Bob has been tickled to receive birthday cards from so many of you – he says to say thank you! I, too, am so happy that many of you (72) sent cards – he brought them to me in a box today for me to look at and honestly there are many names I don’t even recognize and so many I do but never hear from anymore. And you wrote notes! He loved the notes and I did, too – I learned lots about many of you as well.
A shout out to Donna Maglinger – your mom is 99-1/2! Can we give her a card shower on her 100th birthday? Will you let me know about 2 weeks prior? I cannot keep track of those pictures and info. Anyone else have a friend or relative with a special birthday?
Molly was here most of the day and the dogs smelled something under the playhouse – sadly they tore apart the siding trim and chewed up the bottom of the door to check it out. You know who was the ringleader. She had mud balls hanging off her chin and belly – as dirty as could be and when she knows I intend to give her a bath, she runs away from me. Grrrrr…..
My hydrangeas along the fence are beginning to leaf out but the grass is too long and too close. If I try to cut it with the mower I’ll cut off the hydrangeas as well as the hollyhocks so a scissors it is. Time consuming doesn’t hardly describe it.
Two punch needle projects from Nancy:
This is my favorite card that Bob received. I had an ex-husband who wore Velcro shoes and when Rick and I got married I said if he ever wore Velcro shoes, I would divorce him!
Thanks again from Bob, Marline, Molly and me! I just knew I could count on many of you to wish him a happy 90th birthday!!!
****************************************************
P.S. and to all 423 who also read the blog when I announced Bob’s birthday and who didn’t send a card, I don’t understand why. It can’t be the money. Is it the time required to get a card, address it, stamp it and mail it? Is there something I’m doing wrong when I ask for cards? Am I offending you in some way? Just help me understand. You enjoy this blog free – I pay all the operating expenses so when I request something as simple as a birthday card, why can’t you send one?
KINDNESS MATTERS
And if you ARE offended please feel free to unsubscribe.
can’t write at this time i fell and broke my index finger am in a cast with no fingers out on my right hand
Beverly – oh, my goodness! I’m so sorry to hear that. Take care and write to me when your cast comes off.
Mary, I also will do better.
I am traveling for four weeks, so it would be difficult to get my act together to purchase and mail a card. And before I left for AQS in Paducah, medical appointments for me, caring/assisting my daughter and her family following her accident/surgery, I sent out 3 birthday cards, one get well, 2 anniversary cards, and Mother Day cards. At my age keeping up with my family and friends is all I can do. Oh, and I still work nearly full-time when I’m home. I “escape” by reading 4 blogs each evening, usually just before bed. I keep thinking someday I’ll send cards to the people you list but that day is not today.
The day I wrote Bob a card was just a bad day. Nothing big, just that kind of day but going thru birthday cards for Bob was good for me. I was laughing and having fun. I know writing Bob’s card probably did more for me then Bob. Thank you Mary and Bob.
I have had birthday cards lost in the mail recently so I apologize if Bob didn’t get one from me. I have a new one in the mailbox for tomorrow and I hope he gets it. I also made one for Michele, I love Hank and Molly!❤️❤️❤️❤️
I have been pretty good about sending cards, but not 100%.
Sometimes when I read about a recipient, and they have such a large family, I think, “Do they really need a card?”
Would love to send cards to recipients that are forgotten. Maybe your local nursing home could suggest a few old, forgotten souls.
Thanks for all you do, Mary.
I’m so glad that Bob got so many cards and that he loved them. I love sending the cards to the people you recommend. I do think that I may have missed a couple over the years.
My dad will be 98 on May 21. I was wondering if we could send him a few cards. He would be so surprised and absolutely love it.
Charlotte – I would LOVE to do a card shower for your dad!! Let’s get on this right now. Send me a picture, mailing address and a little bit about his history, interests, family, etc. Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention and the timing is just right!!
I’ll send it tomorrow. Thank you.
Mary, you would be so missed if you didn’t write your blog! I love to make cards and send them! And if you didn’t make the deadline of a birthday for sending a card, send it anyway! It’s never too late for a greeting in the mail! And, if you are out of cards, send a note on a piece of paper. It doesn’t matter, it’s the thought that counts.
So, did Hazel and crew get the animal under the shed?
Joy – thank you so much for taking the words right out of my mouth. Just how much time does it actually take to address an envelope???
Whatever was under the playhouse got away, I think and hope! They aren’t obsessed today.. whew
I always thought the card requests were just that – a request and not a requirement. I have a lot of personal obligations to ‘in-need’ family members in my life and have made a prayerful commitment to only say yes to the things I can do with no reservation and that I can do cheerfully ‘as onto the Lord’. I would hope that you would understand that everyones situtation is different and to not take offense to those who are not participating.
