Murphy needs a backpack!

I got a chuckle from the comment on yesterday's blog. The minute something is in your hand, deal with it—toss, keep, and put it immediately where it should go. I'm trying very hard to do that. I'm still dealing with quantity at times, and it's overwhelming. I'm also still at the sorting stage, where I don't want to make decisions until I see the entire picture of that group of items. 

But I'm making progress, and YES -- when I have something in my hand, I try very hard to make that toss/keep decision and put it immediately in the appropriate spot. I'm getting there and am so far ahead of where I was. 

However, I also get a chuckle when I read through my Happiness Journal, which I started writing in 2012. I was cleaning and tidying way back then. Then, I wrote some entries in 2013 and said, "I'm still tidying." Now, it's a huge laugh when I write in 2024—still tidying! 

I swear when M was born, my brain went to mush, and I had no concept of tidying or decluttering. And with a young child, things amassed very quickly—both hers and mine. I don't know why that happened. But I'm OK because I've made the decision to get things under control, and I'll make it happen—one piece of paper at a time!

Here's what happened yesterday in the decluttering effort. I found a home for those two backpacks, which will be picked up tomorrow. I went through them to see if I left any goodies. I found a newspaper from 2012. Yikes! That's how long they have been in the closet. By the way, I had already been through the closet where the luggage is stored and got rid of many bags, but I kept these two. No idea why since we'll never use them. Anyway -- they have found a home. 

Newspaper from 2012

Why was that newspaper in there? I used this bag when I did one of the Ride to Conquer Cancers, and the paper was used to dry my shoes in the event of rain. The paper is now in the recycling. See -- I can do this!!!

Then, during Monday sewing, I ripped apart this thing I picked up at the thrift store out west. It was three nice placemats (probably bought at the dollar store). They were sewn together to make a pocket-type thing you'd put over the arm of a sofa. I wanted the three placemats—the colors speak to me—and now I have to figure out what to do with them. I know -- I didn't need them, but I liked them. They are on the rolling cart for the moment. 

Three green placemats sewn together

Then I had a small pouch that I didn't like the way I sewed in the zipper. When I took it apart, I thought, "Good grief - what a shoddy job on the zipper!" 

Ripping apart a zippered pouch

So, I shortened the zipper and used part of the strap to make a tab at both ends. 

Adding a tab to the ends of the zipper

The shortened zipper means it won't get caught in the side seams. 

This is much better! 

I could then resew it back together. If I do everything this slowly, I'm in big trouble! 

The pouch is ready to resew together

Anyway, here's the pouch back together. See how square that one end is? That's what both ends should look like. 

The finished pouch

This end looks squishy, but it's way better than it was. Maybe I just need to poke it out more. 

A bit squishy on the end

The big question now is what to do with it. It was slated to go upstairs with the other finished items, but then I spotted the perfect thing to put in it. My THREE small external hard drives and the cables fit perfectly in there. How exciting is that? The key now is NOT to lose that little pouch because there is a lot of precious stuff in there, which I need to keep cleaning up!

Perfect for three external hard drives

Speaking of those external hard drives, remember that I could NOT recover the data from the one that had been around for a long time? So, I paid GOBS to have the files recovered. I was a bit taken aback at the process, but once I started down the path, well, I didn't want to stop. I'm over it now, but let that be a lesson. Those hard disks will have "best before dates" labeled on them and be replaced before they go dead again. I hope to have everything on ONE hard disk; the other two will be backups if needed. 

My new hard disk with the recovered files

And now I have one pouch for external hard drives and one for USBs. Yep—there's a ton of data stored on there. If all the data were printed out, it would probably fill the office! So, two little pouches are good, except they are poorly organized! 

Two pouches filled with data!

Let's pop back to Studio B. It got a bit of a makeover yesterday. Some things were not conveniently located, and I was tired of working around them. So, one thing got moved, which allowed me to clean up more stuff. 

