A trip to the bookstore

I LOVE the idea of the electoral candidate getting his kids involved in making posters! We need to teach kids from an early age (well, old enough to know) about elections and why they matter. Your signs stand out, and kids learn something. What a smart idea! 

That was in response to a comment on the blog about all the AI-generated signs having the same look and feel. Zero creativity in that exercise, and those posters were way too wordy. 

So even with the best-laid plans, the day didn't go quite as I had envisioned. I got lots done, and yet I didn't. My morning, like I'm sure yours is, was busy. By the time I got the blog written, DH off to the train, the house a wee bit tidier because the cleaning service was coming (I know, we have to discuss that topic one day), and the girls walked, it was well after 9 AM. The dishwasher didn't get unloaded until much later. 

I was off to my massage, and I did explain what happened with the physio and my ribs. But all was good. Misty mentioned that I seem much looser than I have been in the past, though she still found some tight spots; of course she did! That's what I pay her for! But it felt really good. One day I should just have a relaxing massage, maybe with hot stones and super relaxing music, and fall asleep. That will never happen with these ones, and I'm OK with that. 

Then it was lunchtime, and I had a few errands to run after that. The traffic in the area I went to was HIDEOUS. One or two lanes were closed for road construction, and traffic backed up everywhere! If I had known, I would have taken a side street to get to my destination, but all was good. 

I wanted to check out Indigo and spent a long time browsing the books and magazines. I took lots of pictures (why not) of things that I found curious or fun! Of course I did - who else takes pictures in the bookstore? 

For the Bob Ross fans, he is never going to die. He died on July 4, 1995 - and was only 52!!! But he lives on everywhere. I spotted a coloring book. 

Bob Ross coloring book

As I was looking at the quilting magazines (I didn't buy any), I looked at the section next to me. OH GOSH, tell me AI redid the covers of all those magazines. Seriously??? The front page design is the SAME for all of them. Even the coloring on the front cover picture is similar. Boring!!!!! 

Similar style magazine front covers

If you are into puzzles and want something with loads of variety, here are two brands I recommend. Game (World of Puzzles) has a huge variety of puzzles, lots of logic, some Sudoku, crosswords, and a whole raft of other types. This magazine has been around for YEARS (I'm guessing 50+ years) in various formats, but it's an excellent variety of puzzles. 

Games World of Puzzles

This is the other brand I highly recommend - Dell. It's been around for years, and while they have many magazines, I love Math & Logic Puzzles best. I've never had a problem with any of the puzzles. Well, except that some of them might be tough, but they all made sense! 

Dell Math & Logic Puzzles

They also have lots of new game types, which I noticed on the online puzzle site I now have a year-long membership to. OK, I caved and bought both magazines so I could learn some of the new puzzle styles. 

Then I spotted 3D puzzles and these miniature rooms. They are adorable!!! I have one, and I should dig it out and make that my puzzle for the week. 

Miniature rooms - 3D puzzles

Seriously? I thought this book was fun!!! I didn't buy it - I was tempted, but it was somewhat expensive; however, there is a sale coming up! Imagine if we got back into the habit of writing mail. But this was more - just create a small piece of art, decorate the envelope, and send it! I really, really like this idea, and I know the perfect person to receive my snail mail! 

The Art of Snail Mail

I just Googled it - the book is brand new and created by an Australian (?). Here's a short video about the book. I think the concept is brilliant, and it's a chance to put the screens down and do something with our hands. Since we all have amazing craft supplies at home, imagine making mini pieces of art and sending them to someone. 

Then I found this book about quilting. I told you -- I explored the entire store, something I haven't done in a very long time, but it was fun! I found this book, "School of Quilting," in the craft section. There aren't many quilting books left at the bookstore. I wish that had been the case when I was learning - I wouldn't have so many books!!! 

Anyway, this book is very expensive and wrapped in plastic. Who wants to buy an expensive book you can't look at? You know what they say, "you can't judge a book by its cover!"

