Clearing up paper is "fun"

The unspeakable happened! I'm happily getting rid of more paper in the office. 

I had some paperwork that needed to be done, so I sat at the computer, finished it, and got it sent. Someone wants a quilt pattern I designed in 2013, and I'm recreating it for this group. That was the one I couldn't find. I still have a bit more work to do on it, but the finished product looks so much better than my hand-scrawled instructions, never mind how much more professional the diagrams look! My knowledge base with computers, despite my issues with them, has increased a lot!

As I was sitting here, I was also trying to think where I put my mailbox key. I couldn't find the darn thing, so I looked under the computer desk in case the key had fallen there. Hmm -- I spotted a box and two books. What's in the box? You have to love the name on the box!

How appropriate

OH my --- I found it filled (well, almost) with a quilt book, two quilt magazines, and then a bunch of USELESS paper. At first, I was going to put it back where it belonged, and then I thought-"you can do this, and you can do it NOW." So I took a few minutes, and I emptied that box. The book and magazines went downstairs to their respective places, one piece of paper got moved to the filing cabinet, and the rest of the stuff in the box went into the recycling! YEAH ME!!!! 

While I went through the box pretty quickly, I still flipped through all the paper. It is getting so much easier to just toss stuff. I still need to look through it, and I sorted the stuff and removed a couple of plastic pouch folders that went into the giveaway box. I was practically giddy with delight!

The two books that were sitting there went onto the bookcase, leaving that one shelf under my computer desk EMPTY!!! It crossed my mind to take other things and store them there, like from the table or the desktop, but I have decided not to do that. It's easy to put things in a spot like that, and they get forgotten. I'm OK living with the visible mess for a while longer. 

But I took the box and filled it with some of the paper sitting on the table, so at least it looks much neater. While the table is still covered with crap, there is only one layer of crap, not three or four like there was in the past. 

The tabletop is looking better

And the best news is that there really isn't much hiding in the office to put on the table once that gets cleared up! Oh, I'm sure I'll find things that need sorting, but the bottom line is that significant progress is being made!

I took a few more minutes and consolidated TWO folders in the filing cabinet. I recycled what I could and put the items that needed to be shredded in that box. Now that the paperwork is more or less organized, it's a whole lot easier to grab one folder at a time and deal with it. It also makes it somewhat easier to file things, although labelling and reducing what's in there will make a big difference. I don't have the time or the energy to do it all at once, but I'm whittling this mess down! 

Two more folders got tidied

Can you imagine if I left this until we decided to move? Some papers would get dealt with, but the majority would be moved, leaving them to be dealt with after the move. Not so!!! And if we were to move in the next couple of years, and I'm still not done, it wouldn't take more than a couple of focused days to put it in shape! By then, my brain will be fully trained to toss, but not without looking first! 

The recycling bin needs to be emptied AGAIN! Which is all good news! I have a stack of GOOS (good on one side) paper to last me a long time for printing. 

The recycling bin is full!

And the desktop, although a wee bit messier this morning, is looking better and actually making me want to work! Go figure! I'm still not in the habit of the before-bed tidy-up, but that will come. It's in the back of my mind!

The desktop

Did I find the key? Yes -- it was in a jacket pocket!

Back in 2017, I started the quilt called "150 Canadian Women" by Kat Tucker from Calgary. The quilt was to celebrate Canada's Sesquicentennial year. There were 150 blocks, each celebrating a famous Canadian woman. A short bio of each woman is included in the patterns. The blocks had NOTHING to do with the women. 

While my quilt top is made, I never read the stories. I'm ready to pass this pattern along to someone else, but before it goes out the door, I decided to read those stories. OH MY!!!!!

The stories for the 150 Canadian Women  Quilt

I don't think most of us Canadian women, or from any country for that matter, understand how few, if any, rights women had back in the day. You couldn't work and be married, your work was presented by men, and they took credit for it, you couldn't vote, and so many other things. Women were treated with zero respect. It was extremely shameful, but true, and there are still gaps in what women can and can't do, although much less so now. And let's not forget the people of color, Indigenous, children, and other indignities that were put upon our non-white, male populations. 

Many of the stories are about those women and how they overcome the hurdles to make our world a better place today. Many of them were brilliant, but were never recognized publicly for their work. It's disgusting that some of them had to disguise themselves as men to do what they wanted to do! 

I love this quote from Charlotte Elizabeth Hazeltyne Whitton, "Whatever women do, they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, it's not difficult!"

I embroidered the names of all 150 women on the backing for that quilt. After reading the stories (only 1/3 of the way through), I'm so glad I did. It will remind me of just how much they did to make my life easier and to give me the freedom to do what I do! 

I pressed the label for that table runner, and I know why the darn thing is not stitched on. I have temporarily pinned it here for now. 

The label is temporarily pinned in place

I wanted to quilt the white sashing. So it will go on the current project tables and will pop up in a UFO bin sometime soon! 

The sashing needs to be quilted

I did a bit of rearranging in Studio U yesterday as well. I know more quilts need labels, and I should make a stack so I can work on them one at a time. So much to do and so little time! Although time isn't as big an issue as it used to be. 

I managed to get my projects stitched that I wanted to yesterday, but it seemed to take forever. Well, that's not true - the stitching was super easy, but I had a bit of a struggle with one thing; however, I finally solved the issues, and all is good! Now I have to be at the computer again this morning!