This is what the corner looked like before I started. 

The before 

And this is what it looks like now. In an ideal world, I'd have covers for all the machines to keep the dust off them. The bigger machine accessories are on that new wire shelving unit tucked out of sight. 

The after

It's easy to see which one is more inviting! The machine on the right is there temporarily—I have a Facebook live on June 6th. I'll sew on the machine for a couple of weeks, and then it goes back. So then I'll have an entire table free! The serger is set up and ready to serge something. Notice the basket beside each machine to hold the accessories; it looks neater, and nothing accidentally falls off the table. 

Then, I moved to the other group of tables where the current projects used to reside. This is what it looked like this morning. The two heat presses are on one table, and the two small digital cutters are on another. The table with the mess of stuff is where the large digital cutter is going to go. Again, there is a basket for each machine for power cords. 

The digital cutter area

There is still one problem area in that space, and it's under the table where the heat presses are. These are projects from my ongoing classes that are not quite finished. Most of them need a border! ACK!! But there was never time, but I'm going to try to squeeze time to make that happen. 

UFOs hiding under a table

The cutting table became a dumping ground as I put all the extra stuff from elsewhere on it or the floor in front of it. 

Stuff still to be addressed

Let's just say that the table where the large cutter is going and this area look pretty different this morning, and you'll have to wait until tomorrow to see it. I aim to have only the machines in the open and one or two projects I'm currently sewing. I want the rest of the stuff concealed. That has NEVER happened, but it's my goal. 

I have another table that I'm using as a work table - somehow, when you get the crap off the tables, all of a sudden, there are loads of tables available. 

This just goes to show that the MORE crap you have, the more time you spend managing it. I hate taking the time, but let me tell you that when I went downstairs this morning and saw how clear the worktables were, I jumped for joy! I wanted to turn on the sewing machines and start sewing, but I knew I had to finish dealing with this mess. Once and for all!!!

So I'll continue until the carp has a home, and it will happen gradually. Once everything has a home, I hope it will be easier to work on things. I cannot believe I'm going to say this, but I want to get to the point where I work on ONE PROJECT at a time. Now, I won't necessarily be able to finish a project at one time, but I don't want to leave half-finished projects—perhaps that's a better way of saying it. 

It wouldn't be a good day without a story about the girls. We had a lot of rain in the morning, so the girls didn't get out for a walk. But that didn't stop them from being outside. WAIT—I mean, that didn't stop Murphy! 

MOM -- it's rain - no big deal!

How sad is that face? Yes, Murphy, we love you!! 

MOM -- I didn't know it was raining! 

However, Murphy needs a backpack or saddlebags! Since she didn't get a walk in the morning, I decided to take her to the grocery store. While I was in the store, I tied her to a tree. 

MOM -- I'm a good girl!

And she was quiet. But as soon as I got close, she started to bark. I turned my back and walked away until she stopped barking. Then I walked back, and she barked again. I turned my back, and I didn't walk far before she stopped. The third time, she was quiet! She learns quickly but just can't curb that enthusiasm. 

So I carried the groceries and her leash. And I told her the entire way home that she needed a backpack to help carry stuff. She wasn't impressed. Look at that tongue! Could it hang any further out of her mouth? What a girl!!! 

MOM -- I'm helping! 

I didn't get out with Lexi as it was getting late by then and she was NOT impressed. But later when I was reading, she was fluffing her dog bed. 

Fluffing the dog bed

And then once it was arranged the way she wanted, she lay down. Do you see Murphy sleeping in her window seat bed? 

MOM -- it's now comfy

Ok -- here's a question for the banana eaters amongst us. When people shop for bananas, why do they break one or two off and leave them? The bunches usually have a wide variety of numbers - some with only 4, 5, or 6- so grabbing a bunch with the quantity you want is easy. I don't get it. So I've started buying the singles. Yes, I have six bananas to handle instead of a bunch, but seriously -- it's no big deal. I should get a discount on those single bananas! 

