I LOVE Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Thanks, everyone, for the fantastic comments! I MUST get back to responding to them. As for the floss, I did have a Waterpik at one point, which I don't think I ever used! BUT I understand the concept of it - I'll look into it. In the meantime, I flossed twice yesterday! And brushed once. It's a start! And yes -- I know that all that bacteria is not healthy for my insides! I'm trying! If I get a Waterpik, can I bypass going to the dentist? OK - just thought I'd try!

I have good genes, but one must do what they can to help oneself. I feel I'm one of the few "older" people who can say that both of my parents are still living, and still live together. And all of their siblings are still alive! Now there are only two children, including my dad, on his side of the family, and there are five siblings, including my mom, but still! All of them are in their 80s and 90s. I wish them all continued good health!

Well, yesterday was a day to make things happen. After the two presentations, where I had crappy internet, which is most annoying, I had other things to get done. 

The biggest thing that happened was this. The customer quilt that was "stuck" on the long arm for almost two weeks is now complete, and no one will ever be able to identify that there was a problem. Remember, the quilt was perfect; it was the operator who was having a meltdown. 

Customer quilt - DONE at last!

I don't know what the matter was when I started that quilt, but I had three separate issues with the long arm, and a couple were my fault. However, when I had a clear head and a NEED to get that quilt done, I got the pattern realigned, and it was this close. See those two parallel lines in the middle. Well, one is the original mark, and the second one is the new mark. I could have zeroed in a bit more, but this was close enough! 

Close enough! 

I left the tape marker on the quilt, and I must say that I watched it pretty closely as it completed the last five rows. It's funny how something like that can bog you down. I've fixed this kind of issue in the past, but that day, my brain just shut down and couldn't cope with it. 

My tape marker

Even as I quilted the entire section, I kept that marker on. I did NOT want to have to find the spot again. And I have no idea how I learned this - it just happened in my brain. The computer is logic, and if you understand logic, you can do anything! 

The market is still there!

Plus, it helps that the computer will show you where the marker should be - the red is the corner dot (I mark a needle hole in the blue tape) and the blue lines are the quilt pattern. 

The spot for the marker is on the screen

And then I also got busy because it is UFO Club day today, and well, I was behind. I will show you what I did another day, but I had to put a binding on. I swear, if you use the correct tools, things are so much easier. 

One of the issues we have in the sewing world is that we purchase all kinds of presser feet, and if they get out of the packaging, it can be a challenge to know what foot is what. Guess what? The PFAFF creative icon 2, with its AI technology, tells me what foot is on the sewing machine. How cool is that? And as time goes on, more and more feet are being inserted into the software. 

AI on the PFAFF creative icon

This is what the foot looks like. 

Bi-Level Topstitch Foot for IDT (PFAFF) 

I'm on the fence about this, but the darn machine is SMARTER than I am! I put that foot on and wanted to move the needle over. Guess what? I couldn't. Why NOT? 

I cannot reposition the needle - why?

DUH --- I have the single hole stitch plate on the machine, that's why! And it wouldn't let me move the needle, which was a good thing because I would have broken a needle as soon as I started! OK -- I guess it's OK if it's smarter than I am!! 

Single hole stitch plate - can't move the needle - DUH!

So why is this foot cool? When I want to sew binding on, it's always a good idea to keep the presser foot as flat as possible, but when you are binding something, the presser foot wants to tip sideways off the edge of the binding. 

Using the Bi-Level Topstitch foot to sew on a binding

Not so with the Bi-Level Topstitch Foot because there's a lip on the left-hand side that rides along beside the binding to keep the foot level. That binding on that large quilt went on so fast, I was still whirling when it was done! And the machine sounded happy! And I was happy, so we had a happy dance when the binding was on! Plus, it helped to keep the line of stitching even. 

The lip on the left side of the Bi-Level Topstitch foot

I know -- silly, but hey, life is all about having fun. Otherwise, it's going to be a long and tedious life! 

OMG --- Look what arrived at our house yesterday via Pony Express. 

