The quilt is finished!

I finally finished the T-shirt quilt. I didn't enjoy making this quilt, it took too long, there were so many interruptions and it was hard to sew. But now it is finished and, I must say, it does look nice. I am taking a little break and then I am going to make some fun things that go quickly.

Peyton's First Birthday

Back on June 22nd Peyton had her first birthday. We celebrated the following Sunday. Here are some pictures of the fun.

Oh, the flowers!!!

I finally took some pictures in the yard. Just enjoy.

Been so Busy, Busy, Busy!

There has been a lot going on lately. I am changing one of the gardens, it was full of ivy and my daughter-in-law, Nina, and I worked hard to remove it. I see a few sprigs here and there, and I immediately pull them out. I have replaced them with lots of shade loving plants, and on the sunny east side, plants that can take sun or shade. I am planning a path through the middle and have pavers ready to go. My other shade bed has received nearly as much attention. Weeds are accumulating in the other beds though, so I still have lots of work to do.

Our little Oscar has grown so much and weighs almost five and a half pounds now. Mom has informed us he took his first real bath and loved it much better than those sponge baths. He also wore his first real preemie outfit that's not a sleeper. Here he is showing off his new clothes.

We spent the weekend moving calves to the vet for shots and things and then to different pens. Four larger ones went to the big steer pen at the farm. Seven smaller ones went to my sister's farm for the summer. Bruno was supposed to go with this group, but he refused to get on the cart with the rest of them. He has never been around the other calves and was a bit intimidated by them. He will have to make a special trip to the vet next Friday and then to Mary's. He is not getting out of going. I know he thinks he is part human, but he will have to think he is really a steer.

This evening John announced another calf arrived at the farm. Not sure who mama is; the calf was alone and it was almost dark when John saw it. We will find out who it belongs to tomorrow.

The quilt has been put on the back burner for now, but I have until mid-July to finish now. I am glad because I will need that much time to get it finished.

Oscar stops by and a memory quilt top

Last Friday John and I were busy running errands when Dan gave us a call. They were leaving the doctor's office and Oscar needed to be fed. We live close by so they were headed to our house. We hurried home and got there before Oscar got his bottle. Heather fed him and I took pictures. Our little guy is getting so big. He weighs 4 lbs and 14 ozs right now. I plan to stop by his house when I take the cat to the vet tomorrow. I can't wait to see him again.



I just finished a memory quilt made from the grandma's clothing. It turned out very nice and they really loved it. Here are a few pictures.

Peyton and Oscar are so special!

Peyton and her parents came over for Mother's Day. We spent some time in the yard - Peyton was exploring the grass and other things. As I held her and played with her she turned around and gave me a great big hug. Then she did it again, the first hugs from Peyton to her grandma. You can bet that made my Mother's Day very special. She is such a fun, sweet little girl.




Nina and Jeff stopped by with flowers in tow. A basket of Fuscia from them and a basket of double impatiens from Peyton and parents. I have to get some hanging posts now as my husband presented me with a basket of giant impatiens.

Jeff has graduated from college for the second time, this time with a degree in Computer Programing. He announced being hired and will start his new job in a week. With things as they are in the job market he was happy to have found a job in his field so quickly after school.

Dan and Heather stopped by on their way home from the hospital. They gave us the news on little Oscar and are hoping the planned release date of May 15th is when they take their baby home. We are excited to have him home in his parents arms all day and night too!

Adventures with Oscar

My sister, Mary, and I went to visit Oscar today. I had so much running to do this past week I didn't get to see him until today. Mom kept us informed and his nose feeding tube was removed the day before. I just had to see him without the tube and tape that held it there. When we arrived his mom, Heather, said she and Dan were going to be out for awhile and we could change him and feed him when he was ready to eat. (Wow, she trusted us with the baby!) He has advanced to a regular nipple on his bottle and takes quite a bit more than the last time.

Well, grandma had her hands full and things were starting to go astray. First the monitoring wires got tangled up by my feet and, to say the least, they had to replace the set of wires. They said it happens all the time. (Oh yea?) Then after we fiddled with him and the monitor patches it was time to change the diaper. I got that done OK, but the little monitor on his foot to check his blood oxygen level got out of place somehow during the process. I didn't know how it should be attached, and there it went beeping again. A little rewrap by the nurse and we were set to go. I told her I wanted a baby without all the attachments.

