I awoke yesterday to the realization that I have indeed stepped beyond my 50s into the unknown. LOL!
And yesterday was also met with many "Happy Birthday!" well wishes in my comments sections - and I can't thank you enough!
"Come on in, the water's fine!" You said.
And I'm going to trust that you are right.
This new decade has a feeling of "arriving" of "stepping in" And I'm ready to...well, if not jump in fully, to at least wade in up to my ankles and test things out just a bit.
One of our favorite comedy shows is Boston Legal. In it the character Denny Crane is played by William Shatner, whose character has been diagnosed with the beginning stages of Alzheimer's.
Not wanting to refer to it by technical terms, he and those around him simply refer to his memory holes as "Mad Cow."
And it's a phrase we've taken up around here when memory holes or ridiculous whoopsies happen. "Mad Cow strikes again!" We gotta keep our sense of humor, don't we?
Oh, and the top photo of this post - That was simply the morning light highlighting the quilting texture on my Oak Leaf quilt. Oh, how I love the quilting texture!
I've made it nearly 1/2 way down the 4th side border over the weekend - Harry Potter came to a big finish last evening as we finished the second Deathly Hallows episode.
All that remains now is the 20 year anniversary special on HBO max.
And I should be ready to bind this quilt (FINALLY!) in a couple of days.
Best Birthday Gift from Dad!
Along with this aging thing is changes within my eyesight - things we all experience (Along with bouts of Mad Cow from time to time!) and I have shied away from reading paper books because the font is too small. It's not comfortable to read.
Add macular telangiectasia to the mix and I find reading for any length of time just difficult. It's straining.
That includes time spent at the computer screen or my phone. Anything with back lighting behind text is just harsh on my eyesight so I avoid it.
My dad got me a new little (very portable!) Kindle Paperwhite because the reading is much easier on my eyes and I can adjust the font to a comfortable size.
I'd tried it with my phone. I'd tried different screen settings on my tablet and my computer, but nothing has worked as well as this Paperwhite.
ANYTHING that is lit from behind is bad for me - including menus on the wall behind the cashiers at a fast food restaurant, or the drive up menu boards as well. There is just too much light from behind. All I see is the light, not the letters and words.
So this is WONDERFUL I tucked myself into bed last night, and read in the quiet for nearly an hour before powering down and going to sleep.
Blocks are done!
They will be going with me to the QPO today with hopes of starting to sew them together.
That is if I finish up with yearly inventory first.
And there are even some half blocks too!
Just wait until you see what I have in store!
Everything you see here (Other than block centers) was from the scrap bags I received a couple of weeks ago. It's been fun to play with the gifted pieces.
And for the moment we've all been waiting for - it's drawing time in our Cherry Crunch Gift-Away!
I'm drawing for one lucky winner who will also choose one of their friends!
And both will receive the printable PDF pattern for Cherry Crunch along with:
A Facets of Red fabric roll from Cotton to Quilts!
Who is entry 196 out of 7202 entries?
Gail Stradtman!
The introductory price for Cherry Crunch is marked 25% off in the digital pattern section of the Quiltville Store. No coupon needed! Price reduction good through 1/31/22.
I have placed some OTHER Winter themed patterns ALSO at 25% off with no coupon required!
Forever Mine PDF pattern includes the runner too!
On sale at 25% off through 2/13/22
Warm Hands, Warm Heart & Winter Blues are both 25% off through 1/31/22.
Sunrise & icicles!
The snow cleats on our metal roof have done a great job at keeping snow avalanches from sliding down to the ground - but the dripping icicles have us placing bets on when things are finally going to let loose.
We should be hitting the 40s today. The van may even make it to the top of the drive on my return trip home this afternoon -
Just one more week and we can kiss January goodbye!
What plans do you have for your week ahead?
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
Oh how I admire Eleanor Roosevelt! Wiser words were never spoken.
If you find yourself on the gossip train, get off quickly! That train is going nowhere.
Change the subject, redirect to something positive, and when all else fails - go pet the fabric!
Have a terrific Monday everyone!
Could you tell me the name of the book shown on your kindle please? It looks interesting.
ReplyDeleteI think this has to be 'The Sewing Machine' by Scottish writer Natalie Fergie. Can recommend it!
DeleteWelcome to your 60's! I'll be leaving you behind next month. I can let you know later what the 70's are like. My guess is like the 60's - more of the same but slower and creakier! This afternoon I am wading into a Dresden plate thing that someone's grandmother had started - applique and a complicated quilting pattern that I think was supposed to be done by hand - it will get machine stitched, but as close to the original design as I can manage for her. The stencil for most of the background appears to be the proper size, but the one for the centers of the Dresdens is over 3" across and the centers are only about 1.5" across! I know they are correct, as the template for the Dresden blades is in the packet and they are the right size. I think they are just going to get a simple 1/4" echo inside - there's no room for more!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I also read on Kindle for exactly the reasons you state...takes all the strain out. I wonder what it is you're reading? And just a tip, I choose e-reader material free from my local library. Easy to set up with a library card.
