And another jigsaw puzzle!

OH MY --- I'm at a loss on where to begin this morning! So much to say - let's just grab a picture and start! 

I called my parents and, while chatting with them, decided to tackle the next jigsaw puzzle. I know— but it was a mindless task, as all I accomplished was laying out the pieces. These pieces seem BIGGER than those in the previous puzzle, and while the shapes are NOT identical, they are much more regular than in the last puzzle. 

The pieces are laid out for the next puzzle

OK -- I did a bit more, I sorted out the border. I always do that when placing the pieces on the table, and I managed to get it together. I also pulled out some pieces for the top section of the puzzle, and last night, before going to bed, I managed to get a bit done on the top. No picture! 

The border is done! 

Here's the puzzle I'm working on. I love working on puzzles that represent places, especially if I've been there. I was at Whistler MANY years ago, so I wouldn't recognize the place now. 

Whstler puzzle

This is another 500-piece puzzle, so it should go relatively quickly. Then two 1000-piece puzzles, and then I'll have to retire my puzzle-making for a bit. However, I'm already prepping presentations for January's classes, and will start on some homework soon. I only have TWO classes to prep for homework, and it feels fantastic to enter the new year with that reduced workload! 

DH and I started another EXIT Game last night. A four-circle puzzle that is even harder than the previous one. While I was out shoveling the snow, he managed to solve one puzzle, but it wasn't the correct one and not with all the tools, so back to the drawing board! 

I had no choice but to finish reading my book yesterday. The book was "The Black Ink Heart" by Robert Galbraith. A typical ebook is about 400-600 pages. Some more, some less. But this one? It was 2,500 pages. And that is NOT a typo. It was crazy long. Granted, some of the length was attributed to how the story was presented - a lot of Twitter posts and so on. But still! This is part of the Cormoran Strike series, and I checked the next book (there are two more in the series I haven't read yet), and the next one is EQUALLY as long. Good grief!!!! 

That equates to 33 hours of audiobook! I've only listened to one very long book called The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (32 hours). Does a novel need to be that long? Perhaps the Lucinda Riley - Seven Sisters books were as long as well. Nope --- those are less than 20 hours! 

I had to return one of the ebooks on my shelf that I wouldn't get to touch, and I've put it on hold so I can get it when I have more time. I see they have changed the system so you can put a book on hold while it's on your shelf. That makes a lot of sense, and then you can return it without having to search for it again! 

I NEED to tackle this office, and I NEED to get that new computer up and running. The first thing I did was to put all the crap on the floor and ONLY put what I can deal with in a couple of hours in the tiny space beside my keyboard. My space does NOT work for me, and I'm well aware of it. I don't want to buy anything new, so I've got to put my thinking cap on and figure out how to use my existing furniture better. If I were left-handed, this space would work perfectly, but I'm right-handed! 

My small desk space

That means clearing all the paper crap off both desks so I can use the space. And that means I've got to face the final bit of paper! Once and for all! I must get this current writing assignment out of the way and then perhaps take an hour a day to sort through the paper. I'm sure that most of it will go in the recycling bin, so get it done! 

Of the stuff I went through yesterday, I found this. 

A note to myself

Obviously, it's some instructions for a quilt, but what? It's great to make notes, but they must be in context!!! The note is now in the recycling bin. 

One of the things on my to-do list was to reorder some labels for my quilts. I put this small identifying tag on all the personal quilts I make. I believe I had ordered a bundle of 100, and I was down to the last few. 

My quilt labels

I could NOT remember the name of the company where I had ordered them, and I remember it being so easy. Back to the blog to see if anything there would trigger my memory. OH yes -- I remember seeing these labels on Sew Fresh Quilts website and with a bit of digging, I found the name of the company and a discount code!! The way they have their website set up makes ordering labels super easy. You can insert a small picture, as I did, or create wash/care labels. The company is IKAPRINT, and they are the best. Right now, they are having a special - buy 100 and get 100 free. Guess what? I ordered 400 labels. That should last my lifetime. Don't forget - there are tubs of personal quilts to be quilted! 

You'll find the ones I ordered here. Scroll down, and you'll see the label size options with the template right on the screen to fill out. It's so easy, it's child's play! I'm glad that I found that website! 

And if you want the discount, here's the link to Lorna's blog (Sew Fresh Quilts) to get the discount code. 

I put the remaining labels in my little tray under one of the sewing tables, so I will find them when I want them. 

A home for my labels

It was a snowy, blustery day, and just that little bit of snow made the sidewalks treacherous. I walked both girls in the morning, but did not venture out in the afternoon. It wasn't worth it. I know where the non-slippery streets are, but it's getting to them that is the issue!

Walking in the snowstorm

Miss Lexi didn't mind the weather at all. 

MOM - This weather is perfect for dogs! 

Murphy is beyond herself! Yes -- there is another rabbit in our backyard, and in the morning, she can barely wait until 7 AM to be let out. She drives me mad with her little mutterings at the backdoor! 

MOM -- there is a rabbit, and I'll find it!

Mom - I'm on guard duty! 

Mom - it doesn't matter how cold and windy it is - I'll catch that rabbit

And then she sat beside the deck last night. Waiting for what? The rabbit to spring out and say BOO? 

Mom - I can sense the rabbit under the deck!

She's been so cooped up that I'm throwing the ball for her in the house to tire her out! She is a big dog and over ten years old. Will she ever slow down? I doubt it! Then she has a good sleep, and then starts fussing all over again! DH - just thinks she wants to go out, and then two seconds later, he has to get up and let her in. He doesn't get it! 

Sad news -- a helicopter crashed on Mount Kilimanjaro on December 23rd and killed 5 people. Two hikers, the pilot, a doctor, and a guide. I remember the guides pointing out the spot as we walked. That was the last stop to be rescued by helicopter. After that, the air is too thin. No idea what happened, but it's sad when people are killed rescuing people who want to experience extreme conditions. I know I've climbed the mountain, as have many others before me, but should we? 

 I've got another play date lined up today! I can't wait to try my new skills (digital cutting), and we're working on a new material today (new for me), so let's see how we do! 

I worked on my projects yesterday, and all I can say is that the final project, which you'll see in January, is amazingly CUTE!!! I would change a few things next time, but because I forged ahead and made one, the next one will be even easier!!!! It's all about playing! I don't need a pattern - I just use my imagination. 

I have to laugh because that sounds like my Dad! He loves to rebuild stationary engines. The ones he's working on were made in 1918 or thereabouts. Only a few of this model were made, and at that time, engines used magnetos, not spark plugs. These two have been converted to use spark plugs, but he is determined to convert them back to using magnetos. Only one problem -- you can't buy those parts today. He has checked everywhere! So he's going to make them! The man is 93!!! He had just found a picture of what he wants to make! Inspiration comes from everywhere! 

I placed an order for something yesterday and wasn't expecting it to be processed until next week. Nope -- the order is in the mail! How's that for service? If you are into machine embroidery and need supplies at a reasonable price, check out Monfil.ca. A couple of people I know buy from them, so I'm anxious to see the stuff when it arrives. Free shipping on orders over $100! 

We have a Virtual Retreat tonight and tomorrow. Here are the links. 

Saturday, December 27th --- starts at 6 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82693702241?pwd=QpQkm8Ppppy1XwCPOqva1bcgJCWKdP.1

Meeting ID: 826 9370 2241
Passcode: 795071

Sunday, December 28th - starts at 3 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81073536036?pwd=uxRqMnK1aSKrmrcSO78w8QQs5g44eA.1

Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838

And on that note, I'd better get myself organized for the day!!! 

Have a super day!!

Ciao!!!