How to care for your iron!

Dilemma!!! I struggle with the microphone on my laptop. The microphone could be better because you must be directly in front of the laptop before it picks up my voice. Yet I see people on Zoom calls, and they are at the other end of their room, and we can still hear them. Not so with me, except if I happen to be on the phone at the other end of the room, and then it picks up my voice clear as a bell!

I've been using Jabra earbuds, and the first pair (hand-me-downs from DH) worked very well until the battery life just died. I bought a new pair, and they worked well, but now the microphone seems to be spotty, and all of a sudden, I'm gone, yet I can hear everyone. YES—I need to contact the company. 

I've been thinking about replacing my laptop (another hand-me-down from DH), and I've had it for 7 or 8 years. I looked online this morning to see if I could find a suitable replacement. 

Gosh, what is the difference between a $400 laptop and a $1,400 laptop? Probably storage (although storage is CHEAP these days). Or is it the amount of RAM? I think I'll visit BestBuy to see what I can see. 

However, you know where I'm going with this. Getting a new laptop means migrating to Windows 11. Do I want to do that? It has a new interface and some other benefits, but do I really need it? And will it be a pain having Windows 10 on my desktop computer? I may pop into the store tomorrow. We have a Virtual Retreat today; otherwise, I'd go this afternoon. 

Does anyone out there have Windows 11? Are there any issues you hate? I think I'm just going to face reality, get the upgrade, and deal with it. This is a good time since I have no in-person events planned, and the coming weekend is quiet with ZERO events. 

It would be a good idea to clean up the few things I've saved on the hard disk to get it ready to replace. I'll have to come up with a plan to clear up the rest of my digital stuff. That's scary!!!

And I must contact Jabra about those earbuds. I really like them, but this issue is annoying. I can only speak if I'm married to the laptop, which makes it hard to work. Last night, I barely did anything so I could chat. And that's not a productive use of my time. It's FRUSTRATING!!!!

All the Zooms went over very well yesterday. I had some great feedback, and the groups got their homework and were off getting fabrics ready to sew! I have a couple of follow-ups to send out this morning and a few extra things I promised to work on this week. Then, I must start working on the next round to avoid ending up in a time crunch like this month! 

One of the classes was on binding! I laughed as I looked at the corner of the first quilt I made when I started quilting. Oh my! That corner has a few issues! I have learned a lot over the years! 

Hmm --- 1 out of 10 on technique!!!! 

Of course, they learned how to avoid these pitfalls in the class! The binding class is hosted by The Hobby Horse and will run again, likely starting in January. I'll keep you in the loop. 

Some people might sign up for one class with me and do not realize that I often teach several classes on the same day. During the presentation, I like to review the homework or color choices that students have made. This little scenario has happened on more than one occasion, EVEN with me telling them there is a cut-off (the day before) for sending me pictures.  

Them: Did you get my picture?

ME - When did you send it? 

Them: This morning. 

Oh, the class started at 9:30 AM, and the photo arrived in my intray at 9:45. Unfortunately, pictures do not automatically download and load into the presentation. WAIT—would AI do this for me? Maybe I could program Windows 11 and AI to download pictures while teaching. Now that would be cool and very scary!!!!

I get it that people don't know, but like everyone, I have a life, have morning errands to run, and am NOT waiting by the computer for pictures to arrive. 

The other thing, and this happens more than I would like. I'm on the Zoom. I'm teaching. And I get texts, emails, or phone calls from people saying they DO NOT have the link. I open my calls 30 - minutes in advance to allow people to connect, find the Zoom link, etc. Sigh......   At least I can say that the percentage of that happening is LOW. But people- I'm paying attention to Zoom, NOT checking my email or phone. 

After finishing Zoom at 3:30, I went for a walk to get the stiffness out of my legs and to clear my head! Look at the leaves in the forest. They're so beautiful, and you just want to shuffle your feet along and hear the rustling of the leaves. 

Doesn't this make you want to shuffle through the leaves? 

Here's something of great importance to us, especially if you are in the market for a new iron. Yesterday, we had the question: Should I go expensive or buy the cheap one? 

I'm not sure there is a significant difference between the expensive and the cheap (GASP!), but here's the thing. We NEED to take care of our irons and USE THEM PROPERLY if we want them to last. 

So, what are the tips to prolong the life of an iron? Did you know there is a manual for your iron? Have you ever read it? Most of us just plug them in and turn them on, but that is WRONG!!!! 

1. NEVER fill your iron with water (if you use water) with the STEAM function in the ON position. You don't have to unplug the iron, but the steam should be OFF. 

2. Check the suggestions for water. Some irons have filters in them, but most do not. Do you need distilled water? Or will tap water work. What is the condition of the water in your area? Some people have well water, which has loads of minerals in it. So be sure to use water that won't crap out your iron. 

3. We are ALL guilty of this one. WAIT for the iron to heat up before you use it. If you don't, guess what happens? The cold water leaks out and craps up your ironing board. And that makes ugly stains on the ironing board. BE PATIENT!!!! ALWAYS WAIT!

Water leaking from a cold iron

4. Manufacturers recommend emptying the water from the iron when finished. Yikes—I'm guilty of not doing that one as well. But leaving water in it can lead to mold. Yikes—I never thought of that. I thought it was to reduce the pressure on the water reservoir. 

OK—I need to do some more research in this department. Does anyone have other tips for using and preserving iron? 

On that note, I better get myself moving! I have two presentations today, but they are done and easy to assemble. These two sessions are about sharing ideas with the groups, and that's easy. 

We have a Virtual Retreat today - which starts at NOON. 

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

Meeting ID: 829 8351 7671
Passcode: 117636

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!