Expensive book wrapped in plastic

Then I spotted a book: sewing clothes for Barbie!! Barbie never dies!!! I was very excited about this book because these sewing crafts and skills are back in vogue. Let's hope they stay forever!!! I was tempted, but I don't need more patterns for sewing Barbie clothes, but imagine some young person getting their first sewing machine and this book!

Sewing Clothes for Barbie

In the checkout line, there are a HUGE number of impulse-buy items. Of course there is. I wonder how many people buy things from here. It must be loads because there is always tons of stuff there. I spotted small handwork kits; these were cross-stitch. 

Mini cross-stitch kits

And there was a punchneedle kit as well. 

A punch needle kit

And finally, when I reached the cash register (not because of a line, but because I'd spent so much time in the store), I was happy to see a Canadian author's (Louse Penny) books plastered at every cash register. I didn't buy the book because I am far down the list of books I want to read by her, and I will get it from the library. 

Louise Penny's new book at the cash register!

Thanks to a friend, I acquired another jigsaw puzzle. OK, it seems I'm hooked on the Villager puzzle brand. How can you not, when this is their slogan? 

Love this slogan

The artwork is by my online friend, Cynthia Frenette. She won the artwork competition for a puzzle sold exclusively on BC Ferries. The puzzle was recently released, and a friend of mine happened to be taking the ferry, so she bought it there. It arrived at my doorstep yesterday. Thank you for that. I also think the puzzle went on a bit of a tour before it reached my house. 

NEW Villager jigsaw puzzle

Cynthia made the artwork for M's wedding puzzle. Yeah Cynthia!!!!

Villager is a fairly new Canadian company, and they only use Canadian women's artwork. They are hand drawn/painted. The puzzles all have a similar feel, and many depict scenes from across the country. I'm OK with that, and I'm certainly OK with supporting our artists and this small (but fast-growing) Canadian puzzle company. I also got their advent calendar, which is new this year, and it sold out on her website in 98 minutes!! I missed that sale by 30 minutes because I don't know how to properly set alarms on my phone! But I managed to find it somewhere else, and it arrived while I was away last week. 

Now let me tell you about the quilting in my day. I decided to work on another block for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler. Yes, it finally dawned on me that I can't just leave these blocks out and expect the quilting fairy to work on them for me. I actually have to do the work myself. Hmm -- that was a revelation!! (LOL)

So the next block was half-prepared, and as a group (when I taught the class), we discussed it a lot. Many people didn't want to include it in their quilt. Hmm, I'm not sure why so many of these fabric photos are turning out this way. I must pay better attention to that. 

The block is prepared for the satin stitching.

Anyway, after dinner, because that seems like the only time I get to sew these days, I started the satin stitching. And guess what? The block is done!!!! Yeah!!!

One more block is done!

I did a count, and yes -- there are still 29 blocks to make. With this one finished, that's 28 left. 

Then I thought I'd mess around with the Dresden plate block. I cut the missing four blades. That still boggles my mind, and I had quite the chuckle about it. All these years, the big issue was that I can't count! It's a wonder I can work on any kind of logic puzzle and be successful!!!!

Four more blades cut

I also made a small template of two layers of freezer paper to attempt to turn the top edge under. I experimented with that, and it looks fine from the front. 

Top edge turned under.

And the back. 

It looks fine from the back.

So I prepped two of the blades, and then I called it quits for the day. Finishing off the blades will be a task for today, BUT only after I get some sample work done! Let me tell you, I am very happy with my progress; it's slow, but that's OK. Slow is better than not doing anything. 

Two blades prepped

Here is the next block, also prepped, and I'll work on that next. 

The next block

To be honest, I think these two are the last ones that are technically prepped. For the rest, I sorted some fabric scraps. Once these two are complete, I'll sit down, look at the remaining blocks, and start with those that need paper piecing, or perhaps finish the applique blocks. I'll see how it goes and figure out a plan of attack for the rest of the year. I MUST get these blocks done, and hopefully the quilt tops BEFORE the end of the year. 