The pile of single bananas

But I want to know why people do that! 

The calendar is wide open today, although I have someone coming to the house to discuss an urgent repair, and I'm off to visit the new library. There is much to organize, and I ordered some stuff to help, so I'll be getting deliveries this week. No -- it's not more crap - it's stuff I need to continue organizing. And something happened this morning, or should I say I found it this morning, that you'll see tomorrow. 

WAIT—don't forget that this is my week to write for QUILTsocial, and you MUST check out what I made. I'm thrilled beyond words with the project. 

Monday's post: Collecting supplies

I'll post the other links as they get posted. 

One last word about the decluttering. If you think you're going to save it for your children to take care of, that is a very mean thing to do. Think of it this way. Pretend your house is your mother's; you walk in the door after she is gone, and you have two weeks to clean it out. Do you even know where to start? Do you know what is valuable and what is not? You have an advantage because you are familiar with the stuff, but your children have NO CLUE about your stuff. 

If I am overwhelmed by MY mess, imagine if someone else looks at it? Their first thought would be to bring on the dumpsters, and most will go to the landfill. But, even that is challenging. Do you know how many TONS of crap you have that has to be moved into the dumpster? That is a very physical job, and who wants to do it? 

So think long and hard about what you leave to your children because you don't or can't deal with it. I'm trying very hard to make sense of all this. Yes - I'm slow. I get it. I bet some of you say just take two days and clean up the office, and I could do it. But I would hate every minute of it. I can do that when I'm in the mood, but I can't just make myself do it. I'm the turtle - slow and steady!

On that note, I have loads to do, and I'd better get started. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

A TIME warp opened up!

It was a productive day, and yet it was not. No, that's not true—any day when you get ANYTHING done on the list is productive. I just wish I could cross more things off the list! 

But we're not going to worry about that. I had some commitments and then the virtual retreat, and now I have an entire week ahead of me with NO APPOINTMENTS the entire week. Five days - my only "commitment" is Monday sewing this morning. It feels like I've won the time lottery, and I won't be wasting a precious moment! I have two classes on Saturday - both of them winding down a 9-month class, so a bit of work there, and then nothing all day Sunday! 

I'm already planning what will be on my schedule for 2025—or starting in October 2024—and I'm NOT adding anything. I might switch some things around, but I'm definitely not adding anything. It's all about giving myself time to complete some of my projects. 

Speaking about completing the writing assignment, I am THRILLED beyond belief at its success. I tried some new techniques, and while the learning wasn't fun at times, I made it happen, and I love it. You have to wait to see what I made. 

I don't know what it is with my girls, but when I put my shoes on to get ready to walk them in the morning, they insist on play fighting—and not just play fighting, but close to me! I shooed them away yesterday because I was getting annoyed with slobbering dogs touching my legs, so Lexi jumped into her kennel. Gosh, she jumped in with such force that she moved it—not that it's heavy, but still! 

MOM -- we can still fight!

That did not deter Murphy from going after her. I swear it's all a show for my benefit. What goes through their heads? 

And then, look at Miss Clingy! She couldn't get close enough to me while I was on a Zoom call. 

MOM - I LOVE YOU!

As I was sewing, my snips fell on the floor. Thank goodness my foot wasn't there! Ouch!

Ouch

And I popped into that little box of USBs, which also holds many little camera cards. Do I even want to go there? The other day, I popped a different USB into the computer, and it told me I did not have permission to open it. Now, why is that? These things seem to change status, and I'm unsure what I'm doing wrong. Is it because I don't eject them? Or were they like that from the start? I guess I must do some research or something. 

And then I pulled two more from the box, along with a whole pile of folded paper. I'll check these out later today, but the paper is gone. I'm shocked at how happy I was to stockpile paper and not deal with it. I'm not sure even what the paper was from. And I think these USBs and the one from the other day probably never even belonged to me!

