What a memory!!!

OK --- I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face, and I can't help it. They are tears of joy, but still. And even when I got ahold of myself and then came back to edit, these pictures still bring tears to my eyes. 

I just had a quick peek at Facebook before I started writing, and I spotted this post. I knew my nephew, who recently got his pilot's license and bought a small plane, wanted to fly from Winnipeg to visit with my parents in North Battleford. It's about 840 km. 

When I talked to Mom yesterday and asked if anything new was happening, she said that Devin and his girlfriend were there for the weekend. 

And here is Devin taking my Dad for a ride in his plane. My Dad would be tickled to the ends of the earth with this, and I just can't stop crying when I think of how much this would lift his day, his week, his year!!

Grandfather (my Dad) and his grandson (Devin)

One of Dad's buddies (best man) lives in Edmonton and used to fly small planes, and Dad talked about it all the time. Going for a ride with his grandson in his own plane will have him over the moon. And they flew over the farm, which is even more special. I bet the neighbors were wondering who the heck was in that small plane!! 

What's left of the family farm

Gosh -- if it weren't for the blue roof on the old garage, you wouldn't even know there was a farm there! Almost everything is now gone, but you will notice a long line of debris in front of the blue-roofed garage. That belongs to my brother, who is in total denial about being a hoarder, just like Mom. He is a hoarder of old trucks and cars. While he's in the process of getting rid of it, there is still a lot of work to be done. But that's not my problem! 

OK - I think I've settled down now! WOW --- what a thrill of a lifetime for Dad. He'll be talking about that for years! I might have to get those pictures framed for him! 

My news for the day is pretty tame compared to that. I'm so not used to having NOTHING to do on the weekends that I'm positively becoming a slug! Well, that's not true, but I didn't get done nearly as much as I would have liked. But you know what? That's OK. 

This was my quote in my tea in the morning. How fun, and it's so true whether you are quilting, getting from A to B, or anything in life!! I try to "enforce" that when I'm teaching a class. I am not a fan of teachers who dictate how something must be done. There are a few rules in my vocabulary when I teach - I have my preferred way, and I like to state why that is my preferred way, but honestly, does it matter if the students do it slightly differently? Not at all!

Quote for the day

The three of us went to DH's golf club for brunch. It was a beautiful day, but it was cold, and when that wind starts up, it's even colder. When I walked Murphy in the morning, it was without mitts, but when I walked Lexi, I got mitts. 

It was a wonderful buffet, and we had a great lunch. I only took pictures of the best part! Dessert! They had yummy cupcakes. 

Mother's Day dessert

But the best part was the creme brule!! Oh my --- the portion was tiny, so I did sneak a second one, and it was so creamy and heavenly. A great way to finish off a wonderful meal. I'm sure DH will be happy when his sister moves out! So much talking and frivolity at the table! He's used to my one-sided, idiotic conversations, but to have someone respond to me -- well, I'm sure he's getting tired of it. I think it's hilarious and loads of fun!

Creme brule to die for!

I had not been out to the club for several years, and I used to ride my bike in that area, but the roads have all changed now. I almost got lost! 

So what did I do once we got back home? That darn puzzle was calling my name, and I just couldn't resist. After all, it was Sunday, and Mother's Day on top of it, so I resisted the weak pull of the sewing machine and sat down to work on the puzzle. Those buildings were a challenge since there were loads of windows, but there were small figures in them, and, well, it all came together. And this is more like me—finding a home for all the pieces I have selected. 

Progress on the puzzle

Then I covered the puzzle and said, "No more," but I couldn't resist, and before I knew it, I was back to working on the puzzle. And this is what it looked like when I shut things down last night. I think you can now tell the city it portrays! 

Great progress on the jigsaw puzzle

And while I loved getting the information, I didn't need to know there was a second puzzle store in my area!! I looked at their Facebook page, and it looks like a wonderful store in Toronto. It's called PuzzleNerds, and it's about 30 minutes away by car. Hmmm--- I may have to take a visit, but they have a very good website, so one could just look online and order! Lots of great independent puzzle makers with some amazing pictures!

I spotted this puzzle, which I need to get. It's called Soaring Over Tofino, and since that is the location of the next wedding, it's a must-get! It's out of stock at both puzzle stores!!! The Villager is a Canadian company. Yeah!

