Beau, Anabelle and Judy.

I am Judy Dwiggins.  I live with my husband Roy and seven year-old Airedale, Anabelle, in Troutdale, Oregon.  We are located just east of Portland, near the scenic Columbia River gorge.  I've been a member of the Airedale Quilting Bee since its' inception in 1999. 

This year proved to be my most difficult for me.  In early September, I started working on the Lion Tamer block when we found out my older brother Richard was diagnosed with stage four Renal Cell Cancer.  My husband and I have been helping care for Richard since my mother died in 1991.  The doctors told us Richard had only weeks to live.  We were devastated. 

 On October 15, my nearly 12 year-old Beau suddenly  died.  Beau was the sweetest, most noble Airedale I've even known.  While I knew he was getting older, I wasn't prepared to lose him so quickly.  I was heartbroken.  I thought I could still finish the quilt block but quickly discovered dealing with Beau's loss and my brother's declining health was just too difficult. 

 I e-mailed Jeri Langman and told her I didn't think I would be able to complete the block.  Thankfully, Susann Tramden was kind enough to take over and create a beautiful block for the quilt.  I appreciate everyone's kindness and support.  My brother passed away on Nov. 21, 2006. 

 I hope to work on a block for next year's quilt.  Gena Booher was the artist for the Lion Tamer block.  Her talent and support is also greatly appreciated.

Block drawn by Gena Welch-Booher.