When life throws you a curve ball!

Thanks for the comments. Yes—I believe 100% that even though I am deleting, I may still need to do one more step to make Google recognize that I have deleted stuff. What is that step? I must investigate. And I have turned OFF photo backup on my phone. So that is NOT adding to the problem. 

Life sure has an interesting way of bringing you down to your knees and making you face reality! I was out walking two of the dogs yesterday when my phone rang. It was not even 8 AM, and NO ONE calls me in the morning. I hardly ever get phone calls, which I am OK with. 

I checked the caller ID, and it was my Aunt, who lives close to my parents. OH -- this is NOT going to be good news. I felt that immediately when I looked at the screen. So with great trepidation, I answered the call. 

It appears Dad had a stroke yesterday morning and couldn't get out of bed. He somehow signaled my mom to call an ambulance. His speech was garbled, so I'm not sure how that happened. She would not have been able to get to him easily since she wasn't in the room and needs a wheelchair to get around. 

He seems to be fine; his speech is back to normal, he can move his arms, etc., BUT upon examination, it turns out that he has at least partially or completely blocked arteries! That is NOT good—the man was given a second chance. So he was given five minutes to make a decision - live with the blocked arteries or go for surgery. They made a big deal about it (this is all according to my brother, who called me with details). Dad was whisked away to Saskatoon by ambulance and was supposed to have the surgery yesterday. 

I got an update later in the day, and he is still waiting for surgery - I guess there are more important cases than his blocked arteries. I get it—it's a crazy world out there. 

I had to rally my troops, make some phone calls to let other people know, and find extra care for Mom since she can't be on her own! Thankfully, Saskatchewan has an amazing Home Care operation, and we are trying to get her a respite bed. I'm waiting to see what the situation is, but in the meantime, we have extra care coming in during the day, and meals will be delivered. Mom is in a wheelchair and not super mobile. All of that happened with ONE phone call! How is that for making life easy?

I must have called her a dozen times yesterday to ensure everything was OK and to explain what was going on. 

BUT - I could still kill her!! I had requested that she have an assessment for permanent long-term care since Dad will NOT be able to assist her in any way when he gets home from the hospital. She agreed when I talked to her, but when the caseworker called her, she said, "I'll wait until we know what's happening with Stan." Seriously???? I could throttle her for that! 

We have discussed this topic many times, and she has agreed, but she is NOT willing to make that decision without Dad around. I plan to go there next week, and I'll drill it into her head that she can't stay in the apartment. We have no idea when Dad will be home. Will they keep him in rehab? No clue on timing, no clue on what will happen!!!!

GRRRRRRRRRRRR --- but life goes on!!!

I am not panicking, I am not stressed. YES -- don't get me wrong, this is a very serious situation - the man is 93 years old and as frail as you could expect for a man who has abused his body for all of those 93 years. There's even a chance he won't survive the surgery, but we don't need to dwell on that. I CANNOT change a single thing about the situation - I can only be a help from a distance, and what is the point of getting myself all worked up? Besides, if I did, he would haunt me. Dad is a NO FUSS kind of person. He's probably in the hospital telling anyone who will listen that he is 93 and still goes to work!! 

The other thing is that I have the first scrap class presentation this morning and then Teach The World to Sew in the afternoon. I had not really prepped anything for either!! So between phone calls, lunch with M and Yagana, and a physio appointment, I managed to get everything more or less done! What a smozzle!!!

I thought this was an appropriate quote in my tea yesterday! Everything we do should be conscious!!

Quote from my tea

Instead of doing the work I was supposed to be doing, the night before, I decided to finish the jigsaw puzzle. I know --- where is my priority filter? It's gone!!! It didn't help that I wanted to listen to that audiobook, which I finished last night while working on today's prep. OMG—right to the end, there was a plot twist, and I didn't see any of it coming! 

Anyway, I got the puzzle together, and DRAT—there is a piece missing!! AGAIN? So I went on a hunt in the morning and VOILA—there was the missing piece. I am going to have to find another tray or get smaller design boards because sometimes a piece bounces off. Thankfully, I found it. 

The missing piece

And there it is—my contribution to the September theme of a Eurographics puzzle. I need to take a picture with the required label and submit it. I have until the end of the month, and, well, things will be working out slightly differently than originally planned this month. 

The completed puzzle

So last night, after we got back from dinner, I started embroidering the labels needed for my kits! Don't worry—the kits the attendees will make are already at the store. I am making labels for the step-outs for my demo! 

Making embroidered labels

I managed to get four of eight labels made, and I cut all the fabric. It didn't take long. 

Then I had four more labels to stitch this morning, so I did that while I quilted the kits (simple!). I raised the table height for the embroidery machine, and OMG—this is wonderful. No need to worry about a chair; it was the right height for standing as I buzzed around. I'm very glad I have those tables. 

Table height for stand-up embroidery

And there are the bits for my eight step-outs. I'm not quite where I want to be, but after my scrap presentation this morning (at the Michaels store), I have a couple of hours to set up the machines, and I'll have some extra time to finish the kits. It won't take long. I'll be ready! 

