From Martha, Elaine’s daughter:
Mary, it’s with great sadness I share that my mother, Elaine Anderson, passed into the arms of our Lord. She was truly an amazing woman, a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, teacher, mentor, artist, historian. At 100 and 1/2 she was aware of everything and everyone anther last breath. I just want to thank everyone for their cards and notes to her. In fact, within her last hour she asked to see her cards. That act of kindness truely meant a lot to her.
Martha Wiggam
This brings tears to my eyes! An hour before she passed away she still wanted to read her cards! Tell me your cards aren’t important – this blows me away! We cannot stop sending our cards to people like Elaine. I am quite sure you agree with me.
Here’s the possum toy from Rose – it’s still loved and played with nearly every day!
And here’s the hunter/murderer – today it was a grasshopper but she’s always hunting for something.
Very very hot today – the heat index 25 miles west of us showed 117! Yowser!!
I want this table at the thrift store – it’s only $25 and I have a coupon for $5.00 so only $20!!!!! Oak with original finish, I think but where will I put it? Look at those great rounded corners – anybody interested? This is such a great table for the money.
I drove Red to Mason City today and 3 different men asked me about it – ha! It’s too old for anyone to know what it is.
Just finished watching The Fever beat Atlanta – I got pretty nervous towards the end.
From a reader:
Now I start posting my favorite cards! All cards are so important but of course some became my favorites.
Angie, is this an actual picture of your own cat?
I hope you enlarge these pictures so you can see the cards better.
And remember Eunice and Canoli, the guinea pigs? Got a card from them, too.
Reader photos:
And a sad note at our house, too. One of Rick’s best friends for over 50 years was killed this morning in an ATV accident. He was driving out of a ditch with a sprayer and it tipped over on him. His wife told us just tonight that he always said he never wanted a ham sandwich served at his funeral – he wanted to serve ribeyes! So she said we’d be eating ribeyes after the service. Bruce’s 70th birthday was yesterday.
I’m not sure what I’m working on – I did sew a bit in the shop today but I got nuthin to show you. My poor chickens are so hot! I hope none of them die from heat stroke.
I found an author I like – Sally Hepworth. I read two of her books in the past week and picked up another one today at the library – where I have copies made. No time today in the heat to shop for a copier. There’s got to be a better day,
Stay cool!
Please take care in this heat. It is nothing to play around with. Seems our normal August temperatures have moved up to the northern central states. You probably already do this but during hot weather, we feed frozen vegetables to the chickens. They love to peck at the icy food, Hope your heat wave moves on!
I loved the cool cat sitting in the equallybcool green sewing chair, and please tell us what the white object is by your sewing machine! I am curious!
I guess you mean the white pole lamp? I ordered it online from IKEA a few years ago. It’s adjustable and I like to aim it on my sewing, it helps. That is Penny laying in my sewing chair and Lucy on my wool mats on ironing board. They like to “help” mama 🤭!
Very cool cats! I appreciate your reply! I will look at that light online. I have an Ottlight and a Daylight light, but will check your out as well!
Dear Martha, so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Taking a fall like that was just too much for her. At least she was living her best life up to 100. God bless you And your family.
Sorry to hear about Rick’s friend Bruce. A real shock for Bruce’s widow. Those ATVs can be deadly. We lost a teenage years ago, a young man from our church.
Sorry, Sandy, about the loss of your dear husband. May God give you strength and comfort.
We’re getting the heat today. Making the dog wait for his walk.
Went to Aspen area last week. Cooler with a little rain every day. Not my usual Colorado trip. My daughter traveled with me to go visit my sisters. We still were able to eat alfresco and visit the hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs.
Carolyn – oh, that’s right – you went to CO – sisters and daughters! Glad you’re home safe and sound
My hope that those who read this blog and who are suffering a loss, a medical situation or just a big life adjustment know that we are with you, for you are not alone. I offer my prayers up for those who need to feel his presence. May we share our kindness with each other in friendship.
Mary you had some charming cards and such a great variety, we love the blog about nothing and you. I hope you continue to feel good. We have a HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus. It does the 11×17 paper, regular paper and envelopes. The ink cartridges are individual units and all of them can come in XL size, which I love.
P.S. Buy the table!
Kim – I bought the table today!!! Haha!!!
