Just wanted to pop in and wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving Day! I have been busy with work to be sure, but mostly getting 6 quilts done for Christmas. These are large lap quilts made from my FILs shirts and will be given to my DH's siblings for Christmas. My FIL passed away in his sleep very suddenly in late January. The siblings don't know I am doing this so I hope it doesn't upset them too much on Christmas, it's the first Christmas without their Dad so it will be emotional enough. My DH knows about the sibling quilts but doesn't know I made him one as well. The sibling quilts all have 2 blocks each from the 20 shirts, the same inner and outer borders and backing fabrics but I varied the placement of the blocks as well as the colors of the sashing so they are all similar but different. My husband's quilt is made from the same 40 blocks but is sashed in black and the borders are made from fabric that I had left over from the quilt I made his Dad several years ago and was returned to us after his passing. Now I just have to bind them and add the labels.
Yesterday was my birthday and my DH surprised me with dinner at my favorite restaurant with my daughter, grandson and soon-to-be son-in-law. It was a wonderful day. One of the local quilt shops has a long arm that can be rented for $15 per hour but you are required to take a 1/2 day lesson before you can use it. He gave me a gift certificate for the lessons and enough to rent the machine for 4 hours. I have plenty of quilts in the wings so this will come in real handy real soon.
Some of you have met my sister Diane when she was with me at quilt shows. She is in Colorado right now helping her son and DIL move and get ready for a new baby. They have an 18 month old sweetie of a little girl and on Tuesday (4 hours short of my birthday) welcomed a "little" guy to their family. I say "little" because he weighed in at 9 lbs 5 ounces! Bigger than my grandson. He and mom come home today. Most appropriate on Thanksgiving Day especially since he is such a little "butterball" himself!
My mom is doing well at 89. Memory isn't so good for the current events but she told me wonderful stories about her Thanksgiving dinners with her grandmother. My son and his wife and their little charmer of a 3 year old daughter are happy, healthy and doing well.
It will be a good day today. DH is walking the woods getting ready for deer hunting. Not unusual for him, but today he is doing it with his 22 year old son who is now home from Iraq safe and sound.
Everyone is coming for dinner. Much to be thankful for!
I wish you and your families a very safe and happy day whatever your plans. I treasure your "virtual" friendship and help and prayers when needed. For you, I am also thankful!
Alice in NJ "Do what you like, like what you do"