My kits for Teach The World to Sew Day!

And on that note, I'd better get myself organized. I have dogs to walk and feed, gas to put in the car, and then I'm off to Michaels on John Street in Downtown Toronto - a place I rarely go. I think it's going to be fun!!!

It WILL be an awesome day - no matter what life throws at you. Remember, it is how you respond that determines whether you fall apart or not! 

Ciao!!!

It's time to get back to work!

What an insane day yesterday was! I started the day with Brooke, and we focused on the upper body to avoid further knee issues. I took shorter and slower walks with the girls (they were NOT impressed), and Murphy hung around the front door for a good part of the day, hoping to go for another walk. Then it was off to the dentist. I did walk there, but not before icing the knee to keep things under control. It's not that far, and if I walk slowly, I'm OK. 

Can you believe I got a reasonably good bill of health from the hygienist? Gums are in better shape than they have been on previous visits, and she even said that, while I could clean more, there was less buildup on my teeth. WOW!!!!! Now that makes me want to floss every day!!! I like using those little floss things—they are on a handle, and you can floss with one hand. So much easier and less messy than the string. 

Home with a bit of time to catch up with KU, comparing notes about our travel after the wedding. Then it was off to lunch with the Monday group. And while I was waiting for my dentist appointment, I called the doctor, and she could see me at 3:15. 

So I drove there after lunch. We had a great discussion, and I am finally getting what I want! Some follow-up. I got X-rays done yesterday on BOTH knees because both have various ligament issues. How do I know? I can FEEL the side ligament on the right knee snap into place when I get up - not always, but often. It has stretched over time, so it's not nearly as painful as when it first started. Sounds gross, and that is probably not what is happening, but I can feel it. 

Then I have ultrasounds booked for both knees in three weeks (could have been two, but I'm at retreat and didn't want to come back for that), and then I'm getting a referral to a sports medicine clinic, which is the perfect spot to figure out the issue. 

The doctor was reluctant, of course, but I told her I was tired of self-diagnosing and treating myself to get some relief. So this is the plan, and I'm OK. If the sports medicine team decides an MRI is in order, they will request it. I'm OK -- I need some direction --- more stretching, less stretching, what kind of strengthening exercises or not. How bad is the tear? and lots of other things, and hopefully, they can guide me to getting some answers. Hopefully, the sciatic issue will resolve itself in the process. 

I came home from the X-ray place, was exhausted, and didn't do much for the rest of the day. It was already 4 PM. I went to bed at 7 and slept, except when I was awakened by the pain in my knees. But what else is new? That's what medication is for. 

I feel great now and will probably need a nap later today, but that's OK. 

I've been so focused on dealing with those books that I haven't had much mojo for sewing. But today? I feel much better today. 

Here's what happened in Studio B and what it looks like. 

This is the quilt side of the bookcase, and almost all the books are back on the shelves. There are a few open pockets here and there, and I'm going to find a home for everything that remains on the floor. I know it's not ideal, as there are many more books that I don't want. But my brain is so tired of dealing with the books that I can't, and don't want to, process any more at the moment.  

The bookcase is almost done.

I'm perfectly fine with the books the way they are. They are sorted into categories and on the shelf, and all the spines are visible. That works for me and will make searching for any book so much easier than it has been. 

I do want to catalog them, and I know someone mentioned LibraryThing for cataloging books. It's a free app, and I may investigate it. Just not at this moment, I'm done with books!

This is what got culled and is still downstairs. I need to address all this before I even consider moving on. This has always been a big issue of mine. I get started on something, and then I don't finish, and it becomes a huge mess. So I am trying to learn—get this step done first; then you can make another mess. The books in front are spoken for, while the books on the steps and the post will be donated to the thrift store. There are a few more to add to this pile, including a nice pile of beautiful books on appliqué - complex appliqué that I will never tackle. If anyone is interested in seeing those, please let me know. 

Some of the culled books

The magazines that were on the floor are now on shelves, and there is only this pile left to sort. I've done a pretty good job, and I need to set aside some time every day or every week, or whatever, to start looking through the magazines and tossing them. I do NOT need all those magazines, yet I hate to just throw them out without at least looking at them. That's my way of handling it, and I need to do it before we move. I do NOT want to move all that stuff. This is my wake-up call, and I must NOT miss the train! Doing it now will prevent huge issues when we decide to move. 

Magazines to sort and put on the shelves

The sewing machine tables are clear of projects, except for two mending jobs for DH. Good lord --- he buys all this fancy clothing, and it always needs some kind of repair. I hope to at least get the pants fixed today. I haven't looked at the seam finish yet, but when you buy an expensive pair of pants, I don't expect the crotch seam to come apart. Isn't it sewn with a safety stitch? I'll let you know what happens. 

The sewing tables are prepped and ready to go.