Look at my bag of spools and bobbins. These are the empties, and it seems a day doesn't go by when I'm not putting one or the other in the bag. These will be donated to a group that makes touch quilts for people with Alzheimer's.

My giveaway bag of empty spools and bobbins

Even though I haven't quite got into the habit of tidying up the office, I sure have it for Studio B. That place is pretty clean. Lots of stuff, but it's all neatly stored, and that's all I ask of myself!

I am starting to get that way in the office, but it will take some time. Just like it took time in Studio B to get into the habit. And the more organized the space is, the easier it is to follow the tidy-up habit. I'm getting there. My mindset is there, and the basic organizational structure is now in place; it's just one small step at a time to finesse the mess. 

This is how I work—can you imagine coming in here and spending one day just sorting, filing, and pitching? I wouldn't have learned a thing, I wouldn't have acquired the patience required to maintain it, and I sure the heck wouldn't have appreciated all that it took. Plus one huge day, and I would be mentally exhausted and probably never recover! 

I know there is one more box under the computer desk, and should I open it up? It's larger than the other one, and I've no idea what's in it. I also know there are boxes on the bookcase. Wouldn't it be nice to get to the point where I deal with one box at a time? OK -- I couldn't help myself -- I pulled out the box. More paper crap. I may just bite the bullet and go through it this morning. 

I also have a couple of items that need to be returned on the table, as well as two giveaway boxes that should be delivered. That would make a big difference in the look. I might just take a few minutes this morning and do that. I have a couple of other car errands - why not do this as well? 

I also need to go through the pending folder on my desktop, which is looking mighty messy, and deal with whatever is still pending! 

Plus, the embroidery and sewing machines are calling me. It's a busy time right now, but not crazy busy! 

And on that note, I'm off to the gym. Brooke is away this week, so I'm on my own, and I'm debating whether to go. Silly me -- just get your butt in the car and go! 

Have a great day!!

Ciao!!

Yeah me!!!!

Do you need a taller toilet?

I hope everyone has recovered from their Christmas! It was easy for me to recover from mine. We ended up doing nothing. Nope, we did not watch a movie. I won't go into details, but working out the details of the movie (at home, no less) became a production, so I decided to read instead. 

I learned years ago to expect little at Christmas time—I don't mean that in a negative way. But the more pomp and planning, the more likely someone will be disappointed. So, if you have no expectations, you are NEVER disappointed. And that works for me. 

We had our Zoom session, and a few people joined. I managed to get some sewing done! Today, I will heads-down and work at the computer and the sewing machine. 

I have one package that needs to be at the courier drop-off by 5 PM this afternoon, and I still have one thing left to finish before it goes out the door. That is a priority this morning, so I can walk it to the drop-off spot this afternoon. 

I bought a single present, and it was delivered yesterday. The recipients were thrilled, and that made my day! No exchanges or refunds to worry about!

I also spent this morning sending out emails and organizing stuff. At this time of year, there is some administrative work to continue the clubs for next year. I also look at my distribution lists; if I haven't heard from people in a while, it's time to remove them. I give people one more chance to participate, and then—POOF—they are gone! 

That is one thing that drives me crazy, and I know it shouldn't. But I HATE having people on my distribution lists who don't participate. I take charge if you don't want to participate and can't even tell me you no longer wish to be on the list! 

It's like the driveway. I hate having bits of snow in the driveway. Sometimes, you can't help it, as the snow might be tromped down, but as it softens, I''m out there with the shovel to get rid of it! Let's say I do not have a good relationship with ice in my driveway! Some of my neighbors are NOT the best at shoveling that darn sidewalk. Don't shovel your driveway, but please shovel the sidewalk! The plow does not pass on the sidewalks on our street!

Yesterday was a weird day in that I only took three pictures. One was for yesterday's blog post, one was for last night's EXIT Game, and this is the only one relevant to today's post. 

A snow family in the park

Can you see the snow family? I was walking through the park and saw huge trails in the snow that went down a slight slope. AHA -- they used the hill to roll the snowballs. They are big, but the snow the other day was perfect for making snowmen! 

We played the EXIT Game last night, and after much thought and discussion, we finally caved in and looked at the clues. OK, the first clue—we already knew that information. The second clue—we knew that as well. We finally looked at the answer. WHAT??? This doesn't make sense at all. Nothing in that day's clues or information would make you think that way. It was a bit disappointing. 

So, I checked with Garth online. Dr. Garth Moore is a puzzle nut from the UK who solves the EXIT puzzles online. He has written an EXTENSIVE number of books on puzzles. I watched his YouTube video, and he also had to look at the clues. I've NEVER seen him have to do that. He was also disappointed and said there was NOTHING in the clues for that day to lead to that answer. He was polite! But it was a disappointing day. 

By the way, I found MANY of Garth's books in ebook format at Hoopla. My library has a massive subscription to resources on Hoopla! Elaine M -- are you proud of me for checking that out? 

Hmmm --- now I wonder if Alex (friend's son) had to look for a clue or if he figured it out, although they did say it was "interesting." He's pretty clever at these puzzles. Another friend had to look at the clue, and even then, they were at a loss, like us. There was even an error in the written solution. 

