This is what you call HEALTH CARE??

I had a physical this morning. At least that is what it was suppose to be, but, I am not really sure what a 'physical' is anymore. Are you?

What it use to be:

You talked to the Doctor. She/he ran some lab work like urinalysis and blood. She listened to your heart. We did a PAP test. We did a periodic chest x-ray. We did an EKG. We ran whatever tests were necessary to help the Doctor diagnose if I had any problems that needed to be addressed. The Doctor actually put their hands on you. Then the Doctor told you what you needed to do to help or repair all of the problems.

Now:

You talk to the Doctor. She/he explains some of your symptoms to you, age, lack of exercise, need for additional vitamins. She orders some tests run: Urinalysis, blood drawn, Neck x-ray (because it is popping, cracking and hurting) and then she asks: You had been having PAP tests here in this office. Do YOU (meaning ME) feel that you still need to have this checked? HELL YES!!! I still have all of my pieces and parts and they need to be checked along with everything else. At which time she says that I need to see an OBGYN to have these tests in the future since they are not really qualified to check my ovaries. WHAT????? You are an internest...........you are suppose to know all parts of the body.. So, I say, OK if that is what it takes. The question was also asked if I feel the need to still have annual mammograms....................Good LORD people!!!! what is going on here???

This might not bother me so much except:
Six months ago I had an appointment with my Cardiologist (which I really love). We had some discussion regarding shortness of breath and weakness in arms and legs. Then he tells me that the only way to check on these symptoms is to do a hearth cath. OK, so then he says...."Do you want me to do a heart Cath?"

Since when did I become the medical expert and make the decisions on what should or should not be done? The last time we did a heart cath we put the cath lab 3 hours behind because he had to place a stent in one of the most dangerous areas of my heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After which he told me I would probably need additional treatment for blockages caused by genetic problems.

I should not be making these medical decisions. My doctors should say: " You have these symptoms and I recommend that we do this................." and then we discuss and make decisions.

I am so disgusted with out medical system and now it has been complicated by the fact that I am a MEDICARE patient..............for which I paid for years and have all of the additional insurance that I have to pay to have. I had to sign a waiver to pay for a bone scan today because Medicare does not pay for that. Then the question was do you want this scan??? Good thing I said yes, because it showed that I am beginning to loose bone in my hips....................do you suppose that is what might be causing hip pain after a long day at the longarm??? I don't know, the doctor will advise me in a letter in a few days...................???

I can't fix this, but I sure hope that someone can..............I don't see how, but, my job is to be a great longarm quilter. Not a politician, insurance expert, or a physician. I really hope that those who are, will step up to the plate and fix this mess.

OK, rant is over.

Let's go sew-----even if it hurts.

Sewing in the Summer 2015

Gravatt Camp and Conference Center

Aiken, S. C.

Wednesday, August 12 – Sunday, August 16, 2015

This is a UFO event. You work on your own projects and just have a relaxing good time. 
All meals are provided by the fantastic Gravatt kitchen!  No dishes to wash!!! 
Walking paths all over the camp so that you can get your daily exercise. Walk by the lake and just lose yourself in your surroundings.
Nothing is structured except meal times.

Your fee includes:
Neat and clean lodging in either Cole Lodge or our quaint cottages.
The rooms in Cole Lodge sleep 2 and have their own bathrooms.
The cottage rooms have 2 adjoining rooms, each sleeping 2, with a shared bathroom.
Meals starting with dinner on Wednesday night (Thursday-for three day campers) and ending with lunch on Sunday.

A 6 foot table all to yourself as your work area

Smoking is not allowed while attending a One Loose Thread Retreat

Ironing surfaces furnished by One Loose Thread
Raised cutting surfaces
Snack Area

Massage available
Lots of Laughter
Of course, a few surprises will be thrown into the mix. 

Any Questions should be directed to:

One Loose Thread Quilting, 630 Planters Drive, Columbia, S. C. 29209

630p@bellsouth.net

P. S. Also mark your calendars for

Fall Mid-week retreat—Tuesday, November 10 – Friday, November 13, 2015

Looking for Spring 2016 – Thursday, February 18 – Sunday, February 21, 2016

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE

One Loose Thread Retreats are now Smoke Free!!

After much thought on my own and prodding by the 'Frayed Knots' I have come to the decision that all retreats will be smoke free. No smoking will be allowed during any of One Loose Thread retreats. Not outside of the buildings, not in peoples cars, not in the rooms, No Where.