2025 Advent Calendar - EXIT Game

Yep -- that's the 2025 Advent Calendar for the EXIT games. I'm super excited, and I think we need to keep practicing. I've pulled out another smaller game, but our schedules are going to be a little bit off this coming week. 

That Miss Lexi is sure loving her new bed. It took her a long time to warm up to it!

MOM -- this bed is super comfy!

This dog wastes ZERO energy. Look at her eyes - she doesn't lift her head to check out her surroundings, she simply moves her eyes. Creepy!!!

MOM - I know you are there! 

MOM - I'm NOT acknowledging your presence

And gas prices are just silly here. Well, they are their usual selves. They start up high and throughout the day, they drop, sometimes over TEN CENTS a liter in one day. I don't get it, but it's a game the stations play with the consumer! 

The low price of gas at the end of the day

The afternoon was filled with paperwork and follow-up. We are having an issue with our TV service provider, and well, I'm a mostly patient person and say, "Oh -- it's not that bad." Well, I've about reached my limit after the two of us spent over six hours on the phone and a walk to the mall to resolve the issue, and so far, nothing has happened. We have not had network TV service in our house since October  8. Personally, it's no big deal for me as I don't watch it, but during the baseball playoffs? Bad news. 

I have called the loyalty department, and they gave me a reduced rate on one of our services forever, but I want the issue fixed. I gave them until Tuesday (OK - I could stretch it to Wednesday), and if we don't have our remote, I'm yanking all my services. I do NOT want to do that because it's a hassle and I don't want to be hassled any more than I am. But I want this fixed. 

It's not the service, it's not the company, nor the technicians. I have zero issues with any of those. It's the CALL CENTER, which is absolutely useless. I mean, totally useless, and when I asked for a phone number, I got one, but it wasn't even one of theirs! I don't understand how it works, but I would LOVE to take a tour --- there is a HUGE need for some training. MASSIVE NEED. 

I will say one thing --- the process will go much smoother if you have your account number and magic pin number when you call. If not, it can take up to 20 minutes to authenticate who you are. Seriously? 

Pole Pole!!   Let it go - that's what they would do in Africa, and I don't want any pressure. 

Oh my --- I've been messing with ChatGPT and wondering if I would ever need a subscription. How can I make this a helpful tool in my life? So far, I've just played around making cakes and making my dogs do silly things. 

However, yesterday, I discovered a REAL use for it. I can't share at this point in time, but OH M ! I'm having fun with it, and I may need to get a subscription after all. I'll share more when the time comes. 

That reminds me so much of when I lived in Montreal and my then DH and his uncle insisted on getting computers (386s). I went on and on about why they were spending so much money on something they would barely use. Famous last words! The uncle went away on vacation and didn't want his computer left in the house in case someone stole it, so I babysat it for him. By the time he was back from vacation, I was buying my own computer. DH and I didn't live together at that time, but were still friends! 

Someone introduced me to Wizardry (a fantasy computer game), and I was hooked. I spent countless hours playing those fantasy computer games. It's one of the reasons I won't play games on the computer because I'm addicted to the darn thing s At one point (1990), I played so much that my neck muscles were spasming, and I could no longer support my head (no fancy gaming chairs back then), and had to play slouched in the chair with my head supported on the back. I know --- very silly!!! 

I can see ChatGPT being just like the computer. I will get it - just not quite yet. I'm close, but not using it enough to warrant paying monthly for it! 

We have a virtual retreat this afternoon. 

Sunday, October 19  --- STARTS at 3 PM

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

Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838

You know, last night, we were talking about computers versus iPads. I barely use the iPad - I use it for my manuals. I would be totally LOST without a computer, which is why I have two! 

On that happy note, I'm out of here. I just thought of more things for ChatGPT to do for me!!!

And the girls need their walk before UFO starts at 9 AM. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Quilt retreats are the best

Just waiting for the email wth the photos to come through! It's been a super productive retreat so far, and we still have a few days to go. Can I finish the remaining quilt tops for the dog quilts? They will have to wait unit October to be quilted, but that's OK. 

OK -- the pictures came through, but some of them need a bit of editing; however, that doesn't seem to want to happen this morning. No big deal -- some are sideways -- we'll just have to let it go. 