But let's face it - they do a fantastic job on all the other puzzles. I guess it stands to reason that they might screw up once or twice. The premise of what they were trying to do was excellent -- they just gave you NO direction to even think that way. 

I bought my Virtual Challenge for 2025 and made a goof when I purchased a couple of others. I know - I got sucked in. Buy three, and you get the challenge for free. I now have 16 codes to use up! Managing those darn codes is a hassle, but there was someone on the support desk yesterday, and we got it all cleared up. I have a nice two-page list of the codes. Easy to track now instead of in a handful of emails. One more piece of paper dealt with! 

My codes are for longer-distance challenges that require time to complete. Note to self: only buy new codes for the yearly challenge next year! 

It feels good to try to get on top of the paperwork. There is much more to do, and yesterday, I had an incident with my tea. Good grief—I've become clumsy with liquids. However, it wasn't as bad as the previous day with the water. Still, all the paperwork was thrown to the floor in a huge heap. Sigh...................

By the way - I have room at my January quilting retreat if anyone is interested. The dates are January 27 - February 2. We are staying at Springhouse Retreat in New Hamburg, a beautiful place to stay. There is loads of room, and it's always a good time! You do not have to stay the entire time if you don't want to. Yes, I understand it's winter, but good grief - if we put our life on hold for a potential snowstorm? Well, life goes on - we live in Canada! The cost is approximately $125 per night. 

So if you want to attend, let me know. elainetheriault@gmail.com

I am being diligent about the stretching, so that is good. All I can say is that the acute pain is gone, but there is still lots of discomfort, but that's just life. I have much more mobility than before. I started stretching daily, so it's all going in the right direction. Don't worry -- I WILL follow up!

We always talk about losing our brain cells to dementia, but do we consider what can happen if we lose our mobility? That's equally important, and most of us are 100% in control. We do NOT have 100% control over whether we get dementia or not. I watched a video the other day (real or not - I don't know) of a frail, elderly woman who could barely walk into a gym. She was assisted by someone. Then, over a undisclosed period of time, it revealed how much of her mobility she gained by doing SIMPLE exercises. She didn't break a sweat. She was in her street clothes!

I chuckled because one of the exercises is the SAME exercise I was given this past week. And it's an IMPORTANT one. You hold a weight in your hand - at the beginning, you probably don't need a weight. Then you sit down, and then you stand up! Simple! Don't use a rolling chair. Why is that important? Let's think of the washroom! 

We think it's our knees when we struggle to sit on the toilet. NOPE -- in many cases, we are losing the strength in our quads to sit down and stand up. So - this is something you should give some serious consideration to! Just sit down and then stand up. Do it a few times a day. You NEED to keep the strength in your legs. While I do a lot of walking, my quads are NOT strong, well not as strong as I would think they should be. 

So, if you are a quilter and think it's ergonomic to sit in one spot with your cutter and iron around you, think again! It might be ergonomic, but we need to move. We need to sit down and then get up. When getting up, ideally, you are not using your hands. 

Now, go try it. How many times can you sit down and then get up? 

Here's a video to watch if you don't understand what I mean. This is not rocket science, but it can improve your mobility, strengthen your legs, make going to the washroom much easier, and improve your balance. 

I laugh because our society is about treating the symptoms, never the cause. When people struggled to sit on a regular-height toilet, the industry went for taller toilets instead of saying they needed to strengthen their legs. Taller toilets are NOT necessary for most people! 

On that happy note, I'm out of here!! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

 

The end of the rainbow

The good news is that I will announce all the NEW classes/clubs I'll be running in the fall. I will try putting them on ONE page so you can print them out. That's a job for later today, and if that fails, I'll make a separate blog post so it's all in one spot! Feels good to get that done! Watch for that tomorrow!!!!

I think I should throw in a free class on how to take pictures with your cell phone! Do people realize that we are no longer buying/leasing cell phones but cameras??? That is the ONLY reason people need to get the latest one. The phone functions we use don't change, but the cameras do! So if you have a smartphone, you should learn how to use it!

Cell phones have oodles of parameters, and it would be great to figure out the optimal way to send photos. I know what works for me, but that doesn't always work on other platforms with different apps. 

I'll have to think about that one!

First, I'd like to pat myself on the back. Look at the office space. The floor is tidy with one bag on it, which has already been moved. The desktop is relatively clear of paperwork. I've been slogging away at it and actually seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!

A relatively tidy office space

There was still one stack of paperwork that needed to be gone through. So I quickly did that to see if anything urgent was in the pile. Nope -- so I processed a couple of things, and the remainder is in a neat stack on the computer desk. Who said you can't get ahead of the paper? OK -- so I am by no means ahead; I'm treading water and holding my own!

One more stack to process

Of course, I had help. This is Murphy under my computer desk. I think she's mostly there to get away from the stormy weather. She is NOT a fan of thunder and unsettled skies. Lexi, who used to be terrified, couldn't care less, although she gets a bit edgy if it's really bad. 

Mom -- can you protect me? I'm scared!

Have you ever asked yourself what you would do if you didn't quilt? I was a fanatic for logic puzzles, Sudoku, and other puzzles. A trait I got from my paternal grandfather, who loved puzzles of any kind. So I've got a Suduko book sitting on the kitchen table and plugging away at various puzzles during lunch. 

