In Like a Lion...

And if it goes according to the old saying, Spring might actually get here. But March roared in.

In more ways than one. After finishing February with the most snow we’ve had for quite some time, setting new record low temperatures and braving the elements for the Mid Atlantic Quilt Fest let’s just say Not Forgotten QOV roared into March as well. 

With the combined February Events, Birds of a Feather where we started February

                           

                                                                         Elaine and I at Birds of a Feather

and finished it off with the Mid Atlantic Quilt Fest we exceeded our expectations and goals that will provide us with a strong financial account with QOVF that will give us the base we need to support the needs of the many volunteers that make up Not Forgotten QOV and share in our quest as we contribute to the QOVF Mission.

We need to acknowledge David and Pete Mancuso along with Scott Houston from Mancuso Show Management for their hospitality and generous contributions for allowing us to participate in their event. Equally we want to send out a big thanks to Valerie Schlake and the Virginia Longarm Network for providing us the opportunity to promote the Quilts of Valor Foundation at their annual longarmers event, Birds of a Feather. Everyone welcomed us with open arms and kindness. Seems to be a trend when you’re hanging out with folks associated with quilting. It just never seems to stop.

But along with all this joy comes some sadness, even though it was replaced quickly with joy because “Sugar Ray” (57 Singer Featherweight) found a new home there was a void…

"Sugar Ray" on display at Mid Atlantic

briefly in our home. Elaine wasted no time in filling it. We passed Sugar on to Kathy W. the winner of the Featherweight Raffle. And as Sugar left a new Brother VE 2200 DreamMaker took his place. I guess Elaine just couldn’t live with only 21 machines.

                                                            The new DreamMaker

The Raffle in itself was eventful. We needed someone to draw the winning ticket. As luck would have it a gentleman came by the booth, he was admiring Sugar Ray and we started up a conversation. He explained he worked for Singer for more than a decade in the 60’ and 70’s and sold way too many to count Featherweights. Mike C. drew the winning ticket

                       Mike drawing the winning ticket

and Kathy W. couldn’t be happier. 

                Kathy W and Mike with Sugar Ray

Mike also pulled the Raffle Quilt Winner, Mary S. from North Western Virginia. She was contacted by phone and you could feel her excitement over the phone. We will be shipping out her new quilt as soon as possible.

Both events will always be great memories. Memories that will include the friendships of Marianne Elliott who came down from Maryland to help us with the Mid Atlantic. Be assured no small feat when you consider her schedule and work load as the Managing Editor for the QOVF Newsletter, Threads and a tireless Executive Staff Volunteer. 

                                  Marianne at Mid Atlantic...Her first Quilt Show by the way

To Nancy Z. the crafter whose endless support to Not Forgotten QOV included making the Raffle Quilt and Susan G. who always finds time in her schedule to spend a day with us at the booth. She just lights up the booth with her personality and the sincere joyous attitude and dedication to the Quilts of Valor. Not Forgotten QOV’s success is bolstered by their participation.

Okay so you didn’t ask…But just in case someone does ask. Why do you QOV? Well let me tell you. Because we will Never Forget. On Friday evening after our day at the Mid Atlantic we made a little stop on the way home. One of the QOV volunteers we shared a day with last November in Corning New York at the Southern Tier Quilts of Valor (STQOV) Marathon, Sandy V,  ask if we could award a quilt she had made for her Navy career daughter when she was home here in Virginia Beach whenever that might be. Well it all came together this week end. In the process of her career, which included Desert Storm, her daughter, Tammy K. raised three daughters as a single parent. Sandy was able to get everyone together and we met up for the award. Tammy never saw it coming. Yes it was a tissue event.

                                          Sandy (Mom) and Elaine open Tammy's QOV

                                                    

 Mom and daughter         

  

Sandy, Tammy and her three daughters, Paige, Hali and Sky

Then on Sunday we had a visit at the booth from Mr. and Mrs V. Well as it often is the case they had never heard of Quilts of Valor and as it turns out Vincent V. was retired Navy with 20+ years of service like Tammy. Mrs. V was very moved by what we did and asked.

“Just how do you make the awards?” 

Well I took that as my cue. 

“Mrs. V let me show you.” 

Of course we had QOV’s standing by. 

Vincent had never received a QOV. Well we took care of that as well. And yes it too required some tissue. Not for me you understand. I have a Marine Corps image to uphold. I use my sleeve.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Elaine administering the "quilty hug."

