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.
This is the view from the top of Grassy Creek road as you crest and go down the other side.
Our drive down the mountain toward Marion was just glorious.
It was just such a beautiful day.
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 -
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..

Best wishes and many prayers for a successful surgery for Jason tomorrow. Take care of yourself, Bonnie.
ReplyDeletePrayers 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.
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
ReplyDeleteYou'll be in my thoughts all week.
ReplyDeletePrayers 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.
ReplyDeleteHi Bonnie!
ReplyDeleteSince 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.
ReplyDeleteJanet
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.
ReplyDeleteWhere 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.
ReplyDeleteThere 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
ReplyDeletePraying 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!!
ReplyDeleteHugs 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
ReplyDeleteBig hug, Bonnie! I'm with Pat this week and we are both in your corner.
ReplyDeletePrayers continue for y'all.
ReplyDelete💗💗💗
ReplyDeleteYou'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!.
ReplyDeleteWe 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I have to keep busy and moving so I can stop doom thinking. Ellen T.
ReplyDelete