing up. Somebody has no idea what you all have lost. At least you had the wonderful time teaching them while you could. I’m sure the ladies won’t forget either.
In the meantime, the temps are hitting the bottom this weekend. Seems like we always have a spell of this and then things settle down to just winter.
And all the fires in California. Where are all the homeless people going to go? The numbers are unbelievable.
Take care and be thankful for what we have.
Betty in Rapid City
Betty – I ask the same thing all the time – where will all those people in CA go? Even if half of them want to rebuild, there aren’t enough contractors or supplies. Where are they right now? Living with friends and relatives?
What about all the people in North Carolina that are living in tents in bitter cold. Still finding bodies. A dire situation there also.
Dale – I simply can’t imagine how they’re surviving in the cold weather. Are there shelters available? And still more bodies? It is so sad – and so cold. How can they survive in a tent? Do the locals with heat invite them into their homes? Where is FEMA?
Today in our Columbus, Ohio newspaper, a person wrote in telling people from NC and CA to come to Ohio because we don’t have fires, floods, or terrible weather. He has a point, but it would be hard to leave one’s home state. Of course, many of us have and have made great lives so some people might move to more quiet states!
Betty, You stated it so well about what the loss of the program at the jail means for both the jailed women and Jo. Like both you and Mary, I too wonder where will all these ‘newly’ homeless people go in California. Some lost their place of employment, others their homes, and still others lost both. This comes after the major flooding in North Carolina back in the fall. Both are disasters, but how so different.
Is this shutdown of the quilting program an extension of the mindset that shutdown homeeconomics programs from schools ?????
I’m so sorry for you Jo that they cancelled this program. I know programs like this are really good for morale for the prisoners and it makes no sense to cancel. I’m hoping you will get some answers at some point.
Nothing….i laughed when saw that! You are busy all the time! Even my nothing is doing something and I should be doing it!
I am really sorry for Jo! Why would they do that without talking to them about it.
The kids gave me money to do a meal plan with a company like hello fresh or blue apron. Well, we did Hello Fresh. Our first meal was last night. It was very good. Tonight’s is shrimp and rice and sounds kind of spicy. Jay gets into the process and studies the recipe too.
Well, I better get something done….or try to at least 😂😂
After clicking on so many interesting things, I come back to the comments. I love seeing all the interesting collections. I don’t know why, but I have some affinity for giraffes and owls. I have some giraffe fabric that I haven’t used yet and a lot of owls fabric. Regarding wandering cats, I have seen several times around my house, a white cat with a black tail and a very noticeable black spot on its right side. It always runs away if I try to approach it. I have not seen it in quite a while until yesterday when I was driving back from the library, which is several miles and across a railroad track from my house. Who knows where they go, but I would love to know!
That makes me so sad and shaking my head about the removal of the prison ladies quilting! I saw a documentary about the Missouri men’s prison quilting program and what a blessing it is for them. They donate quilts to foster children 👏! They haven’t attacked anyone with rotary cutters . They have a purpose now, enjoy planning their creations and giving them away. It’s a great win/win.
I’m glad you are seeing Tim more Mary 😻!
Good morning Mary, In your statement that you did nothing, I noticed that you quilted two small quilts!
Love the quilt using face mask fabric. I have a container with left over face mask fabric. I want to make a quilt using these fabrics. The grandkids will remember the fabrics, right?!
Hi Mary, you asked me to let you know. I made it through my surgery (hysterectomy). What an ordeal at my age (74). 7 holes in my body, I’m purple all over. Thankfully I have a wonderful husband who is taking care of me, couldn’t do it without his support. They told me to walk a lot and chew gum. Ha! Your encouragement helped me. Nurses were great. I’m puttering around in my Hannah Anderson flannel nightshirt, which I found after you talked about your dress. I love it. glad to be back with you guys. Mary those extra little 9 patches will be useful. Cold spell and snow coming this weekend. hearts and hugs to you.