My lunchtime entertainment

And it's all been going well until this. Do you spot the problem? What do you do when that happens? I simply erase the entire thing and start over! 

Oops

Lately, there doesn't seem to be time to sew - it's all work. Quilting customer quilts, writing (which is very time-consuming), and prepping for classes. By the end of the day, I have no desire to sew something of my own. I hope to change that in the fall! 

I had to drop off a FIT test - don't ask -- they are gross! So that was my errand for the day. I found a drop-off spot within walking distance, and away I went. I had wondered what time they closed. Well, I got lucky. I arrived at 3:07, and they closed at 3:00. Phew -- just snuck in under the wire on that one!!! 

They are making significant progress on these new condos/apartments now that the underground part is done. 

New apartment buildings under construction

I think it's very sad that our city is so happy to raze down entire retail complexes to build housing. Never mind the added chaos to the traffic congestion, services, etc. OH, and I was walking into the mall parking lot, and I was in the middle of the WELL-MARKED crosswalk, and some idiot just blasted through the stop sign and, within two feet of me, drove past. Of course, I yelled at him! I don't get why people feel they are a priority in their cars. 

What we need to do, is encourage MORE retail space if it will encourage people to walk. Of course, that won't happen, but seriously --- we need to be getting our butts out the door (or encouraging the younger generations to do so), or our medical system will collapse under the weight of unhealthy and unfit people. I know that is a general statement, so don't yell at me. 

The other thing I saw yesterday that scared me a lot was a young person with a helmet driving one of those electric scooters (not the kind seniors drive), but the two-wheeled ones. He was in a live traffic lane and must have been going 40 KM -- there was traffic on the street behind him. He would be dead if he slipped, fell, or hit a bump! While I appreciate the scooters, they are DANGEROUS to have them on the sidewalk with people and on the street with cars. 

Well, that was a lot of doom and gloom! But it's true. There are days when I contemplate starting a new blog that is more opinionated than this one. But I haven't ...... yet. 

I have one thing to say about money, and I know this is out of the blue, but it's very much a part of my life these days. Amazing how your friends and family are all happy and cheerful, and the minute any significant amount of amount comes into the pictures, the VULTURES arrive. It's so sad and so greedy. There are a few people I could love to get out of the picture for a couple of weeks! 

Another customer quilt is done! That's the last of the customer quilts for a spell. I need a break. 

Customer quilt - DONE

And one more cone of thread - gone!

One more spool of thread

DH and I went out for dinner last night - I know - Thursday instead of Friday. And while we were there, there was a bit of a storm. As we were sitting there, I got a notification that our front door was open. WHAT? We both accused the other of not locking the door when we left the house! How quickly we forget who was the last one out the door. So we quickly finished (almost done anyway) and rushed home to find the door securely locked. Hmmmm.

Then when I went to finish the quilt on the long arm, the settings were off. The pattern wouldn't fit in the quilt. So I shut everything down and got it working. But I suspect we had a power glitch that caused both problems. We will have to train those girls to text us to say everything is OK. But of course, if the door is open, they'd be happy to explore! 

As a result of the storm, I saw this before I went to bed. I  need to ask Evelyn if she found a pot of gold as she lives in the building where the rainbow seems to be coming out of!!! 

A beautiful rainbow

And it was a complete rainbow. I took this from another window. Not the best, but you get the idea. 

A complete rainbow

And, of course, there's Murphy and her ball. There is not ONE, but TWO Balls in that gap. We really need to get that fixed. But she sits patiently, well somewhat patiently, until we realize and come and rescue the balls. Again, this is not an accident! 

MOM -- there are two balls here! 

OK -- so watch for the class blog post -- either later today or tomorrow. 

And OH MY -- I forgot there is a Virtual Retreat this weekend. Here are the Zoom links. 

Saturday, July 22 - starts at 6 PM  --- NOTE the retreat will end at 9 PM sharp!

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89254233911?pwd=VGQrTnFybW1HMWpleHA4M2Q2NGVwZz09 Meeting ID: 892 5423 3911 Passcode: 982797

Sunday, July 23 -- starts at NOON and ENDS at 8 PM sharp!! 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86119598156?pwd=ZDFxcElxS0NmeTRjczdSR2FXd3N2Zz09

Meeting ID: 861 1959 8156
Passcode: 053861

Remember that I'll be at the reopening of Sew Productive on Saturday, July 22. I'll be doing some demos, so be sure to get yourself signed up for those. The demos start at Noon and run until 4 PM. Check out this website for more details and how to sign up. Melinda is a relatively new dealer for Husqvarna Viking and a new quilt store. We need to get out there and support our local shops!!!!


Plus, there are a few classes this weekend, and I'll forward Zoom links later today or tomorrow. Actually, we have one tonight, so I must get that link out.

It's going to be busy!!!!

On that note, I'm out of here to continue the writing progress!!!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

King of the Waves

 Well, there isn't much to show for what got done yesterday, but I accomplished MUCH!

The first thing on the agenda was the two UFO Zoom classes. The UFO Club will undoubtedly continue in 2024, which is partially why some of the other stuff must go. I'm continually struggling to get anything done, and it's not that I don't want to contribute to the donation fund; it's that I want to get working on these UFOs. So there will be less NEW and more focus on completing the UFOs!

