4th QOV

This is my fourth QOV, and I am honored that it is going to a Capt. in Afghanistan, on a third deployment! I had a good time putting the 'eagle on it, as that was a first time I quilted a design like that. I put the picture of the back up so you could see the eagle, it is hard to notice from the front, but that was my intention as the front is busy enough with the string blocks, piano key border and the Army logos. This is a great quilt to sew, you don't need a pattern, and it uses all scraps. I had ladies from the sewing group add some strings for the border so there is a little bit of Sheridan in the quilt.

THANKFUL WEEKEND

We are very thankful for each other and for our family. We give thanks for our lives being replete with love and togetherness. All else emanates from this basic foundation. JIR

SHADES OF WINTER

Shades of Winter, dark and white
Tree limbs naked, dry tall grass

Sunlight dims the geese's swift flight

To southern, greener, wamer land

Calm winter day, clear blue sky

Snow crystals turn to wetness

As radiant heat penetrates their web

Freezing solid in the dark

Shades of Winter, dark and white

Mysteries of nature in disguise

Fill my spirit and energize

The soulful muse of my life. JIR

Letter to the editor

Hi everyone, I thought I'd share this letter I wrote to the editor of our newspaper. I think we all need a reminder now and again of how simple and easy our lives for, and those who sacrificed so that we may have these freedoms.

Linda

Dear Editor,

I would like to wish everyone in Sheridan and the surrounding areas peace and blessings over this holiday season.

As we take the time to celebrate with family and friends, and remember all we have to be thankful for, I would like to ask your readers to also remember all those who have sacrificed for this country as part of America’s armed forces, including active duty and our nation’s veterans.

Equally important, is that we continue our support for these men and women throughout the coming year. I encourage everyone to put their political beliefs aside, and take the time to find an organization that fits a manner in which you can show your appreciation. I have supported our troops in many different ways during the last four years. The satisfaction I have received from these actions have greatly outweighed the work I have dedicated to them.

Beside our local organizations and VA hospital, other means to show support to our military are:
1) www.americasupportsyou.org, a very comprehensive list of many support organizations,
2) www.qovf.org, an organization that provides quilts to injured military men and women, and
3) www.iava.org, a non partisan organization that works to ensure our veterans get the treatment they have earned and deserve.

Thank you for allowing me to address this matter.

Sincerely,
Linda A. Ramirez

THE HANDYMAN STRIKES AGAIN

Not bad for my first experience installing laminate flooring. It took a few evenings and weekends, but the project has now been completed. It certainly augments the looks of the foyer and breakfast nook. In the kitchen, it complements the new appliances and gorgeous quartz countertops. I am currently taking a well-deserved break, but watch out, it's only a matter of time before the handyman strikes again. JIR