The Olympics have officially begun!

FOCUS --- it's a tricky thing! But I have my visual list and my blue UFO bin, and I refuse to let anything get in the way of finishing those projects. Oh -- there are loads of things to do, but I know I can't do them all, so I picked a few, and that's my goal! It has taken me a very long time to get to that point, but I refuse to get sidetracked!

Just a teaser: this is the project Dede and I worked on. Wait—soon you'll get to see it yourself. Absolutely stunning and totally worth all the time!

Some assembly required! 

As part of my goal for this year, I was back at the computer, trying to sort the THOUSANDS, dare I even venture HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of files that need to be sorted. OH my --- what the heck is this? It's a picture of a letter A, but for what purpose? Let's just say that I've found a few other odd things, but this is gone, as are many others. 

A picture of a letter A behind bars!!

What I don't understand is why my brain was so muddled that I didn't create a folder, and then when I needed that file, it would be easy to locate. I had the resources and most of the knowledge. No - I went and downloaded the files again, and again, and again! And each time, they went somewhere different. It is a massive mess, but I have to say that once I got over that first day, it's getting easier. 

I tackled the Fabric Download folder yesterday, and I'm happy to say it's done! I kept two folders of fabric, as I still have yardage of those and can use the photos to create something in EQ8. The rest - gone! BUT it's a good thing I went through the files one by one, because I found more embroidery files in that folder, as well as stuff for the longarm. Do not ask - I don't have answers!!!

But the sorting process continues, and I try to do a little bit each day. It seems that within each high-level folder, I find one or two subfolders that are titled "to file" or "to sort," and I'm tackling those. My goal was to get all the embroidery files in one folder this month. I still have the old computer to grab files from, and then I'm done! Hopefully, it won't be too bad, but if memory serves, the download folder is filled with stuff!

OH - I got the binding on that quilt, and it was hilarious because I was also listening to my audiobook while doing it. I can tell you that the quilt has some words on it, and can you believe that the SAME WORDS were put together in a very similar way on that audiobook? I actually had to stop for a moment to appreciate that coincidence!!! What are the chances? 

Speaking of audiobooks, I know why this Canadian author (Carley Fortune), who was on the top ten most circulated library books list that I happened upon recently, wasn't on my list. It's a steamy summer romance, and well, they aren't my go-to books. But now I want to know what happens, so I have to keep reading. The book is due tomorrow, and I have about 3 hours left. I should be able to make that happen. This book is set by a lake near Barry's Bay, Ontario. 

While I was sewing the binding on, I used up another spool of thread! 

Another spool of thread - gone!

I also got some binding made. And I could kick myself. I measured and cut the three strips, only to realize I needed bias binding, not straight-grain binding. Good grief, so I had to cut a square and make bias binding. DUH!!!!! But it's ready to sew on, so maybe later today. 

The bias binding is made

Then it was time to stop procrastinating on the next project. The clock is ticking, and I don't have a lot of time. It's the Cherrywood Challenge, which is due February 15, and it's the 7th today!! Don't ask!! I like the last-minute pressure, and this is my sole focus for the next week. The theme is StoryTime. 

Fabrics from the Cherrywood Challenge

I'm happy to say I made good progress on it yesterday. I hope to have the top completely done by tonight. No excuses, no distractions!! The top has to be done! 

There is a lot of appliqué, and I want it all in place by the end of today. And then I have to figure out a couple of components for the border - that also needs to be done TODAY! The embroidery (machine and hand) and other embellishments will be the focus of the next couple of days. 

And while I traced and cut, I watched the Olympics!! Well, the opening ceremony, which lasted almost four hours!! It was amazing, and they did a great job at incorporating all four sites. Although the athlete parade was almost over before I realized there were FOUR locations, not two like I initially thought. I was totally confused by that!! Go Team Canada!!!!!

Streaming the Olympics on my computer

I have to say that I was highly impressed by the Olympic Cauldron. WOW --- that is pretty spectacular, and there are two of them!!!! In case you missed it, here is the lighting of the TWO cauldrons. Stunning, and I find that ceremony emotional. Why? No idea!!!!

So what's this all about? My two girls are hanging out at the back door. One is ready to pounce on the door, demanding to come in; the other has snow on her face and lies in the snow. 

And what's with the weather? Last night when we went out, the temperature was minus 2. This morning, it's minus 20!!!

I have to say our house is ideally situated on the street and gets the most from the sun. However, that doesn't mean that our roof is clear of snow yet. Nope --- we had so much that it's going to take a while for all the snow to melt. Because of the crazy roof line, this is the house two doors down from us. We have the same roof line, but ours is pretty clear. I thought I took a picture, but I can't find it this morning. We have a few small icicles, but nothing like this. 