More junk to deal with

Since I have some time this week, I should grab the entire box, load the contents onto that little hard drive, and empty the USBs. I might just do that! I could do that at the computer during Monday's sewing. No one said we had to sew on Monday! 

I also made a rhubarb crumble in the afternoon, and look who was there hoping to get something. DH started this bad habit and has given the girls other bad habits in the kitchen and regarding food. He doesn't see it, but it's very annoying. 

MOM -- DAD always gives me something! 

Here's my crumble before it went in the oven. My chunks of butter should have been smaller, but I was in a rush, and my bowl was too small to cut the butter properly. Hence, one side of the crumble is a bit dry. Oh well, heat it up and put ice cream on it, and it tastes just fine! 

Rhubarb crumble

I re-glued this box, using three glue sticks in the process. Let's hope it is good for another year or so. I'll just have to remember to hold it by the bottom or not put so much in it. 

Fixing my retreat box

I also took apart a small zippered pouch. I wasn't happy with how the zipper went in. I know—it's a waste of time, but I'd rather do something right than pass it along like that. The ends of the zipper weren't pretty. And that's why it takes me so long to do something, I'm happy to fuss rather than go for speed. 

I have some computer work to do—mostly sending emails—and I should attempt to get that done today. While I have the time, I need to make a dent in what needs to be done. So, what happens this week will be a surprise to you and me. 

I have quilts to quilt, Studio B to tidy up, possibly a quilt to make, and so much more. But I will never be bored! 

And my Dad is still pursuing that serger—for someone who knew nothing about sergers, he read that small manual, and now he's asking stuff—well, he knows a lot about sergers! 

On that note, I should get my butt in gear as I'm off to spin class this morning. I have amassed "junk" in several small baskets, one on my computer desk. Good grief. I just looked in. Can you tell me WHY I put some of the stuff there and not in the garbage or recycling bin? It blows my mind -- that is the kind of thing that becomes clutter! So I grabbed a few things, and they will be tossed away later this morning. 

The trick will be NOT to gather up a whole pile of things to deal with. Leave them where they are and deal with a few at a time. Otherwise, I'm just moving stuff around. I'm famous for that! I have enough stuff pulled out that should be dealt with before I move onto other nooks and crannies! 

While I lament on the paper in this office, I think I'm dealing equally with this accumulated junk I had no idea what to do with. Off with its head - garbage or recycling! I guess I felt guilty about throwing it out and filling the landfill, so I chose to fill my house instead. No more!!

And now I'm gone!

Have a super day!!

Ciao!!!

The not so HIDDEN cost of increased prices

LOL --- There was no need to trick DH into cleaning the spice drawers. Once we established the space where the ones he wanted to keep were, he went through them pretty quickly!!!

He wants to keep this, but what an unruly mess of containers for everything! 

The spices to keep

This is the throwaway pile. WAIT—I'm going to go through that, pull out the utensils, and check those before they go in the garbage. It seems a shame to throw all those spices away, but most of it has been hanging around for years, so the spices are likely stale. And if we don't use them, what's the sense of keeping them? 

The throwaway drawer

I need to wash both drawers and then I'm hunting for a spice system that fits in the drawer. I'm not a fan of anything on the counter—this is my new rule since I started decluttering. I could live with NOTHING on the counter, but DH has a few things, and well, he gets a say in the kitchen as well. I can live with the normal stuff. I'll take a picture for tomorrow. 

Thanks for the suggestion, Ruth. I'm going to check out the drawer units. I went to the mall yesterday, but they didn't have anything like that, so I'll have to order online or do some more research. Of course, then I'll need matching jars to fit the new drawer insert. That should keep me busy for this week, and then I think all the drawers in the kitchen have been gone through once. I bet I could keep going and find more to throw out. 

