Retirement for Sandra - November 30, 2013

Retirement, an illusive dream until today.

Today is the official date of retirement from my job.  I spent 26 years as a seafood microbiologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service, a division of NOAA.  I had a wonderful career, got to do many unique things and visited many fishing related areas of the United States.  My life now takes a different path, one that I am eager to pursue.

On November 21 the laboratory group that I worked with gave me a retirement party.  The theme was fall.  Diane and LaShonda did a fantastic job of decorating and making the event successful  Some pictures of the event follow:

Cake by Rebecca, one of the marine biologist from SEFSC
 

Calvin, Acting Lab Director presenting me with a certificate for 26 years of service to NMFS

Tony saying a few kind words

Spencer, newly retired Lab Director, giving me a few words of wisdom on how to handle retirement.  He was my supervisor most of the 26 years that I worked for NMFS

Several of my friends that were retired came as well as two of my dear friends of 30 or more years. 
I was gifted with a gift certificate to a local quilt store as well as several other small gifts.

It was an enjoyable day that I will not soon forget.

Back to sewing,

Sandra

 

CELTIC SOLSTICE - 2013 Bonnie Hunter Mystery - Clue One

 

CELTIC SOLSTICE MYSTERY

Many folks were up early this morning to download the first clue for the 2013 Bonnie Hunter Mystery.

I did not get up early, but I did download the instructions and have started cutting and sewing a few of the 140 orange, 240 neutral, and 380 pairs of the blue that is part of the first clue.

Colors chosen for the quilt

Orange and blues and a few completed blocks.

A couple orange/blue blocks and a neutral/blue block.

 

 So when clue one of Celtic Solstice is completed there will be 140 orange/blue 3.5 inch square blocks and 240 neutral/blue 3.5 inch square blocks.  I have six of the 380 blocks completed!!

Wow, a lot to do in one week.

Check in later to see my progress.

Happy Quilting,

Sandra
 

Happy Birthday to my baby boy....

Happy Birthday to my sweet and loving baby boy, Aaron.  He is 33 today.  I can remember the day he was born as if it were yesterday. 

He and his brother have brought me such joy to my life.  I cannot image what my life would be if they were not in it.  My love for them has no boundaries and I feel that my love is returned from them in the same measure.

Aaron and family

 

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 

Here's wishing my family and friends a great Thanksgiving.  I have so much for which to be thankful:  A living God that loves us in good and bad times; family that always have your back; and friends that are there for you.  Let us all give thanks.

~ Sandra

Back in Blogland

My computer has been in the shop, thus I have not blogged any in some time. 

The Bonnie Hunter Mystery is starting up on November 29 so I hope to get back into blogging on a regular basis.

See you soon.

~ Sandra