This first picture is a bit weird, but it shows the mist/fog that was on the cornfield yesterday morning. There was a lot, but then the day was nice and warm. 

Mist in the cornfield

As I worked on the dog quilts yesterday, I had to trim the panels and fabrics very closely, so those nice selvages were taken off and tossed, as there was only the selvage. I think most people want a bit of fabric attached to the selvage. Well, my treasure in this case is the panel, NOT the selvage, so off with its head and it's gone! 

Nice selvages that ended up in the pet mat bag

I didn't even have the luxury of joining the border strips on the diagonal as I always do. They had to be butt joined. 

I had to return to the quilt store to purchase more of one fabric, as I had made the borders a bit wider than initially planned, and therefore a bit extra was required. No problem, the store isn't that far away. So even with the construction on the way there, I was there and back in less than an hour. I took a detour on the way home, so I missed the traffic congestion. 

And here is the first of the two quilt tops I made yesterday. Remember, this is a panel with three borders attached. We are not talking rocket science here. But they don't need to be. They are a gift of appreciation, they look so cute, and they will hopefully be well-loved. 

Dog quilt top number three

It's tough to see the fabrics as the pictures are taken with the light behind them. You'll see better pictures when they get quilted. I had to buy the dark grey for the first border. Then I had about 1 yard of each of the other two fabrics, and there is NOT much left of either!

And here is the second quilt. 

Dog fabric number four

Like yesterday, I had TWO of the same panel. I also had a lot of fabrics to work with, but not much of any particular one. The same dark grey was used for the first border, and then the other two borders were approximately 1-yard pieces that I had. They look pretty awesome, and I'm super happy with the results. 

And so nice to buy fabric and then actually use it immediately. This one will never even make it to my stash because there is nothing left. When I went to buy the second piece, I purchased .3 meters because that's all I needed. I'm past the point (almost) of where I need to feed my stash!

This is what MY cutting table looks like this morning. I know -- I sort of commandeered that one table and I've been using it (not exclusively) to cut fabric and get those borders on. I'm now working on that white and teal quilt that's on the table. I had to find a fabric for that one and a half of the outer border is on. You'll see it tomorrow. 

MY cutting table

Hey -- I have time, and I have the dedicated space, so you bet, I'm taking one hundred percent advantage of it. So is everyone else. Since we are so few, we each have quite a bit of table space and so we are all taking advantage of it. 

Here's my office. Lots of toys, lots of wires, and it's nice to have a big keyboard on the laptop to work on. No mini office for me!!

My portable office

I should also mention my enders and leaders project. I'm working on these blocks that are black and white with red centers. Sorry -- this picture is upside down, and unfortunately, I'm unable to rotate it. When the orientation is off, it drives me mad! I'm not sure how many blocks I'm making, but the ones on the left are done. Well, there is a light (black on white) round to put on them. I'm working on the center of the ones on the right. I don't have enough fabric to complete them, but I'm going to get as much done as I can. Then I'll have to bring my black/white scrap box with me next time, or just have a cutting session before I come to the next retreat. 

My enders and leaders project

And here's the other thing that I decided to work on. Well, it's not really something to work on, but I have TWO of these bobbin holders and they are full of partially filled bobbins. I don't use these bobbins at home, and I decided to bring one tray with me. So I'm using them up! GASP!!!! You mean you are piecing with multiple colors of thread? Yes, I am, and I'm not worried in the least!!!! It's actually really nice because when one bobbin is done, I just pop in another! Look at how many I have emptied so far!!!!

Using up multiple thread colors

Here are a few things that I purchased the other day. This is the quilt that I saw at the Buckhorn Quilt Show. Someone had made the quilt, and I thought it would be perfect for me. I managed to find it at the second quilt shop we were at. 

Spectacular Savana pattern

With the exception of the rhino, we saw all those animals on our safaris! I thought it was appropriate!!!!

I also found this pattern, which has many possibilities. I'm not 100% sure what direction I'll take, but I'll come up with something. 

A Suitcase pattern

And I LOVE this panel (there are four sayings on it), but I bought it mainly for this one. This is what I need to keep in mind as I'm continuing on my decluttering journey. 

