Show n Tell

In case they missed it in the comments (the two post-op knee people are now chatting to each other), and we have a retired orthopedic nurse amongst the readers—get an icing machine. I've heard that from other people as well. I hope I never need one, but apparently, they are the best thing since sliced bread for recovery! 

Thanks to Elle for the suggestion, and good luck to Torri and Shirley! 

I had fun at the two classes in the morning. So much creativity! I will only share my Colour My World with you—the others are still in bits and pieces, and I'll save the big show-and-tell for June. I still have to complete the stitching on the four houses in the middle of each row, but otherwise - I'm up to date!

My Colour My World quilt - close to being finished

I'm so happy with the progress. I love the bright colors, and I've pretty much kept the pattern to the original, except for changing the color of the trees. The four corners are the areas where many others before our class have changed the four distinct buildings in the original: Big Ben, Eiffel Tower, One World Trade Center (NY), and Centrepoint Tower (Sydney, Australia). 

The original quilt

Some of the ladies want to switch up the buildings and make them more representative of Canada or places they have seen around the world. I'm going to swap two of them -- CN Tower for Centrepoint Tower, and a grain elevator for One World. I have no clue how to draw, but I got out my pencil and a ruler (and an eraser - thank goodness) and took a very logical approach to drawing the CN Tower, which I shared with the class. And I made it into a paper pieced pattern! And it took about 20 minutes in total!!! 

I love the group's creativity, and they are now creating some amazing buildings for the corners. However, I have one frustrating situation in the class. As a polite Canadian, I might not mention this, but I am downright annoyed, and I'm allowed to speak up! If we don't voice these kinds of things, they'll keep happening, and I'm tired of keeping the crap inside. 

 Every month since the beginning, a question has come up about the alternate (NON-existent, personal choice) patterns. Would they be offered for free (there was an offer to buy them)? This was way before we even started to work on designing them. I get it -- I don't draw, but I'm working to the best of my abilities and willing to give it a try. 

I have no problem if people ask, and I explained my stance that as a teacher, I am there to teach them how to create these patterns that I don't even need to, because the original pattern comes with FOUR PERFECTLY GOOD BUILDINGS! I get it and would be most willing to share my patterns, but the constant whining has made me dig my heels in. Why should I or someone design a building that is special to them and then just hand it over to someone else? 

Besides, these patterns are large, so they are not easy to scan and send to someone else. And my pattern, once I'm done with it, will be scraps of paper! All anyone has to do is follow my detailed diagrams, and they, too, can achieve the same pattern in mere minutes!

Enough said about that --- the bottom line is if you want the redesigned patterns, then try and if you don't succeed, perhaps we can work out an arrangement, but I DO NOT hand out free gifts on a platter without some effort. I probably would have shared what I've done, but the behavior got my back up right at the start of the class, and because of the constant whining about it, I have dug my heels in. I hope no one in the class shares either - I know that is completely un-Christian-like - but there are principles to be upheld! 

I'm also very happy to report that the Tamarack Jacket is almost complete! I have sewn in the sleeves, and I need to finish off the seam allowances before I continue, but I basted the side seams just to see how it fits, and I LOVE IT!!! I still need to bind the sleeves, but that is the last thing after the side seams are finished. So lots of handwork. I might get some of this completed tonight at the virtual retreat, or I'll take it this week. I need to get some of these almost-finished things done! 

The front of the Tamarack jacket

The back ends a good steaming because it's been crumpled in a basket for a long, long time. While it may seem a bit large in the back, I don't have a ton of excess room, and I certainly want it so tight that I can't move. I'm happy with it. 

The back of the jacket

I accomplished quite a bit after the Zooms were over. What should I work on? All this free time is beyond my comprehension—where do I even begin to get everything done? At least I have the time, now I need to keep my focus and motivation. The pile on the current projects table is motivation enough, but there is so much that it's hard to know where to start. 

I decided to grab the bag of black-and-white scraps and see what could be done. This was on the current projects table, and I was going to toss it in with the retreat stuff, but decided it was a good task for yesterday. 

My scrap box of black and white fabric

I'm not going to give you the blow-by-blow of how I did what I did, as I've decided to teach my scrap class in the fall. I'm enjoying my free time too much to fill it up with classes. Here's my plan - I'm going to run a scrap class in the fall through Thimbles and Things (SH -- I have finalized the details with Paula yet), and it'll likely start in October (maybe September) and run for hmmmmm ---- how many months? About 7, I think, so I need to look at my calendar. Perhaps I could get that organized later today. 

