Welcome to tales of my stitching life, home, family and friends.

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Looking Back, Looking Forward

 The year 2024 wasn't a bad year, plenty of stitching, quilting and knitting took place.  Social events, club meetings, lunches out, Sew Wot fortnightly get togethers, caravan rally weekends away, and a trip to the South Island to help my son Michael celebrate turning 60.  All this changed of course in late November when my beloved husband Robin passed away unexpectedly.  Such a shock, and I'm still reeling from it.

While clearing out the caravan to prepare it for sale I came across quite a few sets of place mats which I had made over the years.  The latest being these ones, showing a Kiwi enjoying the camping life.



As I had plenty of place mats sets which I use in our home, I decided to send the various caravan sets to the Christmas Rally with my friend Dot.  She then offered them to the lady members, to choose a set to keep.  Luckily there were enough to go around.  That took them off my hands, and they found new homes amongst the caravan club members.  The caravan has not been sold yet, but is currently on a yard, open to offers, to be sold "on behalf".

So what does looking forward look like, I wonder?  On the quilting scene I have my lovely friendly Sew Wot group, and the local quilt guild.  I will be taking part in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge again - only doing a couple of simple block sets this year.  That's because I have so many UFOs from previous RSC years that it driving me to distraction.  After all these weeks of not wanting to, I have finally sat at the sewing machine for a short time, so that must be good.

And I've put my hand up to join in  the Chook Shed Challenge for 2025.  It's always a bit of a worry to me that I can list ten projects so easily, and there are plenty more waiting in  the wings.  Guess I just have too many UFOs.  


Ten projects in the crate ready for the Chook Shed Challenge

And not forgetting the 60th birthday quilt I'm working on for my daughter Nicky.  Plus the quilt I'm planning to make for my great nephew using his grand dad's shirts, I've hardly made a start on this one yet.  

So that's my sewing life taken care of, but I do wonder what is in store for me in other areas.  The family have been extra attentive, and I met my daughter Nicky for lunch on Saturday. We both drove half way to meet in the middle, she drove down, and I drove up.   And several friends have  been very kind, making frequent phone calls to check up to see how I am.

I was very moved to received several letters of condolence, one from an elderly gentleman from the caravanning world who we had known for many, many, years.  His wife passed away four years ago, and he confided that he still sheds tears when thinking of her, and reminded me not to be afraid to let the emotions flow.  

I often glance over at Robin's empty recliner chair, where he used to sit watching sport on TV and also his favourite UTube chanels.  And I light a candle every evening in his honour, and pat his pillow at night before I go to sleep.  

Lighting a candle each evening

Thank you so much to my blogging friends who continue to send me such comforting comments, it really does mean such a lot.  I know so many of you have gone through the same thing, and it is only now that I can appreciate the pain of your loss, together with mine.


20 comments:

ButterZ said...

Jenny, we are always thinking of you. It’s good to see you speaking out loud about your feelings. Take care.

Kim said...

Jenny, it is sad to read you are selling your caravan. It provided you and Robin so many wonderful adventures together. So many wonderful memories. I'm glad your family and friends are gathering around you and caring for you. So glad, too, you are joining in a few stitching groups this year. Just take each day as it comes, and please take care, dear lady. Xx

Twyla said...

Jenny, I am so sorry for you huge loss. I always enjoy reading your blog and your picture shows you to be so cute. I have been under the weather since before Thanksgiving (here) and I am just now catching up on reading my blogs. The word sorry never seems enough but, it was heartfelt.

The Cozy Quilter said...

You will miss your caravaning friends and trips. So many wonderful memories of the places you went and the people you spent time with. Robin’s sudden passing was such a shock. It will take time for you to find your footing again. Your friends and family are such a great support. I join many other blogging friends from around the world offering hugs and friendship to you. One day at a time. Your planned sewing projects will help to ground you. Take care. Gail

Julierose said...

