Absent with out blogging leave. I'm making a habit of this -- and it isn't a good habit to have. I'm sorry about that but it seems that curve balls aren't just for playoff baseball.
Everything here is fine, but it has definitely been an up-and-down sort of month and the only constant is that any plans or schedule I tried to make was bound to change before the ink had dried.
So what have I missed in this past month?
Rosie had a birthday. She turned a grand 12 years old. We celebrated with her favorite birthday dinner.
She was rather annoyed that I wouldn't share the Frosty that came with the Combo meal. If I had known that Vanilla was an option ~ when did they start doing those? ~ I would have gotten it so she could have had it some.
After lunch, she did what she does best these days...
Actually, I took this picture last night. I have loved those eyelashes since she was a puppy. And those feet still smell like hot-buttered popcorn. She was sleeping so soundly that my taking pictures didn't wake her. She's been a little stressed out lately with all the goings-on here so she's been trying to catch up on the sleep she missed.
My Mom was in the hospital for about two weeks and just came home this past Sunday. That was after being in the hospital for about a week in August, all related to the same issues. The long and the short of it all is that she started having some small seizures related to little bits of plaque in her carotid artery breaking off and causing small, temporary clots. No strokes, just a few small seizures and "episodes" that leave her unable to move or control her left arm or leg. The first seizure came in the middle of the night and resulted in a call to 911. While waiting in the Emergency Room, we lamented over how sad and pathetic we were... we had to call 911 to get some good-looking men in the bedroom at night. Her fall was caused by the onset of more seizures -- they really were more like tremors and twitches than what most of us think of as seizures.
She was scheduled for surgery -- a carotid endorectomy -- and the day before surgery, after finishing up pre-op appointments at the hospital and doctor's office, she fell. I had run out to do a couple of quick errands so I could be around when she got home after surgery... yeah, great plan that. And yes, major guilt about not being here when she fell. To make it worse, she fell hard enough to put a hole in the wall. I would show you a picture of it but then you wouldn't believe me when I told you that she's fine and didn't hurt herself. After trying to call and not getting an answer, I raced home. (For those "friends" who have thrown me under the bus about the way I drive... this is proof that my sort of driving skills can be useful!) I got home to find her on the floor unable to get up, necessitating another call to 911 and another trip to the Emergency Room.
On a side note... remember those French policemen I mentioned? They've got nothing on Arizona paramedics and firemen. Oy vey. My Mom noticed that too.
But back to my Mom... Fortunately for her, extremely hard heads have been in our gene pool since the ancestors climbed out of the primordial ooze. It took an MRI to confirm that after two CT scans showed a spot that neurologists initially diagnosed as bleeding on her brain. Surgery was rescheduled and performed, and everything went beautifully.
Except that she just couldn't do things the easy way.
During recovery, she was having some breathing problems, mostly not being able to get deep breaths and maintain the necessary oxygen level. More tests, a couple of speculative diagnoses and... Valley Fever. Coccidioidomycosis. Valley Fever... it's easier. It is a fungal disease that causes breathing difficulties and problems. The good news is that it is treatable, the bad news is that it can be serious and the cure can be almost as bad as the disease itself. So while my Mom gets tired easily, she's doing pretty well... though she's not drinking enough water or fluid. On another side note, why is it that everybody I know who is looking after an elderly parent has the same problem ~ we can't get them to drink enough liquid.
The best medicine was having the "Golden Child" come for a visit. That always makes her happy.
And while he was here, Rosie ate his sunglasses.
Thankfully, some things don't change.
While my Mom was in the hospital and Rosie was eating sunglasses, a big box of books arrived. Can you believe I missed that?
As much as I loved the quilts in the first book, I think I like these even better. As with Times Two, there are twelve projects included in Another Bite, two of which are completely new. Though I am wondering why there are 29 quilts in the book when there are only twelve projects. Actually, it's kind of your fault as you gave me ideas for tweaking two of the designs to make a simple variation. Before I forget, since I've already gotten a few e-mails asking me about what fabric collections were used for each of the quilts, here is the list.