Nasty ice build-up

We've had ice like this on both sides of that peak in the past, and it's not good. The interior walls are damaged, and the drywall tape has come loose. It's a mess, but until we get the roof issue fixed, I'm not touching the inside. I bet there is water damage behind the drywall, and well, it's going to be a job to fix! So I'm thankful this year that we haven't got to this stage, and I hope we don't. 

Why do we have barely any ice, and two doors down, they have this mess? We are on a curve, and there is a big tree close to the front of that house. So the slightly different angle and the shade from the tree don't allow the ice and snow to melt as fast as on our roof. Thank goodness we are where we are. Our driveway dries much quicker, and we just get more sun! We love the sun!

Well, I'm off to brave that cold temperature, and looking at the forecast, this is the last (LOL) cold day for two weeks? I'll believe that when it happens! The girls will be happy, they are frisky when the temperature drops!

I have two short documents to finish writing for the quilt I am delivering today. One is almost written; it just needs proofing, and the other should be pretty simple. I must get those done this morning. Then one more thing can come off that visual To-do list. While it's not directly in my face, I can see that list whenever I'm downstairs, and I go over to look at it occasionally, and from that, I pick the next thing to work on. My blue bin for UFOs is also a daily reminder of what I need to be working on. It's better to get four things completely done than advance 8 things, and nothing is complete!!

OH -- and here is the final post about the newly released Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic 3 Nordic Frost Edition. It's all about yarn couching. I LOVE this design and need to do some more work on it!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

The Pony Express is alive and well!

And there was yet another learning curve yesterday, and I succeeded! It has to do with email. I almost have the blog post ready that lists my classes for the fall. Writing the post was easy, but finding the dates and times took work! For one of the classes, you have to sign up with me, and I know people like to receive an acknowledgment of their email. I won't be able to do it for a couple of weeks. However, I can set that up via email, and I did. I tested it, and it seems to be working. 

The process was not without issues. I Googled the instructions, which were straightforward; however, the directory where the email needed to be saved was hidden. So I had to manually type in part of it, and then the appropriate folder popped up. Why is that? While help is helpful, it's sometimes more complicated than solving the problem. 

So yes, I can make email work better for me. I just have to learn what tools are available. That second blog post should go live, hopefully, before lunch today. 

This is not in the blog post, but if you're wondering how many new projects I'm starting, there are two and possibly a third—if I can find a couple of dates. Both projects start in October and end in June, so they are long projects. The other one will only have two or possibly three dates if we go ahead with it. The rest of the classes/lectures I'm taking are all about learning, finishing, or perfecting. No new UFOs to create! 

I'm trying very hard to practice what I preach, but it's still fun to start something new—but only if I intend to finish it. I will NOT begin something new just because! My goal is to finish! 

The Pony Express is alive and well. This was the staging area at my house in the morning. Well, except for Lexi! She gets to stay!

The staging area for The Pony Express

Two people came to pick up stuff, and I dropped off some stuff; it looks different this morning, but the large stack of quilts is still there. I have to make arrangements to drop those quilts off. I MUST do that this morning. (E-mail sent!)

I sure like those flat-rate boxes from Canada Post. I had two quilts to mail, so I went online to check the dimensions of the large box. Then, I folded both quilts so they fit that footprint. When I got to the post office and got the large box, the two quilts slipped into the box like a hand into a glove. 

A perfect fit

The box should be delivered by Thursday morning. M is excited to gift the quilts to her new niece and nephew—well, new by upcoming marriage, not new babies. I'm excited because two quilts are gone!

Then, it was down to the long arm to get that last quilt done. This is the 10th community project quilt, and it's done. It's actually a gorgeous quilt, all done in red flannels. I'd keep it, but I do not need another quilt. 

Community project quilt - DONE

It's trimmed, and I'll put the binding on it later today. Now that I don't have another quilt to load or quilt or make the backing or the batting, I will have loads of time on my hands today! Which is good because I have a bit of sewing and applique that MUST be done. I want to finish it, so I'm a bit ahead of the game. 

Sometimes, when I join the batting, I don't always get it as secure as it should be, so I keep the iron on the floor by the long arm. I only burnt my leg once! 

Ready to secure the fusible tape

The binding is on my small quilt, so that's good. And leaves only the red one that needs the binding put on. 

