The more you do, the more you know!

Oh my --- What a crazy day, but it was a great day!! Three things went off without a hitch! 

I was up early and had those suitcases loaded in the car - the girls were NOT happy that I was leaving without taking them for a walk. More on that in a bit. 

The drive was great even though there was a lot of traffic. A lot of truck traffic, but no accidents, so that was a bonus. I didn't have time for accidents or major slowdowns. 

The Thames Valley Quilt Guild is a great group of people, and OH MY --- I met someone from the Mississauga Guild who now lives in London (Ontario), and then I met two people from the Brampton Guild who now live down that way. Thanks to them for coming up and introducing themselves! That's better than spotting them from the stage during the presentation, and well, it was good to see all three of them. 

My, how times change, and I'm sure new people have joined those two previous guilds of mine. I haven't been a member of either of them for quite some time. I'm one of those people who feel that if I belong to an organization, I need to be involved in the executive or helping out on a committee, and I just don't have the time. And even if I did, I just don't want to, so I'll stay connected with my online peeps. 

I had to laugh at the topic they chose for me to speak on - it was Modern Quilts, and apparently, the members did not know because the program person thought the guild would veto that topic since many of them are traditional quilters. I think the presentation was a hit because I don't think I've ever had so many people come by to ask questions at the break, take pictures, or have a good look at the quilts afterward. 

My presentation is really about how modern quilts aren't modern. Modern quilts have been around forever - decades and probably even longer. It's a very interesting lecture. If they were naysayers on modern quilts before, they didn't feel that way when I left. 

I typically stay until the end, but I had to scoot back because I needed to finish setting up the Facebook Live. Technically, there wasn't really anything to do, as I had done it all the day before, but I still had a couple of things to check. And when the moderator let me in the call 30 minutes before we started, I realized that my laptop was running on battery. WHAT??? So that got fixed. And then the battery warning came on for my main camera. WHAT??? Trust me—NOTHING runs on battery during those presentations. I have power cords snaked all over the floor. Murphy must have rubbed against the cords, as I noticed that the main camera was slightly out of whack - thankfully, it was the camera that was sitting on the very sturdy tripod. 

But all was good -- no technology glitches, though I did notice a couple of slow spots when I rewatched part of the video-- nothing major. 

Phew --- and then that was done. 

If you wish to watch the video, you can do so on YouTube. You can check out some of my machine-embroidered samples of weird things near the beginning. I had so much stuff that I kept losing things! But it was loads of fun, and I was so happy when it was done. Not happy that it was done, but happy that it went off so well. 

I really need to do something about the lights, as I feel there is a dead spot in that room. Of course, there is, almost half the lights are no longer working. I must get the electrician in. But this was what it looked like when I was done. 

The view into the film area

And I literally threw everything on the floor, which is why I kept losing things!! But all was good. I made up for that with enthusiasm! Hopefully I spoke slower - I tried - I really tried, but at some points, I couldn't help myself, I was so excited! 

Just throw those samples on the floor.

What amazes me is how it can look like a disaster in real life, but on camera, it looks nice and uncluttered. Yep --- just like in TV or the movies. And angles? They are your friend in the film world. 

Those table top decoration rods are perfect for creating a wall! It allows me to set up my film studio wherever I want in the room. 

The fake wall for the film studio

That is a heavy piece of polyester fabric that is hard to keep in place on that rod because it's longer in the front than the back. However, I found the perfect solution to that. I bought these decorative bobbles from Cynthia Frenette a while back. They have a large glass bobble on the end and are made with beads. They hang on that rod every day, but when I was setting up the curtain, I used them as weights on the back, and they held the fabric perfectly. I noticed that Cynthia has released a new fabric line with a company. I don't have time to find it this morning, but I'll try to remember to share tomorrow. 

My bobbles become weights for the curtain.

The darn things are very hard to photograph because they are so long. I must tell Cynthia that, in addition to being pretty, they also have a very practical purpose in Studio B. They are supposed to hang in a window, but I don't have windows downstairs, so they hang on the rod. 

The decorative bobbles

I snapped this picture before leaving the house yesterday, and it made me think of those four astronauts so far from home, barreling their way back here at high speed. It makes me very sad to think there are theories out there that this is all fake and they are being filmed in a green room. What is our world coming to? 

The moon is so far away, and yet it's not.

It's been fascinating listening to all their stories, seeing the amazing pictures, and knowing that they circled or at least went to the dark side of the moon. I'm surprised that it has taken 50 years for man to get back into space travel. Sadly, so many of those theories are being fed to uneducated (and probably some educated) people. And they believe the fake stories, and well, I'm not going there. 

I had a bit of downtime yesterday as I waited for the Facebook Live to start, so I got to work on that puzzle. I must admit that I had to do that sky one row at a time because I was looking at the shapes. The shading in the sky was so subtle that shape, for the most part, was the way to go. And when it got down to these few pieces, I simply grabbed the first one in line and tried to find a home for it. If not, it went to the back of the line, and I tried to find a home for the next one. 

Nearing the end of the sky

And before I knew it, the sky was done!!!! Now for the hard part -- all those green trees. 

The sky is done!!!!

I think puzzles with photographs are very challenging. But did you know that doing jigsaw puzzles is very good for quilting? Yep—paying attention to details, learning to appreciate value (related to gradations), and a lot more are amazing exercises in color, detail, and value!!!

After dinner, I decided to walk the girls and took both of them-- BIG mistake. I also had something to do at the library. I realized I had an overdue book, and it needed to be returned before I could get anything done. 

I tied the girls up outside the library, well away from any paths. The two of them were good. My intention was to return the book and ask some questions. When I got into the library and asked my questions, I found the PERFECT person: she was willing to do what I wanted right then, asked if I had a few minutes, and gave me a mini-lesson. WOW!!!! That librarian sure loves her job. 