Soaring over Tofino jigsaw puzzle

Anyway --- it was fun not having any pressure to get something done, and working on the puzzle was amazing. I LOVE doing jigsaw puzzles. 

However, I did accomplish some quilting things. The customer's quilt was finished. 

Customer quilt - DONE

I just have to join some batting pieces for the community project quilt I'll work on today, and I'll switch back and forth between these two categories to finish them. It's time I got back to the long arm! And I have some learning to do, and this would be the perfect time since I don't have much pressure from classes. And can you believe? This coming weekend is also empty!! I MUST get my bike tuned up, so I can get out for some rides!!

I also traced all the applique shapes for that winter seasonal quilt I'm working on. I didn't get any sewing done, and I'm OK with that. Tracing the applique is a boring process, and it's all done!

Tracing the applique shapes onto the fusible.

It's Monday sewing, so I hope to get all the fusible on the back of the fabric scraps and cut them out. Then, when it's time to do the applique, all is prepped. I have some other applique stitching to do, and today might be just the perfect day to make it all happen. While it's OK to slide a bit, I don't want that to become the new norm. I like sewing and have so much I want to do. 

I'm off to spin this morning. Notice I didn't say "class." I'm going to hop on a bike in the main area and watch the TV without sound. I'm OK with that. I just need to get back into my routine, and I really, really miss the spin classes. 

And on that happy note, I'm out of here!!

Have a wonderful day!

Ciao!!!

A puzzling day!!

Happy Mother's Day

I must say, it feels great to get back to sewing, and, well, I just picked a "random" project to work on. Actually, it's on my Visual To-Do list under UFO, so I'm allowed to work on it! I had picked five projects under the UFO category, and my plan is to finish them all this year. They are in various states of completion. 

When I first started the sew-along quilts, in year two (2004), we did something different. Instead of choosing one large quilt, we picked two small quilts from a four-season collection. The fall and spring quilts (two of each) are waiting to be quilted. I have no idea if I started the summer one or even where it would be. But I knew that the winter one was not done. WAIT -- I will confess that at the time, I NEEDED to make two of everything. Why? Because I'd have one ready to show and the other was in bits and pieces to show the progress, or at least that was my plan. 

Well, neither of the winter ones got done! Here's what's in the box! There are some completed blocks and some embellishments, though I don't think all of those embellishments belong to this quilt, so I'll do some investigating later today. 

What was in the box

I put the completed blocks on the design wall for both quilts. 

Progress on both quilts

Some of the fabrics (larger pieces for backgrounds) were pulled, but lots of fabric is missing. So as I watched a presentation, I was sorting through my blue scraps. You don't know how handy those scrap bins are, and because they are sorted by color, it's easy to find what I need. And can you believe I found some scraps for the fabric I was working with? Yep—this quilt was started in 2004, and I still had some scraps. That fabric is now history!

Digging through the scraps

As I was putting the scraps back in the container, I wasn't paying attention, and OH— the darn thing fell on the floor. So the scraps were put back in the container, but the lid doesn't fit as well as it did when I started. 

Oopsy!

However, I got all the pieces cut for my two cardinal blocks. 

Ready to sew the cardinal block

These four seasonal quilts are made with the stitch-and-flip method, which requires extensive marking of diagonal sewing lines. BUT, now that I have a projection line on my sewing machine, I no longer have to draw lines. That speeds up the process a wee bit. 

The projection line on the sewing machine!

While I was working, I was sewing the scrappy half-square triangles as enders and leaders. I came across these in the tray. Hmmm -- the minimal size I work on now is the one in the bottom right. The ones on the left are far too small, and I do not know why I even considered sewing them. 

Srappy triangles to sew or throw!

In addition to rifling through the scrap bins, I had to dig through the blue yardage bin to attempt to find more of that one background fabric. Shoot—I don't have any more. And if I had been paying attention and not made several miscuts, I would probably have had enough. But I fixed it, which you'll see in a moment. 

Rifling through the blue yardage basket

Those two cardinal blocks were major puzzles, and I had to pause the audiobook several times to read the pattern and figure out the order of partial seams and flipped corners. And then my two blocks were done!!! I believe the legs have to be embroidered, but otherwise - done!

The cardinal blocks are done!

Here's what I did to address the fabric shortage. 

A wee "patch."

There are six more blocks to make for each quilt. I might as well keep at it, as I was on a roll and enjoying the process, and I'd like to get one more UFO done and one more thing off the current project table. 