So, those of you that smoke, I would love to have you at May Mester and Quilt Camp, but, it can't happen as long as you are smoking

Thank you for your attention,

SOLD OUT!!! Well, maybe not.................

I want to thank everyone who has registered for May Mester #3. The event has sold out and I have started a waiting list. I have left all of the information on the blog, but, will be removing it by April 15th to post registration information for August Summer Quilt Camp.

Thanks again!!

There could be 3 or 4 spaces available if someone is interested it May Mester. Just contact me.

May Mester #3 alternative

So, you really want to join us for May Mester, but, you don't want to commit to such a big project? You want to learn the 'Judy Niemeyer' way to paper piece, but, you don't want to make a 72" quilt? You know that One Loose Thread puts on top notch events, but, you just can't think about a full quilt at this time.

No Problem:

We thought about that and we have the solution. Make some placemats:

Karen will walk you through these over the weekend. Aren't they beautiful? I love these small projects that Judy has come up with.

OR
Make a table runner:

Learn her technique, but, you don't have to commit to a big quilt.

Register Now for May Mester #3.

The information about the retreat can be found just by clicking on the link in the address bar above. I would love to introduce you to the 'Frayed Knots' and get you comfortable with the Judy Niemeyer method of paper piecing.........the easiest way EVER to paper piece.

Our Certified Instructor, Karen Conley will walk you through these patterns over the weekend and you will leave with the confidence to tackle any of Judy's patterns.

Just thought you would like to know............there is space available.
Have a great day

May Mester #3 'Fire Island Hosta' Class

May Mester #3

Thursday April 30 – Sunday May 3, 2015

Camp Gravatt Conference Center

Aiken, S. C.

4 days and 3 nights of quilting fun with the Frayed Knots of One Loose Thread.

Karen Conley, Certified Judy Neimeyer Instructor

‘Fire Island Hosta’ and others!!!

Class will begin after supper on Thursday night with 2 hours of prep and instruction. We will continue with 6 hours on Friday and 6 hours on Saturday. Class instruction will conclude on Sunday morning with 2 hours of ‘wrap up’ between breakfast and lunch. That’s 16 hours of professional instruction!! Where else would you find that except at a One Loose Thread event!! In between class times it will be ‘free time’ for working on your class project, a ufo, or reading or walking around the beautiful retreat site or just taking naps, as you choose.

Lodging will be provided on site. You may choose from a quaint cottage room that shares a bathroom with the room next door or a lodge room with 2 double beds and its own bathroom. I have set aside just a few single rooms for this event and they will be first come first served. All other rooms will be doubles. If you can’t find a roommate, I will be glad to try to pair you with someone that will be compatible for you. With very few exceptions, all rooms are on the ground level.

Yes, we do have a special rate for day students!! See the registration form for additional information.

All meals, 9 of them, are included in your registration fee and will be prepared and served by the fantastic kitchen staff at Gravatt. If you have special diets or food restrictions please note that on your registration forms so that we can address those. I promise that you won’t go hungry during your stay with us.

All classroom space will be close to lodging and the dining hall. I usually tell everyone the longest distance to the dinner table is 100 yards. Classroom space is on the ground level, so no steps to climb.

Class Information:

Karen Conley, Certified Instructor for Judy Neimeyer, is returning for another weekend with the Frayed Knots. This time she will be teaching ‘Fire Island Hosta’ and Hosta Queen. No, you don’t have to work on the Hosta’s, as a plus, Karen will be available to help with other Judy Neimeyer patterns that you have already started and might be causing you problems. Judy has published 2 ‘leaf’ patterns that would work really well for you if you don’t want to start something really big. However, these other patterns must be cleared through Karen so that she can make sure she is familiar with them. Please understand that the primary focus is the Hosta. Patterns can be ordered from Karen at a discount. She will also kit this for you if you would like it done like that. She just needs ample notice…..like immediately.

This quilt was done by Dyna Hall

This Quilt was done by Certified Instructor, Tammy Doane

 Check out the top of this page to go to the registration page.

Register as soon as you can since the class is limited to 24 and is filling. I look to hear from you soon.

                                                                  

Look around!!!

Yes, please look around the blog. There have been some changes made. Let's see who find them first!!
No prizes will be awarded. However, you might find something that you have been looking for.
Have fun!