Bottle feeding went well. I fed first and things were going well. Then he had to poop and burp and needed a rest after that. Mary, of course, was giving me instructions on how to get the bottle back into his clenched jaws. I passed him over to her and he took his bottle again and finished it all with a few pauses for burps. We had to satisfy him with a pacifier after he finished. He is sure a hungry boy. At the way he ate, he will be a big boy in no time.

We spent the rest of the afternoon passing him back and forth when our arm would fall asleep and finally felt he would get better rest in his bed. We are hoping he comes home sometime next week. Grandma can't wait to play with him again. I sure enjoy seeing our little boy.

Peyton meets Bubbie

Erin and Peyton came over on Sunday for a visit. Peyton has two kitties at home, but neither really wants to interact with her. Our little Bubbie, who thinks he is a person, is a different story. When Peyton sat on the floor Bubbie and Bobbie came to see what was going on. Bobbie watched but Bubbie wanted to play. He was in Peyton's lap, pawing at her feet and just paying a lot of attention to her. Peyton didn't know whether she should be afraid or enjoy the attention. She smiled and said "kitty" over and over. She waved to Bobbie and I think she really enjoyed the cats. Then Bubbie took one of Peytons toys to play with. Peyton didn't want Bubbie to have it and finally took it back. Not long after Bubbie was playing with it again. It was special to watch the two of them together.

Oscar Update

Oscar is a week old today. Each day he progresses at Children's Hospital. He may get upgraded to a real crib tomorrow. Feedings are coming along and we are praying he comes home really soon. He is so very alert when he is awake. He looked at me and when Nina spoke he looked up to see who was there. He pulled out his nose tube for the third time while we were there as if to say "I don't need this thing anymore". The nurses didn't agree so he got another feeding tube. He may need mits if he doesn't leave it along. I am amazed such a tiny baby knows so much about what is going on around him. Some pictures.

Bruno's Favorite Food

I cut the lawn this afternoon and gathered up a tall kitchen bag of grass clippings. I could have gathered many bags as the lawn was neglected after little Oscar arrived. Bruno's favorite food is fresh grass so he will be thrilled for the next few days. I will gather more tomorrow. All the calves will be weaned soon and Bruno will join the herd of calves. My sister has pasture at her house and no animals so we bring a few over each summer. Bruno and the gang will go this year. He has grown into such a handsome young calf. My sister always enjoys having them - she feels the farm is still alive and busy.

Our Precious Oscar came a little early

Last Saturday, April 17, our grand baby, Oscar Andrew, arrived about five weeks early. I was about an hour away from home going through my Aunt's house. She passed away last November and we were dividing up her things. I got a phone call, Heather, my daughter-in-law, was going to have an emergency C-section. My only thought was to get home as soon as possible. We used common sense and stopped to eat a quick lunch and then made a bee-line to the hospital. Oscar arrived about an hour before we got there and his daddy; Dan, was telling his dad the news. Both were crying when we entered the room. Emotions were running a little high.

Oscar was 3 lbs 3 ozs and 16 inches long when he arrived. He was so tiny but was doing a great job breathing on his own and his heart was so strong they didn't need to even monitor it the second day. The staff at our little hospital don't usually keep little ones so they were unsure about things. Children's Hospital in St. Louis sent their staff and ambulance to get him to address feeding problems. They adjusted tubes and got things straightened out. He would do better at their facility so off he went. Mom was released and she and dad were on their way to Children's, followed by Oscar's aunt and grandma.

He is doing well, taking food and even nursing from mom. Everything is OK and he just needs to grow a little before he comes home. We are so happy and blessed. We thank God for sending us such a precious little boy.

Oscar and his daddy, Dan

More work in the garden

Nina came over last evening and we picked up the last of the branches. I cut most of the yard on Tuesday except where the remaining branches were. I put in a few new perennials, I don't remember the names as I was in a hurry, but they look like daisies. I put in the violas and cleaned some of the beds. We were exhausted so the blue berry bush will go in later.

We then worked on the kitties ears. They have been scratching them lately and I was worried about mites. I held kitties as Nina cleaned ears. She worked in a vet's office when she was in college and is my source of help when I need to do things with kitties. Pinkie was the last to be caught, he is a little skittish and after watching the event with the others decided it wasn't for him. We had all the doors closed except for the living room and kitchen because there is no door between them. He went from under one couch to another - he can be pretty fast if he wants to be. Finally we couldn't find him anywhere and I got a flashlight. He was under a curio cabinet - way back. I fetched him out and he curled himself in a ball, burying his head. He was the easiest to work with and we were finished in no time. Great News! no ear mites. All ears are clean and just to be safe we put in drops to prevent mites.

