Since last I posted my dad passed unexpectedly on April 3, 2015. As previously indicated, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and was undergoing treatment. His unexpected death by a massive heart attack took some family members by surprise. Yes, we all knew we were going to lose him at some point in 2015 due to the lung cancer but did not see the massive heart attack taking him so quickly. I can truly say for his sake that he went as he (or really anyone) would have wanted and that was quickly and with his dignity. We all knew what to expect over the coming months as his cancer would have progressed so it was a blessing for dad. He and mom are now together again!
I was lucky to have grown up with such great parents who were wonderful role models for the wedding vows spoken: "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, in health, to love and to cherish". They certainly had their share of ups and downs through the years and my brother's and I watched my parents live those vows in the best ways possible. They provided us with a loving home where we kids felt safe, secure and cherished. Certainly rich in the way that really matters.
Here are a few of my favorite photos.
As you would expect after the loss of your second parent who still lived in the house you grew up in (since 1967), there are so many things to sort and go through. Deciding what to keep (and who will keep it), what to donate, what to sell and what to toss. It has been 7 weeks and this process is still ongoing but my 2 brothers and I are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I may be optimistic but I feel we are just a couple weeks away from emptying the contents of the property except for the sell items. Hallelujah!
Along with the sorting has been the sharing of many memories among my brothers and our families. The surprises we have found of things kept by my mom and dad. For example the necklace I had worn for my senior pictures I had long ago thought was gone and wished I still had to find in my mother's dresser drawer. As I'm really into history (especially family history), it was exciting to find in my dad's metal box on a shelf in his workshop a distant relatives high school diploma from 1847. What a treasure to have.
We have shared many a laugh through this process which has been wonderful. I imagine the big emotional day will be our last walk through the house when it is sold as it closes a big chapter in all our lives.
STITCHING
Although I spent many days a week over working at my parents' house I have managed to finish up July by Prairie Schooler and have it and the 2013 Advent SAL by iStitch framed. I am very pleased with the end results.
I was a bit late this year but finally did sign up to enter a few items in the Iowa State Fair. They will be much smaller and fewer projects this year. I have kind of lost my stitching mojo as my time at home has been so limited. I am going to start a small project just so I have something to work on if only for 15 minutes.
CAR NIGHTS/SHOWS
My husband, son and I have started the summer car activities with a couple of the car nights and car shows locally.
This is at the car night at Nick's. That is our friend and neighbor, Keegan in front of his dad's Roush mustang.
VISIT
I did take a week long break while my friend, Allison and her mom, Lynda were here for a visit to celebrate their birthdays. Surprisingly considering how long Allison and I have known each other it was the first time Lynda and I had met. She was an absolute delight and the perfect addition to make the shopping duo a shopping trio.
We started our week with a cold day at an Iowa Cubs baseball game but you can see by the smiles it didn't ruin our fun.
We ended our week together in the tropical surroundings at the Botanical Center.
I've decided this would be a perfect place to go on a cold and snowy winter day.
We also did many other things like shopping at multiple malls, a trip to Stitch n Frame (Allison left 9 pieces for framing) lunches and suppers out, cooking suppers, strolling through Historic Valley Junction (I had a necklace made while I waited at a store called Fishlips) and a trip through the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall.
It was a fabulous visit with an old friend and a new friend!
Peonies are in bloom. Thank you Rene' for this beautiful bouquet from your garden!