However, once the job started—don't worry—I'll share with you, but not right now. I had some time to kill, so I wandered around the library, then went outside to see the girls so they wouldn't think I had left them. They went wild!!!! 

MOM -- we are bored and need to get moving NOW!!!!!

Anyway, I eventually finished at the library, and it was time to come home. I swear the two of them were like wild horses that had never had a bridle on. They were insane, and both of them were tugging at their leashes most of the way home. Lexi is never like this, but she was jumping and leaping around like a crazy dog. She never talks, and she was pretty vocal. 

MOM - we need to get home - Dad is alone!

I guess they were happy to go on the walk, but not so impressed to be tied up outside the library for 30 minutes. Look at Lexi - she is pulling on her leash, and she never does that on the way home. 

When I let them in the house and off their leashes, they went wild. Lexi ran into the family room at full tilt, jumped into her bed, and then off the bed, running around the kitchen, and then back onto her bed. It's like she went mad. Muprhy wasn't much better. So I let them outside, and they ran like wild dogs around and around and around their obstacle course. 

MOM --- we were trapped for 30 minutes on our leashes 

And when they finally calmed down, Lexi came in and went to her bed. I had to remake her bed as the blankets were shoved into one corner by her jumping at full speed into it. But look at that look on her face!!! 

MOM -- I'm beside my Dad, and I'm happy

All in all, it was a hugely successful day. Why is that? I certainly didn't get lucky! I was prepared, and the more prepared I am, the more likely that everything is going to be a success. The more Facebook Lives I do, the more comfortable I am with the technology. It's all about the more you do, the more you can do, and start refining the process. My next Facebook Live is in September, and I'll be sure to let you know as we get closer to the date. 

What blows my mind is that I'm in Toronto, the moderator was in Texas, and people joined the call from all over. That is NOT fake! 

Well, I now have three days to prep for two in-person presentations (in Ottawa) and finish two online presentations. Hopefully, I won't have any issues and can get all the embroidery done on the jacket. Once those presentations are over, I can hit the road running to finish it. It's going to be tight to get everything done, but a little bit of pressure every now and then is good. I would NOT have had this time issue if I hadn't had to step in for my colleague, who wasn't able to do these scheduled events. My time management was right on and allowed me to do this favor. 

On that note, I'm up and on my way to the gym with Brooke. I haven't been there for two weeks and didn't do as much stretching as I should have. It might be tough!!! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Cutting the jacket

You are the BEST!!!! Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I don't have time to digest them this morning, as I need to be on the road shortly for my guild presentation. I'll be at the Thames Valley Quilter's Guild, and it's an hour and a half to get there. Their meeting starts at 9:30, which I think is the most civilized thing I've heard from any guild. A large percentage of guilds meet in the evenings because many members work, but I would no longer go out to an evening guild as a member. I would do the occasional event, but not every month. I need my beauty sleep! And not a fan of driving at night if I don't have to. 

The good news is that all the quilts are packed in the suitcases. I need to throw those in the car - I hate doing that the night before. Even though we've never had issues in our neighborhood, I would hate to see two suitcases of quilts disappear from the car overnight. 

I also have everything set up for the Facebook Live later today. I think that's the first time I've done an in-person and an online event on the same day!

Remember, the Facebook Live is today at 3 PM EST, and it's all about metal and magnetic hoops for the embroidery machine. I'm using the Husqvarna Viking hoops, but I'm sure that ALL brands of embroidery machines have similar hoops, so it'll be informative to anyone who comes and listens. OH  -- and as a bonus, we'll be chatting about edge-to-edge quilting and EXACT Positioning, which is the same as Design and Precise Positioning. So loads of good information in today's event. 

It should also be live on the YouTube channel.

I have never figured this out, but I think if you go to the YouTube channel, it just goes live when we start. The same with the other, but you may have to REFRESH your screen. So be patient, bring your questions, and I'll see you at 3 PM. 

It was such a joy to set up all the lights, cameras, and cables with my new system. All the cables required for each camera (there are four, so you get a real up-close-and-personal look at what's happening) were in a separate labeled bag, and I set them up one by one. It was brilliant, and I think the only thing left is to plug in the final light. Oh—and I need to hang up a couple more quilts. But I'm good to go!!!

Then it was time to get the embroidery machine fired up because I have something to embroider and I can't wait any longer! I decided to make a jacket for the upcoming wedding this month! I found the fabric at the thrift store, and it's fuchsia! I needed to find a design to embroider on the back, but there were so many options that I couldn't choose. So while I was away, I went through a ton of ideas and found something I liked. Guess what? I used a magnetic hoop! 

Then I had to trace the pattern onto pattern paper, which I did on the kitchen counter because all the tables in Studio B were occupied by samples. 

Tracing the jacket pattern

Notice that I got my pattern rulers out, and I graded the bottom of that jacket from one size to the next. Let's see what happens when I try it on. The pattern was published in 1996 by a quilt company, and let's say the instructions are sketchy at best. I will be rejigging the sewing method somewhat because I'm not doing it the way they say. 

I have some of the other pieces traced out, but I needed to go downstairs to start this embroidery. I finished the embroidery this morning and am saving the piece for show-and-tell during the Live presentation. Then I'll share with you tomorrow. I'm quite pleased with the design I finally went with, and it looks great on the back of the jacket. I'm not done yet; I'm going to add a few more motifs, and I think I'll add a band to the sleeves as well. 

There's that trouble-making girl of mine! One of the pattern pieces fell to the floor, and she took the opportunity to toss her ball onto the pattern. And then she stared at it as if that would make it move!!! I have to stop throwing the ball in the house; the floors are too slippery, and I'm afraid she will hurt herself. She is just too intense. 

Mom -- I'm going to make it move without touching it!

Since the cameras and such were all set up for today, and I needed to babysit the embroidery - well, I didn't really, but I decided to work on the puzzle. OH MY --- look what happened. I got a little carried away!!