I know that someone else does scrappy classes with that store, but I have a different take on it! As a result, I'm saving the process I did yesterday, but I'll share a few things with you. 

After taking stock of what I needed, I had to cut almost 1,000 rectangles at 1½" by 2½". 

Taking stock of what I had

That was a long and boring afternoon, but I was listening to a great audiobook, so I didn't mind. After the workout and the massage, and then standing to do all this cutting, my back was tired at one point, so I sat down for a while. 

MANY rectangles cut

The bottom line is that everything got cut, labelled, and back in the project bag. 

The project is ready to sew!

The remaining bits of black-and-white fabric are neatly organized in the black-and-white scrap box, and I'm a happy camper. YES - I made a dent in the scrap box! 

The scrap box now!

I'm not sure when I'll get a chance to get back to working on this, but it is a good ender/leader project, and I might keep that out and work on it instead of my half-square triangles. But that is one thing off the current project table - well, technically it's still there, but much more advanced than it was. 

Then it was onto the next thing. As mentioned, there are so many small things that are almost complete but aren't, and I'm trying to get them done. I have these little mitten ornaments that are mostly done, but a few need a few fiddly finishing details. Last night, during the Virtual Retreat call, I decided to get more of that done. 

I had one mitten that required crystals. 

This mitten requires crystals.

I set up the supplies, which probably took longer than applying the remaining crystals. 

Getting ready to work on the crystals

The mitten now has crystals and is complete. I put everything away once the crystal tool cooled down. 

Crystals on the mitten

I have six Santa mittens that required theappliquée pieces to be cut and fused in place. I did that the other day, but now a bell has to be stitched to each hat. 

Three Santa mittens

I have three of six bells sewn on, and all six faces have theappliquéé complete. I believe I still have to mark eyes with a pen and something else, I can't remember at the moment. I should be able to finish those tonight. 

I also cut out the fusibleappliquéé and fused the pieces for the four snowman blocks in place. There is still a face to draw on. The pattern calls for seed beads, but why? I think I'll get the Pigma pen out and mark dots. 

The four snowman mittens

I get an email anytime a house is listed in our area, or there's a price change or whatever. OH MY GOODNESS -- we all know that prices are nowhere near what they were several years ago, but I got a notification this morning of a house that has a price drop of 35%. That equates to over $500K. Either that was a big mistake, or they are desperate to sell. So, for less than $1M, you can get a pretty nice house in a great neighborhood!! The house has been renovated as well! 

The girls and I had some long walks (yes - that is plural) yesterday. I took this picture of the creek in the forest behind the house. 

The creek behind our house

What's interesting, and I probably say this every year, is that the creek ends in a city sewer drain! And it only has water in the spring. How sad that the creek ends in a drain. I know other areas around here typically have water in the spring, but they just plop houses onto the land. 

When I went for a walk in the afternoon, I had no errands and didn't really want to walk alone, so I grabbed both girls, and we went out. Good grief—though Miss Murphy was fast asleep and is getting up in age, the minute you put a leash on her, she is a different dog. For the first part of the walk, she goes full tilt, then, once she has calmed down, she slows down somewhat. Lexi is just happy to be out!

Walking the dogs

While they are fun to walk together, I wouldn't do it regularly. They would kill me with all the pulling and twisting and turning they do. But they are MUCH better on leashes together than they used to be. They would get all twisted up and pull suddenly at full speed, and it was a nightmare. My only fear about walking both of them is having an e-scooter pass us, because Murphy HATES them. She even gives motorcycles the evil eye when they pass us! I have no idea where that came from! I would not be able to control both dogs in that situation. 

I spent time in Studio B this morning tidying up! Machines were on the floor, needing cleaning, and stuff was everywhere. I still have a lot to do today, but I'm making good progress. Vacuuming floors, dusting, etc. And putting things away and getting out what to work on today. I have nothing except the Virtual Retreat. Sorry—I had to check my schedule again to confirm that. It just feels bizarre to not have to prep for something or host a Zoom class. 

WAIT—other than Monday Sewing, I have NOTHING on my calendar for the remainder of the month. NOTHING!!!! 

But that doesn't mean I'm not cognizant of what needs to be done for April, and with several trips in April, I need to be strategic with my time. I dug out this block to work on this morning. That is going to be a doozy to sew, and I can hardly wait. 

