A Takes a Village – And a Very Special Lady!

Published on June 6, 2014 by hollydeequilts1 Comment

Last night we were invited to a graduation party for a very special young man! But before I get to that you need just a little bit of history……..

My sister and I were in foster care growing up for reasons we do not need to dwell on here. We had a fabulous foster mom and she is still very much a part of our lives. In 2001 I was introduced to a program where my husband and I could be “sponsors” for kids that were in a group foster home. We would have a child a couple of weekends a month and share some Holiday time with them to allow their house parents a break! I have always been so thankful for the helping hand that my own foster mom gave us that I wanted to do something to “pay it back”. I thought being a sponsor would be perfect.

We started out with one young boy in 2001 and almost immediately started bringing along his brother. Eventually we would also take his sister on a regular basis. During this time we would from time to time have 2 of the other siblings, there are a total of 7 children. From the get go I realized there was something very special about these kids – regardless of what they had gone through they ARE there for each other – a very tight sibling group. My husband and I did what we could to try to help them have time together.

A few years into our sponsoring the youngest was adopted by a very special lady. Special because she was willing to adopt an older child, but also because she realized how amazing this sibling group is and over the years she has always kept the other children (now grown) in her son’s life.

To give you feel for how these kids would think when they were young…..

In the beginning when it was just Paul we were sponsoring my husband took him to Space Center Houston, at some point they got a helping of “Space Dots”, because that is what you do when you are there. Well, Paul had never had Space Dots and after taking a few bites he asked if they could go home – hubby said sure if you want to. They get home and Paul puts his remaining Space Dots in the freezer so he can take them back to the group home to share with his brothers because they had never had those before!

Many Sunday’s on the way to take the boys home we would stop at McDonalds to feed them (don’t judge me!). Paul has always enjoyed his meals, but one particular trip he did not eat what he ordered – we asked if he felt ok, he said he was fine. We arrived at the group home and here comes little brother (the one that is graduating tonight) and says “Did you bring it?” And Paul handed over his meal we had purchased for him. We would’ve gladly bought an extra meal had we known.

For Christmas one year we gave the boys bikes to keep at our house after many years of enjoyment – they took some time to check out the bikes and make any necessary repairs before handing them off to the 2 youngest brothers.

Now I will try to caption a few photos to share with you and I hope you will join us in congratulating the not only the student but the village that has been part of this young mans life! We are so proud of him and know that he is destined to do amazing things in the future! As you have participated in your Baccalaureate ceremony already, you are member of National Honor Society, you received Male Scholar Athlete for 2014 and many other accolades.

We had been sponsors for about 2 weeks, this was the annual Christmas Party 2001, the 5 oldest! — We had been sponsors for about 2 weeks, this was the annual Christmas Party 2001 – today the youngest graduates from High School!

6 of the 7 siblings. The youngest little man you see here is the part of the next generation!

The graduate (the tall one) is the younger of these two. Joel flew in from FL for the party!

What is on your mind? You look so ..... serious! — What is on your mind? You look so ….. serious!

Mr. O - you have been part of this young mans life for many years as well. — Mr. O – you have been part of this young mans life for many years as well.

Mrs. O - you have been part of this young mans life for many years as well. — Mrs. O – you have been part of this young mans life for many years as well.

Grandma and Paul looking through the graduates photo album

another special lady in the graduates life - she's a triplet! — another special lady in the graduates life – she’s a triplet!

These two have been friends for quite a few years!

Special ladies - need special friends to help decorate for the surprise party! — Special ladies – need special friends to help decorate for the surprise party!

The proud mama with her boy! You are one special lady!

A very special thank you to mama for inviting us to share the big celebration – I admire you so much for continuing to always put your young man first!

Denise

Mini Me!

Published on May 2, 2014 by hollydeequilts2 Comments

First off, I am not an Austin Powers fan, not even in the slightest! However, I do love “Mini Me!” (Silver lining in every cloud). Sunday was a Mini Me day. Each of the grandkids will be displaying quilts in our local quilt show in May, it is their choice, they are not forced to do this. I am a firm believer that kids can do pretty much anything to some degree.

Little Toot’s adventure began at an early age, here she is working on the featherweight to help momma make Aunt Jess’s wedding quilt. She is 1 in these photos!

Getting ready to help momma make a quilt!

Sewing with Momma - I hope Aunt Jess loves her quilt! — Sewing with Momma – I hope Aunt Jess loves her quilt! Little brother is in the lower right!

At age 3 I taught her how to use my embroidery machine. She would choose her design, select the threads and was able to rethread the machine for each thread color change. All I had to do was hoop the fabric and set up the design.

She put a design on a shirt for Grandpa! He still wears this shirt!

She had her first quilt in our local show when she was 4.

It is important that they do as much of the project themselves as is safely possible. I chose prairie points for the quilt because a 4 year old can fold a square to make a triangle and then fold it again, now they may have gotten straightened out a little bit when I ironed – but she did it! We also used glue AND pins so as she sat on my lap and pushed the go button and pulled pins I didn’t have to worry about the fabrics slipping. For this quilt we did it on the domestic machine, not the LongArm so she could participate by helping guide the fabric under the walking foot.

She wanted butterflies, I asked how we would do that, she pointed at a stencil I have on my wall and said “with that” I showed her to mark the design and then I quilted it (no easy feat for me on the domestic!)

The proud winner - she still thinks she won the quilt show - don't you tell her any different! — The proud winner – she still thinks she won the quilt show – don’t you tell her any different!

Even little brother was proud of sissy - this year he will have 2 quilts in the show! — Even little brother was proud of sissy – this year he will have 2 quilts in the show!