Progress on the jigsaw puzzle

Actually, I did need to babysit the embroidery because I hadn't combined the colors correctly, and every once in a while, I had to manually switch their order. I tell you -- I learn something new every day. No, make that I make mistakes every day. I must have done that intentionally because it meant that I had to be with the machine, and therefore, it was an excuse to work on the puzzle. I really should have been clearing off the cutting table, which is completely covered in stuff. But it didn't make sense until after the presentation today, when all the tables were back in place. 

I had to finish the embroidery this morning, and well, there are a few more pieces in the puzzle now. I should easily be able to finish the sky tonight. And then I can get to that tree area in the front. The spot I picked to start will now be the final spot to work on! Hilarious how each puzzle is completely different in how it gets assembled. 

I stumbled across this quote yesterday, and can you imagine how life would be if everyone followed this? I recently finished a novel, and this premise was badly needed. So many lies - no wonder the people were confused! But if we didn't have the lies, there would have been no book! 

We now have a new cleaning service for the house. We had a private person for years, but well, it just wasn't working out any longer, and she left in January. Now we have a company doing it, and two wonderful ladies were here yesterday to clean the areas from top to bottom. What a nice change it was to know that all surfaces were cleaned. 

Yes -- I could clean the house since I have more time now, but we decided years ago that a cleaning service was something we wanted, so we always made room for it in the budget. I hate to say it, but I've done that my entire adult life. There are other things I'd rather be doing; however, I have no issue with cleaning, and I'm in charge of Studio B, which I seem to be vacuuming constantly. And I see it needs a good vacuuming after a week of me not being there. 

Well, I must get organized as I have a few things to do before I leave the house. The girls are not going to be happy as they will likely NOT get a walk today, maybe after my online presentation. We'll see how the day goes. 

Have a super day!!

Ciao!!

The long way home

I'm home, but it might have been faster to walk! OK -- I'm kidding, but there were a few hiccups along the way. 

As I lay in bed the night before, I contemplated the issue with my mom. Do I leave it and deal with it next time? Should I try to talk to her healthcare workers and have them broach the subject with her? Do I ask my aunt to deal with it? I decided to be a big girl and address it with both of them during my short morning visit before I left for the airport.  

I'm glad I did, because there was an unpleasant story I hadn't heard about, and it was the catalyst for the issue happening now. I offered several potential ways of dealing with it. And, unsurprisingly, my mom had an answer for everything I suggested. I am suggesting she work with a physiotherapist to regain her confidence using the walker. She insists it's her knees, but it's her leg muscles that have atrophied from lack of use! 

Keep in mind that she has home care workers come in twice a week to bathe her. OK—so why not have a physiotherapist come into the home? There is only one home care worker who comes each time. 

Response number one? "If I go out anywhere, I end the handibus." 

My response: " They will come into the house just like the home care workers."

Rebuttal number two: "But what if I fall when they are here?"

My response: "How is that any different from when the existing home care workers are here?"

Rebuttal number three: "But I do my exercises."

My response: "Show me?" Oh -- a few little lifts and wiggle your leg in the air isn't going to build your strength back. 

Again and again, she came up with ways that it wasn't feasible, and again and again, I shot her down. I was very polite but firm. Dad has tried to talk to her, but she won't listen to him, which doesn't surprise me. 

So I was brutally honest and said that if she didn't start using the walker again (not the wheelchair), she would soon be leaving the apartment and going to the nursing home, where they would have to use the lift to get her out of bed and in her wheelchair every time she wanted to get up. The choice was hers. I told her to ask the home care worker who comes in today about the situation. I doubt she will ask, so I'll call the home care and see if they can have a physiotherapist come and evaluate her situation. 

Sigh....................

Just so resistant to change, and she is deathly afraid of falling. While she didn't hurt anything the last time she fell, she remained on the floor for hours with a very badly bleeding leg. DO NOT YELL at anyone. We have tried to get her to wear the fall-alert device, but it isn't necessary because she has her cordless phone. (her response!) So, where was the phone when you fell last time? And you are happy to lie in a pool of your own blood and wait hours for dad to get home, than wear that damn device?

Sigh........................

I completely understand the resistance to change if it's something frivolous, but what about when it's life-altering or for safety reasons? Why that resistance? I know that many of you have experienced that resistance with your parents or spouses. Imagine lying on the floor for SIX hours with a huge gash in your leg? I just don't get it.

Now I need to follow up on this and see what happens. 

I left after my wee lecture. Mom said not a word except her rebuttals, and I didn't harp on it. I said what I had to, and then we talked about more pleasant topics until it was time to leave. Dad was chomping at the bit so he could get to work, although he had to stop at the doctor's on the way. Did he have an appointment? NO -- he needed to make an appointment, and the only way was to actually go to the doctor's office. They have no clue how to use the phone to make their lives easier. 

Sigh......................

Dad would rather drive an hour somewhere to "see" if they are home to ask a question, than get on the phone and make an appointment. It drives me mad!!!

Anyway, I got to Saskatoon and met up with --- an old boyfriend from the end of my high school days. Good lord!!!! I didn't recognize him, but he recognized me, and he was wearing the sweater I knit for him all those years ago! I recognized that. I think I posted it on the blog at one point. I'll see if I can find the post. So we had a short visit, and then it was on to the airport. 

I knew I was going to be bringing some stuff back, so I weighed my suitcase before I left. 16 KGs or around 35 pounds. When I closed the zipper and stuck the scale on it, it weighed 50.3 lbs. But when the airport weighed it, it was 53. The limit is 50. But I don't have to worry about that. My status with the airline allows me to carry up to 70 lbs without paying for excess weight. 

No issue, and I dumped that bag. Then I went to return the car, and I potentially had a big issue. When I rent a car, I always check for damage and take pictures if needed. Because there was snow on the windshield and it was very sunny, I did NOT notice the chip until I was merrily on my way down the highway. I took a picture the next day, and when I handed the keys back, I told them about the stone chip. 