My "homework" for today

I'm trying really hard to finish up those piddly and fiddly little things that are half done. There's a lot of that kind of stuff on the current projects table. I'm making progress, but I have a few too many things on the go. It's time to refocus and just get them done! That includes the cutting and handwork I'm taking to this quilting retreat! 

On that happy note, I'm out of here! The link for the Virtual Retreat is below. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!




Virtual Retreat - Sunday, March 22 --- starts at 3 PM.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89869001291?pwd=h57kT9axwTnd2xtJvuO0z2UOmUo45w.1

Meeting ID: 898 6900 1291
Passcode: 136711

Mending is such joy!!!

I love the stories of people's post op knee surgery! I love that people are PREPARED for the recovery and their reduced mobility. That's what I call sanity!! Good luck with the recoveries - I know there are two of you who very recently had knee replacements! Probably about a week apart! 

My two presentations for today are done! I need to stop tweaking them! My brain just goes on and on, not stopping as I dream up more examples and do more research to help the students. I can only hope that they watch the presentation, get inspired, and then get to work! Actually, in Colour My World, the number of quilts we'll have for our final reveal is going to be amazing. So many creative ideas! 

As for the jacket class? We are getting some jackets made, but many have not started! And after today, there is one more class. And so I'll never run another jacket class! I have learned so much from this class, and well, you just have to wait and see! I must admit that it's the class I spend the least time on; however, I have four jackets that are very close to completion, so I had better get organized and make that happen. Maybe there are only three, and the fourth is my prototype. OH -- but I have to put buttonholes on another jacket. I might have to change my focus a wee bit!

This basket holds the components of a jacket I've been working on since 2023, so it's not that old! But notice that the basket is much emptier than it was? I'll explain more later this week. As mentioned, I'm not taking a sewing machine with me to the quilting retreat, but I'll have some time when I get back to clean this all up. WAIT -- I have this weekend to work on stuff! 

A basket with jacket supplies is much emptier than it was!

I seem to be doing a lot of mending for DH. What the heck is happening here? And why is my machine agreeing to do this mending? Oh, wait --- we won't go there. I get to play while he works, so I guess I can mend an item or two. The string thing came out of the waistband, and after looking at it, I didn't like how the wide elastic was attached on one side but not the other. That's just the way all waistbands are done. So I straightened out the elastic and zigzagged the top edge. Now - it will never twist - the waistband will fold down, but the elastic will never twist. 

The elastic is stitched in place!

And I got to use my elastic threader to put the cord back in the waistband. I did not stitch it down because that would defeat the purpose, so I imagine I'll have to do it again. I still have a shirt and a pair of shorts to fix. Sigh.............

My elastic threader!

OH MY—I forgot to mention our walk in the morning. It was raining hard, not monsoon rain, but hard enough. I had on two jackets to keep the chill off, and the outer one was my rain jacket. OK -- I will say that the rain jacket is almost 35 years old (but I LOVE IT) and it was washed with a water repellent solution, but I think its days are coming to an end. By the time I got both dogs walked, I was soaked right through. Well, my thick fleece kept the water out, but everything else was wet! I could have wrung water out of my gloves and my pants! Perhaps it's time to get a new rain jacket. I have a brand new one that I use for hiking - it's not substantial enough for walking the dogs. Well, maybe it is - I should try it one day. 

Then I went for a massage in the afternoon. OH MY — that, on top of the upper body workout the day before, and I was a bit sore when I first got up this morning, but all is good now. Drink lots of water!!!! 

It was a pretty darn productive day, and I learned a ton, and I'll be passing that along to the students this morning. I'm super excited - more about what I learned than the fact that I'm passing it along to them! 

But here's something else I learned. OK -- so the jigsaw puzzle got finished last night. I got around to it about 7:45 and gave myself until 9 PM to finish. I was done 20 minutes before that. 

The puzzle is DONE!!!

I LOVE my puzzle assembly setup. Look at what I can do with those felt-covered design boards!!!!

My felt-covered design boards

Yep -- as the number of pieces reduced, I moved them to one board. Tactile -- I'm a tactile girl, and the methodical, repetitive process of moving pieces is good for your brain!!! BUT do you see that I can tip that board to almost a vertical angle, and the pieces don't budge. Not a single piece fell off the board. So if you have glare --- change the angle. I'll never lay pieces out on a table again! And I will never use those puzzle trays. 

