Canada, EH?

The countdown is on for this trip, and I'm pretty much organized. I packed my small backpack yesterday - the important one with my protein bars, all the medication, and a few other things, like three pairs of glasses! I have a few other small things to pack, but it should easily be under 10 lbs. 

I got a chuckle as we've heard many times about small planes that you need to get from one destination to another, which we have to take for parts of this trip. I believe the maximum weight per passenger is 20 KG, and the agent was EXTREMELY clear that DH needed to talk to his wife to ensure that I was within the weight limit. His response? "I don't think that will be an issue! I'll be under 20 LBS, let alone 20 KG. 

And there's a weight restriction on how much luggage you can take into the national park for the climb. So, carrying less is a big deal, and no hard-sided suitcases as they don't fit well on the smaller planes. 

I'm not an expert on adventure trips, but I have taken many of them, including a 10-week bicycle trip across Canada, as well as at least four other three-week bicycle trips. Semi-backpacking (not hiking) in Europe and Mexico on several occasions, as well as three years of hiking in Spain. OK - I guess I have enough experience to talk about it, but I'm not an expert. You are on vacation. This is not about carrying all the luggage you have at home. Taking less is one of the most freeing things in the world. You not only left the worries of home behind you, but your LUGGAGE (literally) as well. 

I lead a simple, uncomplicated life at home (except for that darn calendar). I don't need a ton of clothes - I need one to wear and one to wash, which makes for some calm vacations. You can turn on a dime if you need to make alternate travel arrangements. I can't understand how people need so much stuff. 

I'll try to get everything packed later today, so that I have a couple of days to remember any other items I need to pack. I'm still looking for my toque, but where have I put it? I have two different places to look, and I had better find it because where am I going to get an athletic toque on such short notice?

I finally found this extra battery bank that I can use to charge my cell phone on the mountain if needed. It was in the office somewhere! But it's found and charged!

Charging the power bank

I charged my keyboard, but I must remember to pair it with my new phone before I pack it. 

Charging the keyboard

Here's my small backpack that will carry all the essential things. When we move around, I'll have this one on my front and the larger one on my back. 

Carry-on backpack

Someone asked where I got my waist pouch, which will carry all the essential stuff, like passport, money, and phone. It has two zipper openings and a velcroed pouch. I use the velcro pouch to store my hair supplies, such as elastics and clips. It could also be used for coins, but I HATE having coins, or it could be used to hold half a protein bar. 

The small zipper section is long enough to hold money (bills) and my three cards - debit, credit, and travel insurance. And the top one is tall enough for the passport and my phone. It's a bit wide, but honestly, I would NEVER travel without it. It is flat and sits under my shirt or under the straps of my larger backpack. If someone even knows it's there and attempts to remove it, then they deserve to have it! Plus, all the essential stuff that you need at the border, airport, security, etc, is right in front of you. Because there is little in there, it's easy to find anything. Hands-free!!! 

My travel waist pouch

I found it on my favorite online store, and there are many different styles to choose from. I get the slim one that is very SLIM! It's as wide as whatever you put in it, so mine is as wide as my cell phone. 

I went to the bank and the mall on my errand run. I found a new store at the mall. It's probably not new, but I don't usually go on the upper level. Speaking of bears - look at these guys. This store is filled with Canadian stuff!!!! It's called Eh Canada. 

Bears at the mall

Are you looking for those iconic red Canadian mittens? They are here! And yes - they have toques, but that is NOT the kind I want. I want one made of a tight-knit fabric that the wind won't penetrate. 

Iconic Canadian mittens

Look what followed me home. A red and white shoe for Canada to add to my mini shoe collection. It's a soccer shoe, but better than nothing. And I found a small keychain with a two-sided Canadian flag. 

My Canadiana collection

We all went out to dinner last night and discussed some of the details. Oh boy --- this is going to be an adventure. I don't think DH is quite prepared for this kind of travel, but we'll just keep an open mind. He's used to business travel where the concierge does everything, or he travels with his rolling suitcase. No concept of adventuring in his vocabulary, although this is not a "roughing it" vacation, at least for him, but a lot of moving around. 

I bought the flag because people in other countries tend to be very friendly to Canadians, and it's fun to identify your nationality when abroad. He thinks it's silly. I don't care! 