All of the blocks in this quilt below were machine embroidered by Little Toot, starting at age 3. She chose placement of the blocks and all of the coordinating fabrics.

She sewed the blocks together and when she had long rows to sew together I sat behind her and helped with keeping the fabric feeding straight. I had planned another border around the outside, but, said she was done with the top – OK! This is her quilt!

Once the top was done we headed to our local quilt shop for some fabric for the backing and binding. Grandpa commented that he was surprised there wasn’t something in my stash that would work – I reminded him that this was her quilt and all of the fabrics for the top did come from the stash! At the shop Miss Sally was very helpful, but in the end the decision was up to Little Toot! She went with her first choice! (even though she had auditioned at least 20 fabrics)

Here is her quilt and a few of the photos (not the most flattering of me – but that is life!)

Oops, she got off her 1/4" because I distracted her - time to learn how to unsew! — Oops, she got off her 1/4″ because I distracted her – time to learn how to unsew!

Once we returned from fabric shopping, she realized she was going to quilt this quilt all by herself! I asked what she was going to quilt on her quilt, she said butterflies, I asked how she would do that. She showed me on the whiteboard, then I said OK – now draw that design without the pen leaving the board – that is how it will work on the quilt machine. Then we practiced for a few minutes on a piece of muslin – then MAGIC! I was STUNNED! I was AMAZED! I was reminded of the shear pleasure of whimsical quilting and quilting just for fun!

Oh this one has nothing to do with quilting - we had the music up a little loud and "Do You Want To Build A Snowman" came on - we had to just stop and enjoy the moment! — Oh this one has nothing to do with quilting – we had the music up a little loud and “Do You Want To Build A Snowman” came on – we had to just stop and enjoy the moment!

Do you smile like this when you quilt? You should!

I could not be any prouder! And if it is a sin to be prideful, then call me sinful!

They don't teach cursive in school, and especially not in 1st grade, but she does it anyway! — They don’t teach cursive in school, and especially not in 1st grade, but she does it anyway!

Not too Shabby! She might even win the quilt show again!

Don’t be so busy making a living that you forget to have a life! Enjoy these moments, they can be gone in the blink of an eye! Create those memories, for in the end that is what it is all about!

Dee

Man’s Best Friend 12/09/00 – 4/14/14

Published on April 14, 2014 by hollydeequilts5 Comments

Today we lost our little Belle. She was a sweet little thing, one of 9 pups resulting from a neighbor’s amorous dog that was able to leap a 6′ fence! My husband had had a lot of pets over his lifetime but this was the first one he had from the very beginning of life! She was also named after hubby first Jeep, Annabelle.

She would anxiously wait for him each morning, and would not accept her morning bone until she first received her morning pet! She loved to swim and would swim laps for hours at a time.

Sunday she had to be coaxed out for her breakfast and when she came out she was wobbly and would only walk in circles. She didn’t lift her head for pets, nor did she roll over for tummy rubs. She fell in the pool and had to be rescued. After a call to the emergency vet hubby took her in. (I stayed home to babysit momma dog who was quite upset) They did blood work at the vet, it all came back normal, all vitals were good. They said a ruptured ear might be the problem and to take her to our normal vet on Monday. At home she became less and less responsive. At 3:00 am hubby drove to work to get some things done so he could take her to the vet when they opened at 8:00 am. Our vet said they wanted to keep her for a few hours, they planned to give her an IV and a steroid to see if they could get her responsive. Hubby left her there, came home changed his shirt and headed to work, he had only been gone a short time when he receive the call our little Belle did not make it.

A pile of puppies - she is the black and brown with the white nose. — A pile of puppies – she is the black and brown with the white nose.

I wonder why my plants won't grow? — I wonder why my plants won’t grow?

Not always the angel, she loved to dig after we had fertilize the strawberries. That's what we get for using organic fertilizer! — Not always the angel, she loved to dig after we had fertilize the strawberries. That’s what we get for using organic fertilizer!

It's a man thing! A man and his dog! — It’s a man thing! A man and his dog!

Yes you are cute! — Yes – You are cute! No – You may not have another bone!

No you cannot like the camera! — No you cannot lick the camera!

Too busy asking for attention to pose for a picture. They had just been to the groomer!

Decided to shave her in 2013 - she was less than thrilled at first! — Decided to shave her in 2013 – she was less than thrilled at first! We were surprised by how brown she really is!

Dear Mom – wish you were here!

Published on January 15, 2014 by hollydeequilts2 Comments

Dear Mom,

You left this world 18 years ago today. It was our first snow of the year and it was a decent snow! Corey was in Montana, Jenni lived in Georgia but was out of that state on business. Phone calls were made, plane reservations were made and cars were loaded up. I met my big brother John for the first time – he and his wife flew in to meet us and say good bye to you. Bill and his bride of many years also came to the services. In your death we have found each other – I know you rest in peace knowing this! We miss you often and wish you could share in our wonderful lives. Since you left the family has multiplied! You have birth to 6 children, your eldest, David left us while you were still here. How hard that must’ve been for you! It was hard for us – I can’t imagine losing a child at any age!

You had a tough life and were not able to watch the middle 3 of your children grow into very fine people. I love these siblings dearly and appreciate them every day! Your leaving has brought all of us together – so for that we are all grateful. Jenni and I are able to enjoy our big brothers and our beautiful sister! The 6 kids you gave life to – gave life to a total of 17 grandchildren. I love every one of these nieces and nephews and have met all but one! I am privileged to be invited to and attend their weddings. They include me in the day to day happenings of their families. I love being an aunt! 18 years ago when you left us the internet was just coming on the scene in homes – you would’ve loved it! To be able to watch these young adults and their families grow up is an honor!

Your 17 grandchildren have brought at least 30 great-grandchildren (with another one on the way in August).

