I'm a jinx!

So much for a free day! I left the hotel at 9 AM, and I didn't get back until after 8 PM. Considering I didn't have a car at my disposal, that was a pretty full day! 

First, though, if anyone wants to see the classes I am offering, I have listed them in this blog post. I was going to do some work on the dates and so on yesterday, but I didn't have time. At least you will know what I am teaching - you just don't know specific dates yet. I might throw in a few short (one- or two-session) classes, such as a session on the Trendtex challenge kit, for anyone who is interested. And I might be doing something with that batting I get my hands on next month, but those will be short and mostly for informational purposes, not a new project. 

Feel free to purchase the patterns if you wish, but I am going to explain more and show you more pictures of the wool applique kits, and I'm still working out options, so you could get some thread for the kit. If you have a kit already or bought one at the show, no big deal. That is the class with the most options. There are kits by Sue Spargo and Wendy Williams, and I can't find the Wendy Williams kits online. There is no rush to buy anything, as classes will not start until September. 

I decided to go for a walk to start the day. It was beautiful, and I almost wished I had worn shorts, but given what happened, I was glad I did not. 

I passed by more artwork. This was a huge set of marbles in a park. I guess I should have walked closer to them to get a picture. I can't seem to find a way to crop pictures on this silly laptop, so I'll have to figure that out at some point. But those large marbles were as shiny as any marble you would hold in your hand. 

Giant marbles in a park

Then I thought I would check for any Adventure Lab artwork, and this is what I spotted along the way. You really can't see the artwork, and sadly, some of the paint is peeling. It was painted in 2015 and depicts the boat people who came from Vietnam. The mural depicts one of the men who came to Canada as a refugee. And it is painted on a building that this man owns. 

A mural

I took the most direct way to my destination, not the prettiest. So I mostly walked along major streets, but I'm sure there was a prettier way to get to my first destination. 

There was a power line corridor that had no houses. However, there were garden plots for rent in that area, and what a great use of the land. 

Garden plots for rent

And after an hour walk (equivalent to walking the girls), I arrived at my destination. The McNally Robinson bookstore - the original one. No quilts are hanging up as there are in the Saskatoon store. As an independent bookstore, this one is amazing!! I could walk around for hours. I notice there are NO places to sit. Sadly, those spots have been abused over the years, and they are gone. But that's OK. 

McNally Robinson bookstore

But I wandered around and spotted so much good stuff. Sdly, I don't have a lot of room in my suitcase. I spotted this GAMES magazine in the magazine section. This magazine had been around for a very long time, as I was introduced to it in my late teens. It used to feature articles about games and game events, but now it's just a magazine with puzzles. I did not buy it. I don't think I have any of the old issues still around, but the masthead is very similar to the original! 

The GAMES magazine is still around!

OH MY—you can find anything and everything online. The first issue was released in Sept/Oct 1977. Check it out here, and I remember that first masthead!!!! 

There is the craft section, which has been greatly reduced over the years. But the way we get our information in the craft world has greatly changed. I did pick up one magazine that is hard to find at home. 

The hobby/craft section

And then I got a phone call from my friend I was going to meet, and she said she'd come to the bookstore, so I browsed around some more while I waited for her. Oh my --- the puzzles. There were two big shelves of puzzles - I think the other store has more, but there were so many new brands I had never seen before, and it was like being a kid in a candy store. I can't wait to get home and finish the one on my table. 

Part of the puzzle section

OK -- so I bought a puzzle! Let's just say that it's going to take some creative packing to get all this stuff in my suitcases. Or as I mentioned yesterday, I might just have to take a tote bag on the plane with me. I'm good either way. At least, I don't have to worry about the weight in my suitcase - 70 pounds times three is my included limit. That is way more important to me than having access to the lounge. 

While I was looking through everything, I spotted this in the games section. 