When I was working downstairs, I found something. An ultra mini shoe as the zipper pull on my pencil case! I forgot that was there. I've had that thing for years and have no idea where it came from. But I love that it has mini laces!!!

My ultra-mini running shoe

The Pony Express works! Another item was delivered to Sudbury from here! That's so exciting to see things go to the right place with just a little creativity and a bit of asking questions! It all works! I got a chuckle the other day when someone else started sending things around through friend connections rather than in the mail. They said not to tell me in case I charged them franchise fees!!! That was hilarious! 

Speaking of which, my staging area is getting pretty empty. Actually, at one point yesterday, it was this empty, with only a few things on the ledge on the left. 

The Pony Express is almost empty

I had to add this quilt to the area, and it'll get picked up this coming week. It's much neater than it has been for a long time! 

The start of the next batch of deliveries!

The other day, we were chatting about the type of craft books you can find at the bookstore. There are few quilting or mixed-media/scrapbooking books. I don't even think anyone is publishing them. BUT if you are into quilling - that seems to be a big thing! There were six books about quilling!!

Books on quilling

I see the quilting magazines have been moved to the front of the magazine rack, which is good! Maybe that will entice some new quilters to take up the hobby. 

The quilting magazine section

And if you have not tried the towel on your ironing board, you need to!!! I was pressing some fabric that I had washed, and looked at the mess. 

Tough wrinkles from the dryer

I used steam and the towel, and this is what it looked like after a quick swipe with the iron. Even the back was nice and crisp!! 

Wrinkles are gone! 

We asked the owner of the retreat why she put a towel on he ironing surface, and it was basically to keep it somewhat clean! Well, it's fantastic and I won't press without one. The large, inexpensive beach towels work best, and one that covers the entire surface. Do not use white - it'll pick up all the discoloration from the iron. And don't use one with a decorative band on it! I love it and it's easy to clean. I'm going to add some kind of tie or elastic on the corners so mine won't roll when I press large things. 

At one point in the day, I checked my two fitness trackers to see how in sync they are. Hmmm -- that's pretty darn close. 8,707 versus 8,743. 

Monitoring the fitness trackers

Those girls of ours are pretty funny and very particular! Spoiled? Oh yes - they are spoiled. 

Miss Murphy and I discovered a bench near one of the entrances to the forest. I guess it's not ready to be used yet. 

MOM - Can I sit up there?

And her ball and the blankets. I wrap her toy in three blankets and leave it for her to unravel when she needs something to do. She won't touch it when I'm away because there is no one to put it back. But when I'm home, she attacks those blankets to find the ball. It's hilarious to watch. I think I do it more for my entertainment than hers! 

MOM - I'm savoring the anticipation before I attack it!

MOM -- I got the ball!!!!

And that Princess Lexi - well, she's a diva for sure. She has her new nice dog bed with several blankets in it, but it's been a while since she slept in it. I threw all her stuff in the washing machine and then spread it all out like a princess' bed would look. 

When DH sat down to watch TV, guess who jumped into her bed? 

MOM - I HATE dirty sheets!

And this says it all!!! 

MOM - I'm so comfy - thanks! 

I completed the next writing assignment. A quick last read through after walking the dogs, and it'll be gone! Remember - when writing these assignments, I actually have to do the work before I can write. I won't be around to alert you when those posts go live, so you'll just have to watch QUILTsocial all month. I think it'll be the third week of August, but I'm not sure. If you are going to take one of my classes this fall, you'll be very interested in these posts, and that's all I'll say. 

I have two more posts to write, which should be easy enough. Time is very tight, but it'll all work out. 

And on that note, I'm out of here! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!



































 

A travel day

Yesterday was all about getting from one continent to another! I had a terrible night's sleep in the hotel. It wasn't terrible, but I just couldn't get to sleep. I tried everything—eating something, going to the bathroom, reading, counting sheep, thinking about projects I have to work on—and NOTHING. At last, I fell asleep and woke up when I needed to. 

There was construction going on outside my window at the train station, but it wasn't loud—I think I was just excited. I'm certainly excited about typing on a full-sized keyboard!

The Chamartín Train Station in Madrid is HUGE, and there are trains and a metro, and well, it's a busy station. But I made my way down to the appropriate platform, asked someone (I know—I should be able to do it myself by now), and she got the ticket for me, and I was on my way. 