So last night, before shutting off the lights, I pulled fabrics for the next set of blocks, which are some log cabin blocks. 

Fabric pulled for the log cabin blocks.

And this morning, I cut all the pieces to make 8 blocks - four for each quilt. 

The log cabin blocks are ready to sew.

I still had some time, so I decided to prep the next block, which has some piecing and appliqué. 

Prepping the next block

My goal, though it might be a stretch, is to get all the piecing done for both blocks today. And I hope to trace all the appliqué. I feel much better and seem to have my sewjo back, which is great since I have a lot to do. And it's good to take a rest from it every once in a while. 

I also got a lot done on the jigsaw puzzle. Oh shoot - I did look at the artist's name, and I've forgotten it, but they are Canadian. (Malika Pannek - a German-Canadian illustrator who lives in Canada). Oh, shoot—I just saw on her website (The Paperhood) that she has two new jigsaw puzzles. 

For the longest time, that building on the left was just floating, but now it's attached to the side, and I'm working on the building on the right, as well as the big tree. I'm not nearly as neat as when I worked on some of the others. There are pieces everywhere, but all is good. 

Good progress

Here are a couple of things I discovered on my morning walk. The for-rent e-scooters are back on the sidewalks, although they seem to be different models from last year. I noticed this sign on them that you can't really miss while riding. Do you see what it says? "No riding on sidewalks," and yet every one of them is ridden on a sidewalk. It's a disaster waiting to happen. 

A note on the for-rent e-scooters

I also spotted the little white e-car again. The driver must live in the retirement home down the street, and there is a multi-purpose path (right beside the sidewalk) that connects the retirement home to the gas station. He always parks in the handicap parking, which looks ridiculous since his car is so tiny, but it's close to the entrance. I have never seen the gentleman outside the car, so I wonder if he drives there and gets them to bring out what he is buying? Or does he just park there to have a rest? 

He has followed me several times down the multi-purpose path (I typically walk on the sidewalk), but he comes up slow behind me, until I hear him, and then he zips past. Now, if only we could get the e-scooters to do the same thing. 

Talk about gas prices jumping. When I walked Murphy past this station before 8 AM, the price was 190.0. Half an hour later, when I walked Lexi past the station, the price had dropped by 18 cents! Please note that our prices are per liter, not per gallon, if you are reading from the US. There must have been some good news about the supply to cause it to drop that much! 

Fill up the car!!!!!

Then, as Miss Lexi and I were forest bathing, we turned the corner, and I spotted something white high in a tree. So we went to investigate, and OH MY—there was a cat in the tree. It didn't seem stressed and was as quiet as a mouse, so I guess it didn't need rescuing. 

Cat in the tree

While you can't see the cat in this picture, it was quite high up!

The trees where the cat was sitting

And Miss Murphy—well, she is not happy these days. Because the weather is still quite cool, and I wasn't outside. However, she can see me sitting in the kitchen while I ice my knee, she decided that we should play ball. She grabs the ball, throws it in the pond, then gives a sharp bark, and stares at me!!!!

MOM - Let's play ball

And when I didn't go out, she sulked. I felt so bad that I went and threw the ball a couple of times for her. She is 10 or 11 and shows no signs of slowing down, although I think she is having a bit of trouble with her back legs. That is a common issue for this breed and this age of dog. I must consult the vet or check online to get her something to help with her joints. I probably should have done that a long time ago. 

MOM - I'm so sad....... come play with me!!!!

But then we had quite the storm later in the afternoon, and she was frantic. I finally had to put her thunder shirt on her to try and calm her down, but it didn't seem to be working. 

MOM - I'm scared!!!!!

She was trying to find a quiet, dark place to hide. I opened all the doors to the closets and rooms in hopes she would go into one of the spaces and settle down, but that didn't happen. And what's wrong with the stash room? When the lights are off, that room is dark, and she hides behind the shelf. But dogs can feel the storm in the air, and that was not making her happy. 

MOM - it's so scary!!!!

Thankfully, the storm didn't last long, and she was back to her happy self. 

I also got a customer quilt loaded on the long arm, but by the time things settled down at the house, it was getting too late in the day to start, so I'll be at work on that today. 

