I.........f friends were flowers, I'd pick you!

I enjoy this little sentiment, but it doesn't begin to reflect the richess so many friends add to my life. The other day, a friend presented me with this teacup floral arrangement, which she called "herbs and edibles". She had grown most of the items herself and all are edible. I just couldn't resist posting a front and back view of this delightful treasure. May you all experience the joy my friends bring to me!

F.........riendship shawls

One of my recent projects has been making a dozen friendship shawls that I'm using as gifts for dear friends in the hope that they will come in handy for our very chilly evenings. They come from a pattern from friendshipshawl.org and cannot be sold. I have, however, varied the edgings on them as you can see from the close-up images. They're made from two skeins of Caron's Simply Soft yarn which can be machine washed and dried. Right now, I've been able to find enough different colors for everyone!

N.........ote Cards

It is always a joy for me to receive a quick note in the mail, an act that is rapidly becoming passe. Today I would like to share the story of a wonderful friend who is fondly known as "The Postcard Lady." Whenever she feels that someone could use cheering up...for what ever reason, she sends them a series of postcards with encouraging words or silly jokes. I know those cards were very helpful to me a while back when I was going through a hard loss. Her simple act of kindness has inspired so many people! Here are some of the cards I have created for various occasions that will be posted for sale on my ETSY site soon.

N.........o friends like old friends

It is always so good to get together with the gals I worked with in my teaching career. Today a few of us had lunch and it was such fun to catch up. I've laughed and cried with some of them for more than 35 years and they are all as delightful as when I first met them. Obviously none of us has changed a bit! They're each holding a little scrubbie that I hope will clean up some of the dirty dishes of life!

B.........reakfast Club

For more than 10 years these wonderful retired folks have been meeting for breakfast (and laughter therapy) every Friday morning at a variety of family restaurants. It's really necessary to go to different restaurants; one couldn't cope with us every week! We have loved, laughed, and cried through births, marriages, and deaths and never tire of each other's company. We discuss families, issues, books and sports...especially golf! All four gentlemen play as much as they can!

R..........ed Hat Friends

A short while ago, I was asked to comment on who or what gives hope to my life. Certainly, my wonderful friends fall into this category! One special group is from Kohler, Sheboygan, and Plymouth. We began playing Mah Jongg two days a month several years ago and have also participated with great glee in the Red Hat Society movement.

Yesterday several of us journeyed to the Rahr West Art Museum in Manitowoc to see the "Art of Tablesettings", an annual show in which a couple of our members participate. They are shown here with their entry "Patricia's Summer Repast", inspired by working on this beautiful lattice wall hanging as well as Patrician glassware and a china pattern called "Patricia". A third member of our group created the flower arrangement. Such talented ladies!




Every leaf of the wall hanging was applied by hand before the quilting was done. How we long for summer during winter in Wisconsin! I'm not sure, but that might be a view of Lake Michigan in the background.



Of course, I volunteered to add a picture of myself for the occasion, but for some strange reason my request was denied....wonder why? :) After the art tour we had lunch and a rousing game of Mah Jongg accompanied by much laughter. With friends such as these, I certainly do not need a therapy group. My husband was once overheard telling a friend about what a good time we always have and then added, "And they don't even drink!"