I just missed the train to the airport and had to wait 15 minutes for the next one. That train takes you to Terminal 4, but Air Canada is in Terminal 1. Oh, shoot—a little detour on that one as I went to the bus terminal, not the SHUTTLE bus spot. I soon realized my mistake and walked back. 

Then I was at the Air Canada counter! Yeah!!!! I had some time to kill, so I got something to eat and was just hanging out. 

I had requested an upgrade, and I was on the list for an upgrade to Premier Economy or Business Class. I'll take Business Class, please!! But you don't get a choice, and there's a hierarchy in how the upgrades work. However, you can follow along with the madness on the Air Canada app. Thank goodness to DH for showing me the ropes on our trip to Hawaii. I don't think I would ever have figured out that one. 

The plane is almost ready to board, and I can see my name is Number TWO on the list for Business Class, but no notification. There were TWO spots left. Just as I approached the desk to ask - a notification came in, and VOILA -- I was in Business Class. I love how they make you wait until the last minute! 

It is a luxury, to be sure, and I am forever grateful whenever I get upgraded. I earn points based on how much I flew the year before, and the points expire at the end of the year, so I try to upgrade on ANY and every flight. I still have 25 points left to use this year, and with several more flights, you can be sure I'll try really hard to use them up! I can apply, but if someone with more status is also on the list, they go first! 

The flight was great - you barely notice the time. They have a fantastic entertainment system, the same as Economy, but you can stretch out in the lay-flat bed, and they have fabulous headphones. So I watched three movies and had a nap. I got a chuckle out of the last one I watched. It was The Book Club - The Next Chapter, and there was Candace Bergen with her WAIST BELT -- just like me. Oh my gosh -- -I was in hysterics as we discussed this in our Monday sewing group before I left. I think they are the best for travel and would never consider carrying a purse while traveling. But we each have our own thoughts on that. 

Candace Bergen and her waist belt

It really is a great place to put stuff, and I've found that when traveling, all I need is money, credit cards, and a passport. It all fits nicely into that pouch. That was the best picture I could snap from the movie. 

But OMG --- she would NEVER wear one in real life!!!!!  Check this out!!!!

I don't care -- I like them and will continue to use them!!!

We got a gate near the exit—what was going on? They usually make you walk the entire length of the airport to get to customs! Getting through customs was a piece of cake, and there was ZERO line in the NEXUS area. The luggage came through in no time flat, and I was in the UBER, which came quickly, and I was on my way home. The traffic was terrible on the 401, so that took much longer than anticipated!

When I arrived, DH was on the phone, and Murphy was doing something in the backyard, so Miss Lexi got some very quiet personal time with me. She was super happy, and I bet she ran out to tell Murphy.  Murphy was running after something until she realized I was there, and then she went crazy!!!!

But they settled down quickly, and here is Miss Murphy with her stress toy. She needs that to help her calm down. 

MOM's HOME!!!!!

And to destress, Lexi goes under the shed and kicks dirt around. Both of them were very funny. 

MOM's HOME!!!!!!

As you can imagine, I was tired, not just from the travel day but also from the change of time and the lack of sleep. Oh, and I should mention that one other big difference that happens when you fly Business Class is the food. You get lots of food served on nice dishes. So I was NOT hungry when I got home, but I was tired. 

And what do you do when you get home? Start working? Chat? DH was still working. So finally, at 6 PM, I caved and went to bed. But then I was up at midnight, ready to go. I worked for a couple of hours and then went back to bed. I think I should be OK today to get back on schedule.  

I swear before I left that everything had been put away or mostly tidied up. Not so—I found this drawer open near the long arm. I remember looking for a wrench before I left, but I guess I was in a hurry and never closed it. 

Someone left the drawer open

But the projects I must continue working on are all laid out, so that's something to start working on today. 

I also decided to dig out another 10 community project quilts. I managed to find some backing in my supply of bolts of fabric. 

The next ten community projects 

And I sorted through the batting bits this morning and have some pieces set aside. 

Batting bits to make quilt bats

I even loaded the next quilt on the long arm, and I should be ready to go later this morning. The quilts in this group are not large (50" by 60"—good for Project Linus), so hopefully, I can get through them quickly. I need to get some of these supplies out of the house. 

It felt great to come home with no injuries and no bandages on my feet. So today, I'm jumping back into work with a vengeance. I have a lot to do, and now, with two extra weeks to do it in, I should not be pressed for time!!!