And I took KU out to lunch as it was her birthday. We went to the crepe place in the mall and OH MY --- the crepes are to die for!! They have sweet and savory options, and it's so hard to choose which to have. And they are super filling. If you're ever looking for something different and are near the mall, you should try this place. I only go there for special occasions because it is way too decadent to eat often. It is also busy and slow as they cook each crepe to perfection. 

While I was at the doctor's, I asked for a renewal of my medication (bone density), and I got a call that it was ready for pickup at the original drug store, which I changed at least a year ago. And the pills are not the same. I checked this morning, and they are the original ones she gave me that must be taken 30 minutes before eating. Sigh...................   I have to call her and get her to give me the other drug, which allows me to take it with a meal. 

The sad thing is, there was NO warning on the drug packets that the drug needed to be taken 30 minutes before eating, and that you are not allowed to lie down for 30 minutes. 

On that happy note, I'm out of here! There's a lot on the agenda today, including Mother's Day brunch, so I must get things happening! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Getting back to the routine!

The good news is that with shorter and slower walks and lots of ice, I'm doing OK. Better than OK, and that makes me happy. 

However, someone is very unhappy with the short walks and is protesting. Every time I was near the front door, guess who was there? Demanding that I take her for another walk. How does she know her walk was shortchanged? Lexi is just happy to get out and doesn't care how long the walk is. 

However, the morning walk with Murphy was bizarre. I think I had mentioned that we had some lightning and thunder -- one of each, and that was it. But it had started to rain, or since it was so cold, it almost resembled sleet. I bundled up for the cold, wet walk. As I walked, I could see the clouds dissipating, and by the time I got home, the sun was out. And the sky was completely blue. That happened in the space of 20 minutes! Go figure!

Oh my --- I decided to work on the jigsaw puzzle. Shoot - I didn't take a picture of the puzzle, nor did I take a picture of my progress. It's a hand-painted scene of New York, and it's quite fun! I believe a Canadian artist, or at least a Canadian company, created the puzzle. And I know I've said it before, but this little puzzle station I carved out of space in Studio B is amazing!! I love those felt boards. 

The border for the next puzzle

To avoid getting totally distracted, I put the felt boards over the puzzle to keep my wandering eyes off it! I'll work on it in the evenings as I listen to audiobooks. And oh my --- I seem to have quite a few books in the queue at the moment. That's how it happens -- you have many books on the hold list with long lead times and then - poof --- they all seem to come in at once. And yes—I know I can suspend those holds. But I think I have it under control. 

I got this cordless vacuum at some kind of charity event. Or DH got it - I really don't remember, but we didn't pay for it. I love it for Studio B. Have you noticed how clear the floor is? Getting those books back on the shelves was great, and now it's time to finish cleaning up the dirt, lint, and dog hair. I thought the vacuum was on the fritz because after charging it a couple of months ago, it wouldn't work. 

But I gave it one more chance yesterday, and after recharging it, it works like a charm. OK—now I have two cordless vacuums. Perhaps one can stay on the main floor. 

My cordless Rowenta vacuum is working again!!!

After seeing how much crap I clean off the floor every time I pass the Swifter or the vacuum, it boggles my mind how anyone would want carpet in their house. Never mind the dog hair - it's the dirt and the lint and the dust that is insane!! No wonder so many people have breathing problems. The first thing we do in any house is get rid of the carpet! And the stairs? It is a nightmare to have carpet on them. Thankfully, we have no carpet on our stairs either! 

I managed to get more half-square triangles trimmed. It's a mindless task, and I'm OK with that kind of task at the moment. 

Trimming half-square triangles

I even got a few more trimmed this morning. Slow and steady is the name of the game. 

More half-square triangles

And yes—I will tackle those little bits one day. I have already sewn several projects from the half-square triangles. I should dig those out and share again. Think of them as making fabric! Once you have the fabric, you can make anything. Zippered pouches, quilts, tote bags - whatever your heart desires. But I have the goal of making a larger scrap quilt, and I'd better get organized for my upcoming scrap class in the fall. 

I started prepping for the upcoming Zoom session on the Grainline Studio Tamarack jacket that I'm going to host on May 23 and June 27. I'm rewatching the videos and taking notes to discuss with the attendees. There are great things about the videos that I want to emphasize, some things I want to clarify (or add my two cents), and a couple of things I'd do totally differently. 

