Another Trip To Olympia - Then Casino

This morning, I waited on Patrick while he went go get a couple things done. He had to get chlorine for the well. That's a monthly thing. 

When he got home, we headed to Olympia for me to get a test done. Then we headed to Lucky Eagle casino to play for a bit. We got there around noon and played till 3 pm, since he needed to get back for a district meeting. We actually did good this time. We came home with $1200 more than we thought we would. It will keep us going for a while when we go to the casinos. lol 

Came home and got supper before he headed out to the District Meeting. Before that his oncologist called and was worried about some of the things going on. I guess he called Patrick back when he was at the meeting. At first, they were going to stop some of the meds he's taking. But after looking over Patrick's chart, he called and told him to continue with the meds after all. I didn't have a good feeling with the call I heard. But that's life. Patrick is still going to talk to the surgeon and see if the meds (Chemo) is what is the problem. 

After he left, I cleaned up the kitchen and got the dishwasher emptied. Then I picked up a few things around the house and put them away. I had to be busy for a bit. I even cleaned the kitty litter that I forgot to do yesterday. Took the trash out. By the time I sat down, Patrick was back from his meeting. 

I played my games and called it a night. Wasn't in the mood to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

 

Early Trip To Olympia

 This morning, we were woken by the phone. I tried calling Kaiser back but no answer, so called oncology because I had an appointment this afternoon. I figured they were going to cancel my appointment. When I finally got on, they asked if I could be there this morning. It was 8:30 am, so I told them I could be there at 10:30 am. We got ready and headed out the door by 9:30 am. 

We arrived on time and the good news is that I'm doing great with my (not) breast cancer. It will be 1 year since they made sure they had it all out. I'm just on the meds. I asked about the headaches I was getting and the bones in my hips. Was told that's usually not because of the meds. I talked about my hair falling out and she told me there was a 3% chance that is because of the meds. UGH! I'm to keep an eye on it, and see if my hair grows back when my stress level is down. Good question when that will be. 

After my appointment we headed to Costco and picked up a few things we needed. It was a quick trip. We decided to get a slice of pizza from there. I don't know what they did to change the cheese, but that piece we had was awful! I couldn't eat more than 3 bites. Patrick ate around the crust and I did the same. Whatever cheese they used was not "pizza cheese" to me. Almost like some preservative or something in the cheese. 

We dropped off Phil's order and then came home. We put everything away and sat to enjoy the TV. We watched another British show. Then had supper and back to watching TV. While we watched TV, I decided to get a few stitches in on my cross stitching. 

I was working on the left side. I did the right side yesterday after I posted on here. I have a few stitches to fill in and then I can keep going. I believe the lips of Santa are coming up. I'm looking forward to getting started on the face. I'm thinking of making smaller stitches for the face. It will be fun to see how it goes. It will take longer, but I think it will look a lot better. 

It helped to have an earlier trip to Olympia. It went fast and easy. But now, I'm going to have to go back up tomorrow to get a test done. I had to get on the Kaiser app to ask for it. It wasn't as easy as they make it out to be. At least I can get it done though. 

So, my day went well with being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Feels Like Saturday

 This morning, Patrick went golfing (goof'n) and I stayed home. Woo Hoo! I played for a bit and then went out to walk. I ended up stopping to talk to the neighbors and even got a couple phone calls. It was a busy walk, that ended up at 5 laps because it was way too cold for me to do more. 

Then we enjoyed a couple "Marple" shows. While that was on, I played games and decided to get back to my cross stitching.

I was able to get a couple hours in on this. The white was filled in and I worked on more stitches on the right. It's coming along nicely and I'm having fun working on it. 

My phone was ringing today from one thing to another. I had to change a doctor appointment since they called me to do that. Then I chatted with Debbie. I had another phone call but can't remember what that was about. I was going to order fabric and batting, but that slipped my mind till it was too late. I sent a text and think he was already gone. I will work on it tomorrow. Hopefully before we head to Olympia. 

Today felt like a Saturday, other than the part of phone calls. It a day where I could just sit and relax. Even after my walk. At least I could find time to enjoy being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting! 

