The first day...............

I had no refined sugar yesterday and I survived. WOW - imagine that. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I LOVE the smoothies and although my immersion blender works great, I think a blender is in order for other things. I see some of you have given me some suggestions. I need to evaluate fast and get one by the weekend. Tried to make lentil meatballs last night and a tad hard to mash up without a blender to do the work for me. As a result, they were a bit dry but tasty!

What's funny about all this is all the things that I used to yell at M about - how come you're buying almond butter at almost $11 a jar and almond milk - who wants to drink almond milk?  Let's just say that you should be careful what you say. What's even funnier is that she is here at the moment and we had a good laugh about it yesterday. She says we're both more grown up now! She even ate my dinner last night. I think that is the first time that the three of us ate the same thing for dinner in YEARS! I'm not sure DH will continue (he hadn't planned, but for him to give up that glass of wine? I think hell will have to freeze over first!)

I gave up TV eight years ago. Cold turkey. I don't miss it. I can do the same with sugar!

My biggest problem is not drinking enough water. I'm going to have to get a glass and guzzle it as I can't remember to drink throughout the day. I'm on glass number two already. Had two cups of tea which helped the snack issue. And no there was no sugar in either cup. OK - I'm going to admit that the sugar thing is a comfort food or more likely just a really bad habit. I don't need it and I always thought it made my tea taste better, but if you learn how to make a proper cup of tea, the green tea is not bad. Don't overboil (thankfully we have a kettle with multiple heat temperatures on it) and don't over steep. Those are wise words of wisdom from M. That kettle which we've had for several years is a really cool thing. It's a kettle for making tea. You choose the kind of tea you're making and then hit start and it will heat up to the temperature best for that kind of tea.

I did something else yesterday that I've been meaning to do for a while. I took my laptop in to get the data pulled off of it. YIKES!!!  I haven't really been using it but occasionally I needed to get an e-mail address or a file. I had some errands to do and in that neighborhood, so I grabbed an extra hard drive and the laptop and away it went. I had a very pleasant surprise when the manager of the mobility department remembered me and we had a nice little conversation and she indicated that I could trade in the laptop for a store credit. I'll see what they give me - the thing is old and the battery is dead! But I really need to do something about this keyboard. It's so stiff - I don't like it. I prefer the touch of a laptop keyboard. Huge difference. But I'd go back to that Best Buy in a heartbeat - they were very helpful.

However I had to go to the library to pick up some items I had ordered. One of them was a set of CDs for Quilting Arts. Yikes - I used to watch CDs on my laptop. Now I'll have to learn how to work that damn TV???  Or find them online?

Made good progress in the quilting world as well. I got one of the tops done. Yeah! I got the backing cut and hope to get it on the long arm and quilted today. I was hoping to do custom quilting, but simple custom quilting - you know my casual style. I made excellent progress on the other top. I'm not done, but I should be able to finish it today. I just can't work late - 8 PM and my body says - that's enough!

I promised you pictures and I've got pictures today. I had a peek back at the blog and I don't think I posted pictures once from those on-going classes that we had last year. How the heck did that happen? I hope that will change this year. I just need to get over this week, next week will be busy with bindings, but after that, the schedule is pretty wide open!

So these are some of the first blocks that the group made with Quilter's Patch by Laundry Basket Quilts. Once that other hard disk comes back, my plan is to get all these darn pictures organized. Like these blocks - there is no need to keep the originals although I could as I have lots of disk space. But they need to be organized. That is going to be huge, but shouldn't take too long and there is nothing like being able to find your pictures when you want them.

Quilter's Patch

 I'm not sure in what order that we made these blocks, but I found two sets of pictures on one camera. So you are getting to see one set of pictures today and hopefully the second set tomorrow. Then I need to check my other camera and my phone to find the rest. See what I mean? Totally insane to have three devices that take pictures and then not consolidate them in one place.

Of course, I don't remember who did what! But suffice it to say that the blocks are awesome. No - I'm not done my quilt, but it's on the list to finish this year and I'm on a mission.

On that note, I have a couple of errands that need to be done outside the house and I had better do them today rather than tomorrow when the weather is supposed to be crap. What is today's date? January 11th. I haven't had to put gas in my car this year and I still have half a tank!  When I worked, one tank didn't last the week!  Am I happy??  You bet!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

FIT but FAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a SNOW day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    M is home safely cuddled up in bed with the girls. I got up and looked out to see that we had NOT had a lot of snow like it was forecast last night. So I trundled off to the gym. There were NOT  a lot of people in our class nor the entire gym, but we had a great workout.

