We all know Jeanine from SE Iowa – her daughter had a double mastectomy in April followed by chemo and then she had to have a root canal last week! Poor thing! Her husband also has cancer. As a pastor with an uncertain future he gave up his church recently – his last day will be June 28.
Kelley & Rhonda
Mary,
I checked with Rhonda and she is okay with receiving cards. She is still in a lot of pain today. She is retaining fluid and she said that is the worst pain. She thought her tooth was maybe a little better today. I asked her about a picture, and she said they are bad about that.
Jeanine
Kelley and Rhonda Lovelace met in college in the 90’s, and after they were married and graduated from college, Kelley was a youth pastor in Kansas for 13 years. They worked together as a team and loved working with youth. They felt called to the pastorate and have pastored two churches in the past 19 years, first in Spearfish, South Dakota, and now in Oakes, North Dakota.
Kelley loves everything outdoors. Rhonda loves animals. They live on an acreage in ND and she has had goats and chickens for many years, but did sell her goats last fall and got rid of all her chickens. She misses them, but it has been a blessing since they found out they both had cancer. Kelley was diagnosed in October of last year, and Rhonda in January of this year. They have 4 grown children, three of them married and their youngest just finished his first year of college. They also have four grandsons and one granddaughter.
This has been a difficult journey, but they have strong faith in God and are trusting Him for their future.
Kelley and Rhonda Lovelace
Jeanine has left comments about her daughter and son in law but now they’re hundreds of comments back – so Jeanine, please feel free to add more details. Thank you.
This couple could use our support and prayers and a cheerful card would go a long way, don’t you agree? Both have cancer – neither can lean on the other really so it must be a comfort to Jeanine to know she and her husband will be able to help them through this.
Reader photos
From the farm
Still blood on Hazel’s chin – she got a good bath last night but at 3:30 am I heard her bark OUTSIDE the house!!!! She got thru the cat door in the mud room when she heard what was probably a young raccoon in the bird feeder at the back of the house. I raced downstairs hearing some snarling and growling outside but she came to me – I’m betting the raccoon went up the closest tree so she was willing to come to the house. Maybe she got blood from her biting the other animal? I cleaned her up as best I could and she and I went back to bed. I can’t see any wounds on her chin. Yikes.
Remember – like I’ve always said, you just can’t make this stuff up!
Cynthia – thank you for all the pictures of Mortie – I will put them in her photo album! 🙂
I really had a good day today – I love it when I get lots done. What’s everybody busy with these days?
I made this quilt years ago and sold it at our big sale – if the owner is reading this blog, are you enjoying the quilt? I hope so – it’s one I really wish I had kept – I actually did appliqué work years ago and should try it again. I think with all my outside work I have lost my sewing mojo, too.
My card will go in the mail, what a hard year they are enduring together. Love all the update pictures of the cats & dogs. We are seeing some wildflowers coming up and hope it continues. Our bird feeders are up and we have birds coming on a regular basis. Love having the orioles and cardinals. Wish the squirrels would go away…..had a fox in our back yard checking out the squirrels. We enjoy sitting outside as evening comes and watching all the action.
Kim – those squirrels are eating me out of house and home! I bought a baffle for my pole and I cut the hole too big so it’s not so effective. But it does help – makes it harder to climb the pole. Hope all your wildflowers come up!!
What am I doing? Today I’ll be recovering from having my daughter “help” me with housework yesterday. She is full of energy and LOVES to clean. She comes over to make my life easier, but actually I can’t just sit there and watch her work, so I get sucked into her cyclonic energy and work right along with her. Then, when we’re finished, I’m probably more tired than if I’d done the work myself. LOL. She’s a love, though, and gets so excited about everything beling clean.
I have a Singer Featherweight that belonged to my husband’s grandmother and a Singer “99” that he bought at a thrift shop for $15 a couple decades ago. I never heard of a “301,” so I’ll be investigating that today. Today will also be a good day to make some greeting cards to have on hand for card showers and summer birthdays. In the sewing room, I’m just finishing up a quilt top I made from the last of my mother-in-law’s fabric scraps AND working on some Swedish Death Cleaning in there, as well.