But here's the other thing. The puzzle is set up at the end of the table, and I'm using a rolling chair. So if I need to see closer on either side, I simply swing my chair to that side. It's brilliant. There's none of that back/neck-breaking searching for a piece. There's never a piece that gets dropped on the floor or attached to my clothing because I keep ALL the pieces on the felt boards. Yes --- I have the legs of the table to deal with, but I don't even notice them, and if I did? The setup is worth the slight inconvenience. 

My puzzle assembly station

It was a very happy accident that I discovered this, and I'll never go back. I'm excited to put this one in the box, and I'll take it to my parents and donate it to the seniors in their building, who always have a puzzle on the go. And I can't wait to crack the next one open! It's an exciting one!!!

I have not been very responsible with paper for a very long time! That's why there's such a mess in the office, but as you know, I'm slowly working at it, and the paper is almost under control. If I were to compare photos from 8 years ago with photos from now, what would I see? You could barely get into the office because of all the boxes of stuff that had to be dealt with. Today, almost all the boxes are gone, and the last dregs of crap that came from upstairs are now here. 

As I was doing research for one of the classes, I was digging through my Threads magazines. I love these magazines and wish I would buckle down and read more of them. There is some amazing information in there. Anyway, the PREMIER ISSUE (October/November 1985) popped into my hands. And oh my—there's an envelope being used as a bookmark. The envelope was never opened! 

An unopened envelope used as a bookmark

Now, wouldn't it be nice to open that up and find money? Well, if it were a cheque, that would be bad because it would be stale dated by now, but cash would be fine. Nope -- I didn't find cash, but the letter was dated 2005!!!! It was information about the 2005 fundraiser for The Quilt, including a list of the committee members. The Quilt was a fundraising effort (breast cancer) started by Carol Miller way, way back!!! It is since defunk, but I did a lot of volunteer work for them. I do NOT need to keep the letter, and so it's gone. 

A bit dated! 

That was the year they requested celebrity signatures, and some of us made quilts. I think I made three quilts that year with celebrity signatures! I believe I showed them on the blog once. AHA --- I made two quilts, and you can see them at this link. WAIT -- I made a third one as well. Here's the link to the third one. 

I also found some handwritten notes about a project on the back—maybe it was for one of the celebrity quilts!!! It's also gone. 

Well, on that happy note, I'm out of here! Don't forget we have a Virtual Retreat tonight, and I found another container of scraps to cut. I was going to add it to the pile I'm putting in the car, but decided that would be a great job to do on the call. By the way, someone wanted to know what sizes I cut scraps. I don't randomly cut scraps. I only cut when I have a project in mind, and the two I am cutting my batik scraps for are a doozy—you'll have to wait until after the retreat. What I cut tonight, I'll share tomorrow. I might even just take a break and start cutting this afternoon, although I do have some tidying up to do in Studio B. 

Have a great day!!!

Ciao!!!! 

Virtual Retreat - Saturday, March 21 - Starts at 6 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89610782501?pwd=7dCrhiL5t8Xa4TVwZPvhL6cOymbcjK.1

Meeting ID: 896 1078 2501
Passcode: 148311

Virtual Retreat - Sunday - March 22 - Starts at 3 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89869001291?pwd=h57kT9axwTnd2xtJvuO0z2UOmUo45w.1

Meeting ID: 898 6900 1291
Passcode: 136711

Let's play ball!!!

Not to throw anyone into a panic, but there are a couple of things to mention. 

YES—there is a virtual retreat this weekend. I keep forgetting to mention it. The links will be at the end of today's post, much to Zoom's dismay. Posting links in a public place is a no-no in the security world.  

Second -- I'm almost finished reading The Brain At Rest, by Dr. Joseph Jebelli, PhD, and OH MY GOSH!!! Did you know how much exercise can make your brain bigger? And a bigger brain means that if you have a stroke or some other kind of injury, there is more of your brain left, so the damage may not be as bad. I'm sure I made that sound way too easy. Exercise also releases some chemicals that make your brain a happy place - helping to reduce depression, Alzheimers, etc. 

WAIT -- the good news is that you do not need to lift weights or run a marathon. A simple walking routine EVERY DAY can make a huge difference! HUGE!!! So don't be afraid of exercise - there are lots of programs out there that have you sit in a chair and do various routines, so you don't even need to worry about losing your balance. You do not need to work out hard enough to sweat! It's MOVING that is important.

Exercise is huge, and most people figure they are too old for it. Or why start now? But you would be surprised. 

