Getting Closer...

I finished stitching sashings to the last five rows of my Jane Stickle quilt last night.  Slow progress, but progress nonetheless.  Here they are with the eight rows that have already been joined.

Work on the ranch house rebuild is nearing completion and we spent yesterday unloading boxes that the ServiceMaster crew had packed in April.  I honestly thought that over the years we had discarded most of the stuff we no longer need or can use.  But, as the boxes were opened, I discovered how wrong I was.  Much of what they contained originated with my parents including some 1934 nursing textbooks that had been squirreled away on shelving we no longer have. 

I was emotionally and physically drained by the time we returned to town yesterday, but we really got a lot accomplished.  We pressed as hard as we could since the construction guys are scheduled to haul trash away this week.  The house is a mess as the crews are still at work, and mice have taken advantage of open doors and windows to move back in.  Appliances and furniture are back in place, though, and it will be habitable by the time hunting season arrives.  That makes my husband very happy.

Progress at the Ranch, but Not Much Quilting This Week

I had hoped to accomplish more on my Jane Stickle quilt this week, but it was not to be.  The repairs on the ranch house, which have been in the works since a water line break in March, are very slowly nearing completion.  Furniture has been set back in place and boxes have been emptied.  We now know what could not be salvaged and will be replacing four mattresses and box springs as well as a television and other items.  There is also some carpentry work needing to be finished such as the addition of back splashes and doors that need to be hung. 

I managed to get sashings added to Rows F and G. Except for a few hexagons done in the evenings, that is about all I accomplished.   

Progress at the Ranch

I spent a few hours at the ranch Tuesday while an insurance rep, potential contractor and mold removal technician went over the progress so far.  The house has passed its state mandated mold inspection and it’s time to think about moving forward.  Right now it almost looks skeletal with four feet of drywall removed from every room, flooring pulled up and all contents removed.  Bob was concerned that I would find the current state depressing, but for the first time the house actually looks fixable.  The box in the lower left corner is an air scrubber that was used in the mold treatment process.

Even in severe drought, the countryside has its beauty.  May is the month that the cactus blooms.

  

Looking Forward to Some Play Time

Many thanks to those who sent encouraging messages after my last post.  Progress in cleaning and repairing the ranch house is underway.  The insurance representatives and the company contracted to do the clean-up are at work.  Dehumidifiers have been set up and the plumber has repaired the source of the problem.  

Tomorrow is quilt club day and it looks like I’m moving.  This pile includes my officer materials, sewing machine and applique tools, all of which will be needed at the meeting and workshop that follows.  It doesn't include lunch which I have to take due to the limited amount of time we have at the church.

I haven’t had much opportunity to use my sweet Featherweight lately, so I gave her a spa treatment today.  The carrier I'm using is about 10 times bigger than I need, but is the only one available at the moment. Some of the lose items stacked in the pile will end up being tucked inside.  Her original box has deteriorated to the point of being untrustworthy.

   

I’m looking forward to a fun day.

Slight Detour

Life delivered something of a detour Tuesday.  While sewing with friends I received an urgent call from Bob who had gone to the ranch.  A waterline had broken and extensive house repairs will be required.  Since then, much of our time has been consumed with the situation.  My HQ16 quilter had to be dismantled and removed from the house along with other valuables.  Quilts, clothing and linens that can be salvaged are being laundered.  Ultimately, it will work out, but in the interim things are in a mess. 

As a result, I have very little quilting progress to report, but I have finally knitted up all my dishcloth yarn, except for a gigantic cone I purchased at a thrift store. 

Here is my collection of 20 dishcloths for my own use as well as the gift drawer. 

Today I decided to take a break and joined a friend for a visit to the quilt guild meeting in San Antonio.  Gyleen Fitzpatrick delivered a wonderful program on using scraps.  Lunch and two quilt stores later I was feeling much better.