Embroidery With Friends

This morning, I needed stop and get gas before heading to the Grange. I got gas and coffee for Sandy. Once that was done, I headed to the Grange. Sandy E had just arrived when I did. So, we chatted for a while. Then Sandy V arrived, and we had a good visit. Poor Sandy E wasn't in the mood to work on anything, so she chatted. Mom can in about 30 minutes after we did. It was a good visit, and mom had the baby quilt about half done already. She wanted me to draw the bunny rabbit. I haven't done a bunny rabbit in FOREVER. I used to do my dad's rabbits, but after a while quit drawing them. Now I can't remember and the rabbit I drew was awful. 

I worked on my moss again today. Got 2 of them done. The needle and threads were set up to work on the next one, but I called it quits. I am happy with the way it's looking. I may get them done yet! They are taking a bit longer than I was hoping. But then again, they are fun to do. I was telling them about the silk threads I was thinking of getting. I think the silk threads will work on one I want to do. I will wait and see. Sandy V was working on a wedding initial for the ring barres (sp) pillow. It was pretty. She was using DMC floss and it really wasn't coming out as pretty as it could. I told her to get the silk threads in white and work with that. She changed the letters a little. I like the original initial that was on paper. She was changing it a bit. Most of it had satin stitches, and I think I would have done it differently, but Sandy is so good at doing that sort of thing. Chances are it will turn out awesome no matter what she does. 

On my way home, I stopped a Colleens and gave her the 2 quilt tops to be quilted. I also gave her all the blocks I had from Georgie, Geralyn and mom. Those she can work on and may get quilts done faster with all the blocks. She told me the box that Connie gave her, had blocks in there too. I told her they were blocks that Connie was going to use in a scrap quilt like the other 2 she did. I guess Connie is giving back a lot of the stuff we gave her to work on. Trouble is, she has a ton more of our fabrics. I'm not sure if she is giving up on QOV or cutting back. I do know she is with Kristi and Val working on Linus Quilts. Which is fine with me. I gave Val a bag of quilt tops for Linus that was part of the stuff we got when we picked up the donation of fabrics. What we didn't take, the group for Madigan Army Hospital took the rest for quilts for veterans in the hospital. I really don't know who that's going, because I never was part of that group. Mom was in the beginning. So, Colleen was happy to see all that. I told her there is NO rush on any of it. She wanted to know if she could send some to her sister, and I told her that was fine. We love volunteers that help us with making quilt tops. Her sister and her are quick with making tops. I'm betting they will have a couple of them done by the end of the month. 

Came home and pretty much played games. I wasn't in the mood for much. We watched a few shows we had taped. I wanted to watch a British show, but that wasn't going to happen. 

I called my doctors for an appointment since I forgot to call 3 months ago and was supposed to see him next week. They told me they couldn't get me in, and I have to call next week to see if April's calendar is up yet. So, I'm probably in trouble for not calling sooner and getting in. Oh, well. Life goes on. 

I've been busy for 2 days. I'm looking forward to relaxing tomorrow. Wednesday will be another trip to Olympia for medical stuff. Now I know why everyone retires - so they can keep going to the doctor for this or that! I feel like I'm back at work - but not going to work - going to the doctors! Such fun getting older!

At least today, I found the time to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Another PLANNED Day That Got Messed Up

 This morning, I was up and enjoying my time for a bit. Unfortunately, Patrick got up shortly after and wanted to remind me of things I said I would do. 

My plan today was to get downstairs and work on getting the quilt done. Instead, I sat upstairs till 1 pm watching a Paul Newman movie. Then went downstairs to get started. 

I was working on the quilt about an hour or so, when mom called to ask what I was doing. After telling her, she decided to come over and get some help on a design she wanted to do for Zach and Jorden's baby quilt, since they are expecting in February, and she was behind. I kept working till she arrived. 

I was working on the outer board stars. The single ones. I had the center part already done and was adding the star border. Then she came. 

We looked over her design that she copied from the computer. I told her to be careful because some people get upset with copyrights. By the time she was done, it was changed so much that it was "inspired by" and not copied. Which is a lot better now a days. It's cute. She didn't like the rabbit that was on it. So, she watched YouTube to find out how to draw a rabbit. It's a cute rabbit too. So, we changed a couple things and instead of the face of the rabbit, she's going to do the whole rabbit. It should be cute. Then she asked Patrick about colors. The fabrics she had were a little off. So, I ended up pulling fabrics from my stash for her. We found a good color for the rabbit that is "fluffy." 

After a couple hours, she left. Then I went back to work. I didn't realize it was 5 pm till Patrick came done. I had the quilt top to the stage above. 

