My husband is having a second surgery for his bladder cancer in a few weeks. Things are not the best they can be…but they are definitely not the worst either. Life somehow seems to have been put on hold and this cancer thing has consumed our lives. We are trying desparately to assimilate all the facts and options without becoming crazy with worry. It is difficult to say the least. I am still filled with hope for a good outcome in the end, but it is a long road we are facing. I ask all of you for as many prayers as possible.
Thank you to all of you who send comments and emails as they are much appreciated. This blogging world is absolutely amazing…what a comfort to find so many friends around the world.
In the meantime I find comfort in a crazed cleaning out of my sewing/art room. A purging, if you will, of all things unnecessary. Obviously a mental state that matches the excision of anything extraneous in my life as well. I am quite sure this is a perfect remedy for a soothing of the soul. Curling up with a good, light reading, book is also therapeutic. We continue our long four mile walks, we are eating as healthy as we can…also good for the mental and physical health. I am learning more patience…a blessing I am sure. And gratitude for small things has become overwhelming.
So once again…thank you to all my special friends out there. Gratefully yours, Averyclaire
For the last several weeks I have not been feeling well and undergoing so many tests that I didn’t think there were any more tests possible! They found a mass on my liver and things truly didn’t look good for a couple of weeks. One minute I was sure things would turn out great and the next minute I’d have tears welling up in my eyes. What a roller coaster ride. Today I received word that the mass was not malignant, but still must be monitored carefully. I’ll need a CT scan every three months and blood work each month to check on things. But today I feel like a new person with a new lease on life. 
Friday evening I said yes to babysitting two of my grandchildren and the dog. It’s always a delight and an adventure. They were playing out in the yard when I arrived, as they have a big wooden fort built at the back of the acre property. When I didn’t see them anymore, I went out back to be sure they were safe. I found them all playing in the forest behind the property…building a fort of big fallen branches, etc…..every little boys’ dream. However, it had rained for two weeks straight here. My grandson, his friends, and the DOG were covered with MUD!!! Of course, I was wearing a “white” sweatshirt and a “white” jacket. I brought them all up to the house and my grandson said, don’t worry Nana, I know how to clean “Ollie” (the dog). We got the hose out and Noah proceeded to hose down the dog and ME as well….while I wiped all the MUD from Ollie’s paws and underside. By the time we were finished, I was splattered with MUD and my trousers, socks and shoes were soaked clear through! Oh I should have had my camera!! Ah, the price of saying yes to babysitting!
On another note…this weekend I did make excellent progress toward cleaning up my art room and finishing up some mending projects that were waiting for me. I also cut my very first photo mat, and, with my DH’s help, he taught me to cut some wooden framing pieces. I stained the pieces and it all awaits assembly.
My French sampler will soon look beautiful! So all in all, it was a great weekend! Amities, Averyclaire
Here is my second finish of the year…not saying much since it is already April. However, it was a fun project. The pattern is from french designer by the name of Isabelle Haccourt Vautier called “A Bicyclette.” I purchased the pattern from a little needlework shop in Colorado called 
I took the day off last Friday and went to the International Quilt Show with two of my friends. Bought a tool I probably didn’t need and a pattern I think I already had, but the day was fun. On Saturday I went to a church luncheon and was thrilled to see so many people who have moved away, but returned to share the luncheon with us. There were over 100 women there and it was a beautiful day. On Sunday I went to a wedding shower luncheon for the young man who lives across the street from us (he has a lovely bride-to-be). It was especially fun because many neighbors attended and would you believe that it was the first time in 35 years that all of us neighbors had sat down together at the same time for a lovely lunch! Now we plan to make it a regular thing! What fun.
Averyclaire 