Threaded, the game

This is a brand-new game, and it's all about choosing patterns and thread to create bargello embroidery. I don't really understand how it works, and it's hard to see from the boxes, but you can learn more on their website.  Actually, when you read the description, it's pretty funny because it's based on how we work! Wait for a sale and hope it's still there, or pay more and get it now!

The back of the box

And I got a chuckle from this sign. Isn't that like us quilters? Why buy one fat quarter when you can buy the bundle!

Then my friend (Jeannette) showed up. Jeanette and I were in Katimavik together - almost 50 years ago! I have seen her on and off over those 50 years, and we have communicated a lot via text and Facebook. We had lunch together at the bookstore and chatted for hours. Then we needed to get moving - I was surprised that they didn't kick us out, but there was always at least one empty table in the restaurant, so we were good. 

Then she drove me to see her cute house in Winnipeg. She met her first husband in Katimavik and, sadly, after they had four children, he got sick and passed away. She married another friend later in life, and sadly, he is gone as well. So she now has this cute house in Winnipeg that is hers! 

Then we got in the car and drove outside Winnipeg to visit my Katimavik roommate from 50 years ago! Carol and I were roommates in Esquimalt (Victoria, BC). We have many memories together in that room! Carol and Jeannette both came from London, Ontario, and it's funny that they both ended up in Winnipeg. 

I have a picture to share, but I will wait until I get home. But Carol's husband, who Jeanette knows from London, is into medieval things in a big way, and he made these rattles for their new grandchild, who is arriving sometime soon. Many conversations were happening, and I couldn't keep them all straight. 

3-D printed sword rattles

They are not sharp and have beads inside, so they are true rattles. He made them on his 3-D printer. Apparently, you can find this design on Thingiverse.com. 

Sadly, we couldn't stay too long, but it was getting late in the day anyway. Jeannette had to pick up her daughter at the airport, and I was off to visit with my nephew. She dropped me off, and then Devin and I hopped in his Tesla and drove out to a different airport. We were going for a plane ride in his plane!

However, when we arrived at the hangar where he stores his plane, the darn thing had a flat tire, so we couldn't go!!!! How disappointing. This is the plane that my Dad went for a ride over the farm last month, with Devin as the pilot! 

My nephew's plane

While I was disappointed, it was OK. I'll just have to arrange to come back, or, as he needs to gather hours, he can fly to Ontario. 

It was funny because when my friend wanted to show me her new self-driving Tesla, the FSD mode wasn't working that day, so she had to drive the car herself. Then, just as Devin is about to take me for a ride in his plane, a tire goes flat. Hmmm --- what will be next? 

I have a free morning today, and then I'm off to Carellen Sewing Center to chat about our 24" Singer Momento digital cutter. There are two sessions -- one at 1 PM and one at 6 PM. So be sure to come out and see how it works, check out the samples, and learn all the fun things you can do with it. 

I'll be getting things organized this morning, so I may take a short walk, and then I'm going to Uber it to the store. It's going to be way cheaper to do that than rent a car. It's not that far away, but trudging a suitcase behind me? That's not going to happen. 

Then tomorrow is all about quilting with your embroidery machine, which will be fun as well. 

By the time my nephew dropped me off last night, it was after 8 PM, and we hadn't even gone for a flight. It was a long day! But it was fun to catch up with everyone. I'm now on my own for the remainder of this trip, but I don't have much free time either. 

Have a wonderful day!!!

Ciao!!!!

The apple fell close to the tree!

And then this happened. I was up early, wrote the blog, gave the dogs a short walk, called an Uber, and soon was at the airport! I know!!! Don't worry - I had at least 20 minutes before the luggage cutoff time.

I see they have new check-in kiosks at the airport, and they are nice. And they WORK!!! So I was able to print my two bag tags with zero problems. Actually, it wasn't the printing of the tags that was an issue in the past; I couldn't get the darn thing to recognize me. But with the little scanner at the front of the machine, I used my electronic boarding pass and soon had what I needed. 