ReplyDeleteHappiest of Birthday's Bonnie. I will be turning 60 later this year but my friends who have gotten there before me call it being "Sexty"..so that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you do :) Have a wonderful Monday.
I have a very good friend who turned 60 a month before I did. She said she was looking forward to it because saying she was in her "early" 60s sounded so much better than saying she was in her "late" 50's. That concept helped when we turned 70 too. So put on those rose colored glasses and fill your glass half full(not that you need any reminders in this department) and welcome to a new decade. I have a Nook and really enjoy it. I love being able to adjust the font size and the spacing between sentences is a great feature too. Happy Birthday Bonnie!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Bonnie!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a continued Happy Birthday season! I am looking forward to seeing how your churn dash blocks come together...and how you use those half blocks!
ReplyDeleteI love ebooks too. What book are you reading on your paperwhite? It looks intriguing. Happy Birthday, and thank you for all the gifts you give US!
ReplyDeleteHappy, Happy Birthday!!! You're still a spring chicken compared to me! You won't be "old" until you get tired of exploring and enjoying the thrills of life. Wear and tear on the body is to be expected after decades of use but you're pretty good about keeping everything checked up and repaired. You've got at least four more decades to go unless science helps us out. I am looking forward to seeing what you do in these next four decades. And what a great churndash quilt that is going to be!
ReplyDeleteRegarding your comments on monitor screens. Try some colored overlays on your monitors. I found with my 98 yr old MIL with Macular degeneration that colored screens help her with reading. She as this handy dandy magnifier with different colored fonts and backgrounds. She likes the blue back ground the best. You can order off of amazon I believe. Anything to keep us sewing and reading right!!??
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, the 60's are great from what I can remember (mad cow moment)? Love your quote today, it is so true, I saved it in my notes for future reference, Eleanor was a wise woman. I am beginning to like hand quilting better than machine, it is all about the texture.
ReplyDeleteThe half blocks are going to make this churn Dash Quilt so interesting. Love all the colors and combinations. May your first week into the 60's be a good one. Getting older isn't for Sissies. My week is the same, stitch a little and take care of my Hubby a little. Hubby need extra care sometimes. Especially after a procedure.
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Birthday Bonnie!
ReplyDeleteThis week, I will start assembly of RT blocks at last! Also will sew 4 patches as L/E for a charity quilt. A family near us lost everything in a fire last week, so it will go to them as soon as it's finished. Also a zoom meeting or two! Hope to make a big pot of soup this week between all of these things.
Happy 60th birthday! It is a wonderful decade. I left it two years ago, and the 70's are just as great.
ReplyDeleteBelated Happy Birthday!!! You always seem to have a good day no matter what. Your optimism is my best medicine. Many happy returns and many hugs.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday,Bonnie! Happy you had a relaxing weekend. Sixty was eaasy for me, but stepping into the 70s was a little harder. My mantra is...Age is a state of mind. If you don't mind, it don't matter.
ReplyDeleteI also meant to add that your quilting is absolutely stunning!!
ReplyDeleteMary
Happy Belated Birthday, Bonnie! I have issues with the bright white background on any device. I use the "dark" mode on my kindle, cell phone, work computer. You've probably already heard this a hundred times, but just in case. :0)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, our church used to have a group called the Jolly Sixties. The were the envy of the church, they traveled, went on day trips and were always on the go. Wishing you the same.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for being YOU!
You have shared and helped me with quilting skills that I use daily. The Bonnie Way is my slogan whenever a challenge comes up.
Oh so happy you found the Kindle Paperwhite to be good! I LOVE mine...I can read so much longer on it...thought I wouldn't like it...but I am total convert!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday! Just repeat after me ... "Sixty is nifty!"
ReplyDeleteLove the beautiful quilting texture in that first photo too. Hope the van makes it up the hill tonight. It's no fun not having easily accessible wheels!
My mother always said if you make it through your 50's without serious illness, you'll probably live quite a long time! Also, those "Mad Cow" moments are most always nouns that don't come to mind. Belated Happy Birthday and thank you for all you do!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! I also have a paperwhite and love it. I have always liked the feel of books in my hand but this makes it so easy to read at night when hubby is trying to sleep and I can't. Happy reading!