A binding on my quilt

Keeping on top of that process is enormous. Making the backing, finding the batting bits and joining them, trimming, dealing with the leftovers, and adding the binding consumes a lot of time. I was going to continue with a couple more of my quilts on the long arm, but I decided to stop and get some other stuff done. It will be a pleasure to focus on one thing and not have to babysit the long arm while trying to sew. 

I have my snacks organized for my trip. These are 12-gram protein bars.

Snacks for travel

Yes, I know they have food in Spain, but they eat at unusual hours, and sometimes, you won't find a cafe open until late in the morning. I need something in my stomach before then. Last year, I found some bars at the airport before I left—the flight was delayed, so we got a food voucher. I spent it all on bars, probably two or maybe three. But they came in very useful. 

Sometimes, a rest stop isn't where you think it is. I remember the first year I ran out of gas, and when you hit the wall, it's not pretty. So, having something like this on hand does the trick. They are small, and I'll only need half a bar or a bite or two at a time. Also, they are light in weight! 

I need to get my medical kit and toiletries in order today, and then I'll shove everything in the backpack. Then I'm ready to go! I just have to wait for the plane to take off. 

Should I say, I'm playing the lottery with my ticket. I still need to book a ticket home, and I need to do that before I leave. Air Canada will love me before the end of today with all the flights I have to book. Anyway, I booked my flight to Spain on points. So, technically, it didn't cost me anything. I have a Premier Economy seat, which provides more room and a better chance at upgrading to Business class, where I can have a flatbed, which would be excellent for the flight. I am waitlisted for the upgrade, and 13 seats are currently available. DH is encouraging me to cough up $1,200 for a guaranteed seat (his take is that it's cheap since I did NOT pay for the seat to begin with). Or do I gamble and go for a free upgrade? It's all about how many people like myself are on the waiting list and where I fall within that waiting list. I don't get an upgrade if I'm number 14 or greater. I will know that 24 hours before leaving. Hmmm.... These upgrades are fun, to be sure!

And now, the story of Murphy. She is always getting into trouble. Yesterday, I was sitting at the computer when I heard some water turn on. At first, I thought it was DH having a shower. But it didn't sound right, so I went into the backyard and found the hose running. Thankfully, it was pointed at the pond. 

Who turned on the water?

We installed a new tap earlier this year to make it easier to turn the water on and off. Murphy accidentally turned it on as she ran by or was foraging for rabbits she suspects are under the deck. Sigh.

The lever tap

Thankfully, I was home and could recognize the noise. It would have taken DH a long time to realize the hose was running. 

I completely forgot about the Olympics, but DH turned the TV on, and I watched a wee bit of it. Murphy was fascinated. 

MOM -- the Olympics!!!! 

It would appear that she does not sleep. Early this morning, I was downstairs working, and she started to bark. Now what???? I came up and saw her peering intently out the front window. 

MOM -- there's something out there!!!

At first, I didn't see anything, but then I spotted this. That coyote has no issues about walking down the center of the street like he or she owns the place. And we only see one, never more than one. 

A nocturnal visitor

The mound of paperwork to tidy up before I leave is getting smaller, so that's a good thing, and I hope to get a good portion of the rest done today. Some stuff has to be done before I leave, and some can wait, but it would be nice because I hate to say this, but the minute I get off the plane on my return, it will be insane for five very intense weeks! It's just how it worked out; my schedule seems to be a feast of famine! I have enjoyed the relative quiet of July and will continue to shut things down in July and August every year, regardless of my travel schedule. I might even leave September open, which was great for this year and what is coming. 

I'm so excited because there are no classes this weekend—not today or tomorrow. But there is a Virtual Retreat, and I've got loads to sew while we chat. 

Saturday, July 27 - starts at 6 PM EST

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89816483795?pwd=Mjc3M3pvVmZPdjdsQzlHS3Zhck52dz09

Meeting ID: 898 1648 3795
Passcode: 248667

Sunday, July 28 - Starts at NOON EST

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82983517671?pwd=ODdsa1FJenQwdFNaQWFTNGd4bEhPZz09

Meeting ID: 829 8351 7671
Passcode: 117636

Come on by to say hello. We'd love to chat with you.

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Water water everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You know how it is. We  SHOULD be drinking eight glasses of water each and every day.  I confess - I do NOT drink enough water. I decided that as part of my trying to get healthier kick that I need to drink more water.

I have heard so many ways to make you drink the water. Use a water bottle and carry with you - nope - that doesn't work, put elastics around the glass so you know how many glasses you have drank in the day - nope. So I have decided that I am going to get it all over with in the morning!