Buy that table! You will find a use for it! 🙂
So sorry about Elaine and Bruce. My sympathy to all, especially Rick. It’s hard for older fellas to lose friends! Sweet Husband went to lunch last week with two of his college buddies. They go about once a month and have a fine time talking about sports and who knows what!! Used to be that you would see older men sitting around the courthouse in my little home town…
Love that strippy quilt, too!
So much great stuff in this blog!! Stay cool!
Tanya – I bought the table today!! Still in my car
So sad to hear of Elaine’s passing, I love that she wanted to read her cards again. And wow, so sorry about Bruce. Those ATV’s are so helpful but you do hear a lot of accidents happening with them. Sandy, I hadn’t heard that your husband, Bruce, has passed, my sincere condolences. I love the idea of celebrating one’s life with family and friends. We spread my parent’s ashes at our cottage in NH, I “talk” to them when I’m there. Mary, you have received so many really cute cards! I love the “little ditty” card and that first one, from Jane is beautiful! Thanks for sharing the maker’s information. It’s cool here this morning but it’s supposed to be in the low 80’s today. I love that it cools off at night. Our trees are showing signs of fall already. Seems early to me. I’m hoping to go to the camp today but won’t be swimming. Our beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee is experiencing cyanobacteria blooms this summer. Many more have been seen this year than years past. They believe it’s partly from the warm winter we had last year, and fertilizer being used on lawns and farms. I hope they figure out what it is because it’s a shame that dogs can die if they ingest it not to mention the possibility that it can harm humans. So scary. Jan in MA
Jan – all those herbicides and fertilizers are likely the cause of all the new types of cancer – including mine according to the dr.
Nice pictures to look at which makes your blog about nothing like opening a gorgeous magazine filled with so much to view. I’m so thankful you continue to supply us with this means of communication.
It is sad to know the grief many here are going though. My condolences. Sandy and Peggy so sorry for your loss of loved ones and Martha for your dear mom, to Rick on your friend and for all of us experiencing a bump in the road. I am planning food for a church lunch reception for a dear friend who passed peacefully at 90 yrs old last week at home and ham sandwiches will be there along with egg and olive sandwiches that were her favorite lunch I’d bring her so no ribeyes wanted. I love how some of our ladies still cut off the crusts to make delicious cream cheese and cucumber tea sandwiches. I imagine that will end when they pass on.
Kathy – Heeza whiz with olive slices were part of my childhood – they were made only when company came!!! I don’t know egg and olive but I’d like it. I put olives in my potato salad – love it!
Reading Martha’s note about her mother brought tears to my eyes too. I am a witness to the joy, smiles and laughs cards bring when Country Threads readers sent cards to my mother, Norma. Many readers sent repeat cards, sweet notes, and some gifts. It is a true act of love and kindness.
Martha, I pray for love and comfort for you and your family.
Mary, I was sorry to read about your friend and pray for comfort for you and Rick.
May sweet memories flood your hearts with smiles and even a few laughs.
Mary. That is a picture of my own cat Anya. I adopted her at the age of 6-8. They aren’t sure since she came to the shelter through animal control. She weighed 6 pounds and vet said she should be at 10. Now she weighs about 11 and vet said STOP. She is a talker and if I am out most of the day she walks around talking to me for about a half hour then settled down. The quilt was a thrift store find and not the most professional with corners not mitered but so nice and warm and 6’ long and about 4 ‘ wide and the first one anyone grabs. There was an embroidered “ A “ on the inside so I knew it had been waiting for me. The lady at the counter was surprised someone was buying it and said they had nicer ones and I guess she didn’t believe in “signs”. But it has kept me warm and my husband at the end warm and Anya and I love it AND she posed on it. You can say it has been blessed and so have I.
Regarding the cards. I love spreading a little cheer. It makes my day when I put a card in the mail thinking it will brighten someone’s day. AND I thank you Mary for allowing us to share in this
Angie – the real reason I asked about it being Anya is I’m interested in knowing how you made that card – very professional looking and I loved it. Anya is a lucky cat and having her picture on the card is just so special. Some of these cards I’ll show again individually because they are so special to me. I’m glad you didn’t waste a Zach card on me!
And I understand the quilt story – sometimes certain quilts speak to me and I have many to choose from but I grab the old tshirt quilt first. Haha – “A” for Anya!!!
re; copier
do you have Best Buy in your area ? Their “ambassadors” are extremely helpful, take time to answer questions, dont push for making the sale. And going online you can make comparisons and have specs in writing to help make a wise decision. It is so nice to have all the info you need at your fingertips without someone trying to influence a sale.
