Friday, July 22, 2011

Thank goodness that’s over…

Wednesday was not an easy day and I sure am happy that’s behind me.  

I am so grateful to have very caring and compassionate doctors who are genuinely concerned about my well being.  They have put a rush on everything and I’m hoping to have the results from the two biopsies by Wednesday of next week.  Thank you all for your kind words and support.  They are making my trip down this unknown road so much easier. 

You guys are the best!

sunflowers divider

In my last post, I had these grandiose ideas of being able to complete the piecing of a Civil War nine patch quilt before my surgery.  As you can see below, I did get a start on it…

SAM_1583

and the rest of the nine patch and setting blocks were waiting patiently beside my machine for me to continue.   However, on Sunday…

SAM_1585

Frankie…as in Frank Sinatra…AKA 'old blue eyes’…arrived!  

Everything came to a screeching halt!

SAM_1577

Frankie is a three month old seal point Siamese kitten and he’s

E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E!

SAM_1575

Mac is being such a sport about it and apart from a few introductory swats and hisses, they are now co-existing really well.

SAM_1568

Then, and in anticipation of my brother coming to visit sometime in August,  we decided that it was time we did something with the spare room. 

Until now, it has been used as a catch-all and a place to put everything that we just hadn’t found a home for…including the last 4 boxes that are still waiting to be unpacked.  *sigh*

SAM_1587

Not only is it the smallest of the four upstairs bedrooms but because of the dormer and sloped ceiling, we decided to go with a single bed in order to be able to include some other furniture in there as well.  I made the quilt on the bed a few years ago which you can read about HERE.

SAM_1588

We picked up the bed yesterday and the decorating has only just begun. 

SAM_1589

There are still pictures to be hung, quilts to be piled on the bench, braided rugs to be scattered on the floor and a few other touches to give it a lived in feeling.

SAM_1584

Oh, and the other distraction as to why my piecing was put on hold was because my new Bolivar wool cutter arrived!  Isn’t it a beauty?

sunflowers divider

So, while the little fur baby is napping, I’m  tip-toeing off to the studio to see if I can get a few more rows done.

Shhhhhhhhh!

Kaarenheartname 

on

67 comments:

  1. MonicaJuly 22, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    You sure have been busy! Its making me feel like a slacker...hahaha.

    *crossing fingers for good biopsy results*

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJuly 22, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    i just love the pics of your home! the little guest room will be charming, i'm sure.
    Having just completed my first queen-sized quilt (and the first i've made all by myself) i am fascinated by the civil war quilt you are making.
    i said a prayer for you when i read about your biopsy.

    ReplyDelete
  3. susis quiltsJuly 22, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    i wish you all the best!!!and what a lovely room for having guests,very nice!susi

    ReplyDelete
  4. LindaJuly 22, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    Hi Kaaren..so glad that the biopsy is over and will say a prayer for good results for you.
    That little bedroom under the eves is just adorable.
    I haven't heard of that wool cutter.
    I have been doing some researching myself and will look that one up.
    Be sure and post how you like it.
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  5. MyCretanlifeJuly 22, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    Good luck with the biopsies. I love siamese I have had two in my life and what characters they have been. Your brother will love that little room, I'm sure it will be very cosy.

    ReplyDelete
  6. SunnybecJuly 22, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    Glad you have got that out of the way. Oh old blue eyes is going to give you many hours of fun by the look of it, he looks a right little rascal...Linda

    ReplyDelete
  7. JessicaSewsJuly 22, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    Dear Kaaren, I am so glad to hear that you have such caring doctors. I'm praying for the best!

    Love the Nine Patch!

    What an adorable cat!

    Enjoy your sewing and beautiful of course, your beautiful surroundings (home)!

    ReplyDelete
  8. ~Laurie~July 22, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    So good to "see" you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. GerryARTJuly 22, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    You've certainly been busy. With lots to show for it.
    What's the story behind 'blue eyes'?
    Good Thoughts your way
    hugs ♥♥♥

    ReplyDelete
  10. Flo @ Butterfly QuiltingJuly 22, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    Frankie is beautiful...and I dont even like cats!!!
    Thinking of you, and sending good vibs your way!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. KathyJuly 22, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    Your new guest room looks very inviting already, even without the extra quilts and pictures!

    Praying for good results from your biopsy.