Hope Hazel is okay. She is almost too feisty for her own good. The baby goats are so SO pretty, Mary! I’m really enjoying all the pictures of them. ~ Suzanne in Michigan
Suzanne – too bad I don’t LOVE to clean! Im not very fussy as long as it’s picked up. But you should go to Target when she comes to clean so you don’t have to watch. I think I’ll get out one of my Featherweights and use it on something today. Yes, Hazel is a true JRT – 9-1/2 yrs old and still acts like terrorist!
Hazel, the Terrorist, LOL. That’s a good one, Mary. And I’ll try your Target suggestion next week.
~ Suzanne
I love the pictures of Mortie and Gracie, so cute. The quilts and other projects are great!
Thanks so much, Mary 🥰
My card is ready and I will take it to the P.O. as soon as I am done here.
I started piecing a king size quilt Sunday night for my grandson and his fiancé. They are getting married June 5, 2027. I was intimidated to start it but I think it will be ok. I almost have the first row done.
Love all the pictures today!
Charlotte – any king size quilt intimidates me – I will never make another one – you have all my respect for making this for your grandson!!!
Thank you Mary for all the photos! I love the quilts and of course I love all the animals. Mortie so reminds me of one of my favorite cats I ever had — his name was Gus and he was a sweetheart. You are so right about you can’t make this stuff up — I’m just glad Hazel is ok. Years ago I had a blue heeler — she cornered a possum late one night….. I’m out there with a broom screaming for her to get in the house. Unlike Hazel she didn’t listen…… Ha.
I finished my Christmas quilt today!! Yipee! Felt good to get back into the sewing room. Now to find backing and get it quilted. Also wanted to share that Villa Rosa has a cute pattern that’s a flag table runner — also would make a cute pillow or even placemats. Card in the mail in the morning. Prayers daily.
Lynette – I couldn’t tell you how many possums Hazel has encountered and they just roll over and play dead but she will not give up!! She obviously knows they’re still fair game. She is 9-1/2!!! Won’t she slow down soon?
Hi Mary, love all the pictures today. Especially the patriotic placemats and the swirly table toppers. The apron is great! The pockets are fun.
Glad you got lots done yesterday. What a great feeling. My daughter and I are planting her garden. We are cleaning out flower beds and putting down wood chips also.
I will be sending a card to Jeanine’s family members. Also need to get a thank you card for my aunt. She gifted me her wheelbarrow as she can no longer push it around. Her gardening is minimal now, she’s 86. I’m honored to have it and it will be used!
I really like the appliqué quilt. The colors and pattern are pleasant. Wish you could get it back or make it again.
Take care everyone. 🌻
Card is in the mail! Love all the pictures! Speaking of coons. We have a dish on the deck. Coons come on the deck and poop! Ugh! Anyway, the other night there was a racket out on the deck. The coon or coons were messing with the class dish. Jay said it sounded like a couple of them were playing shuffleboard! 😂
Gracie is definitely giving you the look! Mortie is cute as ever! Poor Hazel getting hurt by a coon! Hope she is ok!
Joy – haha! Shuffleboard! I’d pick that dish up at night – is it for the cats? They’ll have to learn to eat during the day 😊 I do think Hazel is ok – she probably bit the varmint so that’s where the blood came from. Very windy here today – had a pedicure in Algona and now I need to get to work.
Beautiful quilts, flowers and animals to see this AM. Such fun with my first cup of Jo in hand. Your last one that you appliqued is so pretty. I hope you take it up again.
The story of Kelley and Rhonda is so sad. I hope Rhonda is feeling better by now. It must be so very hard when both are ill at the same time. God bless them.