I used to be a gym junkie and would freak out if I missed a day - well, maybe not that bad. But then I got out of it for a bit, and now I'm getting back into it (can you believe I even contemplated going to the gym this morning - ON MY OWN!), but I had some pictures to take. The next time you wonder where my energy comes from, remember energy begets energy. So the more exercise I do, the more energy I have!

And I want my brain to keep functioning as well, so, besides doing the puzzles, sewing, and other things, exercise will help!

When you work freelance, you never know what your day will entail. After discussion with some of my "bosses" yesterday, I'm taking a wee turn, and that works for me. And it gives me a wee bit of breathing room at this point. As for the two classes this week, I basically have one presentation ready to go - I still need to add in a few pictures, and that allows me the entire day to work on the other one. 

WAIT ---- if you do one thing today, it's this. If you are a scroller of Facebook, PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE ANYTHING that you see. If you see something that sounds real, go to a website and fact-check it. While there are some good things on Facebook, I would hope that your friends' posts are real, but everything else? Most are FAKE. They (whoever they are) are feeding you information that you WANT to believe, but if you fact-check it, someone has faked it! 

By the way, does anyone post personally on Facebook anymore? I do from time to time, but not often. 

As for sewing, I did get some sewing done. I can't share any of it at this point in time, but I have made good progress. I managed to make and trim a few more hourglass blocks! 

Hourglass blocks trimmed

I am packing for the upcoming quilt retreat, and I had to dig around on the current projects table to find a few things. Except for one spool of thread, I think I have amassed everything at the bottom of the stairs. 

Packing for quilt retreat

Except Murphy, of course, who is going to stay home. I know—you are thinking that's a lot of stuff to take, and it is. I plan to load it in the car over the weekend as it's all fabric. There are boxes of scraps that need to be sorted and cut. BOXES, but when you only have to chat with others, sort, and cut? You can get through a lot in a day. I also have a couple of tubs of fleece scraps that I'm going to cut. And I'm taking the scraps for my 365-day quilt to see if I can get a few more blocks cut for that. I have a few projects that will require handwork. It's all pretty light, as they're just scraps, and I plan to leave everything in the car and pull out one container at a time. I must remember to pack the car so that it is easy to do. 

I don't plan on taking my sewing machine, but I'm taking a cutting mat and chair risers, so I hope to raise my own sewing space and not bother the others at the cutting table. I find cutting and sorting little pieces extremely therapeutic, and I can't wait. Besides, I'm clearing stuff off the current projects table, so all is good!!!

As for puzzles, I'm making great progress on that as well. 

Getting close to the finish!

YES --- almost finished, and I had some therapy time as I moved all the pieces onto two small design boards before closing up shop last night. I hadn't been successful in finding homes for all the pieces I had pulled, but I'm now at the point where I can grab either board, scour for pieces, and put them in immediately. I gave myself one hour and fifteen minutes last night. It works for me because I also wanted to read. 

I'm hooked on these darn things, which I knew I would be since I've always loved working on puzzles. But never seemed to have the time. Now I have more time! 

Here are the three I got at the thrift store earlier this week. 

Movies!

Animals

Garden

Yes, occasionally a piece or two might be missing, but really, for the price, you can't beat it. Those three cost me about $20, which is less than the cost of one at full price. Some might be of questionable quality, but all the ones I have purchased look great, with great pictures. I shall continue to buy from the thrift store, although I treat myself every once in a while to a brand new one. 

A friend of mine recently acquired a golden retriever puppy (3 months old). I hope she knows what she's in for! 

Lots of morning cuddles and needy time!

MOM - I'm needy!!! 

MOM - I just woke up and need cuddles!!!

And let's not forget about playing ball!!

MOM - Did you say play ball? I thought I heard you say, "Let's play ball!"

MOM -- throw the ball!!! Throw the ball!!!

And of course, I threw the ball, and it rolled out of the bushes and landed on the ice on the pond. Someone was NOT happy. Needless to say, no baseball team is ever going to draft me!!

CRAP - the ball rolled onto the pond!

As the ball rolled toward the edge, Muprhy tried desperately to reach it, but she knew the ice was not thick enough to support her. How the heck do dogs know that? She didn't touch the ice, but knew enough to stay back. 

MOM - the ball needs to be rescued!!!!

And let's not talk about the muddy feet. But you have to love them --- Murphy is adorable, and well, she knows it and milks that for all its worth! She is slowing down some - she's 11, I think, but the moment you put the leash on her, she is like a 3-month-old puppy!!!

