I Heard the Birds

It has been a hard week with my illness, but it ended off with a lovely day. I finally got called to get my new digital hearing aid. For years now, my hearing has gotten worse and worse , and I have not even been able to hear any conversation and get the whole gist of what people were saying. Today, I was a bit apprehensive about going there. They gave me the latest digital hearing aid and I got a sense of it, but she told me not to wear it until I got home, as I might be too overwhelmed by all the sounds. She said that it might take me a few weeks to get used to it.Well, when I got home, Joe and I decided to go for our walk and feed Coco the horse. I was walking down the road, and suddenly I heard the birds. I haven't heard birds for such a long time. I couldn't believe it ,and needless to say, I was overwhelmed, that is, overwhelmed with joy. I heard them all the way down the road to the horse. It was incredible how many sounds I could hear! When we got to Coco, I had always seen his face move when he sort of snorted to greet us, and Joe used to ask me if I heard him, but I didn't . Today, I did. What a joy that was! I came home and watched the show Judging Amy, and I never got the words previously, and boy did that upset me as I really loved the show.. Hey, it was filmed in America, and I was not getting it, but of course, I didn't hear most of the words. Today, I got all of what they said and never enjoyed a show more. Boy, do I wish that Desperate Housewives was on tonight so I could see and hear it, but the new shows won't start till the fall. Anyways, it has truly been a wonderful day!!

I also got my bingo prize from The Quilt Shoppe. It is a quilt book on making rag quilts. I never made one, so this one will be an interesting read. Thanks so much!

Oh, I have to tell you, that it only took me an hour to adjust to the digital hearing aid.That was a blessing too, and nothing but nothing can top the sensations that I was feeling today being able to hear so many things, especially the beautiful songs of the birds.

Hello to All

I wanted to thank everyone who wrote me. I am not quite up to par to answer all of them, but I will. I am on tons of medication, but luckily did not have to go to the hospital. I really didn't want to go there, as I have heard of the occasional MRSA case and was a bit worried about that. Anyways, the antibiotics have kicked in and most of the infection is gone. I am just really run down and have been doing nothing but resting and getting spoiled by Joe. It will take me some time to gain my strength back, but I will. Joe took me out to our favorite local coffee shop, so that was nice. I have been playing my Wii from my lounge chair all covered up snug as a bug...I am into the game Rune Factory Frontier, and I have also been reading my James Patterson book.
My Cinch binding machine arrived, and it works amazingly well, and is easy to do.

I also joined a club at Crafty Alley, which is in County Kerry, and they sent me their July kit full of goodies for the journal that I have planned. I am making a Twilight journal for writing my thoughts in, and it should be really lovely. I am such a diehard fan of Twilight, I thought I had to have a journal about it all. I ordered some supplies from Crafty Alley, and most of them are Tim Holtz products, which include his stamps, distressed inks, and his wonderful new paper pad that just came out called Ideology Lost and Found, which will be perfect for the Twilight theme. I am also ordering the companion book to the movies, which has tons of pics that I can use.

Thanks again for all your wonderful emails wishing me a quick recovery. They all meant so much! I will not be back to blogging and reading other's blogs till next week, as I just have to get back to my ol' self...This Irish lassie from Philly is most grateful to you all, and I can't wait to see what everyone is up to.

The Last Two Days

I have been sick for the last two days. As a result of having had the shingles, I got a massive infection in the head area, predominantly at the ear area and the gland behind it and in the gland in the neck area. Because of the swelling, I was in tremendous pain from 3 AM in the morning till I could see the doctor later in the morning around 10 AM. She gave me two antibiotics that luckily kicked in within an hour and the pain had subsided a bit. I went from a level 10 pain to a 5 , and even though it was still hurting, I was grateful with that degree of the pain...it is all relative I guess. She is seeing me again tomorrow to decide if I have to go into the hospital so that I can be put on an IV, as that is much more effective than taking pills. I have had 102 temperature, had flu like symptons such as aches and chills, and don't ask me how I feel. My pain is a bit better, so I am relieved with that. I am crossing my fingers that the doctor will decide not to send me to Letterkenny Hospital. I have really lost my strength, so I won't be able to visit the blogs, nor post for a few days until I feel better. I have to get all of this resolved. I can tell you that shingles do have terrible after effects, and it isn't an easy thing to go through.