At that point I was tired of it. I asked what color for the border and he picked the blue. The trouble with the blue is that it's a blend, and I didn't realize it till I was working on it today. I didn't want the blend on the outer boarder. So, Patrick picked the stars in blue. I goes, but not my favorite. Again, I was tired of it by this point. So, the border is on it. Now the backing is getting dried and will be ready to drop off at Colleen's tomorrow with another quilt. I'm behind on washing the backings. I need to put a sticky there for me to remember to make sure they are out of the drying tonight - and if I forget, I will pull them out tomorrow. 

It turned out to be a lot longer day then I wanted. I wanted to just be down there 3 hours and call it good. Instead it went to 4 1/2 hours. Patrick didn't mind. BUT he waited on me to fix supper! I figured it wasn't that hard to fry burgers but apparently it was. I ended up going back down after supper to pick up and get everything ready for tomorrow. Val is coming to pick up stuff and I'm heading to the embroidery meeting. On the way back I will be stopping at Colleens. 

Even though it was busy, I can't say I wasn't Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Had Fun Today

This morning, it felt good to sleep in. I think it was because I took a sinus pill. lol I usually can sleep really well when I do. 

Got up and got the laundry that was left over from yesterday done. I had to run it though the dryer one more time. Then I sat to play on my tablet. 

After I finally got up and got moving, I took a walk. Going around the neighborhood 7 times. It felt good to walk because my headache wasn't very comfortable. I don't know why, but lately, I'm getting a headache more often than I care to admit. 

Came in and cut the bread I baked the other day into squares. I made croutons for Patrick. He got a lot out of it this time. I realized I had the bread raising overnight and that doesn't work unless I'm going to reshape it.  I know not to do that. Sometimes it happens with cinnamon buns as well. That's why I let them raise downstairs since it's a lot cooler down there. 

Once all that was done, I decided I didn't want to go downstairs to finish a quilt top. So, I pulled out my cross stitching and got to work. 

Like I said before, the white was easy to fill in, once I had the off-white and beige done. I still have more to do, but need to fill in the white. This was where I thought I would quit, till I realized my tablet needed to be recharged. 

So, while I was just sitting there, I had to do something! I pulled the piece out again, and added the grey, red and dark brown stitches. I think that's about another 100 stitches, since I added a few more off-white and beige stitches in the red area. I thought I had them done, but realized I needed to add more. I have 2 empty spots in the beard and will fill them in later. I just wanted to get to work around the red area again. I'm getting tired of white. Plus, the off-white is hard to put on because it blends into the background, and I don't realize my "x" isn't an "x" till it's too late. That's when I have to take it out. So, the magnifier comes in handy at times. At least it keeps me Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Things Are Looking Up

 This morning, I was busy cleaning, picking up, getting laundry started and getting some stuff filed with the State for the water. 

I took a few minutes to cross stitch before heading over to moms to take her out to eat. We then went to Dick's Deli in Ground Mound area. We tend to go there when Patrick is hunger for steak. He always gets the French Dip. I got a Reubin Sandwich and more got a brat. 

Came home and I pretty much played on my tablet till about an hour before calling it a night. 

Good news is that I was able to get some of the white filled in. So, I'm getting there. I'm now working above the bear's ear, but since it's almost the same color as the background, it's hard to see. Sophie was giving me a look while I was trying to cross stitch. 

Patrick thought that's what she was doing. He could see her looking my way. I had to laugh! 

It's getting there and things are looking up. If Patrick keeps wanting to go out to eat, that's a really good sign. As for me, I'm just going to have to live with the fact my body doesn't want to lose weight. It sucks, but that's life. And yet, I can still be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Presentation Day

This morning, I was up and not ready for the day to start. I did get moving though because I needed to get to the museum for our presentation. 

First, I needed to get my rugs from the bathroom into the washing machine, since I got water on the one while in the shower. Then I started putting the ornaments on the tree away. Patrick had asked the other day, and I wasn't in the mood to keep it up, since I hadn't been in the spirit last year. I also got busy on getting the stuff ready to take to the museum. I was about to load them up in the car, when Debbie asked if she could drive us to the museum since we both were going out to eat after. I agreed. 