If you haven't read Ragged Company by Richard Wagamese, you should. It's about this ragtag group of homeless people who win the lottery. And what happens after that is sad, happy, and everything in between. It's really a story of how one moment in time can change your life and I'm not talking about the lottery win. 

While searching through the crap on the current project tables, I found this charging cord. It would be great for travel - it's long and has multiple tips on it. I should try it out before I take it anywhere. It's unlikely to be fast-charging!

My new charging cord!

Well, that's it for me. Lots to get done today, and I'd better get started!!!

Have a super day!!

Ciao!!!!

Virtual Retreat - Saturday, March 21 - starts at 6 PM.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89610782501?pwd=7dCrhiL5t8Xa4TVwZPvhL6cOymbcjK.1

Meeting ID: 896 1078 2501
Passcode: 148311

Virtual Retreat - Sunday, March 22 - starts at 3 PM.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89869001291?pwd=h57kT9axwTnd2xtJvuO0z2UOmUo45w.1

Meeting ID: 898 6900 1291
Passcode: 136711

Persistence pays off

While I got things done, it was a frustrating day! Why? My computer just seemed to have an upset tummy! I couldn't open apps (trust me—they call them apps on the computer now instead of programs—it drives me mad) on my computer. I rebooted MULTIPLE times. I even shut the computer off and let it sit by itself to contemplate life as a dead object, and even then, I struggled. I'm not sure what that was all about. 

I did not get the blue screen of death - I got WHITE. 

Not a good sign when you need your computer!

And then during other attempts, I got the circle. 

Nor is this!

When I finally got back in, I was asked if I really wanted to open the file I had been working on, because it had caused a fatal error last time. Good grief --- what the heck is happening? 

I got scared enough to crack open this. 

A BRAND new hard disk

This is a new hard disk I bought a while back. I'm going to use it to replace the one I use every day. I suspect that one is on its last legs, and I had better listen to the computer because if that one goes, I'm in big trouble. I'll start transferring the data this afternoon. 

I also had a lot of trouble transferring files from one spot to another - it took hours instead of seconds, which isn't normal. I was NOT touching the older hard disk - I was transferring from my phone to OneDrive. So something was up with the computer, and I don't know what. But the first step is to replace that hard drive. They do NOT last, and that one has been around long enough. 

I'm still moving data around, and that is going to take eons. But I'm going away in a couple of weeks, and I might take the hard disks with me and spend an hour a day messing around, as I'll have time. But before I go -- that data needs to be transferred. 

I also need to get cracking on emptying OneDrive. It's not full, but it's getting full, and it's mostly stuff that I no longer need. So I must deal with it. 

OH - I found a folder filled with every screenshot I've ever taken, and I take a lot of screenshots. I usually save them in the appropriate folder, but they also get saved on the computer. Why? Why is there so much duplication? I don't get that, and perhaps there is a setting I can change so it doesn't save every screenshot I take. 

I managed to get some sewing done, and eventually some computer work, but not nearly as much as I would have liked - AGAIN! Now I'm running out of time and need to start prioritizing between the three tasks! 

I'm almost ready for one of the presentations, but I still need to work on the other, so that one will be my priority today. I have to at least have SOMETHING to show the class. 

I was lamenting to DH as I drove him to the train that I had forgotten to buy bananas when I walked to the grocery store the day before. I hate when that happens. It's not that I had forgotten - I just hadn't noticed that there were no more bananas. He reminded me that I pass close to the store on my way home. Go to the grocery store in the car? How dare he suggest that!! 

However, I stopped and got bananas. Can you believe that it's been well over 6 years since I took the car to the grocery store? OK - I think I've been to the grocery store in the car once in the last year. What a complete hassle! I know - I actually have to park the car and go in. When I walk- no thought required - just walk into the store. And I don't mind going every day or every second day because it's something to do, and it only takes 30 minutes to get there and back on foot if I take the shortcut through the forest. 

My bananas for breakfast

The bananas had just been set out, and all of them were green. Then I remembered to check the single-banana section, and there were three, one of which was ripe enough to eat. All was good in my world. I hadn't seen the computer issue yet. 

But while I was waiting for the files to transfer, I went to the mail box just in case. And OH MY GOSH --- there it is!!!!! Interestingly, neither the Global Tracking System nor Canada Post identifies the package as arrived!!! What is interesting is that this looks like a brand new package - not the original that was supposedly sent the first time. It was postmarked in France, and the sender's name is the person I dealt with on Etsy - Canada. Hmmmmmm. No mention of the name of the company. 

My package has arrived!!!!!

