Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!!!


We are VERY happy to be saying “Goodbye” to 2012 and  “Hello” to hopefully, a better year in 2013!

We had a bit of a rough 6 months here at The Gazebo House, that kept me from blogging or doing much of anything else, for that matter. (except sewing)  It is my therapy, ya' know!
 bibs 001


I found time to make reversible bibs for a friend’s twin granddaughters.

bibs 002


I made a Halloween Door hanging for the front door.  This was the first time I ever tried doing ‘prairie points’ on anything.  They were fun!


Halloween door hanging 2012 005

This 'Lady Ghost' shirt was embroidered for granddaughter, Ms. C.

lady ghost shirt 001

I did a Dresden Plate turkey on each end of a table runner, for my daughter’s long buffet.
This was the first time I had ever done any Dresden Plate design and I got in some practice with my free motion quilting, too.

Dresden plate turkey runner 017 cropped

I made several sewing room mug organizers, with matching pin cushions to tuck into one of the spaces.

coffee mug organizer 001 
The Snowman coat pins, below, were done entirely in the embroidery machine hoop, then glued onto tea lights poked through a hole made during the embroidery.  The design is from Reen at Embroidery Garden.

pins 001

This is a Lil’ Twister “Christmas Wreath” wallhanging that I made for our guest bedroom quilt rack.

My First Twister Quilt 002


The fabulous quilting on it was done by Janice Kiser on her long arm machine.
I can only HOPE to get this good someday!
 
Twister Wreath collage
My husband had a small stroke back in May, that left him blind in one eye and off balance somewhat.  It could have been SO much worse, and we are very thankful that he is now almost back to normal, sans his eyesight in the right eye.

He had to have laser tacking done to try to prevent the re-growth of new blood vessels, which are fragile and leak easily.  It worked for awhile but later he had to undergo surgery on that eye for an insertion of a shunt to help prevent the build up of pressure that occurs when those new blood vessels weaken and break.  TMI?  Sorry!  We nurses sometimes forget. 

Some of the medicines he was put on to lower the eye pressure made him terribly sick and complicated his care tremendously.  I promise I won’t go into details but there were days when I didn’t have the time or the energy for even a shower, let alone to sit down and blog.  There wasn’t much to blog about anyway.



Besides all that, I fell and injured my right shoulder…(which was sore from tennis to begin with) and being on the computer, typing, was painful, as well as causing numbness.  My dear sweet step-son, ‘the doctor’ whom I adore, has injected it for me and it is MUCH better now.  I am praying that it will completely heal and I won’t need surgery on it.  (possible torn rotator cuff tear)  THAT would REALLY complicate things around here!!



We still managed to have some fun times in the past 6 months.

     We were blessed that my husband survived the stroke and was able to celebrate another Fathers’ Day at that same beloved son’s gorgeous home.


Fathers Day 2012 001
    
My Honey, with his daughter and our daughter-in-law’s aunt in the background.

 Fathers Day 2012 012


Some shots of various rooms in the home:


Fathers Day 2012 013

 Fathers Day 2012 010

Even though it rained off and on, they were still able to cook outside and we enjoyed their lovely yard for a little bit, in spite of the weather.
 Fathers Day 2012 014

Hi Poochie!

Fathers Day 2012 017
Fathers Day 2012 003 cropped

Three of my DH’s beautiful granddaughters on the left side, another grandpa from the other side of the family and our daughter-in-law’s sweet brother and his pretty wife.
The big island in the kitchen makes serving such a large crowd more manageable but it is still a lot of work!
 Fathers Day 2012 004

 I always try to bring a healthy fruit salad, as I have the time to cut it up.

Fathers Day 2012 005

 These marinated green beans with feta cheese and ORANGE tomatoes were DELICIOUS!
I thought the presentation of them in this bowl with the cobalt blue was very eye appealing.

Next year, I’d like to do an orange and blue tablescape...such a different color combination for me.

Fathers Day 2012 006

There was also some fattening but oh-so-yummy potato salad.

  Aren’t these new dishes with the holes for handles fun?

Fathers Day 2012 008

Beets, broccoli salad, beans and another green bean dish rounded out the menu.  Our daughter-in-law is a vegetarian, so there are always lots of veggies to enjoy.


 

braid 002

 
Ms. C. got to spend lots of happy hours this summer here at The Gazebo House, playing in the hot tub, on my computer and helping me in the kitchen.  One time, we made flip flop cookies,
  flip flop cookies 002

flip flop cookies 004

flip flop cookies 001
and another visit, we did Rollo treats, too!


Thanksgiving treats 2012 001


In the fall, my older sister, Ms. C. and I attended a quilt show, where I had entered one of my quilts.  We had a wonderful time and my lucky sister WON THE DOOR PRIZE!!! 