Off to read a good book...helps me to keep my mind off of all of this. I got the latest James Patterson book called I, Alex Cross, and it is very good. When I finish that, I have a triology of books to begin which is the Millenium Trilogy, and the first book of that series is called
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The trilogy was written by Stieg Larsson. It is supposed to be an incredible thriller, so I have all of that to look forward to. Hopefully, all of this will be over soon.

Look What I Joined!

I was invited to join in the Global Quilt Project, and I was asked to make 12x12 inch blocks, which will be put into a quilt that will be auctioned to benefit the Central Africa Republic. Quilters from all over the world are joining in, so why don't you also consider joining and donating some blocks. I will be busy sewing the blocks this week. I would like to send them as soon as possible. It is definitely a worthy cause, and I am happy to be part of it.

The Quilt Festival in Dunfanaghy

The Quilt Festival was spread out all over Dunfanaghy. There were quilts displayed in the Ozanam Centre, which is our community centre ,some quilts exhibited at Arnold's Hotel, a bit of a display at The Church of Ireland, and finally a huge display at the Workhouse, where there is also a craft shop, coffee shop and Famine Exhibit.Joe was the official photographer,and he took tons of pics so you could all see the wonderful quilts made by our local quilters. The Sheephaven Guild organized the event, and many quilters were present there, so it was great fun. There were also classes that the locals could take in bag making, making a quilt in a day, and good food provided.

These were the pics taken in the Ozanam Centre. The Country Market was going on too, so you are seeing a bit of that also.

Here are pics of the Workhouse, and a view of the craft shop there and the coffee shop. You can also see the glass panels on the door representing the Famine Period.

These pics were taken upstairs in the Workhouse.

Hope you enjoyed a tour of our quilt festival and I loved sharing it with you.

A Special Birthday

My birthday was just perfect! When I got up, Joe gave me two cards: one from him and one from my two doggies. Then the phone rang...get ready to say...AHHHHHH.....Joe emailed the United States Embassy saying that I was a proud American from Philadelphia, who lost all of her family, and it would be great to get a call from someone from the embassy as I sometimes get homesick during special occasions like this. Well, guess who got a call from the American Embassy? Me, of course...The Director of Public Affairs in Dublin named Karen Posner-Mullen , who was given Joe's email, called me.The telephone rang and I was told by Joe that it was for me. Karen told me that I had a very special husband, and all about how he wrote the American Embassy and how the email got directed to her. She wished me a Happy Birthday and even sang me Happy Birthday. I almost started to cry....partly because she was so nice to have called and so sweet to me on the phone, but mostly because Joe had done such a special thing for me. Here is a link about her. Anyways, I found out that her parents were also from the holocaust and came from a town in Poland very close to where my mom was born. We talked a long while and we may meet this summer.Is that just incredible that Joe would do that for me?

Then, Joe took me to one of our local coffee shops, and we had coffee and a slice of cake. We then headed to Letterkenny where we had lunch at our favorite place called The Quiet Moment. We walked around the shops a bit, and then saw the movie Iron Man 2, which was wonderful.

Funny enough, I was telling Joe that I wanted to do some volunteer work in Letterkenny twice a week, and suddenly we saw a sign saying that they needed volunteers. I called the lady, and she was thrilled that I had experience as a teacher and a counsellor, so after telling her that I was an English teacher, reading specialist and worked as a counsellor mostly with abused and troubled children, she said, "Enjoy your summer, as starting in September, we will be keeping you busy." So, it looks as though I will be working as a voluntary counsellor twice a week starting in the beginning of September...Is that neat or what?

After we returned home, we then fed the horse, and stopped at the pub for drinks. It was just a perfect day, and I am truly very blessed to have such a wonderful soulmate.

Thanks to everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday, not only on my blog but also on Facebook...It was so nice of you all. I had to share all that happened to me today. Hoping everyone had a great day too! Turning 60 landed up being the business!

Some Surprises Arrive, Need Help With a Decision and Today is Bloomsday In Dublin

Susan from Pieces of Fate sent me my giveaway prize. Thank you so much! I can always use all of these things for my cardmaking and journalling.
Also Carol from A Scot In Tennessee sent me a PIF which is just gorgeous! Carol, your stitching and workmanship on it was exquisite! Joe doesn't usually comment, but he really liked it. I love pincushions, but this one really is one of my prettiest ones now. Thanks to you!

