HELLO AND THANKS TO EVERYONE

[Eileen K.]

Friends --

I have finally - after almost ten months - found time to run through the Forum emails pertaining to Hugs and Kisses and Star Crazy and "Sue Garman." I am posting this note in all three places so that it reaches out to people who may only go to one of those categories.

I wish to thank you all for your patience and understanding this year -- it has been a tough one with lots of stress during what seemed like unending treatments for my husband's cancer. I am happy to say that he is doing quite well -- the support of friends, family, and quilters has been incredible - and is so very much appreciated. I owe all of you who sent blocks for the quilts, who sent prayers and well wishes, and who continued making these blocks-of-the-month despite my absence - a huge debt of gratitude. Thank you! And of course, a huge thanks goes to Margo, who stepped in and continues to answer questions, provide advice, and help everyone with any issues or concerns throughout the year.

I hope to be more present in the future - Jack's health has improved enough that I have found more time to pick up involvements a bit. And... this week I will finish the 2011 TQS block of the month - whee! It is such an honor and a privilege for RIcki and Alex to continue to ask me to design quilts for TQS. Again, thank you, everyone - I hope you are hanging in there on the home stretch of the TQS BOMs!

Sue Garman

[Beth A.]

So glad to hear that both you and Jack are healing from this traumatic experience!

BethMI

[karen f.]

That's wonderful news! Thank you God! It's great to hear from you again.

[Karen M.]

It is wonderful to hear that Jack is doing well and that you are finding time to devote to your quilting passion again.

[Karen M.]

Thank you for taking some time to check in with us--we miss you.

[Jocelyn W.]

Sue, thanks for the message packed with good news. The best is that Jack continues to gain strength. Next is the tip that you will have a BOM ready for us next year. If that doesn't give us laggards a push (my 2009 BOM still lacks some assembly) nothing will. All the best to both of you. Jocelyn

[Mary R.]

Sue it's so good to hear from you and I'm so glad that life has become less stressful. Being able to get back to quilting must be a real pleasure for you. I'll bet Jack is happy to be feeling better and be able to get out more. After the year you have had, this is good news!

[Mary R.]

Praise the Lord for answered prayers! Praying for continued strength and good days!

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

[Jo H.]

Sue, what a blessing to see your name in the forum and hear the good news that Jack is doing better. And the news that you are creating the 2011 BOM is music to all of our ears; looking forward to seeing your smiling face on a teaching video someday soon.

[Barbara B.]

Sue, I've been waiting for good news from you! Thanks so much for posting. Can't wait to see the new BOM. So very glad you and Jack are doing so well.

[Betty J.]

Super to hear such good news. It's really wonderful to have you back on the TQS also. I can't wait to see the 2011 quilt. Cheers and continued prayers for continued improvement.

BJ

[Robin G.]

Hi Sue, it's wonderful to hear from you!! -- and even more wonderful because it means Jack is doing better. I'm grateful and I continue my prayers for his continued improvement! I'm looking forward to seeing your 2011 BOM design! (even though I'm still working on January for both Hugs & Kisses and Star Crazy ...). Thanks for the update! Best wishes, Robin

[Susan C.]

Hi Sue, I was so pleasantly surprised to see that you are from the Hudson Valley. I to am from there. I lived in Wappingers Falls, was born in a Poughkeepsie hospital! I wonder what city you are in? Just a silly question. I migrated to the west one winter and ended up living in the South, Tennessee, Johnson City in 1980. It is much like NY in that we share the Appalachians however the history is totally different and the culture of course! There are none of the rock walls, the colonial style homes, even the trees in the winter do not have that haunted look as NY ones on the Taconic Parkway. I treasure the NY look and did not really "see' it for what it was until I came back to visit. I do live next to Jonesborough, TN = the oldest town in TN. They have a WONDERFUL quilt store: TN Quilts. So glad to hear your husband is doing better!