Aunt Josephine's Spartan Sewing Machine

Hi Mary and Jeni,

I spent several hours last night and today spiffing up the Spartan Sewing Machine that Cousin Mike bequeathed to me. It had been Aunt Josie's and I was thrilled to finally have a 'family' machine. Our side of the family is sadly lacking in sewing heritage.

It was sort of disconcerting to learn from Mike that Josie also disliked to sew, and hated the Spartan. Evidently Jim, her husband, sometime in the 50's decided that she had to modernize and get rid of her treadle. As a move towards upgrading her sewing he dumped the treadle and got her one of the cheapest sewing machines available at the time. Drat the man. Anyway Josie could sew on the treadle but seemed to believe the Spartan was the spawn of Satan and it went too fast, and I hope Mike will correct me if I exaggerate too much, but, it was never loved.

From it's condition I would say something loved it alot but that was probably a result of living in Mike's garage for several years. Jim had to take this outside

and remove these contents before I could start cleaning.

Anyway it is now clean and shiny and runs like a champ and I will try to make up for its sad earlier life. I will start by proudly taking it to my quilt club meeting this coming Thursday for Show and Tell.

Love,

Nancy

Grandma Essie's Bag

Hi Mary and Jeni,

Cousin Mike sent us a package just after Christmas. He called to let us know it was coming and then checked to make sure we had received it. He spent 18.00 on postage!

In it were pictures from Aunt Josie's scrapbook. Many we had seen but some were new to us. There are several of Jeni carrying a big pail in the backyard of the cottage at Crystal that I had never seen before.

Also in there was an envelope or clutch style bag done in a sort of crewel embroidery that he said was started by Grandma Essie and finished by Aunt Josie. I was thinking that I would save it for Jeni unless someone else really wants it and then we can draw straws. I thought of Jeni as she is the one I know who really loves bags of all sorts.

Things have been going along here fairly slowly. We go to the doctors with great regularity but otherwise stay home. I am staying in the Transplant program this year, unlike last winter, so I get to go and have blood drawn with Mom.

Today I got to go to a HRBlock meeting and then go have a tooth drawn. I have just a little swelling and if I don't look at it in the mirror I am fine.

I am not supposed to swish, spit or suck for 24 hours so it will heal wet instead of making a 'dry socket'. They won't let me have hot or caffinated beverages for 24 hours too. And, of course, only soft foods. I am keeping fine with tylenol and books to keep me distracted.

Love to you both,

Nancy