March tag and finish

This is an exciting post for me because it's the first time I'm using my laptop in my sewing room. We finally got our new desktop PC installed downstairs along with a wireless connection so that my computer would be functional upstairs. I'll finally be able to spend some time in the evenings visiting the Charming Guys and Girls blogs in peace and quiet without Eric's JAG DVD's blasting away nearby. It's kind of hard to think coherently when it sounds like an F-16 is landing next to you! It's kind of my fault, really, because I gave him all ten seasons worth of DVD's to begin with! The man just never gets tired of watching them either.

OK, the March tag was to post a joke. I don't know if this qualifies, but I just saw this the other day and, oh boy, is it ever the truth:

"One of the saddest things about getting older is the trail of smaller jeans you leave in your wake."

I tend to be more of a visual joke kind of person and LOLcats is one of my favorite sites to visit. Here are a few of my recent favorites:

This one because I deal with this response a lot at work-

These next two illustrate that my sense of humor can be kind of off-beat at times...

And last, but not least, here's one especially for Joan-

As for my finishes this month, I only managed one. I had just completed my Saturday Sampler block a few days before my father-in-law passed away and after that I simply didn't have time to work on my Wedding Ring blocks. Things are starting to get back to normal and I'll have more sewing time soon. Eric's been helping his mom quite a bit with stuff that needs to get done and she's coping remarkably well. Sometimes it doesn't seem real that his dad is gone and other days it's felt all too keenly.

This was the first time I've set a block on point and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

Springtime in the Rockies

Saturday was was the first day of Spring, my most favorite season. This is what my garden looked like early that morning:

A little later, the clouds had cleared away, the sky was blue, and the cheery little crocus were once again brightening up the yard:

Alas, tonight they are buried under snow- again. I think Spring is the toughest time for me to bear, garden-wise. We usually get warm spells though March that encourages all the daffodils, jonquils and tulips to bloom just in time to be crushed under the late Spring snows. Last year everything budded out so early only to be killed by a late freeze, leaving us with no pretty trees or lilacs in bloom that Spring. Needless to say, I was heart-broken. But for me, hope is always eternal and I'm optimistic this will be one of those years where we really do have a beautiful Spring. It's been cold enough that the green shoots are just now appearing in the beds and the trees aren't really budding yet so maybe, just maybe, my flowers, trees and bushes will put on a glorious show come April. I really, really hope so.

This has turned out to be a difficult month for us. Eric's father passed away March 12th and his funeral service was last Tuesday. He had been ailing as the effects of his emphysema were finally catching up with him. He managed quite well for many years with oxygen but the last year really took its toll. He passed away at home early in the morning while napping in his favorite chair. We are all thankful that he went so gently and that he is no longer suffering. However, it goes without saying that he will be greatly missed. He was a really terrific father-in-law to me, I couldn't have asked for a better one.

March projects

Just a quick post with my projects for March.

First up, my latest Saturday Sampler block. I've managed to get a part of it cut and ready to go but still need to cut the rest of my fabric pieces. This block's finished size is quite large-16"!


Next up, the project that will be taking up most of my time this month is the wedding ring quilt that I am making for our niece as a wedding gift. I'm using an interfacing method by Quiltsmart for the arcs so that there is no curved piecing involved. Frankly, I'm not all that sure that I'll get the top finished this month since I decided to make the queen-sized version but I'll try! Why I couldn't have been content to make the throw-sized version I have no idea but sometimes insanity gets the best of me.

I spent most of my time yesterday cutting my strips for the arcs. I have to confess that cutting is my least favorite part so I'm happy that I've accomplished this much already.

Spotted, the first harbinger of Spring: tiny little yellow early crocus blooming in my front yard!