I tried to come up with a snappy title for this post, but everything is so scrambled and disjointed right now I just kept it simple.
Hubster Dave and I made our way to Blountville, TN on Saturday to drop him at the airport for his flight to Portland where he will be staying with Jason through his brain surgery.
Needless to say, he took my heart and soul with him when he went through those double doors between the unloading zone and the check in counter.
Saturday was a beautiful day - it couldn't have been prettier.
Our drive down the mountain toward Marion was just glorious.
Fall is at its peak - the leaves are getting sparce.
I love autumn color in all of its splendor, but I do not like what comes next!
We stopped for burgers at Chili's along the way so he'd have a good meal in him before his long flight.
We snapped this selfie and sent Jason a text letting him know where we were in the getting dad to the airport process.
And it turned out that the connecting flight in Atlanta was delayed over an hour, making his arrival in Portland even later. It felt like 2am for him by the time he touched down at 11pm.
He's staying with Jason in his studio apartment right now, and will stay there until Jason is released from the hospital - we don't know when that will be.
Everything is so "one step at a time" and for someone like me who likes to have a plan and work her plan, the unknown is just very unsettling.
Of course - since being home by myself with the cats and dogs I have channeled my energy into deep cleaning the house. It started with one simple task in the dining room and led to dismantling everything and wiping and cleaning and dusting and rearranging everything.
It's expanded into the kitchen...then down the hall to the utility room where I've reorganized shelves and changed things around...seriously. It's nuts.
But I can't seem to make myself sew right now.
Surgery is tomorrow. And we wait.
Mable is despondent. This is Dave's side of the bed. She has rarely left this spot since I returned form the airport. She is his girl, and she keeps waiting for his return. It's going to be a long two weeks.
Meanwhile at retreat - the ladies are creating beautiful things!
Pineapple blocks going up on the wall!
Pineapples of different sorts!
These are also in the making phase -
I just love the versatility of a good and scrappy pineapple!
Some mini piecing is happening here -
And being added to this lovely reproduction medallion quilt.
More charm pack challenge stars are together!
Download free PDF pattern sheet HERE.
And another in layout phase!
Adorable tumbling blocks...Y seams and all!
Today is the last day for the Brown Bird Bee - we've got rounds of over-the-porch-rail photos to look forward to this afternoon.
It's been wonderful having them here - I'm so inspired with all of the projects they've been working on.
Did you enter to win on the Lahinch Gift-Away post? Click back there if you missed it.
Introductory pricing: I've placed the Lahinch PDF pattern at 25% off - no coupon needed -through 10/31/25. Hurry now and save!
Simple shapes and easy piecing create a stunning repeat of pattern and secondary designs – All from a photo taken of a vintage tile floor white traveling. Full color photos, Optional piecing methods, and directions to press for success!
Quilt size: 80'' X 80''
And yes, there IS a Gift-Away!
I'll be drawing for two winners who will each receive a Lahinch PDF pattern from me AND:
An Atlantic Sky color roll from Cotton to Quilts. And yes, they have other rolls to enhance your stash as well:
Along with the beautiful Atlantic Sky roll, they've got other Ireland themed rolls in all of the rich colors you need from Golden Sand to Cliffs of Moher (Chocolate) and Autumn Heather (Pumpkin).And be sure to check out the neutral rolls as well!
Of course, you can envision your own color plan for Lahinch Just choose 4 colors that you like together and add a background where I used lighter sand.
We will draw for our winners on Monday 10/27/25.
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
Sounds logical to me!
I'd rather be quilting anyway!
But somehow, right now...I know I'm going to keep attacking the house until we get through this..
58 comments:
Best wishes and many prayers for a successful surgery for Jason tomorrow. Take care of yourself, Bonnie.
Prayers will continue to go forth for Jason and you all. And I also, when in a worrying or fretting stage, clean house or mow or do something strenuous, it helps keep me focused and a bit calmer. Take care of yourself, the fur babies will help.
The house cleaning is baptismal, cleansing of any bad juju, making order of chaos, perfectly understandable! May peace and wellbeing be with you and your family.
You'll be in my thoughts all week.
Prayers for you and yours as you work through this very difficult journey as a family. One day at a time, one day at a time.
Hi Bonnie!
Since years I follow your wonderful blog, but just as a reader, never made a comment...but today´s the day.
I wish your son the best for his surgery and for you as parents I´ll send you strength and perseverence. I would say more if my English was good enough *smile*, but I think you get me!
All the best for your family,
greetings from Europe, Sophie
May G-D be with you and your family. You all are in my daily prayers.
Janet
You must be near me. I'm in Burnsville. Cleaning is a great way to use up nervous energy. Prayers for peace, while you wait.
Where was the retreat? I just started quilting in July.
Sending much love and many hugs and all the positive thoughts to you and your family.
There is just something mentally freeing about the cleaning process…turn on some music and make order in place where order can be made.
I am the same way - when faced with situations/life things I cannot control I start cleaning/organizing/de-cluttering the house <doing something I can control/fix
Praying for you, Bonnie, and for Jason and your husband. As a mother it has to be so terribly difficult not to be there with them both right now. Please know that you have so many of us pulling for your family right now!!
Hugs from Cedar Park, TX..............CeCeC
I'm keeping Jason in my prayers for a successful outcome for his surgery and pray for peace of mind for you and Dave as you all face such a challenging time as a family. Xx
Big hug, Bonnie! I'm with Pat this week and we are both in your corner.
Prayers continue for y'all.
💗💗💗
You're in my prayers. Poor Mable, she looks so forlorn. Hope you can get a few stitches in. Hexies or something else Black and White. We are here for you. Your prayer warriors!.