The puzzle table is clear, and the next puzzle is waiting to be set out. There's also a box of things that need to be repaired - i.e., glued back together, including the two missing magnets from the fridge. I might tackle some of that later today. 

The next puzzle is ready to sort

This is some other work that I need to tackle - the jacket on the top needs some hand stitching to finish it off. The jeans (from my Dad) need to be cut apart, so I can make something with them. I thought of a duffel bag for the gym. And a garment in the blue bin for my Mom, since it's next to impossible to buy caftans online in polyester fabric. Why is that? And the bottom bin is photo transfer stuff because I need to print a picture, and our printer is acting up. I need to resolve these items.

Things to deal with

Of course, the debris got put onto the cutting table, but at least half of it is clear as I prep the blocks for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler. 

The cutting table needs some work.

I even managed to trim some half-square triangles that I found on the ironing board. 

Trimming half-square triangles

And then, as I was prepping stuff for the upcoming quilt retreat at the end of this month, I found this box of half-square triangles. They are sewn, but not pressed or trimmed. So I started trimming them this morning. They are not a priority, but it's a mindless task I can do until I wrap my head around sewing. I'm in a bit of a slump since coming back from vacation. 

Half-square triangles that need to be pressed and trimmed

And here's everything I've prepped for the quilt retreat. 

Quilt retreat prep

YES --- it looks like a ton of stuff, but there are two totes and two tubs of fleece scraps that are either already cut into 6½" squares or need to be cut and sewn into 6½" squares. If I take my chair risers, I can raise my table to cutting height and cut with the others while they sew. It's a mindless task, perfect for a retreat. YES -- I will take my cutting mat because cutting fleece can crap up a mat, and I'll take my old one, which is perfect for this kind of job. 

So Murphy is pretty smart. I spent a bit of time sitting in the kitchen icing my knee and reading some magazines while she was outside. She likes to sit near the gazebo because she can see me through the window. 

MOM - I can see you!!!!

And since I wasn't going outside, she thought she would encourage me to play with her. I felt really bad - a short walk and no playing ball. I must step up my dog mom game today! We'll try a bit longer walk, but slow! 

Anyway, I looked out the window, and there she was with the ball in her mouth, standing right on the edge of the pond. And she was looking right at me. When I said, "Do not throw the ball in the pond", she immediately dropped it in and looked right at me! That little devil!!!

MOM - the ball fell into the pond

While Lexi is an intelligent dog, she is nothing compared to Murphy. Murphy does things with intent! She's like a child, and she tests all the time! They have been very agitated this morning, and I just spotted lightning immediately followed by thunder. AHA -- now I know why!!! Now I'm the Mom sandwich with a dog velcroed to each side of my chair. And it's raining sleet at the moment. 

OK—so let me tell you the story circulating at the gym. After my class on Wednesday, I bumped into one of the ladies from spin class, and she was quite upset, like everyone else. She reported a separate incident to the manager regarding her daughter, and the outcome wasn't positive. Basically, she was told that her daughter was at fault. Then I saw one of the other ladies from class come down, and she had her cycling shoes on, so I chatted with her. It's funny because this lady is a complainer - she even mentioned it, but I've had dealings with her in the past, and I have never found her friendly. I thought long and hard (5 seconds) before I spoke to her. By the way, there were only 5 people in the spin class compared to about 25 when Joseph taught it. 

Anyway, she actually talked to me! In the past (a couple of times), she's been super snarky! I was prepared to be snarky in return, but we had a lengthy conversation about the situation, and apparently, the manager is pretty incompetent. I've heard that from other people I know as well.  

The bottom line is that the gym's manager is not performing well, and we have seen the gym deteriorate during her tenure. 

So that's an incentive to write a letter to the US office and cc the manager, who is not doing a good job. 

It took me a long time to get out of the locker room that day! 

Well, it's time to take the dogs for their abbreviated walk and hope that it's enough - perhaps they can get two short walks in a day. I'll see how things go. 

And I'm excited (finally) to get to work in Studio B. I think I have to make that list of THREE things to do and focus on them so I don't overdo it and kill my enthusiasm. It doesn't help when I don't have any major deadlines! Those deadlines were a major push in the past, but I have things to get done this month, so I need to get to work!!

BTW -- the Featherweight book went fast, so if you didn't hear from me, it's because it already has a new home. 

And if there is any book you'd like, or if you are a heavy-dutyappliquéé person, I might have a book(s) for you. 

If you are interested in attending the free two one-hour Zoom sessions on making quilted jackets, check out this blog post for details. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

My day off!!!

OH OH OH --- I love the idea of using the soccer quilt as a NICU quilt. I will look into that!!!!! Thanks for the suggestion. 

I cannot say enough about the Microsoft support team, which is also located in India. I asked yesterday! Every person I've talked to has been great, but the most important thing? When they say they are going to call, they call at that time! We usually set a two-hour window because they could be on a call with someone else, but for the most part, they have called right at the start of the window. 