Here's my current, and I mean current, project table. All of these projects are on the Visual To-Do list, and all of them are for a class or a club. I need to work on all of them this year! Several of them are taking up a lot of space, and it would be amazing to put some in the "to be quilted" pile before the end of the year. I'm working on it!!!

My VERY current work table

Well, that's it for this morning. I'm running a wee bit late (I get so wordy when I write), and I still need to edit the blog, and then I'm off to the gym. While I can be a few minutes late, it's just me working out for me; I don't want to wait at that traffic light, so I have until 6 AM to get through it. What a silly deadline, but it works!!!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

Color theory lessons from nature

Look at me—behind the times when it comes to a digital wallet. I thought it was only for credit cards and things like that, but digital tickets? Who knew? My "tech" guru did NOT tell me that. But then, he's not really a guru. I'm not sure I'll use it for boarding passes, because I can check my upgrade status through the boarding pass, so I'll keep using the airline app. 

I wonder if you do get an upgrade, which is usually issued about ten minutes before boarding, if that would automatically get transferred to the digital wallet? 

BUT I have movie tickets that I bought, and I find those in the movie app. I'm not sure I'll move to a digital wallet—I really want the minimum number of apps on my phone possible, and, well, I'm undecided. A topic for our next dinner conversation. 

WAIT A MINUTE -- it can't possibly be October 8th today. Where is the time going? I feel like the days are zipping by, even though I'm getting loads done. 

But fall is definitely on the way. The trees at the end of my street always put on a spectacular show, and it's already started. 

Trees at the end of the street

But it's also amazing to see the many different leaf colors. I'm sure there is a good explanation as to why some of them are redder than others. This looks pretty and could make a good colorway for a quilt. That's why looking at nature is a good way to see and understand how colors work together. Hmmm—I might find an exercise for the upcoming scrap class in this thought! 

A wide range of leaf colors

The leaves are starting to change color on the top of the canopy and are just starting to work their way down into the trees themselves. 

The colors haven't changed much inside the forest yet.

You can't really see it in this picture, but that leaf is suspended in midair. Yep -- attached by a single strand of spider web!! It's kind of freaky because it looks like it's floating in midair in the middle of the path. 

A floating leaf

Miss Lexi and I spotted this mirror on the morning walk. I'm not sure she realized she was looking at herself, but she did seem quite engrossed in the mirror! 

MOM -- LOOK how beautiful I am!!!!

And Miss Murphy was having a good snooze with me in the office while I processed a lot of paper in the morning. The stack is smaller, which is good, but there is still another stack on the floor. I have no idea how this paper accumulates so quickly. I have to get on top of it faster! 

Mom - SHHHH -- it's still bedtime!

I think the biggest issue with the paperwork is follow-up. Or making phone calls to close off something. I'm getting there - slow and steady. 

Yesterday, I shared a link to an online logic puzzle, and I did it —and YES—I got it right. While I am not a fan of this style of logic puzzle on paper, I hate it even more online. I found it very challenging to click on the cards to get the information. I LOVE the way you fill in the box, though, with the multiple colors - I should try that in person! 

The online logic puzzle

Well, I now know that I am NOT a fan of that style, and I will try to finish the book I have; next time I stand in front of the logic puzzle section at the bookstore, I will totally bypass that author. What I dislike about the one above and the current set of 25 in the book is that you have to figure out who is lying and who isn't. Sometimes that is VERY tricky to determine, and you almost have to say it out loud to really decipher it. However—it does make your brain think, and let's face it—that's what we need to keep our brains functioning!

Since that style is new to me, perhaps I just need some practice. I'll let you know how it goes. 

I contacted Dr. Gareth Moore and let him know I finished his book of logic puzzles. He seemed surprised and complimented me on finishing it. I bet it's because so many people buy books and then don't finish them. Yep - GUILTY. I'm trying to change that. And I also told him that I bought two more of his books. I now have a free subscription to his website for a year. Daily puzzles - but mostly Sudoku or versions thereof. I'm sure that will stick with me for a day or two, and then I'll forget! 

