Travel day

I'm home!!! And just like that, DH is off for the week. I swear, coordinating our travels and having two (but three at the moment) dogs is just like having kids in multiple activities! It's a crazy scenario! And it sounds like my work travel for the year (on a plane is not over). Plus I have a few trips by car. It'll all be done by December. 

And who am I kidding -- as much as I "complain" about it -- I LOVE IT!! I wish I would have happened upon this job when I was a LOT younger. When the position for a full-time educator came up, I was torn - do I take that job or stay as a freelance. I would have taken it in a heartbeat if I were younger. Now, I really like the flexibility of going to quilt retreats (five in one year) and taking extended hiking or biking vacations. So my personal time trumps work! BUT -- I LOVE this job, so that was a tough decision. But I think it's best.

I feel blessed to work with a fantastic team of people, play with the toys, and still have some flexibility in the schedule. The best of both worlds, to be sure! 

We had a wrap-up meeting in the morning over breakfast. Everything we could help with had been completed the evening before, so we were free! That is always the case, but we are told not to leave until the afternoon, just in case! The day we booked morning flights would be when something went wrong. 

I had already gone for a walk in the morning, and it was a little bit later than usual, as breakfast was a bit later. So it was lighter! Then Claire suggested we go for a walk as we had some time to kill, so I walked again. Let's say I had my daily quota before leaving the hotel! We left for the airport a bit earlier than we needed to, but only because there was a group of us and we were on three different flights. But that allowed us to have a sit-down lunch at the airport. 

The service was slow, but that's OK. We ate at a burger place that BRANDS their burger buns. That's BurgerFi, in case you're wondering. And I will say that I'm EXTREMELY lucky to have zero health issues regarding food. I can pretty much eat anything, and I'm good. I do draw the line at ketchup. I will NOT eat anything that has been the stuff. I know loads of people love it, but it tastes vile, in my humble opinion. As a matter of fact, we have ZERO condiments in our house. NONE - no mustard, no ketchup, relish, mayo -- NONE. We don't NEED it, and we don't eat it. 

A branded burger

You have to love the changes in technology when it comes to flying, and you have to hate them as well. I figured out how to add TSA Pre-check to my boarding pass, so I went through security in seconds. I did not have to remove anything from my backpack, which is good since everything was crammed into the backpack that wouldn't fit into the suitcase. 

I was determined to NOT check that suitcase so I could get out of the airport quickly. The trick is to leave LOTS of room in the suitcase on the way down because you will have stuff to bring back. Shirts for each day, leftover kits from the classes, and whatever else happens to be lying around. 

The suitcase was HEAVY as I could barely lift it into the overhead bin. But I checked with Air Canada (we were flying United), and your cabin luggage has no weight limit. Only that you are able to put it in the overhead bin. 

I was worried they would say something because it was a bit fat, but I was OK. Another passenger got on the plane, and she had to SHOVE her fat suitcase into the bin. The flight attendant said nothing. So, there was nothing to worry about. 

When I finally got home, I unpacked all the non-clothing items in my suitcase. There was a LOT!!!! I even had two pairs of shoes in the suitcase! This is all sewing machine accessories, kits, sewing supplies, and a whole lot more. 

Non-clothing items in my suitcase

The flights themselves were pretty uneventful, except there was a lot of turbulence on the approach to the runway, and I swear we were being tossed around like a straw in the wind. OK -- so it probably wasn't that bad, but the plane was rocking. They had warned us of that. I hate when they warn us -- I don't want to anticipate turbulence. 

On the way down, I was upgraded to an exit row with lots of room. And they ASKED me before they did that. I supposed it was because it was an exit row. On the way home, I had an electronic boarding pass, which I always use now. I was seated in 37A (window) or something like that. Imagine my surprise when, minutes before boarding, I'm now in 20 B (middle). No asking me if I wanted to switch. I was standing in line to complain when it was time to board the plane. 

SOMEONE asked to be switched, and I got the "friendship" seat, as United calls the middle seat. Seriously?? Could they have asked? I was a bit miffed but got on the plane. Better to have a seat than no seat. They could do that without contacting me because I had an electronic boarding pass, and it literally changed in front of my eyes. Those gate agents were sneaky - No need to call her and get a new paper boarding pass. Hmm

We had to switch planes and terminals in Newark. DH had said that switching was a pain, and he was right. It was a walk to the bus, then a lengthy bus ride across the tarmac, then a walk to the gate in the new terminal. 