New check-in kiosks

But I learned something yesterday. Of course, I did -- what day do I not learn something? This is a quick trip and sort of work-related, so I have a bag of samples with me. I might as well check my carry-on, since I have to wait for the other bag. I put the tags on my two bags and went to the automated bag drop. The machine said my carry-on was too large. WHAT? I've always used these bags. AHA -- then I clued in -- there's a specific tag for the carry-on, and I had put it on my big suitcase! Yep - not only does that machine weigh your bag and scan the label, but it measures it! 

I whipped over to an agent, and yes -- that was the problem. It was easy enough to switch the tags, and the bags were on their merry way! 

Through the Air Canada app, I received three messages about my bags, telling me that they were accepted (7:50), prepping to load the bags (8:04), and then that they were loaded onto the plane (8:50). All with a timestamp. The bags were unloaded at 10:50 and arrived at the carousel at 11:00. And of course, I knew which carousel to pick them up at! 

Since this flight was booked at the last minute, I was stuck in the middle seat, which was fine. DH had borrowed my office backpack for his trip, and I was OK with that because I wasn't going anywhere. Then I needed to go somewhere, and I had no office backpack! I found this messenger bag that I've had for years and never used. 

My messenger bag

It only has one strap, and with the weight of my laptop, iPad, a bottle of water, and some food, I found it heavy and awkward. 

As I watched people board the plane from my middle seat, I noticed the types of backpacks they had. Hmm - the young person sitting across the aisle from me had an interesting backpack, so as I stood up to let my window seat mate in, I asked this girl what brand it was. Hmmm -- that looks pretty interesting. I NEED an office backpack - a proper one. I don't know why I haven't bought one before. 

When I sat down, my seatmate started to tell me about her backpack. I'm not a talker on a plane, but this young girl and I ended up talking the entire flight, which never happens! She was my daughter's age, and we hit it off like we had been friends for years. 

She's just finishing her Master's in a fascinating field - epidemiology. Now, most of us would think of disease-related, and we would be right. But it also involves prevention, and her thesis was related to school food programs to see if a better diet can prevent future issues. Of course it can! I'm sure I messed up that explanation. Sorry! 

So we chatted about everything under the sun, and I don't think I've ever had a better conversation and for so long in such a long time! It was refreshing to see her attitude. I hope she finds a job as she's just finished school, and now the great job search begins. So, if anyone out there is in the healthcare system and looking for someone to hire! 

Remember those business cards I put in my little pouch? I gave her one! I hope she gets in touch as I would love to hear how it goes. It was great meeting you, Zoe!

Then I got my rental car. The color on the tag is listed as orange, but it basically looks like my car, and then I was off. Yep - I'm in Saskatoon!

I'm in Saskatoon

I stopped at my favorite bookstore - Robinson McNally. AHA -- these little miniature room kits are all the rage these days. They had the biggest selection that I've seen anywhere, and even though I have room in my suitcase, I didn't buy any! 

Miniature room kits

The quilt and craft magazine section is pretty small, but I still found two titles that I like to follow. And some day, my subconscious and I will have a fight about getting rid of them. But not today! The information has moved online, so it's still there - just in a different format. 

Quilt magazine section at the bookstore

The Saskatoon Quilt Guild always had quilts on display, and this was a unique take on the tumbling block quilt. Sorry -- they are hanging on the balcony, and it's hard to get the label information. 

A tumbling block quilt

There was an entire shelf devoted to tidying up your life and home. Needless to say, I did not buy any of those books. 

Tidy up your home books

Shoot --- I spotted this - Nina Prose is going to be at the bookstore TOMORROW, but that day doesn't work for me. It would have been fun to attend her book signing. I have her second book on hold in my book list. 

Book signing alert!

And there was obviously a quilter in the bookstore as I spotted this license plate on the way to my car! 

Do you think a quilter owns this car?

WOW --- there was a lot to see at the bookstore. OH - I did buy one book - an impulse purchase. I didn't take a picture, but I'll share it with you tomorrow. 

