No, it's probably not what you think. You know the block pattern called Courthouse Steps? Kind of like a log cabin but different? Well, these aren't like that. I'm unofficially calling them Courthouse Blocks, though, because that's where I made them--in the courthouse.
These two blocks are for my quilt guild's opportunity quilt for next year. I made one earlier in the year and agreed to make two more when the opportunity quilt people asked. And then I just held onto them for two months without doing anything. Speaking of packing for retreats--I took these with me to Verna's retreat but I didn't work on them there either. Since our guild meeting was on Tuesday night, I was getting a little worried about how I was going to get them done in time. As it turned out, jury duty was a life saver.
Yep, jury duty time again. I've written about it before. Once again, I was on call this week and was called into the courthouse on Tuesday. From there, I was sent up to a courtroom with the first group called. After that, there was a lot of time spent sitting around in the hallway, waiting for things to happen, so I was able to stitch and finished the two blocks in time to turn them in on Tuesday night.
I'm not allowed to tell you much, but I WAS selected to serve on this jury, so I'll be hanging around the courthouse for the next couple of weeks, except on Fridays when I get to go to my regular job. How did I get so lucky, right? Ha! Actually, though, I think it's kind of interesting. This is the first time I've served on a jury, and I'm enjoying it well enough. I HAVE learned, though, that drinking a can of Go Girl during the afternoon break to ensure alertness isn't a very good idea, given the regimented nature of jury service and the lack of bathroom breaks.
Have you served on a jury? What did you think of the experience? Do you have a story to tell?
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12 comments:
Served on several juries. Thank goodness they were civil cases. I don't think I could send anyone to prison. They can also be a little boring--depending on the case. Have fun!!!
Shelia
I've never served on a jury, but think it could be interesting. Here, Near Philadelphia, one is not permitted to take needles or scissors into the courthouse! Boo!
I just had to chuckle reading your blog. I was called to Jury Duty on Monday, but was on telephone standby. Had to do my call backs until Wednesday when my group was released.
I did serve on a jury years ago and it was okay enough. Not a very interesting case.
I have enjoyed reading about your Retreat. But was also wondering where the Tea Room was that you went to. I am up in that general area often and it sounds like something that might be fun to check out.
I have served on a jury for a case of neglect and manslaughter of an elderly lady. IT WAS AWFUL ! The photos we had to see, and the description of what was done to this poor woman was heart wrenching. I will NEVER get it out of my head. I was excused early because of a death in the family, so I didn't help with the final sentence, but what was given wasn't nearly as bad as what the woman had gone through. The camaraderie of virtual strangers was interesting. Although I had 3 colleagues chosen also, so we weren't all strangers. I don't know what type of law your lawyers do, but maybe you've already typed up horrible things. I have a HUGE respect for people who serve on certain juries. I hope yours isn't one of them.
I've been on jury duty several times over the years, and am currently serving a term right now, but the first time was in 1966. I was 8 1/2 months pregnant and I got a lot of Barbie dolls knitted for my 2 little daughters during that term. I don't remember how long the term was back then, but much longer than it is currently. One particular day my name was called as they were paneling the jury and I waddled between the seats to my chair. The judge interrupted the proceedings and asked me when my baby was due. I replied 'Two days ago, Sir'. Rather flustered he said "Mrs. N, I have been on the bench for 40 years and have never delivered a baby and I don't intend to start now. You are permanently excused!! I was rather disappointed because it was much easier to sit in the courtroom than to be home caring for my two young children.
I find jury duty very interesting. I also find it interesting that some people (like myself) get called to serve quite often and others (like my parents) have never been called to duty. I've been called to jury duty a number of times. I've only served on a jury once though. It was a B&E case (breaking and entering)of a young man who was a repeat offender. It was interesting, but only got me out of work for two and a half days. I don't mind it really. It's usually interesting.
Great job on the blocks.
I've served on a jury once. It was a new experience for several of us. While we were deciding the verdict, one young man went to the bathroom and didn't bother to close the door. I guess it takes all kinds to make up the jury. Thanks for sharing.
cindy
I served on a jury once, it was a one day trial. It wasn't too bad. The case was a woman who said a bus ran over her and didn't stop. She didn't have much of a case, it was over pretty quick.
I have served on two juries. I hated it. I just cringe when I get notified that I am in the pool for selection. I have been called numerous times. I don't understand how I get called so much and my SIL has never been called. She wants to serve. Good luck.
I served on a federal jury once, and learned that I would be happy if I were never called again. It was a very emotional week, and there was a lot of dissent among the jurors. We ended up with a hung jury, but, I later found out that the government was able to prove even more serious charges, and make them stick. I was called for county court once, but was happy not to be selected. Hope your jury duty is without as much drama.
I've been called 5 times in 2 states (Florida and Texas). The last time was to serve on a Grand Jury which entailed on-call status for 6 months. Once my six month was over I was deleted from the pool for 5 years. I don't mind serving, it's the cost of citizenship (a mere pittance compared to our freedom); but I found it mostly boring with L-O-N-G periods of doing nothing while the lawyers haggled over knit picking stuff the jurors didn't care about. I also was the foreperson on one, too which eliminated from the pool for six years in Texas.
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