Then, the three of us were seated in the same row, which was totally random. What are the chances of that? Then, some young guy got on and tried to switch seats with one of my colleagues so he and his girlfriend could sit beside each other. Then he tried to switch with his girlfriend's seatmate. Neither said yes, but boy, was he persistent until the flight attendant told him to stop. 

We walked to customs together, and then I zipped off to the NEXUS line, and guess what? It worked!!! Although there was a line, it was much shorter than the regular line. OK, I'm a seasoned traveler, as I got everything to work on this flight. 

The chaos at the Uber pickup is still the same. I'm waiting for my driver, and he's messaging me -- "I'm here." Well, yes, you are, but he was far down the line, so I couldn't see him, and how far was I going to walk to find my car? Anyway, we connected, and all was good. 

Needless to say, the girls (even Lexi) were glad to see me last night. OH -- we left the hotel at 11:15 AM, and I arrived home around 11 PM. A LONG travel day. One of the others who left the hotel at the same time got home at 2:30 AM. She had a third flight to catch! 

Mom's home

Mom -- you're home!!!!!

And I got lots of kisses and big licks from the little guy who was very happy to see me. His mom will be here in a few weeks, so we better give him a bath! But his hair is growing, and he's looking super cute!

Grandma's home!!!!!!

We have Monday sewing today, and then I have some jobs. I spotted this note on the counter. Yes -- I knew the vacuum wasn't working, but I had forgotten to do anything about it. That was two weeks ago. OK -- I better call someone as I emptied the container two weeks ago, which didn't solve the problem. 

Work to do! 

DH left me this note. 

Good grief -- another job

And I spotted this treat on the counter. Yep -- that's a pain au chocolate!!! 

A treat with morning coffee

It feels good to be home, and I will enjoy it! I am home for two weeks, and then it will be hit or miss if I'm home in November. 

Was the travel and time away worth it? In a heartbeat!! It was so fun to catch up with friends, meet friends, find new opportunities for the new year (watch for that! - super exciting!), and attend the launch of an AMAZING sewing and embroidery machine. 

But now it's time to return to reality - I have oodles of samples to make, quilts to be trimmed and picked up, and more quilts to quilt! It'll be a jam-packed two weeks! 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!

Mystery solved

Someone mentioned they had machine envy! Oh yes --- this new Husqvarna Viking DESIGNER EPIC 3 is the most amazing sewing/embroidery machine EVER!! Yes -- it comes with a hefty price point -- I will not lie. But if you love machine embroidery or sewing, having a fantastic tool makes it easier to do many things. Most could be done by a smaller machine -- no question. But a better tool makes an easier job. 

For those thinking about a larger embroidery machine, I bet you could get your hands on the DESIGNER EPIC 2 for an excellent price since many people have traded their EPIC 2 for the EPIC 3. It is hard to switch brands, so that might not be your thing. Anyway -- enough about that. 

The last day of the convention was another great day, even though we had to pack up MANY machines at the end of the day. So for anyone who has envy about my job -- don't be! While it's fun, it's not for the faint of heart when it comes to the end. 

The machines not only had to be "taken apart" (foot pedal off, unplugged, etc), but then they had to be put into the boxes, and these machines are heavy. So -- we did have hired help for that. Let's just say that if I were in charge, I'd do things a wee bit differently. I'll provide feedback on that for the next convention. Nothing terrible happened, but the more hands, the quicker the job, and that's all I will say there. 

I will say that I had another incident with my room. Of course, I did. When I returned from walking, I couldn't enter my room AGAIN! This time, the light was flashing yellow. So, back down to the front desk. 

OH --- I just went to load the pictures, and they changed the interface!!!! You know me and change -- I don't like change! Oh well -- I'll get over it! 

Here's the thing with the lobby. This is the view from my room, as this hotel has an open atrium. The elevators are in the opposite corner of the hotel from my room. I almost felt like shouting over the railing since the lobby is on the left-hand side where that white flooring is. But I didn't -- it's all about gathering steps!

The lobby

Anyway -- this is the room from hell! Thankfully, it's not 666, but if you add the 7 and 5 - it could be 666 in disguise!

My room

Here's the thing. I had the "do not disturb" on my door, and it wouldn't open. So, no one is allowed to come in. When I returned to my room to wait for the engineer, the sign was on the inside of the door, and it worked fine. Seriously? Did the guy come that quick? (I doubt it!). 

The only thing I can imagine happened is that I was on the wrong floor? I'm on the top floor, so I can't see how I would make that mistake. 

I returned to my room and just got out of the shower, and there was a knock on the door. ACK!!!! There's no robe -- what to grab? OH - a towel! And at the door was the engineer to fix my door. The poor guy was so embarrassed. Hey -- you can't see anything -- I'm covered! 