Then came the BAD news. This weekend kicks off the 90 day challenge. Those that wanted to join a team (the fitness leaders are the team leaders) and there will be special events taking place over the next three months. The first was the WEIGH IN. Oh dear - do we really have to do this??????   All it did was confirm that I am FIT, but FAT. Yes - I am in the overweight category!!!!!!!!!!    THIRTY percent of my body is FAT. Is that not depressing??????????????   Just border line on OBESE (which is 32%) - now that is scary - who makes up these numbers??????   Some skinny white girl!!!!!


HEY - I just found this chart that says I am in the healthy range.


Fat percentage charts


And this one says that I am at the high end of average (and not in the good way)

Fat percentage charts - take two



I am setting a goal - can I lose the 10 pounds that I want and can I reduce the body fat to 25%??????   Then I would be perfectly happy happy happy. I have a plan - first I am going to do a detox. Oh yummy - that sounds like a lot of fun. But I have heard MANY good things about detox from people who have done them. It basically is a way of getting rid of all the toxins in your body so then you can start "fresh".   On this detox, you get to eat LOTS of green vegetables - plus protein shakes. THEN comes the NEW eating plan. Meals AND snacks MUST be scheduled and planned. Now I know this sounds like a lot of work, but I don't think it is going to be all that bad. I mean - how hard is it to say - my morning snack is a 1/4 cup almonds and an apple. The big thing is to have those ingredients on hand!!!!   And I don't care if I eat the same thing every day - whatever is easiest!!!!!!!!!!    Even DH is getting into it - he came home and had a salad last night because he had had a big lunch. Oh yes - we are all going to have fun with this!!!!!!!!!!


I might even schedule a chocolate square or two in that new eating plan. In most cases, our desire for something sweet is satisfied in the first two bites - we just eat the rest because it is there. Well - a couple of weeks to go - heck ONE week to go before I start. And yes - the 30 days with no sugar is going to happen - all of this is part of that.

Just to recap for those of you who want to do something about your sugar/diet habits:

1. You can go cold turkey or look into a detox program to kick start (cost about $200)
2. SCHEDULE what times you are going to eat - yes I know this is hard, BUT what is more important - getting healthy OR work??????   This includes SNACKS - the key here is DO NOT let yourself get hungry - that is when we run into trouble - then we GORGE ourselves because we are starving. Schedule the snacks for 15 - 30 minutes BEFORE you know you are going to be hungry. Come on - you know that at 3:30 everyday - you are fading. Then eat 30 minutes before that time.
3. PLAN what you are going to eat. Have a BIG healthy breakfast with PROTEIN. If you don't have time in the morning, then prepare some of it the night before. Chicken bacon or turkey bacon are EXCELLENT subs for pork bacon. And you DO NOT need more than 2 pieces.
4. Keep a small diary of what you eat today and when and why and where. This will help with your planning and scheduling. We are all trying very hard to eat at home, not on the run.
5. Try to eat your biggest meals at breakfast and lunch, smaller at dinner.


OK - enough about that.   And no I DO NOT have a complex about my weight - just a desire (got to make that a BURNING desire) to do something about it. The thing that I have learned over my life because I have "battled" my weight all my life (or been very conscious of it) is that NO MATTER how thin you are, or how much you weight or what your BMI or fat content is - you always want to be skinnier. Well - I am older so that desire is gone (well mostly gone!!!!)


I will make another post that is quilt related.


Before I go - have a look at the snow.

This was taken yesterday. Yes - Sammy is OBSESSED with the pond. Here she is standing on the ice. You can the heater is keeping a nice big spot open. I now know that my heater from before was a piece of crap because that pond always froze over!!!!!!

This is looking towards the pond - middle right. The rocks are completely covered and there is a LOT of snow built up. Oh dear - I guess I am going to have to shovel at some point today!!!!!!!!!!!!

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



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

Gallery Sitting

I LOVE the Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre so much - I decided to volunteer there. Last Friday was my first day. When I arrived the parking lot was PACKED!!!   Wow - what the heck is going on? I went into the gallery - it is empty. I go to the house and there is a huge crowd of people sitting around the table just finishing their lunch. WHOA!!!!   Who are all these friendly people?????

Turns out they are from the Friday watercolour class. They do a pot luck for lunch. After chatting with several of them, they have been coming for YEARS while others were fairly new. All ages, mostly women, but a couple of men. Wow - they sure looked like they were having fun!!!!!