Streetsboro quilt show raffle prize 2012 002 GH

This queen size log cabin quilt is SOOOO heavy!  We laughed because she had said “I don't know why I bother.  I never win anything” as she placed her ticket into the box. 

I won a 2nd place ribbon in its size division for my "Scenes of Venice, FL" quilt, seen below.







That is the first ribbon I’ve ever won, (for ANYTHING!) so we were ALL very happy.


I also entered two other quilts, "Winter Welcome", below



 
and the pink & green toile one I made for my daughter for her birthday.




I'm sorry this is so long but I had so much I wanted to share
and I needed to catch up!
I have more but I'll save it for another day.

I hope you all enjoyed a very Merry Christmas with your friends and family.
I’ve been watching over your shoulders and keeping up with your lives,
via Google Reader.



Christmas 2012 001 GH


I would like to say a special “Thank YOU” to all the blogging friends who reached out to me, here on the blog as well as via email, to check on how things were going.  It warmed my heart to know how much people cared and I was so touched that you would take time out from your busy schedules to do so.
Don't ever believe that "internet friends"
aren't REAL!

Ice skates on sled 003

Stay warm and be well…play outside in the snow if you can.


It is good for you!

Have a Safe,Happy and HEALTHY NEW YEAR!!!



I'm joining in The Tablescaper's Seasonal Sunday meme.  Won't you follow me over there?
I will also link to Susan's Between Naps On The Porch Tablescape Thursday, just to reconnect with all my bloggie friends!

29 comments:

  1. This is the best post ever and it is filled with beautiful handmade items, family and good news! Happy new year and yes, let's hope 2013 brings the best that life has to offer. So glad to have you back!!!

    P.S. I love the Nutter Butter sandals!

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  2. I was SO glad to see your name on my reading list! What a year you've had - but you are through it and still sewing and smiling. We women are, in so many ways, so strong. I hope your DH continues to strengthen - lucky fellow to have his own private nurse!
    Your sewing projects are all so beautiful. I'm glad you've had this outlet over the past months but sorry to hear that you were curtailed for a while due to the shoulder injury. Take care of it!

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  3. Your quilts are beautiful, and I congratulate you on your ribbon! The little bibs are adorable too! Your honey looks handsome and I am glad he is improving. Good to see a post from you, Rett! You have been missed very much! Hope 2013 brings you and yours health, joy, and peace.
    Hugs, Beth

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  4. How happy I was to see your post pop up in my reader. What a time you've had. I hope the new year is full of blessings and joyous times. Glad to hear your husband is improving.

    Your quilting is beautiful. I'm glad the judges recognized that and gave you a blue ribbon.

    Happy New Year, Rett! Wishing you and your family a joyous 2013.

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  5. Oh, Rettabug, I am so happy to see you back and posting. Congratulations on the Blue Ribbon. Your quilts are gorgeous! And congratulations to your sister on winning the quilt raffle. Lucky lady!
    Glad to hear that things are better for DH. It's been a long road. Here's to a healthy 2013. I've missed you, dear friend. Hugs and Happy New Year! ~ Sarah

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  6. Oh, Rett, I am so very glad that things are looking up at the Gazebo House. Prayers and blessings for you and your sweet husband. Congratulations on your ribbon. Your work is always so beautiful.

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  9. Lovely to have you back,Rett!! You have had such a busy year - I hope the new year brings good times for you and your family. I had a rotor cuff operation about 4 years ago (after falling in the sheep yards on the farm) and I'm hoping you don't have to have one too!! It takes ages to get over it and I was quite fit and healthy then (not like now!! haha). I adore your Winter Welcome quilt - it makes me think I souldn't be so lazy and get back to quilting. Maybe my New Year resolution......
    Suzyq

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  10. Looks like you've had a very busy year Rett! All of your quilts are beautiful! Happy New Year, wishing you all the best in 2013-enjoy:@)

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  11. Hi Rett, The blogging world will rejoice to see you back! You have definitely been missed, and now we know how busy you have been! I'm amazed that you were able to accomplish so much even though you had so much pain and trouble. I'm glad to hear your hubby is doing well. You are right, it could have been worse. My Mom had a stroke and luckily I was with her at the time and was able to rush her in for treatment, and after a long time and a great deal of effort she is fully recovered. I know how much hard it is to watch and feel helpless! At least he has your love and help to rely on! And I hope your shoulder heals soon. Congratulations on the quilting win! All of them are absolutely gorgeous! I hope 2013 is a wonderful year for you! Linda

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  12. Oh thank goodness you are back, I've been checking in regularly to see if you we're there and things were OK. Wishing you and your family well for 2013.

