Thrift store finds

 AHA -- we have it from a produce manager that bananas come in the box in bunches, NOT singles. So, can you tell me why people remove one banana from the bunch and leave it behind? If I were a produce manager, that would drive me BANANAS. I would stand there and watch the consumer and then ask them why they did that. If you want five bananas, pick up a bunch with five; don't pick up one with six and remove one. That's just silly. I still think the grocery store should give us a discount on those singles, but how would they manage that? 

It's like my neighbors who refuse to shovel their sidewalks. They will throw a ton of salt or whatever they use on the sidewalk. OK -- that's good, but if you shoveled it in the first place, you wouldn't need that. Then it gets all slushy and hard to walk on and freezes again. What is wrong with people? 

And the number of people who don't shovel their driveway so they can safely get to their car boggles my mind. Has the world become so lazy (I couldn't think of a more polite word) that they no longer care about their personal safety? What about the safety of the delivery person who delivers to your door (they should just wing the item to the house if the driveway is a mess!)? What about the safety of anyone else who comes to your home. I don't get it. 

I confess that I'm a fanatic about keeping our driveway clear. Even the street in front. Some ice had frozen right along the curb edge of the driveway. Well, with the power of the sun and my shovel, the ice is completely gone. I totally get it if there are seniors (depending on how you look at it - I'm a senior) only in the house or those not able to do the shoveling, but all of the homes with unshoveled sidewalks on my street have able-bodied people living in them. I'm tempted with the next snowfall (well, maybe not this one since it's supposed to be significant) to shovel the damn thing and show them what it's supposed to look like. 

I'm also tempted to call the bylaw officer because I've had enough. This happens winter after winter. Do they not realize what a sidewalk is for? It shows how unaware people are of their surroundings and have no clue that schoolchildren, dog walkers, and walkers use that sidewalk. WAKE UP, PEOPLE—you do not live in a bubble!

OK - I'm off my soap box now! 

Remember the dolls from yesterday. 

Medical dolls

I already received a bag with fabric and fiberfill—that's how quickly the Pony Express (or a neighbor) works! Thanks for the donation—you know who you are. 

A donation for the doll-making group

When she called to ask if I was home, I was NOT. I was at the thrift store! DRAT - because I had a puzzle to give her. Oh well - next time. 

I scored two puzzles at the thrift store. I don't know who sets the pricing, but they are usually $4.99. However, the one on top was only $2.99. It's a 500-piece puzzle, which should be less than 1,000. It was senior's day, so I didn't really care. 

Two puzzles from the thrift store

I found some napkins and table runners that will serve my purpose just fine. Then, I looked at the bedspread section. OH MY - I spotted two gorgeous ones that would be perfect for cutting up and making into a jacket. This was a lilac color, which isn't my thing, but the quilting detail was beautiful. 

Quilted bedspread

The other one was brown and also had glorious quilting. Both were $20. I could have gotten a 30% discount on these items, but I decided not to buy them as I already had three here. But darn—they would have made a nice jacket! So will the ones sitting on my railing. 

A brown quilted bedspread

I had a chance to sort through more of Diane's fabric, looking for bright, kid-themed items. Although she wasn't into kid stuff, I found some bright fabrics that I'll offer up. If they want it, it's theirs. If not, it goes into the donation pile. 

I believe I have sorted through all the greens, but I'm unsure. Maybe I can drop them off with my Quilts of Valour ladies next week. None of these pieces will do for backing as they are much smaller than 2 yards. But that's OK. I'll be fine even if I only get a few pieces for the backings. If one makes scrappy quilts, I find it best to work by color family. Making a quilt with all green squares (different prints and values) is much better than throwing in anything. It's way more cohesive! 

So, if anyone is interested in a stack of GORGEOUS green batiks, let's talk. However, the catch is that they NEED to be cut into squares and made into quilts for Quilts of Valour. The fabric is perfect for that. NONE of you need to add this to your stash. So if you agree to make tops (like Diane did), I'll find batting and backing and quilt them. Or even if someone would cut it into squares and someone else can sew them. But I do NOT want this fabric added to anyone's stash. 