Thankfully, Reesha knows the history of my claim and said I had homework since our last call. Did I get it done? She even checked!! And yes, my computer and BIOS are completely up to date! Yesterday, she recorded a video of various areas of my settings, downloaded it, and will share it with the engineering team. 

They are determined to find the answer. I'm OK with that, and I will say that when I send pictures to myself, the darn system syncs pretty quick. I sent one email from my phone this morning, and in 30 seconds it was on my desktop! Persistence and patience -- two good virtues. 

The only thing left is that all the emails come back to my folder system. However, I have access to them in the new version, so it's not like I don't have access. 

Well, I took the day off yesterday! GASP!!! Yep --- I knew it was going to be a busy day and I did some work in the morning, but then that was it for the day! 

Here's what I accomplished in the morning. I completed the top of the table runner!! I have to say I'm pretty impressed at how well it turned out, considering it was leftovers from another project, and had been hanging out for years on that current project table. 

The table runner 

I had an AHA moment about the size to cut the center piece. When I get too tired, my brain just doesn't want to work, but once I got back to it yesterday, I realized what I needed to do and look at those mitered corners!!! The blue strip is the edge of the border fabric. I did take a bit of ripping, and I had to cut 1/8" off the short ends, and then it fit perfectly. 

The mtiered corner

The first corner I had stitched just the night before looked too wonky for my liking, and I know I can do better. I'm much happier. Then I figured out how to use more of the leftovers for the backing, and that is cut, and I'll be working on that later today. That leaves the third group of leftovers, which I'll dig out today and hope to finish all three projects while this technique is in my head. They will get quilted later this month.

I had a chuckle when I went downstairs after walking the dogs. Hmmm --- if Murphy is going to sleep on my quilts, she really should learn to tidy up after herself!!

Someone has been sleeping on my project!

The tablerunner is off the floor, and a box is in its place. Hmmmm -- I can see the wheels turning. How do I open the box and spread out the fabric inside so I can test it? 

MOM - I need something to sleep on!!

She doesn't look too happy, but I needed to dig out that box because it contains my photo transfer stuff, and I need to transfer a photo onto fabric. That has to be done today!

Then I went for a massage, and while it was painful, my shoulders didn't seem as tight as they had been in the past. Could all that stretching be helping? I must remember to keep my posture in check and try a bit more stretching through the shoulders. At least, I'm not in pain daily like I have been in the past - that was many years ago. Our bodies are just one big item that requires a lot of maintenance!

Speaking of our bodies, here is the story about the knee. It's not my knee - it belongs to a 49-year-old man who fell off a ladder and broke his tibia and fibula. Quite badly, it would appear. It seems he will be getting new tendons from a cadaver! Yep — it's a thing, and if you want more information, I think this link will work, or you can simply Google it yourself: Cadaver Tendon Graft. 

I would love to have new tendons in my knees, but I'm in pretty good shape, so I'm not complaining. I'll save the cadaver tendons for those who really need them. Anyway, my knee is feeling decent, so I'm going to the gym this morning, and I'll stay for 60 minutes, but at reduced pressure. That is all about keeping the body moving, just not at the same intensity while healing! NO rule says I have to do the same thing every week in that class. 

I saw Brooke at the gym on Monday and told her that I'm healing, so we'll work on the upper body tomorrow. 

Oh gosh -- I had a small package I was preparing to send with one of M's friends who is going out to visit her for her birthday on March 1st. Do you think I could find the birth certificates I wanted to send to her? Actually, now that I think about it, it's pretty funny to get your birth certificate on your 30th birthday! But I had slipped those papers under something, and I couldn't remember what. I thought it was the files in the office, but nope—it was under the files in the kitchen. All is good - the package was picked up last night. 

The missing paperwork!

I have two copies of this book, so if anyone would like it, I'm happy to send it off to you. Hopefully, you live close by, so I won't have to ship it! Anyway, free for the asking if anyone wants it; otherwise, it will go in the giveaway box. 

Free for the asking!

And look at that big, brave Lexi!! She is usually so timid about many things, especially about jumping up in this bed, which was technically for both of them. So I pointed to the bed and invited her up, and up she jumped!! She didn't seem too comfy, so I must try to encourage her to spend more time there!!! 

MOM -- this is kind of scary!

Yesterday was the final day of the $5 movie passes for February, along with a small popcorn, also for $5. I invited KU along, and off we went. We walked!!! Yep — she was a good sport and walked with me to the theatre — it's about a 25-minute walk, and the sun was out, and while it was minus 6, it was nice. 

We were early, and the theatre hadn't even opened yet, so we went shopping. One of my favorite clothing stores, Melanie Lynn, is around the corner from the theatre. So we went in, and it was very interesting. While I'm not in the market for new clothes, I saw some very cool items. Oh my -- it would appear that cutwork and lace are in, in a big way!!!! I MUST try something on the embroidery machine!!!

Can you believe that I ended up buying a pair of jeans? Yep—I'll share those with you another day. 