I'm thrilled about that! 

Once that was over, I spent the ENTIRE (or a good part) of the day working on paperwork. Yes -- can you believe that? I'm happy to report that the pile sitting on the desk and needing URGENT attention is now almost depleted. Much more needs to be addressed, but I made a visible dent, which makes me very happy. 

I will probably take a wee bit of it with me this week, or more likely, I will focus on planning things for the fall, so I'm thrilled with the effort. 

After lunch, I had a wee nap in the gazebo and attempted to call my Dad, but he was "working." I swear he spends every waking moment he can at the Museum. Then I had to be entertained by Murphy. 

Well, Lexi has been feeling a bit left out, so here she is. Now, can you tell me why she sleeps this way? It's like she wants to lay in the sun and warm her tummy, although she's a Husky, so why? But her head is spun backward - perhaps to avoid staring into the sun? She often lies like that, so it must be comfortable for her. Silly girl. 

MOM -- catching a few rays

And then there's Murphy. When I was in the gazebo in the afternoon, attempting to talk to my Mom, Murphy immediately grabbed her ball and dumped it in the pond. Then she proceeded to bark her head off because someone needed to rescue her, even though she's become adept at pulling it out herself. She reminded me of a needy kid. 

Then immediately after dinner, she wanted to play ball, so I threw it for her. At one point, the ball was so hidden that it took her almost five minutes to recover it. She needed a mental break after that! But then she was back at it, and at one point, it plopped into the pond, so she plopped herself down on the rock to wait for me to get it for her! DH and I both looked at each other and burst out laughing! She is such a character. 

MOM - DAD -- look at me - I'm the good dog!!

In the afternoon, I decided to go for a walk as I had to stop at the grocery store and get a geocache. I decided to find one in a pine tree that was close to the grocery store. I had attempted to find it before but had no luck. OH MY GOODNESS -- while there is a path into this little grove of trees, there is loads of vegetation, which I had to tramp down to get to the tree, and I hoped it was the tree in question. I think I startled a couple of smaller kids who ventured into the grove and were probably stunned to find an adult poking around. They soon left!

I searched around the tree several times and had no luck, but I was determined to get this thing. So, at last, I took the plunge and went under the branches in one area and was about to stand up to look around me, and BAM -- there it was in front of my face. I got a chuckle from that and signed the log, and then I was good for the day. That's 12 days in a row! 

The troublesome geocache

That little tube is about the size of my baby finger, and finding it in a pine tree? Almost as bad as finding a needle in a haystack! 

We should pay more attention to our surroundings! I was at the grocery store the other day, and since they installed self-checkouts, I use those. But we always get a long printed receipt, which neither myself nor other customers were happy about. So when I got a short little receipt the other day, I mentioned to the person in that area that perhaps the paper was out. 

The same thing happened yesterday, and when I mentioned it again, I was told that there is no longer a long receipt but just this short piece of paper stating that my receipt was e-mailed. AHA --- someone listened, and a lot of paper will be saved by this. Now this is a civilized way to get a receipt. 

My abbreviated receipt

And as part of my paperwork effort, there was my old health card. It is now chopped up into little pieces and disposed of. I think I've been using this card since I moved to Ontario back in 1990. 

Out with the old

Every year, Trendtex sponsors a quilt challenge as part of Quilt Canada. It is a fundraiser, and people buy kits and make them into quilts, which are then sold at a silent auction. I have been purchasing the challenge quilts for a number of years and have a nice collection, which I've been meaning to share with you for a while. 

After browsing the pieces, I settled on a couple, but then over the course of the event, I decided that I wanted the one made by Sue Sherman. Sue is an award-winning quilt artist who won Best of Show this year. So I started a bid on this one. I had a price in mind, and I see that several others wanted it. But I wanted it MORE! So I was pleased when I got a call that the piece was mine. 

King of the Waves

It's a very unusual shape, but so well done. It's all raw edge applique, and the quilting is exquisite!

Detail of King of the Waves

Here's the label on the back -- yep -- so it's a signed Sue Sherman, and let me say that I got it for a fraction of the price that some of her artwork goes for. That's why I was determined to get this one. 

The label for King of the Waves

And this is the artist's statement. Thanks to Heather and Cheryl for babysitting for me when I couldn't be there at the end. 

The artist's statement

No unpacking or sorting got done, so that's high on the agenda for this morning. I also have some other paperwork that I'd like to get done, so I may miss Monday's sewing. Well, I can pack and sort while that is happening, and I also need to do some sewing before I go. About one hour's worth. - wait, we all know that will more likely be TWO hours. But there is time as my flight isn't until dinner time. 

I'm happy to report that my knee is feeling much better. I have a feeling that all the activity of Quilt Canada aggravated it, and it was so swollen that it's taken over a week to "heal." While I still suspect the meniscus is torn (like I said -- it's better, but not fixed), at least I can function more like normal than I could before. So I'm still in a holding pattern for the trip. 

On that note, I'm off to spin class and then another busy day of getting stuff done. When I'm home later this week, I might even be able to grab more paper off the table and start working on a new pile!! I WILL get that table clear!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

How many friends do you have?

 I worked very hard and was extremely focused, and I basically have NOTHING to show for it! 

