Reports of Sharon’s death have been highly exaggerated. She was simply moved to hospice care at Banner hospital. I misread her battle being over. I can only claim a senior moment and too much grief over her condition. I should just have my foot transplanted directly to my throat. Sharon is alive but no more chemo and still hospitalized. Somebody shoot me now.

moving is mourning too.  I even felt sentimental packing up DD's apartment last weekend.  We both said a tearful good bye to Abilene, she's lived there all but 2 of the last 12 years since she graduated from high school.  It has been a good place for her, now to the next adventure.

and you will have new adventures in CO, most definitely. (are you ready for the snow???)  Just a thought, are you sure you want to keep all those pigs?  Just because you thought you wanted to do them once upon a time doesn't mean it's a contract, you don't have to lug them around with you.  If you aren't excited about them any more, donate them to a local guild or church sewing group.  Quilting is supposed to be fun, not a chore or obligation - I officially give you permission (grin).

I stopped at the Hospice to see Sharon this afternoon.  She had been medicated and did not wake up while I was there.  I did get to visit with Linda and their brother David.  Sharon was moved to Hospice of the Valley Friendship  Village about 11:00 last night.  She made the decision herself to go into hospice taking that difficult decision from Linda.  Linda seemed to be doing well.  She said that while they had both been sick, Sharon's house became a mess.  That will be left for her to deal with later.  She did say that Sharon wants to donate her Gammil to an Indian tribe who might use it.  It has been in her garage for years and needs to be cleaned up and then removed from the garage and taken to Mulqueens to be refurbished.  If anyone has any tribal contacts who might be interested, let me know.  I know I can't help Linda in the house with my cat allergies but told her I would see if I could find her a contact.

I'm planning to go by the hospice tomorrow again.  Hopefully I will find her awake.  I know they appreciate your prayers.

Shelley is wise(don't tell her I said that).  It is like mourning.  You did not say how many years you've been in the Los Gatos house.  Leaving your mother behind only makes it more difficult.  It will be months before you are settled again.  There will be many things to keep you busy and many decisions to make.  One step at a time.  You and David are strong people and will get through this move and enjoy your new home.

Wow, Judy! I am glad I don't pull mine out all the time to look at them, but I am trying to finish things and not start new things too often.

Judy (DJZMOM) said:

Let’s suffice it to saw it’s >100.

I think you have exceeded me!  Amazing!

So ... if you can take the time, look at the UFOs/PIGs before you actually pack them. 

Do you still like it?  Be *honest*.  There's nothing wrong in saying that they just don't thrill you any more.  If the project is cut and ready to sew but you just DO NOT like the layout or the fabrics or whatever .... **give it away**.  Thrift store, other quilting friend, whoever.  Yes, you absolutely *can* assemble it because there's nothing tricky about it but you have **so many other** projects waiting.  Let **got** of whatever unwarranted guilt you might feel because you're not finishing it.  WHO CARES??  This is not like the 'clean plate club' where you have to finish your dinner.  You *are* allowed to pass on a project.    If the fabric is still yardage, look at it .  If you still like the fabric, put it back in the general inventory so you can use it on some other project.  If your tastes have changed and you don't care for the fabric, let it go.  Some one else will love it.

Is is still appropriate for the intended recipient, if it was to be a gift?  If it was a baby quilt for someone who has now graduated high school or college, the time frame has passed.  Give the project to someone else.

Is it still just the pattern?  Again, do you like the pattern?  Is the timeframe still appropriate?  Yes, you CAN sew it, but WILL you, when there are many other projects to work on?  Maybe it's just a good idea to relinquish the pattern.  If it's not in your inventory, there's no guilt about not making it.  :-)

BE RUTHLESS in culling those projects!   If you can get rid of some NOW, that is less work for you in Colorado ..... where you should do THE SAME THING when you're unpacking it all!

Big hugs, Judy.  This is such a HUGE step and it jumped out at you in an accelerated timeframe.  It's OK to even be resentful at the sudden amount of work.  You were certainly expecting a bit more lead time.

Dee in TX (DBRADFOR3) said:

Just because you thought you wanted to do them once upon a time doesn't mean it's a contract, you don't have to lug them around with you. 

Judy!  Did you read what Dee said???   Gosh, it's great!   Honest to goodness, it is NOT A CONTRACT!   Truer words were never said.  :-)

Shelley gave you some really good advice and there is not much I could add except purging at the old place means you don't have to pack and move the item and then revisit it yet again. Of course if you do not have time to go thru stuff by all means toss it into a moving box and figure it out when you have time. 

When I packed up the New Mexico house I did try to purge but there came a point where I just had to pack it up and get it loaded in the moving truck. My last night in my house I was alone. The Penski truck was mostly packed except for the things I needed like the RV pillows on the floor to sleep on, the coffee maker. I watched my final awesome sunset off the deck wondering if I would ever come back to live in the house again. Very sad, I know how you feel. Once all your stuff is on your new place that will become home for you and you will create the next chapter of your life.

Dee in TX (DBRADFOR3) said...

Just a thought, are you sure you want to keep all those pigs?  Just because you thought you wanted to do them once upon a time doesn't mean it's a contract, you don't have to lug them around with you.  If you aren't excited about them any more, donate them to a local guild or church sewing group.  Quilting is supposed to be fun, not a chore or obligation - I officially give you permission (grin).

Thanks dear friend!  DH has been keeping me on schedule by reminding me we can take the time to purge when we get to Ft Collins and please don't take time (we don't have) to do it now.  But I think you are soooo right!  I know there is a quilt group at the church we've been attending when we are there and I know there are lots of guilds.  I look forward to lightening the load.  But it has been like a walk down memory lane as I come across swap blocks (and people's names).

DH keeps reminding me we'll enjoy the snow from INSIDE the house and not HAVE to go out in it!  I sure hope so...

Thanks for the update Cathy.  I know that was a special help to Linda for Sharon to make her own life's decision.  I'm sure it's crossed her mind many times over the years she has fought this fight what she might decide when it was time.  It's good her brother arrived and I pray the 3 of them will have special time together