No i do not work for them never have and no ftiends or family either
Brenda – Best Buy closed several years ago and I so wish they were still here. We bought our big living room tv from them and when they were finished I must have said something that one of the guys answered with “are you sure you want a smart tv?” And he was right – I don’t know how to do anything except turn it on and off. Such a waste.
Mary, thanks for the picture of Hazel’s possum. I’ll check on Amazon for one. So many sad blogs today, but also so many of your bloggers sharing prayers and words of comfort for all of them. Sending hugs and prayers to all of those who are grieving and having medical issues. What would we do without your blog where we can help lift each other up when we need it?
Loved looking at all your cards, some funny, some serious, and knowing all were sent to you in love.
We missed the Indiana Fever’s game tonight. I had just picked up my phone to check when they played next and the first thing I saw was your blog and the note that The Fever won tonight. I was so bummed that we missed it, but overjoyed that they won again. We look forward to watching “our Caitlin” play along with the rest of the team. They seem to be working together very well now. And I have not seen any bullying lately, just rough playing and I guess that is par for the WNBA.
Jeanne in Co.
Jeanne – I’ve read that last Friday night Chicago was playing and Carter “assaulted” another player again and there are uproars of disqualifying her but the Chicago coach and Reese laugh and applaud her every time she gets rough so I’m sure she’ll get to stay. I can’t stand her attitude – shes already been kicked off two teams for assault.
mary, i’m sorry to hear about rick’s friend. please express my condolences. i’m sure you were probably a friend also. martha, i’m so sorry to hear your mother passed. it was interesting to hear that she wanted to look at her cards one more time. sandy, i’m sorry you lost your husband. i hope that you will all allow your faith and families to hold you up in your time of grief. we on the blog will be praying that all receive the strength that you need.
carolyn, i’m sorry to hear that you are now ‘leashed’ to an oxygen concentrator. it is a very tough adjustment to make. it is frustrating as all get-out. it is also alot about attitude. you are the only other person i’ve known on oxygen that considers it a ‘leash’. but you are so right, that is what it is. some days i will just gripe and gripe at it. i hope you have some help while you adjust to that and to caring for your husband. please remember that if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else. prayers are with you.
mary, thanks for sharing pictures of the cards. some of them are just so funny. yes, cards can mean so much. seems like no one writes letters anymore. it is either phone or text. i prefer phone but sometimes would like to have letters. i had never seen that explanation of a prayer net along with a picture of an example. very very nice. similar to the’prayer’ flags i’ve seen.
mr. ed (dh) suggested that you look at a hewlett-packard copier. they have one at work that uses that size paper and says it is a work horse. i’ve always had good luck with hewlett packard products,
again, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you that are experiencing grief and sorrow and medical issues. this blog is a great place to meet and talk. thank you mary for providing that.
the biggest thing that i hate about being virtually home-bound (except for doctors and my one charity group) is that i can’t go shopping. i have no idea what is new out there. i have to rely on others or do without. it is so limiting. it can’t stop me from fabric shopping or sewing though. but even little things like going out to get cards or an ice cream or a walk – forget it. argh!!! (early talk like a pirate day)
no sewing for me for a couple days now. too many eye issues but expect them to be handled. thanks for all for the pictures. always inspiring. keep on stitching. patti in florida
Patti – tell your hubby thanks – HP is a good brand. My small home copier is HP. Oh, how I wish for a local Best Buy store again!! Yes, I loved the prayer net, too. Yes, this blog is a blessing to me.
I went to the Reiman Gardens quilt show last week. My husband and I went to Reiman Gardens the day before he died. He got up, fell down in the bathroom and was gone. We were supposed to have supper with a group of his Deere friends the next weekend, so I had a Last Lunch for him. It was a shock, but I was so glad he was spared the indignities that come with being in a nursing home, etc. The nephew and friends smoked pork, the brother in law’s church family brought salads, no one went home hungry. It was a great afternoon of friendship, stories, hugs and tears. We had about 350 people. We set up tables, chairs, groups from different parts of his life congregated together. He’d spent his life trying to bring people together, I like to think he was happy with that day.