I'm teaching some classes at Thimbles and Things in the fall, and the registration is being done by e-mail. I received MANY e-mails, and it was a tad confusing to deal with it all. Especially when the e-mail said, "sign me up for all." And then people decide they didn't want all after all. People -- this is a LOT of administration!!!! 

I had to make seven distributions lists, and each list has approximately 40 people on it. If their e-mail wasn't on my contact list, I had to make that happen! 

Then I had to write a comprehensive e-mail introducing the first group to the class format, so I wouldn't get inundated with questions. I moved pictures around to help the students pick colors for their upcoming project starting in September. I made new Facebook groups, set up polls, etc. 

Let's just say that I accomplished a LOT. One e-mail introduction (of three) was sent out. The second one is almost ready to go later this morning, and the third one will hopefully go tomorrow. I still need to double-check the distribution lists associated with that one. I do not have n e-mail service, so I have to be careful how many names go in one list, or I become spam! 

So if you signed up for the Long Time Gone class and did NOT receive an e-mail from me, let me know. Everything else should be coming soon. 

All my classes are FULL, except Long Time Gone. One or two spots may be left in Boho Heart and Gypsy Wife, depending on whether someone drops out when I confirm their registration. 

I am reluctant to do this, but I must. The original pattern was called Gypsy Wife. The name has been changed to Wanderer's Wife. I was going to continue to call it Gypsy Wife; however, when I searched Pinterest, it says "no --- we don't use that kind of language on our site," or something similar to that. So Wanderer's Wife it is. 

I came across something funny when I was in and out of Facebook yesterday. I happened to notice the number of friends I have. 

The number of Facebook friends 

What's this all about? I got a chuckle from that, but I've moved on! In case you don't know, 666 is supposed to be a sign of the devil!

I did sort through a bit more paperwork. OK -- so part of me falls within the parameters of my mother. I still have SOME of M's schoolwork. I'm not sure why it didn't all get dealt with before, but it didn't. There wasn't much in this folder. And here's the sad part -- I hate to throw away this folder. However, would you want to get that folder if you were going to school? Already written on by someone else? If we lived in different times and locations, this would be valuable, but here? I put it in the recycling. 

Poetry folder

I went for a massage and am happy to report that my neck is coming along just fine, but don't touch those insect bites!! I was fine until I was in the car on the way home and they started to itch like mad! They are smaller this morning but still look pretty angry. At least the largest one. The other one is not bad. 

Here's the thing about going to the massage person - and it's not just him - it's the physiotherapist, the chiropractor, or any practitioner dealing with the body. If you could ONLY improve your posture. I know  - my posture is bad. I try to correct it - I really do, but then I forget. So I've got to remind myself to stand up straighter ALL THE TIME. Amazing how we get into some of these bad habits, and it feels better to slouch! I don't want to be that hunchbacked little old lady when I'm older. 

And I know that it'll help my neck! 

I had to fix the dishwasher again! What's with this issue coming up twice within a couple of months? I didn't find anything in the little drain gizmo, but the filter was pretty disgusting. So I cleaned it all out, and it seems to be working just fine. Make sure you clean that dishwasher filter regularly!!!

Then it was date night! Yep -- DH and I headed off to the movies. I told him I would only go on Tuesday when the prices were lower. So we were off to see Free Guy. It was pretty funny and sweet. 

And yes -- I had a medium bag of popcorn (no butter) for dinner. I was also bad and had a medium pop. That was an adventure itself. How to make the darn machine work. Oh well - I did get that figured out. 

The theatre was fairly empty, so social distancing was a breeze, and when we exited the theater at 7 PM, the lobby was the fullest I've seen in quite a while. I did go to a movie last year during a period when we were semi-open. 

As promised, here are the Zoom links for the Virtual Retreat this weekend. And not to freak anyone out, but if someone clicks on those links before the date - I get an e-mail! But that's OK -- I know some people are new to Zoom and need to see how it works. 

Saturday - August 21 from 6 PM - 9 PM

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89254233911?pwd=VGQrTnFybW1HMWpleHA4M2Q2NGVwZz09 Meeting ID: 892 5423 3911 Passcode: 982797

Sunday - August 22 from 10 AM - 8 PM

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87246635892?pwd=VGY1cUUyLzRaRi9VUVV2ZWFINXc2dz09 Meeting ID: 872 4663 5892 Passcode: 440473

Well, that's it for me this morning. I'm off to spin class! Who said going to the gym was exciting? I'm OK once I get there - I just have to build up my new routine!

I'll be back at the computer for a wee bit this morning. I need to get that second e-mail out, and then I had better hit Studio B - I don't think I even went downstairs yesterday! The last e-mail will go out tomorrow. 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!

Absolute deadlines

Are you like me and wait until the ABSOLUTE last deadline to get things done? It drives me crazy when I hear that some new thing will be phased in over a long period of time. I think it was the city of Toronto who is in the process of phasing in the new amount of garbage that is going to be allowed each pickup day. Instead of saying - next week, you are only allowed 1 bag per week, they gave a deadline of THREE YEARS. People aren't going to change unless they have no other choice.

Case in point - in Ontario, we have a red and white health card. I've had mine since I moved to this province 30 years ago. The new ones with photo ID came along at some point in the early 90s or maybe it was mid-90s. Yes - I did get a letter at one time to change it over and the few times I've needed it in the last couple of years, I've been told that I should be changing it. But I haven't.

