As those who have read my blog for a while probably know, I love curved piecing more than just about anything (although hand quilting is quickly climbing back up the favourites list). There is something about it that I find absolutely irresistible. So once the flannel top was finished, I was thinking about my Summer Picnic Dish a.k.a. pickle dish quilt top and, as I had done a lot of printing of the various pieces for it a few weeks back, I started making the melon/arc combos so I can get this one to the lap quilt size sometime within the next few months. I’ve also been adding a bit to the Joseph’s Coat top. A couple more of the Pickled Ladies have joined the others as well.
Even pressing the melon/arc combos is fun.
I couldn’t resist taking this picture. It’s not the best, but it made me laugh. It was raining here last night and a leaf blew up against our window and stuck there for the longest time. Baxter was on the windowsill countless times while it was there and completely ignored it. I was convinced he’d be trying to paw at it, but obviously it just wasn’t interesting as it wasn’t moving.
Almost all the leaves are off the trees on the roof garden now and Baxter is spending an enormous amount of time on the windowsill watching them. I love this photo of him as it shows off his white eyeliner so well!
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I’ve had a bit of a curveball thrown my way. Over the past few months, I’ve been dealing with a health condition and the resultant tests, specialist appointments, et cetera. I’ve now been given the diagnosis of remitting-relapsing MS. There are more tests to come, treatments to begin and more specialist’s visits, so there will undoubtedly be days when I may not have a new post on the blog and/or be visiting and commenting on other’s blogs.
It appears I have had this for at least 20 years and have clearly done quite well, up until this summer. According to my neurologist, there are many, many people who walk around with MS and don’t know it. I am in very good hands. I have had invaluable support from friends who have MS and have given me lots of good information as I’ve travelled down this path and, of course, have had enormous support from Mr. Q.O.
Baxter is providing his very own type of kitty support – laughter is the best thing and watching kitten antics like this, when he was trying to “help” Mr. Q.O. with his cryptic crossword, are guaranteed to bring about laughter and smiles.
Going forward, my intention is not to turn this into a blog about MS, although it may periodically be mentioned as it is part of my life and my blog is about things in my life as well as quilting.
Quilt Obsession 
Hey Cathi,
You are strong and as you keep your hands moving, sewing and typing you will be at your best most of the time! Don’t you just love kitty love! It IS the best…grin.
sending big hugz and good vibes!
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Cathi, you have Mr Q.O. and Baxter on your side, and out here in blogland we are all cheering for you. They do say laughter is the best medicine – and I’m sure Dr Baxter will provide plenty of that!
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Cathi,
You appear to be a very strong person and I’m sure you will do fine. One of my husband’s sisters was diagnosed with MS a few years ago and she, too, probably had it for a lot of years before that. But the meds and treatments that they are coming out with are just incredible and great improvements are there I’m sure you’re in good hands with your doctors and especially with Mr. Q.O. and in good paws with Baxter to help you out!
And I do love your melons and arc pieces!
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Waiting for a diagnosis can be almost as hard on you as hearing the verdict. I hope Baxter keeps you laughing and that your hands will still do what you want them to do.
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Sorry to hear of your troubles. Think positive. I will, too.
ttfn 🙂 Yuki
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You have lots of kitty love and laughs! I love that you share those with us. I Wishing you the best. When am also thinking keeping your hands and mind busy as you do will be helpful. Hugs to you and Mr Q.O.
Looking forward to seeing a picture of Joseph’s Coat with the latest additions.
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So sorry to hear about your diagnosis. But I’m glad to hear you are getting good support and have a good doctor. Don’t worry about mentioning MS here, after all the blog is about your life. And if somedays you just need to get on here and vent about how much it sucks, we’ll all be here to listen.
Love the pickles. I haven’t done any curved piecing yet but I’ve just picked out a project to start this weekend that is full of them. I hope I get to be as good at it as you.
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Sorry to read your news, but the good news is that you at least know what you are dealing with and they can start treating you! I have been on a journey of doctors and tests for about 5 years and still have no answers and it is incredibly frustrating. Like anything like this the key is all about pacing yourself and accepting that some days are good and others aren’t…That’s the bit I struggle with. ((hugs)) to you…you have a great support network here in blogland and we all are supporting you!
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Just want to send my good wishes your way and echo the comments before me. Much love xx
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What a beautiful post. You’re so very balanced and centered. I have great admiration for you. You Rock!
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Cathy – sorry to hear you have MS. Glad you are managing it very well. I hope you continue to amuse us with your abilties to piece and quilt. Baxter is very dear – often he is one of my morning bright spots. Hugs.
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You are in my prayers and thoughts. So glad you have access to such excellent care.
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So sorry to hear the diagnosis. You will be in my prayers. May you do well with the help from your doctors and support group (Mr QO and Baxter included). Say whatever you need to say on this blog, after all, it is yours. Sometimes you just need to get it out and you feel better! God Bless
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Just want to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Kitty power is the best medicine ever.
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Sorry to hear you haven’t been well – I hope that with medication and support you can continue to do well. Take care xx P.S. Love all those photos of Baxter!
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You do know that you’re going to be a great inspiration to people you’ll never know, don’t you?! God speed and keep the posts coming. There’s a lot of love out here in fiber world.
lindylou
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I’m very proud of you. 🙂
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So very sorry to hear about your diagnosis but I know that you have a wonderful support system there with Mr. QO & Baxter and a loyal support system here in blogland. My thoughts are with you and I hope you get the very best care & doctors.
On a lighter note, I love Baxter helping Mr. QO with his cryptic crossword. Kitties have excellent vocabularies lol!
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Cathi, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Having lived with Lupus for 12 years now I can tell you that the hardest part of this journey is behind you. Finally having a diagnosis and a treatment plan was a huge relief. Next step is learning to live with your disease. There will be good days and bad, don’t let the bad days overwhelm you. Having a good support system is key and you definitely have that.
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Best of luck to you as you live with this disease. My best friend’s husband has MS, and despite some occasional setbacks, he is doing well and still playing tennis and other of life’s pleasures. I’ll be thinking of you. Kathie L in Allentown
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Thinking of you and big hugs coming from Manitoba…you are a strong person, I can tell…just keep laughing. It is definitely the best medicine there is!
Quilting will be part of your therapy! 🙂
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I am so sorry to hear about the MS diagnosis, but I am certain you are going to do well dealing with this new challenge — you have such a positive attitude. Of course, that cute Baxter will do his best to keep you and Mr. Q.O. distracted and laughing at his antics.
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Sorry to hear about your health problems Cathi! Positive thinking, enjoying your quilting and your positive attitude will take you a long way! Stay strong!
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Cathy, from your blog I can see that you are positive person and I am confident that you will continue to live life on your terms! Keep your chin up! You inspire so many of us with your beautiful quilts!
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Cathi, I’m sorry to hear about your health troubles. I hope the treatments will keep you in remission for a long, long time. Baxter is growing so fast. He’s more handsome than ever. Your projects are all amazing, as always.
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Sending you positive thoughts for successful medication and long periods of remission to enjoy your quilting. Take good care of yourself!
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