    ReplyDelete
  12. julieQJuly 22, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    I sure hope you are feeling wonderful soon...and have some news!! I see the nine patches I sent...love that quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Abby and StephanieJuly 22, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    I know you're glad to be home. First the girls and now Frankie. I hope Max isn't sulking too much. :o) Frankie is a handsome little fellow. You have so many things to keep you distracted, and that's a good thing.

    ReplyDelete
  14. RhondaJuly 22, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    Praying everything will go well for you health-wise. Thanks for sharing about your projects!

    ReplyDelete
  15. SusanJuly 22, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    And I think that you are the best...

    Glad to know that I am not the only one with grandiose ideas..... Always more on the plate than time to chew or swallow...........

    Lovely new baby at your house. Siamese are such wonderful friends to live with you.

    The guest room is coming along.... I saw a few more ideas I can use at my house.

    Praying for the best news next week.

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousJuly 22, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    Dear Kaaren,

    So glad to hear that yesterday went smoothly and that you won't have too long to wait for the results. The kitty is so cute and its nice that he and Mac get along together. I love that quilt on your guest room bed. Your guests will certainly enjoy their rest under it. Will be thinking of you until next Wednesday.

    Enjoy your weekend.

    Dianne

    ReplyDelete
  17. sunnyJuly 22, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    Oh, a kitten! How exciting. He'll keep you so busy you won't have time to think of anything else. Prayers for good biopsy results.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Elaine/Muddling ThroughJuly 22, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    I think kitties are very theraputic. (When they're not making your crazy, that is.) Yours is a beauty. I know you'll enjoy him. So glad everything is moving along well for you.

    ReplyDelete
  19. KaHollyJuly 22, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    Frankie is adorable. I have had a few siamese and I just love them. One lived to be well into his twenties! Kaaren, it's so good that you can keep busy and distracted. I'll be thinking of you. ~karen

    ReplyDelete
  20. Me and My StitchesJuly 22, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    So glad the surgeries are behind you - praying for nothing but good news from here on out! Love your new kitty - you will be on your toes now for sure!. And what a wonderful guess room - I love your bench and night stand...and of course...your quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  21. CorrineJuly 22, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your home looks so lovely and inviting. Your nine patch will be happy to wait I am sure!

    ReplyDelete
  22. JocelynJuly 22, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    Glad to hear some procedures are behind you. I hope the results will be good. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    ReplyDelete
  23. BelindaJuly 22, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    I thought about you all this week and hope the biopsy results are good.
    What fun to do a room from scratch! I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product!

    ReplyDelete
  24. NanciJuly 22, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    Kaaren,

    So glad to hear the biopsy day is behind you and I'll be praying for good results. I can't believe how much you get done in so little time. The kitten is a great addition and will be such fun as he grows up.

    God bless...

    ReplyDelete
  25. SandyJuly 22, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    Prayers for good biopsy results! Love the quilt on your spare bed!

    ReplyDelete
  26. BrendaJuly 22, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    Praying for you and wishing you all the best. Love the double wedding ring quilt on the table. Glad Frank has a good home.

    ReplyDelete
  27. JudyCinNCJuly 22, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    Your little room under the eaves is so inviting. Luck to you as you wait for the results - happiness happens so we are going to continue the positive thoughts. Judy C in NC sends her warmest (literally) wishes

    ReplyDelete
  28. barcordJuly 22, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    Good to see you blogging Kaaren. Praying that the results will be good. Your guest room is lovely. I do like the chair. Lots of love Barbara.

    ReplyDelete
  29. JoyJuly 22, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    Frankie is adorable ... and I can't believe I'm saying that because usually Siamese make me shudder ... but he's SO cute!!!
    The spare room is coming along great, do love that quilt, I'm sure your brother will be more than comfortable in there :o).
    Kaaren I'm sending lot's of positive vibes your way and praying for good news from those biopsies.
    Big hugs,
    Joy :o)

    ReplyDelete
  30. annJuly 22, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    I don't know how you quilted that fast that is beautiful. I would love to have that Bovlier cutter
    How long did you have to wait.

    ReplyDelete
  31. SandyJuly 22, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    So glad that Wednesday is over for you. I wish you lived closer and I would capture you and we would go visit quilt shops. You certainly have been busy with everything that is going on in your house. rest and sending prayers your way.

