Just Checking In For a Chat

Isn't this a beautiful book?  It is a British edition, that I bought from a used book store.  The Brits seem to take so much more care and pride with their editions.  This cover is exquisite, but just look at the inside--

Inside the cover, the book is lines with gorgeous wallpaper like yellow paper.  So pretty.

I wish I could say I am enjoying the substance of the book as much as the outside appearance.  It is ok, but not blowing my socks off.  The book is set in 1893, and tells the story of an amateur naturalist and her son, who have moved to a seaside town in England to try to find the Essex Serpent, a Loch Ness type monster.  Cora, the protagonist, develops an interesting intellectual relationship with a local pastor.  I am about half way through the book, and wishing the end was nearer.  Anyway, the book is beautiful to look at and hold in my hands.  People are raving about how deep this book is, but I must be too dense to appreciate it fully.

My colonoscopy went fine.  The prep was ghastly, but I got through it.  I had to drink something like two gallons of a vile soapy tasting substance in advance to cleanse the colon.  I was cleansed all right.  As horrible as the prep was, I have no recollection whatsoever of the procedure itself.  The last thing I remember was a nice nurse telling me to turn over on my side, and then another nurse waking me up after the procedure.  I slept the rest of the day once I got home.  The doctor discovered three polyps, all removed without issue.

Colonoscopies are essential for early detection of colon cancer, and really need to be done every five to ten years as your doctor orders.   Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers, and is almost preventable with these regular screenings.  I have had someone close to me die of colorectal cancer and would give anything to have had her condition been detected in time to save her life.  If you have been putting off having your test, just do it.  

Nothing particularly quilty to talk about, except that there is another sew along going on called Moda Blockheads, that looks really fun.  There will be 48 block designs over a year's time, all created by Moda designers.  Jo Morton, Lynn Hagemeier, Jan Patek, Lisa Bongean, Carrie Nelson and Betsy Chutchian.  The first block was revealed today, and was very cool.  I am already doing Lisa Bongean's 2017 Triangle Gatherings, but this looks fun too.  It could be a scrap buster, or you could use a fat quarter bundle from your favorite designer.  

I have the day off today, and hope to put it to good use.  I know I want to spend it in my sewing room, but won't promise to produce anything of note.  I have been having too much fun just fooling around, which is probably why these block of the week projects are so appealing to me lately.

Hope your week is going really well!

Comments

[Barbara Anne]

What a beautiful book! Sorry the insides are not as wonderful.

I've helped with many colonoscopies and the medicines are lovely. One we called "the happy to be here" medicine just sweetly erases your memory so the next thing you know, you're back home sitting in your recliner - which is why you cannot drive yourself home!

Will check out the links! Thannk you!

Hugs!

[Teresa]

That is a lovely book, and sounds like an interesting topic. Thanks for sharing.

[Mary Kastner]

Glad you survived the prep and the procedure is over. MY Mom had colon cancer so I am on the five year plan. Not until next year. I have the Olio top half put together - 9 out of the 18 rows. It looks pretty cool but definitely not a beginner quilt. CArrie is a quilt genius.

Mary

[Hildy]

The cover is truely beautiful too bad that the story is just lala.
Glad your colonoscopy went well and yes it's important to have it every few years but gladly I'm still too young for it and there are no cases in my family.
I've made my blockhead block yesterday and opened all my seams and stay-stitched my block (look at the Moda blog for the tip) nd it worked like magic. I really find it easier with open seams in a sampler quilt with small blocks because it reduces a lot of bulk.

[Jan]

Good to hear your procedure went easily. That book is beautiful...what is the saying about not judging a book by its cover? Hope you had a nice day off with lots of sewing!