So, she came, and I had to stop at the bank for Gunderson stuff, then we went to Dutch Brothers for the 30 points. Once we did that, we headed to the museum and started getting everything done. We had the quilts pulled and ready. Then checked on Smiley and he was doing good. He said he thought he could do the presentation, which he could. We got everything ready, and I reminded the ladies not to eat the treats till after the veterans and their families had them. It was comical. 

We got going on the presentation and were able to get out 5 more quilts. 

They were given to (not in order) Dennis Hollinger, Marine, Norman Belanger, Army, Alex Carro, Marine, Andrew Bissell, Marine, and Will Koenig, Air Force. The one in the middle is a State Trooper who came from work. 

After the presentation, Debbie and I went to the new Panda Express for supper. We ordered and were surprised at how busy it was. There must have been 30 workers in the back. Their opening day is tomorrow. The Bearcats (WF West) are signed up for donations that day. I need to get us signed up again for donation. 

It didn't turn out to be a day of Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Trip To Olympia

 This morning, I was up and ready to go. I went for my walk and Patrick went to renew his driver's license with the new enhanced. They told him his passport was good enough. But he went ahead and renewed it with the enhanced. He was able to renew for 8 years. That's good. I don't renew mine till next year. 

He came back about the time I was done walking. Didn't take long for him. Appointments do help. I did clean the kitty litter and worked on the certificates for the veterans we are honoring tomorrow. Debbie called about that time to say Smiley had a stroke and Jim may have to do his part. I told her if Jim doesn't do it, we have Skip. It's going to be interesting who's doing Jim's part. I didn't know about his stroke. I also got another call from a gal that works out of DC but lives around her. She wants to know when we honor female veterans so she can honor them as well. Told her the one to know about that was Carol since Nancy no longer does that. 

Then we headed up to Olympia for Patrick's 2 pm appointment. He's going to have to have surgery for another issue that is a problem. He still thinks he can do the sound wave treatment at Swedish, so it's going to be interesting to see what will happen. It's a time issue as well as a life issue. I was told not to say anything to anyone till we know more. But surgery is "for sure." 

Came home and just wanted to play on my tablet. I wanted to get lost in my gaming world. I didn't even think about doing any cross stitching today. 

Tomorrow is another day to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

A Day At The Casino

 This morning when we woke, we got ready to go down to Iloni past Kelso/Longview. It's about an hour drive. But I tend to like it down there better than at the Lucky Eagle outside of Rochester WA. 

We had a good time. We spend our money, and then started winning. By the time we were done, we had played on their money and came out even. I'm okay with that. We tried a couple new games. One of which I won $400 on one spin. Then I turned around and won another $250. It was a fun game to place. We tried out another and ended up winning on that one as well. We were down there a good 4 hours. 

I hadn't played on my games all day - but then if you count the casino, I guess I had. We stopped at Safeway on the way home and picked up some chicken. I love their fried chicken. 

Came home and I played the rest of the night. So, it really wasn't a productive day at all. As much as I would have liked to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Taking Time To Get Out Of The House

 This morning we were up and moving. I played my games for a bit before heading out to walk 5 laps. I got my time messed up for my game, so didn't show up in time. 

Then we went to the cemetery and bought a plot for us. We went out to see where we wanted to be buried. It didn't seem to affect me as much as it normally does. I usually get teary, but I didn't this time. Thinking of what's to come take a little out of one. Patrick pretty much picked the place, as I really didn't seem to worry about it. The gal was telling me that since the owners next to the cemetery took out the trees there, some of the family was wanting to move the family to another cemetery. I couldn't believe it! Once your buried, it should be final. I do notice in some of my family history that some graves were moved because of flooding the area, or the town moved, or something in that direction. It was the whole cemetery, not the individual grave. I was shocked. I figure if I'm buried there, I wouldn't notice the trees are gone. I'll be gone. My body will be there, but my soul may be somewhere completely away from my body. At least that's what I think. I don't think I would stay in the cemetery and enjoy all the people left there. I will probably be somewhere else. Just my thought. 

Came home and worked on my cross stitching and game playing. 

I was able to do more in the beard. I got a good 300 stitches in today. I was working on the off white areas so I could just fill in the white. I will start moving toward the right side. May get out of the beard yet! lol My pattern is folded right at the top of this work. So, I will keep going and when I need to unfold and refold, so I can see that pattern, I will do that. 

It turned out to be a good day. Got a few things done that we won't have to worry about. And I was able to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!