Traveling North

As I continue to whine about my limited mobility, life goes on.  A couple of weeks ago, I enjoyed a marathon sewing festival with five dear friends. My ever so smart sewing machine "Dinah" rebelled a few hours into my sewing adventure and jammed, breaking needles, skipping stitches and generally slowing my much needed progress!  Despite her tantrums, I did manage to complete a couple of projects.  Nevertheless the hours of fun, eating, and general chatting with friends was so refreshing. As we wound down our sewfest, my angry ankle made itself known. Ol' Abner was NOT happy and lashed out at Dancin' Girl that I just must not do this anymore.Little does he know how much I need my interaction with these friends. Oh well, this too shall pass.

A visit to the doctor on Monday morning after his declaration and the diagnosis was cellulitis in my lame foot.  Fractures are well healed but the toes are black, blue, and yellow with spots of green on my ankle and leg. The overworked doc, after agreeing to work me into her busy Monday, declared that I might be a good candidate for the ugly or perhaps most colorful foot pageant!  I'm not sure there is one, but she assured me I would be the hands down winner.  A round of heavy antibiotics and it appears I am well on the mend.  It's been a slow process and I'm back to the walk around a day and prop up the foot for the next day. 

We drove to Lubbock for an annual celebration and a little family time. On the way, I had the chance to stop in at a couple of quilt shops for more of our coveted Rows.  In Snyder TX, two shops are located on the town square.  All my sewing friends had viewed and loved these examples.  I had called ahead to be sure they had ample supplies and one greeted me as I limped in as "Hello, you must be Austin". Clearly she remembered my call and we had a delightful conversation.

I found two rows here

The previous visit to a shop just across the square had been just as pleasant.  The owner was anticipating much "row traffic" and was well prepared  for the coming weekend.  Her rows were unique and gorgeous, so of course, I bought both for myself and my friends.  As we left Snyder I posted a quick photo of some of my loot on social media and the private message thread activated immediately.  

This denim rag quilt was so inspiring,
I must share! It was displayed in Nana Bears!

The rows from these two shops will be a part of at least six more of the row quilts. My friends spoke up on line and by telephone as Ol' Abner drove the remainder of the ride into Lubbock.  Sister was thrilled at the rows I had brought to her and coveted some others.  I guess I will need to revisit some of the 
those earlier shops!

As we made our way into the city where we first met, Ol' Abner shared memories with me from his childhood and teen years. Some I had heard before, a few were new revelations.  We laughed as we anticipated seeing some of the subjects of those stories and mourned the loss of some of those dear friends.  I was reminded of our aging status as my foot rebelled and sent me to bed early that night.