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

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!

This is why I like to shop local

I haven't had a chance to check out that video on the wonky quilt yet. I hope to do that today. 

I had a Zoom in the morning and also had to check the equipment for my upcoming Facebook Live tomorrow. It's on Applique and on the PFAFF page. The microphone I want to use isn't working, and this story is why I LOVE to shop locally and in person. I seem to be missing a cable. I've used this configuration in the past, but used earbuds instead and I have to say I'm not thrilled with these new earbuds. I need to test to determine whether they need to be returned. I love their battery life, but they don't always work as headphones and a mic. 

I had a quick glance online at new mics (just in case I needed a new one), and then I hopped in the car and went to Henry's, a camera shop. I have bought many things at Henry's, and they are close by. I always start there when I need something specific. I go to the Oakville store, which is near to my home. 

I hit the mother lode as I pulled out my equipment, and the staff person knew exactly what I had and how to use it! We had a great conversation about my setup, and all I needed was a microphone cable to hook the microphone to the switch box. AHA—that switch box I use is pretty tricky. That visit cost me $12. I would never have gotten that kind of service from any online store or general big-box store. 

Then we discussed options if I wanted a new mic. The boom mic I'm using is big, and technically, I gave it to DH for use at his computer desk. So I have an option for the future. I didn't buy it yesterday, but I may go back because my mic on those earbuds isn't always reliable. 

So this is why I'll continue to buy local rather than online! 

Besides the equipment check, I had one Zoom, and then the day was mine, but I didn't accomplish much. I puttered but didn't get any serious work done. Today I have to assemble all the things for my Facebook Live tomorrow; I also need to get some of those niggling little things out of the way. 

I managed to quilt another quilt for Quilts of Valour. I'll trim that, and then I have TWO bindings to do. I do not want to leave that until the pile becomes unmanageable, so I must stay on top of that. 

Quilts of Valour quilt - DONE

I have a few more customer quilts to work on, alternating between theirs and mine. That's my focus for June, and then I hope to spend some time in July working on quilts for community projects. It's time to make a dent in that pile. 

I have three pouches—call them fanny packs, waist pouches, or whatever you want, but here are two of them. While I have my nice Michael Kors purse, I never use it. It stores all the things I potentially want in a purse, but I never use it. 

The orange one is my driving pouch and carries the car key and insurance. I throw my cards in there when I use it. The other one is the walking pouch, and I use it when I walk the dogs since I don't have pockets these days with no jacket. It's large enough for my phone, and if I go shopping on foot, I can throw my cards in there. 

Pouches to carry things

I have a third one that I use when hiking. It's similar to the black one but a bit larger, so my passport fits in. I LOVE these pouches. They're super handy when shopping or walking, and I certainly do NOT need to carry a purse. I could never understand the concept of carrying a whole bunch of stuff in a bag wherever I go. Why do I need all that? 

Finding the right pouches took a long time, but now that I have found a solution, I wouldn't part with them for a million dollars! None of them are huge, and I have them under a sweatshirt/jacket, and no one would even know it's there. 

So here are some pictures of my girls that show how silly they can be. While I was having a quick nap and a good read in the gazebo yesterday, Miss Lexi was tucked UNDER the gazebo and happy as could be. 

MOM -- I need a little quiet time! 

I don't understand how she gets in and out from there, and I used to be afraid she would get stuck, but she seems to have no issues. 

On the other hand, Murphy is like a bull in a china shop. This is why I wonder how our backyard flowers find time to grow. 

Mom - just pretending I'm out in the meadow!

Yep -- that's smack in the middle of a bed of irises. At least she's not lying down, which she loves to do when the plants aren't quite so big. Oh, Murphy!!

I was sitting outside last night, and a few bugs started to come out, so I came into the house. I left the screen door open by about 6 inches so the girls could still come and go. I just sat down in the living room when I could hear Lexi whining at the door. You have to be kidding me!!!!

Someone help me - I've been locked outside!! 

That girl is such a princess! She can't open the door a smidgen wider and come in. Oh no -- someone has to do that for her!

Murphy would barge right in and push the door aside. One of our other "smart" dogs learned a two-step process to open the door. If the screen was completely shut, she would touch the opposite edge of the door to nudge open a crack on the other side. Then she got her hose in the crack and widened the opening. Smart dog! 