The manager had to get involved, they looked at the previous record, and NOTHING. No stone chip was noted, and I'm thinking, I'm not paying for a windshield that I didn't damage. I was told I should have made them aware of the issue before I took the car. 

Anyway, they called the previous place where the car had been rented, and yes, there was a stone chip in their records. PHEW!!!! But why wasn't it on the records of this location? 

I was early!!!! I'm never early, but this time I was early. Not by much, and as I was making my way to security, I saw the plane was delayed by over an hour! NO!!!!!!! I went through security, which was a breeze, and then I had to wait. 

No plane

I am learning to be so patient. Is the plane late? Get some food and read a book. I've become such a patient traveler, I'm shocking even myself! 

Here comes the plane!

But seriously, does it do anything if one gets agitated or frustrated? Nope!! Anyway, I got on the plane, and all was good for the flight. I noticed that some parts of the country still have a lot of snow on the ground. 

SNOW!!!!

When we arrived in Toronto, we didn't have a gate. So we waited on the plane for almost 30 minutes for a gate. I was fine as I read my book and neared the end. Could I manage to finish before we got off the plane? Not quite, but 14 people on that plane were connecting to overnight flights to Europe, and it was going to be touch-and-go whether they made it. So we allowed them off the plane first -- how civil is that? And then I waited for my luggage, which didn't take long. I can imagine the scramble it was to find those 14 bags and get them to the right plane. 

Then off to get an Uber. Well, that didn't go so well, and the airport itself was pretty quiet. When the app wasn't finding a ride after a minute, I decided to follow in DH's footsteps. Off to get an airport limo, which is about $25 more expensive, and I was on my way home. He says I'm becoming a snob like him. By this time, it was after 10 PM, and I just wanted to get home. 

The girls were excited to see me. Of course, they were, but they were also confused because it was late at night, and all they really wanted was to go in the backyard because that's what they do when I get home. I had to put them on their leashes and take them out for a pee, but that wasn't enough. But finally, they settled. 

MOM's home!!!!!

For whatever reason, I couldn't get to sleep. I tossed and turned, and it just wasn't going to happen, so I went downstairs and decided to work on my puzzle. I pulled some pieces and started to work. 

Let the games begin!!!

Oh my—this one is going to be tough. I could only find a couple of pieces that went together. This is not going to work. 

This puzzle is HARD!!!

Then I switched out the green for the buildings, and that went much better. I think I may have to start with the sky and work my way down to the green. But I won't have time today, as a lot needs to happen, and I need to get it all done because I have an early morning tomorrow and my Facebook Live in the afternoon.

Now that's progress

But Miss Murphy was in her glory when I was downstairs last night. 

Mom - I can finally sleep.

Well, I must get organized, and I think a nap is in order since I didn't get much sleep last night, even after sleeping in a bit this morning. 

Thanks for putting up with me and my caregiving woes! It's something that we need to be mindful of today. Not only for the people we care about, but for our spouses and ourselves. If we let our bodies go, we are going to lose our independence, and I refuse to do so unless I have no choice. Only YOU have the choice to stay mobile (I realize that isn't possible for everyone - don't yell at me), and we need to not be aware just for today, but in the future! My mom also has a weight issue, which doesn't help the situation. 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!

A beautiful sunset

Oh-- while I'm excited to be going home today, I'm not in fact ready, but I have no choice. I think I need to have a very serious discussion with my parents this morning before I leave, and Mom is already a little ticked off at me. Yep --- the glow is gone - I guess that's why, in the past, I've stayed five nights, but that sixth night tips the scales of being civil! 

I think she was annoyed that I said something to her. It drives me crazy because she will not call anyone, and therefore, no one calls her. She hasn't a clue about anything happening to her family - not her sisters, her brother, or her children. Whenever I tell her something, she says, "I know nothing about that." And I got frustrated and said back, "I know you don't know anything - that's why I'm telling you." And she got mad. Well, it's the truth. Sigh...............

All I will say is this: if you are a senior, you MUST, and there are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule. You MUST maintain leg strength so you can use the washroom unassisted. And you MUST maintain some strength in your arms to assist with that task. I don't care how much you hate doing some stand-up/sit-down exercises. I don't care if your knees are bone-on-bone. If you want to stay in your home, you need to be able to go to the washroom on your own. 

And one more thing—PLEASE do not deny it to anyone, not yourself, not your spouse, or your children. If you are having trouble, it will not go away by denying the problem exists. It will get worse rather than better. 

And that's all I'm going to say, and now I want you to stand up/sit down at least five times. If not now, then do it sometime today and do it multiple times. 

I'm sure it's a challenge for parents to treat their children like adults, especially when they are practically seniors themselves. But I'm getting annoyed, and Mom does NOT trust me. If I do anything around the apartment, she watches like a hawk. It's extremely annoying, and it just reminds me of being a kid at home. She is so afraid that someone will take an empty cardboard box out of the house. God help them if they do. It's going to be a challenge going forward. I'm even contemplating whether I need to come more often or perhaps stay for a month and get some things organized. I'm in a bit of a dilemma this morning because I know they will not be happy with what I have to say. 

Maybe I'll need to see a therapist when I get home to blurt out all the things I want to shout. You don't need to hear them; I'm sure you've all been through them with your parents, but it's just darn frustrating. 

OK --- that's all I'll say - wish me luck this morning. 

When I was at Fabricland the other day, I had a good look around, and I spotted some fringe. I love fringe, although I have no idea what I would do with it. Thank goodness there is NO orange fringe because I might have to buy some. 

The fringe at Fabricland

I remember making a western shirt for Dad with blue fringe! That was many years ago - I was still living at home at the time. I'm sure it's still around somewhere! 