Well, I got the FINAL NOTICE in the mail yesterday. If I don't have the new card by July 1st, I'll have to pay to visit the doctor. OK - it's now time to make the change. I have set an appointment for next week. Not an appointment with them, but in my calendar and I get the privilege of taking my mother-in-law with me since she still has the old card as well.

I think I had mentioned that when I went for my mammogram a couple of weeks ago that the lady freaked out when she realized that I still had the old card. Not my fault! Give me a deadline (an absolute one) and I'll react, but not before. Why change when I don't have to?

Yesterday was a great day! I put my audiobook on and was as productive as ever. I have to finish Radium Girls soon as it's almost due. This is the first time that I've actually swore out loud when reading a book. The way the girls were treated and the way the companies that used radium were allowed to manipulate the law is so disgusting.

While many changes in the workplace have been changed because of what happened to these girls and the way they were treated, nothing has really changed. Big business is still big business and they care only for the all-mighty dollar and not for your health or welfare. Matter of fact that goes for governments as well. The little guy got screwed then and we're still getting the same treatment now.

I got the third quilt (for February) for Quilts of Valour that we're donating from our Community Projects day quilted. This needs to be trimmed and three of them need to be bound by Friday (or perhaps Saturday) so they can be delivered. I'm trying to get four done each month. Three that we donate from our stash of quilts that we make on our Community Projects day and one that I quilt that the local chapter provides. 

Quilts of Valour quilt - DONE

I've already dug out three more (that was easy) and I'll be sending pictures and sizes to the local group and see if they want them. If yes, then those quilts get on the list to be quilted next month. Oh yes - I love when I have a system.

Then I sat at the sewing machine and look what happened.

The four borders for my UFO

Yep - one of the borders is completely sewn together and the blocks for the other three are complete. HEY - when I have an absolute deadline, I'm on it! It was fiddly to get enough pieces for the last few blocks, but it doesn't matter - they are DONE.

Now to check about the yellow fabric that I'm going to use for the border so I could potentially get that sewn on and assemble these blocks into rows. Make the binding and find some backing. We have another Sit n Sew day tomorrow so I'll try to get it done by the end of the week. We'll see what happens. I'm just happy that I'm making progress.

And even better - while I was going to work in the office (tidy up), that didn't happen, but I did make a huge dent in three paperwork projects that I need to get done. That was definitely worth skipping the tidy up. It'll happen - just not now!

Last night, I taught a class on free motion quilting. There were five in the class and three of the students were under forty-five and excited about learning to quilt. That's so exciting to see that, but here's the thing - they don't have any quilting friends. So how do we get these young quilters hooked up with each other so they don't have to rely on Instagram for quilting friends? We need to host a meet and greet or an open house or something. Or I invite them to my Sit n Sew days.

We have to figure something out so that they learn and keep at it!

On that note, I'm switching my morning around so I can go to spin class and still have the blog up so you can all enjoy it with your morning coffee.

Have a super day and stay safe if you're going to get that silly snowstorm they are predicting for today.

Ciao!!!

Changing Habits

Habits can be our friends and our worst enemies! Habits like buying a coffee every day, eating a cookie or going for a walk. Twenty years ago, I got into the bad habit of having a hot chocolate at Tim's. I was at school and everyone went to Tim's for coffee. Since I didn't drink coffee or tea at the time, I settled for hot chocolate. That was the start of my downfall! OK - so I'm exaggerating! But it wasn't a good habit to get into. Sometimes, I'd have two a day and once in a while, I'd get three and I always had a cookie to go with it. OH!!!! 

I know - the calories and sugar - oh my!! No wonder I was addicted to sugar. Then I started having breakfast at Tim's especially when I worked and often as a treat on weekends. I think of the money and the time I spent waiting in the line - well - I won't think about it.

I gradually changed my habits and switched from hot chocolate to tea. And then I cut the habit out over a year ago. I can make tea at home - saving time and the environment. When I came home from the gym at 6 AM this morning (more on that in a minute), I passed by Tim's without even the slightest thought of stopping. I'm cured!!!!

I do stop at Tim's for a tea on my way to Monday sewing - that's my treat. But if there's no Monday sewing? No Tim's. I'm not really worried about the money I'm saving, but the time I've saved and the frustration of seeing other idiots do silly things in the line - well - that's priceless!!!

So why was I returning from the gym at 6 AM this morning? Because I'm traveling today, although later in the day and I won't have much time to get in 10,000 steps. I NEED to get those steps in if I want to make my Virtual Challenge goals. So that's a good habit. Let's just say that at 5 AM there is NO ONE at the gym - well a few people, but it was wide open! It usually is in the early morning when I go, but being Sunday, it was even deader than a weekday which makes sense.

And whose fault is this? That would be Ronda! She signed us up (OK - so she didn't exactly sign us up, but we all got FOMO (fear of missing out) when she signed up), so we had to sign up as well. It's been 6 days into the challenge. The numbers for yesterday haven't registered yet, but I'm ahead of the pace on both of my Virtual Challenges. I'm currently in some small town in Illinois called Romeoville. Now that's an interesting name! I love that we can see the street view on Google Maps. My second challenge which I didn't mention before is to walk across Canada. I've set two years for that goal. I'm starting in Victoria and I'm currently on the ferry heading to Vancouver.