Here are a few quick moments in our lives … I have 1000’s of photos and they all make me smile!

Lorna’s Legacy!

Me and Jenni – just a short time ago! Once upon a time in a land far far away!

Christmas 1999 we all got together! A first but not a last!

Bill and a new grandson - Penny's youngest! — Bill and a new grandson – Penny’s youngest!

A couple more of Bill's beautiful grandchildren. When they were little! — A couple more of Bill’s beautiful grandchildren. When they were little!

Remember the infant you witnessed taking his first breath? He was married almost 10 years ago, he is also a father - which means I am a grandma! — Remember the infant you witnessed taking his first breath? He was married almost 10 years ago, he is also a father – which means I am a grandma!

Aunt Dee and Jenni's 2nd grandchild. — Family time during Andy’s wedding! Aunt Dee and Jenni’s 2nd grandchild.

Uncle John meets Jenni's first grandchild! — In Houston for Andy’s wedding. Uncle John meets Jenni’s first grandchild!

Jenni - we were finishing the wedding quilt for Andy! — Jenni – we were finishing the wedding quilt for Andy!

David's kiddos - Jason and Betty celebrating Jason graduating. Along with Jason's daughter. — David’s kiddos – Jason and Betty celebrating Jason graduating. Along with Jason’s daughter. May 2011

The following photos are from Jamaica 2008

2008 Brittney got married in Jamaica - Here are 4 of Lorna's kids with their fabulous spouses! — 2008 Brittney got married in Jamaica – Here are 4 of Lorna’s kids with their fabulous spouses!

Jenni is happy and Phil is the guy that keeps her happy!

Jenni and Brittney (before selfies - you had to have someone take your picture!) — Jenni and Brittney (before selfies – you had to have someone take your picture!)

Jenni's 3 youngest (I am going to pay for posting this!) — Jenni’s 3 youngest (I am going to pay for posting this!)

Jenni and the brothers. Corey in the front - you remember his sense of humor don't you?! — Jenni and the brothers. Corey in the front – you remember his sense of humor don’t you?!

Kylene’s Wedding – October 2011

John's daughter with her niece (one of John's grandkids!) — John’s daughter with her niece (one of John’s grandkids!)

Bill being a granddad - nothing better than a sleeping grandchild to snuggle with! — Bill being a granddad – nothing better than a sleeping grandchild to snuggle with!

Bill's daughter and her son! — Bill’s daughter and her son!

John's granddaughter steals the show at Auntie's wedding! — John’s granddaughter steals the show at Auntie’s wedding!

John's oldest - with his 2 girls (and now he has a son!) — John’s oldest – with his 2 girls (and now he has a son!)

Missing Jenni - she was grounded from flying :( — Missing Jenni – she was grounded from flying 🙁

Various photos…….

This little guy was born on Christmas day a couple of years ago - doesn't he look just like his momma! — This little guy was born on Christmas day a couple of years ago – doesn’t he look just like his momma!

Jenni's and my grandkiddos go eye to eye! — Jenni’s and my grandkiddos go eye to eye!

Our little one made it to 10 years old and boy did we celebrate!

This one may be the younger sister but she is the bigger sister in all the ways she helps her little-big sister!

Jenni's oldest grandchild is an amazing inspiration to us all. Here she and her younger brother play together. — Jenni’s oldest grandchild is an amazing inspiration to us all. Here she and her younger brother play together.

These are a few of your goofy grandkids celebrating at Camp DeeDee in 2012 — These are a few of your goofy great-grandkids celebrating at Camp DeeDee in 2012

One of Jenni's grandchildren - he was just accepted to Georgia's Target program for gifted children. This photo he is in a mock shuttle at NASA. Maybe he will be an astronaut! — One of Jenni’s grandchildren – he was just accepted to Georgia’s Target program for gifted children. This photo he is in a mock shuttle at NASA. Maybe he will be an astronaut!

Brittney with my first grandchild! — My first niece (that I knew!) and my first grandchild! in 2007

I turned 50 this year - I remember your 50th birthday - I was 9 and planned a party for your half century! — I turned 50 this year – I remember your 50th birthday – I was 9 and planned a party for your half century! (too bad this is a horrible photo of Corey – but the rest of us look pretty good!)

My first blog post was a letter written to my son from my mom – to visit click here.

Missing you Mom! But I know you are never far…..

Dee

PS – thanks for queuing the parade at Disney World to start just as we entered the Magic Kingdom! I so wish you had been there (but you were!)

Curtis Family History 1857

Published on November 22, 2013 by hollydeequilts2 Comments

This is a letter in some of the genealogy work from Morton Curtis. This letter is from my GG-Grandfather to his brother-in-law; regarding the death of my GG-Grandmother. Thank you Ann W. for all the information you have shared! This is one letter out of a stack of documents almost 2″ thick!

For the most part I have tried to recapture his letter as it was written, spelling has been corrected and some punctuation has been added. Where you see _____ in the letter – these were in his original letter. Perhaps an unsavory word he did not want to type? The letter was typed and single spaced.

My GG Grandfather was Elijah W. Curtis, he was married to Mary Chamberlain Curtis. My G-Grandfather was John W. Curtis, his children were Morton Curtis, Cora, William and my grandfather Fred.