When they were repairing the water in the backyard, the screen door was completely open at one point, which wasn't good enough for Murphy. She sat at the door and whined. Not because the opening wasn't large enough, but because she wanted someone to play with her, and she didn't like that someone was outside and not paying her attention! 

MOM -- come out and play!!

Oh, Murphy!!!

OK -- I have a list of things to get done today and I'd better get some focus happening here. I still haven't sent any class follow-ups for weeks and that must be done! 

I'm off to the gym, but I think I'll do my own thing. I seem to have a pulled muscle in my leg, so I will take it easy. I have a feeling that my issues with my leg and lower back are related to very tight muscles. So, I'm making an effort to stretch very often, and perhaps I overdid one of those stretches! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!

Is that a waist pouch? A belt bag?

Oh my -- I think Facebook is broken! I have a love/hate relationship with that app. I received many birthday wishes on August 27 -- the day of my birthday. But since then, I have received about 4 or 5 new ones daily! They were generated on August 27, but I guess Facebook thought it was too much to handle if I received them all on the same day! 

And then the friend requests. Like all of you, I'm sure you get friend requests from people who are already your friends. Can they not create a rule for that and eliminate the trolls? And what about the friend requests from people who don't even exist. The AI friends -- good grief -- you would think that Facebook could also create a rule for that. 

I like Facebook, but mainly for a forum for my classes or to stay in touch with widespread friends if I'm away. But day to day? No one needs to see me sleeping in the gazebo, what I'm eating, or where I happen to be shopping that day! 

So I'll suck it up and ignore most of what comes in! OH -- and how much time could one waste with those click baits and the reels. The click-bait leads nowhere, or if they do reach a point, it takes a half hour to get there. STOP reading them!!! If you feel your finger hovering -- just STOP!!! The same goes for the reels. I get that some cute reels are online, especially the doggie ones. But how many of them are stupid -- there is NO POINT to most of the reels. They don't show anything exciting and are just a waste of time!!!!

I could go on and on about how to make your posts more interesting (if you are going to post), but I won't. 

I have nothing I can share with you for what I made yesterday, but I made giant leaps and bounds in my article writing. There is nothing so exciting as going to write an article to find that you've already written it, and it just needs some editing! So that was great, and it's pretty much ready to go, but I didn't send it yet. I wrote a second one, and it's pretty much ready to go, but after some work this morning, I have to adjust some wording slightly. All is good!!!

I'm almost ready to write the third one! The problem with this writing is that you need to do more than sit and write -- you have to do the work, take the pictures, and THEN you get to write. So number four should be done today, as I've almost finished the work and taken all the photos! The last part shouldn't take too long, so I'm in good shape. 

I did nothing on the sample front, but I have everything pulled and hope to finish some samples today while we have Monday Sewing! Yes -- even though it's a holiday, those ladies will sew any day. Heck - they'd sew on Christmas Day if I let them!

The girls and I spent some time in the gazebo, and it was a perfect day. There was a fair amount of wind, so both wind chimes were merrily tinkling or chiming away, and well, yes -- it lulled me to sleep! 

MOM -- trying to get some sleep here! 

At one point, I saw Murphy's toys gathered in one spot. She LOVES her toys, while Lexi doesn't even know what a toy is. There's a teddy bear beneath the ball. So, while we try to have indoor and outdoor toys, that only sometimes happens! 

The gathering of the toys

And here's Miss Murphy sitting like a goof in the kitchen!!!

MOM -- just trying to trip you! 

So here's a thing about pouches - the kind you wear. I now have quite a collection, and I LOVE them all. 

First, there is the question of what to call these things. We used to call them fanny packs, but in Britain, fanny is slang for a lady's private parts. OH! Because our worlds are getting smaller, we will have to make up new words so we don't offend anyone! 

Some people call them a bum pack, but seriously? I don't want a bum pack! 

LuLu Lemon calls them this, and I think it's perfect. 

Label from the Mini Belt Bag

A belt bag --- that's perfect because, in most cases, that's what it is and how we wear it. 

This is the first one I bought just before my trip last summer. 