I am working on two quilts at a time. I need to get a quilt top done really soon from clothing from the brides grandmas. She had a destination wedding already and they will be back this week. Her mother will do the quilting. It is turning out very nice, although some fabrics are really difficult to work.

The T-shirt quilt is working up very nicely. I am afraid I will not make the deadline, but they are OK with that. I need to spend much time on it each day.

Pruning trees, planning a new bed .....so much to do!

Last Wednesday night I took out a bush that was too big and just in the way. Thursday Nina came over and we pruned the trees, cleaned out the blackberries, cutting down a few unwanted trees, and cut back one of the big (too big) bushes to put in a new bed. We worked so hard we both slept well that night. Friday I started picking up branches. John came home and helped me put the biggest ones on the truck to take away. Tomorrow evening I will make a trip through the yard getting what he missed and put them on the truck. Mowing is much needed and I will do that tomorrow if time allows or Tuesday.

I bought some plants last Thursday and have started putting them in. A new Hosta, some violas, two perennials and a blueberry bush. I am excited about the blueberry bush. I love blueberries and hope I can grow this one here. I live in the open country and the winds are strong and it gets a little colder than in town. I think I have the location figured out, now to dig the hole and get it planted.

The quilt is moving along, more slowly than I want. I get tired when the house gets warm and I sleep the afternoon away. I don't want to turn the air on so early, so I will have to start quilting at night I guess. I have much more energy then. This one has a deadline so I can't mess around too much.

Happy Easter!

Nina and I worked very hard the past two weeks removing the old wall paper and painting and repapering the kitchen. It looks beautiful. I put up new decorations and the kitchen is finished. The pies are made, the house is clean, an Easter basket is ready for Peyton and plastic eggs are ready to be scattered in the yard. I will prepare the meal tomorrow. I am ready for Easter Bunny to come!

This is the first Easter with a little one in the house. She doesn't walk yet so mommy will help her find eggs. I am only scattering then in a small area in the yard. No hiding them behind things. She is too little for that, but Grandma and Grandpa will have all the fun watching her discover eggs for the first time.

Exciting things happening!

Although it is still a bit cool for me and we are having rain this weekend, I know spring is just around the corner. Besides the crocuses blooming, I noticed the new tulips and hyacinths are peeking out of the ground. Daffodils have buds and I am getting a little excited about the flowers to come.

This past week I sold a baby quilt on my website. I started a website about a year ago and have sold a few things. My hardest part is getting established on the web so people can find me. I have a few links to other sites and them to me and that is helping people get to my website - www.barbsquiltgarden.com. Here are a few pictures of the quilt.



I am about to put another T-shirt quilt in the frame. I am marking it this week and hope to start quilting early next week. Pictures will follow when I get it in the quilter (frame).

I and my daughter-in-law, Nina, have started a big project. She helps me clean the house as I am not able to do it like I used to. She cleans things high up and where I can't reach very well. We make a pretty good pair. This next weekend we are going to start painting and papering the kitchen. She and I have worked on getting the old paper down. It has been more difficult that I figured. I guess it has been awhile and the glue is working better than it needs to. I have one last corner to tackle and we will be ready. I am excited. It is the country design with the stars in it. I have a border of vines and stars. I am excited to have a "new" kitchen.

Surprise, Crocuses!

This morning I took Nikki out and the sun was so warm and the southern breeze so refreshing I decided to sit in my swing for a bit and just enjoy being alive. It was so nice. I looked over to the tree and there they were, little stems and leaves of the crocuses. Spring is right around the corner. I enjoyed the day, making several trips outside, taking breaks from working on a quilt. They are predicting severe weather tonight, not all over, but in places. I hope one of those places is not my house!

The Crocuses are not up!

The days are warmer, the breeze feels nice as I walk outside and I might think spring is here, but the Crocuses have not shown yet. Not their grassy leaves, not their pretty little flowers, nothing. Even though I wish it were here, spring has not arrived. I look each day for the Crocuses but they are not here. It is going to shower tomorrow and the temperature is up a little, that might make them start to grow.

