I don't really believe in funerals, but...

So, yesterday we had the funeral for Uncle George. He was a simple man and wanted none of the big ceremonious wakes, funeral, etc. So there was a 20 minute service at the church and then we went to the military cemetary for his burial. Going to the cemetary was very moving because all you can see for the longest time is rows and rows of white headstones with names, branch of military and birth and death dates. Realizing how many people served this country during all the wars is inspiring. Also, realizing that this is just one of many national cemetaries is enough to make you pause to think about just how many truly gave all. Of course, most of the dead there did not die in military service, but just thinking about how many had to face those tasks as young men and women is enough to make you stop and realize just how lucky we are to have those people.

So, I have no intention of having a funeral or wake when I go. It all seems so morbid and stressful for no reason. I understand the need for closure for the family, but it would make me happy to know that when I am gone, my friends and family might do something memorable on their own to honor my memory. For example, anyone who makes fried chicken and mac&cheese thinks of me when they do it now, so after I am gone, just imagine how close they will feel to me. Or, if they make a quilt or teach a class. There I am again! Raise a chicken? See a small farm? See, you just won't be able to get rid of me. I will be gone, so what is the point of "honoring" me at a sad ceremony that I really won't be attending:)? We should all just do it now and make memories that will withstand the years that follow a loss, instead of grieving it later. Uncle George left a million laughs and great stories behind. That will always be with us when we get together at holidays and remember old times.

Some projects almost done!!

A few of my friends at MJF are making these mini aprons for a Valentine's Day mini-apron swap. I am sort of behind on mine, so they are now cut out and I got some of them almost done. I thought the fabric was cute, and it reminded me of being a little kid getting those little candy hearts in the box that was see-through!
I finally got this tea towel for Halloween DONE!! It took so long because I kept forgetting about it. This year, I am going to work all year on fall things so that I have a bunch to put out at once. Usually, I work on a few things each season, but thought it would be wonderful to have matched sets of runners, towels, etc. for one holiday instead of a few for each one.
I got this quilt top ready for quilting now. This was another swap at MJF. When I put it together, I made sure it would fit my bed when it was done. Don't they all look cute together?


It's a rainy, dark day today with snow in the forecast for tonight. Meatloaf and baked potatoes are in the oven. Can't wait to get into a hot bath tonight since I started a new book PEACE LIKE A RIVER and it is so good!!

Homemade dishcloths!

My SIL is a knitter, which I am not. I just mentioned how I loved the knitted dishcloths and when I arrived at her house Friday night, there was a whole set on my bed. The blue one is going to be one of 4 also, but she only made that one last night.

Eggstra large egg!!

This is a comparison of my chicken's eggs, both from young chicks (literally!! Ha!) The big one will inevitably have two yolks.

Goodbye Uncle George

While I was visiting my SIL this weekend, our dear Uncle George died in his sleep. I guess the prospect of nursing home living and having tubes assist him with eating, breathing, etc. was more than he could honestly bear. This is a man who lived independently until a week and a half ago. For as long as I have known him, he has always made it clear that he never wanted to go out as someone's dependent.

At Christmas (that is our Aunt Ellen with him above) he was missing his late wife and said how he could not wait to be with her again in Heaven, so even though we were not ready to see him go, it was time and he was able to do it "his way," which makes us happy for him.

We'll miss the stories, laughs and the annual Christmas puzzle (1000-2000 pieces) that he would give us as our present, but most of all, he was one of the last old-timers who kept us company and reminded us where we came from as a family. Thank you all for caring about us during this time.

Off to visit my SIL and her husband!!

Tomorrow night after work, I am getting in my truck and driving to see my sister-in-law and brother-in-law who live in a gorgeous log cabin upstate. It's about 5 1/2 hours away, so I will listen to my radio and cds all the way.

It's always good to go there and relax for a few days. There are many quilt shops and things to do. Several of my friends ski there on weekends, so we might get together for a few hours and have lunch or tea.

Hope you have a great weekend too.

Did you know that pheasants wear glasses?

This is a picture of the little tiny glasses that pheasants who are raised on a farm must wear. They are such the little cannibals and will tear each other apart if they are not "blinded" with these shades! They have sharp, hooked beaks and will pull on anything shiny, which is often their "privates." This results in their insides being yanked to their outsides and of course this means death to the poor victim. We used to raise them to release into the wild, but we did not know about this "habit" and each morning my poor children would wake up only to get traumatized by the sight of entrails as extrails! We have friends who raise them on a big farm now and they gave me a pair of the glasses to show my students. See what we learn from friends? Ha! Sorry if you are easily grossed-out!