And there are my labels!!!! I'm so excited, but I don't have time to start using them yet. There are supposed to be 400 labels - I'm not about to count them, but let's say there are lots. What a relief to get those - I ordered them at the end of December, and finally they are here. 

My labels!!!!

Now that the labels have arrived and my Outlook issues seem resolved, perhaps I can go back to the house issues and see if I can resolve them. Dealing with too many issues at once is not something I do any longer. Give me two issues maximum at a time, and lots of persistence and patience, and I can resolve anything. 

And then I ended the evening with more reading—a daily 30-minute nap is highly recommended—I mentioned that yesterday—but PLAY is also good for your brain, including SHOCK—playing video games like Tetris and Candy Crush. The issue with those is that they are addictive, and you have to find a way to stop after a certain amount of time. |I will NOT play video games. My past addictive behavior with computer games is not something I want to get into. 

Then I spent about an hour with the puzzle last night. I look forward to this relaxed time with my brain - no books, no music, just chilling! 

Progress on the puzzle

I didn't quite find a home for all the pieces I had set out the night before, but I did find one of the two missing border pieces! I still don't understand why they don't just jump out! I'm loving spending an hour each evening working on the jigsaw puzzle. It's a nice diversion, and I'm so anal about the pieces. Yep -- I moved some of them, so I'm now down to three design boards, including the one that holds my current working pieces. I could consolidate them onto two boards, I'm sure. But the repetition of moving them? That's very good for your brain!! The tactile thing and keeping them organized—I love it!!!

There are lots of funky things I still need to assemble, and I'm still finding pieces with bits of yellow, red, blue, green, and purple, though I think I have them all now. I'm down to metal and woodgrain! 

I have several videos as part of my prep for the weekend classes, and I have them all set to go for when I'm back from the gym. It's going to be a busy day, and I had better get myself organized!! The extra 20 minutes I spend at the gym after my spin class has been incredible. I'm working on my stretching and working on my abs. WOW -- I will never have a six-pack, but my core is getting much stronger. And guess what that means? My stability and balance are getting better!! I used to struggle with the ab workout, but it's getting so easy. I must up my game!

Have a super day!!

Ciao!!!

Lost and found!

I love how we all have similar interests!!! And we have no end to the creativity and fun we have while doing those. I got a picture from Lynn, and she used the orange collage fabric in her butterfly quilt! It was probably used near the bottom in that orange bit? But maybe also on the border. 

Another use of the collage fabric

Either way --- it's a fun fabric, but I won't be searching for more. I have my fat quarter of orange, and that's good enough for me. 

As for doing puzzles on the computer -- that's an amazing alternative to doing them in person. I am trying to get away from constantly using the computer for everything, as I spend a lot of time each day writing, emailing, or making a presentation. It's nothing to find new puzzles by exchanging them with others, buying them from the thrift store on senior discount day (yesterday: 5 books and three 1000-piece puzzles) for $30, tax included! That's a lot of entertainment for $30!!! And getting rid of the puzzles? That is definitely not an issue because I can return them to the thrift store and get a 25% coupon, or I can pass them along to others in my circle. 

There is something about laying them out on the design boards (no trays for me!), and then searching through them. I am a very analytical person, and the arranging and rearranging of the pieces is something my brain needs to function. It's repetitive, extremely calming, and very therapeutic! 

Did I make progress yesterday? Oh yes --- I waited patiently until after dinner, then grabbed all the blue and green pieces, as well as a few with tiny bits of red and yellow that I had missed the times before. I'm down to four design boards with pieces now. What I love about this is that the space required is so minimal. And it's right in the middle of my sewing chaos, and yet I don't see it during the day. 

The amount of space I need is equal to the size of the puzzle, which is the end of a banquet table. 

Great progress on the puzzle

Putting the blue and green pieces in the puzzle went so quickly, I felt somewhat "cheated!" but that's OK, I had other things to do. To give me a bit more satisfaction, I pulled the pieces for tonight and placed them on a design board, now that I have a free one. So I'm all set when the time comes. I am teaching myself discipline and focus by stopping when I say I will. I need that because I have a very addictive brain, and if I let it go, I would get no sleep. 

Speaking of sleep! After reading about sleep in the Brain at Rest book, sleep is probably one of the most important things you can do for yourself, and yet so many people poo-poo how much sleep they need and are running on empty. Did you know that sleep helps rebuild and repair your body, including your immune system? You NEED sleep. I got 6 hours 40 minutes according to my app, out of 7 and a half that I was in bed, so that's not so bad. 