I have been doing yard work, too. The weeds really got ahead of us this year and neither of us can get down to the earth on our knees, so we invent ways to get at them. I wish we could hire a young person to weed, but just try and find one. Ha When I am out side working, I dream of being in my sewing room, sewing. When I am in my sewing room, sewing, I dream of being outside gardening. What is wrong with me???lol
Sue – Rhonda is still in much pain and cannot sleep well at night. We keep praying the pain will subside. She is retaining a lot of fluid, because of all the lymph nodes they removed, and that is very painful. I haven’t talked to her yet today but will when I get home from sewing with my friends at church this afternoon. Thanks for all the prayers and concern for them. Kelley is doing okay, but just very tired. He has his last monthly treatment yet this June, then goes to bimonthly treatments. Rhonda has just had one chemo treatment so has a long road ahead of her. I hope it improves after the next treatment.
Jeanine – thank you for letting us know that Rhonda needs all our prayers just to hope the pain lets up. I do hope they can eventually move by you. Please continue to keep us updated when you can.
Sue – the same thing is wrong with me! And I always think the dogs are bored so I need to entertain them – I don’t but they’re always on my mind. Sigh
I plan to get a note out to Kelley and Rhonda. The suffering they are going through is difficult but better days lay ahead. They can and will beat this.
Always love your photos. Gracie was giving you “the look” Mary! Like she was saying “Human, don’t bother me.”
I had a walk-in shower put in yesterday. So from 8 to 2, I was just hanging out. They left the place spotless! I worked on readying some applique’. I did mail my grandson’s graduation quilt before they PO closed at 2:30. Then I quilted a small quilt to within 12″ from bottom. The batting was short as I had used two pieces left over stuff. So batting tape comes out today along with portable iron so I can finish that one up. Too tired last evening to attempt it. I had plans for the evening sewing but I ended up with a daughter giving her emotional support. That stuff always takes priority. Hoping for sewing room time today again. It’s a sew day here at my house but two are on vacation and another two just not into it.
I can’t think of a more deserving couple to send a card to. My heart goes out to them & so glad an address was provided so we can bless them with a card shower! Yesterday morning was spent at the eye institute with Ron. He has Macular & receives shots in his eyes every 6-7 weeks. Not a pleasant thing to do, but his eyes are stabilized & the Dr is very pleased. His next appt is not until Aug, which makes us happy. Next concern is renewing his driver’s license. I’m hoping to get in a bit of time in my sewing room today. Worked on deadheading flowers yesterday. All the rain we had was rough on them. Poor Hazel, I hope she’s okay & didn’t get bit.
Alice – I can’t imagine getting a shot in my eye!!! We need some of your rain. Tell Ron hi!
Mary, even though they numb the eyes it’s still painful. When he first got the diagnosis he wasn’t going to go along with the shots. I finally told him if he didn’t he would lose his sight & that would be the end of his driving….so it was his choice! He made the right choice. I agreed to take him every time he needs to go to the eye institute, it’s just added to my schedule of things to do. Best medicine is having Boots curl up on his lap! This little dog absolutely adores him. Ron keeps tiny dog bones in his jeans pocket for all dogs & they know where the treats are!!
That picture of Gracie is a hoot! She looks like she is warning you not to come one bit closer or she”ll hiss at you…or worse! Love it
The grandchildren are here for the summer during the day, so only activities are kid related. This week they have art camp. Elliott’s art teacher has camp for some of her students. They came out smiling so must have had fun!
I have a baby quilt that needs done by Saturday for a baby shower. It is pinned, just need to quilt it. Not happening today, guild board meeting tonight.
I cleaned up my sewing room last week as I lost a ruler, and my scissors. Always such a good feeling and almost hate to sew and mess it up.
Elliott says hello to Hazel and Leah says hey to the cats. She especially like Gracie as her middle name is Grace!
Sending cards today.
Diana – oh, how fun! Leah Grace!!! Hope you get some time to quilt before the shower – deadlines make me nervous.