I think it's definitely time to go home. I had a decent sleep, though I was awake for a bit last night as I contemplated my moves this morning. I had one hour and 43 minutes of deep sleep, so that was good! According to my fitness tracker, I only had 8 minutes of REM, but I dreamt hard. I was working on some kind of art project (painting) when an artist asked me to go to her house to deliver a message on her behalf. Why? I have no idea. But her method of sending messages was by CB Radio!!! Oh my—there was no mention of CB Radios since I've been here, but they were a staple for communication for many years when I was a kid. 

And then this artist had a pile of handbags that she had designed and was trying to find homes for, and I hated them all. But DH somehow came into the picture, and he looked at the bags. Then the artist offered him a pile of bikinis. OK --- so what the heck was that all about? I've no idea. 

Somewhere along the line, I jumped to a trade show in a hotel that had a room with a permanent resident who was wacky. There was a plaque on the wall that the room was for this woman because her husband was a good client at the hotel or something. I've no idea! I watched the crew unpack all the sewing machines, but there wasn't a single company representative in the booth. 

Weird!!!!! How does the brain mesh all that together? 

I stopped and took a picture of my middle school while I was out and about yesterday. Good grief—it's now the Catholic elementary school. I have a picture of our little group of five as we were getting ready for a bus trip to Edmonton. That was a "few" years ago!!!

My middle school

I went to see the final member of Mom's siblings, and when we arrived, the yard was full of trucks and cars. OH ---my aunt never said anything about visitors, but the ENTIRE family, minus a few kids, was there. Oh boy - what a houseful, but it was OK as I got to see some cousins and their spouses and kids that I haven't seen in a long time. So we all had a good visit. 

Since we rarely have any events at our house now, we just don't appreciate the solitude. WAIT A INUTE --- we do appreciate the solitude, the tidiness, and the quiet, and a lot of things. It won't be quiet at my house for the next couple of days as I prep for three events in 6 days, but all is good. It will be quiet - it will just be busy. 

I have a trunk show at the Thames Valley Quilt Guild on Wednesday AM, and before I left, I laid out a good part of the trunk show on a bed so the quilts could relax from the folds at least a wee bit. All that remains is to grab a few more items, dig out the two suitcases, and pack everything up. That is all good. Then I need to rearrange Studio B and set up the cameras for the Facebook Live, which is also on Wednesday. 

All the samples are done for that, and I've been rehearsing what I want to say and how. Sadly, I have no girls to help me, so I've had to wing it!!! Where is my audience when I need them? Murphy is probably thrilled she doesn't have to listen. 

But look what I spotted on the long walk yesterday. I decided not to take my toque yesterday, and that wind was brisk! Anyway, I spotted several signs starting at 8 AM. The kids must have been out early, because I didn't spot a single thing. 

An Easter egg hunt

It must have been magic that only kids under ten can see. 

Here's another decoration on one of the shelves in the apartment building where my parents live. I love this little fairy house. I have never seen the fairies -- again -- you probably need to be under ten to see them. It looks weird in this picture, but in real life, it's very cool. 

A fairy house

I was out and about several times during the day, and I spotted this at Walmart. This is identical to the bag of treats I purchased at the airport with my free coupons; it was $11.99 plus tax. How is that for gouging? It was MORE than double the price at the store. That's absolutely insane. I don't even want to know the price of water. Well, I do know, and I could buy an entire case of 24 bottles for the price of one. 

This is half the price of buying at the airport.

I need to look into buying a small reusable water bottle for future travel. I have my large one at home, but I'm certainly not traveling with that one. And I'm very particular, I HATE the taste of water directly from metal. My memories are scarred for life by drinking from a shared metal dipper for years as a kid. How we never got sick is beyond me! But I'm sure if I look, I can find something. I have less than two weeks before I travel again, and I still have three events and a jacket to make. I may not have time to look for a water bottle. 

But it won't be a big deal since we splurged and are flying in comfort on that trip, so there will be complimentary water bottles, and I'll just hang onto one of those. 

I had bought a ham and veggies the other day and finally cooked them all last night for dinner. In hindsight, I should have bought and cooked more potatoes. Dad is a meat-and-potatoes guy, and there wasn't much left of the potatoes last night. I must remember for next time. And we had a very brief surprise visit from my brother, who dropped off a pie. So we were all set for a grand feast last night. 

As I walked down the stairs of the buiding to head back to the hotel, this was the view. You just can't beat a good old-fashioned Saskatchewan sunset. 

Beautiful sunset

Then I had a great visit with the puzzle man in the common room. He showed me their puzzle collection. There are TWO drawers of puzzles for them to work on. That will keep the two of them going for a little while. I'll try to throw in a piece or two before I leave this morning. 

I have one more person to visit before I leave, but that's in Saskatoon. And then off to the airport and home. It's been a long trip, and I'll be glad to get back into my routine. 

BUT—there is a good takeaway from this. While I love my routine, I pray that I will never close my mind to doing things differently. I'm not a fan of change because I like some parts of my life to be routine. I don't want to have to rethink everything, but I am open to trying new things. I'm going on this European vacation in less than two weeks, and I have an Airbnb booked for four or five nights. And the rest of the time? I'm on my own with no plans! I think I'm being very open. I will have just over one week to find my way from Sicily to Rome by myself. Sounds like fun!!!

To close off today, here's something else to remember, and this one is super important. As you age, and sadly, we all will, do NOT be afraid to tell your children about your health. They have more knowledge than you do -- at least in my case, and I'm not a medical expert by any means. But if you need help, then ask!!! Don't just struggle and think that is how things need to be. The other four siblings moved with the times, but my Mom reminds me of my grandma, stuck in the 30s. But I digress. 

On that happy note, I'm out of here. Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

PS -- sorry to bring up such negative subjects, but it weighs heavily on my mind, and I think the message is important to pass along to others. 

Much ado about jigsaw puzzles!

I went for a long walk yesterday morning, and I swear there is something about the air here. The temperature was below zero C—I know—I know, I'm repeating myself. But I put my hat and scarf on and went out. While not cold, I was happy to have those items. By the time I was done, hat was off, jacket open, mitts off. The temperature rose quickly; my body was heating up. The air is dry, and it's uncanny how different it feels. 

