Where has the year gone?

I can't believe that a whole year as passed by since my last post. I wish I could say that it was an eventful year and I suppose in some ways, it was. Unfortunately, I can't put my finger on anything in particular that happened. Last year at this time, I had just finished chemo and was ready to start radiation. That went well and by early November last year all treatment was finished and I was in the follow-up stage. So far, all of the follow ups have gone well and I anticipate that to be the same for many years to come.

For a long while after finishing treatment, I really didn't feel well. I was tired all the time, most likely due to a combination of the chemo and the low blood counts. I certainly never expected to be as tired as I was for as long as I was. About a month ago, I realized one day that I feel good again. And for the most part, that feeling has continued. I still have a day once in a while when am fatigued. For the most part, though, the only remaining side effect of treatment is numbness in both feet and some in my left hand. Fortunately, my right hand is OK so I can still work on my needlework! Heaven help us if the day arrives when I can't do some kind of needlework!

This year, I did finish the Dresden Plate quilt that I started in 2002. I had hoped to finish it in 2012, but there were a lot of months when I just couldn't bring myself to do anything other than read or watch TV. I offered the quilt to my niece and her daughter. The daughter, my grand-niece, said she would like to have it so that's where it went. Here's what it looks like finished up.

I have also done a lot of pattern testing for The Quilt Pattern Magazine. So much so that I have told them that I need to step back for a while and work on my own things. After the first of the year, I'll do more testing, I'm sure. In the meantime, I am working on a couch throw for my niece using left over blocks from a quilt I made for her parents' 50th wedding anniversary. I hope to have that finished by spring. Better get busy, Amy!

My stitch group has an ornament exchange each year at Halloween and Christmas. I didn't participate in the Halloween swap last year, but I did for Christmas. The ornament I made is on the left. Sarah drew the short straw and was the recipient of my ornament. Teresa made the one on the right and I was fortunate enough to draw hers. Isn't it lovely?

 

I've made an ornament for this year's Halloween swap, but I can't post a photo of it just yet. The party is next week and that's when we'll exchange ornaments. After that happens, I will post photos of the one I made and the one I draw.

I suppose this is enough for this time. I am going to try to be more faithful about writing my blog if for no other reason than to help me remember what I have accomplished!

Until the next time we meet, thanks for reading my ramblings.
--Amy