Quote on fabric

And OK -- I do not do impulse purchases, but I bought these just because. 

Precuts that I bought

But here's the interesting thing about these. How much do you think I paid? 

I'll tell you at the end to give you time to contemplate the prices. 

And here's the progress on the 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. I don't think I'm going to get it finished. Should I leave it up for the next group? I would love to arrive and have a puzzle already set out. I might do that!!

Progress on the puzzle

And guess what? We were chatting about Advent Calendars, and Oh my --- the new EXIT Game calendar is available for order. I've got it on order and can't wait to start it. We haven't done anything for months, but our schedules have been so silly. October, at least for me, means I'll be home for a good part of the time. And hopefully in December as well, although I have another quilting retreat!!

The 2025 Advent Calendar

We had Chinese for dinner last night, and we each got two fortune cookies, which were randomly plunked down at our spots. Hmmm --- I'm not sure that others admire this character trait in me. Most people will just think I'm pushy. I'm OK with that --- just make a decision and move on. I hate (OK -- dislike) when people just keep popping up ideas - we can do this, we can do that. Just pick one and move on!!!!

Do they really admire this trait?

But this one? Oh my ---- isn't this what everyone keeps telling me? Next week, it'll get better. OK -- it won't get better until October. I already know that!!! 

Is this me? 

OK -- so what was your guess on the prices? The mini charms were $10 each, and the charm pack was $20. If I had paid better attention, I could have purchased TWO charm packs for the same price and gotten more fabric. DUH!!!!! It's a simple matter of chopping those charm packs into four if you want the smaller squares. Live and learn and check the prices. 

Well, on that note, I'm off to finish that border and then get to work laying out those 483 blocks - one quilt at a time, of course!!!!

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!

The quilt is in the mail!

OH MY! As I create a folder each day to store the blog photos, I date it. It's January 25 already! Where has the time gone? 

Someone mentioned the stand-up/sit-down exercises. The chair height is important! Obviously, we are NOT doing this from a step stool. If you can do that, then you're still young! But try various chair heights, and as you become comfortable with one height, find something a bit lower. I get it that some of us have knee issues, so the height can't be too low. But how easily can you get off the couch? You do NOT want to be causing pain. If the stand-up/sit-down doesn't work, find a sturdy box or a step and step up and step down. 

I spotted a stack of workout steps while stretching after my spin class last week. Gosh, that was such a crazy workout! But the steps are good. Those living in apartments and not using stairs can lose the ability (strength) and confidence to perform that push-off movement! My MIL is in that situation. 

So, yesterday, I did not get as much done as I would have liked. I did not get a chance to drop off the stuff in the entryway. It will have to wait a week now, but that's OK. 

I accomplished other things, which I'll share in a minute. 

Here's the thing about getting rid of stuff: I never thought I would want to get rid of my stash—ever. Years ago, I was horrified when I saw quilters older than myself getting rid of their fabric. Now I understand where they were coming from. The more I get rid of things, the more freeing it is, and the more I want to get rid of everything. 

I visited someone the other day, and when I walked into their apartment, it was so tidy, clutter-free, and calm. How nice would it be to get up each day and see that? It would take minimal effort to keep it clean and tidy. And guess what? You have all day to do what you want, including napping on the couch, and not worry about managing STUFF! That is what retirement should be like!

That's my goal! Of course, having a hobby isn't going to make that easy, but getting rid of the crap will make it a whole lot better. 

So, as I was driving to the art school the other day, I thought of my stretcher frame that I should have taken with me. I've taken pictures, and if they want it - it will go. I also have a Babylock Embellisher, which I haven't used in years. That's now on the giveaway pile. I'll give the school the first chance, and then I have another place where it might go. I'm celebrating every empty spot I can make! And I want more, so it means I will start digging in that stash room. There are other things than just fabric in there; some of it needs to go! Eventually, it all needs to go! 

All I can say is THANK GOODNESS that I came to my senses while I'm still mentally and physically able to deal with the crap!! And let's face it -- it's all crap! OK - that's a bit harsh, but a good portion doesn't need to be in my house! 

