Wyoming Breezes

. . . four quilt kits in baskets. In an effort to bring the scrap bins under control. I’ve been preparing kits for Quilts of Valor. Now, when the urge to sew hits me, I can sit down and get busy. The larger pieces are scraps from backings of previous QOV. 

Stepping Stones 63 x 80 inches Quilt of Valor #243 Stepping Stones  put a dent in my 2.5 inch scrap bin, scraps from many previous Quilts of Valor. This quilt was finished in May and sent to a volunteer longarmer in Texas to be quilted. I received it back from the longarmer last week, and it will soon be on its way to a QOV leader for distribution.  I used Melissa Corry's free pattern, Stepping Stones , that is on her website Happy Quilting . 

Today may be the first day of Summer, but some of the denizens of Laramie (like this tree at a local business) aren’t quite sure. It’s been downright chilly here the last two days (highs reaching the low 60s and low 40s in the morning). Strong southeast winds seem to be blowing off of an iceberg. I’m back to wearing wool socks, long sleeves, and a jacket.  Supposedly, temperatures will be in the mid-70s today and 80s over the weekend, but I’m not going to bet on it. Like the tree, I’m going to hedge my bets and be prepared for anything! 

Sherry's Gift 60 x 70 inches Quilt of Valor #242 The blocks for this Quilt of Valor were made by Sherry G from NY state. I worked on this quilt sporadically from January to March. It's the second QOV I made using Sherry's blocks: the first one was Step Up .  Unfortunately, Step Up  was lost by the USPS on its way back from the longarmer. Criss Cross Stars was also lost in that shipment. 

I've been absent from this space for nearly six months, so I'll give a brief rundown on what's been happening. Despite back pain, I've tried to stay socially active by going to the senior center to play games and cards for an hour or two most days. I've tried to keep up with your blogs and comment when I could. Thank you to all who sent emails to check on me. I appreciate your friendship.  January - Severe lower back pain made doing anything of substance difficult as the month plodded along. A lumbar ablation was scheduled for February 7, 2024, and I could do nothing more than pop Tylenol and gut it out.  February - As the ablation date grew near, a small window opened up in the weather and road conditions. I drove to Fort Collins, and Brenda drove up from Denver to be my designated driver after the procedure. Six puncture holes in my back were the only evidence that anything had been done while I was unconscious. Ice, rest, and patience were necessary for the nex