Whenever I see an iris, I think of my friend Lil Chapman. Lil was a wonderful lady. When we first moved here, she had her own local radio show. Remember the old local shows that had daily swap shops? Lil didn't have a swap shop show. Hers was a self-help family advocacy show. Lil would read books, interview experts, and answer callers' questions about how to deal with family problems. She was a school board member and an advocate for children with disabilities. She was also a lover of irises! Lil's yard was filled with them, and when we built our house 19 years ago, Lil invited me over, dug up some of her favorite plants and gave them to me for my garden. Sadly, Lil's home, which was filled with antiques, burned to the ground about a year later. We talked about dividing the irises she had given me so that she could start a new garden, but somehow that never happened. So, whenever I see an iris, I smile and think of Lil!
I also remember having irises by the steps up to our house in Philadelphia, back when I was very little! We called them flags back then. I really don't remember why. Who would think that one little spool of thread could bring back so many memories?
Yes, that is another Clover shuttle decorated with fabric from Ann!
Joanne and I have been very busy getting ready for the big birthday celebration on Saturday. I have taken a little time to tat, mainly using what's left of the skein of Easter in August from Anika. Doesn't it make pretty butterflies and flowers? I've been inspired by the newest book in my collection...
Tatting Collage by Lindsay Rogers. The book was sitting on my no-longer-messy tatting table (the one to the left of my chair), and Dave noticed it. He kind of chuckled and told me that if you didn't look carefully, you might think the title is Tatting College! He's a very observant man! : )
