Good grief -- I don't think I'm going to have issues completing my 2026 Conquerer goal. Wait -- I didn't say that out loud—I don't want to jinx myself. But it's super easy to fit 10K a day into my schedule. It's the extra 2K per day that I scheduled last year that was challenging. But then I have vacations, and work days, and I won't always be able to get in that many steps.
I chuckle because yesterday, I wasn't sure I was going to make it. I didn't really want to take a walk in the afternoon, but then realized that I needed bran muffins. Yep -- I could have baked them, but going to the grocery store was an excuse for a walk. I ended up walking over 14 KM!!
I've already got more than 1,000 steps under my belt, and it's only 6:30! AM - that is! And gosh only knows how many flights of stairs - I've been upstairs and downstairs multiple times as I dig out samples that I need to take pictures of!
So all is good in that department.
The day was a bit of a wild card: I was supposed to have a playdate, but it got canceled. However, we still got together for an hour to touch base. And I'm happy to report that this is the situation this morning.
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| I'm done! My embroidery is DONE! |
I had two sections left to embroider on my Terrifying Tower, and since I received the missing vinyl pieces yesterday, I could push ahead! I did one of the shapes last night, and finished the second one this morning. There were almost 60,000 stitches just in these two pieces. I can't imagine what the total stitch count for the tower is. OH -- just did a quick calculation - 23 pieces at 25,000 per piece equals 575,000 stitches! I'm OK with that -- I love doing it!
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| The last two pieces of the Terrifying Tower |
All 23 pieces for the 3-D structure are now complete! And it looks fantastic. I have to trim these last two pieces, then give everything a quick hot-water rinse to dissolve the water-soluble stabilizer. Then I'll set it aside for Dede to catch up, and then we'll get together to assemble!
While we have both looked at the other 3D houses in the Halloween Village, they are no longer on sale, and we can wait!
I did have one moment this morning when I wasn't sure I was going to have enough of that grey thread.
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| Will I have enough grey thread? |
Heck -- what was I worried about - there is plenty left on the spool!
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| Plenty left! |
I got two of five writing assignments out the door, and the third one is being prepped. For some parts, I have to do some work before I can take the pictures; for others, I can dig out samples to use for the pictures. Today I have to do a combination of both, but I should be able to get a third assignment out the door today.
Remember, I'm using a glue stick to adhere those vinyl pieces to the foam. The pattern calls for a fusible to be added to the vinyl and then cut out. That's an extra step and extra cost. The glue stick works just fine! Thanks, Dede, for trying that!
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| The glue stick works great to stick the vinyl to the foam |
I have to chuckle because it seems only AFTER I closed down the digital cutter club that she and I (at least) are using our cutters much more and NOT being afraid to try anything! She did a fantastic job at cutting foam and vinyl on her own! Yeah us!!!!
I found another glue stick in my paper piecing box, and I also found one in a basket on the current project tables. BUT I still went to the drug store and got another one - just in case. This time, it's going to go in the office supply drawer of my desk! And yes, I returned the glue stick to the retreat toolbox.
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| A larger glue stick! |
I've come to the realization, and do not laugh at me, but I need to treat my computer area like one of the three work stations in Studio B. Before I go to bed, I need to tidy up and make sure that everything but the current tasks for the next day are on that desk. DUH!!!! Why didn't that thought come to my head before now? Anyway, I have a few things that I need to deal with - just get it done! And then I'll add that tidy up to my daily routine!
I had a USB on the desktop, and when I opened it up to see what was inside, I got this. WHAT????
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| A bunch of gobbledy gook |
I used the tools to repair the USB, and it's empty, as I suspected it would be! That's so weird - some of those dates were for 2029!!! Last time I checked, it was 2026!
While the embroidery machine was working last night, I had some extra time, but not enough to turn on another sewing machine. So I tackled this instead.
These are the Dear Jen blocks I made from the class I taught a while back. I had added a large (1½") frame to the blocks, and I didn't like it. So I was in the process of trimming them down to 1". I managed to get them all trimmed last night! They are now ready to sew! This is on my Visual To-Do list for 2026, so I can keep plugging away at it! But I have other things that need to happen first.
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| The Dear Jen blocks are ready to sew together |
While searching for samples, I found one with a label, but it's just hanging by a pin. So that needs to be hand-stitched in place. And I happened upon another quilt that I want to keep. It's bound, but doesn't have a label, so I must add that to the pile. Let's get these piddly little things done! Good grief - it's easy to just let those little things languish!
Murphy is her usual boisterous self, and she wants to play ball all the time! I throw the ball for her from my chair, and if I'm lucky, it goes through the doorway. Then I heard her snuffling around and caught her in Lexi's bed!
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| MOM -- can I have Lexi's bed too? |
I have no idea what she was doing, but what a silly girl! She is so needy, but if you check out the traits of a Golden Retriever, they are needy! And loud, friendly, and boisterous - that is their nature! She fits the bill to a T.
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| The aftermath of Murphy in Lexi's bed |
While I'm not trying to wish winter away - I love the temperature changes, but I can't wait for summer when we can open the back door. I don't know how many times in a day that we put the dogs out, and then they need to come in, and NEVER at the same time! With three adults in the house, they think they have hit the jackpot and are forever asking to be in or out! And they take advantage of us. I can put them out and bring them in. Then DH comes into the room, puts them out, and sometimes brings them back in. Then KU will enter the room, and they need to go out again! It's all a bit much! But I get bonus steps if I have to come from Studio B to let them in.
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| Murphy is hanging out in the snow |
Even Miss Lexi was out for a while yesterday, enjoying the weather!
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| MOM - Huskies like the snow - sometimes! |
Yes, we had some snow, and I shoveled AGAIN! But the temperature was pleasant, and I was overdressed for the walk to the grocery store. It was my hands - I wore my new felted mittens, but I now realize that those are good for minus 10 and below, not the minus 4 we had! When I got home from the store, I was sweating like mad!
I subscribe to a free service that lists the real estate activity in my area. I like to check out the houses for sale - not because I want to buy or sell, but to check out the interior. What are people doing with their baths or kitchens, and what about other features? Well, I have always hated the TV over the fireplace. Our TV is NOT over the fireplace, which would be awkward. If you want to watch TV, you have to look up, which isn't comfortable. And if you have a giant TV, it really stands out - that big black thing on the wall.
But how about this? I love this concept, and if I were going to redecorate, I'd do this -- the TV doesn't stand out on that feature wall, and the fireplace is low, so the TV is at the proper height! Yes, I realize you now have an even bigger black spot, but you can't tell it's a TV. And the scale of the TV and the fireplace work so much better than putting the TV at an awkward height over a fireplace.
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| A great way to display the TV |
If I were a "Pin" person, I would Pin that picture. But I'll remember it. It's unlikely we will change our fireplace, so I don't really have to worry.
Oh gosh -- I think I'll have to shovel again today, but these sessions are quick -- less than 20 minutes. Still important to keep that snow out of the driveway so that if we get sun and then cold, it doesn't become a skating rink. Something that many of my neighbors do not understand, but then it's their driveway - they can do what they want.
And on that note, I'm out of here. There is loads to do today, and I need to get started!! Plus - it's time to let the dogs out!
Have a wonderful day!
Ciao!
.jfif)