Vincent...thank you for your service and sacrifices. 

                                                         and that's how we do it Mrs. V. 

So as the snow melts, the temperatures rise, although only slightly, we take the roar of March as a gift and hope the lamb shows itself as we head into Spring. We are grateful for the success of both events, grateful for the Mother’s vision of Catherine Roberts and the work, unselfish dedication and commitment of the Quilts of Valor volunteers from coast to coast and country to country that keep this organization on course and on mission. 

For there is no truer statement than…

”We couldn’t do it without you.” 

Rest assured, each and every volunteer…that too is something we will Never Forget.

Quilt till you wilt…we do.

Proud Parents...

There are a lot of things in life that give us pause. Did I do this right? Could I have handled this better? Was there a better way? Was this the right thing to do? What could I have done differently? Will this turn out to be a huge undertaking? Should this have been planned differently? This really applies when you venture into the world of parenting. The answer really is simple to all of those questions, "Yes." Parenting doesn't come with an instruction manual. So as time goes on you have wonder. Oh there are plenty of books available, and you will get advice from just about everyone that you meet. Advice from family, friends and relatives about feeding, bathing, comforting, correcting, changing, one blanket of two, to spank or not to spank, and an ungodly amount of opinions as to whether you are protecting or over protecting, too demanding or not demanding enough, to strict or not strict enough, it's a long list. Fortunately you get some answers along the way. The little rug rats start school, develop personality, figure things out for themselves, graduate this and that, play a sport, read a book, have an opinion, (usually one that differs from yours) making the right choice, give you a hug or the big one, say "I love you." You're mush in their hands.

The next thing you know they are adults, have their own families, make all of their own decisions, go their own ways and assume the responsibility of becoming a parent. They provide you with an empty nest and then fill it with grandchildren. You're mush in their hands as well. While all of this is going on...so is life. Theirs and yours. On occasion those paths cross. For us they crossed again last week on February 12, 2015. Our son retired from a career in the United States Marine Corps. His Discharge will read Honorable. Doesn't seem like much, most that serve this great nation do so honorably. But it is huge. Because what really changed was the answer to all of those questions. The answer is "No."

On this day, at this moment in time, as he stood there receiving the accolades from his unit, his Commander, his peers and friends the answer is a resounding "No." As his service was being reviewed and praised, as he stood before his family, friends and fellow Marines the answer changed. Of course being a man and recalling putting together cribs, toys, bikes and an never ending list of lessons about this and that it was confirmed. I didn't need no stinking instructions. Oh I may have had to redo a thing or two along the way but the wheels stayed on.

Oh okay, maybe his Mom had a little something to do with that. You know all that mushy stuff. Tenderness, caring, sympathy, empathy, understanding, unselfishness, being thoughtful, considerate, respectful, polite, unbiased and tolerant he might have gotten from her. Big deal.

There is a saying that has been credited to President Reagan..."Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." True of course. But beyond that a parent wonders if they have made a difference. On this day we were again assured we had and we will cherish that for eternity. Not only did he stand tall but so did his family. His wife, Elizabeth, his daughter Selena and his son Zane were all recognized for their service as well. As they should be for we witnessed their service to this nation was as committed as our son's. Although they didn't stand in harm's way while he was in Iraq they stood on the cliff of anticipation until they were able to wrap their arms around his warmth when he returned. Unlike him, trained, tested, trained some more and ready to bear arms they didn't get any training and filling the void left when a service member is deployed doesn't come with a manual either. Liz kept it all together and on course. Kept the family strong and like the Marines mentioned by President Reagan, made a difference.

So on February 12, 2015 his active service to this great nation that started on February 19, 1991 came to an end. Through the shock of his announcing his enlistment, to duty that took him from one coast to the other, to foreign soil, numerous moves and duty stations we have followed his career with admiration, solace, parental anticipation and just a touch of pride.

We are, have been and will continue to live in tough times. Times that will always need defending. He carried on a tradition started by his Grandfather's, continued by his Father, cousins, Uncles and peers. Peers that echoed throughout the ceremony of his retirement. "He will be missed." "It was our honor to serve with your son." "Erik was great to work for." "SSgt Page was a good supervisor he always treated us with sincere respect and consideration." "We could always count on your son."

