The Electric Cowboy - Arab Style

In order to get me out the car after our accident, they had to cut away both my dress and my abaya. Since I couldn't leave our apartment to go buy a new abaya (no abaya!) - Mick went shopping for one for me. This is what he purchased for me. It is quite "glitzy" and we keep joking that it looks like the Electric Cowboy. If you don't know what I'm referring to, there is an old movie called the Electric Cowboy and his shirt would light up with electric lights.


I'm about 95% better, thank Heavens. Still a little bruising left - a gorgeous green/yellow color now. Oh, well - I don't have to worry about that, it is covered by my new abaya!

Mick's Boss's Comment

As you are all probably aware, women are not allowed to drive here in the Magic Kingdom. Many women have a personal driver at their disposal - I'm am not that fortunate - or maybe I should say that Mick is not that fortunate as he has to drive me or I have to hire a taxi.

Yesterday Mick's boss asked how I was recovering from our accident. After receiving Mick's report that I am doing well, he asked: "Does she need a new driver?"

My answer to that is: "I don't have this one trained, why would I want to start on a new one?"

Bound to eventually happen

After several years of living in one of the worst traffic places in the world, we were finally involved in a major traffic accident. Friday morning, 27 March 2009, we had just arrived at the Mercure Hotel to escort 21 ladies from Dhahran to our meetings. As we were pulling into the parking places in front of the hotel, we were hit by a car traveling approximately 100 kph (that about 62 mph). He hit the passenger side of the car - MY SIDE!

It couldn't have happened at a better place, though. One of the ladies from Dhahran is a qualified 1st Aid Responder and another one a nurse. Thankfully neither one of us were seriously injured. As you will see from the pictures, I was literally wedged in my seat.
Here are my two "angels" checking out my feet - literally through the hole in the door.

The ambulance crew and onlookers trying to figure out how to get me out of the car.

Being lifted into the ambulance. Notice I'm hanging on! The other thing to notice is my dress and abaya are in shreds. They literally had to cut them away as they were trapped between the seat and the crushed door.

Saved the best picture for last - Literally walking way - without the back side of my dress and abaya.

This was taken after what we have dubbed the "In-n-Out Hospital."

We are thankful that neither one of us were seriously injured and that we had immediate help. I have been battered, bruised and sore, but I am recovering well and thankful to be alive.

Wedding Quilt No 2

Thought it would be fun to show you where I am at with Wedding Quilt No. 2. I am not very good at free-hand quilting, so this one I am quilting using my embroidery module. It is going to take some time, but I think it will be worth it. (Just the body of the quilt will require 252 separate hoopings!)

First I use a paper template to know where the embroidery needs to go on the quilt.

Block A

Block B

This shows the backside of the quilt - you get a better idea of what the finished quilting/embroidery looks like.

Wonder who will end up with Wedding Quilt No. 2??????

Wedding Quilt No 1

Yesterday – 15 March 2009 – the Riyadh International Quilt Guild held its annual Challenge Quilt Contest. The theme this year was “Stars.” I entered my first Wedding Quilt made for our grandchildren. (I plan on doing one for each grandchild to give to them when they are married.) This quilt measures approximately 95" x 95". All fabrics were purchased here in the Magic Kingdom.

We had outside judges come to judge the quilts – someone who didn’t know any of our work.

but my most pleasing award was “Viewer’s Choice,” this is where the Guild members vote on their favorite quilt.

Haws Trivia

Between 3 March 2009 and 22 March 2009 - all 5 of our children will be in their 30's! On 23 March, T starts a new decade for his siblings by turning 40. Happy Birthday to All.

Kingdom Center Enveloped by Sand

Here is a view of the Kingdom Center being enveloped by the sand storm that hit Riyadh yesterday just before noon. This is taken from the next tallest building the Faisiliah Center.