Elijah was born February 11, 1804 and died May 8, 1857. His wife Mary was born May 4, 1798 and died Jan 1, 1857. This letter is dated Jan. 22, 1857, Adrian, Michigan

Dear Brother & Sister,

How can I write to you of the death of my dear Mary but she has gone and I feel that I have met with a loss which I can never have made up to me in this world and you Dear Brother & Sister have lost a kind and affectionate Sister. I sometimes blame myself for separating her from you after spending all of our youthful days within miles of each other but I meant for the best and perhaps it is but it is hard for me to see it in that light. God orders all things right and we must submit, she has gone and I do not think that I aught to wish her back in this troublesome world and as you said in your letter you and I but a short way behind. Mary was taken sick the last week in November on Tuesday. Edward on Thursday, Anna on Saturday of the same week. They all seemed to be in a kind of unconscious and bewildered state with a burning fever and I do not think that any of them realized much pain and they remained in this state about four weeks and during this time I should that they had all 4 qts of bloodpus from each of there bowels . Edward came so near bleeding to death that we could not raise him in bed for 10 days without his fainting and he is very feeble yet. Anna has got quite smart she is getting well the fastest of any of them. Mary lingered along until the week before New Years and thought her fever had turned and I think it had but at fatal delusion — destroyer was at work within it seated upon her lungs and she had not strength to throw it off. I had let my nurse go home two days before death she was an old friend of ours formerly from Galway. John was with me through all their sickness and we never was both from them at once until her death. I was up with her the night before her death; her reason returned and she complained of her throat and when it was light we found that it had swollen very much, she was very feeble through the day but had her reason. She said she thought she could not live but still I thought that with good nursing that I should raise her but that night when John and myself lifted her up to made her bed she was taken coughing and began to complain of want of air. She then said “I am dying” and began and called us all by name and bid us farewell and then began and allied the whole of your family and bid you all farewell. I felt of her pulse the beat as strong as they had at any time during her sickness, John went for the doctor but she was gone before he had time to get him, to a far better world than this. I cannot describe to you my feelings but may God preserve you from ever passing through such a time. There is not a day passes but what is something that reminds me of her. I knew not until she was taken from me how dear she was to me. I miss her everywhere. Oh hooch Imiss her and her loss alone has made fully sensible of her many many virtues, kind she was to us all ever ready ever willing not only to her duties in life but to do even more if possible. Her faults were few and by us are all forgotten, but her may virtues will live in our memories as long as memory itself shall live. Peach to her ashes, she was all that constituted a kind and loving wife.

I should have been glad to have had some of the _____ of your family to smooth down her pillow for her in her dark moments but that could not be.

I though when I began the other sheet (1st page of this letter) that I should be fill it but if I should write all that I would like to say to you I should fill 3 or 4 like these. I think likely that it is all for the best that this sickness has happened in this place for if it had not happened I should have in Iowa before this time, all that stopped me was Morton (Elijah’s son) being very sick last fall and we wanted to see him well before we left the state. When the rest of the family was taken sick Morton was not able to leave his room but I and to move him to Jame’s to make room for the rest — after his Mother was taken sick — removed from under their care. I think that he was imprudent in his diet for he got a relapse and run down into a chronic – which has brought him very low so much so that he is confide to his room, he is very feeble. You would not know him if you was to see him. I have him home since his mothers death, Edward is quite feeble, he is confined to his room and the probability is he will not get about until the weather gets warm. I do not think that I ought to charge my sickness to this locality for there is no sickness in the place to speak of, there is or 10 doctors in this place and they all say that it is a general time of health not only in this city but all about the country.

I could not have had a place so well calculated to bring every thing to bear that would be for the comfort of my family through such a tiring time. I had all the skill of the best doctors in the country right at my hand. I had John with me all through and I live in the best and kindest neighborhood that I ever lived in. My own sisters could not have been kinder that the ladies was to Mary all through her sickness. There was not a night but what I had plenty of watchers from the time there were taken ill until I could get along without their assistance and more the superintendent of the railroad gave all of my family or any one connected with it a free pass from this place to Toledo and from that to Chicago, in fact there was nothing that I wanted for their comfort but what I could get at the shortest notice for James went through from Toledo to Chicago twice a week and if he did not call I had only to tell my wants to any of the conductors on the road and they would get it for me.

I presume you would like to know what I thought of doing but I must confess that I cannot you as yet, the great misfortune in the loss of my companion has flustrated all my former plans. If there is no misfortune befalls my family between this and spring and I pray to God there may not, I shall probably make some arrangements for the future. Dear brother in my present state of feeling it matters not where my lot is cat. I know not Brother George how you feel but I feel as if the time for accumulating the things of this world have gone by with me and I being to feel the ——- of old age slowly creeping in.

My health is good, I never was as heavy as I am at this time. George is well and is a large heavy man, I should think would way 195 or 200 lbs.

Remember me Aunt Sally, how I wish I could see her. My love to all the rest of the members of your family and a good share to you and Maria.

E.W. Curtis

E.W. Curtis was almost 53 at the time he wrote this letter, he died a few short months later

Elijah W. Curtis 1804 - 1857 — Elijah W. Curtis 1804 – 1857

Mary Chamberlain Curtis 1798 - 1857 — Mary Chamberlain Curtis 1798 – 1857

What must it have been like to only communicate via letters? No telephone? No e-mail? I often think they were much better at keeping in touch that we are with all of our modern conveniences!

Catching Up – Have you missed me?

Published on October 25, 2013 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

Well, I have a lot of catching up to do. When last I posted I had promised to post about the fabulous concert with Peter Frampton and BB King at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, CO.

But before I can do that I need to share the last of our site seeing with you as well!

Sunday, August 18 we ventured to the top of Pikes Peak – did you know the road is paved all the way to the top now? We watched a few of the marathon runners reach the top – wow! Hubby visited with one of the paramedics that works at the top, he found that every employee at the top of the peak is a paramedic, they work 14 hours shifts and even they are affected by the altitude. The first half of August had been a busy month for the paramedics already with numerous critical rescues. The main reason is that visitors stay at the top too long and they they are unable to drive down, did you know your body uses up its fluid reserves very quickly when climbing – the paramedic said we can lose up to 1l on the way up the peak. On the way down you are stopped at the “lodge” and they check the temperature of your brakes, ours were fine, having grown up in the mountains of Utah and climbing hills in jeeps hubby is very experienced in letting the vehicle gears do the work not the brakes. We observed 1 group of “youngsters” have their brakes checked, they were 400 degrees, they were told to park it for a while and let those brakes cool off!