I have the large variety planted around a tree just outside the back door, beside the deck. I look every day when I take the dog out to her run. I am anxious. The winter has seemed to be forever. I am expecting another cold spell before the true warmth of spring. I will be patient - spring will be here soon.

Bruno is weaned finally. I fell when I was feeding him last Wednesday, almost into his pen. Good thing the fence held, and while I was laying against it, Bruno was sticking his nose through the spaces, sucking on any part of me he could reach. We are out of feed and I told my hubby that he could fix the milk and feed him if he bought more because I wasn't going to do it anymore. Thursday Bruno was weaned.

We opened the door so Bruno could go out of his pen and get some sunshine. I don't think he has gone out yet. He may need some encouragement next weekend. When we wean the calves in a month or so, Bruno will go with them. He will be part of a herd. He doesn't know what it is like to be with his own. He will learn.

Lily's Baby

Our cow, Lily, presented us with a baby last Friday. Her baby looks just like her. Almost all red except for the face. It has red patches over both eyes. She is a good mother and this is her 6th calf.

Lily is a funny looking cow. She throws her left hind leg out when she walks and it seems she goes slow and easy. Her bones seem too big for her. Her hip bones stick out a little farther than the other cows. Her head is pointy and her ears are floppy. But put all that aside, she is a wonderful mother and has nice, beautiful calves.

The kitties are growing up!

I almost forgot a major milestone in Bubbie and Bobbie's lives. They had their claws removed and were neutered and spayed in February. They did so well in their recovery that the vet was concerned they would injure their toes jumping on and off things etc. They had to stay at the vet a day longer. When they came home they walked, or should I say ran, as if nothing had happened to them. Bubbie had to spend extra time sitting on mommy's lap the first day - I guess he missed me. Bobbie did something to hurt one of her toes and my daughter-in-law, Nina, helped me fix it so she wouldn't hurt it again. She worked in a vet's office during college and knew how to wrap it to protect it. After a couple of days we unwrapped it and it was healed nicely. They are back to normal now, Bobbie is her sweet little self, never getting into trouble and Bubbie can't seem to stay out of trouble unless he is sleeping.

Both kitties love to sleep with their mommy. Bobbie under the covers next to me. Bubbie has to give me a few kitty kisses on the nose and then he snuggles up next to me. They are so much fun even though they get into trouble.

Starbaby gave us a scare

Last weekend my husband spent the day spreading rock in my sister's lane. All the wet weather had really taken a toll on it and they spent the afternoon putting rock where it was needed with the backhoe. It is one of my son's "toys" that really comes in handy.

He did not get to the farm until late afternoon. Starbaby had gotten her head under the manger and was in a position that she couldn't get up after they got her head freed. The barn floor has a slope towards the manger as the cows don't make as much manure where their front feet are when they are eating. I guess she just got in the wrong spot and everything went bad from there. John called me to call the vet, then he called Dan to come back and to pick up Jeff on his way. I had to feed Bruno so I came over too. We had a lady vet and she is terrific. She got Starbaby in a position so she had her head up and we stuffed straw bales behind her so she wouldn't roll back. She needed three pints of fluids intravenously. She got a shot of some powerful stuff to get her moving again. We had to give her another shot the next day.

Her baby calf was getting pretty hungry and nudged mom a few times to get her up. Starbaby tried but was just too exhausted. We brought her some water and decided to wash her eye that had been in the mud to get the dirt out. She didn't like that at all and made an attempt to get up. She did, but was a little wobbly. John held her back so she wouldn't fall over and she got her feet straightened out and feed her baby.

We have adjusted the floor of the manger so that cows and calves can't get stuck again. Starbaby is doing all of her cow things and is back to her old self again.

If it is not one thing it's another on the farm!

Dress Up Time

We stopped by to visit Peyton on Friday evening. She and her mommy were having dress up time with her new Easter dress. It became a photo session with mommy and me taking many pictures. She is so cute.


Later she had her dinner. I got to feed her and she ate very well. She took the spoon away from me and used it as a teether. Her second tooth is on its way and we hope she gets it soon and doesn't have to put everything in her mouth.

She had her bath before bedtime. She is a little fish in the water and loves her bath. She is set up for swimming lessons for babies in a few weeks. I plan to watch her and mommy in the water at one of the sessions.
After she went to bed we watched a movie with her mom and then headed back home. We really enjoyed ourselves and hope Peyton enjoyed us being there.