By 9 AM, I was out walking in my sweatshirt, sleeves pushed up! Go figure!!!!

The good news is that I found the jigsaw puzzle. I started in the laundry room, where there are a few boxes of things, and I looked in a couple that they would have easy access to, but nothing. Then I looked in a box standing by the front door. It was a long, skinny box with no top, but it was leaning against the wall, and VOILA—there was the puzzle. 

Now, what is very worrisome is that they both vaguely remember the puzzle. That's common for Dad, but not so much for Mom. She usually remembers everything. But after I found it, she says she was the one who put it there. So did she remember that? Or did she just say that? Based on some of the discussions this week, I'm a bit concerned about some deterioration of her memory. 

But this puzzle threw them for a loop. The Museum has posted some pictures of gift shop items on Facebook. Knowing I was coming, I decided to buy one of the Indigenous Art puzzles, asked Dad to bring it to the apartment, and said I would get it when I got here. That threw them both for a loop as they didn't get the premise that I was buying it for myself and would pick it up. They are very easily confused, which is highly concerning. 

But here is the one thing to remember. If my parents completely understand what is happening, they remember. If they don't, they are confused and can't remember the details. I try to leave notes and send emails with all the details. I must remember to be even clearer in the future. 

I have planted some seeds and will ensure that, next time, we make a few changes. I think we are good to wait a couple of months. I know --- that statement has come back to bite many people, but I seriously think we are OK for the moment. But the bottom line is that we found the puzzle, and they won't stumble upon it and wonder what the heck it is. 

I have to laugh, and it's totally serious, so I shouldn't be laughing, but that is going to be me one day. I always joke that I don't like change. Well, I can see where that comes from. My parents resist all forms of change. However, I'd like to think that I am somewhat flexible. I don't mind new things, but I hate change in some things in my life. 

And yes, I'm working on the fact that the next visit will be a downsizing one. It has to be, as I can see the writing on the wall. It is not going to be easy, but it's going to be necessary. I don't know how much time we have left on that one, but it's coming. 

There is always a jigsaw puzzle set up in the common room downstairs, and they have this great puzzle board to put it on. It has four drawers that slide into the sides of the board that the puzzle sits on. And the pieces are meticulously sorted by color into the trays. 

The current puzzle in the common room

I have not seen the guy who works on the puzzle, although I think there are two of them. I have to stop every time I come in or go out to see if I can put a piece of two in. I don't think anyone has been around much, because it hasn't changed much in the days I've been here. But yesterday? I was on a roll—I think I put 5 pieces in at one stop. Then I had to slap my wrist and get moving! 

Not much change in five days

Oh my gosh --- I am leaving tomorrow and had a quick look at the app for my upcoming flights, and my next one is two weeks from today, and I am so not ready for that one. I don't have an outfit for the wedding (not my daughter's), and I'm supposed to make one. When I get home, I have two driving trips and three significant events to pack or prepare for. Where am I going to get the time to make a jacket? Yikes ---- I worked myself into that time constraint!!! I'll do what I can, and in the worst case, I can wear a pink T-shirt and shorts to the wedding. 

It's a wedding— who cares how the guests are dressed—it's the bride who counts. I am probably every bride's nightmare guest. I don't get the dress (color) code of weddings anyway. I guess that is why I am stalling. Why the heck can't I wear what I want? Especially since this is a destination wedding, and I really don't want to take something fancy or bulky on the plane. I travel light!!!! I have until the 14th (the day after my event) to decide whether I'm making that jacket. It's light and won't wrinkle, so I think I should bite the bullet and make it. 

Dad and I went clothes shopping in the morning. I know --- he's all spiffed up and has new jeans, and then he got a couple of new work shirts, a jacket, and a shop coat. He does a lot of welding and grinding, and works around a lot of grease and such, so his shop coat was falling apart. Literally—at the top near the front, it had huge holes that had migrated to his shirt, which has corresponding holes in the front.  

All of a sudden, he's worried about how he looks in public. WHAT??? Does he have a lady friend that we don't know about? Anyway -- I helped him get all set up with that, and then he was off to the Museum to work on his own for the day. Based on how long he has worn the previous shop coat, I think he is good for the rest of his life. I'd be tempted to put a patch on the underside of that spot that gets all the wear and tear, but if necessary, it's easy enough to buy a new one. The existing one was at least 15 years old. 

It was interesting to find a shop coat for him. The only one I could find was at Mark's, and it was polyester/cotton, which you wouldn't think would be appropriate for a coat that could come into contact with welding sparks. I guess they figure if you are going to be a serious welder (he is not), that you have a cotton or leather jacket. So we didn't buy the shop coat we spotted. 

Then I followed him to the Museum to look at his existing coat, and it was the SAME one at Marks. So I went back and bought it for him. He's going to get his name embroidered on it (there's a shop here that does all that kind of stuff) and then he'll have a new shop coat to protect his new shirts. I told him to ditch everything old, and I think that will happen. He's OK with getting rid of stuff -- it's Mom who doesn't like to do that. I think he even sneaks stuff out of the house. 

But the problem is that Mom never leaves the apartment and rarely leaves that chair of hers, so she has a good view of everything that comes in or out the front door. 

Here's a picture of Dad at the milling machine. He is always excited to share what he's working on with everyone, and while I could never do what he does, it's fascinating to watch. And there are so many similarities between the metal work and what I do. Precision work, using multiple tools to make something happen. 

Dad and the milling machine

Since I didn't have the quilt to work on anymore, I dug into my bag, where I have three small projects. I pulled out the first one, which consists of some larger hexies, and decided I needed an iron to turn the edges. I only have one cardboard template, so glue is out of the question, and the hexies are too large to use thread. I figured out how the hexies would be positioned on the background and put that away. I have 20 hexies to turn by heat when I get home!!!

