End of an era . . .

Twenty-five years ago I went to work for Apple - then known as Apple Computer, Inc. The next 15 years changed my life and each day I cherish those changes! Thank you Steve Jobs for your innovations and for the opportunity to believe that I could change the world.

Granite . . .

When I wrote last, we were going to look at the granite we selected to see how the templates created the week before would layout with the pattern in the granite. It has been an interesting three weeks. The fabricator (also part of the company where we purchased the cabinets, flooring, and granite) told us they could not put granite in our kitchen as we had thought and been told - the area was too large. Hmmm - the sales person was there and her offering was, "Would you like me to check into other options?"

So we did some figuring on our own - checked with a couple other granite places - and found out it certainly was possible. The two other places had granite that would have worked, but we still preferred our first choice. So, we called the original sales person back, explained what we had found out and asked to have the fabricator come out. Some of the issues belonged to that sales person - the wrong measurements and the wrong sinks ordered.

Finally, the fabricator agreed to come out and with lots of grumbling, agreed it was possible, but it would take his whole crew to get it into our kitchen. I know they put larger sections of granite in lots of houses so I don't know what the "real problem" was. I suspect there is a "back story" here of people not getting along within this company, but who knows really.

He finally agreed to have it done and installed last week. That didn't happen , so after a few phone calls with the owner, it came yesterday. It looks fine.

Now for the real learning here - today we did our food bank delivery of senior groceries for those who can't get out to purchase groceries and who couldn't afford them if they could get out. We have 16 people on our route. We always feel so blessed - blessed that we are able to get to know these people and blessed that we have what we have.

And - the granite issue seems small - pathetic really. The learning is sometimes painful - but always good.

Fast week . . .

I must be a weekly blogger - if reality is any measure.

Last week was the great Art and Stitch retreat in Salt Lake City. Theo and Loes van der Heijden from The Netherlands lead the instruction. They are the creators of Art and Stitch. It was two days packed full of amazing learning and wonderful people. We were at the HandiQuilter Education Center in North Salt Lake City.

I got home on Thursday afternoon. I drove up through West Yellowstone and then up the Gallatin Canyon. This is a picture of the road in front of me as I drove. I took this as I was driving and I can't believe it turned out as well as it did. The sky was just that blue and the road straight as an arrow.

When I got home, the cupboards were all in and the granite guy came out to make templates for cutting the granite. The kitchen is an odd shape and we are not sure the granite I selected will work. There is a large flowing vein through the slabs - we had to buy two. And even with two slabs, they may not be able to match with the necessary seam. So, we are going to go look at the slab with the templates placed tomorrow and then make a decision. Go with it or change to a granite with the same pattern throughout and no flowing veins. We will see.

"It is strange that the years teach us patience; that the shorter our time, the greater our capacity for waiting." Elizabeth Taylor

Amazing day . . .

It was just plain amazing. The class is wonderful and the people are so fun and interesting. Most have flown in here and are from all over the U.S. We learned so much and laughed so much. Great group - wonderful experience.

New friends forever I am certain.

"I hope you will go out and let stories happen to you, and that you will work them, water them with your blood and tears and your laughter till they bloom, till you yourself burst into bloom. - Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Little bit of a drive . . .

I am in Salt Lake City tonight - well really it is Bountiful, but very close. I drove down today for two days of classes on "Art and Stitch" which is software for digitizing designs for my quilting robot - or for any quilting robot or embroidery machine.

Arrived about 6:30 and met some of the others as well as the software authors and instructors for the class.

This morning I really wondered what in the world I was thinking when I signed up for this in June. We are buried with things to do - but I just threw it all to the wind and here I am. I am going to enjoy the time away - and do some learning on lots of fronts.

"Wisdom is learning what to overlook." - William James

Ahh - 'tis Friday

I am not sure why Friday is such a wonderful day. I no longer work outside my home so any day can be the end of my work week - just any old day I decide. But just the word "Friday" carries a lot of good memories, huh?

The cabinets are being installed - it is a long process as the kitchen is not square or rectangular. There are no 90 degree corners as the house is a nine-sided structure with visible support beams the go to the center core. The cabinet installer is very experienced - at least if his years and tools are any measure. He said yesterday that this is the hardest install he has had in many, many years. Bob and I sat on the back porch last evening and thought about that. Bob built the house 40 years ago and he and his dad installed the first cabinets and they didn't think it was so bad. Bob said he guessed ignorance was bliss as those were the first and only cabinets he ever installed.

I came across this quote this morning: Love it!!

The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins. - Bob Moawad

Some thinking . . .

It has been a good couple days since our painting spree - the drive yesterday was relaxing. Today I spent the morning digging perennials out of Mom's flower beds (she wants something with less maintenance) with my daughter-in-law, Rainy and the little guys. Then we all went to lunch and Weston and Walker came out for the afternoon. It has been a "flying low and slow" kind of couple days.

My mind has been overwhelmed with this scripture lately. It is tempering my actions in every way. I love it in any version of the Bible, but I will share that from the King James version as that is the one I grew up with. I need to share . . .

Matthew 25:33-40

33And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.