Then it was off to the thrift store, where I looked in all the usual places, but I didn't find anything I needed or wanted. Drat - I even have room in the suitcase! But if you want a crocheted afghan, this seems like the place to get one! 

LOTS of afghans up for grabs

Even as my Mom generates more. But the crochet is giving her something to do, so I'm not knocking it. It just seems a shame that so many afghans are waiting here to be loved by someone. 

I was tired because I hadn't gotten a lot of sleep the night before, so I pulled over and took a nap! The weather is quite warm, and I didn't even need a jacket. It was also very windy. 

Does anyone remember this brand? We used to have a store called the Pop Shoppe, and we would take our plastic cartons with the empties back to get more. We didn't drink a lot of pop, but we did have this for a while. 

The Pop Shoppe

And there's the big red bull at the truck stop called The Red Bull. That place has been there forever. It's the equivalent of our big stops on the 400 series highways back home. There used to be a geocache at this location, and we finally found it, but it took us many trips to figure it out. 

The red bull at the Red Bull truck stop

I decided to take a detour and visit the farm, but also stopped at the cemetery as it was on my way. These graves are my grandparents on my Mom's side. 

Family gravesite

And look at those magnificent skies! We just don't get the same view back home, as there are too many houses and trees. It was windy, and the temperature dropped a bit. The dust was blowing like mad when I was in the cemetery, and it was cold, so I didn't stop long, as I had left my jacket in the car. 

The living skies

Oh my -- the farmyard looks so different. There isn't much left, and the yard isn't overgrown, but it used to be bare and is now starting to get covered in grass and weeds. My brother has done a massive job cleaning up everything, and there are just a few things of Dad's that remain. My brother also has a "few" old vehicles that need to be dealt with. 

I got out of the car and walked around, but only for a few steps each time, as I mostly drove the car around the yard. Well, imagine my surprise when I was about 2 KM from the yard and I found this on my neck. ^&&*(*&^^

A TICK!!!!

I did not find any others but those little buggers!!!! And they are hard to kill—you need to slice them open. I just opened the car door and flicked it outside. Thank goodness, I kept my walking to a minimum. 

Then I arrived at the apartment and had a good visit with Mom and Dad. I'm teaching a class today, but I'll be back this evening. 

So Dad "works" at the Western Development Museum. He's actually a volunteer who works on restoring old engines. Yep - before everything had its own motor or power source, equipment was often powered by a stationary engine. I must try to find the YouTube video of one that he's restored. 

He is often the only volunteer on any given day, but he works with the other employees in the shop. There are not many who work there. 

But here's the thing, and the apple did not fall far from the tree on this. One of the volunteers moved to Saskatoon and went to that location of the Museum to volunteer, but it wasn't the same, so he drives from Saskatoon to volunteer here because it's better. What my Dad doesn't get is that they come to this location because of him! My DAD is what makes this volunteer program the best. I tried to explain that to him, but I don't think he gets it. If he weren't there, they wouldn't be doing all that they are doing. 

He is the driving force behind their success. My Dad can still do lathe work and offer suggestions, but can't lift or carry things. But that is what the others do. Dad supervises, and they work as a well-oiled machine to get the work done! I hope he realizes that!!! 

I laugh because I think that is me sometimes. Now Dad doesn't organize anything - he's not that kind of person, but I organize things so they happen! 

Well, I'm off as I need to eat, have a shower, and then hit the road. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

All waxed up!!

The weather is just totally insane. Earlier this week, we had high humidity and hot temperatures. I'm wearing my sweatshirt this morning, and it's only 14 outside. Zero humidity. I'm not complaining—I can put on more clothes, but it changes so much from day to day that you don't know what to wear! 

Sadly, we are leaving later today. I'm not ready!!! I have a lot of stuff to do at home, so I guess I'm good to go. Plus, those two girls will be very excited to see me. 

I've been up early and already at work. I've got all the flying geese for the 365-day quilt trimmed and ready to sew together in a border around the center block. How exciting is that! Before finishing that task, I have to make the four corner blocks. I won't have time this morning, but who knows what I'll get to when I get home. 