    ReplyDelete
  32. MerilynJuly 22, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    Sending positive thoughts for your biopsy results next week. Your new family member sure is a cutie, it's great dogs usually take things in their stride, my two did when I bought home a little rescue cat! they all seem to be fine together!! Love your little guest room!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Linda - Behind My Red DoorJuly 22, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Sending hugs, prayers, and good vibes for the very best outcome!!

    Oh baby, that wool cutter looks like serious business! I hope you enjoy many hours cutting and then hooking and making new rugs to give you years of pleasure.

    What a wonderful little space that room will be for your brother and other guests.

    Enjoy your new fur baby!

    Hugs from a very hot MA!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hands Sew FullJuly 22, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    What an adorable new fur baby! I am happy to see that you are keeping so busy while you wait for the outcome of the tests, I know that part can be hard. I am keeping you and your health care team in my prayers during this journey.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Jeannie MarieJuly 22, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    You look so well organized and I love the spacious guest room! It's so inviting!

    ReplyDelete
  36. marinaJuly 22, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    A great start on your nine patch. The guest room looks just gorgeous, that quilt is enough to make it welcoming.
    Love your new fur baby! Siamese are such attractive cats and they love to 'talk' to you. He will be a lovely companion for you and Mac. Fingers and toes crossed for Wednesday.

    ReplyDelete
  37. SueJuly 22, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    Hi Kaaren... glad to hear you have caring doctors..... so important.. and your new baby is gorgeous... Just what you needed... a distraction!! Would love to spend the night in your guest room.... lookin good!

    ReplyDelete
  38. SC SallyJuly 22, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    Wishing you good news.........
    Praying you peace.

    ReplyDelete
  39. ChrisJuly 22, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    Kaaren,
    Am keeping good thoughts for your biopsy results. Many of us have been there and are holding your hand.
    Frankie is just darling! The perfect addition to your home.
    Can't wait to see the guestroom when you're finished.

    ReplyDelete
  40. SueBJuly 22, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    Frankie is adorable. Those eyes are beautiful. Hope that you get great biopsy results. Your home is goregous.

    ReplyDelete
  41. SheilaJuly 22, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    Kaaren, you sure have been busy this week. Always love to see pictures of your home. Frankie is beautiful, I am sure Mac will keep him in line. Only good thoughts coming your way.

    ReplyDelete
  42. MiriamJuly 22, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    Frankie is gorgeous!!!

    Keep busy.

    All the best for next week.

    ReplyDelete
  43. GayleJuly 23, 2011 at 1:32 AM

    You got a BOLIVAR cutter? I'm so envious! (sigh) I've heard they cut like butter - don't think I've actually ever seen one in person...

    ReplyDelete
  44. ValspierssewsJuly 23, 2011 at 1:48 AM

    Frankie certainly looks like a cutie. Kittens sure do mange to get into everything:) Sounds like you are keeping busy. Hope you feel OK.

    ReplyDelete
  45. MelodyJuly 23, 2011 at 3:23 AM

    Your decorating is looking wonderful and your new little fur baby is adorable.
    Take care, lovely Kaaren. I think of you often - good luck with the biopsies. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Jenny's Place OnlineJuly 23, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    Fingers crossed all goes well for you. In the meantime, I'm sure Frankie and Mac will keep you entertained..lol... Good luck getting any quilting done :) Happy crafting, Jenny

    ReplyDelete
  47. Sue-AnneJuly 23, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    Frankie is adorable and I bet he will keep you all busy for a while (poor Mac). Have fun with you new wool cutter and fingers crossed for your test results.

    ReplyDelete
  48. SiobhánJuly 23, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    Your new kitty is adorable!! Your quilt WIP is sooo pretty, and I can't wait to see the end result of the bedroom decorating.

    I say a novena for you every morning. Thoughts and prayers for you continue.

    ReplyDelete
  49. MelanieJuly 23, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    Where would we be without our pets?!? Love the quilt on the twin bed....Stay busy... In a few months you are going to look back on this time and say---"Man, I'm glad I didn't sit around and waste a minute!!!"

