Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Hello Out There!

I'm popping in to say hello and do a little catching up!  I have had the busiest year I can ever remember so I'm just going to do a little photo review.

I started a secret and special project in March and here it is in June.  
I've started making my own soy scented candles with recycled items that I thrifted.  I save money, shipping and using petroleum wax.
I did a lot of gardening with Mr. Fun this spring/summer.
I received a tabletop Solo stove for my June birthday.  How cute is this?
We were gifted this fabulous windmill from friends because their HOA would not allow it.
We had family from Oregon join us for a Danish breakfast.
Rich had lots of great sails on his boat, Manitou.
I went to wedding in NC with my oldest and best friends.
I went to Maine Quilts and Wendy and I went to the Botanical Gardens and met the Trolls!!! 
I was the Chairperson for my guilds quilt exhibit.  It was a TON of work, but it looked great!
Wendy and went to the AQSG seminar in Portland Maine.  We ran the silent auction.   Another huge job, but we had fun together.
I made Study Challenge quilt based on her eagle quilt in this photo.
It was not selected to travel......which was a little heartbreaking, but I have gifted it to Wendy and her family.
We had a great family time at the Durham fair.  WE love the demolition derby.
My two quilts won top marks 
In other news, my son, Andrew had 4 hospitalizations this year!   It started with Appendix and then a series of Diverticulitis infections.  
In early December he had surgery and we are hopeful all is fixed up now.
Among and in between all I had the most quilt teaching and traveling since before covid.  A lot of that can be seen on my instagram feed.

I am so grateful for all of the ups and downs and arounds this year.  

My last finish for  2025:  Tree Lot.  Made with blocks I won at modern guild made by guild members.
Have a Merry Little Christmas
See you Next Year for a quilt recap.
xoxo

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post full of so many exciting events. May I say that "Grapes of Barb" is absolutely stunning. Oh my, what a beauty! And a wonderful gift to your special friend. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Chantal said...

Hello! It's so good to see you in Blogland again. Prayers send to your son that all is well now. Your quilt study of the eagle is gorgeous! May I wish you that 2026 brings to you and yours all the goodies 2025 forgot to give you. Enjoy! ;^)

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a busy year! I hope Andrew is back on the rails and feeling much better. Love the Christmas tree quilt! Such fun colours. Best wishes for a healthy and happy new year. Enjoy Christmas with your family. Gail at the cozy quilter

Anonymous said...

Thank you on the update : )

Liz H said...

I'm the anonymous above

Swooze said...

Merry Christmas. Hope your son is on the road to complete recovery now. Great job on the show activities.

Gladi Porsche said...

Thanks for sharing! You had quite a year; the grapes quilt is amazing and I don’t understand why it didn’t get chosen to travel 🙁. Fingers crossed 🤞 your son stays healthy. Wishing you a fabulous 2026! I’m not sure, but I think I heard a rumor that you are doing a lecture and workshop for my guild this year. If that’s true, I look forward to seeing you!!!!

Barbara said...

Wow, you had a really busy year! I always enjoy reading your posts. I love that your quilts won top marks at the fair. Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

Janet O. said...

I enjoyed the recap of your year. You always have great things happening.
I love soy candles (just never thought to make them myself).
My husband just got one of those little stoves, but we haven't tried it yet. Looks like a fun idea for S'mores.
Nice windmill acquisition at a great price! ;)
So fun to see the adventures you shared with Wendy.
I cannot believe your study group quilt wasn't chosen to travel. That was lovely of you to give it Wendy.
Your guild display looks amazing! Good job!!
Congrats on your two ribbons--love those quilts.
Oh, gosh, I hope Andrew can heal now and avoid hospitalizations going forward.
Tree Lot is an excellent little finish for the year's end.

OPQuilt said...

I've caught glimpses here and there of some of these events, especially that wonderful cheddar quilt with the eagle. Your quilts really do have a "Barb" look to them! Happy Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Wendy Caton Reed said...

Wow! That is a lot! Great to see all the special quilts and especially great to see Andrew looking to chipper! Cant wait for more quilting together in 2026!!

FlourishingPalms said...

Looks like you had a very busy year, indeed! No time to write blog posts. Your activities look fun, especially those related to quiltmaking. I saw the quilt you made that's the "mini me" version of Wendy's quilt. Just lovely. You did a nice job, and what a special gift to give to her. It's nice to see friends enjoying and appreciating one another. I like the windmill you received, though my association also would not permit such a thing. And your sailboat looks fabulous. That's something I thoroughly enjoy, and miss. Continue to embrace your happy, busy life in 2026.

Nann said...

So nice to hear from you, Barb. Looks as though you and your family had a good year!

Lori said...

What a fun and busy year! Happy 2026!!

Susie H said...

Love your Grapes of Barb and can see why you made it to replicate the beautiful Grapes of Bath. I hope you have twice the fun in 2026 that you had in 2025! Happy New Year!

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Beautiful photos. Happy New Year to you from Montreal, Canada ❤️ 😊 🇨🇦