Honestly, there are puzzles that I have no idea how to do, and I tried one yesterday that was mostly guesswork, but I think I have it and will try again today. Here's a link to the site in case you want to try. These ones are easier to do online - no clicking on multiple parts. 

I'm not worried if I forget about the online one; I have plenty of paper puzzle books to keep me going for a very long time. Thankfully, logic puzzles do NOT get dated, and there are a "few" on my bookshelf in the office. I think a lot of people use their tablet for this kind of thing and have links to the various websites they use for gaming. Well, I have an iPad, but I don't use it much except to store my User's Guides. I don't see myself becoming more acquainted with it, but I might try. 

If you are looking for puzzle books, did you know you can find TONS at thrift stores? I think I bought one or two there, but I bypass those too, since I don't need more. But you can find loads on their shelves. 

It was such a beautiful day yesterday that when I came home from my walk, I had to sit outside. I plopped myself down in one of the chairs on the front patio. It's amazing how that one maple tree on the right can provide so much shade. So while the front is bathed in sun, I can enjoy some shade and read my book. It also provides just enough privacy from the street that many people walk by and don't even know someone is sitting there! 

The front patio

I'm almost done with the book about Frank Lloyd Wright. The man might have been an architectural genius, but his love life was a disaster. I had no idea! But some very tragic events happened in his life, and he really needed lessons on finding good women. 

I managed to make some progress on my physical jigsaw puzzle last night. 

My current jigsaw puzzle

Oh boy—this is going to be a tough one. I think I worked for an hour last night, and that's all I accomplished. You can't pick one color or one area because the same colors are everywhere. So I'll work in small sections, and at some point they will be joined!! I love a good puzzle, but I'm not going to finish this one before Sunday. 

Look how neat my pieces are laid out? See why I will struggle with speed puzzling? I saw that the Canadian Jigsaw Puzzle Association opened registration for their latest speed-puzzling events the other day, along with two sessions on learning to speed puzzle. Everything sold out very quickly. 

Neatly placed jigsaw puzzle pieces.

The next puzzle packing day is going to be insane, with all the puzzles that have to be packed, labeled, and boxed. I'll get a workout sealing shipping boxes!!!!

Here is my book for the circular sock knitter. And YES --- I have found videos on YouTube to help me put it together and get it running!!!! 

The manual for the sock knitter

I can't wait to attempt that, but it won't be until at least November - actually, towards the end of November before I have time. 

And since I talk so much about algorithms, someone sent me this. Again, you may need to click on it to enlarge it enough to read. 

I had a great day sewing, too. You won't see any of the work since it's for this weekend's classes. I'm on track, and one of the presentations is almost complete - just waiting for the students to send in their work.

Somehow I need to work faster. But I'm trying extremely hard to cut back on any form of scrolling so I can enjoy my puzzle pastimes and sewing. And you know what? It's not hard to stop scrolling when you have something tangible and exciting to do!! So if you are scrolling - stop!!! Find something else to do—reading, sewing, knitting, or whatever—but do something. 

I've already been to the gym with Brooke this morning. My ribs are still a bit tender, but I had no trouble working out. More paperwork on the agenda this morning and sewing in the afternoon. All is good!!

We had a wicked thunderstorm last night. Murphy and I snuggled on the bed, and she was fine until the rain started. She didn't like the sound of that. Poor thing!! But she seems to be coping well. Her back legs are definitely weak, but she still wants to walk, and with our assistance, she can make it up the stairs. Fingers crossed that we are set for a long time like that. Whatever time we have, we will enjoy it to the fullest! Just super scary and a wake-up call when pets and adults start to lose their independence. But with an open mind and some physical aids, all is working just fine. 

IT WILL BE A FABULOUS DAY!!!!

Ciao!!!!

Who are you - the turtle or the hare?