In case you're wondering - the quilt is in the mail! Yep -- I got it quilted (medium grey thread - thank you!). I used prewound bobbins in the bobbin and need to use them more often. What an easy process - there is less babysitting of the machine! 

The moment the binding was on, I had that quilt folded and ready to go to the post office. So I would NOT have to stand at the post office and fold it to fit one of those flat-rate boxes; I checked the dimensions online and folded it accordingly. 

Preparing the quilt for the box

I got quite a chuckle when I pulled the large box off the shelf. The ladies behind the counter said there was a medium box. I said I didn't think it would fit, but after grabbing the medium box off the shelf, that quilt slid in like I had folded it for that size! Did I read the wrong dimensions? It doesn't matter—the quilt is on its way! Yeah, and I could cross that item off my list. 

The quilt is in the mail!

I have three Zoom classes today, all needing a presentation prepped. I'm happy to say that all three are ready to go! I had to sew and download many pictures to make that happen. But all is good! So yes -- there are still things on the list, and I'll continue to work on them today and tomorrow as time permits. I'll do some of it while at the quilt retreat, and the rest will have to wait until I'm back. 

I must improve my time management skills. I'm not stressed; I just do what I can and constantly prioritize as I go. I hate being under pressure, but I have no one to blame but myself. 

Lexi and I had an incident the other day while walking. Her retractable leash stopped retracting, which is a pain since we now have a very long cord. How does one handle that gracefully? 

The retractable leash no longer retracts

So, while at the pet store, she got a new leash. 

Lexi's new leash

I would never use a retractable leash with Murphy, but it works fine for Lexi. I hated the ones with the cord, but that's all that was available when I bought them. We used to have two - one for each of our other dogs - Sparky and Sammy. Well, Lexi broke the one for Sparky, which was bigger. Again, the spring broke. I'm not bothering to fix that. So we moved on to Sammy's old leash, which is the one that just died. So Miss Lexi finally gets a brand new leash! 

The ONLY color they had was neon yellow. No one will miss that leash! 

Lexi prancing with her new leash

And how is Murphy making out with her bone? She had to move it from one spot to another. She probably did that several times yesterday/ 

MOM -- just finding a new, safe place

Eventually, she settled down and brought the frozen, dirty bone into the house. 

MOM - is it OK if I chew this in the house? 

And then she moved to her bed. She's getting quite a collection of stuff in that bed. It's time to bring it all back to the toy box. 

MOM - I need some quiet space

I heard a little bit of jealousy on her part yesterday. There was no reason for it, as Lexi would never touch that bone in a million years. I have no idea what her problem is!

Sweet Lexi is sitting in the backyard, minding her own business. 

Mom - I'm OK - just hanging out

The other good news for yesterday is that we finished the EXIT GAME Advent Calendar. Hey, I just realized we finished it on January 24—a month late! But better late than never! Here's our award!!!

The EXIT GAME Award

We were slightly disappointed that we didn't need to destroy the box like we have in other years. I have to say that I love the way the images and little details are integrated into the box. Things that you notice but don't really notice. And then you need to think back. We went through all those little rooms so often - the doors are practically worn off! We needed a little "inspiration" on three of the doors. We should have got two of them - the third one was not logical, and we were not the only ones who said that! 

It was loads of fun! But we'll take a break for a bit. I'm away next week, and after that, I have a lot of Zooms at dinner time, and DH is traveling. So we'll see how it goes!

Below is the final post in the fusible web series for the QUILTsocial blog. I hope you get a chance to read it, as I learned so much!! This is a complicated topic; many people make errors when buying or discussing these products. You have to understand the terminology, or you'll be in trouble!

QUILTsocial - Monday - The difference between fusible web, stabilizers, batting, and interfacings

QUILTsocial - Tuesday - The different types of fusible web and tips on using them

QUILTsocial - Wednesday - Fusible Web for stretchy fabrics

QUILTsocial - Thursday - Fusible Web for woven fabrics

QUILTsocial - Friday - The test results

And here are the links for the Virtual Retreat this weekend. 