And certainly – if there are days you don’t feel like writing – Take a Break !
So you thank the few who send cards and criticize those who don’t. Really?
I guess it’s time for me to unsubscribe and move on to on since I usually don’t send cards to any of the people you suggest. I just don’t do it for many reasons but usually it’s because I’m helping or thinking about others. I’ve been grieving since 2023 when I first read your blog. I’ve lost 9 family members and friends since January 2023 and just buried my older sister last week. I’m sure Bob would understand why not everyone who reads your blog didn’t send him a card. You apparently don’t. Everyone’s life is different and are going through something. You of all people should know that.
Lighten up!
Sharon / I have sympathized with you over and over. Please feel free to unsubscribe – or I’ll do it for you.
I have not received back yet the card I mailed to Bob as I realized after I had mailed in the drop box, I hadn’t added the zip code! I looked at it laying on my table and said to myself “ you forgot to put the zip code” but mistakenly I picked it up and put it in the box realizing after what I did wrong. I doubt the zip code would have been added by someone cause I think that’s how the sorters scan the mail. We have every Sunday at our church cards that are put in the offering plates for various people so I’m use to writing out a just because message or a get well or happy greeting on a card.
I could never click to read your blog without reading the comments too. We learn so much from the ones who comment. I get a bit annoyed when people keep asking for a pattern without reading though the comments to usually get an answer. That’s where I bless your heart Mary for providing us a wonderful blog to read mostly every day and say to myself how can others not pay attention to all that goes into the work you do to keep us connected.
Kathy – I hope you read Sharon’s vile comment to me / I’m quite sure your card was in the pile Bob received.
Hi Mary,
It’s spring time and everything is coming to life here in Michigan. I’m over the rain and cold days but I’m sure I have no say in the matter. Just thankful I can get outside and enjoy what I have. My hydrangeas are not budding yet. I’m always unsure what to cut back. Last year they didn’t bloom so….. I don’t know 🤷♀️
Your chicks are growing so fast! Cuties!
What a blessing Bob received 72 cards. Unfortunately I was not in the mix. I hit and miss with sending cards. No one knows what goes on in everyone’s lives. So I’m so glad he received what he did. I’m sure we all show kindness in different ways whether it’s helping a neighbor or donating blood, donations to the food bank (especially now) or just sending a card. A big thank you to everyone who does these things. It means more than we realize. I’m so blessed to be on the giving end instead of the receiving. Have a great day Mary and everyone else that reads the comments!♥️
I thought it was fun to send Bob a card. And I did but I miss some as they come. The pace of life is hectic for so many. Mine sometimes too.
Velcro shoes. My dad would have nothing to do with them. He thought men wearing tennis shoes was silly. They are great for little ones but children should still learn how to tie shoes as it is a skill that we use in life. I had kids that could not learn how to do a square knot in Girl Scouts.
I’m glad to hear that Bob received so many cards. Sometimes it’s the little things that matter. Sounds like he had a great celebration with family and friends.
It surprises me when someone writes that they don’t read the comments on your blog . Without the comments, you’re only getting half the story. They’re so much fun to read.
Connie r – yes! Only half the story is right! What I have to say is just a conversation starter, I think. If nobody talks to me, I’m not going to just yak on and on. That wouldn’t be much fun.
Ugh! I’m guilty, so sorry. I will do it now.
You are a tough ‘ol bird Mary.
Mary,
I am ashamed to say I didn’t get a card off to Bob. Here it sits, as often happens with cards I intend to send. Many are addressed and stamped, but I either forget, or MS makes it impossible to get to the post office or even post box in time. (Yes, mail piles up there. We don’t have house delivery here.) Then I feel so guilty in not getting it there in time, I just throw away the cards. It’s a poor, rotten excuse. I really should invest in card companies, for I have a cabinet full of cards I’ve bought, and I keep buying more. Maybe you should give me a year’s notice about a recipient, and then I’ll get it done!
You’ve inspired me to try to find someone who will both pick up and mail things for me regularly.
I’m so glad Bob did receive so many cards and notes. He sounds like a wonderful guy.
Your card showers reach so many people and are such a blessing.
I’m grateful for your blog, where I can enjoy regular updates on the farm, so many quilts, and others’ lives.
Mary, here is my take on cards. I think Bob’s is the first one I have missed. My husband had another major surgery this week. He has been having trouble walking for a long time. Therefore, I was in charge of his chores as well as my own. I have friends who have incapacitated husbands for all kinds of reasons—Alzheimer’s, war injuries, accidents etc. Many readers take care of grand children or other family members. When I saw Bob had a family who visited , I did not take time to send a card. There are days many of us don’t even get an hour to ourselves so please don’t be mad. Most of us are doing the best we can! I will try to send the next one.