Interesting—I didn't know you could use a digital wallet for boarding passes. I think I'll keep my life simple and just use the app. It just sometimes takes a minute to find it, plus I need it to request and check upgrades. But I agree—I will NOT use a digital wallet. We were out for dinner last night and guess what? It wouldn't work. Thank goodness I had a real card with me as backup! 

I finished reading that Country Living article on quilting, and I found a few gems for you. This first one is this:

Advice for beginners

Those words of wisdom came from Luke Haynes, who has done very well for himself in the world of quilts. If you want to read more about him, check this out. 

Luke Haynes

While we have been making quilts, Luke has been making quilts as art for the last 20 years. Those words of wisdom for beginners apply to anyone who wants to do anything by hand. You have to make mistakes to learn. I can only hope that I've stressed that enough over the last number of years that people are finally getting it! 

Here was another point from the article. You might have to click on the photo to enlarge it. But quilts are REFRESHINGLY ANALOG. 

Hooray for analog hobbies!!!!

What I love is the sentence that says "rather than relying on an algorithm, you are making personal choices to create something real." How true is that!!!! While we all love a good algorithm to help us find things, being the one to choose matters. Those algorithms show you what they want to show you, not necessarily what you want to see. 

And how the heck are we going to gain confidence in our lives if we rely constantly on algorithms to make choices for us? 

I happen to be reading a book about Frank Lloyd Wright, and I searched his name specifically as we discussed him at dinner last night. Then when I went to type in FAMOUS to look for his houses, of course FAMOUS ARCHITECTS popped up. I had no idea about his personal life, but OH MY --- he did have some troubles. But wouldn't it be fun to visit one of his houses? 

He tried so hard to integrate the houses he designed into the landscape, and Fallingwater is one of his most famous. Check it out. 

I managed to finish my logic puzzle book, and I'm going to send a note to the author this morning, and then the book goes in the recycling. I needed a hint on one of the 50 puzzles, not because I couldn't figure it out, but because one of the clues was badly written (the author also agreed). I mixed up part of the answer on two of them, but after realizing and redoing the puzzle, I got the correct answer. That's pretty good! They weren't complicated and were a good way to get back into the swing of logic puzzles. 

Logic puzzle book - DONE

BUT this was also a good lesson on buying a bunch of one thing unless you are sure that you like it. I had purchased a book of logic puzzles from a different author a few years ago, and I had started it, but it got abandoned, like so many of the things I buy. OK -- I am NOT alone. Some of you also do that. 

I didn't take a picture of it, but here's a link to that series. The book has 100 puzzles, and I had completed 24 of them. I finished number 25 last night and moved on to the next one, which was a different theme, and the puzzles are slightly different. Hmmmm --- I'm not sure I'm going to be a fan of these ones! And what happens when I start another series at number 50? 

WAIT --- I just found the website, and there is a free puzzle from the Murder series for you to try. 

I don't like the fact that the clues also come in the form of pictures, but that's just me. I like the old-fashioned ones with just words. Anyway, I have the second volume, and I see there are at least four books in the series and perhaps more. This author, G. T. Karber, is also a famous puzzler, but I am not that familiar with his work. Let's see how I fare with this book and whether I buy any more. 

I have stood in front of the puzzle shelf in the bookstore and asked myself if I needed Volume 1, but so far, I haven't succumbed to that impulse. 

Speaking of impulses, you'll be happy to know that it was Senior's Day at the thrift store, and I did go, and I took my wallet, but I didn't take a bag. I spotted a couple of puzzles that might be interesting, but I did NOT purchase them. Yeah!!! Learning control! 

Instead, I came home, cracked open this brand-new puzzle, laid out all the pieces on the design boards, and made the border. 

The border for the next puzzle

Let's just say that I wouldn't have won any awards for speed puzzling! But I'm OK with that. It's a tactile hobby, and I enjoy the slow, methodical approach to putting them together. However, I would love to have this one together by Sunday night. Not sure that will happen. 