Anyway, when we went to buy the tickets, the movie had been moved to 4 PM, not 3:30, so we had even more time! And yes -- we were the first ones in the theatre! This seems to be a thing for me, because when DH and I went to the movies on Christmas Day, we were there very early, too! You would think I'm getting old and need to be at the theatre to get good seats or something. We had assigned seating yesterday, so that wasn't the case. It's just how it worked out!

The theatre is empty!

I had a gift card with enough to pay for two tickets, two popcorns, and two (very expensive) bottles of water. WAIT -- I was short by 17 cents, and they took that from my Scene card! We went to see Send Help, and OH MY! We had watched the trailer, and it looked like a good movie. It was, but it was NOT what we expected! I won't say more than that in case you want to go. 

But as we watched the trailers for upcoming movies, there seemed to be a lot of gore, scary, and satanic-type films coming up. We did see two that we might like to see in the future, and I hope to go again next week to see Crime 101. I think that is what it's called. 

But holy!!!! They are really getting in your face about disturbing others in the theatre and rightly so!! They called out five bad habits people do in a theatre: sending messages on your phone with that clicking sound on, getting phone calls, the light from your phone if you are texting but still in silent mode, and talking to your companion through the movie. There was one more, and I don't remember it. 

The hilarious (NOT!) part was that KU's phone kept going off! OK -- it was not constant, but she received several phone calls and texts while in the movie. It's not enough that it rang silently, that was NOT silent to me, but her flashlight goes off. Seriously????? She needs to address that before I go with her again! 

Anyway, it was great, and when we walked home at 6 PM, the weather was still nice (crisp), and it was still somewhat light. 

What's with the weather? We had snow again last night - not much, but just enough to cover the sidewalks, so if there are icy patches, you can't see them. Just dump the snow, let us shovel, dry off the sidewalks, and let it be!! Nope, small snow every second day. Annoying!!!

OK -- I must go, or I'll be late for spin class. 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!

A minor loss

 OK --- I tried to come up with a catchy title regarding toenails, but I didn't want to gross anyone out with a title. I'm happy to report that one of the two toenails fell off, and the second one, the one that was black and blue, is looking much better. Yeah!!!! Baby steps, and it's incredible to see the new, teeny-tiny toenail growing in place. It makes you wonder why we even need them. 

If you do some research on this, a toenail that falls off can happen for many reasons. My trauma occurred when I descended Mount Kilimanjaro. And it's mostly because your toes hit the end of your shoe and get bruised, causing the nail to separate from the nailbed. Or something to that effect. 

This time, I don't think that was the cause at all. My shoes were huge - almost too big for me. What I think is happening is that I grip the inside of my shoes with my toes, and of course, with the constant downhill, I have a grip of death with those toes. I suspect that intense pressure dislodged the toenail. It is only my right foot - the left has zero issues. 

The same with bunions, blisters, calluses - it's all on one foot and not the other. I strongly suspect it's all because of that darn toe that broke some years ago. So when the medical people say, "We don't set broken toes," I think that is wrong. I am suffering (OK -- suffering might be a strong word), but I have many issues with that right foot because of that broken toe. 

So I'm adding that to my list of things to take care of in October besides the grooming for Murpy, and other appoinrtments for me. I need to see a podiatrist to see if we can solve this issue once and for all. It's just darn annoying. And I want confirmation that my gait has changed because of how that broken toe sits. 

I've been wearing a sock on that foot constantly to protect the nails from catching on anything. One down and one to go!!! I'm sure if there were a nurse around, they would "rip" that other toenail off as well. But I'm letting nature do its thing!

Yesterday was a very long day, but I get totally energized by what I'm doing, and so I'm like the Energizer Bunny and I just keep going!

I was up very early and loaded the car. I didn't take pictures, but it was packed as I had an embroidery machine and two large suitcases in there besides some of the other samples. I'm getting good as it only took about 10 minutes to load, but where were those men to help me when I needed them! Thanks again to the gentlemen at the Buckhorn Quilt Show who loaded my car when I was leaving. 

Then I was off in the dark! I guess you know that it's very dark in the mornings now! Thankfully, the traffic wasn't too bad on the highway, but there are a lot of trucks. 

As I worked my way down to Windsor, Ontario, I thought of many people that I "passed" along the 401. You need something to keep you occupied as you drive! So people who live in Londa, Chatham-Kent, and many other places along the way. I stopped twice - once at Tim's to get some breakfast and once to take a bathroom break. I was fine with the driving, and all was good. 

Sunrise at the OnRoute stop

Thank goodness for Google Maps, because it brought me to the exact place and at the exact time it said I would arrive. I also used it last night to get to my hotel. For a minute, I thought it had gone crazy. The event is in Harrow, but there are no hotels around, so I had to drive to Windsor for a hotel. Lots of crazy little roads and then poof -- I'm in the city. OK - the roads were not little, nor were they crazy, just typical roads in the country! 

We have a great group of people at the machine embroidery workshop. And all levels - some of them are very experienced or very comfortable with their machines, while others are total newbies. 