I hope being with your friends and family will help you through this time, Jenny.
It's so hard to just pick up your life and move forward...sending good thoughts your way...and many hugs Julierose

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

I was hoping to see you on the New Year Chookshed Zoom, but I could only stay for a couple of hours. Good to see you have support. Virtual hugs!! And I hope this new year will bring you some happiness.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

That was lovely of you to give your caravanning placemats to friends, Jenny! I am sure they'll miss you and Robin in the group. I'm glad you're sewing again and have plans for finishing up older projects. I'm trying to do that, too. Thinking of you as you find your way in the new year.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

It must have been sad getting the caravan empty and ready to sell remembering all the places that you and Robin saw together and the conversations etc., You have a lot of good memories for sure

Quilter Kathy said...

So glad you have your stitching to help you at this difficult time. Stitching has eased many a tough time for me throughout the years.
I also have many RSC projects half done. It's fun and I hope to resume again this year, without worry about what I will do with the blocks. Someday they will become something... or go to the Goodwill. Either way I am not worried one bit about collecting them because for me it's medicinal!

FlourishingPalms said...

I'm glad you were able to sit at your sewing machine for a while. Baby steps, right? And seeing all the projects you shared, you'll no doubt have much to keep you occupied... if you're feeling up to it. It must be difficult to think of selling your caravan. On the good side are some wonderful memories you made with Robin, and those of us who read your blog and enjoyed your travel (and food!) photos. I'm glad your gentleman friend called to give you support and encouragement. It true that only those who have suffered a similar loss knows how it feels. Bless you.

cityquilter grace said...

grief has its own schedule...and tears just mean that they were loved very much..and are missed...perhaps you should wait a bit before making any big decisions...that's what they say anyway

Karrin Hurd said...

Good for you to have some stitching plans Jenny. It helps to keep your days busy. Big hugs for you in this difficult transition period.

CathieJ said...

I am reading your blog post as my husband is speaking with the husband of a dear friend who passed just over a year ago. Our friend is starting to heal while still grieving the loss of his wife of many years. I feel your loss, but am glad that you have the desire to start sewing again. Tears are natural when feeling experiencing a loss. Sending hugs your way.

Jenn Jilks said...

You've had such a shock! With all your friends and family, I know you will get through all this change. It is hard. You have marvellous memories.
I just talked to my last, late client's wife. We remain friends. She has just moved, as she was uncomfortable at her old rental place. It is tough.
I like giving respite care to folks who need me. I irony is my current client is my late client's sister!

Anne Kirby said...

Jenny, it wasn't me, but my mom became a widow at 50, and her life was over after that. She refused to ever be happy again. Don't do that!! Stay in touch, let us know what you're up to. Do go out with your lovely children. Let happiness happen again. Anne

Jackie said...

I am so glad you have people that you can talk to about Robin, it does help a great deal to be able to share memories. We are here for that as well.
Pretty sure you will get lots of stitching done on those UFP's this year.

God bless.

nestki said...

How generous of you to share your caravan placemats, and the loving work you put into them, with others, so they will go out in the world to do good instead of hiding in a drawer. You and Robin were always making the most of life, weren't you? Together you set a good example that we all can follow. In future, I am sure you will be able to follow your own example, too. Hugs.

Carolyn said...

My heart hurts for you as I know what you are going through. I want to assure you that you are doing great, even though it may not always feel like it. The holidays are the hardest! Please continue to get together with your friends and sewing groups. It will help immensely. Happy new year to you!

Maria said...

So good to read about how you’re going and sharing your feelings…
Getting back to sewing with your friends and joining in with your cyber friends too will help keep you busy.
Lovely to meet up with Nicky and enjoy time together.
Sending lots of hugs.🤗

Janice said...

What a lovely thought to share your placemats with your caravanning friends. They will be treasured. It is wonderful how your family and many friends are all there for you and that you have your stitching groups to join in with. I remember when you used to "Roll the Dice" to see what project to work on. The Chookshed Challenge will be something similar. I think we can all list way more than ten projects easily.