Finally, Katrin from Cattinka, who was my Star this month sent me a lovely fabric postcard , a Santa panel,and a card for my birthday. She machine embroidered the card, and as you can see, it is quite beautiful, and I do love Santa! Thank you dear Katrin!

I was busy today catching up on siggies that I had to send out...I made 7 siggies. I only need 13 more siggies and I can make my quilt, so I am getting close to the end. It has been a wonderful experience.
Last but not least...My birthday is tomorrow...I will tell you that I am going to be 60 years....yes, the big 60. I can't believe it! Well, luckily I do look much younger than my age, but as Joe always says, "It is better to have reached 60 than not to have reached 60. " I am really a kid at heart, so that is what counts.

Joe is taking me to our favorite local coffee shop tomorrow morning for coffee and a slice of berry cake. We are going to have a light lunch in Letterkenny, and then we will see the movie Iron Man 2. Then when we get back home, we will later head to the pub for some Baileys to toast the end of my birthday.

He bought me a Cinch Binding tool, which is going to be wonderful for my journal making..I told him that I needed that, so voila, I got it. I am getting to choose a Charlie Bear where both are on preorder...this is where you come in...I can't decide between these two bears. Tell me which one you like.As you can see, one is a pink girl bear named Angela, and the other is a very cute boy bear named Graeme. I have wanted a bear to commemorate my 60th birthday and the fact that I will never grow up.

PS: Joe just walked in with a pre-birthday cake and all the candles lit to start the celebration early. What a guy!Tomorrow is going to be so much fun, but isn't it nice to start the celebration the evening before.
PSS: Today is Bloomsday in Ireland...Here is a link to give you information:

http://www.jamesjoyce.ie/ It is a day when in Dublin they commemorate Leopold Bloom, a Dublin Jew, who was a character in James Joyce's classic book named Ulysses, and recreate his journey around Dublin in exact detail. They dress like characters of the day, and retrace Bloom's steps...Great fun!

Another AccuQuilt Cutter Go Giveaway

Stitch in the Ditch is giving away an AccuQuilt Go, so here is another chance to win. Tell them who sent you, and good luck! This time you may win! http://www.stitchintheditch.com/

Sunset Watercolour

I spent a very quiet day with JOE. After our morning walk, we had lunch and then Joe took a nap. I did a watercolour and finished it by the time that Joe got up. It was fun to do and very relaxing! We then went to feed Coco the horse ,and we are now home watching tv. Joe is going to watch the World Cup, and tonight is the game where United States goes against England....Go USA!

Oh...that four leaf clover brought us some more luck. Joe won 30 euro in the lottery. Very Cool!

I Won a Book and a Giveaway

You know that Bingo game that I joined through The Quilt Shoppe...well I won today's giveaway. I will be getting one of these books...which one, I don't know. All of them are good! I attribute this win to Simone deKlerk. I got a birthday card from her which also had a four leaf clover inside, which has given me some wonderful luck. Thanks so much Simone! It meant so much to me!

As next week is my birthday and The Quilt Festival in Dunfanaghy is scheduled, I am getting very excited! Joe and I stopped at the local craft shop and I bought one of the gifts that will be in my Irish Giveaway. Of course, all will be Irish items. No hints, but it is fun buying them a bit at a time.

Lastly, there is a wonderful giveaway at Jane's Fabric...love the pink fabric.

Enjoy your weekends!

New Giveaways

Amy at Amy's Creative Side is having a giveaway and the prize is an AccuQuilt Go Cutter.

Please enter for a chance to win!



Also, Marilyn at Marilyn's Maze is having a giveway. Check this one out. as I love anything with Moda fabrics!

There is another giveaway at
Betwixt the Betweens blog...three different prizes...It is a very generous giveaway!

Cluck, Cluck Sew is giving away Whimsey by Fig Tree Quilts for Moda FQ Bundle...Enter and win some really neat fabric.

Cutie Pinwheel is also having a great giveaway. Check this out:

Latest News

Susan from Pieces of Fate informed me yesterday that I won some cardmaking and collage goodies. How nice is that! Thanks Susan! Susan just had a house fire, and is going through some really hard times with all of that. Stop by and say hello. Thank God, no one was hurt!

We are having a lovely spring day...cool but sunny. I am looking forward to my birthday week next week and the Quilt Festival in Dunfanaghy. I will also be having a July giveaway,
so just to tease you a bit about it. It will be another Irish Giveaway...with all the craft shops in our town, it is always nice to include Irish items.