January 25 - Starts at 6 p.m. EST

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

Meeting ID: 826 9370 2241
Passcode: 795071

January 26 - Starts at NOON EST

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

Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838

On that note, I'm out of here. I have a quilt to quilt, articles to write, Zoom classes to present, and UFO homework to finish for tomorrow! I think it's going to be a busy day!!!

Have a super day!!! (Stand up/sit down)

Ciao!!!!

LOOK in the box!

 Are you moving during the day? I confess I did something I hadn't done for a long time yesterday: I read almost an entire book in one day. However, I can no longer sit in a comfy chair for long with this silly leg issue. By comfy, I mean the chairs in our living room. Even stretched out, they don't work. Although I sat there long enough to attract the girls, and they put on a show for me. 

MOM - can you see us? 

They are the silliest two dogs ever. They love each other, and yet they have their moments. They will sleep on the same bed but never together. I've never seen them cuddle with each other. 

Since I couldn't sit in that chair for long, I went to bed several times to read. Propping my leg with a pillow works, although it sometimes takes a few minutes to get comfortable. After dinner, I needed to know what happened in the book, so I went to bed, arranged myself comfortably, and read until the book was done! Oh my! 

These psychological thrillers are the worst! Sometimes, you don't want to know what happens. The characters are very nasty! This book was called None of This is True by Lisa Jewell. Her characters can be bizarre, and this one? It's bizarre. 

Before I succumbed to reading, I did get some work done. I trimmed up the half-square triangles from the Oh Canada fabric and arranged the rest of the fabric for the next retreat. OK - I just cheated and got rid of what no longer needed to be in the bag, and everything else went into the bag. I'll make the one quilt and then decide what to do with the rest at that time. 

Trimming half-square triangles

Then, to start clearing the cutting table, I took the projects from the last sewing retreat, and one by one, I prepped three projects for the retreat. These are projects that I worked on this last time but ran out of fabric, so I prepped the necessary fabrics, and they are now ready to go back. 

I had left notes on what was needed, making it easy to know what to cut. 

Notes for cutting more fabric

Technically, I'm ready for the retreat. Everything is packed, and I may add one more project as we approach the date, but I think I have enough to keep me busy for the week! 

Prepping for the next sewing retreat

We had our final UFO Club for 2024. It's impressive how the UFO Club motivates people to get the commitment done. I do NOT set the commitment; each person sets a commitment based on how much time they have that month. Wow - I've been running that club for FIVE years on Zoom and in person for a couple of years before. The number of OLD projects that get done is unbelievable. Out of 32 people, only one decided she didn't have enough time this coming year to devote to UFOs. Sorry, there is no room in the club as I have two new people who approached me, and both of them will get a spot. 

We will get these projects done! 

I can now provide a complete list of classes for the first six months of 2025. I'll do that later this week. 

Speaking of getting things done, DH and I attempted an EXIT Game Advent Puzzle the night before, but it was a no-go. We had to do something creative with the box; it wasn't working for us. 

The Advent Calendar box

So, we let it simmer overnight. I looked at it at lunch, and there was nothing. Then we tried again at dinner, and it wasn't working. Then, DH solved the puzzle in a flash. How? By asking the question - did we look INSIDE the room in the box? Good grief! We've been so used to the other games that didn't have a box that we got lax. Complete utter fools we were!!! Guess what we found in the box? The CODE! 

There was one part of it that I didn't like. After we figured out the clue, I looked online at how the puzzle was solved, and I still don't get it. The online person seemed OK with it the way it was, but it was backward to me. However, we didn't have to look at the clue, so I'm good. Then we solved one more, which was super easy, and we were good for the night. We're now on Day Eight. A little bit behind, but going strong!

I can't do these things when I'm tired! And I was tired the night before, so I got lazy and never thought to look in the box! 

I'm learning how to cope with this leg issue and refuse to let it stop me from doing my regular stuff. It takes a bit to warm it up in the morning and extended periods in the same spot, except laying in bed isn't always the most comfortable. The worst part is putting on my socks in the morning. I can live with that! Thank goodness, walking helps! 