Diane / sounds like you’ve got your hands full – you could still send a card now.
I felt really sad because some how the address vanished & I hated to ask for it again. That’s the first card I haven’t sent. I know how busy you are, so please forgive me, next address I will copy it to my notebook before I leave the page. I love sending cards so much, such a great idea.
Have a wonderful day.
Hugs, Linda
Linda – you can always go backwards to check prior posts
I love sending cards to people who are celebrating or those who need a bit of cheer. Everyone needs to put themselves in the place of the person you share with us, it would be so special to receive a card and especially a little note from someone who also enjoys your blog. Please don’t stop, some people are just not as generous or thoughtful as they should be! I’m glad Bob enjoyed his cards. I only worry about the mail service. The post office has cut back like every other business. Now our mail goes from Saginaw to Detroit to be sorted and posted! Some mail has taken as long as 3 weeks to get to my family down south. We had a beautiful main post office in Saginaw that now only has a front desk, who knows what they did with all the sorting equipment.
Blessings to everyone. Remember, someday you may wish for a card or a sweet sentiment!
Linda – thank you – my sentiments exactly! This upsets me because even some of my closest friends didn’t send a card – I’m tempted to block them from the blog.
Linda – I wonder what will happen when I quit posting daily because I’m too busy – suppose anyone will notice?
I always try to send a card when requested but we have a camper van and travel a lot now but I haven’t missed but one or two times. I mailed Bob’s card after we got home so it was late. I really enjoy sending the cards but to be honest, no one in my family or friends mails any cards anymore; not even Christmas cards. I still read your blog every day but do not read the comments which annoys you, I know. Time is precious. I read other blogs, etc. so I try to limit how much time I spend on the computer. Know that I still love your blog; still try to mail a card to everyone and I will try to comment more often. You are a treasure Mary.
Mary, oh those pups!! Such a good ringleader they have! Hazel is just too smart!! hahaha
I’m so glad Bob was showered with birthday blessings. Quite the achievement reaching 90! Since I started reading your blog, I periodically go to Dollar Tree and get a stash of cards – birthday, get well, hello, blank ones. That way I have one on hand to easily send. Even including postage it’s a minimal cost and the joy it gives someone is priceless.
We are getting some rain here in Florida, FINALLY!, which we badly need. Unfortunately we need much more than we are getting right now. It concerns me that we will have fires this summer if we don’t get more. Concerned also about Colorado – my son lives there and says they are at drought levels also. They certainly don’t need fires there either.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Velcro shoes! Too funny! I’m so glad Bob loved getting all those birthday cards. What a blessing for him and his wife. I really like your card showers, Mary, they are very thoughtful and kind. Nancy’s two punch needle projects are cute. I may have to give it a try!
My card was a bit late being sent out to Bob & I didn’t have a birthday card suitable for a man, so I just sent a note wishing him a happy birthday. Depending on how slow the mail was, he should have received it by now. I agree sending cards is such a small thing to do to make someone feel special! When my husband’s health was failing I received so many cards with sweet messages & I kept all those cards. They’re in a notebook in plastic sleeves & I still occasionally open it & read those cards & notes. Yes, kindness matters!!
Alice – the actual card is insignificant really / a piece of notebook paper with a heartwarming message would do the trick if a card is not around. AND I read your card to Bob / I don’t know when he got it but it doesn’t matter! Only kindness matters.
So sorry Mary. I didn’t realize the importance.
I’m sorry Mary that I was someone who did not send a card this time. I’m not offended that you called me out. Sometimes I need it. I realize that I need to have a supply of cards on hand for these request.s. It really is a very small thing to ask of us and I can see that it means so much to the recipient. Kindness does matter.
Hi Mary, please excuse me from sending cards,l live in New Zealand, postage to the states is expensive, we have fewer postboxes now with government cuts.l enjoy all the efforts you put into this blog for all to share,especially as l am at home 99% of the time,mobility issues and a non driver. Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Sandy – of course, I wouldn’t have meant international mail but a stamp in the US is less than a dollar.
Hi Mary, our local mail is $2 each! Most people use Facebook for greetings
Imagine my surprise at seeing my name in your blog. I never miss a chance to send a card and it would be awesome if you remembered my mom on her 100th birthday in August. I will be sure and send you a reminder because she would be thrilled. She was very very ill the first of this year and I brought her from Indiana to live with me in Kansas City to get her back up and running and at this point she is doing very well. Thank you for thinking of her in advance!!!
Donna – I’m so glad you saw my message! Please give me 2 weeks, provide a picture, her mailing address and a bit of background. Thank you!