Wednesday, April 13, 2011

A Season of Sadness

It has been a difficult time since I last posted.  It began with a very distraught phone call from my younger SIL who had just discovered my FIL lying dead on the floor of his house.  He should have been in assisted living but he just couldn't bear to be parted from his house.  Bob was felled by a massive coronary attack, and we are much relieved to know he did not suffer.

My DH flew home to Iowa two days after the news, and after much thought the kids and I followed to be there for the funeral.  Our main reason for doing this was that my MIL is still alive and this would probably be the last time she got to see the kids.  It was a mad dash - we flew over on a Thursday, and departed again Sunday morning.  The funeral was very touching and my FIL who served his country well during his 20 year military career that included three tours in Vietnam, was buried with full military honors.


DH is the executor of his father's estate, and anyone who has done this can attest to the incredible amount of work involved.  As my DH is working through all the paperwork, it has come to light that the older SIL has been siphoning off my MIL's money over the last year and a half.  At the time of my FIL's death my MIL's account had been drained down to $3.00 in savings and the checking account was completely empty.  Four days after my FIL passed she withdrew thousands out of my FIL's account.  My husband got his mother to revoke her power of attorney, and put a new one in place so he could take over the finances.  It would have been great if it had ended there, but the older SIL has gotten my MIL to reinstate her as a user of the bank accounts and the money drain continues at an unprecedented rate.  We have spoken to the bank, we have called an attorney, we have transferred money out of the account to a non-local bank, but since there is a cap on how much we can transfer a good portion of the money remains accessible.   It has been so stressful, and has given us no time to grieve the passing of Rob's dad.

On a happier note, on our return flight, we had a 3 hour layover in Dallas, and the kids and I each got to see our dear friends for a quick lunch.  I was so happy to see my stitching buddies.  Thank you Michelle,  for finding a nearby restaurant with great BBQ to satisfy my craving.   I was a bit of a nervous wreck, since we all scattered in different directions.  The kids proved themselves trustworthy and everyone made it back for our international flight on time.  It was a bit crazy though.    

Not much has happened on the stitching front, currently I tend to sit and stare at my stitching more than actually doing  it.

I did finish a little something for my younger SIL who loves snowmen and I thought this would be the perfect gift for her.
Shepherd's Bush - Warm Hearts

HallowEden is making very slow progress, but if a timelapse camera was used daily progress would be evident.


ATS saw some action this weekend as well.  I have reached the bottom of page 1 on the right side.  I'll be working my way across the page to the left.




I also was a very lucky recipient of one of Merumo's needlebooks - how pretty is that?  Thank you Merumo, I will put it to good use.




Tomorrow, my DH and I leave for Normandy for a quick 3 day business trip.  We will get to spend a long afternoon in Paris ( we take the train from here to Paris, take a rental car out to Normandy, and then take the train from Paris back home).  I am planning to take in an exhibit about the Romanov family and their art, and stop by Des fils et une Aiguille.   Then again I might chuck that plan and hit the flea market!  I will probably be looking more than shopping, since the Dollar has totally tanked.  But it will be fun anyways.

Until next time, hopefully on a happier note.

Sylvia

18 comments:

  1. Love the new blog look, Sylvia! It looks great, as do your WIPs. Nice gift for your SIL--SB does such great snowmen.

    (((((((((((((((((((((Sylvia & family)))))))))))) about your FIL and the problems being caused by your SIL. Enjoy your trip--you deserve it.

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  2. Your WIPs are lovely Sylvia and the SB Snowman is very cute.

    I'm sorry for your family's loss and I hope you can put a stop to your SIL's dreadful antics. Take care.

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  3. SB Snowman is so cute! Lovely finish! Love your WIPs too. ATS is really coming along!

    So sorry about your family's loss and the stress involved. I hope things resolve quickly and you can put a stop to your SIL.

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  4. Dear Sylvia, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. Enjoy your french trip... one day or an other we should meet!!! Paule

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  5. I am so very sorry to read of your FIL's passing. And as if that isn't enough then to have one of your husband's sisters do the money drain....terrible. I will be keeping your family in my prayers.
    Your stitching is beautiful and the snowman is such a thoughtful gift for your other SIL :)

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  6. I'm so sorry about your loss - my condolences to you all. And what I'm wishing for the rogue SIL right now is unmentionable. the stitching is lovely, what a cute snowman!

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  7. Sending you lots of hugs and wishes for an easier time for both you and DH. HE looks amazing, and you are getting close for sure! The black letters look awesome, so worth it! And ATS - OMG - I need to get busy! It's gorgeous!!! Take care of yourself, my sweet friend.

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  8. I am so sorry for y'all's loss. I am sending "happy thoughts" your way!
    Enjoy your getaway...it's deserved!
    I love all of your stitching....The new blog look is nice!

    All the best, -Holly

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  9. I am so sorry for your loss and the financial mess your SIL has placed the family in. Sometimes you just gotta lead with a heavy hand and I am sure your DH will do just fine.

    Your WIPs look very nice! And the snowman is a cutie!!

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  10. Oh Sylvia...I am so sorry to hear about your FIL's passing and then all the drama your older SIL is causing! It just makes the situation more sad and draining. I hope that something can be done to stop her. I'm glad to hear that your FIL had a wonderful service.

    Your stitching is amazing! I think I am about to break down and just buy Hallow Eden. I've been seeing it on a lot of blogs! Yours is lovely! ATS is really coming along! I hope that you find comfort in your stitches during this difficult time.

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  11. I'm so sorry to hear about your FIL and the aftermath of everything. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

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  12. I'm so sorry to hear about your FIL's passing as well as other family issue you and your husband had to deal with. Hope the things get squared away and everyone can be relaxed... And enjoy your Huswife!

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  13. I am SO sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.

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  14. Love the new look of your blog. You've have some wonderful WIPs in the works too.
    So sorry for the loss of your FIL and the stress this has created dealing with the estate matters. (((Sylvia)))

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  15. Love the new blog look!!!! And I am so sorry about your FIL and all the stress on your family. Hope you weekend away is wonderful.

    Gorgeous Huswife and stitching pictures.

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  16. Sylvia, your blog looks great !!! Sorry about all the problems with your family. I hope things change soon.

    I love your WIPs !! I can't wait to start my ATS, but I am trying to focus on finishing my two WIP that I am stitching right now. Cute little snow man too !!

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  17. I'm very sorry for your loss Sylvia. I'm also sorry to hear about the stress involved due to your SIL. I'll keep you in my prayers and hope that things work improve.

    Your stitching is fantastic! I love both designs and am enjoying your progress on them.
    Beautiful needlebook gift too!

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  18. I'm so sorry about your FIL Sylvia! Your stitching is beautiful as always!! You are really getting a lot done on ATS!!

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