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  13. It is so fabulous hearing from you, Rett, and I loved all your updates. Ern looks handsome as always and I am sorry he's had such a tough year (you too).

    That is a beautiful home and thanks for sharing the pics. You have been incredibley productive despite all the challenge. God's watching over you, woman! Take care,

    Love and hugs,
    Bunny

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  14. Hi Rett - I can't tell you how happy I am that you are blogging again. I have thought of you so many times and am overjoyed that your hubby is doing well. I can only imagine what a difficult time it has been for you. No wonder you haven't had the energy to blog. You have kept yourself busy with your sewing and quilting and I agree with you about it being good therapy. Being in touch again is a great way to start the new year. I hope it is a healthy and happy one for us all.

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  15. Welcome home honey, I'm so glad you're back!

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  16. Rett:

    It's so wonderful to see what you've been up to! It sounds like it was one rough year, but I'm so happy to hear that your husband is coming along.

    Hope to see more of you in the future.

    Remember, a post doesn't have to be long!

    - The Tablescaper

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  17. Rett!!! I'm soooo happy to see you back in blogland!! I've missed you, and have kept an eye out for you to update, always thinking about you (I think I might've even emailed you at one point). I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's stroke; you are so right that it could've been so much worse. I know you're treasuring every moment and being thankful. Your quilts (and all your work) is beautiful; I'm glad you had these projects to help you through the tougher times. I wish you and your husband the best in 2013, especially health. I hope we're able to see more of you this year. ~Zuni

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  18. Hi Rett!!! I am so happy to see you back! Happy New Year to you and yours and wishing much health and happiness for 2013! With everything going on, you have been a busy busy woman making so many beautiful things! I have missed you!

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  19. Hi Rett, I saw that you had left a comment on Lynn's blog and had to stop on over and say "hi". I've missed you and it was so great to see all your projects and catch up on what has been going on with you and your honey. Happy New Year blessings to you and your loved ones.

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  20. So good to see you posting again! Wow, I think I should stop blogging, you got so many wonderful things done. All beautiful and creative, my talented friend!
    My very best wishes for a HEALTHY 2013!! God bless!

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  21. Oh sweetie, it's sooo nice to have you back!!! As you can see, you've been missed!!

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  22. Retta, I am glad the new year is bringing new hope for you and your family. I am sorry to say I have done a terrible job of keeping up and didn't realize your husband had been ill. I know you have been a wonderful caregiver for him and I am glad he is on the mend. Happy New Year, may it bring many blessings to you and your family.

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  23. I was so happy to see a post from you and catch up on all of your projects. I am so glad your husband is doing well, and I pray that you will all have a wonderful 2013.

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  24. Welcome back to blogging, Rhett! My goodness, what an awful year you have had. But 2013 is a brand spanking new page...I enjoyed looking at all your pictures. Happy New Year! :)

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  25. Rett~ I'm SO happy to see a post and update for you! I always enjoy seeing whatyou are stitching and quilting! Your work is beautiful~ congratulations on your ribbon on your Scenes of Florida quilt and I LOVE the pink and green toile one for your daughter! Thinking happy & healthy thoughts for you, your hubby and your shoulder for 2013!

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  26. HI RETT!!!!
    I AM SOOOOOOOOOO HAPPPPPPPYYYYYY YOU ARE BACK!!!!
    I MISSED you SOOO MUCH!!!!!
    WOW.....so many happy things to see on here......First off that darling grand of yours is growing up ....to fast....
    like mine.
    The quilts are stunning....the food featured here...I love it all....will be copying some of those ideas next Christmas...the WREATH is awesome!!!!!
    I loved all your family shots!!!ANd I have never seen your home in so many pics...I love your kitchen!!!!
    ANd your living room!!
    So happy you are back!!
    BIG HUGS to you,
    jamie

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  27. So happy to see you back blogging! Your were very much missed!! So thankful your husband is okay. Thanks for catching us up on all the beautiful projects you were able to do for therapy! Those quilts are fabulous!

    I have also slowed down a lot with blogging, hope to do better in 2013. The past year was also a bad one for us, my sister died, and several friends as well.

    Looking forward to seeing your neat posts again this year!

    Katherine

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  28. Your quilts are absolutely gorgeous!!!! Blessings, Tammy

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  29. Rett, I'm late saying that I am so thankful your hubby is doing better. What a year you have had, and I hpe your shoulder is better by now as well.

    I was sick ALL summer and then have had a lot on my plate before and after. I thought I was staring to see daylight, and then our oldest godson died. If I didn't have the Lord I don't know what I would do. I'm so thankful for His presence in my life.

    Sending you a cyber hug across the miles...

    XO,

    Sheila

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment. I read them all & each one is so very special to me & I try really hard to return the visit!

fondly,
~Rett~