Another Bite of Schnibbles ~ Fabric Listing
All of the ups and downs of the past month have meant that I've changed my plans a bit for this Fall. I had to cancel a couple of classes and I won't be going to Houston for Fall Market. While there is still an outside chance that I'll be there on Friday to do a Schoolhouse for Martingale, I won't be at Market itself. I'm a bit disappointed, but as before, that is mostly because it will mean not seeing some of the folks that I only see at Market. Of course, with fewer and fewer folks exhibiting at every Market, I don't miss as many people as I once would have... if that makes sense.
That's all I can think of right now... I'm sure I've missed something, forgotten something, etc. But now that things are settling down, there is a good chance I will remember what it is. I will be back this coming week with a book or two to giveaway... and some of this fabric...
And maybe something else. After all, it is sort of a Birthday week around these parts.
Which reminds me...
Happy Birthday to Polly Minick and Miss Pink Pincushion ~ aka Sinta!
Happy Birthday to them both.
I hope you have a terrific weekend. I'm off to bake a birthday cake and some sewing.
Maybe I'll just find Rosie and go take a nap.
Happy Birthday tomorrow Carrie! Wow...you have had quite the September. I hope October is much easier on you, your mom, and Rosie Best wishes for your Mom's quick recovery, too!
Oh, and I love, love, love Full House in Nine Dots!
Posted by: sherri | September 30, 2011 at 10:56 PM
I hope your mum recovers quickly...and Rosie is soooo cute when she's asleep!!
Posted by: Archie the wonder dog | September 30, 2011 at 11:51 PM
happy birthday to Miss Rosie!!!!
Hope your mom is feeling better.
AND I hope your taking care of yourself.
how cute is that picture of miss rosie sleeping on a quilt !
Kathie who can't wait to see all the quilts and fabrics used in your new book
Posted by: kathie | October 01, 2011 at 02:11 AM
What a good daughter you are! I'm sure your mother really appreciates all that you do and the sacrifices you are making. Hope she is better very soon. Congratulations on the new book and happy birthday to the queen! (My pup is sixteen and her paws have always smelled like Fritos!)
Posted by: Jane | October 01, 2011 at 04:19 AM
Oh Carrie, I am keeping your mom and you both in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you both gentle hugs.
Okay, have to wish Rosie a belated Happy Birthday too, give her a scratch for me and maybe throw a rock for her when you have the time and she isn't napping!
*Note*...Though I have a wonderful hubby, I to have resorted to calling 911 to get handsome strong young men to fawn and fuss over me before...if it weren't so scary, it could be really fun **wink**
Posted by: Nancy | October 01, 2011 at 04:49 AM
Hope life settles and your mum improves.
Posted by: Cardygirl | October 01, 2011 at 05:15 AM
I hope your mom feels alot better soon. I know she is thankful to have you and Rosie. I have my book coming my way thanks for all your hard work that makes so many people happy.
Posted by: regina chronister | October 01, 2011 at 05:27 AM
I love that you always maintain your sense of humor no matter what happens. Here's hoping your Mom's recovery goes smoothly from here on. Can't wait to get my hands on the new book! You're the best!
Posted by: Cindy | October 01, 2011 at 05:29 AM
Wow, what a month! Hope Mom is feeling better soon. Your new fabric line is so yummy. Someone wrote that it is your birthday tomorrow...if so, happy, happy! Some of the greatest people I know are born in October...shameless, it is my birthday month also.
Posted by: Cheryl Miller | October 01, 2011 at 05:49 AM
You are one incredible woman, Carrie. You still manage to blog with a sense of humor, tend to business and keep your Mom and Rosie comfy.
So, enjoy those value meals and keep on smilin ...!
Posted by: Gerri | October 01, 2011 at 06:29 AM
So, so sorry about your mom's health issues. So glad she has made it through. May October see calmer days for all of you.
Posted by: Karen Shackleford | October 01, 2011 at 07:13 AM
I really need to send you an email but wanted to tell you that I'm glad your mom is on the mend. It is stressful when we worry so much about them and can't do anything to fix it. At least this will force her to slow down just a bit and take a rest. And I know that Rosie probably likes nothing better than to have someone sitting on the couch with her, if she's like my dogs! Congratulations on the new book and I can't wait to get out and see it up close and personal! Hang in there!