The good news is that the door worked fine when I returned to the room late at night. 

However, when I had the "sawing" incident in my room, I heard someone had to move rooms. That person just sat at my table at lunchtime, so I got the scoop. Apparently, the toilet in his room wasn't working. I'm not sure what that means -- I didn't go into details. But he said it looked like it had been worked on before as it had scratch marks. 

So, the maintenance men were there at 11:30 PM to fix his toilet. And they made a huge amount of noise doing it. As mentioned, Jamie had to move rooms, and they returned to try fixing it again! 

Will I complain? You bet -- just wait until I get the feedback survey! I'm going to have fun with that one. Plus, I'll write a letter because this has been the room from hell! 

I'm off for one last walk through the gated community. Breakfast is a bit later this morning, so there's no rush, but I must get out. And I will confess that with all the walking in the convention hall, I didn't need to go for a walk last night. 

I am grateful I'm in good shape. I will say one thing --- just because a person appears thin or small to you does not mean they do not have weight issues. I have been conscious of it my entire life, and I work hard to stay that way. People need baths with Epsom salts to ease tired muscles. I can't remember the last time I had a bath. I hate taking a bath and wouldn't dream of it unless it was the last thing on earth, and even then -- I'd pass. Keep yourself in good shape; I won't go further than that. 

I'm not younger than these people, and yes, I have knee issues, as we all know, but I do not want to become an invalid before my time. My mobility is essential to me, and I make sure it's on the priority list - even when I travel for events like this!

I've walked almost 82 KM (according to my Fitbit) since Monday, and that's normal for me!!! No moss grows under my wheels. But you can't be me! I've been active for over 40+ years, and it's part of my DNA and daily routine. Do what you can do for you!

It's a travel day that will be rather long, with several hours in various airports, but that's OK. The girls and the boy will be happy to see me tonight. I think they have been somewhat "neglected" by DH. 

Have a super day!!1

Ciao!!!!!

Just keep walking!

Another amazing day! How can it not be amazing when surrounded by great people and products!

I don't have time to take videos, nor do I think it's appropriate for me, but I know someone who did a pretty good overview, and I sort of photobombed them in the process. This video is 30 minutes long. I think I show up around the 20-minute mark. But have a look because it gives you a good overview of what's happening. 

I was out bright and early yesterday to get in my walk. The grounds are quite beautiful, and the temperature has definitely warmed up! I see that it's already 21 this morning. That means it'll be hot and steamy. 

I snapped this picture of part of the grounds - you can see the steam (I'm sure it's not steam) rising from the water. Just Googled it -- it's called steam fog!

Beautiful grounds

But this time, I made it all the way to the end of the gated community. I noticed that the last little part, which ends at a street, does NOT have a sidewalk, so I walked on the road to get to the very end. I'm guessing that is so the casual person walking by (as if!) wouldn't be tempted to walk in here. 

The map of the gated community

There are loads of side streets, but I'm wondering how well-lit they are, and I'm not sure they have sidewalks, so I'm perfectly happy to do what I'm doing. It works for me. I've met a few people along the way (in the dark!), but only a few. I guess more will come out (if they even walk here) during the day. 

Let's say I've had my share of woes with this room. I got back from the walk and was going to have a quick shower when I realized this was what the shower looked like. 

The tap is wonky

The water would flow from the tap, but the lever on the end wouldn't allow me to convert from the tub to the shower. Oh well -- a quick sponge bath, and I was ready to go. They have fixed it, but I never thought to check that the little lever works. I assume they fixed that when they attached the spout to the wall. 

They will be very happy to see the end of me, and I don't think I have EVER had to complain to the front desk in any previous hotel. This one takes the cake! I believe it needs an uplift!

And the other crazy thing about the bathroom is the taps on the sink. When I turn on the hot water, the cold water tap leaks. Seriously??? 

The tap is leaking!

I spent half of the day in a Kimberbell class, and oh my -- what fun we had quilting in the hoop on some cute projects. You know that anything that Kimberbell does is cute!!! They made a small zippered pouch. 

And in another class, they made fascinators using the serger! It was so much fun to be in both. 

I'm in more classes today. I'm one of the assistants, so I don't get to do the projects. But I have the instructions, so I can make the projects later. 

I'm going to be tired today. I was pretty wound up, so I didn't get as much sleep as I would like, but it had nothing to do with the noise! 

I'll be off shortly for my walk. I did NOT have to go out for a walk last night as we had to move a few things around and let's just say that I hit my goal doing that. I was happy as I was tired and in bed early. That's probably why I'm awake early.

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!