But—let's get the spices under control first. WAIT—I can't take a picture of the counters until I deal with the spices since they are currently on the counter!

I made great progress on my project yesterday. Good grief -- it's one thing to blog about something, but I had never done this part before, and let's say there was a bit of ripping (OK - a lot of ripping) until I perfected the technique to my liking. You'll have to wait to see what happened. I'm almost done, and even though we have a virtual retreat today, I should be able to finish. Most of the writing is done, and it'll be sent tomorrow. 

I was wishing for a rainy day (sorry to all the gardeners and golfers), but I needed to stay inside and get some work done! Look at the clouds in the sky—especially those near the bottom of the photo. There are a few weird cloud formations—I'm sure there's a name for that! We used to have a few names for clouds, but now, there's a whole pile of new ones! 

Wavy cloud formation

Good grief - I just googled that, and those clouds on the bottom are called Asperitas Clouds. 

I walked the girls with no rain, and then it rained, so I wasn't going anywhere. Then it cleared up and I went for my afternoon walk. I took an umbrella just in case, but the rain was done by then. 

It's raining!

When I went to find my walking butt belt (fanny pack - not to offend anyone with that term), I couldn't find it the first day. Good grief -- I know where I put them - I have two. So I went back the next day, and they were right there! Beside my hiking backpack. 

But then I spotted these two backpacks which we never use. They are practically brand new and are now in the giveaway pile! NOTHING is sacred in this house; once you get past the HUGE mess, it's easy to spot things that can go! 

Backpacks to be given away

I appreciate that people don't have cars making it inconvenient when they go shopping, and they may have some heavy things to transport, but what's with all the abandoned shopping carts? 

Abandoned shopping carts

It's pretty rampant in my neighborhood these days. 

Another abandoned shopping cart

What I don't get is that these carts cost money, and if the stores lose them, they have to replace them. Guess what? That means higher costs for us! People keep blaming other sources for higher prices, but do they think about theft, lost or damaged shopping carts, and many other things that the public is doing to raise the prices of things? 

Do you know how much a shopping cart costs? I just checked, and it's about $1,500 CDN. Yikes!!! 

It's easy enough to have a trolley cart to carry heavy things, and leave the shopping carts at the store. Imagine if the stores didn't provide them? 

OH -- and I found the blog post with my homemade template. Check it out. That was my FREE template, or you could buy the one I showed you the other day. I have an idea to improve my homemade template, and you'll have to wait. I have a scouting trip in mind for next week. 

It was cold yesterday—perhaps it was just the damp, but it was cold in Studio B. I refused to change into pants, but I had a big sweater on! 

Here's the link for the Virtual Retreat. It starts at 1 p.m. today. We had loads of fun last night, and I got some work done. I'll discuss that tomorrow as I hope to finish that project. 

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

Meeting ID: 829 8351 7671
Passcode: 117636

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!

The SPICE of life!

I'm going to have to put myself in time-out. Well, not in the gazebo, for sure! It's the gazebo that's the problem. I made my tea and went out in the morning, but it was hard to come back in. The temperature is glorious, and it's so relaxing. I managed at some point to pull myself back into the house, but barely! 

Gosh—if I want to be outside, I should be at the store getting bags of mulch and working on spreading it. I think we might have some rain in the forecast today, which is a good thing—even if DH is going to play golf!

I could do better at tidying up the paperwork that keeps piling up beside my computer. How can that get so crazy every day? Some of it is stuff that I pulled from elsewhere to deal with. And I keep grabbing a thing or two off the desktop, which isn't really paper—it's accumulated junk. That entire desktop is covered with things that do not have homes! Bit by bit, it's going. But in the meantime, the mess is still there. 

However, it's nowhere near what it used to be, and that's all that matters—every step counts! 

When I pulled myself into the house, I went downstairs and tidied up there as well. My goal is to clear all three of these tables. 