Going to my sewing group today, I have missed several weeks lately. Has my sewing mojo gone off gallavanting with yours, Mary? I just don’t feel like doing much of anything sewing related and planning on selling my tan and black featherweight machines. I enjoy the 301 better.
We caught our 4th nasty raccoon 🦝 last night! I had a big, beautiful Cherokee Purple tomato stolen over the weekend and I think he did it. Took it home to make some fried green tomatoes! Ggrrrr!
Moe is so sweet, what is her breed? Love the Miss Mortie and Miss Gracie pics 😻. Hugs to all!
Pamela – Moe is a golden doodle – the calmest doodle I have ever known and I wish I didn’t have to give her back to Scott and Sarah – I just love her. Aren’t raccoons just awful? So destructive!! I can hear them chattering in the grove in the summer when my window is open so I know they’re always around. Hi to the girls!
Pamela – I forgot to ask why you’re selling your Featherweights? I also have two – I used to take one on the plane when we traveled – it fit under the seat!
Since I got my Singer 301 a few months ago I have really been enjoying it and the extra space. It makes a beautiful stitch too. I also have a Janome but enjoy the 301 more. Anyway, I don’t need to keep them too, want to downsize. I’m going to see what the Featherweight shop will give me.
Miss Moe is a treasure! 😻🥰❤️
Pamela – I just think they’re cute!
I have my mom’s 301 that she bought when I was born in the 1950’s. She made hundreds of garments, curtains, pillows and one quilt on it. It is a workhorse. I have repaired a tear in a tent and a leather belt with it. Most recently made a t shirt quilt on it One of my most prized possessions – think of my mom every time I sew on it. I still keep and use my free arm Featherweight 222K also.
Yes, the 301 is a powerhouse! Mine is a tan and oyster white 2 tone from 1956. I took a chance getting her off eBay but she’s in great shape. 😻
Pam….I love my 301 as well…named Jackson as I bought him from. A gal in Jackson, Miss. Have a 201 too, but love my 301…beautiful stitch!! DIANE
I haven’t settled on a name for mine yet 🥰! I think it can sew anything 😻
My mojo is opposite of yours. I want to be in my sewing room so I lost my outside mojo. I was amazed it took me so long to get my flower beds and yard cleaned up this year. I had to force myself to work outside this spring. Yard work was something I used to enjoy. My granddaughter is home from college and spent a couple of days with me last week. She helped me put down some mulch and offered to mow my yard. I haven’t washed my windows yet. My granddaughter said she will help me and I’m going to take her up on the offer. I told her I just give the windows a good eye roll and go to my sewing room.
Love and prayers are sent for Kelley and Rhonda. (I’ll send a card too.)
Sheryl – my yard is looking great but I’m almost ready to turn on the irrigation – getting very dry. Get this – I ordered another copy of Yellow Brick Road because I can’t find mine – I thought maybe that would get my sewing mojo back – I spend LOTS of time with the little goats and chickens! They won’t be little long.
Baby animals grow quickly. Enjoy them! I have been making 2 sets of monthly door hangers, one for me and one for my granddaughter. That and binding the last 2 of 9 quilt tops is keeping me motivated inside and not wanting to go outside. Also I blame the crazy weather this spring…hot, cold, wet, crazy windy.
I’m working on a baby quilt , today going to the dog park, and working in the garden. I’m with Sandy, I need to clean up my sewing room and get rid of some stuff, the Swedish death cleaning. I’ll get a card out to Kelly and Rohonda
Deb – I just ran across my Swedish Death Cleaning book and thought I really should do that, too. Do I know your dogs? Can’t remember – what kind? Names? Picture? I’m always leery of dog parks. Not that I need to go to one but do the dogs all get along????
I’ll get a card out today.
Mortie is such a cutie.
Hi Mary, l hope Hazel is ok! Started looking through sewing boxes to get rid of things l will never use and found some mickey mouse blocks made 30 years ago! I think they will make a small baby quilt! My wedding dress,a purple velvet kaftan is going to the charity shop,more Swedish death cleaning. Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy