Wonderful Woodland Show and Tell

WOW --- one day closer to leaving. I will say that I accomplished a lot, but not nearly as much as I would like. As always -- I need ONE more day! 

I'm happy to report that I now have 18 blocks done for the magazine quilt with 12 to go. I should be able to finish that during the Monday sewing today. If all goes well, the blocks should be done by tonight. It's going to be tight but doable!

And TWO of the remaining four writing assignments were sent off last night, so that leaves two, and most of the pictures are done, so that helps. If all goes well, I'll have the last of the sewing done today and the drafts of at least one done. 

I managed to cross off a couple more to-dos on the list, so it's all going to get done, just not a lot of spare time. Plus, I'm trying to finish reading a pphysical book, so I don't have to take it with me. I'll ditch it once I finish reading it as it's my book. I can't take library books (audiobooks) as I think they know you're not in the same country as the server and they disappear. I'm not sure about that and I'm too cheap to buy an audiobook! 

NO --- baby wipes are NEVER an option, especially when traveling. Those things do NOT decompose. I'll stick with my pee cloth which is 100% hygenic and reusable. I'm all about the environment! 

The blister on my heel is healing, but ever so slowly. What I have discovered is that a dab of Solarcaine (or probably any other lubricant) directly on the skin before I put my shoes on is making walking with a blister a NON-issue. Let's just say that the Solarcaine will be coming with me. And I'm trying to cut off the dead skin as it dies. I know that sounds gross, but you'll probably be hearing a lot more about dead skin and blisters during my walk. Hopefully, nothing more intimate than that. I had to laugh because the husband of one of my readers mentioned that I should have called yesterday's post -- TMI (too much information!) 

The problem with the blister is I ignored it. I thought it was a cracked heel (DUH!), so I didn't look and then I got blisters on the blisters which is never good. So it's all coming along nicely - at last. 

All four of the items that I ordered last week have shipped. The big question is when will they get here? Like me -- it's last minute, and I could be grabbing stuff from the UPS truck, as I leave my driveway! However, I'm happy to report that I have a PLAN B for all four items, so it won't be the end of the world if they don't get here. I WANT them as they will be the best, but there's a backup. That's all that counts. And I can always use all of the items when I'm back so it won't be a waste. 

I was planning to show you my travel stuff, but I never touched it. Instead, we're going to look at the show and tell from Wonderful Woodland. This was a sew-along class that I taught at The Hobby Horse earlier this year, and we finished in July. 

The pattern is from Art East Quilting Co. and is super cute. Have you noticed that animals are big right now in the quilting world? 

Pattern for Wonderful Woodland

We were not a large class, but here are the finished quilts. The first one is Joyce who used a kit from The Hobby Horse but added a red border around it. 

Joyce

Then we had Karen, who also used the kit, but added a brown border. 

Kim

Margaret changed up the colors in hers, and it looks equally awesome. 

Margaret

Val used a turquoise background, and it makes those animals really pop. 

Val

And then we have Maria who went totally rogue and used solids for her animals. Each one sports a different color, and she named all of them. Like the Cariboo (bottom middle) was called ClaraBlue! All the names were equally adorable, and since it's going to a young person, those names will be perfect! 

Maria

Shoot -- I seem to be missing a couple of pictures. I'll see if I can track them down. 

And this is my quilt. Oh, shoot --- I have to find a picture of the finished quilt. I know I finished it. 

This is my quilt almost complete but I also redid the wolf in the bottom right. I don't have time right now to find it. 

My version

Well, that's it for today. I'm off to spin class. And I need to stop eating sugar. It's like I'm trying to stock up on sugar before I leave. I think it's because I know I won't find much on the route and I won't be eating any when I get back. I need to swear off desserts -- ALL desserts all the time. I don't like what changes the sugar is making to my body! 

As an FYI -- I sent out the confirmations for the Toes in the Sand class earlier this morning. If you have signed up but did NOT get an e-mail from me, then send me a note. I tried to make sure I got everyone, but it's easy for an e-mail or two to slip through the cracks. 

On that note, have a super day!! 

Bodily functions when traveling

I'm not going to panic, but time is slipping through my fingers, and I'm NOT READY!

I managed to get seven of 30 blocks done for the magazine quilt. They are on the design wall, and I LOVE the quilt. I think you will, too, and it looks just like I envisioned. Of course, it does as I designed it in EQ8. I did NOT scan the fabrics in-- that takes way too long and too darn fiddly. I just choose similar colors, and away I went. Keep it simple! By the way, the design originated from something I saw on one of my travels, and I always wanted to make a quilt from that. Now I have, and I'm happy!

DH had some friends over (who I know), and I ended up talking travel for more than I should have, but that's OK. So I'm behind and have to play catchup today. 

I had my one Zoom session yesterday, and all is good in that department, with the homework and links all sent. I need one solid hour with the computer to tidy up those pending e-mails, and I will be good to go on that end. So it's all coming together, but there are three more Zoom sessions today (I had to reschedule some of them because of my absence), and those are all prepped and ready to go this morning. 

What I need to focus on is packing! So I did that last night. 

I started by cramming everything I had gathered into the backpack, including shoe boxes -- everything! Then I weighed it. Just because I like to do this elimination thing. It gives me great satisfaction. 

The whole thing weighed 14.3 pounds. OK -- so that is a doable weight for me, but who wants to carry more than absolutely necessary? I was chatting with one of my military friends the other night, and he mentioned carrying 55 lb rucksacks on forced marches as part of their training. No, thank you! 

I emptied the pack completely and started sorting through the toiletries. I found that I had shoved a few duplicates in there, including THREE floss containers. I think one will be sufficient. I'm taking a few bandaids with me, and those got placed into tiny Ziplocs with a tiny label from the packaging. I didn't take pictures of the individual stuff, but I will when the light is better today. All the toiletries and medical stuff fit into the 1-gallon Ziploc with plenty of room to spare. 

Then I sorted through more stuff - I do not need two towels, so I ditched one of them. I did add a facecloth which can do double duty. I can use it to wipe the sweat off my face during the day and double as a wash item in the evening. That was a good suggestion. Thanks!!!

I decided to leave my down jacket at home, and I bought a thin fleece to replace it. So far, this is all that I ditched from what I had originally packed. Surely, that must weigh four pounds? I think not! 

What will NOT be coming on the trip

I also have to be aware that the items I'll be wearing will NOT be counted in the 10 LB limit I've imposed on myself. So the hiking shoes, a pair of socks, pants, a shirt, as well as the hat can also be eliminated from the 10 lb limit. I'm getting closer to that goal!

I sorted through the stuff I absolutely need to take, and I laid that all out. This included the sandals for after hiking, a towel, my sleep sack, backpack rain cover, etc. Then it got packed into the backpack and weighed. All of this, including the backpack, weighs 6.0 lbs. That gives me four more pounds to play with. I still have the rest of my clothes to pack, the electronics, and those extra items, so I'll be waiting with bated breath to see if that book and a crossword book will be a reality. 

Necessities

So let me tell you about this item. It's called a Pee Cloth. This sounds gross initially, but it's not. It's a very practical item; if you don't have one, you should invest in one! I got two in my package. Seriously -- go to that web page and read all about it -- there are videos to explain how to use it. I think it's an amazing idea! I mean -- you could even use it at home! I'm tempted. Then, if there was a TP shortage, it wouldn't quite so bad! 

The Pee Cloth

It will happen that you're on the Camino and have to pee (or worse). While washrooms are available along the way, they may not be convenient, especially for people with small or leaky bladders! Now you could just discreetly go on the side of the road (which I've done many times on my cycling/geocaching adventures), but what to do with the TP? Apparently, it's a HUGE issue on the Camino. People do their business but leave the TP behind; in some areas, it's an environmental disaster. 

You have some options -- take TP with you (apparently, people steal this from the cafes -- seriously?), and when you are done, put the TP in a plastic bag and dispose of it in the next garbage bin. That sounds great, and while gross, it's not really. Apparently, urine is very "clean" -- we just have a bad connotation about it. 

The other, much more practical option is to use a Pee Cloth. And this is for the ladies, not the men, as they do not need one. After your business is done, use the pee cloth to wipe. It's quick to dry, with anti-stink (I believe), and at the end of the day, you rinse it out. Leave it hanging on the outside of your backpack for easy access. Most have snaps, so you can fold them into a triangle and another snap to attach to the backpack. I think this one even has glow-in-the-dark threads, so you can find it at night. 

Let's face it -- this is downright PRACTICAL, and I discovered it several months ago and picked it up. I'll use this on all my walks (not my urban walks, of course), but geocaching, cycling - whatever. There's no need to be environmentally bad, and you don't have to carry TP, at least for Number One. 

As for number two, that's a different story. The first thing to do is try and train your bowels to work in the morning. I'm not sure how one goes about this, but I know on my bike trips, it was a routine -- do the business in the morning BEFORE leaving on the bike, and then I didn't have to worry about it during the day. My body liked that routine, and it certainly made things easy. 

If you can't get into a routine and there isn't a washroom around, then you have no choice but to hit the side of the road discreetly. Again, one area along the Camino is in bad shape because of this. The best way to handle this is to take a small shovel (mine is orange, of course), dig a small hole, and bury everything. It just makes sense -- we pick up after our dogs -- why should we leave human waste around? 

In the 12 years, I've had that orange shovel, I've never had to use it once. Let's keep our fingers crossed that I'm carrying it and will never have to use it. I had to laugh because one guy I was following used his as a shoe horn! I guess if it's clean -- why not?

Here are my hiking shoes. They have purple trim on them. Kind of hard to get orange, so technically, they match my backpack. 

My hiking shoes

And I got my socks ready as well. 

My shoes and socks for the travel day

Here's what is still to go through and decide. The electronics -- that all comes, no questions, and my credentials and passport -- that all comes, but the ID won't be in the backpack, so I'm not going to count that. I'm still down to the barebones on that -- a NEXUS card, a passport, my credentials for the Camino, a debit and credit card, and some cash. I'll be taking photocopies of all and leaving one at home, as well as a copy in the backpack -- just in case. 

Electronics and ID to sort through

Like on my bike trips, it took a couple of days to get organized and find the best spot for everything in the backpack, and this will be no different. 

Here are my clothes. I need to remove the tags from everything and pick out my travel outfit -- long pants, a T-shirt, and my fleece (that's not really a choice!). The rest goes into the backpack. 

My clothes for the trip

And hopefully, once that is all in the backpack, there's still room for some entertainment. I may not need it while I'm gone, and that's great, but I can't see myself going for five weeks with nothing to do! 

My last two items have shipped but are not supposed to arrive until after I leave. DARN!!! I really want those two items, and I think they could make or break the trip. I can find a substitute -- it just won't be as pretty. 

I have two short-sleeved T-shirts, one long-sleeved T-shirt, a fleece and a rain jacket. I've got one pair of pants, and one pair of shorts. For cover-ups - I have the sarong and my buff. That's it for clothes, and I'm debating leaving one of the T-shirts at home. But they are so light -- I think it will all stay. 

I'm really liking this LIGHT packing thing, and I can see myself always traveling like this. I don't change my clothes multiple times a day; I'm casual, and I hate checking luggage. This might become a thing of the future. 

One of the guys who was here yesterday (we used to work together a long time ago) loves to travel. His wife, not so much. I offered to become his travel buddy! I should rephrase that -- his wife is more like DH -- they like to travel, but not backpack! I may have to give up teaching and become a nomad! Me and my girls!

Doug thinks I'm aggressive in my 10 LB limit -- but I know it's possible. And if I'm over a smidgen -- I'm OK with that. Although I must remember that I have to pack glasses -- three darn pairs -- regular ones, sunglasses, and readers. So there are going to be small things that I need to pack, and I'm very cognizant of how much everything weighs. 

Perhaps I'm sounding too rigid, but I'm going to walk 6 hours a day for 30 days with weight on my back; I want it to be absolutely necessary. Here's something to think about --  I'll carry 10 lbs daily for at least six hours. At the end of my 6-hour daily hike, I will be tired. But I can take that 10 lbs off at night. Imagine if that 10 lbs stayed with me all day, every day? OK -- I need to STOP eating sugar. It crept back into my diet, and it's not good for my waist. I eat sugar, and it goes right to my muffin top. I HATE it, so I must use this trip to permanently get off the sugar thing. PERMANENTLY. No cheating because I'm only cheating myself! 

OH --- I'm happy to report that I figured out how to map my walks using my FitBit, and thankfully, I have a SIM card so I won't care about roaming charges. I'm not going to show you my route from walking the girls, because then you'll know exactly where I live, but it's amazing!! I'm going to try and share those maps on the blog. The only thing I haven't done and I should do before I leave is test blogging on the phone with the foldable keyboard. I wonder how easy it will be to transfer photos to the blog. They might end up on Facebook only. I'll have to see how that works. I don't have time to do it, but if I work hard and SMART, I might eke out an extra hour here and there. 

On that note, I'm out of here. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!

What's your Plan B?

How often do we laugh and joke about Plan B, and let's face it -- how often do we actually have a Plan B? Well, the story of my life seems to be - find Plan B! DH ordered those three things from Amazon, but I'm very skeptical that they will arrive in time. I'm watching the order, and if I don't see movement by Monday, I'm canceling the order, and I have to find Plan B for those three items. All of them are critical to my trip. Yep -- that's me -- leave it to the last minute. I didn't -- I've been searching for the right product! OK -- I could have started that process a bit earlier as well. Maybe I can find it in Europe before I start. 

Then while I'm away, DH will likely have to be away for a couple of days. I had a plan for someone to come in. However, a family emergency may not make that possible, so now I have to find a Plan B for that. Sigh.............. I don't have time to make Plan B's, but I don't have a choice!

However, life goes on, and I'll find a solution! 

I'm happy to report that several more items got crossed off the to-do list, so that is good, and I made significant steps toward completing the writing assignment. Three rough drafts were created, and one has been finalized and sent. That leaves two rough drafts to write and four to edit. I will get there! I still have four Zoom sessions to prepare, but those won't take that long, and I try to double-dip on what I do, so some of the preparation can be used for the writing samples! Yep -- I've got a Plan A! 

I moved upstairs to Studio U to do the writing. OK -- that was a bit distracting as the wind was blowing, and I wanted to see what was happening outside, but I did get a lot accomplished, so I can't complain. However, I need to figure out a better internet solution as the internet is extremely slow in that room. I've tried boosters -- nope -- I need a new zone for the internet, and I think that's possible -- I just have to call and see how to make that happen. 

Writing in Studio U

I was keeping an eye on the weather. It was spitting rain, but should I go for a walk, or will it clear? I decided to go for a walk and took my umbrella. Things were fine until they weren't. 

It started to rain a bit harder, and that's OK -- I have an umbrella. Then it started to POUR. OH -- well, I have an umbrella. Let's just focus on keeping the phone dry! 

It's pouring!

Let's just say that it poured buckets. But seriously? It's a bit of rain. I was laughing because I thought -- this is excellent training for my trip. When it rains -- you just keep going. I did that on the bike trips - what will you do? Stop? How long will you wait for the rain to subside, and where will you seek shelter? It's best to just keep going!

It was freaky because there was lightning and thunder, and I imagine the sky looked angry! But I wasn't looking up and just hoped lightning wouldn't strike any trees as I walked beside them. I was on a residential street, so the likelihood of that happening was slim. The trees weren't tall, so they were not a magnet -- at least that's what I told myself as I walked beside them!

I passed this cool vehicle. I think it's a covered scooter for seniors. I want one!! It looks like a toy car! 

A covered scooter

Speaking of which - have you noticed how many motorized "things" there are on the roads these days? Yes -- there are cars and trucks, but now we have e-bikes, and some of those resemble small motorcycles with fat tires. You have those e-skateboards, e-scooters (they whiz along at incredible speeds, sometimes with two people on board), one-wheel devices, and hoverboards. And let's not forget the mini-bikes that people ride on the path. 

It's a crazy world and as I've mentioned, trust NO ONE. Not even other pedestrians. That's why you shouldn't be on your phone when you are outside, as you are putting your life in danger of being hit or hitting someone. 

Let's just say that there was NO one else walking yesterday. Just me. And by this time, my shoes were soaked. Then I realized that the sun was shining and there was my shadow, but it was still raining pretty hard. A bizarre situation, to say the least. I'm sure there's some fancy weather term for that phenomenon. 

Rain and shadow all at the same time

Then shortly before I made it home, the rain stopped, and I snapped this picture of the angry sky! The sky in the opposite direction was blue with clouds, and the sun was madly shining. Weird, but I'll take the rain! 

A stormy sky

Then on the way through the forest to get back to the house, I spied a puddle of water, and how could I resist taking a picture in it when my feet were already soaked? I remembered to stuff the shoes with newspaper, so hopefully, they are dry this morning. My blister was split wide open by the time I arrived home, well, not as wide open as I would like. It didn't hurt, but at least there's a large gap to try and dry the darn thing out. And no, my skin is not jaundiced! That is the effect of the trees in the forest. 

A puddle of water

Yep -- more threads last night. DH asked me if I was sewing my foot, and since he doesn't walk, what would he know about blisters? Hopefully, with some more TLC, it'll be mostly cleared up in a couple of days. 

Oh, Murphy -- what a funny girl. She likes to stretch out and relax, and it was too hot to sleep in her bed, so she stretched out by my paperwork on the floor. Which, if you noticed -- is smaller than yesterday. 

Murphy sleeping

And here's a rare shot of Mr. Bear with no evil eye! I don't like his looks when he first gets groomed, but his hair is about the right length here and looks so cute!!!

Mr. Bear

OH -- and I checked the e-mail widget on my blog as I was going to reinstall it. I couldn't find the widget, so I don't know if that feature has been removed. The link I was trying to remember yesterday is called follow.it. So go there, and you'll find my blog, and then you'll get a daily e-mail like before. I HATE change! You can add a whole of anything you want to follow through that link. But my blog is the most important - of course! You can also bookmark the link, but I like getting an e-mail! 

So we had our Tula Pink Butterfly class last night. Can it be that the end is near? OK -- that's not true. I gave them a big assignment to accomplish over the next two months. I was hoping to get my homework up to date, but I didn't quite make it, and the quilt will have to sit like this until I'm back. But the first picture is what the quilt looked like when I returned from the retreat a couple of weeks ago. 

Butterfly blocks on the wall at last

And this is what it looks like now. I swear I made so MANY mistakes in that first layout. I had things all over the place and upside down. Instead of sewing a left and a right, I sewed two lefts. I should have you spot the differences! Most of it is sewn together, but a few sections in the bottom are not entirely together.  

The butterfly quilt now

However, there's a mistake in the original quilt design. Katheleen spotted it, but it was too late to change it. OK -- so it's never too late, but I wasn't going to change it. However, I can make a couple of other changes as well. 

OK -- so what's the mistake? Keep in mind that the left is a mirror image of the right, and that's the only clue I'm going to give you today. The designer did NOT mention this, so most people won't notice, but that mirror imaging has a design flaw! 

On that note, I'm on a roll with paperwork this morning. And by now, you should NEVER look at the time I send e-mails! It reflects poorly on me. No -- it doesn't. I just have a nap or two if needed to get through the day, and I like that! 

I have all the information to finish off the post with the classes, so I might get that done for tomorrow or Monday. 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!

Amazon to the rescue

Choke! GASP! 

Did I actually write that? Yes, I did, and as I've said all along, I have zero problem buying from them, but I MINDFULLY buy from them. 

I bought my quick dry undies -- thanks to Lulu Lemon, those should arrive by Monday. I needed the water bottle holder for the backpack -- could ONLY find those on Amazon as well, as a clip to use with any disposable water bottle. And the last thing I need, which I could have bought at MEC but totally forgot was a holder for my cell phone. DUH!!! It was on the list, but I was more focused on water bottle options and fanny packs than I was thinking about my phone. 

I didn't want to drive out once more to MEC, so I broke down, and it'll be ordered today on Amazon with Monday delivery. Just in time to get packed for the trip!

I got my SIM card yesterday -- thanks so much, and you know who you are! That just needs to be topped up when I arrive. 

There are no changes to the flight, although do I want to pay $1,000 for a bed? I think not! 

So -- I think I'm all set. Everything is taken care of as far as what I need. The paperwork and the sewing? HA!

This is what's sitting on the floor beside me. I've been up early, prepping e-mails and presentations. So things are coming off the list, and I'm sure I could clear up a lot if I spend a couple of hours focusing. I HAVE to start on that major writing assignment - it now has to be the focus of the next couple of days. And today is FRIDAY -- I can't forget that! 

My pile of paperwork

Why can't I forget that it's Friday? Because that means there are only five days left, and there is NO TIME for messing around! 

I will spare you the photo of the blister on my heel. Let's say that I think I have finally conquered it. I was busy with needle and thread last night, and when I was done, it almost looked like I had darned the darn thing! Threads were hanging out everywhere, but all the liquid seems to be gone. Let's hope. There is still a hard part to the mess, which almost appears to be a callus. I've no idea. But I got out the Tea Tree ointment, and I'm trying to get rid of this blasted thing. 

What a hoot to START the Camino with a  blister. NOT! I swear, I've been good for years with NO blisters or very few, and then wham! Now when I need to be blister free -- I get a beautiful one!

I'll be slathering that thing up with my Solarcaine as I walk to help keep it lubricated! 

I got some major sewing done yesterday -- slow and steady! I need to stop what I was working on and focus on what needs to be done- that magazine quilt! But this is par for the course, so I'm good with it all. 

The good news is that all the customer quilts are now done. I still have to trim and may do that this morning while participating in a Zoom call. 

Customer quilt - DONE

So these are the girls during the day. Murphy is always at the ready. "Are we going somewhere? Can I come? Is there a treat for me? I'm ready!"

MOM -- I'm ready for whatever you want to do!

Lexi, on the other hand, is pretty relaxed. "Call me if something is going on. I'm busy!"

Relaxed Lexi

But she can be quite the tease. She likes to hang out in the living room when I'm reading. "MOM - I'm smarter than you think, and I am NOT getting close enough that you can touch me!" 

Lexi - at leg's length, so I can't touch her! What a tease!

Oh, those girls. I'm going to miss them, and they will miss me! But it'll all be good! I'll get lots of hugs and love when I get back home. 

And for some reason, the link seemed to have stopped for those getting my blog via e-mail daily. I will have to uninstall the widget and reinstall it to see if that makes a difference. WOW  -- I hate when changes happen, and no one tells you about it.  

However, my blog is registered with Bloglovin' so you can always go there and click on my blog, and then Bloglovin' will e-mail you the link daily. SHOOT -- Bloglovin'.com seems to be down at the moment. What is going on in the blog world? 

Hmm -- here's a Youtube video to help you. I think this only helps you if you have a Blogger account yourself. But you can become a FOLLOWER, so I think you will get an e-mail. I'll have to check it out a bit more. 

Shoot --- it seems the Bloglovin isn't working this month, and there was one more app that you could use, but I don't remember it for the life of me. If someone knows, let me know. 

OK -- I need to get moving! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Let sleeping dogs lie

I have less than one week left before I leave. So far, no changes in the plane schedule. Am I getting things crossed off that list? YES -- but it doesn't seem like I'm moving fast enough! And I was up way past my bedtime last night. I was working on a customer quilt and went with a very dense pattern, the quilt was HUGE, and it took a long time to get it done. 

The good news is that I was sewing while that was happening, so I got a fair bit done in the sewing department. However, I can't show you what I worked on as it is for my classes this weekend. Yep -- teaching right to the end! But I should have a chance to show you all before I leave. If not -- well, you'll see it all eventually. 

Here's the quilt, and now I have two giant quilts to trim today. 

Customer quilt  DONE

I have one more customer quilt that I want to quilt before I go. And there's still that magazine quilt that needs to be sewn together and quilted. It will happen, and it might result in a few late nights. I hate staying up past my bedtime because I get tired and can't get to sleep. But it'll all work out! 

The best news about yesterday was the RAIN! We had glorious rain, but not before we had thunder and lightning, and the girls weren't too happy about that. But they don't seem to mind as much as they used to. Needless to say, I wasn't watering the garden last night, which was good because I was quilting!

It's raining!

But Miss Murphy decided it was good to hang out with Mom, and HEY, there's a partial quilt top on the floor. Mom must have put this out JUST FOR ME. Thanks, Mom!

Thanks, Mom

Let sleeping dogs lie!!! I shouldn't let her sleep on the quilts as she is so dirty. If I took her for a bath, she would stay clean for maybe a day! 

Sleepy Murphy

And then, when you get really comfortable with the whole process, let's stretch out! 

Mom, I'm testing the quilt for you, and it works! 

I managed to get some more writing done, but nothing got completed, so that is an issue. But I'm not going to panic. Panicking will not accomplish anything. Slow and steady! Just like on the Amazing Race Canada. Are you following along? There are so many twists this year that it's hard to track who is still in the race. However, I won't be heartbroken when Veronica and Beverly get voted off. They have ZERO sportsmanship compared to the others and keep trying to ask for help. 

But one of the tasks last night involved meditation, and can you imagine trying to calm down and meditate when you're in the middle of a race? 

I learned something very valuable yesterday. OK -- so it's not that valuable, but if you travel, this could be. We know that you can purchase a SIM card for another country, and thanks to Stephanie, I know my phone won't change. Everything remains the same. But did you know that you can purchase a SIM card BEFORE you leave home? Yep -- I learned that from Rose yesterday. I tell you, this entire business of communications when traveling got a lot easier. 

And I've learned so much from many of you -- I hope you're also learning new things. 

That way, you know the phone number in advance, so it's easy to give it to those that need it. Trust me, only a select few will get that phone number. 

I'm investigating some of the blister options, as I need to get that cleared up before I leave; otherwise, I'll be wearing a bandaid the entire trip. It's like one big HARD lump, not really soft like a traditional blister. Sigh..... 

I also think I've got the water thing sorted out. I saw something I liked online, but there wasn't time to order it from the Etsy shop, so I may have to break down and order it from my favorite store. As I've said in the past, I have ZERO issues with ordering from them -- but ONLY if it's the last resort. So many people order like it's their only option, and I hate that!

Like everything, I have zero issues with them -- but I buy MINDFULLY from them, not just for everything I need or for convenience. Our society is getting very lazy and focuses on convenience, and while I like convenience, I don't need them. Anyway -- I digress. 

I popped off to MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-Op) to get the rest of the missing gear. And for the most part, I managed to get everything. 

I exchanged my hat, which had the cape on the back, for this one with a brim. This was the style I initially sought, but the salesperson I was dealing with steered me toward the other hat. I look awful in hats, but if it keeps the sun out of my eyes and protects my neck from the sun, I'll wear one, and this one doesn't look that bad!

My new hat

Let's just say that there are salespersons and there are salespersons. The first person I dealt with was a DREAM. I should have taken note of the spelling of his name. It's an unusual name, which I can't pronounce, but thankfully he was the one to help me with my backpack. He spent a lot of time with me that day, and I am happy with the backpack we chose. Then he also helped me find some clothes and a few other items. 

Yesterday, I was shopping for sandals and went to the shoe section, and I saw one employee hovering near the screen in that department. Not once did he come and ask me if I needed help. Then when I finally got his attention, I said I needed this shoe in a specific size. His response? "oh -- those are on sale, and they are in that pile there." And then he went back to fiddling with the screen -- I watched him. He was the MOST unhelpful salesperson ever!

I spotted MY salesperson from the time before, and I had a few more questions to ask, and he was so HELPFUL. I also spied the clearance section and snagged a raincoat for a LOT less than the new ones were going for. 

My gear

The bottom line is that this is my gear, minus my hiking shoes. I now need to go through it all and make sure that everything is sorted, all the tags are removed, and there is NOTHING in there that isn't double duty or absolutely necessary. I'm trying to keep within that 10 lb limit, but I may need to up that to 11. 

There is one more thing to purchase, and I'll have to do that online as I couldn't find it in their store. I'll take what I have in a pinch, but it's not quick dry (underwear) if you need to know, and I want quick dry! I'm very particular, and they didn't have what I wanted at MEC. 

On that note, I'm out of here! Lots to do and no time to waste!!

Have a super day!!

Ciao!!!!

Best laid plans

The best-laid plans went out the window pretty quickly! I took my car in for servicing and took my laptop to work on a document. However, when I got there to work on my document, I could not find it on Google Drive. Maybe their internet didn't allow that to happen? I checked and found it on Google Drive this morning. Sigh................

However, that didn't matter as I spent the entire time working on a blog post for YOU! Yep --- all the classes I'll teach in the fall and the sew-alongs/clubs for 2023. As usual, I got a bit carried away with all the information. But I had a list of all the stuff I was teaching, and do you think I can find it to verify if my list (in my head) is correct? 

Shoot - shoot- shoot- what did I do with that list? 

There were NOT many cars in the showroom, and the parking lot outside was also pretty empty. 

An empty showroom at the car dealer

I had to laugh because what else could I do? I asked the young girl, who seemed pretty tech savvy when I checked my car in, to show me that darn navigation system connection one more time. So when I was picking up the car, we went outside. The app needed to be updated, and we agreed I'd go back and see how to connect it in October. It was hilarious that it eventually connected, but it takes forever to make that happen. And then I can't be sure it's even working because this was the message I got on the screen. 

Seriously???? This happens when you go cheap and do NOT buy the navigation system and rely on some cobbled-together third party. I asked her if I could upgrade the software, and she didn't know. I'll be pursuing that in the fall. It's just a joke! Sorry, Toyota -- I love your cars but hate your cobbled-together navigation system. I think the entire thing is going to change soon, so I'll make a note to check it all out in October. Plus, I needed to update the Toyota software, so yesterday wasn't the time to fix the problem. 

That list of classes should be published in the next couple of days. Then you'll have a VERY comprehensive document for helping you to sign up for classes. Again -- I went overboard!

I was also going to start showing you what I'm taking with me; however, that isn't happening today either. Did you know you cannot buy safety pins (except small craft ones) or diaper pins? They are now a specialty item, I suppose. No worries -- I got home and picked out seven of the larger pins from my safety pin box. Not huge, but big enough! 

And this is NOT good news, but that darn blister on my right heel wants to come back. So this will be an excellent time to put the "blister healing" bandaids to the test! It's definitely time to retire that current pair of running shoes. YES -- there's no doubt they are now too small. I need to retire them quickly, and since it's ONE week from my departure date, I need to start wearing the new hiking shoes I bought to make sure they are OK. 

OH -- I'm going to save the laces of the running shoes and take those with me. They can double as a clothesline and have a spare pair of laces! The big thing I hear from everyone is everything should have a double duty to make it worth carrying! As for the scarf to cover my head should I need it -- I have a buff (sometimes called a neck gator). That can be a lot of things, including a head scarf! So NO -- I won't need to stretch that sarong from my legs to my head! 

Most of my stuff doesn't match in color, and I'm perfectly OK with that. I really want functional and double duty! Fashion sense is checked when I leave the house!

The next large quilt got loaded on the long arm, and I'll get to it later today. I also got some other sewing done, but I can't share it with you today. 

PHEW --- just found that list. It was exactly where it was supposed to be -- I only looked at the top piece of paper on the clipboard! DUH!!! It's a good thing I found it because there's ONE class I forgot to add to the blog post. 

I'll try to work on that later today and get it out by Friday. 

I walked to the mall in the afternoon and saw the latest construction outside. I'm not sure when this construction started, but this space has been empty for a long time. 

The new structure is being built

What's going to exist in this new space? 

A theatre!!! Yeah --- one more thing that I won't have to drive to! I might try to go a bit more frequently once it opens. Especially on cheap Tuesdays! 

Today -- I'm off to buy the last few remaining items I need. I need to make a list, or I will forget something. Eight things I need, and then I think I'm done. The times I don't find today will have to be bought online, and I hope it gets here in time! Or I buy it once I'm in Europe. I should be able to find all of it at Mountain Equipment Co-op. 

As for the wildfires in Spain, as far as I can tell, they are not on the route - yet! I'm not changing my plans. The only thing I have booked is a flight into and out of Europe. That's it. I'll wing the rest, and if I have to change my route - well, I will. But since my destination is more important than my start point, I hope I won't have to do that. 

So Elle has to be the most organized person I know! And she still keeps finding things to declutter, although I don't know that declutter is the word to use! But it's finding something you will no longer use, and she's good at finding that stuff. I'll be happy when it takes me five minutes to declutter! I'm getting there, but not there yet. 

Well, I'm off to spin class, so I'd better organize myself. 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!

Read the labels

I'm sure all of you are in the habit of reading labels. Here's an interesting thing about milk and milk substitutes. I remember many years ago when M started buying almond milk. "Oh, Mom -- you should try it -- it's the best." My response:" NO. I don't want to drink that stuff- it tastes terrible and doesn't have the same nutrients as regular milk. Not touching it!" And we had numerous discussions about it. 

At some point, I tried it, and I never looked back. I LOVE almond milk now, and while I sometimes have to use skim milk on my cereal when I wasn't diligent enough to get more almond milk the day before, there is ZERO taste to skim milk. It's like colored water! 

And there is nothing better than a half glass of chocolate milk on a hot day after a walk. Now that is laden with sugar!

So I had to laugh when someone tried my almond milk and said they didn't like it because it was too sweet! I had to laugh because it made me think of myself way back. The almond milk I buy is UNSWEETENED, so there is ZERO sugar!

Here are the labels from chocolate milk on the left and skim on the right. 

Let's just say that chocolate milk is better than no milk but is laden with sugar! I know there's a lot of sugar, and I'm OK with it. As I mentioned, I use it as a refreshing recovery drink after my walk on a hot afternoon. On my cycling trips, I've been known to purchase 1 liter of chocolate milk and down it right from the jug in one sitting! Oh yes -- there's nothing like the thought of a liter of chocolate milk to get you the last 10 KM to the convenience store!

But now compare the almond milk on the left to the skim milk on the right. 

There is much more sugar in skim milk than in unsweetened almond milk. Zero cholesterol, a lot less potassium, and well, you really should read the labels so you know that you are getting what you want or should be getting. 