Either way, if you are interested in making a quilted jacket from ANY pattern, I highly recommend watching those videos (you'll find them on YouTube). They are thorough, and what is discussed applies to ANY quilted jacket pattern. Dare I even say that after watching those videos, you should NEVER have to take a quilted jacket class ever again? Except if you want the social aspect of taking a class. They are that good and that thorough. 

If you are interested in attending my sessions as we discuss the video content, send me an email, and I'll add you to the list. elainetheriault@gmail.com

By discussing the process of making a quilted jacket with our peers, we're going to solidify this information in our heads, get answers to any niggling details that we don't understand, and perhaps come up with a new tip or two. I'm looking forward to it. Before you get all excited about attending my sessions, I strongly encourage you to watch the videos (Graneline Studio), as my discussion is based on them. If you don't watch them, our discussion will be meaningless. And my sessions are NOT being recorded!!!

I decided it was time to fire up the long arm, which has sat idle for quite some time. I have a couple of customer quilts that I need to get done, and there are those eleven community project quilts that I promised to do for someone that also need to be done. I'd like to get those done because the quilt tops and the basket of flannel for the backing are taking up visual space in Studio B. 

Here is the first of the eleven -- it's done and trimmed, and I do not have to put the binding on. 

Community project quilt - Number One

I thought I might as well get the backing for the next one done, although I'll work on a couple of customer quilts. Actually, I'll alternate - community project, customer, etc., until I get through both piles. 

I happened to have just enough of this fabric to make a backing for the next quilt. While you can't see it in the picture, there are a few seams along the edges to make it large enough to load on the long arm. 

The backing for the next quilt

This is the last of my Canadian Idol fabric!!! 

Canadian Idol flannel

And when I was done, this is all I have left!!! A teeny scrap which is now in the scrap box for the pet mats. When I trim this quilt, there won't be much of anything left. It's a tight fit, and I'm OK with that because the quilt is on the small side (52 by 52). Having the backing this tight on a customer quilt is NOT acceptable, in case you were wondering whether you could get away with it! I tolerate it because the quilt is small, and I'll have to babysit the loose pattern. 

All that remains

I pulled the backing fabric for the next quilt, and I'll attempt to get that done in the next day or so. I need to whip through and make all the backings so I can put the baskets of flannel away. 

Then, onto fixing those pants. Hmm -- the edges of the pieces were serged, but the seam was only stitched on its own. What's crazy is that this seam was also topstitched, and both rows of stitching came out. It was fiddly to repair, but it's done, and I even re-topstitched the seam. 

Mending pants

But if you think you are buying quality when you buy something expensive, you are not! The seams were quickly and cheaply sewn. I'm sure I'll be repairing some other part of the pants at some point. Now I still have that fancy shirt to repair. I'm not looking forward to that one because - well, how does one fix the elbow in a dress shirt? I swear he has dragged himself along the ground on his elbows because both are faded and thin. I'll have to ask how old the shirt is. 

I am setting aside time every day to work through some reading material. It's a question of staying consistent with that if I want to see any change in the quantity. The only problem is that there is so much literature, podcasts, and things I want to learn/read, and I have to make choices, and I'm not good at prioritizing. But I'll get there. 

I do not know why we tend to sit back when we are having issues, whether with our health, our skills, or whatever it is. We are all good at becoming complacent and thinking, "Oh, it's not that bad - it can wait." And how often have we put ourselves on the back burner while we bust our butts to help someone else? I do not know why we do that, but it's time we stopped. We are important, and if you are a caregiver to someone else, it's even more important that you take care of yourself, or you'll be needing a caregiver as well. 

And as soon as we are pain-free, we think — OH, I'm good now. No, you are not good; you still require attention. That's kind of me, as I know that taking it easy will ease the pain, but it doesn't eliminate it! And the instability of that leg is what bothers me the most. There is NO way that I would ever consider running - I'll be flat on my face before I take a handful of steps. 

If you are waiting for a sunny day to make hay, stop—make the hay today, because you need to get it done or get the situation looked after, whatever that situation is. 

On that happy note, I'm out of here. I must prepare for my short walks, and I'll take the girls out later in the afternoon for another short walk. I did that yesterday, and it worked just fine. No waking up in the night, and that works for me. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

It's time to get back to work!

What an insane day yesterday was! I started the day with Brooke, and we focused on the upper body to avoid further knee issues. I took shorter and slower walks with the girls (they were NOT impressed), and Murphy hung around the front door for a good part of the day, hoping to go for another walk. Then it was off to the dentist. I did walk there, but not before icing the knee to keep things under control. It's not that far, and if I walk slowly, I'm OK. 