After more adventures in the area we headed to Evergreen, CO to spend a delightful evening with my niece her new beau! I wish we lived closer as I always enjoy my visits with my niece – she is an amazing woman!

The view from niece's deck — The view from niece’s deck

On Monday we visited Leadville, CO. In the 1880’s my great-grandfather, Milton Fornia and family lived in Leadville. One of my great aunts was married there, her name was Grace Fornia Davenport. I don’t believe my grandmother, Cali Fornia lived there, she was born in AZ after they left CO. It was fun to visit the Leadville Public Library and search through the Colorado Census that are not available online. We also visited the Mines Museum in Leadville. My husband had worked for Asarco early in his engineering career and it was interesting to ready about the contributions made to mining at the museum. We also drove out to the former Asarco Leadville Facility, now closed. And of course I found more “old” things to enjoy.

Tuesday we played in Golden, CO and drove around the mountains some more – soaking up the beautiful weather and views. We visited the burial site for Buffalo Bill. And of course a tour of the brewery – although taste testing at 10:00 am was not something I needed to do!

The art work along the streets of Golden was amazing

And then the CONCERT – this is the 3rd time we have seen Peter Frampton in the last 4 years and I am sure it won’t be the last. We travelled to CO this time because the great BB King was touring with Peter for a few stops and this was one of them. BB was brought on to stage on a golf cart, they had his chair ready for him up front and once he was settled, he held court! Inspiring his band members and then calling Peter out to jam. While BB is not able to strum too much anymore, it was truly some of the best entertainment! As BB finished, he tossed souvenirs to several members of the audience, honoring those in wheel chairs and a couple of very young fans – I hope they know the greatness they witnessed. As BB strode off stage to his golf cart, he stopped to shake hands with each crew member and take a moment to thank them – a true gentleman if ever there was.

A pre-tour of the venue on Monday to get the lay of the land

I can't wait for the concert! — I can’t wait for the concert!

During the day the venue is open to those real health nuts that come here to work out - I was tired just watching them! — During the day the venue is open to those real health nuts that come here to work out – I was tired just watching them!

Tailgating Miata style with Betts and Dave

I told him to take my photo - really I just needed a breather! — I told him to take my photo – really I just needed a breather!

Frampton's Guitar Circus, also featured Sonny Landreth and David Hidalgo - man can those guys play! — Frampton’s Guitar Circus, also featured Sonny Landreth and David Hidalgo – man can those guys play!

No cameras with removable lens so the better pix are from the point and shoot aimed at the big screen. We were only 12 rows up but focus was an issue!

And Peter - where did those golden locks go? — And Peter – where did those golden locks go?

As we were leaving the venue, the clouds parted and we were able to see the full moon!

I had posted on my Facebook page that we attended the concert, one of my Facebook acquaintances sent me this note and also gave me permission to share. The long and short of this post – enjoy your passions, follow your passion and SHARE your passion. How much do we not share with our children because we think it won’t be important to them.

From Deborah!

But … let me tell you briefly an amazingly cool thing that happened.

My youngest son (19 at the time) was in the Beaumont / Galveston area in Fall of 2008 doing hurricane cleanup from the huge hit of Hurricane Ike. He was sad because being there for a few months was taking him away from his newborn daughter (born in Sept a few days before the hurricane hit) and wife. He didn’t have the time off to even come home to see them nor the money to be going back and forth. He even missed Autumn’s first Halloween (not that she noticed – lol).

One day he was sitting at a table by himself for lunch. An elderly man asked if he could sit with him. Of course. They sat there together visiting. Over the course of the lunch the man found out that Justin was away from home and family to do this work. Justin showed him photos of Heather and Autumn. They talked about family, told stories, and laughed. Finally Justin told the man he had to get going back to work and thanked him for the visit. The kind man thanked Justin for all he was doing and all he was sacrificing to help a community that wasn’t even his home and asked Justin if he could buy his lunch for him. How sweet!

After Justin left, the men that he was working with were all around him asking him questions, but the gist of it was Wow! Don’t you know who that was? What did y’all talk about?

Justin called me after work that day and asked me if I knew who B.B. King was. Yes, here is the point that I hang my head in shame. Parent fail. What? My own child doesn’t know who B.B. King is???

Then he told me that he B.B. King bought him lunch that day and told me the story. He never told Justin that he was famous. Just introduced himself and enjoyed lunch with my son.

How cool is that??? What a fabulous, humble, kind man.
And my comment…
WOW – I had to get out a tissue! On stage this is exactly how BB is too! Can I share your story on my blog? I this story really is a testament to who BB really is.

SO – Share your passions!

You Say “Tomato” I say _________.

Published on June 11, 2013 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

This past Sunday we stopped by the local pick-your-own farm, with the grandchildren. “Fruits and Such Orchard”, find them on facebook for daily updates. Anyway, we stopped by because Renae had posted that she had pre-picked tomatoes for sale. We purchased about 25 lbs. to supplement what we had on our 24 plants so we could have enough to can a nice batch of quarts.

Our wonderful neighbors, the Smith’s, have tutored us through the process, starting with the growing – Ross has the most wonderful tomatoes – they have a double driveway and grow the tomatoes on a strip between the driveways.