So they managed to get the project done, although not without MANY questions. That is a result of people not understanding their embroidery machine, and I get it - we all have to start somewhere. Still, they definitely need to create something every day (at least until they get it) so they don't forget what buttons they need to push to make that happen. I'll be giving them a little chat about that later today. 

We started with a small project in the hoop, and then we moved on to an appliqué project in the hoop. 

One of our projects yesterday

I didn't get all the cardholders in that picture, but we are a fairly large group. 

Meals are provided, but people eat and rush back to their embroidery machines. Which makes me laugh, but they are excited and eager to learn, so let's run with it!!!

Then, after dinner, I presented a trunk show of all things machine embroidery. Some of it was commercial designs that I stitched, but most of it is stuff that I created from thin air! Well, with the help of my embroidery machine and the Creativate Embroidery Software. I will never forget when I first purchased that software back in 2008 or somewhere thereabouts. 

And can I just stop here for a minute and say that while I am NOT a fan of using AI for writing (only editing), it does a fantastic job at providing a synopsis of any question you ask it on Google. What stuns me is the speed at which it compiles that information. Of course, we must remember that it only compiles what it reads, so if what it reads is garbage, then the symposis is garbage. So beware, but it's good. 

Anyway, I saw that software demoed at a Creative Festival, way back, and I was enamored with it. However, I got it home, opened the software, and was like a deer in headlights. I had no clue where to start. I played around with it a bit, but had no idea what it could do. Now, many years later and several versions later, I'm still learning it, but I'm way more proficient than I was before. 

Of course, I did not book a hotel room before I left. How crazy would that be? I did check to see what the availability and prices were like, and knew I would find something. And I had no trouble finding a room, and can you believe that before taxes, it was under $100!!!! And it's a very decent room and clean. That's all I ask — I don't need fancy. 

So I'm now ready to go. We have a lot to cover today, and I'll be heading home later this evening. I'm sure it'll be slow, as I'll probably need to stop for a nap. I'm much better at driving in the morning than I am at night. 

And I'm almost finished with my audiobook - A Two Spirit Journey. It is unbelievable what happened to this person in their life. She overcame so much, only to be thrown another curveball, and yet she overcame that as well. I can only imagine how difficult it is and was for a gay person to exist in a world of heterosexuals when it was/is "wrong" to be gay. I'm not going into more detail than that. I don't want any kind of backlash! But wow!!!

And in case you are keeping tabs on me and wondering why I'm not sending out Zoom links for UFO Club tomorrow morning, those will get sent out early tomorrow morning, as I do not have the distribution lists with me. I must learn how to put those on the shared drive so I can access them when I'm not home. 

September 19 and 20 - Machine Embroidery Workshop - Thimble Quilts and Sewing Company, Lasalle, Ontario   --- call the store to get the details and get signed up. This is a great event and loads of information. If you are new to machine embroidery, you will go home an "expert." Or at least a whole lot more confident. 

September 23 - Stitch by Stitch, Kingston, Ontario, A what's new with PFAFF and Husqvarna Viking. Two separate events. Check for times - one is in the afternoon (PFAFF), and the other is in the evening (HV). 

September 25 - Store Opening - Sewing Machine Magic - Cobourg, Ontario. This store sells PFAFF sewing machines, and I'm excited to present a series of demos that day. It's all about the magic!!!!

September 27 - Colour My World (Online class hosted by me) at 9:30 AM. I need to send out an acknowledgment to those who have paid. But you have all the information you need. No supplies required for the first class. An email will be sent out on Sunday regarding the class. 

September 27 and 28 - Virtual Retreat - the links will be posted on my blog next week. 

I need to find another audiobook to listen to, as this one won't last the entire trip home. 

On that note, I'm out of here!!!! Wait -- this was the price of gas last night as I headed into the hotel. I should have filled the car for the trip home, but I was tired. It was almost 10 PM when I fell into bed. 

Cheap gas!!!

Have a great day!!!

Ciao!!!!

Even dogs don't like change!

I hope you all go back and read the comments that people leave on the blog. Some of them are hilarious! The yellow car? That's like not seeing the forest for the trees! 

And yes, high maintenance is fluffy extra stuff. I'm not a fluffy extra stuff person. I never have been, and I never will be. Some people post videos of high-maintenance routines that would blow your mind. Are they real? I hope not. I came across a woman going on a cruise, and before she did anything, she deep-cleaned the bathroom and everything else in the room. Me? I would unpack my toothbrush and toothpaste. Done! I don't even unpack my suitcase when traveling and take the bare minimum of stuff, including at most two pairs of shoes. I am NOT high maintenance. 

It was not as productive a day as I would have liked, but we have to live with that and move on. I walked to the doctor, and after waiting almost 20 minutes, which never happens, she told me the test results. First, they only took pictures of my left hip, nothing for the back. BUT there is a tear in the glut muscle/tendon and lots of inflammation. So somewhere along the line, I've torn that muscle, and she suspects it's from overuse. 