Well - I had a goodie (homemade fruit cake) and then went to the gallery. It was very quiet but I was perfectly happy with that. No noise - no radio, just peace and quiet. Several of the students wandered in for inspiration and so I got to chat with them and of course Sybil - the inspiration behind the gallery, also the owner.


Have a look - how could you NOT want to be there................

This is the "great room" or the extension of the kitchen. Pieces of artwork are also hung in this space. But look at that big table just waiting to be used!!!!!

Same room - looking back to the kitchen (a fully equipped kitchen )

Looking out the side of the same room. On a sunny day - this place will be awesome.

The view!!!!   OK - I can't wait for the weather to warm up so we can sit outside. 

Anyway - I am back at the gallery this Friday from 1 to 4. I've been invited for lunch. Hmmm - got to see how my day goes. This is the LAST week for the watercolour show by Mercedes Horne. It really is a neat show and even if you aren't into watercolour, I was IMPRESSED by the INK WORK that she did on every single piece. And the colours are BRILLIANT - literally!!!!


The new show which is going up on Sunday is called ART from the HEART. It is a show about artists who have experienced adversity and challenges. You can read more about it at the web site.


Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre



I'm looking forward to seeing that show. While I LOVE quilting, I think it is very inspirational to look at other art work, do other things (like learn to play bridge!!! - but that's another story), ride a bike. Anyway - you get the picture.


And in order to do that - one must learn to eat healthy so you have the stamina. I have booked an appointment with the chiro to talk about a detox program. What is involved and how helpful will it be???

Ooops - let me tell you about my other ART GALLERY story. I was at PAMA (Peel Art Gallery and Museum Archives) on Sunday afternoon to do the demo on the MOLAS. I was CERTAIN that I took pictures of our set up, but well - I guess I didn't. I was too excited????


Here is a sneak peek at the Secret Garden in the tunnel which joins several of the buildings............

The Secret Garden

A VERY small part of the tunnel walls

The gallery has hired some very nice ladies (actually quite young) that are the guest services people. They were very informative and personable. Apparently future displays in the tunnel will be community based displays. I love it. I think the quilter's guild should get something in there!!!!!


And the MOLA exhibit - well it was STUNNING. There were a LOT of MOLAs and so many different kinds than I ever thought existed. It was great fun to see them and realize what they depicted.

PART of the MOLA display

If you get a chance, you should go and check this out. It is on loan from The Textile Museum, but I don't know how often it gets on display so check it out NOW!!!!!!


Someone asked me the other day - what "pills" I take to keep up my energy level. Hmmmm - I sure hope it isn't sugar since I am going to try and cut that out of the diet. I do know that my ENTIRE life, I have worked out at the gym or walked or did some form of exercise EVERY DAY. OK - so MOST days - there were a couple of times when I was a tad too sick (I was a sickly child!!! and a NON-ATHLETIC one too). But in my adult life, I have worked out or walked almost every day. While I do not eat super healthy, I do try to watch what I eat.  Although there was a time when I had a COKE (the real thing) and a chocolate bar EVERY DAY!!!!!!!!      Of course now I have replaced that with hot chocolate!!!


The other thing I was blessed with is the HALF FULL/HALF EMPTY thing. I don't know if you are born with that or you make it happen, but my cup is NEVER half empty - it is ALWAYS HALF FULL. I try to find the silver lining in every cloud (which bugs people a lot) but life is too short to get down on yourself or others.

So instead of having toast with jam for breakfast (which is just horrible) or cereal (which is equally horrible) , here is my new breakfast...........

That is half of an everything bagel, a tablespoon of cream cheese, cucumbers, tomatoe (the carrots are for the dogs), a calcium chewable, a glass of milk and some melon. 

And I had almonds when I got up so I had something in my stomach before I went to the gym.

Got to make an honest effort to make this happen. And for no other reason, than I want to.


Well - I have so much work to do today and I am so far behind that my brain is wanting to say HALF EMPTY - let's have a bad day. BUT - I can't do that. So - we are going to focus on one thing and move forward.



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



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

We have a slight problem..............

Oh dear - you know how the best laid plans - well sometimes things don't go as planned.


We (well technically Marian) saw this wonderful pattern in a magazine and after a bit of discussion, we (her and I) decided that it would make a great raffle quilt. So after much work - I (and other guild members) got the center together.

The raffle quilt center - notice how I placed the values of red so they are symmetrical!!!!   As best I could - we did NOT plan those reds - I just cut and sewed. 

Then as the rows were going together, I started to think about the border which is the star blocks. Hmmmm - I don't think they are going to fit!!!!!!!!!!!!   The original pattern had only NINE blocks - ours has 25. Yep - we have a problem - the blocks DO NOT fit across the quilt.