It's Monday Sewing today! I missed it last week, so I'm anxious to catch up with everyone. Then, we have a Virtual Retreat tomorrow. Good grief—I forgot I booked a massage that day, and it's right in the middle of the retreat! Well, I'm going to leave it the way it is. We'll all survive!

Here's the link. Tuesday, December 24, from 10 AM - 2 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82943785348?pwd=bGWr9eXWYTj9rybqmMB5e5SeJINw5o.1

Meeting ID: 829 4378 5348
Passcode: 870535

And now I'm off to spin class. It's much warmer out today and for the remainder of this week. The meager amount of snow we have will be gone soon. So far, a crazy winter, but then all of them are becoming weird. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Teacher's Know Best

 Oh, my --- I had another fantastic day! Do you ever feel guilty when you have a great day? Not guilty for others, but do you deserve a great day? Sometimes, I do, but then I've worked very hard to achieve this flexibility in my schedule, so I don't feel guilty. At least not for long. The more I do, the better I feel, and those days are becoming more frequent. I LOVE it. 

Let me start with my teacher's story, and then I can get on with the rest of the day. I think I was struggling with the fine tip on the glue bottle during one of the applique classes. It had been clogged for eons, and even boiling water wouldn't soften the clog of glue. One of the participants used to be a teacher. I think it was kindergarten. In the younger grades, where glue is a staple of the curriculum. She suggested that I use vinegar. I hadn't had a chance to get to the glue as I have several bottles. But I needed glue yesterday, and that darn bottle was in my hands, and of course, it was still clogged. 

I grabbed a small dish, poured some vinegar in it, popped the glue-tip applicator in, and let it sit. When I came back several hours later, the vinegar had attracted a ton of fruit flies—ACK! Where did they come from? However, the glue was softened, so with the aid of a pin, I could remove the glue plug, and my applicator was clean as a whistle!

Thank you, Brenda, and now everyone knows how to remove clogged glue!!!

Cleaning the glue bottle applicator

Of course, I now have those fruit flies to deal with. Hmm—if they were attracted to the vinegar, I'll put out more, catch them, and then throw the whole mess outside. So that's what I'm doing this morning. I should have done it last night!

Speaking of pins, I was weeding another section of the backyard and was surprised when I discovered this. 

A rusty pin was found in the garden

Yep—a rusted intact pin in the garden. There's only one way it could have gotten outside, and that would be Murphy. But it must have been there for a long time. I remember the first night we brought her home, and she attacked my pins overnight, but she hasn't since—at least not that I'm aware of. 

But this section of the backyard is now clear of weeds. There's a big tree in the backyard, and one of its roots is in this section, and suckers were growing off it. I got out the clippers, and they were all gone. 

Lexi inspected the cleaned garden patch

I need to visit my neighbors. They have creeper vines in their yard—two different kinds—and they are starting to encroach on the fence. I went into their yard last year and dealt with it, but the parents are home this year, so I had better ask permission first. 

Now, this area needs some mulch put down. Well, I spotted mulch on sale at the hardware store when I was there the other day. I had errands by car in three different directions, so I picked one of them, and on the way home, I stopped to buy mulch. 

Hmm -- how many bags do I need? Ten? Twenty? How big are they, and will they fit in the car? I decided on twenty bags, and they are now stowed in the garage. 

Twenty-one bags of mulch

Let's say it's a good thing I didn't go for more than twenty, as it was a tight squeeze to get them all in the car. I actually ended up with twenty-one. I had a store employee helping me put the bags in the car, and we miscounted. They were worth 3.50, so it's not a big deal. 

Good thing I had help because while I can carry things with my left shoulder, I have ZERO strength if I try to lift above my waist. It's a pain in the butt, and I'm not happy. I could get them out of the car and into the garage as I wasn't lifting them. Just pulling and carrying. And I'll be able to take them to the backyard. I HATE being injured, but it's part of aging and life. 

So, I'll be back in the garden tonight and will try to spread some of the mulch. 

Good grief—I was at Michael's, and all the Halloween decorations are out!!! School has just let out for the summer!!! The staff must be going mad, as all those haunted buildings had quite loud sound effects!!