Belt bag number one

I believe it came from CAA, and while it's small and flat, it's just a bit too small. It had RFID pockets, so great for the credit card and the passport, and if that's all you want to put in it, this is perfect. It's so slim it can fit under your shirt, and no one would know you're wearing it. My issue is that while my phone fit into it, it was tight, and I was worried I would break the zipper with all the times I opened and closed it. I solved that problem this year by putting my phone in my pocket. And the pilgrim passport was too big to fit in this belt bag. 

Then I found this one last summer as well and left it behind. I did NOT need two bags; this one has only one pocket, while the one above had two. Europe is very cash-focused, at least where I was in Spain, and there was no place to put coins (big in Europe). 

So, with this one having only one pocket and a little pouch, it wouldn't work. HOWEVER, this is the belt bag I wear to walk the dogs, especially in the summer when I have no pockets. There's a place to put my phone and a little pocket for the poop bags. It's perfect!

Belt bag number two

I was going to make one this year, but that didn't happen, so I found this one online. While it's good, it also has its faults. I know - if I want the perfect thing, I must make it!!!

This has two handy pockets and a little pouch. The large one in the back worked for my passport and pilgrim passport. The front one worked for credit cards and cash bills. The little pouch worked like a charm for an elastic for my hair and the coins. There was also room to put my phone in the big pocket if I wanted, but as I said, I kept it handy in my pocket. OH -- I also found this one too long or would that be wide? While it looks the same width as the one above, it's pretty rigid as the one pocket goes the entire length, so the zipper made it rigid. I'm not that wide and flat! 

Belt bag number three

And then I got this belt bag for my birthday! Yep -- it's orange!! All the previous ones are flat, so you can't put much more in them than documents, which is perfect for travel. Who wants to walk around with a heavy bag flapping around your waist? Not me!!! 

This one is thicker, so you can put keys or other small items in it. 

Belt bag number four

Now, here's the big thing --- should one wear it around your waist, or is it a cross-body bag? The cross-body bag has become a HUGE fashion statement, and it just means that instead of attaching it around your waist, you sling it over one shoulder and under your arm. OK -- I "stole" this picture from the internet. 

A "cross-body" bag

None of the above are cross-body bags. Why? Some don't have a long enough strap to make that happen - trust me, no one wants the bag sitting directly on your boob. And none of them have angled straps as they enter the bag. Trust me -- it makes a difference!!! Look at the picture - you can see how the strap is sort of twisted as it exits the bag.

I like this little one as a cross-body bag, but I may modify how the straps are sewn so they lie flat as I wear it cross-body. A slight angle and this would look nicer. Oh gosh -- am I picky or what? It doesn't look this neat in person! 

There is a divider in the middle of this one, so it helps to keep things organized. 

I have never been a big purse person and prefer to carry a few things with me -- keys, card holder, and phone. That's it -- all I need to do anything. So I like the idea of these little bags. But, like anything, you should check them out and see what works for you. 

In an ideal world, there would be a space for the passport (and a pilgrim passport - of course!), cash and credit cards, a place for coins, and that damn phone! Preferably in separate pockets, not too wide, and flat! Oh -- I could just suck it up and use what I have!!! 

I will say they are the handiest things in the world and so perfect for travel! 

On that note, it's time to get moving! Loads to do today!!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Do you hear without listening?

Does anyone listen anymore? I am trying to find a place to report a FAKE Uber driver, and I couldn't find it on their website. And the ONLY way to write to them is to pick an existing ride. Since the ride with the fake driver wasn't in my account, I had to pick a ride. 

Within minutes, I got an apology back, saying they were sorry and refunded my ride fare. NO -- that is NOT what I said, and I even prefaced my comment by saying that this complaint was NOT attached to that ride. 

Sigh.......................   Or do they get so many complaints that they no longer read them - they just process a refund? Or is that Artificial Intelligence (a computer program) that refunds every complaint that comes in? 

How many times do you make a comment on Facebook, and people offer all kinds of suggestions. I did NOT ask or want a suggestion -- I was simply commenting about my experience. I sometimes even PREFACE the comment with -- "I do NOT need suggestions," and I still get suggestions. People are so "happy" to help -- if I want help or a solution -- I'll ask!!!!! I have zero issues with people sending me a valid suggestion, if appropriate -- I LOVE all the help I can get. Facebook is so bad for people spewing out suggestions when none was asked for! 

Let's face it --- people do NOT read and COMPREHEND what they have read, nor do they listen to what others say. It's like the line from Sounds of Silence --- "people hearing without listening!" 