I don't mean to bore you with this, but the blog is for me as well and I'm fascinated by this Virtual Challenge and I WANT TO WIN!!! Now here's the thing - this isn't winning per se in the fact that I finish first. NO - this is winning in the sense that I set a goal and I want to meet that goal! I WILL MEET THAT GOAL.

This first shot shows us leaving Chicago behind. The red marker is the pace I've set myself and when the numbers for tomorrow get posted, I'll be ahead of the pace marker once the numbers from yesterday get posted as I did over 12,000 steps yesterday. I even have a "yellow jersey" beside my name on the leader board of our small group. Yellow jersey referring to the Tour de France where the leader gets to wear the yellow jersey! How cool is that???

My position on Route 66 trek

And on the cross-Canada walk, I've just passed Salt Spring Island. I've been waving to my Aunt Yvonne who lives there and I'm sure I saw her wave back!!! I'm ahead of the pace on this trek and on my way to Vancouver!

My position on the cross Canada walk

This kind of thing is HIGHLY motivating to me. If only the UFO goals had some kind of thing like this. Well - we have our lists and our UFO club and support from our fellow quilters. We're going to be OK. But 2020 is going to be a MOTIVATIONAL year - I'm pumped to get things done!!!!


Speaking of getting things done, I HAD to do some admin stuff yesterday. I'm away this entire week and some stuff just couldn't be put off any longer.

I started the morning with this to face. Yep - a pile of stuff. ICK!!!  This is my nightmare.

Paperwork

And because of the desk situation here, the stuff sits on the floor. It's not that there isn't space - it's just not laid out well. I'm not sure even how to reconfigure it. I've got to put my thinking cap on.

Anyway, I was printing a few things (minimal printing), creating and updating distribution lists, created a Facebook page for one of the Sew Alongs. Answered, deleted, and filed e-mails. Verified numbers and on and on.

By lunchtime, the pile looked like this.

Making progress on the paperwork

Back at it right after a quick bite. And I filed some more e-mails, sorted more paperwork, and whatever needed to be done. There is NO PUTTING things off. Get it done NOW!!!!

By 2 PM, I was down to this. I can live with the amount that's left since none of it is super urgent. When I'm back, I think I'll have to add some more paperwork to that pile and have another marathon day!! There's no shortage of paper to add to that pile. Then I headed downstairs to work on some sewing.

The pile at 2 PM

No that's a lie - I did not go downstairs. I went for a LONG walk with the girls. That's why I got 12,000 steps in. They were having a bad day - oh well. It was an interesting walk and I'm sure that I'm now the talk of the neighborhood. A lady in a bright orange coat with two very badly behaved big dogs!

I'm good with that. I'm enjoying my neighborhood and my girls and I'm in way better shape than those that pass me in their cars!

Speaking of which, I should say that while these Virtual Challenges have changed my habits, others in our group have changed theirs as well. I won't mention names to protect the innocent, but I see that one of the others was up at 6:00 AM yesterday and on the treadmill for 45 minutes because she had something else going on later that day and wouldn't be able to walk. This is someone who normally would hit the snooze button. Oh my - the habits are changing and all because of a Virtual Challenge. It cost us $60 US to join! So far - we're definitely getting our money's worth from the $60.

I'm taking a break from novel-reading (physical book) and reading about the Thai boys that were stuck in the cave in 2018. Holy - I'm not sure that all the information is correct, but I suspect it's pretty darn close, but it's a MIRACLE that the boys were ever rescued. TONS of resources, tons of organizations wanting to help out, but NO ONE TO TAKE CHARGE. The fact that the boys were even found is a MIRACLE, let alone that they actually all got out. There's no other way to describe it. It's a fascinating read. I'm at the point where the boys have been located and now they're figuring out how to bring them out. I can't wait to read all the details. The book is called The Boys in the Cave, by Matt Gutman. 

What is utterly shocking (but unfortunately deadly true) is that people (and I won't mention their nationalities wanted (NEEDED) to be first to find the boys so they could look good for their country. And they were seriously upset when divers from another country found the boys first. Seriously????  What happened to the priority of finding the boys and rescuing them?? I recently had a discussion about this very topic. Is it OK to do a good deed if your main goal is to seek attention for yourself? Turns out that's a loaded bombshell. I say do things because it comes from your heart and it needs to be done and you want to help. But NEVER do a good deed because you're going to get air time. That's the WRONG REASON to be doing good deeds.

The person I had the discussion with said "as long as some good came of it" what's the harm? BECAUSE it's for the wrong reasons and totally insincere!!! 

Anyway - nice to take a break from the novels for a while, although I see that I have several audiobooks that came in ALL AT THE SAME TIME. Why does that happen?? They were scheduled to arrive weeks apart. I don't have noise-canceling headphones so it's hard to listen on the plane. I'll aim for some time in my room tonight once I hit the hotel.

On that note, I've got SIX hours before I need to leave for the airport. I must use them wisely as I have ONE sample to finish and I have to get the homework prepped for the first sew along as the first e-mail goes out on Friday when I'm still away. Everything is cut and ready to sew. I'm in good shape!!!

Have a super day!!!!!


Ciao!!!!