All about the dogs

I feel a tinge of guilt that we didn't have to completely clear that house, but it's only a tinge. 

But YES --- going through this entire process has made me look at my house and how it would appear in the eyes of someone after I am no longer here. Yes -- that is a totally scary thought! If I'm no longer here, I wouldn't hear their comments, but I cannot leave this mess for someone else to judge me. Come on -- you know they will! 

It's been eight years since my parents moved off the farm, and I've been dealing with my place for at least ten years. Yes, I'm slow, and I'm OK with that, but my progress is HUGE. I cannot stress enough—this place was never as bad as my parents, but there was a lot of stuff. 

The nice thing is that the more you clear and the sooner you start, the better it looks. Even the office is miles ahead of what it used to look like. There is nothing on the floor, and it was filled with boxes, so that's a positive. Things are contained, more or less, and I'm slowly working on it. I need to be in the mood, and I need to have the time. 

The mood strikes at the oddest of times, but not always when I have time. Yesterday, I managed to get rid of some paper. Now, does it look like I did anything? Of course not! But that was a dozen pieces of paper that are gone forever, and no one ever has to look at them. I'll try to tackle a bit more today. I'm OK with a bit at a time—the key is to keep at it. 

The craft stuff is still an issue, but at least it's all organized, and I'm not stumbling over boxes to get to something. That is HUGE, but yes, I know there is excess. The rest of the house is pretty empty. The kitchen has been gone through, and more than half of the stuff in the cupboards went. I could get rid of more stuff, but there isn't too much that we don't use. The bathrooms have also been gone through, and it wouldn't take long to take another spin through them. 

The garden shed and the garage have been dealt with, but both could probably use another clean sweep. The best part is that each subsequent time you go through a space, it's much easier and faster. The key is if you aren't accumulating as fast as you get rid of stuff. We are no longer accumulating much! The economy would tank on what we buy!

Hmm—I should go through the filing cabinet and toss anything that no longer needs to be stored. Then, I need to rejig that cabinet to keep what we need handy (labeled). There are two containers of stuff that "need" to be filed. I bet NONE of it needs to be filed. I might grab a few folders today and sort through them. Yes, I need to make that filing cabinet a priority.

It will all happen with baby steps, but I'll get through it. I will have time later today after my Facebook Live. My samples are set; I need to move the computer and the sewing machine to a reasonably clean corner of Studio B. The sign-up is on Michael's US webpage. If you go to that link, you can sign up and get the Zoom link to watch the hour-long session, which starts at 1:00 PM EDT. I'll also post the link to the video once it's online. I'll be using the Singer SE9180 (sewing and embroidery machine -- for sale at Michaels!) to talk about decorative stitches - how and when to use them, what tools and supplies will make it easier, and loads of inspiration on where to use them. As usual, I'd love more samples, but it'll all work out! 

I hope ticks never hit my forest like in the trees in Saskatchewan. That would take all the fun out of walking! We will have to take tick medication like we have for the dogs! I got a chuckle yesterday when Lexi and I walked through. Some low spots on the path are always muddy in the spring, and they have decided to fix them. However, I'm not sure that fixing them will solve the problem. There is one hill that erodes whenever it rains. And despite being fixed year after year, it keeps eroding. Perhaps they could pave that small section or put paving stones like they do in Spain! 

Anyway, there was a truck dumping fill on those low spots. There was a HUGE pile in this spot. 

OH -- there's a big pile of fill

And just a bit in this spot. Can you explain why? 

Only a tiny pile of fill

And then there was NONE at this spot, which is the worst of them all. It has dried up quite a bit, but it's messy. Lexi and I will check it out this morning to see what they did yesterday. 

No fill at this spot

Then Lexi took up her guard post outside DH's office even though Bear was NOT here to cause issues. Bear's stunt double is still packed in the suitcase, so you never know what will happen when he gets unpacked! 

Lexi is on guard

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and walked to the office and back. It was a weird weather day, but nice for walking. I was a bit tired when I got back, so I sat in the gazebo. I didn't have a nap—I had a long nap. But not before Miss Murphy was up to her old tricks. 

MOM -- just making sure you're OK

Oops -- Mom -- the ball fell in the pond. 

MOM -- I didn't throw it - I swear!

And then she sits in the corner, watching the world go by out the back fence. 

MOM - this is better than TV!

Or she's trying to show me how ferocious she can be with a big stick in her mouth. 

MOM - Look at me!!!

And then she chills on the deck. Oh, Murphy -- you're a very funny girl. 

MOM - I need to rest

But she's very clingy and doesn't want to let me out of her sight, and I can guess why. Still, it gets a bit much! But that's why we love her so much. She's just a goof!

MOM - I LOVE YOU!!!

I got some writing done yesterday and worked on those samples. Today is about the live event, and I'll be back to writing once it's done. I have some work to complete before I can move forward on the writing. While I hoped to have everything done BEFORE going on a sewing retreat, I'll be working during the retreat. Sigh.  But I get to do it with friends, so I can't complain. 

But I never seem to have time to sew for fun! I can't even get time to work on my UFO projects, which I have to finish. Yeah!! 

I won't worry about it -- it is what it is. 

Quilt Canada is coming up next month, and I'll be there. So once I get this writing done and these samples made, I have stuff to finish for that! 

But the Youth Challenge is online, and you can vote for your favorite. Check out all the quilts. There are three age categories, and I sponsored one of the quilts for the 15 - 19 age category. I think Shay did a fantastic job on her quilt. The sizes are not indicated on the page, but it's fairly large, and Shay is very artistic!! I haven't had a chance to see it in person, but I'll check it out in Edmonton next month. 

So be sure to pop on over there and vote for your favorite quilt. It's so encouraging to see the youth quilts, as they are the future generation of sewists, and we need to encourage them. 

On that note, I'm out of here! 

Have a super day, and remember to tackle some small area of your house. 

Ciao!!