I managed to get some tidying done, worked on a few samples, and got those repaired or tidied up. The point is to get it done, so it doesn't hang around creating clutter. For one sample, I needed some fabric and pulled out this fat quarter. Oh my --- remember when we paid $3.50 CDN for a fat quarter? 

When did we last pay $3.50 CDN for a fat quarter? 

By the way, and I'm sure anyone who knows the store knows that The Hobby Horse will be closing its brick-and-mortar doors on November 28. The store, which already has an online presence, will be ramping up its online store and "reopening" in January 2027. That information was in a recent email. 

While I haven't been to the Hobby Horse nearly as often as I used to, I am sad it is closing, but all things must come to an end. The store is NOT closing, just changing how they operate. It is because of Gail that I am a quilt teacher! She encouraged me, and I can't thank her enough. I plan to make one last trip to the store before it closes. 

Also, there are several art quilt displays I want to visit, so I'd better set some dates on the calendar because time passes quickly!

I'll share those shows with you tomorrow - no time today. I'll also share my crazy schedule with you for the next two months because I'll be at several stores doing events, and one might interest you. 

This is still the mess I'm dealing with, but it'll all be sorted in time. Slow and steady is the only way to deal with this. 

Slow and steady will clear up the mess

It's like what someone said about our scrap class: "I don't know where to start." Just pick one piece of fabric and decide what to do with it. Then another and another. And soon, you will be on your way to organized, clean spaces. It's "easy!"

And I fixed the waistband on a pair of shorts for DH. While I love the wider elastic in most waistbands, it is too wide, and when it is not attached at the top, it rolls, and it's messy. I uncurled the elastic and sewed it around the top of the waistband! Sadly, my machine does repairs, and I have a few other things to repair! 

I had to confess that I like the magnets for the long arm - now that I finally have one leader with them. It's easy to load and easy to remove. I'm not sure I'm doing it the "right" way, but I have a way that works for me. Now it would be nice to have them on the top leader as well, but the thought of removing all that goop is not exciting. The goop is the glue that is holding the old leader in place. 

Magnets on the long arm

And that allowed me to get one of my winter quilts quilted. 

One of the winter quilts is done! 

Yeah!!!! Today will be more of the same with a bit of computer and phone calls worked in. You do NOT know how refreshing it is to use my cell phone without glitches in the calls. And nothing changed—WAIT—except that they finally decided to fix my number at the cell tower. I don't understand how that was even a problem, but that was the explanation my provider gave me. And my phone worked in other locations, so I can only surmise what they told me was correct. 

I'm off to the gym this morning. I don't feel like—wait—I do, but I'll take it slow since I haven't done much over the last two weeks. 

And on that note, I'm off. 

It's going to be a fabulous day!!!

Ciao!!

An unventful travel day!

As I sit surrounded by junk in the office, I remind myself of the list I put together yesterday. I don't have time to deal with any of it today, but I'll keep plugging away at it. I just might have more incentive now. 

OH—there is one thing I need to add to that list, and this is NOT new. 

USE the good things NOW!!!! I don't care if this is your favorite china, crystal, or the FABRIC that is too good to cut. If you don't use it now, someone is going to take your precious china and dump it unceremoniously outside a thrift store drop box. That good fabric? It might go on the back of a community project quilt or be chopped into tiny pieces. If you don't use it now and enjoy what you bought, then someone else will do with it as they wish. 

It's like my china tea mugs. I bought them, put them in the cupboard for a special day. Then about ten years ago- no, make that eight years ago, as I bought them ten years ago- I started using them. EVERY DAY! I put them in the dishwasher even though it fades the paint. I DON'T CARE. I have two, and one day I use one and the next day it's the other. I am enjoying them - I get a wee thrill every time I pull them from the cupboard. When I'm gone - those mugs can go in the trash. I'm not kidding about the thrill - I LOVE those mugs, and using them makes me feel special - they have bicycles all over both of them, and they are fun! 