Can you believe I got a reasonably good bill of health from the hygienist? Gums are in better shape than they have been on previous visits, and she even said that, while I could clean more, there was less buildup on my teeth. WOW!!!!! Now that makes me want to floss every day!!! I like using those little floss things—they are on a handle, and you can floss with one hand. So much easier and less messy than the string. 

Home with a bit of time to catch up with KU, comparing notes about our travel after the wedding. Then it was off to lunch with the Monday group. And while I was waiting for my dentist appointment, I called the doctor, and she could see me at 3:15. 

So I drove there after lunch. We had a great discussion, and I am finally getting what I want! Some follow-up. I got X-rays done yesterday on BOTH knees because both have various ligament issues. How do I know? I can FEEL the side ligament on the right knee snap into place when I get up - not always, but often. It has stretched over time, so it's not nearly as painful as when it first started. Sounds gross, and that is probably not what is happening, but I can feel it. 

Then I have ultrasounds booked for both knees in three weeks (could have been two, but I'm at retreat and didn't want to come back for that), and then I'm getting a referral to a sports medicine clinic, which is the perfect spot to figure out the issue. 

The doctor was reluctant, of course, but I told her I was tired of self-diagnosing and treating myself to get some relief. So this is the plan, and I'm OK. If the sports medicine team decides an MRI is in order, they will request it. I'm OK -- I need some direction --- more stretching, less stretching, what kind of strengthening exercises or not. How bad is the tear? and lots of other things, and hopefully, they can guide me to getting some answers. Hopefully, the sciatic issue will resolve itself in the process. 

I came home from the X-ray place, was exhausted, and didn't do much for the rest of the day. It was already 4 PM. I went to bed at 7 and slept, except when I was awakened by the pain in my knees. But what else is new? That's what medication is for. 

I feel great now and will probably need a nap later today, but that's OK. 

I've been so focused on dealing with those books that I haven't had much mojo for sewing. But today? I feel much better today. 

Here's what happened in Studio B and what it looks like. 

This is the quilt side of the bookcase, and almost all the books are back on the shelves. There are a few open pockets here and there, and I'm going to find a home for everything that remains on the floor. I know it's not ideal, as there are many more books that I don't want. But my brain is so tired of dealing with the books that I can't, and don't want to, process any more at the moment.  

The bookcase is almost done.

I'm perfectly fine with the books the way they are. They are sorted into categories and on the shelf, and all the spines are visible. That works for me and will make searching for any book so much easier than it has been. 

I do want to catalog them, and I know someone mentioned LibraryThing for cataloging books. It's a free app, and I may investigate it. Just not at this moment, I'm done with books!

This is what got culled and is still downstairs. I need to address all this before I even consider moving on. This has always been a big issue of mine. I get started on something, and then I don't finish, and it becomes a huge mess. So I am trying to learn—get this step done first; then you can make another mess. The books in front are spoken for, while the books on the steps and the post will be donated to the thrift store. There are a few more to add to this pile, including a nice pile of beautiful books on appliqué - complex appliqué that I will never tackle. If anyone is interested in seeing those, please let me know. 

Some of the culled books

The magazines that were on the floor are now on shelves, and there is only this pile left to sort. I've done a pretty good job, and I need to set aside some time every day or every week, or whatever, to start looking through the magazines and tossing them. I do NOT need all those magazines, yet I hate to just throw them out without at least looking at them. That's my way of handling it, and I need to do it before we move. I do NOT want to move all that stuff. This is my wake-up call, and I must NOT miss the train! Doing it now will prevent huge issues when we decide to move. 

Magazines to sort and put on the shelves

The sewing machine tables are clear of projects, except for two mending jobs for DH. Good lord --- he buys all this fancy clothing, and it always needs some kind of repair. I hope to at least get the pants fixed today. I haven't looked at the seam finish yet, but when you buy an expensive pair of pants, I don't expect the crotch seam to come apart. Isn't it sewn with a safety stitch? I'll let you know what happens. 

The sewing tables are prepped and ready to go.

The puzzle table is clear, and the next puzzle is waiting to be set out. There's also a box of things that need to be repaired - i.e., glued back together, including the two missing magnets from the fridge. I might tackle some of that later today. 