The big selling feature for me with almond milk is the flavor. I'm not a fan of the taste of milk, and while I don't drink almond milk, it provides a nutty flavor to the cereal. I did NOT like it overnight - but after a few tries, I came to love it! I will miss it next month!

This reminds me of a story about oatmeal. I'm not a cook, and I'm not a foodie. I eat what is simple and easy. So for years, I ate the instant oatmeal in a pouch. Years ago, when making group breakfasts at a quilt retreat, I suggested bringing instant oatmeal, among other things. I was STRONGLY voted down by one person, who was a foodie! She didn't speak highly of the instant oatmeal. 

I started using the microwave version of the steel-cut oats somewhere along the line. OK -- now I get it. There is a HUGE difference in the texture and the taste of the instant oatmeal and the steel-cut oats. Even microwaveable steel-cut oats are 1000 times better (personal opinion) than the instant stuff, which tastes like cardboard. WOW -- I've come a long way, but I still am not a foodie! But I'm trying to be more open to trying new things!

Speaking of being a foodie -- there is NOTHING better than sitting down with a whole HUGE tomato directly from a garden, adding a bit of salt and pepper, and that's a meal. This is how we ate tomatoes on the farm, and I don't think there's any way to improve upon that. Simple! OK -- let's be honest, this would NOT do as a meal -- I would starve! 

A snack of tomatoes

I was back out with a test walk yesterday. The backpack is now 9 pounds. 

9-pounds in the backpack

I have thrown things in, and I will have to start packing properly -- taking stuff out of the packages, etc. It was very annoying yesterday as I could hear the packages bouncing around and making noise! The last thing I need to listen to for 6 hours! 

However, the good news is that the backpack is working AMAZING. It was more comfortable when it was fuller than when it wasn't. That was regarding my arms. And the weight? It felt like a feather when I put it on -- you have to love the strap system and its construction. Now, after one hour of walking, I started to feel it, and I will be tired at the end of 6 hours, but overall, it's very comfortable, and the weight is well within my means to carry. 

I still have to add a few other things -- the hat, the rain jacket, and a set of clothes, although I have to wear one set, so I will be carrying only one set of clothes at a time. OH -- I have to add in the electronics as well. But starting tomorrow, I'll show you, by category, what's in the bag. 

Speaking of electronics, my keyboard came yesterday. It's a folding Bluetooth keyboard -- can you believe it? And it weighs about 200 grams. 

It's rechargeable, and I plan to take the charging cords for the three items that need charging. I'll purchase ONE USB block for European power when I arrive. I'll just have to be diligent about keeping things charged, but I should be able to manage that. Only my phone will need to be charged daily. 

I made good progress yesterday on the magazine quilt that needs to be pieced, quilted, and bound before I leave! I know --- it's always like this. I'm slowly working my way through that list of things to do -- VERY slowly, but I just need a day, and I should be fine. However, I have quilts for customers to finish. 

Let's just say that this one was a massive quilt! It was 106" long, so there wasn't a lot of room at either end of the long arm. 

But I managed to get it done late last night, and now I have another HUGE one to load today, and I'll quilt it tomorrow. 

Customer quilt - DONE

I hope to have all the customer quilts done by Thursday -- there are two left to quilt, so I should be able to make that happen. Then I have homework to prep for the weekend and other stuff! 

I have to take my car in for service this morning. I had prepurchased a service package and didn't realize until 6 months ago that there was a time limit on the package, which is January 2023. I think it was for four years. Well, there isn't a lot of mileage on that car, but I'm not forfeiting the service. So I'll take it in now and then in January, and then the package is done! 

I think the car has to be there for several hours and should I come home? Should I wait? Should I go for a walk? I decided to stay, but I've got some computer work lined up, so I'll log onto their internet and be good to go for a couple of hours. They have a very comfortable area to work in and good internet. It's all about using your time wisely!

I have a whole pile of stuff sitting on the floor beside me that needs to be addressed. It's in the portable office backpack, and I should get a ton done! I also want to listen to the latest audiobook - one of Liane Moriarty's books -- Big Little Lies -- OK -- who dies???? WAIT -- don't tell me. I'm guessing!

I don't think I showed this quilt -- it's another Wanderer's Wife. Maryke finished it at the retreat last week. Seeing the number of finished quilts in this class is so exciting! I'm so proud of everyone because the quilt was a TON of work, and the results are stunning. I'll add this to the Wanderers Wife blog post, so they are all together. 

Wanderers Wife by Maryke

As usual, we had a blast at Monday's sewing. I got some work done, but I need a good day of sewing, with nothing else going on -- no long arm, no computer, no classes! Maybe Tuesday next week! 

That's it for today -- a lot is going on, and I'm working my way through the stuff. 

Just out of curiosity -- how is the decluttering coming along? I know I made leaps and bounds of improvements in the office, and now I'll be leaving it for a month. But I'm OK with that. Everything I've done has been an improvement, and that's all we can hope for. But I'm SHOCKED at the number of people who are happy to collect stuff and don't care how it gets cleaned up or who does the job. They are just happy to accumulate. WOW --- I could never do that! 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!