In Memory of Gypsy

I just found out that Gypsy, a dear blogging friend of mine died. She fought a heroic battle, and I was truly amazed at her bravery and wonderful spirit. She always had a smile on her face, and I was so lucky to have known her! She so loved her friends and family, and stayed in touch with her blogging friends as long as she was able to do so, and when she couldn't write us, dear Bunny kept us informed. Thank you so much Bunny for doing that for us and for standing by Gypsy as you did.I will sorely miss Gypsy and cherish the time that I knew her.

As her dear friend Bunny said, I do believe that she is in a better place. She is one of the people that I feel truly blessed to have known through my blog, and I send my condolences to her family and friends. Gypsy, I will miss you so much and you were much loved by so many people. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Great Giveaway at Shakerwood Quilts

Hurry and sign up for Shakerwood Quilts' great giveaway. The deadline is June 14th. Check out the prizes!

Attention Twilight Fans!!!!!

I am so excited! Stephanie Meyer has written a new book! For all of you Twilight fans, the first copies of this new novella were delivered today by a group of "werewolf" pallbearers, who brought the copies to a bookstore in London. Is that hilarious or what? The new novella , called The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, is told from the point of view of Bree, a character originally featured in the book Eclipse. Oh, if you don't want to buy the novella, you can read it for free on this site, starting from June 7th. You just can't print it or save it. It is a read only file, and will be available to read on the site till July 5th.

Well, you know who is ordering that book from Amazon UK. Also, there is a graphic novel on Twilight that has been out if you want to read it. It is Volume one of a series of graphic books. I will order that one when I order this new novella.

I can't wait till June 30th when Eclipse comes out in the movies.It will be two weeks after my birthday, but boy will it be fun to see!

Enjoy your weekends!

AccuQuilt Go News

I know some of you have mentioned on Barb's site that I referred you to her blog for the AccuQuilt Giveaway, and I do thank you so much. I decided to give all of my entries to Greg and Brooke so they could possibly have a better chance to win the AccuQuilt Go with my entries too. I will do this for Barb's giveaway. Since some of you have written me about mentioning me on Barb's site, I thought you should know what I did. If you go to Barb's Site, you will can see Brooke's post, and you will be as touched as I was by it, especially as I know she is going through so much with a cancer scare herself and possible surgery. It was just so nice that she would write about Greg that way. It was truly written from her heart, and I can see how much he needs the AccuQuilt Go, so I was happy to give him my entries and support him. It would be so nice to see him possibly win. Please do check out Brooke's post, and I really think you will join in on supporting Greg.

To increase Greg's odds even more to win, if you have the AccuQuilt Go already and want to support him, just enter Barb's giveaway saying you are entering for Greg , or if you just want to suggest an entry for him, just because you want to help him, that would be great. The more entries he has, the better the chances for him and Brooke. If I have learned something from blogging at all, it is that we quilters can be so truly supportive of others.
Enjoy your weekends!

AccuQuilt Giveaway

Barb at Bejeweled Quilts is giving away an AccuQuilt Go in her giveaway. You know how much I would love to win that, as it really would solve my cutting problems being in a small cottage. Check all of her instructions for the giveaway and enter , and good luck to you all. Please tell her that I told you about the giveaway...I would appreciate that!

More Watercolour Paintings

I made two more watercolour paintings in my moleskin journal. If you remember, I made that Bolivian Boy using graphite pencils. Well, I redrew him from scratch and then did the whole pic in watercolours. Alot of you wanted to see what he would look like with colours , so here he is.

Also, I made a bird and a rose. As you can see , I am writing and including journal entries. It will be a lovely book to look through The moleskin journal has 60 pages in it, so lots of room to make paintings.

I used my new Albrecht Durer watercolour pencils. It is amazing how when you colour the pic in and then apply the water with the brush, it turns into a lovely watercolour.You have to do it in layers;otherwise, the colours will run into each other so everytime you want to add details, you have to let it dry first. I am so enjoying all of it.

Oh, a few people asked me if I will be painting exclusively and not quilting anymore. If you know anything about a Gemini, you know that we like to dabble in a lot of things...I will still be quilting, crocheting, painting, writing etc, etc....I enjoy having various hobbies.

Well, off to watch some tv.