New Walkway and Lanscaping

 When we moved here in 2004 I wanted a front porch. The one that was here was a tiny cement slab that wouldn't even hold 3 people standing.

In the spring of 2005 Mike built us a front porch. Or did it become a deck when we took down the railings, anyway I enjoy sitting out there. 

What I didn't like was the downspout that ran over the worn out paver sidewalk that helped it sink and buckle.  It all got very slippery in the cold weather. The holly bushes I had planted were taking over. It was so ready for a change.

I called a few landscapers I found online. 2 never got back to me. 1 came and told me it was too small a job. 1 gave me an estimate of $10,000 (yup, he clearly was not interested). I gave up. Mike made one phone call to a landscaper he found on Home Advisor and he came out 2 days later. I told him just what I wanted and he emailed Mike 2 days later with an estimate and a start day.

Seriously thinking it all got done so fast because they would rather deal with a male than a female.

Sad and Old

The only job I had to do was to dig up all my tulips and daffodils. No small task.

I was just hoping I got them all

The workers showed up on a Wednesday and got busy digging the old walk up and digging a drench for the down spout. I was so excited. 

Day 1 completed

Both men (Miguel and Moses) were very friendly and polite and didn't mind me asking questions and telling them just what I wanted. It probably helped that I let them know I enjoyed their music and made them fresh coffee. They even brought lunch with them which I happily warmed up for them in the microwave.

No More Wet Sidewalk

We got some rain the next night and the buried down spout leaked. They got that fixed real quick and started on putting down the bricks. 

When I told the guy who was here for the estimate I told him I wanted Autumn red body with a bright red border - He said "OK?" like I didn't know exactly what I wanted. I almost said I'm a quilter I know what I'm talking about.

When they started laying out the walk I stood over them and told them just where I wanted it - moved 15 inches closer to the house so I and everybody that needs a little help doing stairs can use the post.

I noticed that the border bricks were not the bright red ones I ordered. Sure enough - wrong ones. Now I'm thinking OMG what if I was at work when they were doing this? it would of been wrong location and wrong color.

Heating the cracks for sand

When the boss man came and asked me how thing were going I told him I wanted to add some more boxwoods for around my flag pole. It looked really naked on the other side of the walk. He told me  o problem and the next day Miquel and Moses showed up to do the landscaping with 7 bushes. Just like that - no hassle - no problems.

Ta Da New Sidewalk

The boss came back for the final inspection and admitted that he wasn't sure on the pattern. I then told him I was a quilter and I like the ones with a bold border best. He asked me if he could take a picture of it for his website. HA, I said of course....

Now I just need to get those tulip and daffodil bulbs planted.

Sister Hugs

 My sister Mary is going to be heading to Chemo treatments soon. She lives in SC away from her sisters all here in IL.

I had heard from my neighbor that some people get cold during chemo treatments so I knew I had to get a quilt made and sent to her right away.

I've been making quite a few quilts lately. I needed something to do during this stay at home stuff and quilting relaxes me.

 I really get fired up when I have a reason for my quilting. Making one for Mary was emotional for me. I bought my longarm machine with Mom's money. I thank her and talk with her and tell her how much fun I'm having, every time I use it. Doing this quilt I not only thought of Mom but all of my sisters and how close we all were growing up. It only made sense that they be a part of this too.

I sent a group text to Vicki, Deanna, Linda and Sharen and told them my idea and they ALL wanted to do it with me. I hurry and finished the quilt and invited the sisters over so I could take a picture of each of them hugging the quilt and filling it up with love for Mary.

Vicki

Linda

Deanna

Sharen

Me

I asked them to write something to Mary. Something that she can read to help her get thru this. So she's knows that even though she is physically far away she is right here in our hearts, our thoughts and in our prayers. I want her to wrap herself up in this quilt and feel our love.

Well mission accomplished, I got a heartful thank You text from Mary - she was too emotional to try and talk, which I totally understand. She feels us. She promised to take the quilt and our cards and letters with her. 

Mary, I know you read this blog and probably are trying real hard not to cry again - Sorry I had to tell this story. I cried writing it.

We are family - I got all my sisters in me!!!