I'll work on the small hexies another day, and the third project is these hearts, which need to be stitched to the background. 

Myappliquée project

I am so anal when it comes to hand-stitchingappliquéé. The thread is 80- or 100-weight, so it's very thin, and my stitches are small. Notice how the needle is parallel to the edge of theappliquée!!!! That is key to making those stitches disappear. 

Keep the needle parallel to the edge of theappliquée

And the stitches are short and mostly parallel to the edge of theappliquée. If you look closely at the left edge of the shape above, you cannot see the stitches, and that is how handappliquéé should look! 

The stitches on the underside of the project

A heart is a great shape for learning to stitchappliquéé because it has a point, an indentation, straight edges, and two curves!!!! These hearts are being needleturned - I'm turning the edge as I stitch, and I need these for one of my upcoming events next weekend. I almost got one done, and I should be able to get the second one stitched in place. I have four in total, but if I can get two stitched down, I'll be happy. 

One heart almost stitched in place.

Here is the jigsaw puzzle I purchased at Robinson McNally the day I arrived, which seems so long ago!! Beautiful hand-drawn artwork. They didn't have one for Saskatchewan, or I would have gotten that one instead. Actually, I'm lying; there was a prairie sky puzzle, but I preferred this one. They have some beautiful designs which you can check out here. Let's just say I found some items to fill the suitcase in place of that large quilt!!

My new puzzle

Well, I should get myself moving for the day. I've got to work in a shower and a walk, and I'm trying to get some work done on a computer file cleaning while I have some downtime. Today is all about more visiting and flushing out some details for another wild trip sometime soon -- maybe next year. We need to do these things before it is too late to make them happen!!!

A sad finish to the Men's World Curling, but hey --- all of the games I watched were nail biters. And Canada put up a good fight yesterday, and I think they did an amazing job. They came home with a silver medal, which is nothing to sneeze at!! I have one question—will Canada let them cross the border with that huge hunk of cheese? 

Before I go, have a look at this beautiful display on the shelf outside the neighbor's apartment. Isn't that cute? Happy Easter!!!!

Little display outside the neighbor's apartment door

Have a wonderful day and Happy Easter!!

Ciao!!!!

Visit with friends and family while they are still here!

Progress happened on many fronts yesterday. I did go for a walk yesterday, but I debated long and hard because there was snow in the morning, and not the deep snow that you know for certain isn't slippery, but just a thin amount that covers any ice, so you can't see it. Then I decided that I needed to get out, and I had walked that path the day before, and all seemed to be good. So I went out, and it was just fine. 

I needed to get out and let my mind wonder and wander --- both words apply. I spotted something funny, so I'm glad I went. You have to remember, sometimes I have the mind of a curious child, and the very simplest of things amuse me or catch my eye. 

As I walked, I spotted this on the ground. I have no idea what it is, but it reminded me of those strawberry candies, yet it looked like a large crystal for melting snow. Whatever it was, it was "hot" enough to melt the snow around it. I spotted three of them in the same location and one more a bit further down the path. 

Something to melt the snow

I didn't go as far as I had done the day before - there is one section of the path that runs along the back alley -- I know --- back alleys!!!! It wasn't that I was afraid to walk down it; well, it made me nervous, but it was from the danger of slipping since the back alley still had snow and ice on it, which I knew from the day before, so I did a little detour on the street. But I circled back onto the path to cross this same spot on my way to the hotel. 

Imagine my surprise when those red things were gone!!!!! And look what is around each empty dot. 

Someone likes colorful objects!

Yep --- it appears that some large bird spotted those things and walked over - not even swooped in to pick up two of the three that were in the same location. I had spotted magpies and crows the day before along the path, so it must have been one or the other. Likely the magpie, since I think they love picking up things. 

So I don't know if it was a sweet, but how would that force the snow to melt? Anyway -- it was an interesting thing to spot on my walk. It's that kind of thing that amuses me on my walk and not an audiobook or music. 

I am not a big sports watcher, but I know my parents always watch curling, regardless of the event. So the Men's World Championship is on right now, and I'm watching curling along with them. Well, the last three games have been on the edge, nail-biting events, and I think all of them pretty much came down to the last rock to determine who would win. 

That's too much excitement for an old heart --- should they allow the more experienced of us in life to watch such thrilling events? So today, my parents (mostly my Mom) will be glued to the TV, and I suppose I will be as well, as Canada and Sweden battle it out for the gold. 

There was one shot yesterday, when Canada was playing Italy, and Canada had the hammer (last rock), and Canada needed to get a rock out of the way that had many guards in front of it. And that skip did exactly that -- it was beautiful to watch, but I'm still stunned that he made that shot.

I wasn't sure why my parents were so enamored with curling, but it turns out that my grandfathers, especially my maternal grandfather, were the ones who instigated building a curling rink in the little hamlet near the farm. It was right beside the community hall, and that corner of the hamlet was a hot spot for community activity. I never knew that!!!! 

So everyone in the community curled in the old days, but I'm not sure I ever curled in that small single-sheet rink. It was probably colder than the Antarctic to play in there, but those very resourceful pioneers would have found a solution. No running water anywhere near, so they would have had to haul in water to flood the ice. Or maybe they ended up with a well there. I'll have to ask. 

Anyway -- it's been fun watching that together, and today, there are two games, so we'll all be glued to the TV for that. Although Dad is off to the Museum today. Since he couldn't go yesterday (a holiday), he is chomping at the bit to get some work done. The man is 93!!!! But it is amazing to see how his brain functions. 

Although the situation is starting to get a bit worrisome. I had purchased a puzzle at the Museum that I spotted on one of their Facebook posts. This was back in February. I asked Dad to pick it up and hold on to it for me, and he vaguely remembers doing so but has no idea where the puzzle is. He may have brought it back and donated it to the common room!!!! Mom doesn't remember either, which is unusual, but he may not have told her. Oh well -- it's just a puzzle, I'm not going to sweat it, but how much other stuff does he forget? 