Trimming quilt components

I downloaded an audiobook, put on my headphones, and trimmed early in the morning. In addition to trimming those flying geese, I decided to work on the bag of half-square triangles, and my goal is to finish trimming them before I leave. Why not get the darn things done? I want to say that I'm halfway through. I made good progress so far, and that's all that counts. 

We had a good laugh yesterday when one of the ladies pulled out a UFO. Look at the detailed notes she had in her box. 

Detailed instructions for a UFO

And then look at this. There was a note, but all it did was bookmark the pattern in the book!! 

No instructions - just a bookmark!

If there is one, most of my notes look like the second example! I need to change that because no one will know what it's all about if I don't finish a project. 

We stopped at the used bookstore yesterday, and I hit the jackpot. I had 31 books on my list, and I found 11 of them, many from before 2000. 

Inside the bookstore

Like many used bookstores, it's a maze but extremely well organized. The name is CTR Books (Orangeville), and the owner is amazing. I had a list by author and title, and she had everything on the computer for those I couldn't find by myself. She had to dig in a box in the back for one of the books—I think that was the one from 1967! She's very knowledgeable and very helpful. 

And YES—I can return books to her, so I'm going home to unpack those donation boxes. I should have brought them with me. DRAT!!!! They have sales in February, June, and October, so I might wait and come up in October to return the others! 

They only take cash, so now I owe everyone in my group! Thank goodness for them and their emergency funds!

While we were there, someone spotted this old tractor! Oh my—we had to stop, and I took pictures and sent them to my dad. This is a Rumley tractor manufactured in Indiana. It's pretty old, but it has been refurbished. 

A Rumley tractor

OK -- so when we got back and had a quick bite, we were ready for our afternoon adventure, and this was the setup. 

Setup to make waxed food wraps

We were making beeswax food wraps. Since none of us had made them, we had no idea how it would go. It ended up being a group exercise as we helped each other. They had to go in and out of the oven, and it was hilarious as we had timers going off and dancing around each other to keep the production line going. 

Waxed food wraps in progress

We had borrowed a melter for the wax, which worked like a charm. 

The wax melter

We worked as a team to let the wax harden on the fabric. 

Having fun with waxed food wraps

In the end, we each made 8 wraps, and I used up all the fabric I cut. Yeah!!! That was very cool, and I'd make them again. It helped that we could borrow all the equipment from someone who makes these and sells them. 

Our finished wraps

I've been drinking Yogi tea for a couple of weeks, and only yesterday did I realize (after someone mentioned it) that all the tea bags have a wee saying on them. Who knew!!!!

The saying on the tea bag

Finally, we got back to sewing, and I finished the quilt top. That was great. Then, I started on the next project, which I can't share because it's going into a magazine. 

Another quilt top - DONE

Wow—I love quilting retreats. I love getting together with friends and doing things we don't normally do, like taking little side trips. It's all a great feeling. Thanks to all my retreat friends!!!

I have some retreats booked for 2025 and know I'll have spots open. So, if you are interested, please let me know. The retreats are all booked for near New Hamburg in Ontario. elainetheriault@gmail.com

I've been keeping up my walking and walking more than my daily goal of 12.7 km. I'm a little bit behind, so the extra will take me closer to getting ahead. Hopefully, I can drop that daily goal, but I've got to work to make that happen. 

Well, I'm off for the morning walk, so I can sew before I leave!!!

Have a super day!!

Ciao!!!

Travel Day

And another uneventful day of travel is behind me. I'll admit that I'm a bit shallow sometimes! Hey -- we're allowed to be that way once in a while. This was an exceptional year of travel for me, and a while back, I wondered if I would make 25K status with Air Canada. That would allow me Zone 2 boarding (always a delight) and two free luggage (up to 50 lbs), which is essential in what I do. That happened a while ago, and well, a couple more flights got booked, and hey -- can I make it to 35K status? That would give me three free luggage - but UP TO 70 lbs, so I wouldn't have to worry about the weight limit. I will NEVER pack 70 lbs and NEVER have three suitcases, but I'm often at 55 lbs. So, the 35K status would solve that issue. 