When I am gone, M might say, "I want one of those tea mugs because it was Mom's favorite." And they are my favorites because I USE them whenever I am at home. And only for tea and never in the microwave. Something doesn't become special when it's stored in a box in the back of the cupboard.  

Thankfully, I never got into the china-and-crystal thing. I have NOTHING exceptional in the dish department, EXCEPT for those two mugs. 

LOL --- I just checked my email, and I see that I've been upgraded in advance for my next flight in a couple of days, which is only an hour-long flight. It doesn't matter -- I'll take the upgrade when I can. But I never seem to get upgraded for the long flights. 

Yep—I'm back home, and I'm tired, but I'm off to work today. I'll be doing some demos of the PFAFF creative icon 3 at Sew Productive, in Acton. One session starts at 9 AM and the second one is at 2 PM. It's free, so if you are around and want to see what all the hype is about, come and check it out.

As far as travel days go, it was uneventful, which is just how I like it. I zipped over to my parents' in the morning, chatted for over an hour, and tried to tidy up some last-minute details. Only the bank is giving us grief, and I need to call them because there is one transaction we can't do online, and I'm not sure why. 

I know people drive through Saskatchewan and say it is so boring. People say the same about the Meseta part of the Camino in Spain. People ---- you get to see for miles, and the vistas do not disappoint. As many times as I have seen those wide-open spaces, I never tire of it. It's some of the most beautiful country in the world. The next time you want to drive across the country, please do NOT bypass Saskatchewan. It's beautiful in a different way than the mountains. 

Gassed up the car and dropped off the rental car. Since it was NOT at the airport location, they gave me a lift, so that was good. Then I filled up my water bottle at the refillable water station. And yes—that is my Booster Juice shake. I was running out of hands to hold everything. I didn't have to wait too long, and we were ready to board the plane. 

Refillable water station

I have no idea why I was so exhausted, but I was asleep before the plane even took off! The next thing I know, we have been in the air for almost an hour! I didn't do anything physical, but it was exhausting mentally. I went to bed early, and I could probably still be asleep if I had time. But that's OK. 

Thankfully, I had all my samples sitting on a table in Studio B, so all I needed to do was grab a small suitcase and throw them in. 

I LOVE these logic puzzle books. I'm speeding right along in this one, and I'm somewhere in the 30s. There are 50 in the book, so ONLY after I finish this one will I allow myself to start a new one. Some are quick; a couple of them have given me grief, but it all keeps the brain active. I will do whatever I can to keep my mental faculties working. Dementia seems to run in my family (sigh), so I have to try to prevent it from attacking my brain cells. At least it hits (if it's going to) in the 80s, so I still have time! 

Logic puzzles

Before bed, I tidied up a few things in Studio B. A small gift from someone at the retreat. Two crocheted dishcloths and a scrub pad. You can never have too many dishcloths.

New dishcloths and a scrubby

Those scrub pads are crocheted, and this is what they are made of. The one above isn't sparkly, but this ball that I purchased is. I had thrown it in my bag to work on at retreat. Alas, that wasn't to be this time. 

Yarn to make a scrubby

I also acquired a new puzzle from someone, so it is now added to the pile, and this one isn't going to be easy!!!! I won't have time for a couple of weeks to work on a puzzle, but I'll do what I can. Maybe I can get the next one sorted, and that would be great. It's a good activity for the evening when your brain is dead. 

A new jigsaw puzzle

And darn those new food labels. I wondered if anything would be classified with all three "bad" items, and yes—I spotted this on the kitchen counter this morning. DH bought half a pumpkin pie because you can't live for fall without one. 

The warning label on the pumpkin pie

The trick is to LIMIT, but not eliminate foods with those warnings! I tried—I really tried — to eat better on this past trip, but I wasn't always successful. It is what it is. 

I have to run because I need to walk the girls. They were so excited to see me last night, but I think all they wanted was a walk, and I was tired. So now I will have to walk them together this morning because of time, and they are going to be wild! Slow and steady. 

It will be a WONDERFUL day!!!!!!

Ciao!!!!