To say we are proud parents is the tip of the iceberg. As he stood before his Commanding Officer, his supervisors, his peers and his fellow Marines, with a touch of fear, anticipation of his future, and a drastic change in his life and that of his family rest assured we stood the tallest. For on this day it came to full fruition. It doesn't have to come with a manual, you make mistakes, learn from them, pass them on, remember each lesson learned, maneuver the obstacles, slow down when you have to and stay the course. Don't give up, keep moving forward and give it all you've got. In the end, with a lot of hard work, admission of wrongs and acceptance of rights you earn the title of parent. Like anything else in life you will reap the rewards. On this day our reward was celebrated. We did good.

I've been asked what is the hardest thing you've ever done? There are two answers. Do everything you possibly can to make a marriage successful and raise a child. Both take 100%, all of the time. Elaine and I are still working on the successful marriage part, even after 47+ years. As we sat and watched our son finish one chapter and move into another it seemed like the raising a child wasn't that hard at all. I mean really, look what we had to work with. Not everyone is this lucky.

There was no tissue...I used my sleeve.

Going on...

Welcome to 2015. Good bye 2014 and as they say we are going on...

Even the Longarm Room caught a little of the spirit.

As we left one year and moved into the next we haven't forgotten those that mean so much and are so much of our waking moments. The longarm has been busy, finishing 2014 strong and starting 2015 strong.

Some of the Quilts of Valor that found there way to the longarm and have since headed off for labeling and binding. With a steady flow of requests they will find a home within a short time. 

But as well as QOV's we were pretty busy with other quilts. Our granddaughter designed a T-Shirt quilt and Grammy and Gramps were more than happy to oblige. Elaine pieced together T's from our grandson and the Lacrosse T is one of our grand daughters. She wanted it made to give to her Mom for Christmas. The panel below the Lacrosse T (blank in the first photo) had the 'onesie' that our grandson, Zane, wore home from the hospital...shown in the second photo being held up by a very proud Grammy. It was going to be cut up for one of the panels...there was no way Elaine was going to cut that onesie. She appliqued it onto the panel. 

We have been informed that there was a very emotional Mommy on Christmas Morning. Let's just say Selena, Grammy and Gramps did good. 

Another baby quilt also found its way to the longarm room. A good friend of ours has been busy. This is the third one I've done for her and there is more on the way. She's finding her full time job is interfering with her quilting. You have to hate when that happens. 

This one we just finished. The blocks were found at an Estate Sale. All hand sewn. Elaine did the design and finished the piecing and I got to do the longarming. It will undoubtedly find its way to a bed. 

Along the way we made several awards. 

Mickey...WWII United States Navy

Marti...Vietnam

Rob...Currently serving in the United State Army. To say Rob is rather a tall individual would be one of those understatement things. This award was done at one of the dedicated Military Displays that are so prominent in our area. It was a nippy 32 degrees. He was happy to be wrapped in his QOV for more reasons than one. 

I got in a couple other quilts as well this was a fun one to work on. 

Elaine had her first 2015 Not Forgotten QOV Sew Days. Among the many in attendance we had some notables. 

Left to right: Michelle and A.J., holding the iron...don't let that fool you, he's a longarmer. They made a three hour drive, one way, to join Elaine and the others for the first sew day of 2015. We will see them again at the Mid Atlantic Quilt Fest in February. Always a pleasure. Joyce is a new quilter and standing proudly with her first ever block. To the far right is Debbie. English she is. Her husband, a career military man from the UK is currently assigned here as a Liaison Officer. His last assignment was in Germany. Debbie is a UK QOV Volunteer and while in Germany quilted with a group at Landstuhl. We met Joyce when she stopped by the QOV Booth at the Pembroke Mall Christmas Event and Debbie and her husband stopped by the Booth we had set up at the annual Christmas Craft Fair at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. What a pleasure it is to have met them both and how thrilled we are that they now volunteer for Not Forgotten QOV. 

Welcome 2015. We accept your challenges. As Elaine starts her seventh year with QOV and I start my fourth we are grateful to have the health, time and the company of the many volunteers we have had the pleasure of meeting and quilting with. From those meetings we have developed friendships that make each and everyday a pleasure. And to those who serve this great nation...you will never be forgotten. 

Now I'm not a wine drinker...but know several that partake it the juice from the fruit of the vine. Apparently this is a good item to have. 

Quilt till you wilt...we do. 

Confusion is abounding!!!

Recently I read an entry on Facebook indicating a $10 fee was being charged under the new Membership Requirements of the Quilts of Valor® Foundation and that monies collected did not have to go to National and all could be kept at the local level. Not based on what I have read. So, as usual I expressed my opinion based on what I have heard and what I have read. If there are any inaccuracies I take full responsibility and will make any retractions required.