Wait—before you all go off on a tangent about too much walking, that's a total lie! Yes, there could be some issue with walking too much, but the stronger suspect is that with a torn muscle/tendon, the lack of stretching was putting a lot of pressure on that leg. The stretching has eased the tension. So, I was informed that I could continue to work out and walk. I just need to take anti-inflammatories when required. 

I do, but I need to get a new bottle as I have misplaced the final few tablets from the last bottle. I had them in a small plastic bag by the computer, and on one of my cleaning days, I put them in a safe place, but where? Thankfully, we don't have small children in the house. The empty bottle is being used to prop up my computer screen. I know that sounds ridiculous, and I'll take a picture for you!

OH -- I had to bring in another photo from my phone, so here's the picture. My computer consists of just the monitor with the hard drive built into the stand or somewhere, since there's just a monitor. The spring/hinge that keeps the monitor where you want it has died, so if something isn't propping it up, it sits right down and is a bit too low. This empty bottle was perfect. 

A prop for my monitor

Anyway, all seems to be good. I have no idea if there is any issue with the back, but let's call that a good wake-up call to keep the body limber and moving! 

Here's a trip back to batteries, particularly in the phone. I think someone mentioned in the comments that no one has really found whether not charging to 100% prolongs the battery's life. I must check it out when I have a bit more time. It just seems weird to periodically charge the device. I remember we were told not to keep doing small charges, which was bad for the battery. So I wonder what the real scoop is. All devices should be designed to STOP charging when they have reached the maximum recommended charge. How hard could that be? And I do NOT understand why charging 100% is a bad thing. 

I pulled out a new set of threads for machine quilting. I experimented and wasn't happy with the results, which put me in a funk. Today, I have plan B, and I have no choice but to get the piece quilted. I need to submit photos ASAP. The deadline looms tomorrow, but I want it done tonight! I have other things that need to be done for this weekend. 

My quilting threads

 

Notice that my threads are sorted by type—machine embroidery, domestic machine, long arm—and then by color. ALL my threads are sorted that way! There are a few special categories. It's super easy to find something. 

So the girls are acting weird these days. Miss Lexi is finally becoming more comfortable with her new bed. That girl is just like me. Change is a bad thing! I tell her that change is not bad. It just takes some of us longer to adjust, and that's what she says, too! It's boring to sleep in the same place all the time, and her kennel was getting boring! Now she can hang out with us and sleep at the same time! 

MOM - I'm getting the hang of this new bed

After feeding Murphy and returning to the kitchen at least half an hour later, I spotted this. WHAT? Murphy inhales her food, so what happened? 

Murphy - Are you sick? 

She spotted something in the backyard. I believe it was a rabbit, and then she was outside worrying about where the rabbit was and how she could get her hands on it! Rabbits take precedence over food! What a girl! 

Here are some tree blossom photos I snapped during our walk yesterday. They are so beautiful. I usually take pictures when Lexi is on the leash, not Murphy. There's no time to stop with Murphy, while Lexi walks more leisurely. Murphy is about getting from A to B in the fastest time possible! I still swear all the tugging on her leash caused my muscles to have issues. She's not nearly as bad, but she has her moments!

Tree blossoms

Tree blossoms

And for whatever reason, she has developed a bad habit regarding anything on two wheels. It could be a motorcycle on the street, an e-scooter on the path, and even a bicycle, which never used to bother her. But two wheels? She wants to chase it. Not a car, but anything with two wheels. Whenever I see an e-scooter coming towards me on the path, I hold her tight because she'll lunge and scare everyone!

I must get one of my bikes out and practise with her to ensure she understands that bikes are OK. 

On that note, I'm off to spin class. I need to clear my head before I get back to Plan B. It has to happen today!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

The Zen of tidying up!

I got one task out the door last night - well, not out the door, but it was completed, so that was good. I have one more urgent thing to work on today, but I need space to work before doing that. It was not just physical space; my brain needed to see some empty flat surfaces. 

As I pulled out patterns or other needed items, the cutting mat had become the dumping ground. I took photos, and then everything got left. I'm happy to report that the mess on the one cutting mat is done, and I can cut stuff! It didn't take long, but it needed to be done. And it's darn therapeutic. Slow and steady, and before you know it - poof! Everything is back in its home. As I've often said, when an item does NOT have a home, that's a big problem! The item becomes clutter because it has nowhere to rest. 

The messy cutting mat

I had several embroidery hoops on the cutting table; they are all back in their home. I'm happy to report that I remembered to detach the embroidery hoop adapter, and it's in the proper place. That darn thing is easily forgotten on a hoop, and I can't find it when I need it! 

The machine embroidery attachment

I had been using a lot of machine embroidery thread, and rather than putting it back in the storage boxes, it got shoved into an empty box. The container of thread that needed to be put away is on the left, and the thread boxes are the rest. 

