Happy New Year to All!

Each year I get to this day, the last day of the year, and I wonder where did the year go?  I thought as I aged I would have more time each day.  Instead, time just seems to fly by faster each year.  Have you heard people who retired say, "I don't know how I had time to work".  That is now what I am saying.  I have been retired from the State of Illinois for 3.5 years. 

So I looked back through my pictures and here is my year in review, not in chronological order.

 

In March, one of my bucket list wishes came true.  My Easy Street Quilt, pattern by Bonnie Hunter, was juried into the Rosemont Show in Chicago.  I also had the honor of working for Sew Batiks in their vendor booth at the show.  My friends and I took a bus trip up to the show on the last day

Pointing out some of the secret message blocks hidden in the quilt. 

 

After loosing my Yorkie, Rascal in October 2014, I was heartbroken.  My son and I picked out a new Yorkie puppy in May, 2015.  Meet Tucker, who is now 9 months old and weighs only 3 lbs.  Your literally can tuck him under your arm and carry him around. 

 

 In June, my husband and I celebrated 28 years of marriage and spent a week in LasVegas!

We had a blast trying out some of the many restaurants. 

 

Harry Potter, my Australian Shepherd,  were invited to participate in a reading program at the Tiskilwa Library.  

 

My friends and I made a trip to Shipshewana, Indiana for their annual quilt show.  We participated in a shop hop before the show started.  I got buried in fabric at Lollies' in the basement at their "fabric" happy hour! 

A quick pose with the girls after a long day of shopping and the quilt show.

 

My husband and his horse, Hoot.  We placed Hoot with another family this year.  He is so loved by his new family and we follow him on facebook.  I miss having a horse, but I haven't missed the chores this winter. 

 

Now for the best thing I ever made!!!

This is my son, Aaron.  Four years ago he joined in partnership, creating 815 Productions.  They are a DJ and lighting company.  I love this picture of him inside our local Red Covered Bridge during a wedding photo session.

 

This fall my husband left his career with Coca Cola after 24.5 years.  It was a difficult decision but he is very happy with his new career at Marquis Energy.  My retirement has paid off, as I have taken on more at home so Rod can work a swing-shift and get enough sleep.  If I still worked, we would see very little of each other.  My quilting business in our home is the right fit for our schedules.

Below, we were able to attend our friend's son's wedding on October 31st.  I love this picture of us. 

 

From my family to yours, have a happy and safe New Year's Eve!

 

Yours in quilting,

Terry

Spoiled Yorkie

Here is one of my constant companions while working in my quilting studio.  This is Rascal, my two year old Yorkie.  He is snuggled into the "big" dog bed, while Harry Potter, my Aussie, sleeps on the cement floor next to the dog bed.  Look closely at the cute little pink tongue sticking out while he dozes.  If Rascal is not sleeping in this bed, he is sleeping behind me in my desk chair while I am piecing quilt tops.

Here is the quilt I finished quilting this evening.  Sorry the colors aren't showing a little better.  It is a beautiful chocolate brown, sage green, cream, dusty blue and tan.  I quilted it with Honey Nugget 3014 by Quilter's Choice.  I just love that thread.  It works like a dream in my Handi Quilter and there is a large selection of colors available.  It is reasonably priced.

I will try to get a large picture of this quilt for another post.

Back to work tomorrow for four days and then I will be retired again.  Hey, no smart comments from those of you who like tease me.  Haha...

Have a great week and enjoy the warmer weather.  Tomorrow night we might get to grill burgers in 60 degree weather.

Yours in quilting,
Terry