Linda – yay! It’s over and you survived! I know all about holes in your body – ha! You are very lucky to have help around the house which I don’t have and too many bodies that need my attention. You will be so glad you went ahead with the surgery and I hope your recovery goes smoothly.
Linda, I second Mary with Its over! And now you can recover from the ordeal. It is good to see your comment and took the time to let us know it’s behind you. Rest up.
Linda, take it easy and you will heal faster. Don’t over do it, which is so easy to do. Have a wonderful day.
Hi Mary and Bloggers. I usually read the Blog in the morning in my phone, then on the computer so I can click all ads. I bc am very sorry they took away your quilting program, Jo. Those women were leaning and enjoying a new skill. Mary, your star quilt is beautiful! and I love the blue pitchers! I made a Covid quilt and decide it would be historical so I attached some masks, a shirt history of the pandemic, Dr Fauci socks etc. it was fun.
Diane – I didn’t personally make any masks but I just love the idea of a memory quilt using masks. How did we survive that time? I have a children’s book called And They All Stayed Home.
Hi Mary, I will have to look for that book. Sometimes in my HS English classes, I used children’s books as illustrations of what we were reading. They are great resources. Thanks for the tip:)
I love your blog about nothing. Are those stars 6 inch or 8 inch finished?
Thanks
Kathy
Kathryn – the red stars are 6”. Next I have to make blue stars – I will have lots invested in this quilt when I’m done.
I have been reading and enjoying the blog with my morning tea for quite awhile but haven’t been good about posting comments. Resolving to do better! We live on a small farmstead in central Illinois but are so fortunate to spend our winters in Alabama, dividing our time between Gulf Shores and a recreational property in the woods near Selma. I check the weather each morning and just can’t believe how cold it is in the Midwest! I’m a quilter, reader and gardener and enjoy volunteer work and yoga. Hope your temps warm up very soon. Thanks so much for the blog about nothing.
I’m all about rehabilitation when motivation is shown. Our church provides Christmas stockings and personal care products throughout the year to a local women’s shelter and many of those women are working to gain custody back of their children. There are several programs to guide them in the process to become a better parent through choices. Busy hands, happy heart is my motto so showing those inmates how to sew, quilt, repair clothing, is a valuable life skill that would enrich their lives for when they are released. I feel bad for Jo losing that connection to the ladies.
My friend brought a stray male cat to us because he was keeping her own cats away from their food and I offered to take him. We fed him but he was very skittish and ran off. I didn’t see him for several days and I was worried because it got very cold. We always leave food out where the dogs can’t get to it and it had been disappearing but who knows what critter was eating it. Yesterday we saw that cat come out from under the porch when we opened the door. It looklike he had made himself a little cozy spot to sleep in. I was so relieved! He’d probably been staying there all along. My hubby named him Bruno. If we can get him tamed down a little, we’ll have him neutered and maybe he’ll stick around more. Hope so anyway.
Barbara – Bruno is just like Tim! I hope I can get him neutered in time and then he may stick around more. He is the nicest cat and so muscular and his fur is so thick and clean. I might have to visit my neighbors with Tim’s picture to figure out where he goes. I hope he isnt going across the highway!
Hi Mary, they did the same thing at the women’s prison in wellington, when covid arrived, they stopped the programme, eventually all supplies were returned to the quilt guild and sold.l went and saw .conclave this afternoon, a interesting movie about electing a new pope,beautifully filmed! Shopping tomorrow, out of milk and ice-cream, essentials! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
You think like I do…ice cream is an essential!!
I’m so sorry, Jo, that they raided the quilting supplies and canceled the the program. Is there anyway that you can go up the chain of command to get answers. Have you tried to meet with Mayor Collins because it is a city/county jail? Mary, I’m going to tell my niece about iFetch. She has a border collie and she is a high energy dog. It is fun to see reader’s favorite corner in their home.