I was close, so one last trip was booked to get those final points. At least I booked a trip to Saskatchewan, which is relatively inexpensive. DH knows someone who booked a trip to Japan and Argentina (two different trips) so they could maintain their Superelite status! Now that's a bit much! 

It all gets complicated in terms of which status is better, and of course, you can't just buy trips for the sake of getting status - that would be silly. Zone 1 versus Zone 2 boarding? Seriously? Do I need to be the first on the plane? NO. Do I need access to the lounge? There's never enough time to get to the lounge to fully enjoy it, so that would be a waste. Nope -- I'm happy with what I have. I do have upgrade coupons that I can use, so they may come in handy! 

But I timed it yesterday, and from the moment I left the Uber at the door until I was through security, it took 5 minutes! FIVE minutes -- yep -- that's pretty good, and I even checked a piece of luggage. It was the lightest piece of luggage I've ever checked as it was empty. Well, it had my other suitcase inside. I hope to bring a few things home with me. 

The airport was pretty quiet yesterday, but I can make it from the front door through security in good time, even on a crowded day. If you know where you're going and how to do it -- it's all good. 

Yesterday, I made it through Tim's line and to the gate in under 20 minutes. That was a record. Look what I found at Tim's. What's the deal with the chocolate pastries? I hate to say it, but NONE of them taste like those in Spain. Hey -- you have to work for it to appreciate it! 

Chocolate pastries at Tim's

But -- I was leaving at a gate I'd never been to before and never even noticed. We had to go downstairs. OH -- that means we're boarding OUTSIDE. Thankfully, it was a warm day as my coat was in my luggage! But the plane was small, and they didn't even take gate checks of carryon. Thankfully, I only had my backpack. 

This was our plane. A little one! Notice the people entering the plane are as tall as the plane! I feel like Saskatoon is now on the list of secondary flight destinations from Toronto. But the flight was full. 

Boarding the plane

The flight was totally uneventful - just the way I like them. You couldn't fly anywhere a while back without a lot of turbulence, but lately, there's been very little. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? 

I had to wait for the luggage for quite a while, which was very unusual, and then I got my rental vehicle. OK -- so this is the biggest car I've ever rented - I hate it because it's so big, but that's OK - I chose it. But is it a car? No - Is it a truck? Not really. It's an SUV, and we've had many discussions at Monday sewing about trucks versus SUVs versus cars. My bet is that the large SUVs are built on a truck body, and the small ones are built on a car body. Call it what you want -- it works. NO mention of snow tires here. 

My rental vehicle

Then, I was off to my favorite bookstore of all time. Robinson McNally. It was packed yesterday, and this was the puzzle section. I did NOT buy a puzzle or even look at them. 

STEP AWAY from the puzzles

I wanted lunch as I had yet to eat, and the restaurant in the bookstore was packed, so I had to wait for a table. But I got a buzzer so I could browse. I looked at the quilts - a couple of interesting ones. The Saskatoon Quilters Guild hangs quilts in the bookstore, rotating every 3 or 4 months. Most are for sale, but some are not. 

A quilt hanging in the bookstore

I checked out the craft books and spotted this! Yep -- you could make a quilt, and you could also crochet the same pattern. Interesting concept!

To quilt or crochet?

I spotted one about curves that was very intriguing, and I noted it. It could make an interesting class. Perhaps an in-person class. I bought a small book and a couple of magazines. I know -- I do NOT need them, and I thought long and hard and then walked to the cash. So help me, god, M will be ditching a lot of magazines. But if I have my way, I'll be reading them. And I am! Just very slowly. 

I bought this one the other day and threw it in my bag for the flight. I read it cover to cover. It was an excellent read and brings about lots of questions. In the textile program at Sheridan College, there was much discussion about art and craft. Which is which, and how do they differ? 