So Monday evening I prepared the kitchen for the process. This includes, clearing the counters, sterilizing everything to be used including the counters. This time to sterilize the jars I went with a recommendation in one of my preserving books, it said to place the jars in the dishwasher and fun a full cycle with heated dry, the heated dry will keep your jars hot while you pack them. The timing for this was tricky, we had to wait for the dishwasher to finish before we could begin – I prefer the boiling method of sterilizing and then pour boiling water in your jars to keep them hot while you work with your produce. It is always good to try a technique before you shoot it down as invalid. (Now maybe if I was canning a higher quantity the dishwasher method would have more benefits.)

A couple of years ago Drue invited me over to “help” can some tomatoes. This tutorial probably saved our marriage (just kidding) but their hints were really helpful. First figure out the path the tomato will have to take.
My better half does the first 4 steps
1) cut an X in the bottom of the tomato and core it at this time
2) drop several scored tomatoes in boiling water for about 60 seconds (this loosen the peel)
3) drop these tomatoes in an ice bath to quick cool them
4) peel them and set them aside

Now for my part of the process
5) cut the tomatoes into chunks and place in large bowl
6) using the jar funnel and a ladle scoop tomatoes into a quart jar
7) use the bubble remover to remove the air pockets in the jar and continue to fill until 1/2″ space remains from the top of the jar
8) wipe the jar top clean
9) Using the magnetic lid lifter carry the lid from the 180″ water to the top of the jar, then add sterilized ring and tighten

Fresh out of our garden..... — Fresh out of our garden…..

The small pan has the lids and rings ~ the two large pots are for blanching

The tools of the trade "Utensil Set for Preserving" — The tools of the trade “Utensil Set for Preserving”

The peels and cores ... I did not say it was a pretty process! — The peels and cores … I did not say it was a pretty process!

The chopping block - this is where I chunk the tomatoes and scoop them into the bowl below — The chopping block – this is where I chunk the tomatoes and scoop them into the bowl below

A few more jars to go... — A few more jars to go…

So pretty after their bath - 5 jars of yummy goodness! — So pretty after their bath – 5 jars of yummy goodness!

Then I do clean up while he prepares for the hot bath, which consists of boiling the filled jars for 45 minutes, we had 3 batches of 5 jars (15 total). The last batch was finished just before 11:00 pm. Hubby finds the “jar lifter” a very handy tool when removing the processed jars from their bath.

My husband and I both enjoy working outdoors, producing small amounts of food from our vegetable garden, fruit trees and herb garden. We both enjoy the process of preserving these tasty treasures. While it is no longer necessary for survival, nor can I say we do it to “save” money, there is just something about it that takes us back in time.

Here is Corey’s grandma’s Green’s old stove, it sat outside her home on a back patio away from the house and she spent many summer and fall days preserving their harvest so the family could eat during the winter. This beauty currently resides in our garage laundry room (it took a little bit of clearing so I could share this photo with you). In our new home we are designing a special place to show case her. I think she needs a name – I will have to ponder this….

Grandma Green's Old Stove - It spent its winters out in the snow and canned "tons" of food to feed the family through the winter. — Grandma Green’s Old Stove – It spent its winters out in the snow and canned “tons” of food to feed the family through the winter.

The Birth(day) of a Wonderful Man

Published on May 14, 2013 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

So many things to blog about…

So I must choose something right? Well lets talk about my wonderful husband, his birthday was last week and this year we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary and we have been together over half my life. He works hard, and like his father he likes to garden, has started dabbling with the guitar over the past few years. He is an amazing man that I am blessed to call my husband and I truly cannot imagine a better life – I am probably the luckiest girl I know!

Anyway – back to the hubby’s birthday. While he worked I ventured out to pick up an item for the house, a steam cleaner for the carpets and teasingly posted on facebook that this would be his birthday present – most of my friends found this a very unimpressive present. Hubby got a quick out of it and told me he would get me a new guitar for Mother’s Day.

We had a nice dinner outside at Boondoggles, pizza, burgers and popcorn shrimp were on the agenda for the family including our son and his family.

I have shared my mom’s family history letter she wrote for our son, now I will share my husbands. This was typed out double spaced about 1992.

Corey D. Green – Life

I was born Corey Dal Green on May 8th 1955 at LDS hospital in SLC, UT to parents Kendrick Lavern Green (SLC) and Norma Jean Robbins (Scipio, UT). Lived the first year of my life in a small house in Kentucky Avenue in Holiday, a small east side section of SLC, later moved to 2895 Cherry Blossom Lane (also in Holiday) where I spent the rest of my youth (my parents still live at this address). I attended a number of different grade schools while I was growing up, the first of which was William Penn a small grade school in which I remember feeling my first earthquake and learning that President John F. Kennedy has been assassinated in Dallas, TX. I also attended Crestview Elementary and Howard R. Driggs both were much larger schools which I have very fond memories.

My junior high years were spent a Churchill Junior High school where I was involved with the chess club and the volleyball team, but most of the time I spent working on gocarts, minibikes and other mechanical things. I purchased my first car (a jeep) at the age of 15, (a year before I could drive) and spent the year fixing it up so that I could have transportation when I received my drivers license. Skyline High School was where I spent my high school years, my jeep and I were invincible and I spent almost every day tinkering with it.

I attended the University of Utah for a couple of years but left early, later I was accepted the FAA academy in Oklahoma City to train as an Air Traffic Controller, which lasted a little over one year.

I met my wife, Denise, at a party and it was love at first sight, were were married about fourteen months later and have been happily married every since. After we were married I returned to the University of Utah, and with a great deal of help from my wife and three long years of study obtained a bachelors degree in civil engineering. I now live in Sandy, UT with Denise and Andy our son and em employed as a structural engineer with an engineering firm here in SLC.