    ReplyDelete
  50. SydneyJuly 23, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    My prayers are still comin' at ya!
    Love your house renovation stories and pictures! You are such a busy, talented lady!
    Sydney

    sydney120@aol.com
    NY USA

    ReplyDelete
  51. LoriJuly 23, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    A new resident?! Frankie is adorable! I hope he settles in quickly.
    The room is looking wonderful adn I'm sure it will be ready for company in no time.
    May everything concerning your health contnue to go quickly and smoothly.

    ReplyDelete
  52. DebJuly 23, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    Hoping and praying for a good biopsy result.

    ReplyDelete
  53. JeanneJuly 23, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    Praying for a good report from your biopsy, Kaaren. I love the quilt you made for the guest bedroom. I'm still stitching my Raggedy blocks and loving each and every one.

    ReplyDelete
  54. HeartsdesireJuly 23, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    You certainly have your hands full, what with a new kitty, company coming and now a fabulous wool cutter. Looking forward to some woolies, maybe in the fall? Your guest room is lovely, especially the quilt. I'm also interested in your Civil War nine-patch. I love CW fabrics and nine-patch is my favourite block so will be checking in to see how you're progressing with it.

    ReplyDelete
  55. jojoJuly 23, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    superbe quilt et adorables animaux
    tu fais des merveilles en patch j adore gros bisou

    ReplyDelete
  56. CandaceJuly 23, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    I'm glad to hear the waiting will be over soon, Kaaren! Oh and Frankie is ADORABLE! Mac will have a very interesting playmate! Love guest room decor - so will your guests! And your new wool cutter is gorgeous! What will you do with the old one?
    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  57. AnonymousJuly 23, 2011 at 11:07 PM

    Glad to hear all is going well with your doctors. I LOVE your new kitten, we have 2 siamese and have owned various siamese over the years. THey are the most beautiful amazing animal and will fill your life with love for many years to come! xxBrenda

    ReplyDelete
  58. AllieJuly 24, 2011 at 1:51 AM

    So glad that's over Kaaren - I'm praying for good results! Your quilt is looking beautiful, but how will you get anything done with Frankie - oh he is so gorgeous, I do love Siamese! I'm so glad he's getting along well with Mac.

    The spare room is lovely, can't wait to see it all finished - such a beautiful quilt on the bed!

    ReplyDelete
  59. MichelleJuly 24, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    I hope your surgery goes well and you have a quick recovery. That Civil War nine patch is going to be beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  60. KarenJuly 24, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    Is the new kitty for you or hubby?
    Looks like he will be some fun to be with.
    Glad to hear the biopsy is over and that you will get the results soon. Waiting is the worst.
    Have you gathered some hand work to take to these meetings?
    Wasnt my best stitching but helped with the waiting.

    Hoping for good news...K

    ReplyDelete
  61. UnknownJuly 25, 2011 at 12:52 AM

    I am praying for great news.

    Your spare room is lovely. You have been ever so busy! I love the nine patch and it is coming along nicely! Take care!

    ReplyDelete
  62. DaniëlleJuly 25, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Thanks for the music!!! Love those girls! OMG, your Frankie!!! His face hihi, oh so naughty!!! the one advantage of a pup Labrador: our Taegan doesn't jump onto tables hihihi! Glad to read you are home again and I will pray for you!!! Because when I have to keep my fingers crossed ... well ... little stitching hihihi!!! Hugs, Daniëlle

    ReplyDelete
  63. Mari, Tenerife (España)July 25, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    Hi Kaaren... I wish you all the best!!! Good luck from Tenerife (Spain) See you soon...

    ReplyDelete
  64. Sandi Linn AndersenJuly 26, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    Here's hoping your results are good news tomorrow. The room for your brother's stay is so comforting and inviting. He may not want to leave! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  65. MarthaJuly 27, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Sending you lots of prayers for your biopsy results. Love the guest room, but my favorite is Frankie. I love cats, but my favorites are Siamese. They have such expressive personalties. Can't wait to visit you again.

    ReplyDelete
  66. NancyJuly 28, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    Best wishes for you Kaaren. I have to tell you that I loved clicking on your blog and being greeted with music by Johnny Mathis. One of my all-time favorites!

    ReplyDelete
  67. DarleneJuly 30, 2011 at 12:01 AM

    I'm so sorry I missed this post! That guest room is going to be lovely and definitely inviting. You have such a knack for decorating.

    ReplyDelete

I try to reply to all comments and would love to reply to yours, especially if you have a question. However, I can't unless you have your email address visible in your settings.