My response:
"Hopefully this will get straightened out but the confusion is running rampant. If you choose to join as an individual it is $20 annually. A Group is $30 plus $5 for each individual that chooses to join said group, annually. Two person groups with a lot of volunteers will become the norm. Groups are the only 'members' that can raise funds under the registered trademarks of Quilts of Valor, QOV and Quilt of Valor. The logo is not registered. 

ALL, every last penny, raised by Groups WILL be submitted to the National Treasurer for accounting purposes. The Group Leader will be responsible and accountable for this. Once it has been reported the designated Group via the listed Group Leader will have access to those funds, ALL, 100% of the monies raised by submitting receipts for "approved" purchases relating to QOVF activities as long as the receipt is the original and dated within the last year will be honored and the funds returned to the Group. Receipts dated more than a year old at time of submission will not be honored. There is an exception for other 501's which I don't understand and cannot explain.

There is no need for an individual to pay the $20 fee.

The Longarm Coordinators, Jim and Joan (info on www.qovf.org) have set up two "National Groups." A Longarm Group and a Toppers Group. Anyone that does not have a Group in their area to join can join the appropriate National Group. No one, absolutely no one has to give up their volunteer status with the Quilts of Valor. You can continue to sew and contribute to this most meaningful Mission as you have in the past, a volunteer.

It must be understood that under this membership model that will become active January 1, 2015 only "members" will be eligible for any and all benefits that may become available to QOVF. Volunteers will be excluded from them and certain sections of the web site. And only "members" will be able to request the services of a QOVF Longarmer and as stated ONLY Member Groups will be eligible for fund raising activities and reimbursement. This does not negate anyone's ability to hang on to your receipts and document your expenses for tax purposes. Consult the appropriate source for tax information.

You are going to find that regardless of your personal status someone will be there to assist you with your quilt. It will get completed and it will get awarded. It has been going on for over a decade...it is about the Mission and the recipient…always has been always will be.

The IRS requirements have always been met and the shared expenses and other bills have always been paid. Let's hope that continues as well. Personally I find this membership excursion to be a distraction from what is important, the recipient and the volunteer. But that is just my opinion...I know there are others. That's all it is, my opinion. I will continue and until the situation changes will be a part of a two person group, doing everything I can, for as long as I can be productive to support the Mission, the recipients and those that got us here...the QOVF Volunteer. For those that wear that badge of honor I thank you, as a Marine, a combat veteran, a Vietnam Veteran and a longarmer that is graced with some very excellent company. And as a QOV recipient...I don't have the words."

Respectfully, Les Page

Quilt till you wilt...we do.

Then on to New Jersey...

The following week end had us on the road north once again. This time to visit four who are really near and dear, what's his name and his lovely wife Liz and our two grand children Selena and Zane. It was tough duty but our Marine Corps son, who will retire June 1, 2015 with over 24 years of service and Liz were headed to Atlantic City for his last Marine Corps Ball as an active duty Marine. I can't count how many Balls he has been the MC for but I can assure you he is going to be missed.

So Elaine says to our grand daughter Selena, 15..."What are we gonna do with two four year olds?" Of course I'm looking around for the other four year old besides my grandson. Well it shocked me as well!

So it's off to the Slot Car track.

Here we are...Selena is monitoring our sportsmanship. Yeah right...Zane's screaming "I'm winning Gramps better catch up!"

He's still screaming something about "You've been lapped." 

After awhile we had some others join us on the track. The testosterone was hot and heavy.

Then it was off to Build A Bear. Zane decided on Leonardo. Turns out he is a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fan as well as a Marvel Super Hero fan and a Slot Car aficionado. 
Here were are working on Leonardo's Birth Certificate. I lost count how many Build A Bear characters Selena has...we weren't in the store for five minutes when she's wanting to know if she can have one as well. Of course I put my foot down and said she had to share...it was Zane's turn. That was before we hit Hot Topic. I should have known. I think I was set up.

This Birth Certificate thing was quite an ordeal...We had to call in Grammy to get it finished.

This was pretty typical...two guys walking the stores looking for the women.
"Where do you think they are Gramps?"
"Zane if I knew I would most certainly share it with you an Leonardo."

But as long as the days were and as far away from home as we were our new travelling accessory was there to comfort and keep us warm and safe as the day came to an end. I slept like a baby. Well I'm only four, remember. 

Quilt till you wilt...we do...