ReplyDeletewant to add that I bought a cover for mine and these little straps for the back. You can just slide your fingers in to hold it. Just passing this a long. Lots of covers to choose from! MoKo Case Fits Kindle Paperwhite (10th Generation, 2018 Release), Thinnest Lightest Smart Shell Cover with Auto Wake/Sleep for Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2018 E-Reader - Jungle Night
ReplyDelete6 Pieces Phone Grip Holder Cell Phone Grip Strap Telescopic Phone Finger Strap Stand Universal Finger Kickstand for Most Smartphones, 6 Colors (Eye-catching Colors)
Ialso have a stand that holds my Kindle. Four bendy legs that you can fix to hold the Kindle in a good position for you to read. Then all you need to do is tap on the side to change the page. I am in my 70's and it sure helps with the fatigue factor of holding a Kindle. Love the ability to make the fount bigger.
DeleteHappy birthday, Bonnie! You are so appreciated!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Bonnie! You turned 60 and we had our 55th wedding anniversary this weekend! Where does the time go? Keep sewing and keep smiling.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that you celebrated sixty years of life. This is a privilege denied to many. When I was young, I lived with people who did not record their date of birth. As they went through life, the only descriptors about age were 'young' and 'old'. Age did not matter at school and nor when they went to university. Age in years? It's only a social convenience. Remember the story of the two wolves that dwell inside each of us. Feed the young one.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I am right behind you, will be turning 60 myself in a couple of months. Love this whole post, can't wait to see what you do with the lovely churn dash blocks!
ReplyDeleteI wish I were 60 again, lol. My birthday is coming up in April and I'll be 77. Hard to believe, because I don't feel that old. I have osteo arthritis, but it only bothers me when the weather changes.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the winner.
welcome to the club, its a great place to live, have fun!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday and welcome to your 60's. With your usual positive attitude I'm sure you will take it in your stride.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Bonnie! Every year is the best but some days are better than others!
ReplyDeletehappy birthday, the 60's are great!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! The 60's are great! Dallas says Happy Birthday too!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you do with those 1/2 churn dash blocks. I seem to have gotten the reputation for the one collecting those triangles left from different projects. They seem to appear at my sewing machine at my quilt group. I stitch them up and have a lot of different sizes. I have used a lot in my fish leaders and enders but have a lot of twocies left. This can be a great stash buster for me.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, I'm only a few years ahead (I'll be 65 this year). Hoping this year is a good one for you. I enjoy my 60's so far. See you on the Ireland tour if we get to go this year.
ReplyDeleteA very Happy Birthday to you. Thank you for your blog and your beautiful patterns. I look forward to reading your reflections on entering a new decade.
ReplyDeleteWith my macular I have trouble with all the sites that print things in gray scale- don't know why they don't do black or blue much easier for some of us. Sorry your having trouble at such a young age.
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad you can't take a picture (of say, a menu or some other thing that's hard to see) with your kindle so you could see it with Paperwhite instead of back lighting. :-(
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! 60 is not so bad! take care and enjoy your special day.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday a day late, here's hoping your 60's will be full of good things. I will be leaving my 70's behind later this year (unbelievable) - where does the time go!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Bonnie! I'm a couple of years ahead of you but right now I'm loving things backlit - I find regular materials difficult to read! Weird how each of us is made!
ReplyDeleteI want to work on my listening to books/podcasts -- right now I tend to tune out as in background/elevator music so if I'm doing anything else (working/sewing) I miss most of the program!
Happy Belated 60th Birthday Bonnie!!!
ReplyDeleteA very happy birthday to you!🎂 you will love the 60's. I too had to start with the kindle, be sure to get blue blocker glasses when you read or use the computer. Much less strain on your eyes.
ReplyDeleteBelated happy birthday and welcome to the 60's. When I turned 60 I decided it was middle age. The 70s have been a bit more of a challenge. Working pretty hard to keep the body running but I am thriving.
ReplyDeleteDon’t forget to charge your kindle regularly! It’s such a bummer when you are ready to read and it won’t turn on!
ReplyDeleteyou will love your sixties as I expect you will bring the same zest to then as you have to the years leading up to them. BTW - don't stop after Harry Potter -- bet you will also enjoy "Fantastical Beasts" -- there are two of those now so more than enough to get you thru that last bit on that GORGEOUS quilt!!!
ReplyDeleteBelated happy birthday Bonnie. Your mad cow moments are referred to as “Senior Moments” in my household. I thoroughly enjoyed the 60’s but the 70’s (I am only in the early years) are proving a little more difficult. Stiffening up and arthritis starting but trying to keep as fit as possible. Thank you for your great blogs, never miss them.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday dear Bonnie! xo I just got a kindle Paperwhite myself. Trying to give my eyes any help they can get.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Amy! Xoxoxox
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