A mess of threads to deal with

I had been using some metallic thread, and it was a mess. However, when I went to put it away, it didn't all fit in the container. Hmmm—did the lid close before? 

Metallic thread won't fit in the box

So, back to the place where I have a few empty containers, I found this box, which is the same as the other thread boxes I use, and it all fits!!! I have a few extra storage boxes. There are fewer than ten; depending on my needs, I check there first. It doesn't take up a lot of room, and it sure saves running to the store when I need something. The pile is constantly revolving as I need a bigger or smaller container for something. 

The new home for metallic threads

Oh shoot—I found another almost empty box with random threads, mostly metallic or variegated. The metallic threads are now in that box with the other. For now, the variegated thread will stay in this box. It's a challenge to know what color they are!!! 

More threads to find a home for

The embroidery arm is off the Designer EPIC 3. It's ready for some sewing and quilting later today. 

The sewing space

And now look—those two work tables are clear! That makes me so happy! The rest of the place is a disaster, but at least I have a nice, clear space to sew. I have some upcoming events, and there are samples or partially made samples sitting around. I'll be glad in the middle of June, when the last event is over for several months, when I can actually put some stuff away. 

Two work tables are tidy!

Then, I need some days to myself when I can start working on one table and continue making things until that table is empty. Hmm—I keep saying that, but will it ever happen? I hope so! 

Instead of doing some appliqué this morning, I loaded a quilt on the long arm. I'm not sure I'll have time to quilt it today, as I have a doctor's appointment and need to pick some quilts up for the Quilt Canada concurrent show. But I'll double-dip on my walk and the doctor's appointment, so that will save some time this afternoon. It's all going to work—I'm not worried. 

It's hard to see in this photo, but the fabric along the fold is faded and dirty. That's what happens when fabric sits out in a store and no one wants it! Does anyone remember Canadian Idol? I had to buy the fabric! And now it's backing a community project quilt! 

Faded and dirty fabric along the fold

As a rule, I am NOT one to walk and look at my phone, but as I entered the gym yesterday, I wanted to see the hockey scores, so I was walking and looking at my phone. I totally forgot that the male and female change rooms have been switched for the last two weeks. I walked past this sign and was about to enter the men's locker room when I noticed a guy walking out. OH!!! Wrong place! This sign is pretty big and a bit of a walk to the women's locker room. Yikes!!! 

Temporary women's locker room

I got a chuckle when I walked to my car after class. I don't park close to the door—the extra steps help with my daily requirements. Was there a memo yesterday? Are only red cars allowed to park in this section? You can just make out the back of my car in the distance! 

The red car parking lot

It's rare to find that many red cars in the same spot. Almost everything is black, white, and grey, although those matte, gun metal colors are becoming popular. I'm not a fan. But look at this car, which I spotted on my way home. It's a bright yellow car! Now, that one will stick out in any parking lot. 

Speaking of steps. Between tidying and loading the quilt, I've clocked over 2000 steps this morning! 

Those leaves I've been watching are almost out! 

Spring leaves

And here's something you don't see often. Well, I didn't want these guys to think I was a nutcase, but two men were driving around the forest paths, just checking stuff out. Their truck is behind the tree! 

Maintenance people are checking the forest in their white truck

I walked a book back to the library and picked up a few groceries. Can you believe that little bag carried $90 worth of groceries home? I bought a container of dishwashing pods and a box of protein bars, which were almost $60. 

My grocery bag

I used to carry groceries home in a backpack, but it's too tall to pack. This little shopping bag works just fine. And if I have to go back every couple of days? It's a big deal—it's close, and everything will be fresher! Can you believe it's almost three years or maybe longer since I've been walking to the grocery store? 

Look who has been visiting my bathroom! The darn thing is all over the place, and I haven't the heart to find a new home for it! It's not hurting me. 

My new friend

I'm off to the doctor today to get the results of the MRI, which I had over a month ago. While I know something is still not right, the stretching, strength training, and better posture have helped enormously with the pain. Even the charley horse in my leg has mostly disappeared. Let's see what the results say and then go from there. I bet the bottom line is that I keep stretching and strength training, and I will be just fine. That's way better than surgery or telling me I have to deal with the pain for life. 

The other day, I talked about high maintenance, and someone said I sound like I'm high maintenance with all my exercise. I don't consider that HIGH maintenance. I feel exercise is regular maintenance that we all need to do. HIGH maintenance is the frivolous stuff, and I'm not into that! I find that the more I exercise, the better I feel. The more I loosen my shoulders, the better my posture is, and the fatigue in my back is significantly reduced. My legs don't hurt as much when I walk, and my low back/leg pain is almost non-existent. Call it what you will, I am committed to keeping that pain at bay as long as I can. My knees are not always happy, but they are better! Ageing is not fun, but I aim to age as gracefully as possible! 

Oh my—there is paperwork to do, emails to answer, and more appointments to be made! It just doesn't end!! 

But I'll take one day at a time, decide what is urgent for the day, and then go from there! 

Have a great day!!

Ciao!!