The End

As I re-typed this to share with all of you – I am reminded how important these letters are to our family history. It is what makes us – us! So I hope you will each make a goal to write your family history for your children and grandchildren. If you are lucky enough to still have your parents and/or grandparents around you need to spend time with them, ask them to tell you the stories of their life adventures. Better yet ask your aunt – she has all the really good history on your parents! If they are unable to write it down then you should. I also realized that we have added over 20 years of adventures to our life story and we need to chronicle that for our son and his children.

Ah to be 19 again! (photo courtesy of a high school friend)

One of many jeeps (photo courtesy of a high school friend)

Arts Fest SLC late 80's? — Arts Fest SLC late 80’s?

Our son gave him a Pear Tree for Christmas a few years back, Andy didn't have a partridge but he did wire a bird to the tree - much to the enjoyment of Corey. — Our son gave him a Pear Tree for Christmas a few years back, Andy didn’t have a partridge but he did wire a bird to the tree – much to the enjoyment of Corey.

Tori's wedding 2003 - wow 10 years has flown by! — Tori’s wedding 2003 – wow 10 years has flown by!

The rehearsal dinner for our son's wedding 2004 — The rehearsal dinner for our son’s wedding 2004

Brittney's wedding in Jamaica - the old bride gets the gift - 20 years and it was PINK!!! — Brittney’s wedding in Jamaica – the old bride gets the gift – 20 years and it was PINK!!!

Hey Little Girl - I am your grandpa and I will help keep you safe forever! — Hey Little Girl – I am your grandpa and I will help keep you safe forever!

Grandpa thought I should get a pony for my 1st birthday so he made me one!

Look what grandpa made me for my 1st birthday!

Little Man did not think the orange peel tasted too good!

Does it get any better than this? We don't think so! — Does it get any better than this? We don’t think so!

Nobody’s Fool

Published on April 1, 2013 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

While many are playing pranks and enjoying a day of Fools – I take time to pause to remember my husband’s father, Ken Green. Today would’ve been my father-in-laws 92^nd birthday. Kendrick LaVere Green was a kind and gentle man. He loved to golf and fish. He loved to watch Nascar and Golf on TV also. After a courageous battle with prostrate cancer he lost his battle on July 22^nd , 1998. Grandpa also loved to work in the yard, as his grown children were sorting through the house after the memorial service, I stepped outside to weed his flowerbed. The family will remember this flower bed because it is the one that lined the front walkway of their house on Cherry Blossom Lane, Grandpa build that flower bed as he built the rock wall that served as the foundation for the walkway. He also grew the best cantaloupe I have ever tasted. I find it hard to believe so much time has passed.

I realized a few months after grandpa Green left us that a very integral part of our family status was gone. Each family took the time to call and visit with grandpa, updating him with what was new in each of our lives. We had moved to TX by this time I really enjoyed our telephone chats because I would learn what the other families were up to. We no longer had that center command post, and we have not found a way to recreate it to this day, even with email, facebook and more telephone options than one could imagine.

**A short history of Ken’s life as written by Norma, his bride of over 50 years (they didn’t quite make it to 51 before we lost Norma).

Kendrick LaVere Green, born April 1, 1921, Butlerville, Utah. Childhood was spent in Butler grade school, Brighton, Utah working with riding horses and boat renting places. Parents Elva Loraine Staker Green and George Almon Green. He has two sisters (Carole and Iris). Baptized L.D.S. Went to Jordan High School. Entered Mechanic Learners School to join the Navy in 1941. Schooled at Logan University. (I interviewed him for schooling at Hill Field). He then went to Norfolk, VA, where he was 1^st class aircraft machinist for the Navy for 4 ½ years… Came home on leave, and as stated above met me and WOW!!!

Happy Birthday Grandpa Green (you were nobody’s fool!)

Denise

First Steps –

Published on March 28, 2013 by hollydeequilts2 Comments

So I have contemplated a blog for a long time – as an avenue to journal my activities but to also share my passions – family, quilting, gardening, genealogy just to name a few. My goal was to start this adventure in March and I figured I better get on it or my deadline would pass and it would be too easy to procrastinate it for another month, year whatever.

My nieces daughter called the other night for a school project that involved family history and that pushed me back into that wonderful place know as Ancestry.Com. I had not been there for a couple of years and I was so excited about the wonderful changes they have made! While I am a member of ancestry, you can do quite a bit of research free. My biggest hint is don’t stick to exact spelling, remember these records are all handwritten and the transcription may not always be correct. Quite often the person taking the census guessed on the spelling of names as well. So use initials and partial names when doing your research.

Today I share with you a letter written by my mom – to my son when he was in Jr. High. (in 1993) This was for his family history class. This letter has served as my jumping off point for much of my family history work. I have also located cousins along the way because of this letter. Please ask your parents and grandparents to give you a family history for your children (and you!)

In her words, from the original written by her hand on yellow notebook paper.

On August 13, 1923, in Lakewood, Ohio, I was born to Fred Stewart Curtis and Cali Fornia Curtis. When your Great Grandmothers forebearers came over from France, their name was Fornier (pronounced Forn Ya), people over here couldn’t pronounce it correctly & it eventually became Fornia. When Mama was born in Arizona there were already several girls in the family and they couldn’t decide what to name her. When she was 4 months old they moved to California and they decided to name her “Cali”. I understand the state of California wanted to give her all kinds of things, until they found out she had been born elsewhere. I was also told that a cousin in Hawaii had her name legally changed to Cali. I believe my uncle Bob was the last Fornia. When I was 5 years old Mama went to the hospital on my birthday, with what they thought was TB, but was found to be lung cancer. She only lived two more weeks. One of my brothers (Don) held me up to the hospital window so I could see her. They named me Lorna after a girl my mother saved from drowning in Lake Erie when got caught in the riptide. Her name was Lorna Wulf. Her mother became my Godmother. (Mama was really afraid of water).