More confessions.  I HATE drinking water from the tap.  I think it goes back to living on the farm where the water from the tap was (and still is) awful. Tastes too much like minerals and I just can't drink it. SO - I buy bottled water. BUT before you go on an environmental tangent - read on.............


I take my 18 L water bottles to Rona where I fill them up myself using FILTERED water. It is just FILTERED CITY WATER!!!!   (I know - it is the SAME WATER that comes from my taps) but because it is in a bottle (and is cold because of being in the water cooler) - it is drinkable.  And instead of paying $10 for a bottle of spring water at the grocery store - I pay $2.99 to fill the bottle. Yes - you might say that I could save that $2.99 and use tap water, but I wouldn't drink it so the $2.99 is a good deal!!!!

My self-filled water bottles

My goal is to drink two of these a day. I find when I drink directly from this - I just SIP the water, not drink it and therefore I never end up drinking much. 

There are slightly more than three glasses in each of the green jugs - so if I can do that each day - I am OK with that. 

However there is one PROBLEM with this and that is - water in - water out!!!!!!!!!!    It is NOT a good idea to guzzle those two bottles of water at one time. YEP - I was running to the bathroom a LOT, however I think one needs to retrain the bladder to deal with the extra water!!!!


But that got me to thinking about water - what do the experts say on drinking water?????


Lose weight with water


I have to say there is NOTHING that I could find that says when is the optimal time to drink water. Most of the habits/rules are to encourage you to drink throughout the day - so you get into the habit of drinking your 8 glasses. I say - get it over with and then you don't have to worry about it for the day - just like exercise!!!!    But I better get GLOWING skin, defined muscles and lose weight with all this water!!!!  I know - just humour me, ignore me - I'm on another obsessive tangent!!!!!!!!!!



The past two days were just filled with craziness and I didn't get a lot done and now today I am looking at what needs to be done - we are NOT talking THREE critical items - we are talking way more than THREE.  Yikes - thank goodness, there is NOTHING scheduled on the agenda so that means I can tackle that list with a somewhat clear conscious.

I did get my car fixed and in talking to my neighbour whose daughter has the same car - they have had the same issue with the tires - the seals break on the tire and then you get a flat and there is NOTHING you can do but get them resealed!

And in the process - I got the anti-theft nuts removed. Don't ask me why there are only THREE - last time I checked I had FOUR tires on the car!!!   Now I am not sure if these are called wheel locks or lockable lug nuts (and there are several other names) - the names seem to be used differently depending on who is talking. I don't really care what they are called - they are GONE!!!!!!!!!!!

Anti-theft lug nuts - GONE!!!!!!!

On Monday - I also got this last lone Thangles block done. It is a duplicate so goes into the orphan block box. Most important - it is off the shelf.

Orphan block

 We had embroidery club yesterday. I got a lot of work done on a red work block. Just so much fun to chat with the ladies about books, TV shows (OK - so I didn't participate much in that one), what it is like to have Alzheimers (that was a fascinating topic), the Olympics and so much more.  I just love these ladies!!!!!

And I love the fact that we are encouraging each other to get stuff done. This is a small project that Linda had completed except it did NOT have the border on. Now the border is on and it is ready to quilt!!!!!!!!

Linda's snowmen!!!!!!!!!!

I mean - that is what this group thing is all about - how can we help each other to get our stuff done!!!!!


I did spend the afternoon working on something that I can't share at this point. Soon - well in a couple of months. I am designing a mystery quilt for one of the guilds and I am barely keeping ahead of the clues that have to go out with the newsletter. I thought I would try and focus and get it done!!!!!


As I drove past the mall the other day - I spotted a big crane. Oh no - that means the roof and the clock tower are about to come down!!!!!!!!    Better get some pictures.

The clock tower - hard to see at this angle, but there was a guy laying on the left most slope - doing something to prep taking the glass panels down. The entire center of the mall has been boarded off inside. 

The glass roof on the left is completely gone. You can see the roof is still there on the right.    (see where the arrows are pointing)

Well - I have much more to say, but I better tackle that list or I am going to be in trouble. It is going to be a crazy crazy weekend. TWO sit n sew days which are FULL and the $10 quilt at the Hobby Horse. Yikes!!!!!!!



Oh - before I go - I thought I would share this with you.  Check out this story about the coloruful Sochi patchwork quilt designs).   I so want one of the T-shirts - I wonder if Pat was able to get an order together?????


The Sochi quilt



But should you want to make your own quilt - check out this pattern.............


Sochi quilt pattern


Isn't that just the best??????      I think I could break down and add that to my LIST of NEW things to do this year.


On that note - I have run out of time.


Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!