And napping? The author of the book "The Brain at Rest" LOVES napping, and so do I. 30 minutes is a good amount to nap. EVERY DAY!!!!

I was cleaning up a folder with more paper crap -- I just cannot imagine leaving this to someone else. There wasn't much in, but the dental bills (dating back to 2001) are now gone. I've decided to keep the medical stuff for the current year, after it's been claimed by insurance. At this point, we do not need those bills for income tax purposes - maybe sometime in the future, the total amount we pay will be higher, but for now, I keep one year (labeled) and then out it goes. I even made a label for the folder. 

My very thin medical folder

Then realized I already had another thin folder, also labeled "medical". So the two folders were amalgamated, and the empty one is in the supply cabinet. I had a few spare moments in the kitchen yesterday, so I even went through some of what was set aside for today. Oh my—I may even have to get another folder out! Slow and steady! 

Ooops --- duplicate!

When I'm buzzing around taking pictures in Studio B and then realize that I have put my phone down somewhere, but where - it can be a problem. Yesterday, I couldn't find the darn thing anywhere, and because it's completely silent (no vibration, no buzz), I couldn't call it. Only after going back over my racks did I realize it was UNDER this mat, where the serger sits. Seriously??? I need to stop doing that!

The phone was under the mat!

Before you think I'm completely mad and slipped it under the mat, not so. The mat wasn't under the serger, and I was taking pictures of the serger. Then I slipped the mat onto the table and put the serger back on the mat. I didn't realize my phone was beside the serger, and the mat went over it. 

And then I found it under the yarn by the long arm. 

Another hiding spot for the phone

One day, I will lose it for good. I need to put it in my pocket instead of setting it down. But I got lots of work done - not as much as I would have liked, but then I never accomplish as much as I set out to, as I always have big dreams, but I'm still on target to get everything done by when it needs to be done. That even included some handwork!!! I have some YouTube videos to watch, so I sat there doing the homework while watching them. 

I have this bag of ornaments I was working on and have almost finished them all, but some small, fussy pieces needed to be cut out, and some hand stitching was required. So I set up a TV table beside the computer, and the stuff resides there. I have 2/3 of the fiddly cutting done, and then I need to sew on six bells and draw some faces. OH - and some fusing. Then I can call these things done! Another bag of stuff that has been sitting on the current project table. 

My evening handwork project

What is nice about those current project tables is that they handily contain all the current projects. OK -- that's a lie since there are tubs of stuff on the floor that are too large to go on the table, but that's OK -- they are contained and form a wall around Murphy's mat, so she has a nice dark area to sleep. But the most important thing is that NOTHING additional has been added to those tables in months! So that is a huge bonus!!! It means I'm actually getting ahead of the game! And I love games!!!

I started culling the T-shirts in my drawer. I will never wear these again, so they went in the pile of T-shirts from which to make a T-shirt quilt for myself. I love T-shirt quilts as they are heavy and I LOVE heavy quilts. 

T-shirts for my T-shirt quilt!

Yes - I like to wear bicycle T-shirts, but the black one has a V-neck, and I can't stand wearing a V-neck. The purple one is starting to wear thin, so both are retired. The one from the fabric company - where will I ever wear that again? But it will go into the memory T-shirt quilt that I plan to make. Hey, I can make as many as I want!

I am feeling pretty content these days. So much to do, but I can only do a little bit each day, and there is absolutely ZERO rush to get this stuff done. No deadline, and I can completely ignore the mess. I don't see it, just like a hoarder doesn't see the mess in their house. I completely ignore that current project table! I'm good with that. I want to enjoy the process of making, not rush to finish something. 

The girls were in their glory yesterday. It was very cold (it must be cold for me to say that), and they loved being outside. Something interesting had attracted their attention in the forest. 

MOM - please open the gate!

And that Murphy - you give her an inch and next thing you know, she has pushed my chair completely out of the way and lies in the very spot I need to be to work! Sigh!!!! 

MOM - just keeping your spot warm!

No news on the package - it's still "in transit," so I expect that I'll only see it pop up in my mailbox unannounced. It's still within the delivery window. If it hasn't arrived by the end of the delivery window, I'll be at the post office asking questions. 

And on that note, I'm out of her and on my way to spin class. Good grief - I see it's still cold this morning, but hopefully no wind. That wind was bitter in the morning, and there was a layer of granular ice (in most spots). Yuck!!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!