I just got back from teaching for 3 days at the Indiana Heritage Quilt Show. Let me say first that this is a fine show with excellent quilts and vendors. The people were lovely, the classrooms were nice – all in all a wonderful experience.
The show is held in Bloomington, IN. I went to dinner with Sue Nickels, her friends from home, and Frieda Anderson one night to Farm, a restaurant featuring local, organic food. Very good.
These drapes made from old quilts were hanging behind the hostess desk. I thought it was interesting that they had been cut into narrower sections, rather than hanging much one wider whole quilt in this place. The white fabric at the top and the contrasting tabs are a nice touch.
These quilts are not museum specimens and I thought it was a nice way to have them on display.
I spotted these stone (or concrete) pavers set into the grass on the far side of the parking lot from my 3rd floor window. The way they are stacked and staggered suggests piecing to me.
Mary Ellen, a student, was carrying this fun bag. I don't remember what store it came from but that flower would be fun to applique.
I went to a yarn shop where they had this wonderful throw on the back of a leather love seat. I don't crochet but would have considered taking it up if they had had a pattern. But no, they didn't make it, they bought this but couldn't remember where.
It looks like Anthropoligie – and it looks like something I cannot afford.
Believe it or not I got to ride in a swanky stretch limo with Sue back to Indianapolis last night. It took about an hour and we drank wine and lounged on the lovely leather seats. It was a delightful (and rare) occurance. I didn't take a picture, I was enjoying myself too much :-).
On the home front, mom fell once while I was gone. Luckily she didn't break anything. She swears that she will always use her walker now and I do so hope she does. Her intestinal problems are back and she goes to the doctor tomorrow. Let me just say out loud, in print, for all to see, that my husband is a saint for taking care of my mom during a rough patch. Getting old is just hard work.
The move to their new place begins next Saturday. I do so hope that things level out for them both once they are settled in.
Piece O Cake Blog 
All my relatives from my fathers side live there- Really need to make it back up for a visit. Glad it was a good and inspiring teaching trip—and how fun to have a stretch take you back up to Indy 🙂
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How wonderful you were able to take that trip, with the “drama” of the past few months. Good husbands are a treasure! My mom moved in with us after my dad died, without ANY discussion between my husband and I. It was just what you did….take care of family.
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I would even give up my stash if it was the only way I could keep my treasure of a husband. Yours is a keeper too!
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I’m glad the trip was a good one. You needed the break to rest and restore. Bless Steve for stepping up to the plate. I know spring break is going to be busy with the move. Hope things go well.
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I love the way you look at things. It has taught me to look at my surroundings differently also!
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lucky you have a mom who is a good MIL…my mom is fortunate in that way too. I officially put mom in a nursing home today, so yes I know how it is to care for an older family member. My mom has dementia and was always forgetting to use her walker, which I hope is not your moms trouble….if your mom parks her walker in front of herself when she sits, it will help to remind her. And sprucing it up a bit might make if more appealing. [fabric goodie bag, etc.] A great-grandmother-in-law uses her walker like a giant purse…carries everything she needs!
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Hi Vicky:
Thanks for writing. Im both sorry and happy for you today. Its got to be hard to put your mom in a nursing home but there comes a point when that is the best solution for everyone. I hope you sleep well tonight and on into the future.
I did order mom a bag for her walker. It should come today. I think shes going to need a better walker pretty soon. Hers is veering off to one side. Luckily they are not all that expensive – at least the ones Ive seen seem reasonable.
So far mom doesnt have dementia but the diarrhea caused by the c diff has taken a real toll on her strength and mental acuity. Shes started on antibiotics today so maybe it will be better soon.
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Try flavored waters too, they are more fun than plain water. I had to do that with mom because of dehydration and of course she wouldn’t drink plain boring water. Get a walker that has a seat too, in case she needs it, but it’s also a handy shelf for carrying stuff. The only thing I wish mom’s walker had was a drink holder! Maybe newer ones have them?? Or have Steve attach a basket that can carry a cup. Saving the lid to a water bottle makes it easier to transport too. Keeps the independence alive!
Not having to worry about mom falling is a brick house off my shoulders!
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Check with her doctor or a DME company about receiving a walker or other equipment thru her medicare benefits. Some doctors know alot about this– sometimes the DME company is a better source of info. And as far as calling Medicare– well, it depends on who answers your call, is what I have found. But there are answers to be had. And if she is paying for Medicare benefits (well, a walker would be Part B benefits) and she meets the criteria with her medical condition, she should use her benefits, and save your money for things that are not covered. Blessings to your mom and all of you, too.
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