Posted by: Karen Grabowski | October 01, 2011 at 07:20 AM
Carrie, so sorry about your Mom's health issues. My hubby's family has been dealing with this for almost 4 years with their Mom. I hope that your Mom regains her strength and has better health in the days to come. You and Rosie are her best medicine :-) And congrats on the new book!
Posted by: Jocelyn | October 01, 2011 at 07:57 AM
Best wishes to your mom, Happy Birthday to Rosie, and "keep calm and carry on" to you!
Posted by: Sandi | October 01, 2011 at 08:14 AM
Happy Birthday to Rosie from my girl Hattie. She says he's quite handsome! I can't wait to get my hands on the new book. I've had it on my Amazon wishlist for months and am happy to finally be able to order it. And prayers and good thoughts are with your mom and you. I hope she continues to heal.
Posted by: Mary | October 01, 2011 at 08:43 AM
I'm really glad to hear your mom is doing better. I'm sorry to hear you won't be at Market but moms come first.
*crossing my fingers that you'll be at Spring Market*
Posted by: Monica | October 01, 2011 at 08:56 AM
Happy Birthday to you both! This past year has flown by. Glad your Mom is better. I totally understand and I told my Mom to keep her cell close by (as in her pocket). My Mom is addicted to the Lipton Green Tea bottles from Costco. Don't know if that'd help the liquids issue, but putting ice in might?
Posted by: Auntie Pami | October 01, 2011 at 08:56 AM
HOPE YOUR MOM IS FEELING BETTER♥
YOUR BOOK IS ANOTHER "MUST HAVE" FOR ME~THANKS FOR SHARING!
Posted by: Linda | October 01, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Happy birthday to Rosie! I hope your Mom has a quick and 'uneventful' recovery! You need a breather month. Love that stack of books!~ do you need my address?? :-)) Have a happy day!
Posted by: Sandie ~call me crazy | October 01, 2011 at 09:40 AM
Taking a nap sounds very sensible. I hope your mom continues to improve. I know it can be very stressful taking care of a parent. Especially when you still feel like a kid and expect them to be taking care of you. However, she is so lucky to have you and Rosie around. I'm sure this is very comforting for her. Congrats on the new book and Happy Birthday wishes to Rosie. What a sweetie she is.
Posted by: Heartsdesire | October 01, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Carotid endarterectomy is the fancy word for roto-rootering and doesn't sound pleasant, but after the month you and your mom have had, is practically a summer breeze! Hope she is fighting the Valley Fever hard--my cousin, a firefighter, had that for almost a year and was on many many different drugs before it was conquered. Glad your book is out and your sunglass eating Rosie is celebrating :)
Posted by: AnnieO | October 01, 2011 at 10:32 AM
Hope your mom is feeling much better!! Gosh, you girls have all been busy!! Happy Birthday to BOTH you and Rosie!! :-) Hopefully, you can celebrate with a D'back's win!!
Posted by: Linda | October 01, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Sorry about the problems your family has experienced. Hope it will be back to normal soon. Your books looks very interesting.
Posted by: Betty | October 01, 2011 at 12:53 PM
Carrie, Rumor has it that is is your birthday today too...so "Happy Birthday"!!! Though with your mom recovering I don't imagine there is a lot of celebrating going on just now but I really hope you have a wonderful day. Hope your mom is doing well and is on the road to a speedy recovery. My gosh, I read about the speculative diagnoses and it is pretty frightening. I had heard of it a couple of years ago when I told my doctor we were going to Arizona he told me to be very cautious and go straight to a doctor or ER if I got sick while we were there because my immune system is shot and it had been raining in Arizona. So, when you said Valley Fever I was stunned cause that is what my doc said he was worried about! I am still keeping you all in my prayers. Big Gentle Hugs...
Posted by: Nancy | October 01, 2011 at 01:43 PM
Oh Carrie, your poor Mum and you will both feel like you have been through the wringer. You will be exhausted. Hoping that your Mum's recovery goes smoothly and she feels heaps better quickly. Happy 12th birthday to gorgeous Rosie, I bet she was spoilt rotten. And a very happy birthday to you Carrie, hope that your day is filled with much love and joy.
