A stroll thru the Lincoln Park Zoo

Happy Birthday to my Dad in Heaven!

This year of firsts is rough. 

So much has happened in 2016 and 2017 that there has been no time to digest it all.

Thank goodness for our faith.

And the peace and serenity that comes from nature and the beauty of God's creations.

A few weeks ago, my oldest son took me on a tour of the Lincoln Park Zoo.

(His middle name is my Dad's first name, a wonderful continual reminder...)

I've been to the zoo countless times, but wanted to see it from his perspective.

Last summer he performed a research fellowship at the zoo

studying wild Black-crowned Night Herons.

Most of the adults have begun migrating, but he showed me where the juveniles tend to feed.

Do you see the one patiently fishing above?

He showed me the many communal nesting sights hidden throughout the zoo.

He pointed out native plants like the obedient plant.

While you can see the City peeking out in the background,

we enjoyed the Nature Boardwalk around the pond that used to house paddle boats.

They are returning it to a more natural existence.

Last summer, our son would row out to the island to take a census of the turtles that have returned to the pond. 

He pointed out the towering Cup Plants.

And the Ironweed.

He told me all the Latin names, but I can't remember a single one. :)

The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond at the Zoo is another hidden treasure.

Can you spy the Green Heron fishing in the picture above?

Even thought the Zoo is right in the middle of the City, here you feel a hundred miles away.

A wonderful way to spend a few hours with both of our sons.

And enjoy the peace of the trickling water.

Although the Zoo is known for its wonderful animal exhibits - there is so much more to see... 

And the wild animals and birds like this wood duck that have voluntarily taken up residence here are such a joy.

Mom wasn't up to joining us on our tour, but maybe next year...

People don’t light a lamp and put it under a bucket; they put it on a lampstand. Then it gives light to everybody in the house. That’s how you must shine your light in front of people! Then they will see what wonderful things you do, and they’ll give glory to your father in heaven.

~Matthew 5:15-16

Blessings, Patti

Status & A Winner

Where does the time go?!?!

I said that I would post a winner on Monday and here it is Friday already!

And to top it off, August is over and September has arrived! 

I enjoyed reading all your comments about your vacations!

Some of you have gone on wonderful trips, others have yet to leave.

Some are staying at home, but hopefully all are stitching!

I liked those who commented, when you are retired do you still call it a vacation? :)

Thank you so much for the 46 entries in my little giveaway.

Using random.org, the winner is #7:

Connie who said "I spent my summer in the Mountains."

Connie, please email me at pgagliardi9@hotmail.com with your mailing address and I will get your package on its way... Enjoy!

While Mom was in the hospital, I decided to take a walk one day and get some fresh air.

I found this park a block from the hospital.

A few moments spent in nature is such a balm to the soul - refreshing and soothing.

I found that acorns are starting to fall.

And I loved the identification markers on the trees.

So many of you have asked about Mom.

Mom is staying with me for a bit while she recuperates from her recent hospitalizations.

She has had another round of chemo. And has had a few more bumps in the road.

(well, maybe some are more like potholes, but let's call them bumps)

The pups are doing their best to comfort and entertain her ;)

I just had to share this wonderful quilt!

It has so much meaning as each of these squares is from one of Dad's shirts!

I'm not sure if you would call this a double binding or a piping, but nevertheless it sets the quilt off perfectly! The woman that made it added this oh so special tag on the back:

Such a very special treasure!

Thank you for your continued prayers and well wishes.

Each and every one is greatly appreciated!

 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

~Romans 12:4-5

Blessings, Patti

p.s. I have been working on a little group of offerings that I hope to share this weekend - think repurposed antiques and pumpkins...

Still here...

Thank you ever so much for all of your prayers and positive thoughts! Mom spent 5 days in the hospital, went home for the weekend, and then went by ambulance back to the hospital. I've been with Mom here at the hospital for the past five days. On one of the good days, we did a bit of English paper piecing layout. Continued prayers and positive thoughts are gratefully appreciateed!

Blessings, Patti

I'm back... a quick note & request

We are back from our week of unplugging and recharging

and as always it is just what we need.

Time to put down our electronics and focus on us 

and the beautiful nature around us.

A time to catch up on sleep 

and to rediscover how to rest and relax. 

Mom has been hospitalized this week and will undergo a procedure tomorrow.

Prayers and positive thoughts are greatly appreciated. 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

~2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Blessings, Patti

Prayers Appreciated

Two people very near and dear to me are beginning their battles with cancer.

My dear sister-in-law, Joy is beginning her fight.

My dearest Mom is beginning her second battle with a new cancer.

Not even a year ago Mom was battling a different type of cancer and won.

Eight months ago today Dad lost his fast and furious battle with cancer.

Prayers and positive thought are greatly appreciated!

"The Lord will keep you from all harm—

    he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

    both now and forevermore."

~Psalm 121:7-8

Blessings, Patti 

Thank you & a little giveaway

Words can't express how thankful I am for all of the kindness and support expressed by each of you!

You have been a source of comfort to my entire family.

It is only now just sinking in that Dad has passed away.

I try to remember all the happy memories and know that we will be together again one day.

I have been gone too long and have so much to share from the past two months.

Bright little spots amongst the difficulties.

Early in September I was traveling quite a bit. I had a business trip to San Diego and found myself with four free hours. What is a woman to do?? Why, rent a car and visit her favorite quilt shops...

I had been to San Diego last fall and had a wonderful day shop hopping. I knew that I couldn't visit them all this time, but I headed out...

The first stop was Temecula Quilt Co.

Such incredible inspiration!

I so love the applique!

The postage stamp quilt behind it is awfully special too!

I just love the signature tiny prints in all her quilts.

Such beautiful colors

Such an eye for display

And some wool too :)

I didn't leave empty handed :) I need to incorporate those tiny prints into some of my creations.

I stopped at In and Out Burger to make my sons jealous ;) and thought I had enough time for one more stop...

Fat Quarters Quilt Shop

It may look little on the outside, but the inside goes on and on...

(For you Dr. Who fans, it is like the Tardis)

You could happily get lost inside and stay there forever ;)

I was absolutely amazed at the Lantana hedge! I plant them as annuals in Chicago and am thrilled when they are a foot and a half tall. The bees and butterflies love them, and I love the tiny multi-colored flowers. Here they are bushes?!?!

I only just walked inside the front door and was inspired by these darling little seasonal quilts!

Beautiful wool and a quilt which really isn't "my style", but it spoke to me truly - I couldn't stop looking at it! Just love all the animals and the butterflies, too.

Why did I not come home with the pattern for America the Beautiful???

I looked at it a dozen times...

This is what did fit in my little carry on ;)

The models of both Bits and Pieces by Joan patterns were so gorgeous in person!

All too soon, my four hours of fun were over and I needed to get to the conference.

Surprisingly, it was cool and cloudy in San Diego, but the final day was glorious!

The beautiful view from my room.

Gorgeous Bird of Paradise.

Well, I couldn't have fun on my little trip and not include you!

So I have a little giveaway:

A few little items from both of the shops.

So tell me what is your favorite tropical flower?

Simply leave a comment on this post or send an email to me at pgagliardi9@hotmail.com with

San Diego Giveaway in the subject line.

I will pick a winner on Tuesday, November 8th.

Thank you again for all your kindness and support!

"Surely he will save you    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

~Psalm 91:3-4

Thank you Kathy F. for the bible verse!

Blessings, Patti