Ups and Downs

This is the tray that my DH gave me for my birthday. It is made of Brazilian butterfly wings under glass, with marquetry around the edges, and handles that curve upward. The symbol in the ccenter is th Eastern Star symbol. The tray is 25" X 15-1/2" and has a hanging wire on the back. It was probably made during the thirties, when butterfly trays were all the rage. The wings give it an iridescent quality that is really beautiful! It hangs over my sewing table.

I've been working along on my quilt blocks, and have the last twelve finished, for a total of 44 blocks. I probably won't use them all--the extras will be made into pillowcases or a table runner. A few blocks came out significantly smaller and will be the ones that don't go into the quilt. I have the white for the sashing and the gold for the cornerstones, as well as a deep green for the first border. I still need to buy some red fabric for the widest border, and the fabric for the backing. One thing at a time--the sashing and cornerstones will keep me busy for awhile.


DH signed up for Social Security this week. He is having to cut his work hours down to 4 days a week due to the cancer he has, GCC or Goblet Cell Carcinoid. He can't keep up the pace he used to, and it really bothers him. He has some fluid accumulation in his abdomen that is worrisome, but is not severe enough to need treatment. He doesn't take any kind of treatment, as GCC does not respond to chemo or radiation therapy. It is a slow-growing cancer, but by the time it is discovered it may have been in situ for years. We are trying to keep an optimistic outlook, but occasionally that slips away, and we have a good cry. Then we buck up and get back to our plans for the future. His blood work is normal, thank goodness, except for a low potassium that is easy to treat.

His business is progressing well. His website, http://www.sotexplants.com, is being put together by our youngest son. DH is already getting orders and shipping out plants. His prices are less than any of the local nurseries, and lower than most online sites.