Posted by: Deb | October 01, 2011 at 02:59 PM
Oh I just want to send you the biggest cyber ((((hugs)))) You really have been up and down and I really hope things start to settle and that your mom makes a full recovery. I'll be thinking of you both!
Posted by: Sew Create It - Jane | October 01, 2011 at 03:07 PM
Happy b'day to you and Rosie! Sending good healthy vibes to your mom too!! And take that nap!!!
Posted by: Pam | October 01, 2011 at 03:28 PM
Hope you have had a happy birthday. Hope you have many many more.
Posted by: Dortha | October 01, 2011 at 03:32 PM
Happy Birthday to Rosie! I couldn't let my Lucy see that picture of her birthday dinner or I would be in big trouble. She loves french fries and goes crazy in the car when we go thru the drive thru for take out.
I sure hope for a speedy and healthy recovery for your Mom. What is it about those good looking men who come when you call 911? It must be a job requirement for them:). Hope you can get some good R and R too. A nap with Rosie is prefect. There's nothing better than cuddling up with your dog and a quilt.
Take care,
Karen M from NE
Posted by: Karen | October 01, 2011 at 03:34 PM
Happy Birthday to Rosie and to you also!! Hope your mom is doing well! I love to read your blog, you give such great detail and tell a good story!! Love your first book, can't wait to get the second one! Thanks for the chance to win a prize!
Posted by: Kim G | October 01, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Happiest of birthdays Rosie! I love your eyelashes too and think Carrie should go back and get you a vanilla frostie! Glad your mom is doing better Carrie. Family first, quilt markets second!!!
Posted by: Ramona Chester | October 01, 2011 at 04:26 PM
Birthday wishes going to the best! Hope your mom is on the mend. I'm agreeing that you should pick up the vanilla frosty - I get the half and half myself.
Posted by: Linda P | October 01, 2011 at 04:28 PM
Happy Birthday, Carrie! I am sending best wishes for both you and your Mom! and Rosie too of course! Take good care of yourself. Pull out those Fall candles and pictures and soak up some color! Leaves are just starting to show some color here in SE Michigan.
Posted by: shelley | October 01, 2011 at 04:36 PM
I have the same condition - AWOBL. I'm hope your mom is improving with each day. Happy Birthday! I love the new book and oh my - I was going to make your little house quilt out of Hometown, but now that I see your Nine Dots version, I must make that!
Posted by: Lisa D. | October 01, 2011 at 05:07 PM
Happy Birthday Rosie! I will keep your family in my prayers. I have in my hand a copy of your newest book. I have added several quilts to my bucket list. It was also nice to see Carol's name in your book. She is a wonderful person, very lucky and I do miss her shop. Take care!
Posted by: Jane | October 01, 2011 at 05:42 PM
Missed your postings, glad you are back. Sorry to hear you had such a rough month of September. I hope your mom is as cute as Rosie when she naps! Sounds like they are both in need of naps, and you too! Hoping October will be a better month for all!
Posted by: Ann in NC | October 01, 2011 at 06:53 PM
Glad you're back Carrie! Happy Birthday to you and Rosie. I think Rosie needs a vanilla Frosty or a little slice of that cake you are making :-) Best wishes to your sweet Mom for a speedy recovery.
I can't wait to get a copy of Another Bite of Schnibbles!
Posted by: Becky S | October 01, 2011 at 07:02 PM
Happy Birthdays!!! Glad your mom is ok. Talk about stress, huh? I'm in the middle of trying to figure out if we should have my parents move in with us. We are the sandwich generation, old enough to have to care for our parents, but young enough to have children at home. Sometimes it's too much...
Beautiful quilt! Hope October is better for you!
Posted by: Tina C. | October 01, 2011 at 08:06 PM
I read on Sherri's blog that it is your birthday. So: Hartelijk gefeliciteerd!
I am so sorry all that your mother has to go through, but Carrie, you do make the best of it. Your optimism and not wanting to be a victim attitude is so hope giving. A lesson for me!