But that doesn't apply to YOU -- my readers! I LOVE all the comments you write and the e-mails from you. You guys get it -- but those Facebook followers? Oh boy! 

Anyway --- let's see what happens. I feel bad as that Uber driver to whom I attached my complaint was a nice guy! 

So there is still a lot of paperwork to do, but I feel so much more under control that some of it is getting done! Invoices need to be written up - some are done, more to write. E-mails that need to be responded to or created! There's lots of admin stuff, and it's definitely not my strong point. 

However, with the bit I managed to get done in the last couple of days, I feel way more in control and relaxed about it, which is good. 

Oh, I got another customer quilt done. Another Long Time Gone quilt by Jen Kingwell bites the dust! It quilted up beautifully, and all the quilts are trimmed! That in itself keeps me busy! 

Customer quilt - DONE

Now for those pouches!!! 

This is the first one. It is a pouch for runners, and it's made of neoprene, so the entire pouch is stretchy. There is a wide elastic belt and a large clip, which does up in the back. 

Runner's pouch

On one side of the big pocket is a small pocket with a cover that is velcroed in place. Nothing in there should go missing. 

Velcro closure on a small pocket

On the other side is a pocket with NO cover, but there is a ring on a loop, so you could attach a key or something there. 

Another pocket with a ring and a loop

Inside are additional open pockets if you want help to keep things sorted. If only that pocket has a zipper on it! Or maybe I could put a thin strip of velcro on it. 

Two inside pockets

I purchased it from that online store, but I imagine you can also find it in a running store. 

What do I like about this pouch? 

It's stretchy, so if your phone is large, it fits nicely into the pouch. The big clip is sturdy. And I love the stretch belt, so it's easy to do up in front and then turn it so the pouch is on the small of your back. It's slim and fits easily under a shirt, especially if you want it in the back. None of us need more "pouch" in the front! 

My phone (in its case) is 6" by 3" by 1/2," and it fits nicely in there. There is not much room for much else, although, for my hike, I could put my passport in there with my phone, credit card, and a wee bit of cash. 

I LOVE this pouch, and I wear it in the back as with the cell phone in there -- it's quite rigid on your stomach. I would also wear it in the back under my shirt for safety when traveling. 

This is the other pouch. And I believe this one came from CAA. It's pretty much the same size as the other one, but the material for the pouch and the strap are NOT stretchy at all. And the buckle is smaller. While I like this pouch, I've always felt it more "delicate." Do not ask me why. 

A traveler pouch

It is made with RFID material if that is important to you when traveling. 

RFID material

It has two zippered pockets, which is nice as you can put your phone and passport in one pocket and money in the other. 

Two zippered pouches

There is a separator in the middle inside the main pocket. 

A divider in the center

And it buckles on the front near the pockets, and the other buckles in the back. 

Buckles on the side

So I like this one as well, and it's a bit more dressy looking if a fanny pack can be dressy! I put my phone and passport in that big pocket, which was a tight squeeze, and I always felt I would break that zipper whenever I took out my phone to take a picture.  

I liked the separate zippered pockets, which allowed me to only pull out cash when I wanted it and no danger of pulling something else. 

I guess in an ideal world, I would want some features of each! 

• Stretch fabric - neoprene! 
• Stretchy, wide waist strap
• Substantial buckle
• THREE zippered pockets -- I don't need any smaller pockets -- one for a phone, one for a passport and credit card, and one for cash, and it could be a separate zippered pouch inside the bigger one.
• Buckle in the back

And so -- I guess I'm off to find some neoprene fabric to make my own!!!!

I will look at it and see how to engineer it with two more zippers or add a closure to that inner pocket. The key is that it NEEDS to be flat to fit along the small of my back! Or even on my front --- it needs to be SLIM!! There is NO room for glasses or anything 3-D. The phone is the maximum thickness; if it wasn't in a case, I'd have more room, but I dare not take mine out of the case since I'm very hard on things. 

OK -- so that's way more information than you ever wanted about pouches!!! But they are AMAZING for travel or for walking around the neighborhood. I haven't used a purse in years -- I've never been a big fan of purses, but these little pouches are now my go-to!! 

Have a super day!! Loads more to share tomorrow, but not enough time!

Ciao!!!!