Sunday, July 31, 2011

Ort report among other things

First and foremost would be the orts. Very boring  as I've done very little stitching, or maybe a little stitching on many things with virtually nothing to show for it.
I don't know how many "friends" I have left here for real as there's just not been anything to follow, but those of you who are here and will read and comment THANK YOU SO MUCH! It's been another strange summer and if you add the weather to the equation, it's almost twilight zone :)

Herman's reports turned out ok for at least six months when they must do it all again. His lack of energy (they say) will lessen the farther he gets from the cancer/chemo of last year. We must never forget that he has had lupus for years, something that gets lost in the shuffle of all the other stuff. Thanks so much for your prayers and kind thoughts and words. None were/are taken for granted.

Now, for my birthday...it was a special day seemingly taken right out of time. Herman got me up early and we spent much of the day in Huntsville. We had an early lunch, went to Barnes & Noble at Bridge Street and then to Patches & Stitches, the OTHER lns that I don't go to much but love to browse through all the rooms. It's in an old house downtown and they have quilting, needlepoint and cross stitch. Their specialty has always been old reproduction samplers as well as new ones and I daresay there isn't an inch of wall space not used for the models, some of them very old.
Back to Decatur for the rest of the day. It was stitch in day at my lns and so we got to visit with Marlene and the ladies and give them Herman's report from the day before. They all like Herman  because he's always been interested in our craft/art. He actually introduced me to the world of cross stitch when one of his bosses' wives showed him her work. He couldn't wait to get home and tell me about it. That was when finding a shop was not an easy task and way before cyberspace.
Then it was Books a Million and ended the day at Red Lobster. Worn out? yes oxygen depleted? yes. But it was a fun fun way to get so tired.
I just shopped to my heart's content...why is it that when you can get whatever you want you just don't get that much? I guess the fun was enjoying a day away from the house without worries and just looking at everything.
I will share what my girls did for my birthday in my next post tonight or tomorrow...REALLY! But will leave you with these pics.
First up is one of the treasures I mentioned in my last post a month ago. This is my old sewing machine. It's not a Singer but a Franklin. It is beautiful and I have the belts for it and actually sewed on it the day I brought it home. The beautiful scroll work on it is Egyptian with scarabs and other things my grandson knew more about than I do :) The machine actually drops down into the woodwork when it's closed. The woman we got it from was the original owner or it was in her family.  Where did I find it? In one of our storage sheds out back. I thought I had given it to a friend some years ago, but had changed my mind at the last minute and stored it. The rose is one of many awaiting me when I got up in the morning from Herman and my back yard.
Last up would be my kitten (four months old tomorrow) but inside with me two and a half months. No matter what I do, Gibbs wants to help...everything I do. He makes me laugh all the time and I think he knows I need him.
Birthday stuff next time!
Happy Sunday!
Babs

11 comments:

Sheila said...

Babs, Happy belated Birthday, Sounds like you had a great day. I always enjoy having a day to spend with my husband.
Glad to Hear Herman is doing well,also.
I need to take a pic of my orts, to tell the truth I forgot since I've been out of town. I'll do it soon.
By the way, I have a sewing machine that looks quite a bit like yours.
Til next time.

Mouse said...

ooo sounds like you had a fab day :) and enjoyed yourself too .. glad to hear Herman's results are ok for a wee while longer ... love your sewing machine it is gorgeous and sooo glad you found it and gibbs is a real sweetie pie :) take care and looking forward to seeing the birthday stuff :) love mouse xxxxx

aprilmecheelesdulllife said...

Happy belated Birthday Babs!! I am still with you in the blog world. I will put Herman in the my prayers. Gibbs is so cute!! Does he really know how to load that dishwasher? lol I would put him to work....

Karen said...

I'm glad you had such a wonderful birthday, Babs, and what a wonderful husband you have to take you out for such a fun day! The sewing machine is magnificent and little Gibbs is adorable! Isn't it fun to have a kitten in the house?

Maria said...

Happy Birthday! You had a very fine day.
I'm happy for Herman, greetings!
The sewing machine is perfect, I like it!
And the kitten, sweet!

Susan L said...

Babs,

A very Happy Birthday to you! I am happy dancing for Herman's good report. Having been through Chemo and radiation with Dad, I know the road was a challenge and then Lupus on top of it. Even if you don't think anyone is out there reading, there are. I just tend to be quiet.

I can't wait to see your birthday treasures and wish you a blessed day :)

Sue B

HeidiInHolland said...

Be still my heart! I am in love with Gibbs and that sewing machine. Glad you kept it and gladder you have such a cutie pie as a helper.

What a birthday! Bookshops and needlework shops...life cannot get any better. :-)

Good news about your husband! I know that cancer is tiring for someone who gets it in the height of health so for him having lupus it means being more patient for recovery. Wish him well from me.

Have a great weekend! Did you start The Summer Season?

Hugs from Holland ~
Heidi

Siobhán said...

I'm glad that Herman got a good report--I hope his strength returns. Hang in there.

Your birthday sounds like it was wonderful! I'm so glad.

The sewing machine is wonderful! Lucky you--what a treasure. So is your kitty. :)

Have a great weekend!

Nancy in IL said...

Babs, what a wonderful post! I truly enjoyed reading every word. I adore Gibbs, and I'm so glad he makes you so happy. I have 4 but had 5 and lost one in March - still grieve at times. He was very special, but aren't they all?

The sewing machine is absolutely gorgeous - one in a million. What a lovely treasure! I'm feeling covetous looking at it, LOL!

What a wonderful birthday you had, just the kind I would enjoy!

I guess Herman is your DH, if I'm interpreting correctly, and perhaps I've just forgotten his given name. About the chemo - I had an aunt who lived with cancer for 15 years and it eventually won, but she was in her 80's so it wasn't shocking. The chemo was so devastating on her energy long after, which is why she refused treatment the last time, but his lupus will do that too. As a fellow sufferer, I do understand what lupus can do, though I am enjoying having mine controlled at this time. Prayers are being said for him, Babs!

Till next time...

Chris said...

Sounds as though you had a great birthday, a day with your hubby... just what I like... looked back on your stitching and it all looked wonderful.. I finished that French sampler, how are you doing?
Blessings for your hubby.

Hugs Chris x

Gillie said...

Thanks, Babs, appreciate the link! Did I imagine that I left a comment on this post wishing you a happy birthday? Yes, obviously, it is all in the mind, lol! Anyway, here's to an excellent year for you both and lots of hugs. I get there in the end, lol!