We recently went through brain surgery with our daughter for an aneurysm so I understand what you are going through. I am praying for all of you for strength and healing during this surgery and recovery. I also do the cleaning ritual and I’m happy to say that my place is happily messy at this time! May your house never need the cleaning ritual again!
I wish I was with you right now to give you a lot of hugs and chocolate. But since I am here in rainy Connecticut I will continue to pray for Jason and all of your family during this difficult time. Time to go down to the sewing room and lose track of time.
Sometimes I have to keep busy and moving so I can stop doom thinking. Ellen T.
I know this is a hard day for you. I am praying for Jason as well as you and Dave.
Bonnie/Quiltville Inn are in Mouth of Wilson, VA. Welcome to quilting! Kathy
Hello Bonnie, what a beautiful journey. Good omens, I think. Yes, i too resort to cleaning and tidying and sorting and rearranging. You know when it's the right time to sew. Good vibes being beamed to you all. Good luck to Jason, I hope all goes well. Hugs to you and Dave and all the support I can send across the Atlantic. XXX ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Now Bonnie, just be careful....housework done right can kill you!! It's very dangerous!
My prayers are with you, Dave and Jason.
Prayers for Jason, you and Hubster Dave as you navigate the future. Keeping busy makes perfect sense: it keeps your mind busy and off things that may never occur. Keep the faith and know you are all in His hands.
Please know you and your family carry out prayers and healing wishes today and always. Sending virtual hugs.
Busy hands keep the mind from despair, you must be so worried about Jason and there is nothing you can do for your son but pray. Cleaning is pray in motion. Prayers for you and your family as Jason faces his surgery and recovery.
My prayers continue for Jason and your family during this time. Praying that Jason's surgery will be successful. Take care.
I do my best work when the husband is not home. Your house will all shiny when he returns. Many thoughts and prayers for you and Jason. May the lord guide the doctors hands. And everything turn out fantastic. Brenda J.
Sending prayers for all
From my heart to yours; I am praying for your Jason, Dave and you.
You have so much courage, Bonnie. Housecleaning is a great way to manage uncertainty of this magnitude. Thank you for continuing to post. We will all be anxious to hear how things progress, and holding you in our prayers through each step.
Your pictures from the airport look exactly like your Brookgreen quilt … I love it! Best wishes to all tomorrow … I’ll be thinking of you. Looks like Mabel needs some extra pets and love right now … and Zoey too … and Bonnie too! Virtual hugs for you guys! Candy
Prayers for your family. Waiting is the most difficult part
praying for Jason, his medical team and you and Dave.
Prayers and hugs
I just want to say DITTO to all . Suzanne M.
Also! Many hugs and prayers.
Cleaning is a good anxiety release. I have done it when major things happen in my life. Praying all goes well with the surgery and healing.
Marcia Wright
Sending hugs and care and holding you and your family in the light. Mindy
Prayers sent for all of you.
Blessings, Dawn
Central Valley, Ca
Sending prayers and love to Jason (and all the family) for a successful surgery and recovery. Hugs, Jenny
Big - bigger - BIGGEST prayers going out for surgery day! Your house may seem empty right now but all of us are right there with you, and hope you can feel it.
Sending hugs and prayers. Hope all goes well tomorrow.
Thinking of you and your family during this time. Praying all goes well tomorrow.
Praying for your son, and you and your family, Cindy
Oh, poor Mabel. I am loving the pineapples and everything that was shown. Today is my birthday, & thankfully we are off on Mondays. So I sewed & put a top together. Still deciding whether or not on a border for it. I am continuing to pray for you guys. Hopefully some sewing will happen for you soon, for it's just not good to have a quiet sewing machine! Happy stitching! ❤️
Poor Mabel, doesn't have the cleaning therapy available.
Ceci
Praying for Jason's successful surgery and you and your Hubster!
Positive thoughts, Love and Hugs❤️🇨🇦 Elaine L
Adding my prayers to all the others from your blogspot. You have a wonderful, supporting community of quilters who are lifting you all up - - - Jason, his parents and extended family, and the doctors and other health care workers who also desire a best outcome. Its a group effort. We have your back. Peace and joy, Laura in Cincinnati.
Thinking of you all. My sister had a knee replacement today. All went well. It is the 21st here in Australia. 21 should be a lucky number.
Meran
Miss Bonnie! Just remember we have fabulous medicine in the USA today! Surgeons truly have a gift! I know how hard it must be for you not being there but your son has his loving Dad with him & he knows you are there in spirit. I can't imagine how many thousands of people who are praying for him. I hope you find peace knowing that. Hugs & prayers from Ohio
I am sending bigs hugs and praying for a speedy recovery for Jason. Our family has been through a lot health wise but the sun will shine through those dark clouds. Prayers work wonders and so does the cleaning. Frances
Bonnie I am praying for your family thru this trying time. You are such an inspiration to the quilting world. It is our time to help you.
Peggy
Bonnie. Holding Jason and you and all your family in the Light. Thinking of you this morning as the sun is rising here in Massachusetts. May all be well.
Cleaning and organizing is something you can control right now and helps shut down part of the noise coming in. So glad you have the critters and the ladies up the hill to give you support, along with all of us who are sending love and energy.
Prayers for Jason and your family.
Praying for your family Bonnie.
Post a Comment
If you are commenting as "anonymous" please leave your name at the end of your comment.
Did you know that ad space on this blog provides for all of the free patterns and free mysteries and challenges at no cost to you? Without ads, this blog would not be possible.
Thank you for understanding the many hours that go into this blog 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year. :)