This and that on a Sunday evening

Lots of things to think about on this cold Sunday in western New York - some serious, some funny, all grateful.

I got up this morning to find the still-damp bolero had been the object of considerable scrumpling by one Miss Abigail Cat. No harm done, though. (Note to self: Don't block sweaters on the best bird-watching perch in the house.)

Tracy at Woolwindings asked for a more detailed photo of the embellishment, and since this is the first request of this type I've ever received, I am only too happy to comply. Actually, I have so much admiration for Tracy, I would have complied even if I got this sort of request every day!

Next, I really enjoyed making this skirt for Randi's "Sewing Seeds" project. I'll get this in the mail to Randi this week, and her daughter will take it with her in June when she goes to volunteer at an orphanage in Africa this summer. I like knowing that a little girl may enjoy the bright cotton print, but even more importantly, I like knowing that Randi's daughter knows so many other people are supporting her in this volunteer work. We may have done a little sewing on this end, but it's Danika who will make the difference -- not only through the work she'll do in June, but through the way an experience like this may forever shape the way she approaches service. So, thanks, Randi and Danika, but letting us be part of this.

My brother Joe has been on my mind over recent days, as well. He and a group from his church in Indiana just returned from a week's worth of hard work in New Orleans, helping four victims of Hurricane Katrina. His first e-mail to family after his return spoke of the sheer scope of the devastation. It's almost unthinkable that such destruction is still evident a year and a half after the flooding. He may be writing more in his blog soon, so check in there if you're interested.

Lastly, I hope you'll spend a moment on a prayer for Joe's son -- my nephew, David, who is currently serving his second tour as an Army medic in Iraq. You can read a bit more about him here, in my brother's blog. And visit here, too, for a look at Joe (handsome dude, isn't he?) and adorable baby Berneice, the youngest of David and Susan's three kiddos. My special request comes because today is David's birthday - hopefully the last one he'll be spending so far from home.

Hope you are able to hug those dear to you today and be grateful for many blessings. I know I am!