I found these panels, which are up for grabs if anyone likes them. There are five of one and 7 of the other. I don't remember which is which. These are pillow-size, so if someone wanted to try making a one-block wonder with the panel, the group of seven would be great for that! 

Panels up for grabs

The panels can also be used to practice free-motion quilting. I'll be doing MANY lectures on this in March, so if anyone wants these, let me know. Please do not take them because they are free. I do not want to clean your stash out in several years and find these unused! 

My leg has been funky the last few days, so I did not go to spin class this morning. I'll give it a break - see - I listen to my body! I was also tired when I woke up, so I stayed in bed a bit longer. But I managed to get more paperwork done once I got up, which was a good use of the time. I'm still behind, but I think I'll always be behind. In the organizing magazine I'm currently reading, I spotted an author who wrote several books on using Outlook to become more efficient. Hmmm - I wonder. So I downloaded the book, but now I need to find the time to read it! 

At lunch yesterday, I browsed that magazine and found some great quotes. I agree with the first one. Decluttering is horrible—you want to just walk away, but sticking to the task is worth it. I'm not feeling those positive vibes now, as the house seems "full" of boxes that need to be dropped off. 

And this next one—oh boy. When you see those decluttering shows on TV, they remove all the trash and clutter. If you don't teach people why it got that way, it will return to the same state. 

I saw some clips on IG, and oh my—how could people live in that filth? Houses are almost filled to the brim with garbage. I think some extreme cases involve mental health issues, but once the house is clear of waste and clean, it will just return to that same state unless there is a follow-up. 

And what about this? Remember, the magazine was written in 2012. I don't think this will fly any longer! Toss your magazines! 

We have the big recycling cart, and I don't put it out until it's full, about once a month. Thank goodness a truck, not a human, picks it up because it was HEAVY. I almost tipped it over as I walked it to the curb, and that would NOT have been a pretty sight!

Oh, Murphy -- she's just got to be close, not beside you, but RIGHT beside you. She gets her big nose in there and ensures that not just one body part is touched but that your arm is around her. She's very needy. 

MOM - I woof you!!!!!

As mentioned, I did some more puttering in Studio B and prepped some stuff I'll machine embroidery later today. So much needs a little attention, and it could be put away. So that's my goal during the virtual retreat this weekend or doing some downtime during the day. 

I also finished a customer quilt. If all goes well, it will be trimmed later today. 

Customer quilt - DONE

Here are the Zoom links for the Virtual Retreat this weekend. 

Saturday, February 15 - starts at 6 PM EST

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82693702241?pwd=QpQkm8Ppppy1XwCPOqva1bcgJCWKdP.1

Meeting ID: 826 9370 2241
Passcode: 795071

Sunday, February 16 - starts at Noon EST

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81073536036?pwd=uxRqMnK1aSKrmrcSO78w8QQs5g44eA.1

Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838

I swear I had one last thing to share, but POOF - it's gone! It'll have to wait until tomorrow. WAIT  - I remember. Have you noticed how LIGHT it is in the mornings? Spring is on its way! Says I, as we have a significant snowstorm forecast for tonight. 

I haven't mentioned the decluttering and organizing lately, but I hope you are still on that journey. It's a slow process. As that quote mentioned above, if you clean it up quickly, as in moving, you have NOT learned how to prevent this from happening. Slow and steady - drawer by drawer - but keep doing it! Your children will thank you and say so at your funeral. If I didn't do what I was doing, I bet M would bitterly complain (and rightly so) that I was a disaster in life and couldn't get my crap together and out of the house! I don't want anyone to think that. But a clear, calm mind also strongly encourages me to continue. 

Hmm - I might call the high school and offer to drop the books off on Friday. That deadline will FORCE me to go through those boxes upstairs! 

Have a great day! 

Ciao!!!!