More decluttering

The current project table was piled high with things I wanted to work on, but that's not a functional use of the table. So when I found an empty space, I put some stuff on a shelf, and some went on the rolling cart. I've got a bit more to deal with, and I want that to happen! Then, I'll have a working space for the three digital cutters and my heat presses. 

I've learned that if you don't have room for a tool, it won't get used. So I'm trying to find space for everything. So far, it's been so good, but it requires a little bit more work on my part. I know I have gaps in my storage shelves where I can put the remainder of this stuff. It's just making it happen. We have a virtual retreat tonight and tomorrow, and this would be the perfect thing to tackle!

I pulled out two drawers in the kitchen; both of them have spices in them. OK—we need a better system for species, and I would bet that many of those are way past expiry, and we don't use them, so they should be tossed. 

Spice Drawer 1

Spice Drawer 2

I have to leave this to DH, as it's his domain. But I love his comment -- they are so messy, and spices have spilled into the drawer. DUH!!! What do you think? The spice fairy comes at night and does that? It's YOU!! And if it's messy, then clean it up! He would never think of that! And then we wonder why our children are entitled!

I made good progress on my writing projects - I'm almost finished - thank goodness, because I must rush into the next project. 

OK—I took a few minutes and put some things away. It drives me crazy when I dig out some stuff I'll deal with that day and then don't do it. Can you tell me why I do that? I found several small pieces of art that I purchased many years ago and haven't hung up. There isn't room in the office, so I must scout out two spots to hang those pieces. 

On my walk, I stopped in at the thrift store and spotted a couple of things, but I did not have any money or a coupon, so nothing was purchased! That's a very safe way to shop! 

I have one presentation this morning, and it's all ready to go. 

As I cleared off the cutting table and dealt with stuff, I unpacked this purchase I made while away: I bought this felt at Heart n Home in New Hamburg. Yummy colors!!! And no—I didn't really need that, but it looked nice! 

New felt purchases

You feel obligated to take a hostess gift if you're going somewhere. What to take? Wine? A quilted item? But what? Here's a great suggestion—a package of paper napkins. Paper napkins can be put in the compost (check first). Heart n Home has a ton of gorgeous napkins. They will be used up, and the owner doesn't have to worry about suiting the decor or re-gifting. Who doesn't use napkins? 

I went for a massage, which wasn't fun but didn't feel as bad as the last time. Oh, how our memory plays tricks on us! It makes us believe the pain isn't as bad - who am I kidding? If I don't get my butt in gear and start stretching more, I'm going to be crippled up before I know it. I should be in the gazebo doing yoga! 

Here are the links to the Virtual Retreat. 

Saturday, May 25 - Starts at 6:00 PM

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

Meeting ID: 898 1648 3795
Passcode: 248667

Sunday, May 26 - Starts at 1:00 PM -- NEW START TIME

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

Meeting ID: 829 8351 7671
Passcode: 117636

As long as I can stay out of the gazebo, I'm motivated to do something today!

So how are the rest of you making out with the drawers? It may take a while for DH to go through those two drawers. How much can I push? ,

On that note, I'm out of here!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Check before you buy!

Well, I made out that list of things to do, but I didn't get to check any of them off yesterday, although I made progress on several things. The couple I worked on just generated more stuff to look at!

However, there are a couple of things that I need to address before I forget. I did look at the drawers in the desk. There are three of them. Here's the first one; it looks neat and tidy, so there are no changes. 

Drawer number one

Here's the second drawer, which is actually the top drawer. Hmm—I found a few paper clips in the wrong spot. Look at that mess of elastics! So the bucket of elastics got pulled, and I'll wean that out, and the paper clips were put in the right spot. But other than that, all is good. 

The second drawer

Here's the third drawer. I pulled a USB stick from one of the boxes, and I'll deal with it today. So, I'm also practicing what I preach. 

