Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Family News


Patrick has had a fun month! He ran his first ever race and came in first for his age group. Of course he said it was because there was no one else there his age, but we saw them. He then went to CA to visit Steve, Jill and Audrey. Well, and more importantly he went to ride around with Steve while he worked. Now he is ready to move out there ASAP!


The wildfires missed Steve and Jill's new house! And to think Pat was out there for that too! What an adventure for him! Jill was back home for her birthday and sent us cute pics of her and Audrey.






Maegan finished her quilt project and it is beautiful.. I love the Precious Moments characters and she gave close to the same hair coloring that she and Scott have. Now she is working on some crocheted blankets for the PSC.




The work on our house has finally started! Ray is having me take pictures to mark the progress. I was really impressed with the guys who took of the siding. I had all my curtains closed which meant they didn't know where I was. Well I knew where they were! There was singing, whistling, joke telling going on all day. Not a contrary word was heard by me. So I figure Mr. Spain must be a great guy to work for. Every day he comes and works steady. Right now it is a one man job of covering the wood on our windows with aluminum so we won't have to ever paint them again. It is like watching an artist at work! Yesterday he told me he is 72 years old! No wonder he has such artistry in his work. And he is a pleasure to talk to also. So here are the most recent pics of the work on our house.

And here are Ray and Kelly pretending to sit on our new front porch! (It isn't really going to be that big... but we can pretend! Also do you see who is standing at the front door in the picture to the left?

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Fall Days

Fall is finally here in VA...the temperature has dropped into the 70's! I always love the fall with the leaves changing colors and the cooler nights. It gives me the incentive to work on new projects and read new books.
The first thing I finished was the tablecloth for Jamie (thanks to a torn ligament in my ankle and weeks to do nothing but rest). It is 60 x 120.


The past few weeks I've been making sweaters and afghans for Mommy Matters.It is a church ministry that helps unwed and poor mothers in our area. I've aroused the interest of a few others and we are working to replenish their supply of bedding and warm clothing. Sonia, who runs the group, said that hand made things are especially appreciated as it shows someone took the time to show they care. Some of the women are so moved they come to tears. We decided to give the bedding in sets which meant even Ray could be involved. He got to pick out the crib sheets! Check in your area and see if there is a group with a need. After all it is fall, and blankets and warm clothing will soon be regularly needed.

To help entertain Kelly and me as we work on our projects we have been listening to audio books. At Librivox.org volunteers read complete books for free and you can download them for free! It is wonderful. We are listening to a Our Island Story right now. It is a child's history of Great Britain.
One of my favorite books was The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius. he was a a Christian who led an exemplary life and was falsely accused of treason. While in prison he struggled with the age old questions "Why do bad things happen to the people who are trying to live the right way? Where is God in this?" In the middle ages it was widely read. King Alfred of Britain translated it into Old English, Chaucer into English, and Queen Elizabeth had a translation made too. BTW, I just read that he is a Catholic Saint and his Feast Day is October 23. Maybe to celebrate it you could listen to, or read, his book!


And finally, Fall means the State Fair! Last weekend Dad, Kelly and I spent a full day there. It was a lot of fun and we saw some friends there too. And for the first time ever we went to the Pig Races--very funny!

Kelly and I enjoyed the quilts, the harvest crops, the displays and of course she enjoyed the rides!