Halloween decorations are out!

I didn't find what I was looking for at either the hardware store or Michael's, so I'll have to buy it online. I found it on Etsy, so I must order that today. 

My new focused system is fantastic. I'm not even tempted to move to something else. In the scheme of things, I'm technically not working on one thing as I'm quilting, trimming a quilt, or pressings craps, so it's not one thing, but it's all focused, and that makes me very happy. 

Speaking of scraps, I  organized myself to watch another episode of The Quilt Show. 

Set up to watch The Quilt Show

I had watched for about five minutes when I got a call, so while on the call, I pressed scraps. Do you want to see what happened?

The basket of scraps

Doesn't it look like I made a dent in that basket? Let's look at the previous day. 

The previous day

Yep—a definite dent. Why haven't I touched that basket of scraps in the past? It's almost like I need to make a game of something in order to do it. It doesn't matter what I did; the fact that I'm making progress is all that counts. And I'm committed to cleaning up that mess. I now have two nice tubs of fabric for the 365-day challenge, and this mess will be cleaned up. It's a win-win all around. 

Something else happened yesterday that I'm thrilled about. I had my next project off Mount Projects, and it was my UFO, which I've been working on since January of this year. I'm about sick of it!!

I needed to fuse down the remaining pieces on three borders. 

The first one was easy, and before I knew it, the pieces were fused and glued in place. That's why I needed the glue bottle I mentioned earlier. I did have to cut two more of the smooth-edged leaves. 

One of the three borders is ready for stitching

When I went to do the second border, I realized that I was missing some pieces. Namely, those oak leaves would be a hassle to trace and cut. 

This is the perfect opportunity to stop, take a break, and dig out the Scan and Cut. Well, I didn't have to dig it out; I just needed to plug it in. I bought a new book about the Scan and Cut machine, so before tackling my leaves, I read the first 8 pages of the book. Then I sat at the cutter and went through those eight pages. Hmmm -- I learned stuff about my cutter. I'm going to go through those eight pages again later today. I want to solidify that stuff in my head. 

Learning about my digital cutter

Then, because the oak leaf pattern was already scanned, I pulled it up and duplicated the number I needed. I fused some fusible on the wrong side of my fabric and cut. It took ONE minute per leaf, and they turned out beautiful. 

Cutting the leaves

And then it was easy to finish the second border. Everything is fused in place and ready for stitching. 

The second of three borders

All that is left for the fusing part is the bottom border on one of them. I have everything ready, but I need to open a seam to insert the canoe into the waves, so that's a job for later today. 

The two UFOs - Cabin in the Woods

Then, I need to start stitching. That will take a long time as there is a lot of applique, but I better get at it. I think I might do some every day rather than focus 100% on it, as I'll bore myself to death. But no worries; there are lots of small things on Mount Projects that can be used as a diversion. I'll see how it goes, but first, that last border needs to be finished. 

The giant quilt is loaded and ready to go later today. I have one car errand, which I'll do this morning, and then there's some paperwork to tackle. If I don't keep on top of that, it becomes chaos. 

I went back to the office table to find that overdue book. Eureka—it was buried, but it was there. So, it must be returned to the library today so my account can be unblocked. 

Can you believe we are still NOT done with the EXIT Game Advent Calendar? With our schedules, it's quite a challenge. We had been doing great but got stuck on Number 19 and had to mull that over a couple of days. We ended up having to look at the first clue to realize what needed to be done. 

Then we arrived at door 20, which was a round hole, and that stumped us as well. But we chatted it out and arrived at the right answer—it was a total fluke! So, we peeked at the first clue to see where our logic went wrong. OH!! I get it. It all makes sense AFTER you know what you're doing. 

Door 20 in the Advent Calendar

I'm happy to report that we did another puzzle last night, and it was pretty easy, so we're back on track. We have three doors left, which should be easy to get through, and then we'll leave the next one until September. 

Here's a photo of my cutting table. Things get laid out, and then they get put away. It's NOT a storage area, and for that, I'm thankful! 

The cutting table changes daily

There's much more to tell, but I've run out of time. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!