I had 2 brothers, Roger Alan, nine years older and Donald Robert, 11 years older. I believe Don’s son, Roger Lynn compiled a history of the family. I have lost contact with my brothers, would really like to know if they are still alive. Don married a girl named Aleen & had just the one Son. Roger married Virginia, better known as Ginger. They had 2 girls Judith & Carolyn.

Sometime after Mama’s death, Daddy married a woman named Beverly who had a 3 yr old daughter named Barbara, so, for a little while I had a little sister. However, it was such a bad marriage it was annulled by the State of Ohio. When I was 7, Daddy loaded my 2 brothers & me into a Model A Ford with a rumble seat & headed for California. It was quite a trip. We stayed for awhile with my uncle Morton, on the Laurelette Ranch, just outside LaVerne, CA. Then Don went back to Akron, OH as he was a straight A student and the Goodyear Company recruited him. Roger stayed on the ranch for awhile and I sent to San Pedro to stay with my aunt Nora, who was the head Matron at the YMCA. I got to meet a lot of sailors and went out on the battle Ships with my aunt and cousins who sang there every Sunday.

Dad met & married Eugenia (Gene) Loba. We lived in Eagle Rock & Gene worked for the California Bank in LA. we lived a few blocks from the end of the streetcar line & I used to go & meet her, which was fine until one night a caught a piece of gravel with my skate & almost fractured my skull – Boy, did I have a goosegg.

Daddy was born in White Pidgeon, MI. He became an engineer & worked for the W.S Tyler Company in Cleveland – they manufactured wire screens. He was a Captain in the Army and Served in France during World war one. He traveled to the west as an engineer, and went down in the mines where they used mules underground. After we moved west, he had to settle for whatever he could get. Eventually, he and Gene bought a resort at Conway Summit on highway 395 – The highest point on the highway between Canada and Mexico – 8138 ft. If I remember correctly we lived there for quite awhile. I attended a 1 room school at Mono Lake – then transferred to Bridgeport because I could ride there with the mail man. Sometimes we’d get snowed out & ahd to stay in town. Once in awhile, it would get 40 below zero – we didn’t have recess then! When I was old enough for high school, I had to go work for my board & room as there was no high school near. I attended Chaffee High in Ontario, CA. Also a few months at Riverside Polytechnic. While at Chaffee I sang in the Glee Club. Also 2 church choirs. The Episcopal in the morning and the Methodist at night. I went home for vacations. When I was a junior in high school I stayed home and attended Mono County High in Leevining (sp) , 2 whole rooms. That summer I was working in Bridgeport and I married Leonard Denzil Spotswood. When I was 19 David Earl was born. When David was 4 mos old Leonard went into the Army & served overseas. While he was there he met someone else & when David was about 4 yrs old we were Divorced. David stayed with my brother Don for awhile, but when I met & married John Kirk (Slats) Wolfram, I wanted him home. John & I had 3 children. Evelyn Marie who lives in CA. John Kirk who lives in Berkley, CA and WmHenry (Bill) who has a home in Sandy, UT but spends much of his time on his ranch in Garrison, UT. John & I separated and I came to Utah with “Doc” Thomas (real name Maxwell Kluss) who was a rodeo rider & miner After John was shot & killed in Tonopah, NV, Doc & I were married. However it was a stormy marriage & I left him and went back to NV. Leonard was killed in a car accident in CA, just west of Reno. Doc died probably partly due to alcoholism & asthma & partly as the many injuries he received as a rodeo rider. He rode Saddle Broncs. When I returned to NV, I met your Grandfather Larry. Then I decided to go to Oregon & did so, but I came back to Winnemucca & your grandfather & I were married. We moved to Elko where your Mother and Aunt Jenny were born. Your Grandpas real name was Ferry E. Bunnell, but he went by Larry the E didn’t stand for anything. He was born in Midway went to Canada for a short time then came back and was raised in Park City, where he delivered papers on ide skate with his dog pulling him. He went to the coast & operated a restaurant called The Doll House. During the war he came back here and worked at Remington Arms Plant. When I met him he was working at a cafe in Winnemucca. Then he did some bar tending, too, but his first love was mining and he worked in several mines in Park City when he was younger. When your Aunt Jenni was 3 I had to put her in Shriners hospital here in Salt Lake. I was coming over to see her on her 4th birthday, but Larry died on the 4th of August, 4 days before her birthday. I didn’t get over here until your mom & I moved here the following year. I’ve been here in Salt Lake ever since. Your Uncle Dave brought his horse down to race the Ride & Tie one year at Park City. Your mom treated me to a trip to Reno to see him & she & Jenni & Shantelle and I sent to Reno to see him & Jeanine get married – at the end of a 26 mile marathon. Our last trip up there was to go to his funeral – a very sad time for us all. Ironically he was killed on the same road where his father had the accident. Your Grandpa’s first wife was related to Butch Cassidy. they were married in his (Butch’s) nieces home.

When I first moved into these high-rise apartments, I was still fairly active, but every year seem to get a little worse. I pretty much just stay home. It was such a treat when your Mom and Corey came in and took me to your house, but i did miss seeing you, Andy. It was great to have you all here at Christmas. I do miss Aunt Jenni & the girls, but hope to see them next summer. Well, Andy, here’s part of the story of my seventy years. I’m sure I’ve left out some, but I did the best I could. I have writers cramp! I hope this is what you needed to have.

With much love,
Your Grandma Lorna

So my first blog post is dedicated to my mom – how she would’ve loved the technology we enjoy today!