Asking For Prayers, Please

I know it's been awhile since I've posted anything of substance, but my back has been killing me and I've been to the Dr's several times and even got a series of two epidural shots. Those who know me know that I have to be in quite a bit of pain to face needles, especially those in my spine area. Anyway, I'm feeling much better now to where the pain is managable, but it's not me I'm wanting prayers for...

We got the results Friday from hubby's recent PET scan and things are not good. In fact they are depressingly bad. The cancer is now progressing quite quickly and the Dr thinks the tumor will overtake his "esophagus" sometime this year. What that means is he will quickly go downhill from there as he won't be able to eat or even breathe. They may be able to put in a stint and even a feeding tube at that point, but it will only delay the inevitable and, of course, hospice will be called in. I asked how much it has spread and the Dr basically put his hand at his waist and his other hand at his neck. We were shocked. Especially since Chris is feeling and eating so well right now. But, as the Dr said, it is now progressing rapidly. Chris still doesn't want chemo (radiation is now out of the picture because of how much it has spread) because although the chemo will give him a little more time, it will most likely make him sick as a dog and his herbs and homeopathy medication has given him three years without the negative side effects. He wants what time he has left to feel as "normal" as possible and I can't blame him. Chris will be getting an endoscopy so they can see exactly what's going on, and I will post again when we learn the results.

Okay, I thought I was handling this well, but I'm tearing up here. We knew that this would inevitably happen and we are blessed and thankful that we had the time we had (three whole years) after his recurrance diagnosis (especially when they were talking 3-6 months). I don't want to ramble on, but did want to let everyone know the latest, especially since several of my NJ friends read my blog.

Please keep us in your prayers,
Suzy

Eye Candy

In honor of National Quilting Day, I've finally gotten around to uploading the pics I took of some of my favorite quilts from our Quilt Show (which was a huge success, btw!)...

Seaside Piecemakers Quilt Show - March 12-13, 2010

Enjoy the show,
Suzy

"Chantilly" Small Raffle Quilt

I had so much fun making the first small raffle quilt that I decided to make another. It also measures 15"x15".




I'm totally diggin' the fabrics. They are leftover scraps from my "Patisserie Stars" quilt, along with a FQ of the alternate strips, and leftover strips of some green polkadot fabric I used as a backing in another quilt. I really love the feathers that I quilted in the alternate strip areas. They soften the look of the quilt even more. I just have to put on the sleeve and the label. That should only take a minute or so as I use heavy duty wonder under to fuse them on. :o)

Small Quilt Gratification,
Suzy

We Have A Winner!

The drawing has been held and we have a winner of the mystery giveaway!

Connie W. from Cootie Bug 2, this is your prize! Six yummy, soft fat quarters of Thimbleberries flannel fabrics. Hope you can use it in a quilt to keep you warm and cozy during the cold winter months. Here in Florida I don't have much use for flannel. LOL!

Thank you to everyone who entered. I'm sure I will have more goodies to giveaway in the future, so thank you for being faithful readers. :o)

Hugs,

Suzy

"In Bloom" Raffle Quilt

Our quilt guild is having their bi-annual show on March 12 and 13, 2010. We are 300 members strong and it is a huge show with a lot of work involved (that's why we only hold one every other year). I give them major kudos for their organization. Amazing! I would say the majority (if not all) of the active members support the show in one form or another. This is my first year with the guild and I'm wading in the shallow end this time, just getting my feet wet.

I've signed up to spend several hours at the small quilt raffle booth and also am donating a small quilt to be raffled. I've just finished it up and here it is!

I call it "In Bloom" and I had a blast making it. It was hard to decide what I was going to make, as the quilt can't be any larger than 15"x15", which is exactly what "In Bloom" measures. I hope we raise lots of money and I can't wait to go to the show and see all the beautiful quilts our members made. There will be vendors there, as well as food, raffle booths, a boutique with small handmade items, lectures and demonstrations, doll exhibit, quilt appraisals, wearable art and I almost forgot to mention this is also a judged show. Maybe next show I'll even enter a quilt in the show! :o) We also have a GORGEOUS opportunity quilt that members worked on and the proceeds go to benefit the Cancer Care Centers of Brevard Foundation. In case you are in the area, more information is available at www.seasidepiecemakers.com.

I'll be sure to take many pictures once the show is finally here and I'll, of course, post and share.

Blooming with happiness,

Suzy

P.S. Don't forget about my giveaway! Last postings due by midnight EST tonite! See my blog entry below...

Heads Up! Get Ready For a Giveaway!

Wow! Can you believe it's the last day of January already?!? Last I remember, it was just Christmas!

Good news, though! My blog anniversary is coming up on Feb. 2. I can't believe I've been blogging for 2 years now! Needless to say, I want to celebrate with you, my faithful bloggie friends. I'm going to have a giveaway. Nothing like quilty presents to make us quilters happy.

This is the thing, though. It's gonna be a "mystery" giveaway. You won't know what it is until it's over and the winner has been announced. I don't know about you, but I love surprises! :o) Also, if you are a "follower" of my blog, you get an extra entry. So if you haven't clicked that little button on the righthand side of my blog, you might want to do it and up your chances of winning. But please only do it if you sincerely wish to follow my blog. Don't be a spoilsport and "unfollow" after the contest. We quilters just aren't like that. :o/

So here ya go... You have until midnight EST on Friday, Feb. 5 to leave a comment on this post, you get an additional chance to win if you are a "follower" of my blog (let me know in your entry comment), and the gifties (yes plural) will be a surprise until the winner is announced on Saturday morning.

Good luck to all, and thank you to all my faithful bloggie friends,
Suzy

More Doll Outfits

I guess I've been in the mood the past week or so to make doll clothes. Here are two of the latest additions:





Have a great day!
Suzy

A Sunny Day In Florida

The past few days, the weather here in Florida has gotten back to the usual averages in the 70's. Today was no exception. There was plenty of suntanning to be had...

Not only by the dogs...

But my doll Nellie also enjoyed the warmth of the sun modeling the new sundress I made her. :o)

I also spent some time out on the loveseat in the Florida room reading a great book by Dean Koontz that I got from the library.

Have a sunny day!

Suzy

Another One Bites The Dust...

Ta da! Another UFO turned into top form. I'm not even going to think about all the tops that are now accumulating and awaiting quilting. LOL!

I'm so happy this turned out so well. I really disliked the scrap blocks on their own. It needs a little pressing, I know, but I took it to my quilt gathering yesterday, so it was folded up. Once ironed, the yellow bias squares also look much better and lay flat. I had to fudge a little because when I made the scrap blocks, I had used freezer paper "templates" and being a beginner quilter at the time, well, you know how that is. LOL!

Hmmmm . . . what will I tackle next on my UFO list? Heaven knows there's plenty to choose from. :oD

Piecefully yours,

Suzy

There's A New Superhero In Town

If you've been watching the weather stations, all you northerners are probably laughing at us Floridians because we've been freezing our patooties off down here -- breaking records left and right. Well as you know, one of the side-effects, of course, is static electricity. So I bring you our new superhero...

STATIC DOG!

Maybe I should rename her "Sparky"? LMAO!

Electrifyingly yours,

Suzy