I'm Back!

Surprise, surprise!  My unintended blog vacation is over and done with, and now I hope I can get back to some regularity with pictures and writing.  I really do usually enjoy writing these posts, but at some times in my life it gets completely forgotten.

I have gone through a tough time since that last blog post over a month ago.  I have not shared this before and not because it shouldn't be shared but just didn't really know how to address it.  My dad, Bob, was on home hospice care since May 2014.  He had heart disease and dementia, leading to his inability to walk and stand.  My mom was his rock, directing all of her attention to making him as comfortable as possible at home.  The local homecare program assisted with many things, and the nurses and aides were exceptional.  I have been home as much as possible to help mom and dad with whatever I could, making that 3 1/2 hour drive seem more like a simple commute than a big trip.  Christmas was his last day up and out of bed.  After that he was just too weak to risk getting him into the wheelchair.  He died on January 13, comfortably in his own home.  He was such a sweet man and wonderful dad to me, and I found out that so many other people also knew him as a kind man.

We felt very lucky that almost all of the grandkids and great grandkids were present for the funeral.  Nathan was sick so Serra and Aurora made the trip without him.  This was the group with their grandma, who was so glad to have them all with her.  

So, now I am trying to get back into doing the things that I love to do!  A little sewing, knitting, reading, etc.

By Thy Hands - March - by Buttermilk Basin

English Paper Piecing for a folder or book cover,
my own design for the Paper Pizzazz class at Bear Patch.

The months of January and February often make me want to hole up inside, away from the cold and snow.  I stumbled upon this cross stitch picture that I made quite awhile ago.  I really liked it then and I still do, so I will hang it up to enjoy again.  The words really describe the best part of winter!

I hope your wintertime is equally as good!