Color theory lessons from nature

Look at me—behind the times when it comes to a digital wallet. I thought it was only for credit cards and things like that, but digital tickets? Who knew? My "tech" guru did NOT tell me that. But then, he's not really a guru. I'm not sure I'll use it for boarding passes, because I can check my upgrade status through the boarding pass, so I'll keep using the airline app. 

I wonder if you do get an upgrade, which is usually issued about ten minutes before boarding, if that would automatically get transferred to the digital wallet? 

BUT I have movie tickets that I bought, and I find those in the movie app. I'm not sure I'll move to a digital wallet—I really want the minimum number of apps on my phone possible, and, well, I'm undecided. A topic for our next dinner conversation. 

WAIT A MINUTE -- it can't possibly be October 8th today. Where is the time going? I feel like the days are zipping by, even though I'm getting loads done. 

But fall is definitely on the way. The trees at the end of my street always put on a spectacular show, and it's already started. 

Trees at the end of the street

But it's also amazing to see the many different leaf colors. I'm sure there is a good explanation as to why some of them are redder than others. This looks pretty and could make a good colorway for a quilt. That's why looking at nature is a good way to see and understand how colors work together. Hmmm—I might find an exercise for the upcoming scrap class in this thought! 

A wide range of leaf colors

The leaves are starting to change color on the top of the canopy and are just starting to work their way down into the trees themselves. 

The colors haven't changed much inside the forest yet.

You can't really see it in this picture, but that leaf is suspended in midair. Yep -- attached by a single strand of spider web!! It's kind of freaky because it looks like it's floating in midair in the middle of the path. 

A floating leaf

Miss Lexi and I spotted this mirror on the morning walk. I'm not sure she realized she was looking at herself, but she did seem quite engrossed in the mirror! 

MOM -- LOOK how beautiful I am!!!!

And Miss Murphy was having a good snooze with me in the office while I processed a lot of paper in the morning. The stack is smaller, which is good, but there is still another stack on the floor. I have no idea how this paper accumulates so quickly. I have to get on top of it faster! 

Mom - SHHHH -- it's still bedtime!

I think the biggest issue with the paperwork is follow-up. Or making phone calls to close off something. I'm getting there - slow and steady. 

Yesterday, I shared a link to an online logic puzzle, and I did it —and YES—I got it right. While I am not a fan of this style of logic puzzle on paper, I hate it even more online. I found it very challenging to click on the cards to get the information. I LOVE the way you fill in the box, though, with the multiple colors - I should try that in person! 

The online logic puzzle

Well, I now know that I am NOT a fan of that style, and I will try to finish the book I have; next time I stand in front of the logic puzzle section at the bookstore, I will totally bypass that author. What I dislike about the one above and the current set of 25 in the book is that you have to figure out who is lying and who isn't. Sometimes that is VERY tricky to determine, and you almost have to say it out loud to really decipher it. However—it does make your brain think, and let's face it—that's what we need to keep our brains functioning!

Since that style is new to me, perhaps I just need some practice. I'll let you know how it goes. 

I contacted Dr. Gareth Moore and let him know I finished his book of logic puzzles. He seemed surprised and complimented me on finishing it. I bet it's because so many people buy books and then don't finish them. Yep - GUILTY. I'm trying to change that. And I also told him that I bought two more of his books. I now have a free subscription to his website for a year. Daily puzzles - but mostly Sudoku or versions thereof. I'm sure that will stick with me for a day or two, and then I'll forget! 

Honestly, there are puzzles that I have no idea how to do, and I tried one yesterday that was mostly guesswork, but I think I have it and will try again today. Here's a link to the site in case you want to try. These ones are easier to do online - no clicking on multiple parts. 

I'm not worried if I forget about the online one; I have plenty of paper puzzle books to keep me going for a very long time. Thankfully, logic puzzles do NOT get dated, and there are a "few" on my bookshelf in the office. I think a lot of people use their tablet for this kind of thing and have links to the various websites they use for gaming. Well, I have an iPad, but I don't use it much except to store my User's Guides. I don't see myself becoming more acquainted with it, but I might try. 

If you are looking for puzzle books, did you know you can find TONS at thrift stores? I think I bought one or two there, but I bypass those too, since I don't need more. But you can find loads on their shelves. 

It was such a beautiful day yesterday that when I came home from my walk, I had to sit outside. I plopped myself down in one of the chairs on the front patio. It's amazing how that one maple tree on the right can provide so much shade. So while the front is bathed in sun, I can enjoy some shade and read my book. It also provides just enough privacy from the street that many people walk by and don't even know someone is sitting there! 

The front patio

I'm almost done with the book about Frank Lloyd Wright. The man might have been an architectural genius, but his love life was a disaster. I had no idea! But some very tragic events happened in his life, and he really needed lessons on finding good women. 

I managed to make some progress on my physical jigsaw puzzle last night. 

My current jigsaw puzzle

Oh boy—this is going to be a tough one. I think I worked for an hour last night, and that's all I accomplished. You can't pick one color or one area because the same colors are everywhere. So I'll work in small sections, and at some point they will be joined!! I love a good puzzle, but I'm not going to finish this one before Sunday. 

Look how neat my pieces are laid out? See why I will struggle with speed puzzling? I saw that the Canadian Jigsaw Puzzle Association opened registration for their latest speed-puzzling events the other day, along with two sessions on learning to speed puzzle. Everything sold out very quickly. 

Neatly placed jigsaw puzzle pieces.

The next puzzle packing day is going to be insane, with all the puzzles that have to be packed, labeled, and boxed. I'll get a workout sealing shipping boxes!!!!

Here is my book for the circular sock knitter. And YES --- I have found videos on YouTube to help me put it together and get it running!!!! 

The manual for the sock knitter

I can't wait to attempt that, but it won't be until at least November - actually, towards the end of November before I have time. 

And since I talk so much about algorithms, someone sent me this. Again, you may need to click on it to enlarge it enough to read. 

I had a great day sewing, too. You won't see any of the work since it's for this weekend's classes. I'm on track, and one of the presentations is almost complete - just waiting for the students to send in their work.

Somehow I need to work faster. But I'm trying extremely hard to cut back on any form of scrolling so I can enjoy my puzzle pastimes and sewing. And you know what? It's not hard to stop scrolling when you have something tangible and exciting to do!! So if you are scrolling - stop!!! Find something else to do—reading, sewing, knitting, or whatever—but do something. 

I've already been to the gym with Brooke this morning. My ribs are still a bit tender, but I had no trouble working out. More paperwork on the agenda this morning and sewing in the afternoon. All is good!!

We had a wicked thunderstorm last night. Murphy and I snuggled on the bed, and she was fine until the rain started. She didn't like the sound of that. Poor thing!! But she seems to be coping well. Her back legs are definitely weak, but she still wants to walk, and with our assistance, she can make it up the stairs. Fingers crossed that we are set for a long time like that. Whatever time we have, we will enjoy it to the fullest! Just super scary and a wake-up call when pets and adults start to lose their independence. But with an open mind and some physical aids, all is working just fine. 

IT WILL BE A FABULOUS DAY!!!!

Ciao!!!!