Here is one border and you can see how the left border is hanging longer than the center

Oh crud - that means I have to add a white border between the two. Actually in retrospect, I think it will be better. Separate the two busy areas. It isn't going to be big - the strips have to be cut 2 3/4". A task for later today - well I will add it to the list of tasks for later today and which one will get chosen????


I "figured" out my picture problem. It appears that the folder I was trying to access is NOT my main picture folder. I was in a TOTAL flap after waiting so long for the computer to reboot that I didn't even notice. But I have no idea why I am denied access to several of those picture files in another area. Will have to check that out.

This is one of the messages on my computer yesterday morning as I PATIENTLY waited for it to reboot!!!!!

Taught a class yesterday and while the ladies were busy sewing, I managed to get the rest of Easy Street DONE DONE DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clue SIX - DONE. It was EASY since it required only cutting. If you used more than one BLACK/WHITE - you had to piece those squares, but since I used the same background, I just had to cut. That means that I am READY to get Clue 7 and start sewing those blocks together. 

And here are all the components. I am happy to say that they are all trimmed and ready to go. And they were ALL sewn as enders and leaders!!!!!!

What else have I been working on?????

Leftovers by Cozy Quilt Designs

This is a sample for a class I am teaching at the Hobby Horse on March 9th!!!!   There is another pattern as well called Intertwined. You will see that soon.


Anyway making this quilt was a bit of an eye opener for me. First the pattern is made from a jelly roll.

Well technically it isn't a jelly roll, but you get the idea - it was a package of precut strips.

I have had this package FOREVER and well - why am I saving it??????   So I broke down and ripped off the packaging and started to sew.

 When I was done, I have leftovers which I seam ripped apart last night while listening to my audio book. They will go in the scrap batik box which is now TWO boxes and I NEED to do something with them.

Scraps leftover from the strip piecing

I also had these leftovers (that top piece is made up of three pieces)

The BIG question is - do I just sew them together to make a half square triangle - but the seams will be OFFSET and that bugs me. 

Or do I offset them to match up those vertical seams and make a rectangle. 

I think the rectangle will win - I really should have pieced those rectangles (when I make them) into the backing, but I didn't want to take the time.

Here is the top, backing and binding - I think I might just sneak it on the machine which has sat idle for weeks and I am BEHIND!!!!!!!!!!

I don't think I like pre-cuts!!!!    They are too restrictive. You have lights and darks and mediums, but never in the quantity that you need to make good contrast. I do have a few of them, but I don't know that I will buy more. Oh dear - I guess if I had found that out BEFORE I purchased the others, I would have saved myself some money!!!!


Now the GREAT SUGAR debate rages on in our house. DH and M BOTH claim that they do NOT eat excessive amounts of sugar and so they think this is NOT going to be a big deal for them. Well - I have to say that M has become a VERY healthy eater (how did that happen?????) and while DH doesn't eat a lot of sugar, I am sure there is enough hidden in what we eat.

For those of you who are going to follow along on the no sugar for 30 days, here are a couple of things to contemplate as we approach that date later this month.

We are NOT going to completely eliminate sugar as I don't think we would be able to do that, but start having a look at the labels on your food. If sugar or one of the "oses" is in the top THREE - then that food must be eliminated. Pop - even DIET - well we won't go there. That "food item" is just the absolute worst thing you can put in your body, particularly DIET. DIET pop should just be banned!!!!!!!!!  


OK - so check the food labels - if sugar or a variation of sugar is in the top three - it will be off limits
Start looking for foods that you can substitute - yogurt is a big thing in our house, but apparently you can purchase yogurt without sugar.
Think about doing a detox or a cleanse to get started or you can go cold turkey.

Bottom line - this has become a lively dinner table discussion which if nothing else has been great!!!!!!


Got to run - loads of fun things happening today.


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


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

What have I done??????

Yesterday wasn't the most productive day in my life, but I did manage to get some quilting done! Well - I mean sewing. I am not ready to show you what I am working on, but soon as I hope to finish it this morning.

HOWEVER while working on this other project, guess what?????   Yep - I managed to get all of Clue FIVE done on Easy Street.

Clue FIVE of Easy Street DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

And now I have a nice box full of components for Easy Street

Going to try and get Clue SIX done today. Yes - Clue Six is JUST CUTTING. Supposed to be some sewing but I made my background all the same colour so no sewing - just cutting. YIPPEEEEEE   and then just Clue 7 and Clue 8 which is piecing the blocks. And from what I saw with Linda - it is going to be tricky!!!!