But ask him for information on an engine built in 1901, and you get reams of information!! I'm not worried yet, but a small niggle is starting in the back of my mind. 

And now for the update you've all been waiting for!!!!! I didn't think I'd get that quilting stitch completed around the perimeter of the quilt. BUT I was so focused on listening to the curling that last night, just before dinner, I was able to put in the final stitch. 

The hexagon quilt is complete! 

Finishing the edge on this quilt isn't my best work, but it's done!!! And you can see my stitches on the back. 

The stitches on the back of the quilt

I took it out into the hallway so I could get a good picture of the quilt. OH— I have no idea how to crop out my feet in Windows 11!!! The quilt is very pretty, but it's made with lining fabric. But it doesn't matter, the quilt is done!!!! The only thing I'm going to do today is get some details from Mom about the quilt and I"ll write out the story and then just type it on a piece of paper and keep it with the quilt. I will need to search my blog for dates on when she handed it to me as I've had it in my possession for a "few" years. 

The hexagon quilt is complete!

Actually, I could do that on Dad's computer, and then, when I get home, I'm going to run downstairs to my Visual To-Do list and whip this one off the list. That will make TWO items that I promised to other people that are dealt with for this year. 

I mentioned the other day that I have to add two projects to the list, and both are for others, so I haven't made any headway on the quantity of items yet. That is the longest list, and I would love to clear that one this year. There are a couple of doozy stories on that list, and when I feel the need to be totally embarrassed by the projects, I'll share them with you because I'm going to need some help to finish them.

I was hoping to finish the quilt while I was here, and I was certainly not taking it home again. That feels so good, but I had brought a couple of other small projects with me in case I did finish the quilt. One of them is this little bag of hexagons I started making from scraps of solid fabric. I think the scraps came from when I worked at Northcott; they were the cutoff ends from a project. 

The bag is filled with fabric, glue, hexagons in several sizes, thread, needles, scissors, cardboard templates, and such. 

My hexagon project

Should I tell you that I started to work on this when my parents still lived on the farm, and they have lived in their apartment for 10 years!!! GASP!!!!! 

More hexagons

I know -- it's absolutely ridiculous, but that is going to be my new travel project. Once I remove all the excess from that pouch, it could easily be tucked into a backpack. I'll see how it goes. The scissors would be the only stumbling block for carry-on since not all TSA people enforce the scissor rule equally. BUT, I could prep a bunch of the fabric bits, and then I would just need a needle and a thread cutter. HMMMM --- if I were really smart, I'd cut them on the digital cutter, and it would be super easy!!!

I have another hexagon project with me, and I'm going to focus on that one since I can use it as a sample for work, so that one takes priority for the next two days. 

I probably mentioned this last time I was here, but our family is very atypical in its makeup. My Mom has four siblings, and they are all still alive! Mom is the eldest at 90, and I think my uncle turned 80 last year. Something like that. Two of the five spouses have passed away, but everyone else is alive. There are some health issues, but nothing too severe. My Dad's sibling is still alive as well, and she has outlived two husbands. 

So, the genes are there to live a long life, and it's my job to ensure it's a healthy one! I know that we have no control over that, but I can try!!

Anyway, I gathered up my Aunt Norma and her walker, and we were off to visit my Aunt Margaret and Uncle Sammy, who both live in a nearby care facility. My aunt has dementia, but talking to her, you would never know. We had a wonderful visit reminiscing about the old days and sewing (all of the aunts sew, crochet, or knit). I guess that is in our blood as well. And we chatted about the curling rink that their Dad was instrumental in making happen. Lots of good memories and laughs, and before we knew it, it was their supper time! Oh my, where did the afternoon go? 

I have one more aunt to visit, and I'll be doing that tomorrow. It takes time to make all the rounds, but you never know when they won't be around, and it's fun to get the scoop on everything and remember the good old days, even though they're from a different generation than I am. 

Then the visiting continued. When I got back to the apartment, my parents were watching the second game of curling. Actually, the curling was on in one of the dining rooms at the care facility, and I wanted to see the score, but couldn't see from the door. So I poked my head in, and the staff let me know. 

Anyway, supper was late - you can't have dinner while curling is on! When we finished, we sat around the table for a couple of hours and chatted about the good old days. Just me, Mom, and Dad. We had a very good visit, and I hate to say it, but I'll miss those chats when they are gone!!!

We aren't going to get any Swedish Death Cleaning done while I'm here - perhaps I need to buy the book and give it to Mom to read, but I'm going to focus on that for the next visit later this year. 

Because of the holiday, I won't be able to help Dad with his banking transfer, but now that the bank person knows, I'm sure she will follow up with him and make it happen. I think her email was just making a point that she wasn't going to take orders from me, but I'm sure she'll make the transfer. She knows my Dad too well about his lack of interest in these matters. 

Well, it's time to get moving. I might need a nap later today, as I had trouble falling asleep. I have to close the blinds in the room for some privacy since I'm facing the parking lot, but it's amazing how many little lights show in the room when you do that - the TV, outlets, the clock, etc. So I had to get up and cover the ones directly in front of me. 

Oh my -- I just heard the train go through town and opened the blinds to see outside. The parking is filled with CARS and regular trucks. I only see one white service truck - some poor fellow who didn't make it home for the long weekend. Come Monday, the people who stay here will switch back to road and mine workers, and the people will be somewhere else! 

Have a super day, and if you have someone you've been meaning to visit, get yourself in gear, call them, and make arrangements. They won't be here forever, and let's face it --- if the person was important in your life, you can pick up the conversation at any time. I have THREE people on my list --- one of them lives relatively close to me in Toronto, and the other two I plan to visit on my travels this year. 

I actually have a plan to meet someone from my past on Monday, but it's a big secret! Some I knew from the end of my high school days. Yikes!!!!

Ciao!!!!