A beautiful day in the neighborhood

Thanks for all the comments and encouragement in the fight to stay "young." It's not so much the fight to stay young as to keep the body in decent enough shape to enjoy the rest of our days as independently as possible. Consider how much cheaper "old age" will be if we don't require help or medication. Plus, our families will love us even more since we will be less of a burden to them. 

Now, I get that some things can't be controlled by diet or exercise, but whatever is in our control? We need to do whatever is possible to stay on top of that. This does NOT have to be rocket science, nor does it require a membership at the gym or even leaving your house. A few simple stretches, standing and sitting down, or getting up and moving. Find some stairs to climb. Keep moving! 

Did you know that the human body has about 600 muscles? Wow - and all of them are there for a reason. So get started! I'm sure there are many videos out there that can help. 

This is one that Elle left in the comments. I have not had a chance to watch it, but it's a lecture called "Lifespan - Why we age, and why we don't have to."  I'm going to watch it later. We can't stop the clock, but we definitely control many factors in how our bodies age. 

I was looking for a new book to read and went back to the book lists from The Globe and Mail. I know - I have many on my reading lists. Anyway, the columnist mentioned two books that were each part of a different series, and of course, I must read the book series from the beginning. What did I pick? Kate Atkinson - Case Histories. As I read, I got the feeling that I knew this story. I remember the Blue Mouse. 

So I looked back in my lists of books I read (all digital, so it's easy to find), and there it is! I read this book at the end of 2018. So, while the storyline is familiar, I don't remember all the details. Guess what? I'm going to continue to read! And then I can pick up the rest of the series! At least the storyline tweaked my memory! 

The events for the week are done! I survived! And the three presentations for today are mostly done. I have a few pictures to add to one. Amazing how one can pull stuff together when there is a time crunch. Last night, I had one lady who commented on all my "camera work" and appreciated the effort. She got to see the stuff much better than if she were in person. Yes - I would agree with her as we look at the quilting stitches in close detail. I wish I had another camera, but it just means I must move one of them around. No big deal. 

Then I have the afternoon "off" and will try to get this coming week straightened out and maybe even get some writing done. And let's not forget to keep on top of that paperwork! 

It was time to stock up on boring but necessary supplies, so I was off on a car errand. Yep - it's time to stock up on batting, and there are three rolls already downstairs and two more in the car! Thank goodness for a bigger vehicle that I can get that much in there. I had enough room to put one or two more rolls in the back! Those are beige color, by the way - the light makes them look pink!

Rolls of batting

And a couple of bolts of boring interfacing, but necessary for some upcoming projects. I like to buy this by the bolt as I go through lots of it for various projects. 

Bolts of interfacing

It was such a beautiful afternoon that Murphy and I sat on the front step for a bit when I returned. All she wants is to go in the car in the afternoon. She was NOT impressed when I tied her leash to the stair railing. 

MOM - I want to be free!

And she was all over the place when I tried to get a picture of us! Oh, Murphy! I was almost tempted to remove the bit of snow remaining on the front patio, but I did not. Usually, I shovel all that snow off the day after it falls, but there was so much that I did not do that. We have some days above zero this week. I don't think there's any need to shovel, and I may just dig a chair out! 

Murphy and I enjoying the sun

Then she and Lexi were in the backyard, and it looked like she found some dirt to dig in. She just has to be busy! Probably unearthed her bone and moved it to a new spot. At least her nose didn't get rubbed raw this time. 

Mom - I was digging!

Even the snow in the backyard, which doesn't receive full sun - at least on the deck, is fast disappearing after a few mild days. By the end of the week, I suspect most of it will be gone! 

MOM - the snow is disappearing

Then, I told the girls that Dad was going to be home later in the day, and of course, they were freaking out. They do not like it when he's away. They are so spoiled that we are both home a good part of the time, although DH is on the road a bit more these days. 

Lexi was leaning against the dog bed but does not like getting in it. Why? Does she think Murphy will bully her? Probably. So I lifted her up and put her there. OK - she does NOT look comfortable. Murphy was freaking out, but I ignored her, which drove her mad. 

Mom - Murphy is going to beat me up!

Lexi didn't stay long, but I wish she would push back on Murphy more! 

When I browse a quilt magazine, I dog ear the corner to flag there is something I want on that page. OK - can you tell me why this one has a dog ear? 

Flagged because?

It's just ads for things and nothing that I think is interesting. I checked the page's other side to find some interesting quilt artists and their quilts. That must be why I flagged it, but I usually put the dog ear in the opposite direction. 

Here's the latest installment of 50 Ways to Keep a Quilter Happy While on Vacation (18 - 17 - 16 - 15). Today, the quilt store is Stitcharie in Petrolia! Hello to Laurie and the gang! I have not been to the new location, so I must get down that way!

And on that happy note, it's time to get moving! A lot needs to be accomplished today, and the girls are anxiously awaiting their turn to walk! I swear that the only reason they hang around me is for that walk! 

Have a super day!

Ciao!!!