The third drawer

What I love is that after I dealt with these drawers a couple of months ago, they have remained in good shape! They are set up properly, allowing me to maintain them, and that's what a good, tidy house is supposed to be. 

I'll find some other drawers today to deal with just so you know you're not alone. Come to think of it, there are a lot of drawers in our house. I've been through most of the drawers - they are easy! But it's good to recheck them! 

The second thing is the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Windsor. They expect the bridge deck to be open by the end of June. Hmm. Doesn't that make you think there'll be a big Canada Day/July 4th celebration? Maybe? Maybe not!/ 

But check out this article. One more section (49 feet) must be added to the US side, and the final section will join the two sides. Can you guess how long that final section is? It's 85 feet, which is the width of an official NHL hockey rink. Gordie Howe? Hockey? I think it's fantastic that they did that! 

The last thing I must remember is that there is a virtual retreat this weekend. If the weather is nice, well, I doubt that many of us will be there. I might not be there! I can't get enough of the great outdoors in this fabulous weather. 

Here are the links: 

Saturday - May 25 - starts at 6 PM. I suspect most of us will be there for that. 

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

Meeting ID: 898 1648 3795
Passcode: 248667

Sunday, May 26, starts at 1 p.m. NOTE: The later start time is because we have digital cutters before, and it always goes late. 

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

Meeting ID: 829 8351 7671
Passcode: 117636

And now, on with the show!

I happened upon something a bit shocking on the internet. I was looking at tapering the corner of a cushion. Many people do not do this and end up with unsightly dog-ear corners on their cushions. I used to mark the taper by hand, but I decided a while back to make a template from plastic. Shoot—I thought I shared this in a QUILTsocial post. If you check out this link and scroll down, you can see what I mean by tapering the corners.

Somewhere along the line, I made a template so I wouldn't have to mark that every time. As I was searching for something on the internet, I came across this: a ruler that does the same job. It's on sale for $40 US.

A ruler to taper the corner of cushions

But then I thought I would check my favorite online store. WAIT A MINUTE -- this is insane. Look at the price.

I can't find the exact thing this morning, but I took a picture. It's the same ruler—but look at the price!!!

Yikes -- look at that price

I made mine for free! And while I need to use a second ruler with it for cutting as the template plastic is not thick enough, I don't use it that often! Yikes!!!!

The tree canopy is almost complete, and you would never believe houses are on the other side. It's absolutely glorious to walk through the forest these days!

The tree canopy is complete

But Miss Lexi wanted an urban walk yesterday, so I decided to stop at Tim's for a cookie for my morning snack since I didn't have any in the house. 

Miss Lexi waiting patiently at Tim's

When I got home from the walks, I made a cup of tea and sat outside. It was glorious. I had to pry myself out of that chair and get in the house to finish some work!

Morning tea

Of course, the girls had to entertain. They wouldn't feel like they were earning their keep if they didn't. 

Murphy is up to no good in the far corner

I walked to the grocery store, and they had samples of a tea that I had never tried before. Hmm—this is a fruity tea, but it actually tastes GOOD. It was lukewarm when I had my mini-cup of tea, but that temperature was excellent. 

A new tea to try

I got the white-on-black fabrics cut for the project, and they are now in the retreat bag. 

White-on-black fabric cut

I cannot find the post where I showed how I made that template. GRR!!! I'll likely find it the minute I hit PUBLISH on this post! 

While I was standing at the desk admiring the tidy drawers, a couple of things caught my eye, and they are now in the garbage or recycling bin. The more I do, the less effort it takes to make that decision - toss or keep. And most things are going in the toss pile. If you haven't started yet, you should make an effort. You will NOT regret it. You'll feel better mentally, have more room physically, and have less to deal with when you move!

On that happy note, do NOT forget to keep plugging away at the drawers! Have you ever counted how many drawers you have in your house? I have 15 just in my kitchen, and I do NOT have pots and pans drawers! 

I will grab one of those today and deal with it. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!