Glad Miss Rosie was able to have fun with 'golden child's' sunglasses (o: You have to keep yourself busy somehow.
Congratulations on your new book! Another must have for me (((o:
Give your mom a hug from me! And one for you and Miss Rosie too of course.
Posted by: simone | October 02, 2011 at 01:36 AM
Wishing you a Happy Birthday and belated birthday for sweet Miss Rosie! I have ordered your book and it is winging its way to me now! I can hardly stand it!
As for new about your mom....she is so fortunate to have your help and I can understand why you had a bit of guilt. Been there. I can imagine the cutting up you both do as I sensed that with the 911 hopes of some good looking men. You always without fail crack me up! Wishing you both a nice relaxing weekend...with no worries.
Posted by: Mary Flynn | October 02, 2011 at 06:28 AM
I hope your Mom gets better real soon. And belated Birthday wishes for the Birthday girls. I am so looking forward to your new book.
Posted by: Marianne | October 02, 2011 at 08:00 AM
I was glad to see a post from you, if only to know that you still have that wry sense of humor that enables you to deal with everything that comes your way.
I read through all the comments, and I add my Happy Birthday (belated) wish for you as well.
I'm sorry about the health events that have sort of taken over your life, only because from what I read about your Mom, she would rather not have them either. (She sounds as spunky as you.) I send you my best wishes for patience and delicious liquid concoctions for her sipping pleasure, and I send congratulations on the occasion of your new book!
Mine's already on the Amazon list.
Take care--
E.
Posted by: Elizabeth E. | October 02, 2011 at 08:05 AM
Happy Birthday to all.
Chandler has yummy emergency teams but meeting that way isn't any fun !!!!
Hope your Mom keeps doing what she's supposed to do and drink more fluids revert to childhood and give her popcicles.
Hang in there & hugs to you
Posted by: Lori Hilleboe | October 02, 2011 at 08:43 AM
Well good gravy Girl! You have been busier than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs this month! Sending healing prayers for your Mom. What a blessing you have been for her. It's so hard watching our parents get older. Happy belated birthday hugs to Rosie Girl and birthday blessings for you today! Can't wait to get my hands on that new book! I'm gonna have to live to be 200 in order to make a dent in my 'must make' Rosie quilts!
Posted by: Ranch Wife | October 02, 2011 at 05:12 PM
I have to admit, I've always had a soft spot for those rescue personnel, and now I bet your mom does too. Let's hope she doesn't 'accidentally' fall a lot in the future.:D
Love the new book and the fabric looks smashing. Can't wait to see some of it up close.
Posted by: Deb C | October 02, 2011 at 07:15 PM
Hope your Birthday was fabulous! Glad to hear your Mom will be doing better, prayers are being sent to her and you.
Also, I can't wait to see the "Another Bite of Schnibbles" publication, congratulations!
Jane
Posted by: Jane | October 02, 2011 at 09:38 PM
Loved that sweet photo of Rosie! We had to say good bye to our sweet Golden "Liddie" a bit over a year ago..With your Rosie it was her eyelashes, with our Liddie it was the under portion of her ears. Soft waves of gold highlighted with red. Plus she was the only female in a litter of 9 brothers..Miss her lots. Hugs to Rosie for her birthday..Looking forward to your new book.
Posted by: Louise | October 03, 2011 at 08:15 AM
Happy Birthday to Miss Rosie and everyone else! Glad to hear that your mom is doing better, and congrats on the book! I haven't been out and about to a store yet to get my copy!
Posted by: Deb A | October 03, 2011 at 08:25 AM
Dang... I have been thinking about you and just knew that something wasn't right on the homefront. I think Rosie sent smoke signals to Hannah. Your poor mom! That just must be so scary... but maybe worth it if young cute guys (in uniforms) (deep sigh) come to help a damsal in distress!
Thank you for the cake! Boston Cream Pie is my favorite!
Posted by: Sinta Renee | October 03, 2011 at 04:14 PM
pardon... damsel:)
Posted by: Sinta Renee | October 03, 2011 at 04:16 PM