Wednesday I leave Omaha and travel to Louisville for the Kentucky State Fair. Mom and I have been entering quilts there for years. I have 7 entries this time; Mom, 4. In addition to the usual competition jitters, this trip is shaping up to be extra stressful. At age 82, it's time for Mom to move into an independent living facility. That big old 3 story house is just too much and she shouldn't be living alone anymore. She has a new apartment in Paducah Ky, where my brother and his family lives. My job is to finish up emptying the house, getting her quilting and personal items packed to take to Paducah and figuring out what I want to bring home (and how!). My Mother has always been a rock, the strongest, most independent, self-sufficient person I have ever know. This change is so hard for her and for the rest of us to accept. But, it is what it is and we'll press on. We've got our fingers crossed that the entries do well in the Fair and Mom is soon back to quilting!
joan ps. Should you attend the Ky State Fair, look for entries from Joan O'Reilly or Gladys Talley or The Cheerful Givers (that's our 'group' name).
joan o'reilly New 311 Album--EVOLVER--July 22nd