A great read on the concept of art and craft

I earmarked many pages to share with you, but if you can download the magazine. It talks about art versus craft but then gives a high overview of several crafts, including clay, quilting, quilling, block printing, etc. I found it fascinating, but I am NOT just a quilter, and I'm curious! 

But it also made me realize that I need to find new outlets for 2024. I don't mean add new stuff to my plate - well, yes and no. I need to add new stuff that I want to do personally! Not share on a Zoom session with others. But something that I want to experiment with and play with  - just for me. I know I'm going to suck at it at the beginning, and it's going to look like cut and paste from a kindergarten, but that's the only way I'm going to get to the level I want. And that was one of the magazines I bought yesterday. And if you must know the subject - it's art journaling! I've wanted to go down that path for a long time and needed more time (focus). So, I will try to make that a personal focus next year. 

And if you live close to me and want a hands-on experience, we have a workshop retreat for making a journal, which you can then fill with whatever you want! That's January 9 - 11, and I can't wait!!! There is room for one or two more people, so let me know. 

I will share a lot of bits from The Art of Craft, as there was fascinating stuff in it!!!

OH -- and here is the UFO homework that I completed for Sunday. While they look the same, they are two different quilts. I made good progress this past month, and I have a plan for the next couple of months to complete both. Then I get to choose another UFO to work on!! I can't wait!!!!

Cabin in the Woods -- Number One

Cabin in the Woods - Number Two

OH - -then I stopped at the Museum where my Dad "works." The guy is 90 and treats it as his work, and why not! If that keeps him alive, he can call it whatever the heck he wants to! He's so well-liked and APPRECIATED by the staff and other volunteers. It is a pleasure to stop by and see all the stuff he is building for himself and the Museum. He works on old engines for the Museum, and if he can't find the part, he BUILDS it. Yep --- a man without even a high school education can build pretty much anything!! Out of metal! That's a CRAFT, and it just goes to show that university and education are NOT for everyone! 

As I entered the front door, I spotted their Christma Village display. That's a huge display!!! I checked closely and did not see a quilt shop!

The Christmas Village display

I did something I rarely do, and that was to book a room before I arrived. The rooms are sometimes filled with travelers or business workers, but line workers, electricians, highway crews, etc., need rooms, so I had tried to book the night before online, and that didn't work. So I called - oh yes -- they had room. I checked in late afternoon but did not go to the room. 

When I finally got to the room, it was COLD! The heat wasn't on, which made me laugh because four of us booked two rooms on a road trip years ago. We did the same thing - we checked in and went for dinner. The heat wasn't on in the rooms, and when we arrived ready to go to bed, the rooms were FREEZING. We all went to bed fully dressed, and it wasn't until almost the morning that the room finally warmed up! 

This room wasn't quite that bad, but it was cold! 

Well, I've got some visiting to do today, and I need to get breakfast, so I best get the day started. I have to find time to walk, but not walking this morning. It's still dark, and the roads are not the best for walking in the dark. I don't want someone to whack me! 

And start thinking about that room you want to tackle come January. Elle posted a comment about which room you should pick. I don't care which room you pick, but it would be great if you followed along with me. We cannot yell at other people for their junk when we have junk ourselves. And we CANNOT leave it for our children or someone else to deal with. We just cannot! We are more responsible than that. So pick a room - a closet, a box. Think how much better you'll feel when that is cleared, and the next box will be easier to deal with!! We will have some TOUGH decisions ahead, but we'll all feel better because of it! 

I can't begin to tell you how much better I feel since I started down this path of decluttering. It's easier to move around my house. It's way easier to find things (most of the time), and it's like a weight lifts off my shoulders as the junk goes out the door. Some things will be sad to get rid of, and I've kept a few of those things. But they will go --- remember -- this stuff is ONLY valuable while we are alive. When we are gone, it's junk. So if it's valuable to us and we're not using it? Is it really valuable? NO! It's junk! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!