Dee,- oh, Dee, what a wonderful celebration for him!! 350 people ! I think this is what Bruce wants, too – and yes, you have to be happy for them not ending up in the nursing home. Honestly I cannot imagine your shock to have him there one minute and gone the next. The quilt show at Reiman Gardens sounded lovely this week until it turned to 100+ degrees.
Dee, this is one of the finest ways to celebrate one’s life with the type of celebration you had for your husband. A true celebration of his life for sure. You have a great support network as well.
Oh so sad about Rick’s friend. I always say I want people to be glad I lived and not sad I passed. Ribeyes sound so much better than a ham sandwich!
So many fellow readers going through tough times right now. I’ve been thinking of each one throughout the day. I’m so glad we have the blog to share with each other.
It’s been hot here but we’ll head back up to Iowa for furniture delivery in early September. Every time we’ve been in Iowa this year the weather is milder than normal. Then we come home and Iowa heats up. This week I’m headed to Fredericksburg for my annual sister trip. There will only be three of us this trip as one is traveling in Canada and the other is teaching.
Susan, did I count right? You have 4 sisters? Five girls in one house. That must have been fun…until the teenage years. How did your parents survive?
Yes there were 5 girls in my family. AND two boys. We were a large family and are still very close. We all learned early on how to help each other and how to cook, clean, and do laundry. We had lots of fun growing up and love getting together with our families now.
I have a couple of friends from families with 10 kids, just two boys, my good friend says if you have that many sisters, you don’t need a lot of friends, it’s a village.. My own mother was the youngest of 6 kids, their brother was the oldest…wow, that was something else to have grown up with that kind of a pecking order, nice and not-so-nice. Great support group.
Susan K – you get to go to Fredericksburg??? I love that place! I have several things in my home purchased there from the last trip Rick and I ever went on. Looks like another hot day again today – I finally get to sit in the porch – until it gets too hot mid afternoon!!! Either too cold or too hot.
So very sorry to learn of the loss of Rick’s dear friend Bruce. And yes please, share his wife’s address so that we may send cards. Condolences as well to Martha and her family. May Elaine and Bruce rest in peace and rise in glory.
Charlotte – love those words “rest in peace and rise in glory” – they say it all!
I’m so sorry for Ricks friend, just terrible. Maybe we should send her a condolence card. I loved all of your cards. I also love the frozen water for the chickens. I have several neighbors who have chicken that I will tell. You should get the table , if I was closer I would get it. Stay cool everyone.
Hi Mary, sorry to hear about Rick’s friend, Bruce, it was my husband’s name too. We have decided to spread Bruce’s ashes at his favorite beach when fine weather comes,just my sons and l. Then in summer have a bar be que to celebrate his life,we may have some ribeye steaks too! So many cute cats today! I don’t think I could enjoy the heat you are having. Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
My Uncle who passed at 100, was a great card sender. Never missed a birthday, anniversary, get well, etc.. Sadly, I’m not quite as good at it.
I sent my daughter-in-law a get well card after she had surgery earlier this year. She said she never got a get well card before. She was so pleased. I always try to send for birthdays. I’ll be sending her more cards. Such an easy thing to do, to make someone’s day.
It’s been hot and dry here in Ohio. With no rain in site. The corn and beans are starting to turn.
Mary, have tried putting some frozen water bottles out for the chickens. They’ll lean on them. The kids do that at the fair. Maybe will help.
Deb – another idea is to buy cheap cans of corn and empty into a cake pain and freeze. I’ve got some water bottles already frozen – I’ll use them today!!
Rick and Mary, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve heard of several ATV accidents that happen that same way. Thank goodness we are enjoying some cooler weather here in WY.
So sad about Elaine and Bruce 😞. My Darrell just turned 70 yesterday too. I saw the extreme heat indexes in your neck of the woods on weather app. We are promised rain for the weekend, yay! Yes, get that table😻. You need one of those “iced teas” 🤭
The next time I’m in town I’m going to buy some beautiful cards so I’m ready to send them out to whomever needs a little encouragement in their lives. Thanks for starting such a great ministry.
Marie C – I actually have been trying to use up my whole tub of cards before I go buy more but it’s so tempting … and I love sending cards!
I have a table just like the one at the thrift store. But we cut the legs down and use it as a coffee table that has a big plant on it right now. It’s a great table and I for sure didn’t pay $25 for mine! What a deal!
Paula – I thought of that myself! What a great coffee table! I wonder what I could get rid of so I could have the table.
Where there’s a will…there’s a way…