Where does the time go? Right now I’m waiting while my van is havindg the oil changed. I’ve been doing lots of walking so Blanche gets her exercise – today it’s raining and I have an excuse not to walk – yay! My hips, calves and feet can tell I’ve been working them hard – haha!
Just wanted to update you all on the condition of my hands – this past episode was quite bad but I think I have it under control now with O’Keefe’s Working Hands, CeraVe and 40% Urea Cream. Blanche created lots of stress for me and Rick was gone 15 hours a day – the other 9 he slept with a brief meal in there. Things are better now and that makes my hands better. I also wear gloves to bed which really helps but it’s HOT! Thanks to all of you who sent suggestions.
Do you know about Bonnie Hunter’s pattern called Bitcoin? I have sooo many leftover strips and pieces of strips so this is a perfect pattern for me. It’s mindless which means I can watch Netflix at the same time. I just finished Squid Game – wow, what a story! I loved it even though it’s more of a Connie story than mine.

I rely on my IPad for everything and I’m having trouble with it – ugh. Had to get a new one or give up blogging. The new one should arrive today.

This picture is the story of North Iowa these days – everybody is busy with harvest!
This lovely photo was sent by my friends, Shirley and Donna.

Happy October, Everyone!
That corn is beautiful! Down here in Texas, they let the leaves get all brown and dry before harvesting. I love hearing the pinging of the corn as it fills the hopper.
Mary I checked Bonnie Hunters site & I did see a reference to this pattern but whatever I read said it ended in June. I searched for both free & not free patterns but didn’t find it.
That’s fine I guess as I certainly don’t need another project. I need to finish many that are lying around.
Did you look under her digital patterns on her blog site? That’s where most of her newer pattern releases are found. Good hunting!!!
Carolyn
On Bonnie’s website near the top click on the Shop tab, then on the shop page click on digital patterns. Scroll down and find the Bitcoins digital pattern. It is available for download. There was a sale on it in June 2021, but the pattern is still available at the full price of $12.00.
Donna – it’s for sale as a pdf download
bit coin is under the ‘pay for’ patterns. it comes as a pdf file.
Mary I checked Bonnie Hunters site & I did see a reference to this pattern but whatever I read said it ended in June. I searched for both free & not free patterns but didn’t find it.
That’s fine I guess as I certainly don’t need another project. I need to finish many that are lying around.
I just looked for the Bit Coin pattern. Go to Bonnie Hunter’s site and click on shop, then choose Digital Patterns. I am not sure why one would need a pattern. It is simply rectangles sewn together in strips. I have been working on a similar quilt using the ends of strip sets. Seeing Bonnie’s this summer just let me know that I was on the right track making my quilt.
Mary, I used to have problems with my fingers blistering and cracking in the spring of the year. I thought maybe it was the strawberries or because I had again started to work in the soil in the garden. After reading your article today, it seems that it might have been nerves with the end of the school year. Glad I don’t have that issue currently. Quilting is much more relaxing that dealing with 7th graders.
I like the color combinations of your bit coin pieces. Knee replacement update. It has been almost 18 months since I had one. I noticed Sunday that I can finally walk up the church steps without using the hand rail. Progress!
Did you check to make sure your are not sensitive to sodium lauryl sulfate, which is in so many things, especially soaps? When I discovered and started only using things without sodium lauryl sulfate my whole problem with cracking and bleeding of my hands went away and the cracks in the corners of my mouth, because it is in most toothpastes. Mrs. Meyers liquid hand soap is all I use and I had no problem with cracking and bleeding since. It was like a miracle happened because my problem was so bad that I was miserable. This may not be the case for you, but if it is, an ounce of prevention is worth it totally.
Brenda Furlong – very interesting!
Sodium laurel sulfate is what I’m allergic to in toothpaste. And, yes, most toothpaste has it. I have to use xylitol. I told my dentist “ when I quit using toothpaste, I quit getting cavities!”
I’m so glad you are finding relief for your hands. We need them so much. And, yes, I’d find another dermatologist. She had crazy talk.
Puppies do take a lot of energy. They have so much energy and their naps recharge their batteries so they can keep going. You are wonderful to take her in and give her a great home.
I’m making chair throws for the church bazaar this week. There all quilted, just doing the binding.
Ladies, I’m on drugs, so if I repeat myself, just chalk it off to that. Someday, I’ll be back to normal. My hip is doing great…2 week checkup tomorrow. I think I deserve gold 🌟.
What name brand of toothpaste do you suggest without the sodium Laurel sulfate? I get bad cracks on my hands and fingers as well so I will try some of the suggestions as well. Thanks for the suggestions.
I use straight xylitol. It’s a sugar made from trees. You can find it in the baking section of the store.
Most kids toothpaste doesn’t have SLS, but the flavors are a bit much…grape, bubblegum, ok for kids, but not me.
I tried soda, but after 3 days my gums were raw. My husband found this in a book written by an English dentist. For me, it’s such relief.
36o out up here @ near 11am. We may have a good rain n possible snow coming thru the weekend!
I haven’t had split finger skin since switching to DAWN….gentle for birds!
Your leftover strips look interesting.
I love butter n sugar cob corn 🌽… have some in the freezer!
And I can’t use Dawn at all! My hands itch, crack, and bleed. Remember when TP used to come in colors? Guess who was allergic to the dye? The blue was the worst….maybe that is why I don’t like the color blue? We are all so different. LOL
Bitcoin quilt is next on my list to start. I too have so many already cut strips. I bought the pattern and downloaded. I probably could figure out, but Bonnie Hunter designed the quilt, and feel it is only fair to support her pattern business. She always has great hints.
Hope your skin condition stays under control! Love O’Keefes!
Kim – thank you! Yes, I could figure it out, too, but Bonnie deserves the sale of the pattern – after all, she went to the bother of posting it and you might be surprised at the little tricks she uses. For those who don’t purchase the pattern, it’s their loss!
I loved making Bitcoin! it was mindless sewing – but interesting how it came together and used odd fabrics that just don’t seem to fit anywhere else.
Hooray for healing hands. So happy that they are getting better. Also…good luck with your new IPad.
Happy Day….
Phew! I’m happy you are getting a new IPad! I’d hate if you quit blogging!
Your blog posts are like a loving g letter from home.
Cheryl in St. Paul – and the new IPad didn’t come today!
Best corn EVER!
Glad you got a new ipad as I like your blog.