One of my favourite Canadian authors is Louise Penny. She lives outside Montreal and writes mystery books. I do not even remember how I happened upon her books, but I love them. Probably a review in the Globe and Mail that DH passes onto me when he finds something he thinks I will like (as if I need help!!!! - but I appreciate that).    She has written nine books - the 9th will be released on my birthday this year!!!!    I started out with book six, then realized it was a series and went back to the beginning. I am on number four now.

Just a note - if you go to the web site above, you will note that some of the books have TWO titles. The books are published in a number of different countries and it appears that some countries did NOT like the title so it was changed. Very confusing!!!!!

Anyway - there is no gore and no shoot em up scenes in these books. They are about emotions, thinking, digging inside the murders brain. Very entertaining and I LOVE LOVE LOVE them. The characters are so wonderful.

So last night, I got an opportunity to hear Louise speak. The Oakville Public library hosted her and there was well over TWO HUNDRED people in the audience!!!!!!    The only thing I did not like is that she was "interviewed" and so her and the interviewer SAT DOWN. We couldn't see them. You missed a lot by just listening!!!!!    She was a radio host for CBC for almost 20 years, supported by a wonderful husband and left her job to write.


I contemplated purchasing a book, but then I don't buy novels ever so I decided to NOT break that precedent. I know - that is bad, but I would rather spend my money on something else. I support the libraries.

Louise - signing books

Louise signing books

She is so giving, so grateful and a very nice person. The kind of person you would want for a friend. She is my Facebook friend - does that count???????




The BIG thing of the day - I went to the library again. I know - I could live at the library. Well - after watching that movie (Hungry for Change), I decided that it is TIME to do something. Something very bizarre is happening - while I used to go to the gym and wish that I was the "jock" type, the one with the better (not perfect) but better body. Well, when I tell people that I want to lose 10 pounds - they are kind of shocked. You look great now!!   Well - maybe, but I do really need to lose 10 pounds. Just like they tell you - carry a 10 pound bag of flour around for a day and you will see what it feels like when you put that bag down. Well - I want to do more cycling and I am tired of being the one carrying my 10 pound bag of flour with me on the bike. Most, not all, of the people on the cycle trips are in much better shape than me.

I have decided that the exercise keeps my weight in check, but is NOT helping me to lose weight. I have to change my diet for that.

At the library I found this book..................

Let's face it - I am ADDICTED to sugar. And when it gets to the point that you want to be ill after having a hot chocolate - then you know there is a problem. 

At the gym this morning, I started chatting with this new girl (well she isn't completely new as she was in the group before) and well next thing you know - the entire group knew about my sugar thing. I told them I am going to detox and then do 30 days WITHOUT sugar (or greatly reducing it). I know - HOW DID THAT HAPPEN??????   My mouth opened and those words spewed forth!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I am not sure how many are going to follow me, but if I can get a couple more - there are more people to call for support.

Are any of you interested??????   We are going to start AFTER Valentine's Day so people can enjoy their chocolates!!!!


And I need some time to rethink my diet. Because look at what is on the labels of stuff I eat every day..............

So sugar is second here, BUT there is still a LOT of sugar in here

First ingredient on Tim's Hot Chocolate - SUGAR

Honestly I am excited about this. After reading some of the sugar addiction book - sugar affects EVERYTHING. Fatigue, diabetes, fibromyalgia, sleep, arthritis, - well you name it - sugar has an adverse affect on our bodies. I am just tired of carrying this extra weight and I want it GONE!!!!!

Now that I have a good support system in place (and I think I can talk M into this as well) - we can make it happen. Did I mention that I LOVE LOVE LOVE this new gym. And someone who reads my blog decided to take a peek at the gym and joined!!!!!!   It is a lot of money, but when it becomes your life style and a "go to" place - then it really isn't that much money. And I save on HOT WATER at home!!!!

Oh yes - the other thing that is going to change in my life. So NO SUGAR means no processed foods - and that means - I have to cook. Better dig out that magic apron - it is going to get a lot of use!!!!!


ACK ACK ACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    There is never a dull day at our house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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


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


PS - don't forget to SERIOUSLY think about joining me on my NO SUGAR journey. If people are interested, I will post tips, recipes and support strategies so we can all do this together. And it doesn't mean that you can never eat sugar - it just means that our goal is to eat it in moderation!!!!!!!!!!   And NO CRAVINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


PS - By the way - I got a large steeped tea with ONE sugar this morning. Might as well start slow now. I have to lose the sugar in the tea so it will be off to David's Tea to find one that I can drink without sugar.