The next puzzle is ready to sort

This is some other work that I need to tackle - the jacket on the top needs some hand stitching to finish it off. The jeans (from my Dad) need to be cut apart, so I can make something with them. I thought of a duffel bag for the gym. And a garment in the blue bin for my Mom, since it's next to impossible to buy caftans online in polyester fabric. Why is that? And the bottom bin is photo transfer stuff because I need to print a picture, and our printer is acting up. I need to resolve these items.

Things to deal with

Of course, the debris got put onto the cutting table, but at least half of it is clear as I prep the blocks for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler. 

The cutting table needs some work.

I even managed to trim some half-square triangles that I found on the ironing board. 

Trimming half-square triangles

And then, as I was prepping stuff for the upcoming quilt retreat at the end of this month, I found this box of half-square triangles. They are sewn, but not pressed or trimmed. So I started trimming them this morning. They are not a priority, but it's a mindless task I can do until I wrap my head around sewing. I'm in a bit of a slump since coming back from vacation. 

Half-square triangles that need to be pressed and trimmed

And here's everything I've prepped for the quilt retreat. 

Quilt retreat prep

YES --- it looks like a ton of stuff, but there are two totes and two tubs of fleece scraps that are either already cut into 6½" squares or need to be cut and sewn into 6½" squares. If I take my chair risers, I can raise my table to cutting height and cut with the others while they sew. It's a mindless task, perfect for a retreat. YES -- I will take my cutting mat because cutting fleece can crap up a mat, and I'll take my old one, which is perfect for this kind of job. 

So Murphy is pretty smart. I spent a bit of time sitting in the kitchen icing my knee and reading some magazines while she was outside. She likes to sit near the gazebo because she can see me through the window. 

MOM - I can see you!!!!

And since I wasn't going outside, she thought she would encourage me to play with her. I felt really bad - a short walk and no playing ball. I must step up my dog mom game today! We'll try a bit longer walk, but slow! 

Anyway, I looked out the window, and there she was with the ball in her mouth, standing right on the edge of the pond. And she was looking right at me. When I said, "Do not throw the ball in the pond", she immediately dropped it in and looked right at me! That little devil!!!

MOM - the ball fell into the pond

While Lexi is an intelligent dog, she is nothing compared to Murphy. Murphy does things with intent! She's like a child, and she tests all the time! They have been very agitated this morning, and I just spotted lightning immediately followed by thunder. AHA -- now I know why!!! Now I'm the Mom sandwich with a dog velcroed to each side of my chair. And it's raining sleet at the moment. 

OK—so let me tell you the story circulating at the gym. After my class on Wednesday, I bumped into one of the ladies from spin class, and she was quite upset, like everyone else. She reported a separate incident to the manager regarding her daughter, and the outcome wasn't positive. Basically, she was told that her daughter was at fault. Then I saw one of the other ladies from class come down, and she had her cycling shoes on, so I chatted with her. It's funny because this lady is a complainer - she even mentioned it, but I've had dealings with her in the past, and I have never found her friendly. I thought long and hard (5 seconds) before I spoke to her. By the way, there were only 5 people in the spin class compared to about 25 when Joseph taught it. 

Anyway, she actually talked to me! In the past (a couple of times), she's been super snarky! I was prepared to be snarky in return, but we had a lengthy conversation about the situation, and apparently, the manager is pretty incompetent. I've heard that from other people I know as well.  

The bottom line is that the gym's manager is not performing well, and we have seen the gym deteriorate during her tenure. 

So that's an incentive to write a letter to the US office and cc the manager, who is not doing a good job. 

It took me a long time to get out of the locker room that day! 

Well, it's time to take the dogs for their abbreviated walk and hope that it's enough - perhaps they can get two short walks in a day. I'll see how things go. 

And I'm excited (finally) to get to work in Studio B. I think I have to make that list of THREE things to do and focus on them so I don't overdo it and kill my enthusiasm. It doesn't help when I don't have any major deadlines! Those deadlines were a major push in the past, but I have things to get done this month, so I need to get to work!!

BTW -- the Featherweight book went fast, so if you didn't hear from me, it's because it already has a new home. 

And if there is any book you'd like, or if you are a heavy-dutyappliquéé person, I might have a book(s) for you. 

If you are interested in attending the free two one-hour Zoom sessions on making quilted jackets, check out this blog post for details. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!