All My Hobbies: 2024 Year in review

I beginning my year in review in November because I have been terrible about posting this year and want to make sure I get everything correct.

The year started out tricky. I had spinal surgery again on December 18, 2023 and stayed in the hospital until the 24th. Right after I got home, the weather turned brutally cold and then we got a couple feet of snow. The entire city was shut down for a week. I was not allowed outside due to the fall risk. Then because I couldn't get around well, my left foot began to drop. I got some PT exercises from my friend Mary and that helped me get back on my feet. I was able to go back to pickleball after 3 months.

The first of April, we went to our quilt retreat in Murrell's Inlet, SC with Ginny, Karen, me, Marian, Sally, Kathy and our new addition, Pam (friend of Karen's from Brother) who we all really liked. Karen was late getting there because her Mother was in the hospital. It turned out to be cancer and she ended up passing away not long after. On our way home, Mom called and Dad had died that day. So we rushed home, Taylor went to be with Mom until we could get there. We didn't have a funeral.

I also attended the first Spring Quilt Camp in West Virginia. I meet some nice people, but because I went alone, it was very lonely. Got several quilt tops finished, but I can't say I had a good time.

In early summer, the whole family went to Pensacola, FL. In the house, we had Jonas, Keri, Isaiah, Taylor, Derrick, Dax, Ali, Mom, Marian and I. Annaleigh and her boyfriend stayed nearby in a hotel. We got to see the Blue Angels, which was amazing. The beach was about 1/2 mile away so hard to reach with Mom and the soft sand made it impossible for her to walk. We went to the pool for the first part of the week but then it was closed down due to an issue with chemicals. :( Mom, Marian and I spent one day quilt shopping which was fun.

In July, Karen and I flew to South Dakota on a Thursday and spent the long weekend with Ginny. We had a fabulous time. Loved her house, the area and it was just wonderful. On arrival day, we went downtown Rapid City to eat and visit the local quilt shop. Then we drove into Custer State Park and then saw the Monument Men. The next day we went to another state park, hiked and had a picnic. The we did some site seeing around the area. The next day we went to Deadwood State Park, visited a sod house with lots of gopher and did some more site seeing. It was a great time.

The first of October saw me, Marian and Mom going to Quilt Camp in West Virginia. Traffic was horrible due to extensive flooding in East Tennessee and North Carolina due to a hurricane. I40 was washed away near the TN/NC border and it will not be fixed until mid 2025.

In late October and first of November, we went to Texas with the Country Heritage Tour group. Karen and Sally went with us. It was a great trip. Ran into a couple of people from our tour last year to the midwest and some people who are going to England with us next year. Pam, from our retreat was there and Ginny was working the show so we all went to dinner one night.

I started donating platelets this year. A man came to Ritzy Thimble Quilt guild meeting to talk about platelets and how they can only be used for 7 days after donation. So they constantly need donations. I've done it a couple of times. The first time I went, they couldn't get the stick to work. I went back when Stephanie was working and she worked her magic and I was able to donate. In fact, that donation was used. I've been able to do it once more this year. I've tried 2 more times but they didn't work. Once was because my hemoglobin was too low and the other time, my stick was leaking blood and other fluid. I'll start trying again on January 6th.

I've enjoyed my time with my new quilt guild, Ritzy Thimble. They are such fun. I have volunteered in 2025 to be in charge of the UFO challenge. I hope it makes me work on my UFOs.

I missed several things early in the year due to my operation. Jonas's surprise birthday party, Wicked at the Tennessee Theatre, and pickleball for 3 months. Speaking of pickleball, I decided to stop being in charge of the group after 2024. And then the club made the decision to start charging for outside play. So I cancelled my membership the end of December. I will begin the new year playing for 3 months on Thursday in a block time. On Monday, Wednesday and Fridays I will play at the church with the group that plays there. Hopefully when the weather clears I can get some people to play outside.

I had several quilt classes I taught this year. Unfortunately, the woman running the classes at Pellissippi moved away and the new person was horrible. I decided not to teach there anymore in 2025. Fortunately, Mountain Creek Quilt Shop finally opened their classroom, so I'm teaching there some in 2025. I want to not teach as much. I decided to start drawing my social security mid year so I don't need to teach anymore. I'm so tired of thinking up classes.

We moved Mom up to Knoxville in August. It was her decision. It was hard going through her house. It sold so quickly. The first family that looked at it, bought it for cash. It is nice to have her up here. It means we get to see her a lot and spend lots of time with her.

So let's talk about my stats for the year:

I only read 127 books this year. I was supposed to read 150. First time I didn't make my goal. :(

I saw 16 movies

I started drawing classes with Mom

For my birthday, Marian bought me tickets to see Alan Parsons Project at the Ryman. It was amazing!!!!

I think that about summarizes everything. I am going to try to read more, finished some UFOs, start weight lifting again for 2025. I hope its a good year.