Friday, December 9, 2011

A party, progress, pieces and parts!



I had the good fortune of being off from work when The DFW Gang had it's Christmas party!! It was just so much fun...wonderful ladies all, and some huge talent in that group! It was a sewing party, so I worked on Bonnie's Orca Bay quilt, and finally have gotten pretty much caught up. All of the first step, all of the second step, most of third step, and some of the fourth step even done, just posted today! Yippee! I loved working with the strings...it was a blast for sure.


The beginning of Step four...more strings, this time is red...pretty, pretty! I have enough red strings, I am sure...I am glad that I save everything now.


I received the most fun gift from Teri (click on her name to see her blog)...A really fun nine patch quilt, fabric for a wrapping (my favorite) and a really neat pincushion too! Thank you dear Teri, I just really love my gift, and what a surprise!!


At the party, I won a door prize...this wonderful hand embroidered pillow by Debi. I love it! It is on my guest bed as we speak! Click on Debi's name to see her blog.



More goodies from the party...we all brought 6 fat quarters, and played a game to decide who won the whole pot...I won the red ones! Another lady won all the green ones...it was really fun. I also received from Debi a really fun bag, mug rug and armchair caddie. Debi is a very prolific quilter, and great fun. She is also (my observation), a born leader. It was fun to see her pull everyone together and organize a really lovely day for all. Naturally in the business world, she is a director, and on her way up to more and more leadership, I am sure.



*****************************************************************Nursing and the Hospital


Many, many of my friends are getting their layoff notices. Employees for 38 years are now being laid off...it is sad, right before Christmas. Tense times, I can tell you. We are stopping talking about it at work, because it upsets all of us, so we all just work on the best we can and try to keep our chins up, and put the patient first!! always....



I had such a lovely patient this week...a quadraplegic person...with such a magical, lovely personality, she was just a magnet for everyone. I can only wish to be such a lovely person under such adversity. Lots of health problems, all related to her underlying immobility...I just loved her on sight.


Know what? Christmas is not very far away! I am going now, to clean baseboards, ready the guest room, and clean, clean, clean!!



Have a wonderful day, all!!


Julie

24 comments:

Elaine Adair said...

You are already working on step 4? Showoff! LOL I'm sitting in my office, waiting until I get back home, but I DID manage to papercut all the foundations! Mine are in blue. My previous strips in Step 2 are in pinks. Shoot, this portion will go fast.

Aren't those little baskets PERFECT for our bits and pieces?

Anonymous said...

I REALLY want to do this one. I am thinking Purple, gray, black, and white for the neutral. I gather that finishing up two of my current projects will give me enough of a sneak preview to see how that color scheme would work!

Loris said...

You are so fast and your Orca Bay blocks are looking very fun!
Can hardly take in what is happening at your hospital. You and your co-workers are wise to handle it the best ways you can. My prayers are with you all, staying or going. Good time to focus of the real Reason for this season.

Janet O. said...

Wow--you are ahead of the game on this mystery quilt. What a lot of fun quilty things you have received!
Here's hoping the job situation improves.

Libby said...

Layoffs at any time of year are never fun, but at the holidays they just seem particularly cruel. I think you and your coworkers are taking the very best attitude possible.

Michele Bilyeu said...

Ah, you got to meet and sew AND get gifts from the DFW gang? I've been a blog friend of Debi's and Jan's and some of the others for so long. So, neat to know you are all 'connected' in real life! Lovely gifts and winnings! I own a scarf and a flag banner from Debi..she is prolific and very generous, as well!

Debi said...

You amaze me with all those tiny pieces. Thanks for all the kinds words, I hope this won't be the last time you sit and sew with us. Sorry to hear about your colleagues, we went through this earlier this year (twice).

Lee Prairie Designs said...

You are a very special person and touched many people that have or are on your floor with you kind and caring skills! Layoffs are all over and in every field. Hope there is a turn around soon.

Carolyn

Lori said...

It was nice to read all the goodness on your blog today. (except for the layoffs) Looks lik eyou scored big time at the party!!

Rosa said...

Your orca bay blocks are beautiful and your gift are wonderful.

Merilyn said...

Great WIP's and gifties there Julie! Sad to hear about the layoffs, hard to believe it happening in a hospital, especially with nurses!

Quilter Kathy said...

Your mystery blocks look great! I am taking the easy way out with this mystery but am happy to play along.
So sorry to hear the stress/layoffs are continuing.

Pat said...

What lovely things you got as gifts and the doorprize, too. I am intrigued by the armchair caddy and would like to know more about it. I'm so sorry about those lay-offs and it is extra-hard for them to happen at this time of year. :(

Leeanne said...

Nice post. I have some of step one to go and of course start step 4...looking forward to doing my ORANGE strings.....

liz said...

My goodness, you really are quick off the mark. I like your red strings.

AnnieO said...

Beautiful gifts and wins, Julie! What a great day it was.

Sorry to hear about layoffs. I hope those affected got severance pay. Since winter is the heaviest season for admits, I'm surprised at the timing.

Glad you enjoyed your patient and I hope you never have to find out what your temperament would be in that situation!

Helen in the UK said...

I'm just about to cut my papers for clue 4 and dig into the strings. Bonnie's mysteries are such fun and sounds like you are in need of some fun right now :)

Terry said...

I'm glad you liked your little surprise! Merry Christmas! :0)

Browndirtcottage said...

OK....I cheat.....I wait to see the finished Mystery before I decide! I always like the mystery quilts....so I don't know why I wait!!!

Oh yes, what wonderful goodies you have recieved too!!!

Binsa said...

Hello Julie, saddened to here your work news......looking forward to seeing more of your Orca Quilt...hugs O'faigh

Stephanie D said...

Looks like Christmas came early at your house! Such quilty fun!

Can't believe they are laying off 38-yr employees! What is their criteria for layoffs? Guess those who are at or near the top of the pay ladder, huh? So sorry this couldn't wait until after the holidays.

Shari said...

Sounds like a really lovely party and your prizes are great! I especially love the stitchery on the cushion - so pretty.

I'm observing Bonnie's latest mystery quilt as I am working on other things now - it does look very interesting that's for sure!!

Lay-offs in healthcare always confuse me - does that mean beds are closing as well? Hope your job is as safe as it can be these days!

Jenni said...

Are nurses being laid off Julie? Not being from the US of course I am not up with all that is happening there. I am aware that your economy is in deep trouble, but I am surprised that staff are being put off at the coal face in the hospitals. Is your job safe do you think?

yaseminlerim said...

Merhaba arkadasim tebrik ederim patchwork ortusu harika olmus basarilarinizin devamini dilerim mutlu yillar dilerim sevgiler:))

Puffins and purples!!

I was tempted by Puffins...a squirrelly breed!!  LOL!  This fabric was shared with me, and I have been loved these bright, candy corn colors...